Lotus 7 Locost
 

Hi guys I am new to the forum and have been following for a couple of years now. I am currently building a locost lotus using a mazda mx5 donor. I have a problem with getting my hands on a tapered reamer for the tie rod ends from the ford to fit into the mazda wheel hub. I have managed to get them close but need the correct tool to set them correctly. I cannot believe how expensive the tool is and does nnot justify buying one, any advice will do please. Up in Scotland it is difficult to find companies that will assist with just 1 small job. The reamer needs to be 11/2" per foot or 7.15 deg if I am not mistaken.

Cheapest I just found it was £40
Try the locsst forum and asking there must be someone else in the same bot
or an American car club as it’s common for gm cars and 4wd

Maybe a daft idea but is it possible to use Mazda track rod ends in place of the Ford ones?

ian hefer
 

I did think about that but I have already gone too far so all I need is to get the taper right and I can install the hubs, cannot wait to finally move my car on its own wheels after about 1 1/2 years now standing on jacks.
Where did you find the reamer for 40quid bud it would be great if I could get one, 40 pound is not too bad.

When I built a Robin Hood back ( early 90's )in the day the advice in the instructions was to simply use a drill and go round leaning on it a bit to get a taper ! Very crude and not very accurate !! But it did the job, I wouldn't do it today as I know better than to bodge vital parts of the build.

well I'm sure I found one yesterday and today I cant I may have got your hopes up for no reason:icon_frown:

apologies