stevegough
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 posted on 16/3/11 at 11:36 AM |
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A Complete Build cost summary.
Well, This is it - I have finally completed my car, got it on the road, during this time I kept a record of what it has cost. I'm fairly
confident that I have built it reasonably economically, and this would be worth a look through for anyone contemplating a build who is puzzled about
how it can cost so much....
Notes:
I bought an 'unstarted' Luego Locost second hand.
The original purchase of £1645 included:
chassis, ally panels, Grp body sections, Sierra donor with newish alloy wheels and tyres.
Wishbones and rear uprights.
The chassis and wishbones had started to rust under the powder coating, so I had to start by getting it fully shotblasted and re-powdercoated.
Sourcing parts: most of the parts had to be sourced throught the 'net, either by ebay or CBS / QED / Merlin / SBD / etc etc and the cost of the
postage is included in those figures.
With quite a few items, I ended up buying one, finding it either didn't fit or was unsuitable eg. the propshaft, and, as it is all part of the
'joy' of trial and error building, the cost of both items are included.
The entire build took just over two years, and is the most satisfying thing I have ever done.
Finally, I would like to say that this forum was essential to me completing the build - I am no mechanic, just a keen (and although I say it myself) a
pretty able DIY man. LCB filled in a lot of holes in my knowledge where I would otherwise have floundered.
Regards, Steve
Chassis/body.....................................£2277
Chassis, bodywork (GRP and ally),
Shotblasting and powdercoating......1865
Wings, stays, Tigerseal...........................89
Car Cover................................................55
IVA edgings and covers...........................82
Bonnet bulge and 4 catches....................65
Mirrors...................................................111 (2 sets!)
S/steel wheelarch protectors..................10
Engine.......................................£1632
Engine.........................................360
Bellhousing..................................125
Clutch..........................................223
Exhaust.......................................471
Propshaft.....................................158 (2 off)
Gasket/sump/oils.........................186
Engine mounts...............................35
Bolts/leads/cambelt.......................74
Brakes, Suspension & Steering...£1157
Gaz Coilovers.................................378
Flexi / other lines...........................200 (2 full sets of braided)
Master Cyls etc................................90
Pedal box ......................................120
Discs/pads/shoes............................50
Rack & T.R.Ends...............................58
Steering Extension..........................21
Mushrooms & Balljoints.................185 (2 sets mushrooms)
Wheel nuts/studs/locknuts.............55
Interior.........................................£928
Carpet............................................15
Dash.............................................304
Ally floor..........................................66
Seats and runners........................197
Harnesses & welding..................145
Steering Wheel.............................100
H/B, Gearlever, tunnel
trim, footrest.................................101
Water System..............................£285
Radiator...........................................52 (2 off)
Header Tank....................................20
Hoses/reducers/
connectors & clips.........................179
Radiator fan & switch......................34
Fuel System................................£330
Tank.............................................100
Filler cap / neck..............................75
Pump / Filters.................................38
Sender...........................................22 (2 off)
Pipes & fittings...............................95 (2 lots - rubber, then copper)
Electrics & Lighting......................£498
Loom.............................................120
Battery............................................71
Headlights.....................................110
Indicators, side repeaters,
Tail lights, number plate lt,
Foglight & reflectors......................172
Miscellaneous...............................£168
Books & manuals.............................15
Badges............................................18
Grease & sealant.............................27
Paints..............................................53
Fibreglass Kit...................................19
Nuts / Bolts / Rivets
Washers & rivnuts...........................36
Windscreen 'system'....................£422
Windscreen assembly....................110
Supports / edging............................57
Washers..........................................10
Wipers...........................................136
Heater/Demister............................109
Legal...........................................£1002
Luego VIN plate...............................25
Number Stamps...............................14
IVA Test.........................................450
IVA Retest.......................................90
Road Tax.......................................205
Registration Fee..............................55
Insurance (Im 53!).......................127
No. Plates.......................................28
Tax disc holder .................................8
Tools............................................£704
Engine crane..................................129
Engine Stand...................................53
Riveters / Rivnutter..........................50
Welder...........................................125
Mask / Wire / Gas............................80
Torque wrench & Comp. tester........54
Grinding whls, brushes, clamps........35
Reamer.............................................10
Dremmel...........................................61
Circuit tester......................................7
Jigsaw blades..................................10
Crimper set......................................18
C Spanners......................................11 (2 off)
Trailer straps...................................53
Timber (for trestles)..........................8
________________________________________________________________________________
Summary of build costs for Luego Locost
Chassis/body
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...2277
Engine
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.1632
Brakes, suspension, steering
..1157
Interior
.....928
Water system
..285
Fuel System
...330
Electrics, Lighting
.....498
Windscreen
....422
Misc
...168
Legal
..1002
_________________________________
Sub total
....8699
_________________________________
Tools
..704
_________________________________
Final total
...9403
Luego Locost C20XE.
Build start: October 6th 2008.
IVA passed Jan 28th 2011.
First drive Feb 10th 2011.
First show: Stoneleigh 1st/2nd May 2011.
'Used up' first engine may 3rd 2011!
