I have looked all over the place and wanted some pro's tips on the best and worst chassis out of the following:
MK Indy
Tiger Avon
Luego Locost I.R.S
Im looking for I.R.S as i alrady have all the parts ready to go from a donor siera.
I notice that a lot of people on this site like the Indy but its quite a distance from me so before decide to travel half way accross england to get
one wanted to check what others thought about the other two options?
Cheers in advance
What a big can of worms you seek to open....
Viper
Any reason why?
Does anyone have ideas on best built chassis?
Is the Luego or MK to RC book size with modified back to support I.R.S or completly different?
i am not overly impressed with the quality of the avon or some of the components i have bought from them, i have had a look at some of the other
chassis available and equaly unimpresed(there are a few on here that will tell you to buy an MK) now i am starting to think i should have built the
chassis myself or bought a westfield. To late now, though i don't suppose i will keep this car when its finished. Do yourself a big favour whatever
you decide to buy go and have a look at it preferably before its painted and make your own decisions....
best of luck
Get an MK if you don't want to make your own chassis. Every kit (including Westfeilds) come with problems, but the quality of MK components is
excellent and the prices are good.
John
theres one ....any more ? of course there is, just not come out of the woodwork yet.
I think if someone asks the question, and you have some experience of the competitors then stating your opinion can only help.
For what it's worth I think Luego and Stuart taylor are about on a par quality wise although some people have had some bother with the people that run
ST,
The Mk is some way ahead of those two both in quailty and price.
This is the way that"word of mouth" works - if you are satisfied with a service you tell others.
Cheers
Chris
quote:
Originally posted by chrisg
I think if someone asks the question, and you have some experience of the competitors then stating your opinion can only help.
For what it's worth I think Luego and Stuart taylor are about on a par quality wise although some people have had some bother with the people that run ST,
The Mk is some way ahead of those two both in quailty and price.
This is the way that"word of mouth" works - if you are satisfied with a service you tell others.
Cheers
Chris
Seeing a chassis in the flesh will tell you something about the quality of the welding (if you are a good judge, that is) but won't tell you how well
the other bits will fit, and whether or not any aspect of the design will cause unexpected problems further along in the build. For that you need word
of mouth and reputation
John
true...very true..i should have gone with my first instinct when i saw their demonstrator and gone home again...
sorry i guess i am feeling a little peeved at the momment especialy knowing i could have done better....
So does everyone agree order of chassis is reverse order is
4th Tiger Avon
2nd/3rd Luego/ST
1st MK
Only trouble with MK is i will have to buy certain parts from them and i was hopeing to make most parts myself or at least be able to shop around for
example nose cone etc purley on distance.
[Edited on 11/10/02 by Firefly]
I'm in the london area so a trip to MK's to pick up the chassis was a 340 mile round trip,i did look nearer home for a chassis builder but in the end
my choice was made easy by the polite manner in which i was served.
MK helped me with lots of information about the build,plus the fact the service was good on collection too.
So i've no complaints.
[Edited on 10/11/02 by bob]
You sound like you're in a similar situation to me. I've spent the last 3 months solidly reading everything I could about different 7 type variants.
I've dismissed all of them for different reasons, apart from the MK (and possibly the Westfield). MK seems to be most favourable on cost (although
only marginally if you end up purchasing rather than manufacturing most of your parts), and the feedback other people on this site have given about
the MK is also positive. You sound a bit more mechanically adept than me, as I intend to purchase all parts for mine, rather than construct them
myself, which on the one hand will bump my costs up, but on the other might mean that I actually finish it. I think that most different suppliers
components will fit most of the main-stream chassis suppliers anyway, so you may not have to source everything you don't want to make yourself,
through MK.
Just my two cents worth...
We bought our chassis from Luego (and alot of other parts) and have had no real problems at all with the quality or build of the parts. The chassis is
the live axle so I can't really comment on the IRS. As everyone else has said, paying them a visit is well worth it as you can ask all the questions
you want. The guys at Luego were very welcoming and helpful before we even agreed to part with any cash.
One more thing, Luego are currently doing some 'Winter Builders' specials which might make their prices slightly more favourable. 
what about the looks of the finished articles.
the MK look quite tall, is this the case in the flesh, i know its to accomodate the pinto but does this change the sleek looks originally intended
with this type of car.
does the luego look more like the book locost???
anyone seen both of them and can give an idea of the looks, by what everyone says they are both good quality so its down to looks for most people.
