J.C. LOCUST BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS - PREFACE

TRIUMPH OR FORD

Before you progress to the stage of building the body for the LOCUST from the patterns provided, you may wish to consider which choice of base vehicle is right for you.

Following on from our other 'patterns build' car, the MIDGE, the LOCUST was intended to be a 'body swap' for the Triumph Herald/Vitesse range of cars. It soon became obvious that the body style and extremely low ride height of the LOCUST could not be accommodated by the Triumph chassis range.

Triumph Chassis

A lowered chassis was developed especially for the LOCUST to take the suspension parts from the Triumph range, including the Spitfire. Our price list shows current chassis prices.

Just about all the components from the Triumph Herald, Vitesse and Spitfire can be used in the LOCUST build up. Using the aforementioned chassis, all the suspension parts are transferred from the donor vehicle together with the engine, gearbox, radiator, pedals, instruments and steering column. Extras to the finished product are, therefore, very few and comprise such things as seats, lights, wiper arms and possibly an alternative choice of petrol tank. Without a doubt this choice of base car is the most economical way of completing your LOCUST and it should be possible to finish the car for around £700 before extras.

Ford Chassis

The second choice for the enthusiast wanting a Ikely performance is a chassis for Ford components. This chassis has a 'live' rear axle, courtesy of the Ford Escort and takes the front wishbones from a MK 3 Cortina. The rear axle is attached with clamps to four trailing arms, and sideways location is controlled by a panhard rod. Rear springs and shocks are taken from the front of a Hillman Imp.

THE PRICES FOR ALL CHASSIS ARE INCLUDED IN OUR CURRENT PRICE LIST