Back on the road with 2nd engine may 24th
First PASA mad drive 26/7/11
Sold to Mike in Methyr Tydvil 19/03/14
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Bluemoon
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| posted on 16/3/11 at 11:59 AM |
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Nice summary you might like to link to some finished photos as well give other an idea of what can be done.. Trouble with budgets is it's a
trade of time/skill(and we are all learning that!) vs cash..
Cheers
Dan
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02GF74
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| posted on 16/3/11 at 12:21 PM |
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just to put a dampener on things, if you put it up for sale, I reckon you'd get 1/2 the cost .... but then that is not the point of building.
..... and also the reason why I am not totalling my costs as it will bring tears to my eyes.
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richardlee237
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| posted on 16/3/11 at 12:55 PM |
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My build summary
Too much, too long !
Quote Lord Kelvin
Large increases in cost with questionable increases in performance can be tolerated only in race horses and women.
Quote Richard Lee
"and cars"
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Daddylonglegs
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| posted on 16/3/11 at 12:58 PM |
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Good post Steve. Makes you realise how these little 'odds & sods' can add up too
I wonder if I dare do one for my locost?
This thread will probably spark a 'who has built the cheapest car' thread next 
It looks like the Midget is winning at the moment......
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beagley
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| posted on 16/3/11 at 01:08 PM |
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Wow..... thank you!! I've been wondering this same question for a while now. I will definitely be referencing this when I make my sales picth
to SWMBO.
Beags
I'm not scared!!! I'm just marking my territory.
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stevegough
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| posted on 16/3/11 at 01:53 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Bluemoon
Nice summary you might like to link to some finished photos as well give other an idea of what can be done.. Trouble with budgets is it's a
trade of time/skill(and we are all learning that!) vs cash..
Cheers
Dan
Thanks, good idea, Dan - however - all photos are in my archive, and the post is pretty long already!!
Luego Locost C20XE.
Build start: October 6th 2008.
IVA passed Jan 28th 2011.
First drive Feb 10th 2011.
First show: Stoneleigh 1st/2nd May 2011.
'Used up' first engine may 3rd 2011!
Back on the road with 2nd engine may 24th
First PASA mad drive 26/7/11
Sold to Mike in Methyr Tydvil 19/03/14
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eddie99
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| posted on 16/3/11 at 02:04 PM |
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Nice Summary... I started doing a very similar one... But stopped at about 7k... And i'd dare update it...
http://www.elitemotorsporteng.co.uk/
Twitter: @Elitemotoreng
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Elite-Motorsport-Engineering/153409081394323
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NOTE:This user is registered as a LocostBuilders trader and may offer commercial services to other users
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emsfactory
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| posted on 16/3/11 at 02:30 PM |
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mine only cost £250!!
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Doctor Derek Doctors
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| posted on 16/3/11 at 02:59 PM |
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I created a spreadsheet earlier in the week for my RGB '7' Race car.
When complete it will be interesting to compare a race car to a road car and see where the specific costs of each come in.
Personally I think the total cost will be very similar to yours but with less spent on interior and legal and more on Engine and Suspension.
FYI its just over £4k currently with a rolling chassis and Engine (all race spec parts)
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NOTE:This user is registered as a LocostBuilders trader and may offer commercial services to other users
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Confused but excited.
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| posted on 16/3/11 at 03:48 PM |
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Books and manuals £15
I think I have spent my initial budget of £250 (yes we all got suckered in the first place) , on books alone.
Tools; don't even get me started......
Still it's more fun than the pub and you have something to show for it, other than pi55 and hangovers.
Tell them about the bent treacle edges!
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speed8
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| posted on 16/3/11 at 03:50 PM |
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Hmmmm. I stopped counting after I ordered the first few stages. I dread to even think how much I've put in over the years and it would be worse
to even contemplate what I would get back.
What she doesn't know about won't worry her
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Doctor Derek Doctors
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| posted on 16/3/11 at 04:11 PM |
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quote:
[Tools; don't even get me started......
Tools don't count though, you have the tools for life (if they are decent quality) and can be used for many kit cars or road cars or DIY or
whatever.
I work on the basis that if I need to use a tool then I buy a decent one, then I will never want for that tool again, borrowing tools is infuriating
for the lender and lendee.
Also I get James Mays fizzy stomach feeling when I get some nice new tools... is that wrong? Probably.
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NOTE:This user is registered as a LocostBuilders trader and may offer commercial services to other users
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TimC
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| posted on 16/3/11 at 05:01 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Doctor Derek Doctors
I created a spreadsheet earlier in the week for my RGB '7' Race car.
When complete it will be interesting to compare a race car to a road car and see where the specific costs of each come in.
Personally I think the total cost will be very similar to yours but with less spent on interior and legal and more on Engine and Suspension.
FYI its just over £4k currently with a rolling chassis and Engine (all race spec parts)
Interesting - I did the same and it came out at a lot more than that! I did of course lose a good chunk when I let you have the chassis so cheap! 
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Fred W B
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| posted on 16/3/11 at 05:51 PM |
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To make yourself feel better, at the bottom of the spread sheet divide the total by the number of months you have been woking on the car - the number
will be less than some people spend on pubs/golf/fishing whatever.