When I collected my bits and pieces from Luego, I was given a tour of their premises - including seeing book sized IRS chassis, and their completed
book sized IRS car.
I was impressed with whole setup, and if I was buying chassis etc, it would be theirs.
Also, as StuartA says, they are a very helpful outfit.
ATB
Simon
When i rang and spoke to luego they actually produce the chassis to book size but have both i.r.s and live axle versions. They even sell the
modification unit to modify your own live axle to i.r.s so that must be book size.
I do like the idea of keeping the chassis as small as possible and was hoping it would be book size and agree although very nice that the indy does
look a little tall in its pictures.
I am more interested in the overall build quality with regards to luego i.e the welding. It is about a 500mile round trip for me which travelling once
to pick up the chassis is not a problem but just to have a butchers of the quality is a bit far. I was hoping to see them at Exeter show but
apparently they are not attending because they are moving there workshops.
Does anyone know if luego are a safe option? Does anyone have one of there chassis?
[Edited on 12/11/02 by Gremlin]
Gremlin, I have quite a few pics of our Luego chassis that you could have a butchers at if you were interested. Just can't post them here coz of the
problem with the pics section of the site. If you interested let me know and I will email some to you.
I pretty sure that the chassis is probably about as close to book as it is possible to get, as they used to make chassis for Ron Champion (although I
believe they have made a few enhancements of their own to make life easier and the chassis better).
StuartA
That would be spot on. Im looking for an overall picture and close ups that will allow me to see the welding. Im looking at going for the i.r.s locost
they do but not the v8.
mike_coutanche@weymouth.ac.uk
Anything appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Firefly -
MK do deliver for an extra charge. They've just told me that they delivered to Essex for about £130. I'm going to take them up on the delivery as the
cost and time involved for me to hire a trailer or van and travel to Worksop and back to Bath wouldn't be far off that. If you order most of the bits
you're likely to need from MK and get it all sent in one go, it might save you some time and effort?
A chassis will easily go on a roof rack if that helps.
Thanks for the replys.
Im stuck between MK and luego now. I like the idea of mk as everyone raves about them and they all cant be wrong and i like luego as i can get a i.r.s
chassis pritty much book size and i was hopeing to keep the size down as much as possible.
Comments please! Arrrggghhh Has anyone got eather what do you think?
Is it worth having it powder coating if not whats the best way to rub it down and coat it?
Gremlin, pics are a little on the large side at the moment (about 600k each). I will have to reduce them before I email them to you (unless you have a broadband connection). Hopefully tomorrow (Thursday) night...
I dont think there is much in it for the main 3 players in the cash for chassis biz,but remember this.
Each chassis maker is different and when you make your choice you will have to stick with it.
ie: i'm not sure if luego and stuart taylor parts will all fit each other.
Oh sod it here goes,and remember folks this is only my opinion.
I looked at both ST and MK Indy long and hard and formed the following opinion.
MK Faultless chassis fabrication and welding,decent quality body panels,nice workshop,nice people, in short true engineers.
But Indy looks too tall and generally 'big' (possibly due to being designed around the pinto).The dashboard seems too big and flat, the rear
driveshafts are standard sierra width and make the car look wide.
MK were impossible to contact.
ST chassis is adequately fabricated and welded,(its made i think by Ginetta or was at one time). The finished car looks 'right' and has a good record
on the race track, Shortened drive shafts retain narrow track,ST always answered the phone.
But bodywork finish is pants,after sales backup is a bit naff, the steering column and steering wheel seem to stick out a long way from the dash, and
the owner can be abrupt and condescending.
In conclusion i think most of the stuff available to buy is ok, you just have to decide which areas are the most important to you as a builder, i
decided that i could work round ST's shortcomings and subsequently bought from them.
No regrets so far.
Good Luck
I'ts always a tough desicion when parting with your hard earned.
Wadders,
Although that is all totally irrelevant to me, can I just say what a constructive and useful comparison I thought that was.
It would have helped me faced with a similar choice.
MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK
MK MK MK MK MK MKMK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MKMK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK
MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MKMK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MKMK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK
MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MKMK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MKMK MK MK MK MK MK MK
MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MKMK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MKMK MK
MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MKMK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK
MK MK MK MKMK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK MK
And i haven't even got it yet!!!!!
