[stueeee]

This will probley need boxing to take the MGB engine or an Rover v8
http://www.kitfoster.com/images/2008-9-27_Austin7ChassisWeb-Large.jpg

Im still very new to hot rodding so im still learning the ropes

You'll need a Very big shoehorn or better yet a portapower ram to get a Rover V8 or B series sump between A7 chassis rails. here's one of my four Austin Sevens:

That's a much modded Austin A35 motor in there. The sump just about fits between the chassis rails. This car does have a boxed chassis, it also has tubular cross members instead of the U channel Austin items, This is at least as important as boxing for improving the chassis' overall torsional stiffness.

This car is built on a 1932 81" wheelbase chassis, the earlier '31 and earlier 75" wheelbase chassis won't leave much room for anything larger than a Reliant 850 motor unless you don't mind sitting right over the rear axle.

 

[Parker]

Cheers for that Stueee

What is she like to drive and what is the power like

 

[stueeee]

Cheers for that Stueee

What is she like to drive and what is the power like

It drives and handles well, but it's probably worth listing some of the relevent specs. as that's the reason it is the way it is.

Big Seven front axle using the original leaf spring, it has a panhard rod and tubular radius arms for location, Spax gas dampers. Rear axle is late Austin Ruby suspended on the original quarter elliptic leaf springs and located with a panhard rod, the rear end is also fitted with an anti-roll bar. Spax gas dampers again. Most of the suspension and steering joints are rod ends. The car runs on crossply tyres 4.50 x 17 front and 6.00 x 16 rear. Brakes are servo assisted Hydraulic drums all round.

The motor is a 948 A35 bored to 995cc, loads of other mods, pushes out a sustained 67 BHP @ the wheels @ 6800 RPM. Gearbox is a Mk 4 Sprite close ratio unit. This power unit makes the car reasonably lively as it weighs less than 400 Kilos on the road. I feel that this car has about enough power for the handling and braking that the chassis provides -much more power might be great to talk about in the pub, but could land you in a ditch or hedge if you tried to use it.

Unsurprisingly, the Austin Seven purists hate this car.

 

[Parker]

well my plans are

To get an austin 7 body and strethen up the chassis and use the Austin Big 7 front axle and use an MGB rear axle and stick in an MGB engine and gearbox.And make low at the front and make her roll on some Smoothies rims

 

[Parker]

Some good news for me.I might be able to get hold of an MGB rear axel and maybe an engine and box.After xmas (Its an start)

 

[Ratius Ratus]

I`m new to all this forum thread stuff but thort you may be interested in my Austin 7 rat rod.
Its a `34 RP box saloon body on `38 Austin Big 7 chassis.
Every bit of the car has been modified in some way or other but the basic spec is Big 7 front axle with 8" minor brakes (not an easy mod), 1380cc stage2 MG Midget engine & box - approx 90bhp. Midget rear axle - this is same track as Big 7 allowing 14" minor wheels to fit under standard wings.
Tons of fun & goes like hot shit!

 

[Ratius Ratus]

Just found another pic showing the motor.
The Big 7 chassis is a similar A-frame but wider at the nose allowing easier fitting of bigger engine as the sump can drop between the rails. It is quite easy to box and fit extra cross members. Also it is 6" longer wheel base than a box saloon so the front axle is forward of the rad with a 3" Z drop on the nose.
Body is chanelled 3" with rear arches raised 4". Its as low as possible and speed bump friendly.
Good luck with your project, we need more Britrods!

 

[Parker]

Ratius Ratus that looks bloody ace. Aint any chance you could do a little youtube clip of her running (Ill be wetting my pants)


Would an MGB engine and box fit well or not.I really need to look around at an standerd austin 7 to see what i can and can`t do with one

 

[Ratius Ratus]

Thanks Parker,
Dont have any vid clips, im not very techy!
MGB motor should fit, just depends how much cabin room you want thats why i went for the a-series and to use "austin" parts.
In the pic you can see the original footwell was cut out just below the rear carb. The firewall extents straight down. Im 5`8" and its a bit cramped - knees up by wheel but there is a full back seat. Engine, steering box and front seat are moved back approx 6".
Imagine driving a high speed 4x5 shed..............get the idea!

 

[BRIT DIGGER]

Ratius Ratus that looks bloody ace. Aint any chance you could do a little youtube clip of her running (Ill be wetting my pants)

PMSL!!

Would an MGB engine and box fit well or not.I really need to look around at an standerd austin 7 to see what i can and can`t do with one

Just found another pic showing the motor.
The Big 7 chassis is a similar A-frame but wider at the nose allowing easier fitting of bigger engine as the sump can drop between the rails. It is quite easy to box and fit extra cross members. Also it is 6" longer wheel base than a box saloon so the front axle is forward of the rad with a 3" Z drop on the nose.
Body is chanelled 3" with rear arches raised 4". Its as low as possible and speed bump friendly.
Good luck with your project, we need more Britrods!

HERE HERE!...

love yours mate.....Dead smart!..

 

[Parker]

I don`t think im going to bother with back seats

That will be filled up with subs and 6x9s to wack out my music

 

[Parker]

Just been in contact with Austineers and they said that the Austin big 7 chassis are like rocking horse shit to get hold off.

Would it still work with an ruby chassis

 

[sjb]

I see this at Barleylands show 08...look good fenderless

 

[Parker]

That would be even more nice sat on some wide steels

 

[33speedster]

This is an Austin that Wyliez is building on a basic ladder chassis with RV8 and Chevy truck front and rear axles and various bits and bobs found in his shed.
His intension is to chop this and have it for his 2 kids in the back.

I think this is Austin 10 or big 7 makes a change from fords etc8)

 

[Ratius Ratus]

Just been in contact with Austineers and they said that the Austin big 7 chassis are like rocking horse shit to get hold off.

Would it still work with an ruby chassis

If you are building from ground up i wouldnt use a ruby chassis because they are too flimsy and very narrow at the nose. If you are using an MGB lump it will have to be mounted so far back and get a reasonable driving position your arse will be on the dif. I wouldnt say my car is anything like comfortable because 7`s are very small cars but its a great laugh. I think you are better off building your own chassis around whatever body, engine and running gear you want. Looking back at the amount of work that went into modifying my chassis it would have been much easier and quicker to scratch build one. I`ve got some pics of my rolling chassis somewhere......watch this space.

 

[Ratius Ratus]

This is an Austin that Wyliez is building on a basic ladder chassis with RV8 and Chevy truck front and rear axles and various bits and bobs found in his shed.
His intension is to chop this and have it for his 2 kids in the back.

I think this is Austin 10 or big 7 makes a change from fords etc8)

Awesome Austin dude.........ACE!!

 

[Ratius Ratus]

Mines much smaller than yours mate!! Check out my motor next to my bruvs MASSIVE `69 Dodge Coronet. Its crazy.
This pic always makes me smile, in a modest sort of way.

 

[Parker]

Christ i would`nt no were to start to make an chassis.
Nore the messurements


Ill probley try an find the messurements for an austin big 7 and make one

 

[jez r]

Mines much smaller than yours mate!! Check out my motor next to my bruvs MASSIVE `69 Dodge Coronet. Its crazy.
This pic always makes me smile, in a modest sort of way.

If you're both going the same way you could stick the Austin in the boot of the Dodge and save the petrol.