Hi guys,

Does anyone have any info on the Healey Sprite replica that was apparently produced by Stuart Taylor a number of years ago? My understanding is that he started our making these before moving on to Locosts...

Reason for asking is, that I've just bought one of the old chassis' and would like to find out what I can about it before diving in. E.g. Donor, origin etc. etc.

My current plan is to use the live rear axle set-up and get a small, light engine along the lines of a Zetec SE or potentially even bike power.

Any info or input gladly received!

Pete

[Edited on 6/11/2012 by ChrisW]

Can't help for certain but that looks like a nice project

The wishbones at the front look very like locost ones so it wouldn't be a great suprise if it used cortina uprights and an escort axle. You will need to weld brackets on to the axle to suit.

I would trial fit the bones then get a look at 'the book' and see how they look for geometry.

it looks like an escort steering rack mount too.

keep us posted as to how you get on

If I remember correctly Ian Gray fitted a 1.6 CVH in the demo car .

I was REALLY tempted to bid on that, if I'd not been 98% of the way through buying a new house

Good luck with the project.

I'd have gone K series, but Zetec SE will be fine I'm sure. Wouldn't go bike but only because I don't think it would suit the car.

would have had a Monza bonnet http://www.sebringsprite.com/price_list.htm

I'll have to get the original book and have a read to see how 'Locost-like' it is. Twood be handy if they're pretty similar!

Front uprights are definitely Cortina (I already have a pair). Regarding the rear axle, I assume the chassis was designed with mk2 escort in mind. - Is this what's referred to as an 'English' axle rather than an 'Atlas'? I've never been quite sure.

Originally my plan was to re-work the rear for IRS, but thinking about it now and all the other jobs ahead of me, I think it might be wise to stick with a live rear axle!

Does anyone know if Ian Gray of Stuart Taylor is still on the scene at all?

Sorry to bump again, but just wondered if anyone else had any further info on the Stuart Taylor Sprite?

Hi

Ask me anything you need to know about that project.

Cheers Matt

Cool, thanks.

Were you involved with it originally? (Or just knowledgeable and got a soft spot for Sprites!?)

Anyway, since you offered...

- Can you confirm it's designed with mk2 escort rear axle in mind? Will the back end go together a la Locost?
- If so, can I buy prefabricated brackets to weld on?
- I don't really need door apertures for my purposes. With this in mind, can you suggest some sensible lightweight ways of adding torsional rigidity to the chassis? (Do you think it needs it?)
- With the correct rear axle and front uprights, will I end up with the same track width as an original frog-eye, or will it be slightly wider?
- Age-old question I know but... For a road car application in your opinion, is it worth the bother of re-doing the back end for IRS?

Thankyouplease.

quote:

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Originally posted by thesecondprize

Does anyone know if Ian Gray of Stuart Taylor is still on the scene at all?

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The ST Sprite moulds were taken off a Frogeye Cars body, or so I'm lead to believe.

When buying a body, check that the doors are mirror copies, and that the passenger door isn't a bit twisted and different.

Also check the door openings in the body.


Cheers,
Nev.