Hi all iam new here,

I've been wanting to build an exoskelital car for a while now, originally a rtr rocket then when that all went pear shaped I looked at the exocet.

I now fancy building one from scratch, I can weld have a wide range of tools including a lathe and milling machine but I am no chassis designer.

Does anyone know of any chassis plans available? I don't mind paying for plans if anyone knows of any.

Thanks

If you find one let me know.

The nearest thing to plans for a mid engine car is the Midlana

I may have to look into the midlana a bit more closely
maybe it might lend itself to some modifications, I guess it's the suspension pick up points and suchlike that that are the difficult bits to get right as I want to build something that handles correctly.

Anyone know of a company or anyone planning to produce a midlana chassis pack or pre-built chassis, seems to be taking off very slowly ???

midlana is actually looking quite good! never knew this existed...
since we're talking about this, is there something ariel atom like available in kit form?

MeV rocket is probably the closest (buying updated I think) but others would include the deronda, sdr storm (new owners recently) and the asbo (private build only a couple made). Also have a look at the nemesis from USA (super lite cars, not the testsrossa looking thing with the jag v12). There is also an odd USA one that has a Harley engine strapped to the front.

[Edited on 22/2/17 by Ugg10]

Exo sports cars in Nottingham are marketing the Rocket and others.

quote:

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Originally posted by Davg
Exo sports cars in Nottingham are marketing the Rocket and others.

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At the moment it's between the exo rocket or mev exocet.
I like the rocket better but the exocet is quicker to build and easier plus easy to turbocharge.

What about the SDR V Storm?

quote:

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Originally posted by sam919
What about the SDR V Storm?

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Doesn't say much for his abilities ... :-)

Dont like the v-storm and i think it well expensive even if it is well made.

I must admit, after driving an atom for a track day company, the V storm is the most similar when compared to the others in the pack. Each to their own.....apart from the seating :-)

[Edited on 23/2/17 by sam919]

I can't see that there are any design secrets in this type of chassis as it's on display for all to see.

Since in your opening post you wrote;

quote
"I now fancy building one from scratch, I can weld, have a wide range of tools including a lathe and milling machine but I am no chassis designer."
unquote

or has there now been a change of heart?


The only problem I see is that when all's on view then you've got to be just that little bit more fussy. Go for it.

Paul G

I guess what i am trying to say is if I try and build one from scratch, it might not end up how I would like it to look..

I like the rocket classic from exo sportscars and I also like the exocet from mev so just need to choose between the two.

My reason for asking is it would be very satisfying to build one from scratch.

If your starting from scratch why not follow the Atom, it's the original car they all started from. The chassis used to be brazed, although the result was more weld like.

I will have to give it more thought.
Like i said i have the tools i like to think i am a competent welder its just getting the chassis right and something that looks nice at the end.

Check out my blog and see how I did it.....well, am still doing it!

If you want a 'nearly complete' (ish) project, tempt me with an offer!

After visiting stoneleigh on Sunday I have finally done it!

Yes I have paid a deposit on a exo sportscars classic rocket kit.

After looking round and weighing up all options it was the only thing to do, I just love the classic rocket.

I didn't get over to the show but it would have been the rocket I would have looked at.

I really want the Mev v6 Rocket that they are selling.

I would love to pop over and have a butcher's when you get yours home.

I have booked a build slot for august, hopefully gives me time to finish my other projects off.

I will be looking for a focus st170 over the next few weeks ready for stripping and getting parts ready.

I would be tempted to not bother with a donor. There are a couple of dedicated St breakers.

Not been on here for a while been busy with work.
I bought an St170 in the end and in the process of stripping it down, going to try and use the oem ECU and alter the wiring to suit.
My rocket kit will be ready to collect in a couple of weeks so need to get on and get all parts cleaned and painted.

http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid=190440

How to on ST170 on oem ecu!

Thanks for that! lots of information on using the st170 ecu.
I wanted to use the original ecu as I intend to run the engine as ford intended and won't be going for power upgrades as the car should be more than quick enough for me plus I have the focus loom so don't see the point of spending money on a aftermarket loom and ecu.

You did well to find an st around here. I want one from a track day car.

They turbo well

I had to travel 150 miles to get it, not from round here.
What's needed to turbo the st170 engine then? Think it would be a bit too lively in a rocket maybe.

You use the st170 bottem end to give you stronger pistons and rods. The black top, top end to get rid of the vvt and a thicker head gasket to get the compression down. This is regarded as a reliable 350bhp capable lump.

Mine above is running on Oem Focus Rs Ecu. 215 in standard tune. 250 ish with a remap, 300 with parts and more boost.

How much rust did your donor have ?

[Edited on 19/10/17 by big_wasa]

The suspension is fairly corroded, rust underneath the car and the sump needs changing as it's very bad.
It needed steering rack for Mot and has done a shade over 100k.
I shall be removing engine and box at weekend. Then the wiring loom.

The sump is standard on these because the cat is so close to the sump.

Bit of an update.
been busy with work before Christmas so haven't finished stripping my st170 yet, then my kit wasn't ready until 2 weeks before Xmas.
so Its been in the shed for nearly a month.
I have got the chassis cleaned and removed most of the small weld spatter.
I have sprayed it with 2k etch primer and today 2 coats of 2k primer.
I am not new to spraying but spraying a rocket chassis is a real test, I've got 2 small runs in the primer that will flat out but the top coat needs to go on perfect.
before the top coat goes on I am going to make a support for each end to allow me to tilt the chassis on its side.

Description


Quote:- "Before the top coat goes on I am going to make a support for each end to allow me to tilt the chassis on its side."



Basting ladle, spray gun, same principle.

[Edited on 27/1/18 by 907]

That would be good it would bake the paint as well lol.