Project Feasability
Discussion
Hi guys, I've had this idea bouncing around in my head for a while now and I figured this place would be the best bet to get my questions answered 
I'd like to build a car to my own design. Having read through andygtt's thread on here (incredible work, Andy
) it obviously seems like it's possible. However, my idea starts a little differently - essentially re-bodying an already available Seven based kit. I've seen a few part finished kits with no body panels go on the PH classifieds here, which would be an ideal base - proven design, all the mechanical work sorted for me, etc - really just a 'blank canvas' for my body design.
Has anyone heard of this being done before, or done it themselves? Or am I completely barking up the wrong tree and should give up now? I've got some good contacts in GRP body manufacture, body painting, upholstering, mechanical. Hopefully these will guide me along the way.
I have a few other questions and concerns, but I'll pose them once the project is actually deemed possible
Thanks for any advice and pointers in advance.
Cheers,
N.
I'd like to build a car to my own design. Having read through andygtt's thread on here (incredible work, Andy
) it obviously seems like it's possible. However, my idea starts a little differently - essentially re-bodying an already available Seven based kit. I've seen a few part finished kits with no body panels go on the PH classifieds here, which would be an ideal base - proven design, all the mechanical work sorted for me, etc - really just a 'blank canvas' for my body design. Has anyone heard of this being done before, or done it themselves? Or am I completely barking up the wrong tree and should give up now? I've got some good contacts in GRP body manufacture, body painting, upholstering, mechanical. Hopefully these will guide me along the way.
I have a few other questions and concerns, but I'll pose them once the project is actually deemed possible
Thanks for any advice and pointers in advance.
Cheers,
N.
Edited by detchibe on Sunday 24th June 15:50
Hi Nik,
We worked on a similar design concept a few years ago, I think the thread was called "Locost Rebody" or something similar, you should search it in the kitcar forum section.
Thare is also a very nice design project, using the locost chassis, check this thread:
http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid...
I believe the locost chassis lends itself to this type of project, so you should try it, because it doeas have real potential.
Quite a few guys are attempting this type of redesign, and would really like to see a modern sportscar. on the locost chassis....
Wishing you good luck with the project, and looking forward to design pictures of your project on PH.
Cheers
Italo
We worked on a similar design concept a few years ago, I think the thread was called "Locost Rebody" or something similar, you should search it in the kitcar forum section.
Thare is also a very nice design project, using the locost chassis, check this thread:
http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid...
I believe the locost chassis lends itself to this type of project, so you should try it, because it doeas have real potential.
Quite a few guys are attempting this type of redesign, and would really like to see a modern sportscar. on the locost chassis....
Wishing you good luck with the project, and looking forward to design pictures of your project on PH.
Cheers
Italo
Edited by fuoriserie on Sunday 24th June 16:09
Definatelly a good idea.... there is a young lad who has recently designed something on the locost forum and quite frankly it is simply awsome in both looks and concept.
IMO the hardest part though is going to be getting in and out of it unless its a convertible due to the high sills.... but nothing worth doing is ever simple, thats the fun of it.
IMO the hardest part though is going to be getting in and out of it unless its a convertible due to the high sills.... but nothing worth doing is ever simple, thats the fun of it.
Sounds like the project is worth persual then! 
Just got these couple of questions to ask, bear with me!
SVA - I've looked on the net and found what appear to be quite rough details of what's included in this. Are there strict design guidelines such as headlights must be x mm apart and y mm off the ground (just an example) - or are you reasonably free in what you can do?
Registration & Insurance - How would registration work on a project like this? I doubt that the rolling chassis would be registered, so I'm thinking it'll automatically get a Q plate? And how would I go about insuring it - as the base is probably a known type, but just the bodywork different.
Once again, cheers chaps!
N
Just got these couple of questions to ask, bear with me!
SVA - I've looked on the net and found what appear to be quite rough details of what's included in this. Are there strict design guidelines such as headlights must be x mm apart and y mm off the ground (just an example) - or are you reasonably free in what you can do?
Registration & Insurance - How would registration work on a project like this? I doubt that the rolling chassis would be registered, so I'm thinking it'll automatically get a Q plate? And how would I go about insuring it - as the base is probably a known type, but just the bodywork different.
Once again, cheers chaps!
N
Position of lights etc are very strict.., front lights need to be emarked etc, rear fog light has to be 200mm away from the brake light unless its contained in an emarked cluster etc.
There is a thread above that has more details, but bewarned its not easy to follow.
Glass also has E marked.
registration will be easy if you get a chasis from a manufacturer and so should insurance... what reg you get will depend on a lot of things, basically to get a new reg all the car has to be NEW (reconditioned is not acceptable) with the exception of ONE component that HAS to be reconditioned.
Usually this is the engine.
If you use only components from one donor car you can take its age registration.... however if the parts are from lots of different cars you will get a Q.
There is a thread above that has more details, but bewarned its not easy to follow.
Glass also has E marked.
registration will be easy if you get a chasis from a manufacturer and so should insurance... what reg you get will depend on a lot of things, basically to get a new reg all the car has to be NEW (reconditioned is not acceptable) with the exception of ONE component that HAS to be reconditioned.
Usually this is the engine.
If you use only components from one donor car you can take its age registration.... however if the parts are from lots of different cars you will get a Q.
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