Login Register Sign up for the GRM e-newsletter

Login to post Forums » Grassroots Motorsports » Locost Build Ideas
  • phaze1todd

    Aug. 2, 2011 10:45 a.m. phaze1todd Reader

    Been thinking of a Locost build influenced by Ak Miller's El Caballo de Hierro from La Carrera Panamericana toned down a bit and mixed with a little early 60's counterculture.

    (hotlink for reference)

    Donor ideas?

  • Aeromoto

    Aug. 2, 2011 11:01 a.m. Aeromoto New Reader

    I dig the idea. That looks to be a 27 T roadster. Good luck finding steel thats not a fortune, but Speedway is still sort of reasonable on their 27 T 'glass bodies. A '23 T might work also and would be a bit cheaper. You thinking period correct suspension or independent?

  • phaze1todd

    Aug. 2, 2011 11:19 a.m. phaze1todd Reader

    Naw, the body will definitely be Locost using as much aluminium as possible. Five link in the rear and A's up front.

    Just curious what ideas we'd have for powertrain (flathead 8, early Buick V6), transmission, rear axle and front spindle donors.

    Imagine a hot rodder got ahold of a '57 Lotus 7 Series 1 and turned it into a "special".

  • Aeromoto

    Aug. 2, 2011 11:32 a.m. Aeromoto New Reader

    For flatheads, nailheads, etc the best place to look is the H.A.M.B. classifieds. How about a small block chevy disguised to look like an early Corvette motor?

  • phaze1todd

    Aug. 2, 2011 11:43 a.m. phaze1todd Reader

    I know where to get stuff, I'm just curious what ideas we'd have.

    and speaking of early Vette motors, how 'bout a Blue Flame with a P-Glide? is there enough room in the footwells for a Powerglide?

  • Aug. 2, 2011 12:00 p.m. pirate New Reader

    phaze1todd wrote:

    Imagine a hot rodder got ahold of a '57 Lotus 7 Series 1 and turned it into a "special".

    I think that is what Dennis Brunton did when he created the Super Stalker

  • Aeromoto

    Aug. 2, 2011 12:42 p.m. Aeromoto New Reader

    I've always wondered if any modern engines could be disguised to look like an Offy.

  • Aug. 2, 2011 1:09 p.m. pirate New Reader

    Aeromoto wrote:

    I've always wondered if any modern engines could be disguised to look like an Offy.

    Oldsmobile 2.4 Quad 4 looks somewhat like an Offy from the top with the twin cams. There is some speed equipment for these engines. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_Quad-4_engine Probably better engine choices out there for more horsepower in smae size package

  • RossD

    Aug. 2, 2011 1:18 p.m. RossD SuperDork

    How about a BDA cover on a Zetec?

    http://www.retro-ford.co.uk/shop/content/bda-zetec-rocker-covers-available-soon

  • PS122

    Aug. 2, 2011 1:30 p.m. PS122 Reader

    Ooooh... that looks so right!

  • Dr. Hess

    Aug. 2, 2011 1:58 p.m. Dr. Hess SuperDork

    You can always pick up someone else's project: http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/2503342619.html

  • kreb

    Aug. 2, 2011 2:30 p.m. kreb Dork

    Dr. Hess wrote:

    You can always pick up someone else's project: http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/2503342619.html

    That looks like a steal!

  • 914Driver

    Aug. 2, 2011 2:53 p.m. 914Driver SuperDork

    Thank you for being in DENVER! And no, you can't put it in your garage until I get time to fetch it, please don't help.

    Ever see a Locost with a 5.0?

  • RossD

    Aug. 2, 2011 3:57 p.m. RossD SuperDork

    In reply to 914Driver:

    Do you mean like this:

    http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1586

  • 914Driver

    Aug. 3, 2011 5:54 a.m. 914Driver SuperDork

    Knowing what a Mustang GT can do, how do you even keep that thing on the ground?

    Dan

  • Aeromoto

    Aug. 3, 2011 7:00 a.m. Aeromoto New Reader

    How about a Jag 6 cyl out of a late 70s to early 80s XJ-6? Being designed in the late 40s, they have a good look to them when the clutter is removed. I think someone is making a T-5 tranny adapter for them, I forget the specifics though.

  • slantvaliant

    Aug. 3, 2011 7:41 a.m. slantvaliant Dork

    Aluminum Slant Six:

    +

    Hyperpak

    You might have trouble seeing past the carburetor, but ... it woulld be correct for the early 60's.

  • sanyarcosean

    Aug. 3, 2011 8:40 a.m. sanyarcosean Reader

    I had a deal worked a few years ago to buy this gem... Wonder where she is now.

  • ultraclyde

    Aug. 3, 2011 9:11 a.m. ultraclyde HalfDork

    I just stopped by Don Garlits' Drag Museum in Ocala yesterday while on business. Some of his early dragsters look pretty similar, although they were usuall based on streatched model T frames and meant to go in a straight line. I took a ton of pictures. I'll start a thread with pics of some of the crazier stuff when I get some time.

    FYI, the stock flathead made 97hp or close. But modded......

  • kreb

    Aug. 3, 2011 9:18 a.m. kreb Dork

    It would take some serious fiberglass or metal skills, but I'd like to take some styling cues from an old Mercedes grand-prix car:

    With a nice, big inline 6 in it.

    Alternately, a rod design with the front wheels extending beyond the bodywork always looks good:

 
Tire Rack- Revolutionizing Tire Buying

You'll need to log in to post.