RMC series 1

[Baur323]

Hi All,

New to the forum and already seeking advice.

After building a Lotus 7 some years ago, I have decided I need something more significant.

Been looking around at abandoned projects as a good starting point and came across a RMC series 1 that is an unfinished project. It's a roller with wait for it, a v6. Jaguar suspension and pretty incomplete besides that.

Guy want's $10k but sounds very negotiable.

I live in NSW, so I guess getting it rego'ed would be a challenge?

Looking for feelings on should I consider or carry on with my search?

Stephen

[just dreamin]

Stephen, only you can answer that question. It depends on your budget, what your dreams are for the finished car, will you be happy with the VN mtr when everyone on the block has a V8?
It really is up to you and if you will be happy with the finished product.

[Baur323]

I would DEFINATELY Replace the motor, A v6 in a cobra is plain wrong.....Guess my question relates more to the chassis.

[LoBelly]

RMC's from the 90's are frequently classified as 'Single rail' or 'Double rail' and this relates to the outboard steel tube that formes the chassis i.e. is there a second outboard row of steel.

RMC went to Double rail to meet the standardized bendy test coz the single rail was not stiff enough

(you can weld in more steel but will have to cut up the tub to lower the body on if that is a single rail)

I have and old single rail and enjoy it a lot - but the quality of the cars that came from 'kits' of this era are more dependant on the build than the starting point (RMC is a good start tho)

Good luck

LoBelly

edit

this is Baz's twin rail RMC - judging by the footwell photo above I'd say the car you were looking at is the earlier single rail model

[Baur323]

Thanks Lobelly.

Anything specific you can think of that I should be watching out before considering buying it?

[stephen low]

Stephen

I've a G-Force that essentially morphed out of the RMC as the two RMC partners separated back in the day. The G-Force runs a full steel tunnel and this I assume was the means to get this kit around the twin rails need for bend testing.

The kit would certainly be a good solid starting point and if you can get it sub 10 gorillas I think you aren't doing too badly.

Worth some research on the bend testing needs, cause as Lobelly says, if you then need to do some cutting and shutting on the chassis, this is time and expense.

Might somewhat also depend on how handy you are with a wrench and welder, as to whether this is an option for you.

Have fun researching.

Steve

[Baur323]

Here a side pic, any idea which body this is?

Also, rear looks droopy, is it just not fit/mounted properly ?

[stiffy]

Bauer323,

The car is all wrong, V6, the rear of the body is very wrong IMO.

There are better unfinished projects out there.

I have an RMC so it's not about the brand of kit.

Stiffy

[Donunder]

Originally Posted by stiffy

The car is all wrong, V6, the rear of the body is very wrong IMO.

RMCs generally had a very good reputation back in the day, but I agree with Stiffy about this one.

Don't walk away from it --- run.

[David Hodgson]

RMC and Gforce are a bit droopy in the rear. I would suggest it's just the nose up stance that is exacerbating the droop in that pic. I would check the condition of the body closely and if that's ok it would be a reasonable start. Has suspension components and a few other bits already.
Like others have said, depends on how handy you are. Look up 'sickntwisteds' thread and see what he has just started with. RMC do have good bones so the basis is there.
Also what 'leroy17' is doing isn't a bad idea either. A tired car with engineering certificate and refurbish that.

[iva bigan]

Hear,hear
David you saved me a lot of typing,they were my exact thoughts,it also looks like the single rail chassis indicated by how deep the door is,RMC shortened the doors on the double rail chassis,in the vertical dimention ,it could still be a great project ,just need to determine whether you can bring the torsion and beaming into spec with some simple modification of chassis.

Iva Bigan

[Rebel1]

[quote=David Hodgson;1364348]RMC and Gforce are a bit droopy in the rear. I would suggest it's just the nose up stance that is exacerbating the droop in that pic. /QUOTE]

David's comments are spot on.

The series 1 chassis is very similar to the later series 2 chassis except for the top side rail as shown on the pic of Baz's chassis.

Also note from the pic of the IRS that the drive shafts are angled upwards from the diff center to the alloy uprights/hubs.

On the series 2 chassis RMC lowered the upper coilover mount by 25mm to center the wheel in the wheel arch and to overcome the droopy butt look.. (ie. Raised the ride height)

In a lightly loaded condition ie. no Tank, no battery(in the boot) and no driver, those drive shafts should be inclined from the diff center downwards to the uprights/hub.

With a jag IRS those drive shafts should be horizontal at ride height when loaded with half a tank of petrol, the battery in the boot and the driver in the car.

[Rebel1]

This is a video of a series 2 RMC which indicates the slightly droopy butt look of the RMC at correct ride height.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lYGTrKUCYs[/ame]

[Baur323]

Car got sold before I got to view. The search continues....

[deano59]

Originally Posted by Baur323

Car got sold before I got to view. The search continues....

i think you dodged a bullet on that one im sure there will be better half finished than that one . ive seen kits go for around the same price that come with wheels windscreens seats ect keep looking something will turn up

[Baur323]

Please keep your ears to the ground for me.

[Chook]

There's a RMC series III on gumtree half completed? No affiliation just saw it while browsing