Once the Locost Clubman was driveable in its raw state it was road tested and evaluated. A few changes were completed and tested road again and then the clubman was completely stripped back to a bare chassis, painted in two-pack and reassembled with final finishing and detailing undertaken as it came together.
Photo Gallery - Click on thumbnail to enlarge
A gleaming, freshly painted, new chassis awaiting assembly.
The MX5 complete rear subframe reassembled and mounted in the chassis.
A rather unusual shot of the front suspension showing a bit more detail of how it was built..
Holden Gemini steering rack in place. Once on the road I regretted not fitting an Escort quick rack as the Gemini has too many turns lock to lock and lacks the quick reaction expected with the Locost.
Left front suspension assembled.
Right front suspension assembled.
Thermal heat insulation installed on the firewall to minimise heat radiation into the cabin area. Radiated heat from the engine and transmission can cause uncomfortably high temperatures for the driver and passenger on a long trip, especially during summer.
The heat insulation material was also applied inside the transmission tunnel. The material has a thin aluminium outer and inner skin with a heat resistant foam sandwiched in between. A self-adhesive backing made installation easy.
Assembly gradually progresses as parts are painted and final detail work is completed.
This is not a lightweight Locost, but it is strong and safe and able to withstand a higher level of impact than other lightweight examples.
This photo shows the chassis design around the engine bay and front suspension with the additional triangulation and bracing that was added for rigidity.
Engine bay reassembled and operational.
Some detail of seat belts, fuel tank and diff assembly.
The only home built Locost clubman that I am aware of that has ABS brakes. The brake system works as well as it did in the MX5 donor car and provides sensational stopping ability in all conditions. My engineer was suitably impressed.
The spare wheel can be left off if desired, but the back of the car looks more complete when it's in place.
Easy and convenient access to the engine bay. A rather unique feature of the car is the side hinged bonnet. Pull the quick release pins from the two hinges and the bonnet can be lifted off.
The fuzzy edge between the black and blue is due to feathering away the hard line after the blue was painted over the black. This is only a temporary paint job and not concerned about it at this stage as the panels were given their final coats of blue once it was on the road.
Basic interior ready for registration. Further trimming and upgrades (including changes to the dash) were completed once the car was on the road.
Finally registered after eight years of blood sweat and tears. Not completed yet. Many more improvements and changes to be made but at least it was registered and on the road!
The interior fully trimmed and updated from the bare bones it was when first registered.
A great piece of equipment that I only bought late in the build was this moveable scissor lift. Can lift 1.5 ton up to1 metre off the ground and makes working on the Locost just so much easier.
INSANE indeed! The badge says it all.
Registered, wearing its final paint job, and fully trimmed inside, the Locost clubman is ready to be enjoyed.
