The world's worst Honda S600 ... and it is mine

Dave77 · **Posted:** Wed Jun 06, 2012 6:58 pm

Thanks s800m!

Dave77 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 08, 2012 7:40 pm

I've had some down time in the evenings with not much to do. Some thoughts on the rear suspension design: http://oldcarjunkie.wordpress.com/2012/ ... ear-axles/

Kuroneko · **Posted:** Fri Jun 15, 2012 6:22 pm

Dave77 wrote:

I've had some down time in the evenings with not much to do. Some thoughts on the rear suspension design: http://oldcarjunkie.wordpress.com/2012/ ... ear-axles/

Great blog! Bookmarked, love the stuff there. Happy to see photographs from me too! Feel free to use any others as well. Neko.

79cord · **Posted:** Sat Jun 16, 2012 6:40 am

Interesting to see that. Though I would rule out semi-elliptic leaf-springs completely as the rear of the chassis was never designed for such loads.
I have seen internet photos of S-600 chassis welded to add clearance notches.
And mention of narrowed Mx-5, Miata rear suspension.
I have also seen a Suzuki Cappuccino independent rear-end for sale & was very tempted but for locations of rear struts and upper wishbone mountings.

Dave77 · **Posted:** Sun Jun 17, 2012 9:16 pm

Thanks Kuroneko

Good point 79cord on the chassis. The "builder" of the actually beefed up the rear of the chassis a bit but we'll see how much of the remains when I cut out the diff.

There is a 1983 BMW 318i locally cheap that might work as a donor. Apparently a just rebuilt motor. The rear is trailing arm IRS but I could convert that to double wishbone.

So I initially thought that the car had rusted out but no ... the builder had cut out all the inner body panels. The car actually has almost no rust so I think it was probably rust free when he did it! Amazing - even back in the 70s this still would have been an interesting car I would have thought.

So I need some patch panels. Cardboard is easier to work with so I created some templates to begin with.

From template to metal. I got those metal cutting shears in my white Lada Niva - they work great.

Clamp on metal - ready for welding.

Part of one side in. Not bad for a morning of work. Still needs a bit of cleaning up here and there.

79cord · **Posted:** Tue Jun 19, 2012 2:24 am

Quick progress!
It's scarey that anyone should want to remove structure from the body when the chassis looks to contribute little to the cars overall strength by comparison.

BMW rear components sound interesting, even if structure would have to be added to mount diff. (& lots of narrowing req.).
Early 3-series 4x100 stud pattern. I recall comments of someone using Isuzu Gemini (Chevette family, & also 4x100), front knuckles & brakes on S600 for a disc brake conversion, with steering arm re-tapered to fit upon opposite side. Though S came with various front knuckles & A-arm lengths over the years which may affect fit & resulting camber.
McPherson/Chapman strut rear set-up also possibly an option?

Dave77 · **Posted:** Tue Jun 19, 2012 8:07 am

The Chevette would be my first choice of donor. The engine isn't all that inspiring but the 4x100mm bolt pattern is common, the front suspension could work (I could make new arms for the front suspension if I needed to), the rear axle should work in a four link format. Haven't found a decent one yet (did find automatic one - yuck). I've been thinking about the BMW more - I could use it for just the motor and transmission as well as the various misc bits I need (horns, wiring, etc) then find the Chevette axle and spindles in the junkyard. We will see.

A McPherson/Chapman strut rear set-up would be tough without tossing the whole rear end design - at that point I may as well just use the whole BMW subframe and weld in a new frame structure around it. Possible.

79cord · **Posted:** Wed Jun 20, 2012 3:46 am

Gemini/Chevette rear end is coil-sprung live axle with panhard rod but is also incorporates a torque tube to hang its diff from g/box, which might be difficult to accommodate?

Dave77 · **Posted:** Wed Jun 20, 2012 7:34 am

I'd just cut off the brackets and make a four link set up. I'm hoping the torque tube won't prove too long. A Locost builder is getting me measurements.

http://locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.p ... 4&start=60

vwdmc16 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 21, 2012 8:20 pm

Man what a rough start, so much potential!

Another engine idea for you. Honda CBX1000 straight 6 mounted longitudinally. granted this would require a large amount of machining and creativity. Not sure if that is something you have access too.

Sven7 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 28, 2012 11:58 am

I'm going to be the dissenting voice here. IMO just grab a 350 drivetrain from some random GM product in the past 40 years and throw it in with a narrowed rear axle. Get those wheels to fit, let the engine stick out of the hood with no fairing, and rock it. It probably has all the engine mounts in place, right? That paint scheme is so classic racing. Just call it the "Hey Tiny Cobra" or "Big Honda". :tu:

Dave77 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 28, 2012 3:52 pm

It has engine mounts for a 350 but they don't allow a radiator to fit. Plus the rear has no actual suspension - axle welded to frame.

hondaNERD77cvcc · **Joined:** Thu Jun 28, 2012 10:10 pm **Posts:** 3

Combine it with mine and you got something special!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... RK:MESE:IT

SylusMk2 · **Joined:** Tue May 08, 2012 2:44 pm **Posts:** 42

Sven7 wrote:

I'm going to be the dissenting voice here. IMO just grab a 350 drivetrain from some random GM product in the past 40 years and throw it in with a narrowed rear axle. Get those wheels to fit, let the engine stick out of the hood with no fairing, and rock it. It probably has all the engine mounts in place, right? That paint scheme is so classic racing. Just call it the "Hey Tiny Cobra" or "Big Honda". :tu:

chevy small block would be sweet.....(my dads 71 el camino)

ever think of maybe a gasser look??

Dave77 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 29, 2012 5:55 am

I think the gasser looks would work but it would have to be a V6 to fit.

SylusMk2 · **Joined:** Tue May 08, 2012 2:44 pm **Posts:** 42

possibly a supercharged 3800....or grand national 3800...they are easy enough to find and all the mounts are the same as a 350

76RA24 · **Posted:** Tue Oct 23, 2012 1:07 pm

updates?

Dave77 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 19, 2012 1:45 pm

Not too many. A ripped off that awful hood blister. I finished a bit of welding inside to strengthen the shell before taking the body off. I've got some metal to create the firewall, front floors, etc. That is my Christmas holiday project. I've got some Toyota brakes, spindles and front suspension I'm going to see if I can adapt. I also have a Toyota axle but it may prove to be too wide. I did have a 22R motor for it but I sold that. Not sure what to use on the engine front yet. Man this thing is rough. I may built it as an auto-x toy for now. Some updated photos but it is much the same

Kuroneko · **Posted:** Wed Dec 19, 2012 7:36 pm

The exhaust in the last shot looks strangely appropriate! Love this stuff... Neko.

nwclassichonda · **Posted:** Tue Dec 25, 2012 2:40 pm

Great find! Jealous. :mrgreen:

The world's worst Honda S600 ... and it is mine

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