Hi new to the forum so please be gentle...

1st question;
Does the chassis from a kit car have a S/N or Vin Number ?
2nd question;
Can I build my own chassis ?
Was looking at the DVLA site for SVA/IVA test but they are not very clear about that.
Any comments are wellcome.

Ric

1. No. you apply for a vin number before IVAing and registering

2. Yes. I have  a Ron Champion Locost one

3. The IVA manual is avalible online here http://www.transportoffice.gov.uk/crt/repository/M1%20Inspection%20Manual%20May%2009.pdf

If you've got any questions on building the car and can't find your answers someone on here will either have the answer, an opinion or a wise crack 

The Ron Champion book "Build Your Own Sports Car for as Little as 250 Pounds" would be worth getting if you want to build your own chassis

Hi Ric

Welcome to the club. Good to see a builder prepared to consider an original design.

Warning - commercial plug coming up!

I run a company specialising in suspension design and building and ran an open day for the club a couple of weeks ago. We are also close to you (Malmesbury).

I would be happy to talk through a few basic suspension concepts with you before you get too far into welding stuff together. Too often we see (well known) cars that have basic problems designed in that cost literally thousands to rectify.

As regards books, Competition Car Suspension by Alan Staniforth covers more than any kitcar designer would ever need.

Thanks to all.
Got the engine home yesterday 
Today going to see a gearbox from a rover SD1 and a GRP body with chassis.
1 question:
Does anyone know if the bell house from a Rover 2600 fit the 3500 engine ?

Ric

I think that whilst you do have to have a chassis number I think you can have it say whatever you want. There is no official body that issues them.

I might be wrong but I don't think the bellhousings are interchangable.

Well another question:
Does someone have a 3.5 rover V8 LT77 gearbox bell housing laying around ?
Looking for one got the gearbox (5 speed) LT77 but no bell housing.
Any suggestions on a diff ?
I'm looking for one with 3.07 ratio but don't want one like the Ford/Volvo ones I want to have independent suspension on all wheels.

Ric

On Diff front in the BMW diff range 3.07 is present, as is very many ratios with the others closest being 2.93 and 3.15.

All in LSD and non-LSD.

The mount points vary of course, you will also find that the half shafts can be had in a few different lengths given how BMW used the diffs across the ranges.

Mounting points are not important because I going to build the chassis around the engine/gearbox and rear axle.

Thanks to everyone...
A couple more questions about dimensions.
Can someone give me some info about the dimensions of the most common kitcars (wheelbase and track)
The next question is there any limit to them (dimensions) of course within reason I'm not building a limo. 

Ric

Wheelbase varies quite a bit, however track at the rear is usually fairly similar because of the rear-ends in use, mine for example is the same as a BMW E36 (non-M3), fronts are usually dictated by the rack in question e.g. Escort, Spitfire, Herald.

The rear tub dimension on 7'esque is more up to the width you want inside and which rear wings you will use, your own or some already made.

Suggest in doing your own chassis you pick rear arches you  like, no point in having to look for very specific ones, get your inside measurements for minimum space you want and then widen main tub to get a good fit on the wheels(don't forget the variation in offsets depending on road brand of hubs you have).

For front get the track width from the steering rack you'll use then the suspension design and then taper nose to accommodate engine you want, the bracing strut locations then need planning etc.

Bri will have the dimensions in his build bible and perhaps start with that and stretch accordingly.

For a 3.5l do ensure you have enough rigidity strength without too much weight, the basic and earlier 7's were not designed with that engine in mind, most newer chassis's are often designed in 2 power versions.

Thanks for the answer.
I knew that the rear end was dependent on the rear axle used in my case a BMW 528I.
I'm not building a "7" replica or look alike is going to be something original based on the Prowler design with front wind screen/doors and back window.
Wish me luck.
Going to take the engine to a engineering shop to see if it can be fixed (rebored to +.020)

Ric

Sounds interesting Ric, dont forget a build blog with pics for us

I can do that (the blog)
But is going to be a slow build because I'm doing the GRP body myself and it takes more time to do the molds as the panels on they own.
My idea was to get a TR7 or similar body shell and do the front in some sort of space frame.
Right now I have the choice of: 1980 TR7 - 1979 Fiat X1/9 and a Mazda MX5.
Only hope that nothing gets in the way...

Ric

Quote from: Alfa Ric on 01, August, 2010, 03:11:00 PM
Only hope that nothing gets in the way...

Ric

From my experience of builds (Very little) to rebuilds (Very experienced) Be prepared!!!

Something will always get in the way. You have a long build in front of you and have my upmost respect in taking it on

A blog will be welcomed here.

Thanks for the support 
I decided to go with the Mazda mx5 body because...
My favorite one (Fiat X1/9) is well over is use by date (to much rust)
My second choice the Triumph TR7 allmost the same as above but not as bad but fire wall has a big rust hole just under the pedals assembly.
The MX5 is spot less no rust at all and since I only want the body from the windscreen to the boot is the ideal donor for my project
I'm going on vacation next weekend so everything is going on stand by for 3 weeks ( I really need the rest )

Ric

Sounds an interesting project, hope you'll keep us up to date with lots of pic's and progress reports 

Just to say that everything is on stand by untill the end of August due to vacations

(just to make you guys jealous )
Greatings from sunny Portugal

Ric