I thinkyou hit the nail right on the head mate,couldnt have said it better if i tried
I will wish i never asked this question! But i assume you mean
Luego
St
Mk
as the three main players as there dosent seem to much between luego and st?
I also agree that from what i have seen i would prefer the MK build quality but think it is to high due to being designed around the pinto and am
quite gutted i cant get a standard size chassis from them.
[Edited on 17/11/02 by Gremlin]
Have MK stopped doing their escort based chassis then?
Cheers
Chris
Cos' it's still on the website.
Cheers
Chris
I think if you ask for a chassis as book they will make you one,as chrisg said its on their website.
I did actually ask the question only a couple of months ago,and was told yes.
Would they do a book size chassis with i.r.s modifications?
Isn't that what the indy is?
Kingr
no, indy is taller.... for the pinto engine......so bob tells me....
quote:
Originally posted by Gremlin
Would they do a book size chassis with i.r.s modifications?
Can they supply the beam?
Can i still use the i.r.s i have of my sierra?
Does there chassis use the 7" or 7.5" diff?
Gremlin
Yep i'm sure thay supply the de-dion beam set up.
Diff size i'm sure its up to you really,but you would have to talk to them about that.
You only need the diff drive shafts and hubs,they bolt staight on using the upper and lower wishbone set up.
I've only seen one car that used the whole IRS system from a sierra/granada and it looked hideous and probably weighed a ton.
Well maybe not a ton but a lot
Thanks Bob.
Im half way through my own chassis build and everthing seems to be going ok but after going to the exeter show i quite like the idea of having a
perfect chassis or as close as with nice powder coating and a i.r.s system that should work. Plus i hear that dedion is ment to be better than both
i.r.s and live as you have the best of both so if mk produce this in a book size or close as im quite tempted. Have to see what happens and how
finance is!
I know a friend that wants one book size with i.r.s as he wants it as small as possible and is looking at putting in a 4age engine from RAW so that
will be interesting.
Thanks again.
bob
are you sure they sell a book sized de dion chassis?????
anyone else know for sure?
it sounds like that would be the best for me if they did.
findlay
Well put it this way,the last time i looked at MKs web site there was an advert for a book starter kit.
And if you look through the price list there is a de-dion set up for it,maybe it would be best to speak with martin next week when he,s back from
spain.
I'm sure if thats what you wanted he would sell it to you.
MK were doing De - Dion kits for the normal book chassis for £150 a year or 2 ago at Stafford and the other shows.
Problem being that the diff mounting plates would have to be welded to the chassis and possibly a new bracket for the panhard rod mounting - thus not
making it a kit for the non welder.
G
Hate to drag this subject back to the top but for anyone interested in customer service, just take a look at the Luego section now. These guys
actually bother to reply to questions posted on this board.
Hi all :-)
Ive been looking through the forums but havent seen much of a mention of robinhoodengineering kits, has anyone come across these ? the 2B looks vey
good value.
http://www.robinhoodengineering.co.uk/
cheers
Cd
right guys update on the MK issue.
had a chat the other nite. they have been inundated with orders for the indy and will not do escort based cars unless an order of more than ten is
taken.this is unfortunate. and on the de-dion front........ well thats a no go too.
luego on the other hand is helpfull to the point they will give a try at what i want. cant ask fairer than that.and its great that they answer emails
and are corresponding thro this site.
ST was abrupt to the point of rude when i asked if they did de-dion. NO!!!!!!!!!!!!! so i wont be going there.
this is just from what ive seen.
quote:
Originally posted by Cyberdude
Hi all :-)
Ive been looking through the forums but havent seen much of a mention of robinhoodengineering kits, has anyone come across these ? the 2B looks vey good value.
http://www.robinhoodengineering.co.uk/
cheers
Cd
Awe..... Thats a shame as it looked very good value. I dont really want to spend the time making my own chassis. ho hum..
Cd
quote:
Originally posted by Cyberdude
Awe..... Thats a shame as it looked very good value. I dont really want to spend the time making my own chassis. ho hum..
Cd
I can do you a Sirerra based chassis, £350 inc, excellent quality similar to Avon type.
Can also supply suspension arms, ball joints etc
john
0118 9677799
Has anyone seen a chassis from http://www.lolocost.com ? These seem reasonably priced. I'm planning to buld a locost from a Sierra, so I had looked at the IRS chassis, designed to take the pinto engine (£500). Any comments on the chassis design or company itself to deal with? Are these chassis any comparison to an ST or MK?