THE NOSE CONE

Robin Hood Engineering's first association with Ron Champion's Locost project started with Locost builders buying reject Robin Hood nose cones to fit on their Locosts. Since those early days Lolocost have taken over the supplying of spares to Locost builders from Robin Hood and produce many parts specially for the Locost. Excluding suspension ball joints, nosecones are the most popular item, these being sold at a budget price of £45.00

At this point I would like to point out the major problem that all parts suppliers to Locost builders have, with the varied choices of construction that the Locost builder has (even if building by the book) each finished car will be different. It is important that at an early stage the Locost builder plans his route with regards to the engine options, the steering column, pedal positions, seats, fuel tank, etc.

In the technical information that Lolocost supply it should be possible to give the builder some idea of the parameters that he needs to work to, the main one being the position and height of the engine. As time progresses the neat, compact and desirable Kent engine is becoming increasingly hard to find and more builders are opting for the readily available and almost free Ford Sierra Pinto engine. It normally comes with a five speed gearbox, produces around 100 bhp in standard form and, being slightly out of fashion in motor sport circles, competition parts are inexpensive.

To return to the nose cone, if this engine is used it will mean that the Lolocost nose cone which is 24 inches wide will need to be raised. If the Kent engine is used the rear horseshoe section, which has a girth of 32 ½ inches, sits on top of the chassis rail. Special nose cone infill panels will need to be made to suit the nose cone and longer nose cone fixing brackets, (as shown on page 135 and 105), will have to be made as shown in Ron's book.

It is important that your Locost car looks cosmetically correct and unless you have terrific design taste and a natural sense of balance you would not go far wrong than taking measurements and positions from Colin Chapman's early cars, which is exactly what most manufacturers of kit cars who copy and build replicas of the afore mentioned car do. In fact, many Locost builders are using parts purchased directly or indirectly from official and unofficial manufacturers of Colin Chapman's cars which is the bible for an authentic looking Locost.

ALTERNATIVES TO STANDARD LOCOST NOSE CONE

As we have stated earlier, the standard Lolocost nose cone, which is supplied in grey gel coat finish has a rear horseshoe girth of 32 ½ inches and an approximate width of 24 inches (this is approximate as it is flexible). The excellent line drawing, shown on page 40 of Ron's initial publication, shows the nose cone brackets on the chassis. At this point the chassis should be 24 inches to correspond with the nose cone. If you have decided to widen your chassis then the nose cone which is standard for the Robin Hood range of models and which is supplied in Signal Red, Oxford Blue or British Racing Green GRP gel coat is identical to the general shape and style of Colin Chapman's early cars' nose cone and Lolocost nose cone but is 26 inches wide and has a rear horse shoe girth of 35 inches would be more appropriate. These nose cones cost £75.00.

On a final note, one further nose cone is available by special order. This is a super wide nose cone which is 27 inches wide.

As you are aware, Robin Hood Sports Cars predominantly use Pinto engines in their cars with all the nose cones as listed above but unlike the Locost at 13 inches the Robin Hood sides are 14 inches high. All nose cones accept the Lolocost budget radiator grille, available at only £7.00

Please note that the nose cones are 24 inches long.