This is a hobby right while the car is being built
Cheers
Fred w B
You can do it quickly. You can do it cheap. You can do it right. Pick any two.
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Doctor Derek Doctors
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| posted on 16/3/11 at 06:44 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by TimC
quote:
Originally posted by Doctor Derek Doctors
I created a spreadsheet earlier in the week for my RGB '7' Race car.
When complete it will be interesting to compare a race car to a road car and see where the specific costs of each come in.
Personally I think the total cost will be very similar to yours but with less spent on interior and legal and more on Engine and Suspension.
FYI its just over £4k currently with a rolling chassis and Engine (all race spec parts)
Interesting - I did the same and it came out at a lot more than that! I did of course lose a good chunk when I let you have the chassis so cheap!
I have had some mega bargains and cut some costs as well though, using a 919cc Fireblade and and Andy B helping me with used parts has saved over £2k
on the engine alone.
Also things like getting a set of Compomotive Race wheels for £100 and a complete electric reverse for £100 has saved a decent amount of wedge.
I think a complete build for £7k is achievable, £8k Likely and £9k with an IVA test are realistic costs.
By the way Tim, the plan is to make it out for the final RGB race at Donnignton this year, hopfully the Life-Taker will have a competitive debut at
the hands fo my tame racing driver.
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NOTE:This user is registered as a LocostBuilders trader and may offer commercial services to other users
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keljon
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| posted on 21/6/11 at 10:50 AM |
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.
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tug
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| posted on 21/6/11 at 11:41 AM |
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125£ for a welder? Seems hella cheap
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stevegough
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| posted on 21/6/11 at 05:43 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by tug
125£ for a welder? Seems hella cheap
This is the welder (they have gone up in price since I bought mine, but it was £120 ish then (early 2009)).
SEALEY SIEGEN MINIMIG PORTABLE MIG WELDER 130AMP 230V | eBay UK
Luego Locost C20XE.
Build start: October 6th 2008.
IVA passed Jan 28th 2011.
First drive Feb 10th 2011.
First show: Stoneleigh 1st/2nd May 2011.
'Used up' first engine may 3rd 2011!
Back on the road with 2nd engine may 24th
First PASA mad drive 26/7/11
Sold to Mike in Methyr Tydvil 19/03/14
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Marcus
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| posted on 22/6/11 at 08:37 PM |
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Just totted mine up at £2550 on the road, mind you it was 2004 and SVA was cheaper than IVA!!
[Edited on 22/6/11 by Marcus]
Marcus
Because kits are for girls!!
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Not Anumber
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| posted on 26/1/12 at 04:33 PM |
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I'm very glad to read that others have achieved builds within a £ 2.5 to £4 k budget.
The > £ 9k build cost in the first post here had seriously put me off the whole idea for a while- i nearly scrapped my donor car in fact.
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scootz
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| posted on 26/1/12 at 04:36 PM |
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You can spend as little or as much as you like... depends how much bargain-hunting you want to do, how handy you are with the tools, and what you want
the car to look like.
Don't be influenced (or put off) by other folks build-costs!
It's Evolution Baby!
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adithorp
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| posted on 26/1/12 at 05:23 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by scootz
You can spend as little or as much as you like... depends how much stuff you get off me that I bought, didn't need and sold at a huge loss, how
handy you are with the tools, and what you want the car to look like.
Don't be influenced (or put off) by other folks build-costs!
Corrected that statment for you Scootz.
"A witty saying proves nothing" Voltaire
http://jpsc.org.uk/forum/
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Proby
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| posted on 26/1/12 at 06:14 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by adithorp
quote:
Originally posted by scootz
You can spend as little or as much as you like... depends how much stuff you get off me that I bought, didn't need and sold at a huge loss, how
handy you are with the tools, and what you want the car to look like.
Don't be influenced (or put off) by other folks build-costs!
Corrected that statment for you Scootz.
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Steve Hignett
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| posted on 26/1/12 at 06:40 PM |
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I did an accurate tot up on my first build (MAC1) and it came out at a few quid over £9600. It's horrible to be thinking that it would only cost
a certain amount that ends up costing £2k more. But that's the same with all the manufacturers at the time.
I could have spent less, but I wanted a specific build, aimed at lightweight etc.
I reckon I spent another £1k on it over the 2 years I had it on the road, and upgraded to a LOT of carbon, but didn't pay for any of that as I
made it all myself. Also in modifications/upgrades, like having to rosejoint the back end as the fixed wishbones had the car (rear axle line) pointing
about 4 foot to the left! (Great for roundabouts! )
I sold the car for £8750 in the end, after doing about 8000/9000 miles in it. One trackday and One 6 hour endurance race with TimC driving too.
So I don't think I did too bad out of Miles per expenditure (assuming you don't count my time etc!).
As for the Lifetaker, Callum/Tim, when is the Donny date? How much does it cost for entry? Can you camp the night before? Are you going Tim?
I reckon I could convince Joe to come with me for support and encouragement (and for a couple beers the night before and cook your burgers on a BBQ on
the day etc...)
ATB
Steve
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