Well I thought it was about time I started a build thread. I'm going to get the disclaimer in now and say that this will probably be a long project, I've given myself 18 months but think even that is a bit ambitious considering I have my second child on the way (due 31st March).

My decision to build a kit car came about 5 minutes after I sat in the drivers seat of a titanium grey Caterham CSR200. Me and the missus rented one for our 10th Anniversary from the folk at http://www.highlandcaterhamhire.co.uk/ We drove the west coast of Scotland over 4 days. From that point I was sold and knew I had to have that style of car. The reality was though that I'd never be able to build (afford) something as good as it.

So I took the plunge in October last year when Talon Motorsport was offering the chassis for a good deal and placed my order. The missus said it could be my 40th Birthday present (which is also in March). All going well I should be receiving the chassis this weekend and can't wait to see it in the flesh.

I have to say a big thanks to GaryT for the heads up on a donor car which I picked up on Sunday (15/02/2015). A 600 mile round trip with my old man to pick it up from just south of Glasgow (more info on that in the next post).

Anyway things are slowly falling into place and hopefully I can build something to be proud of.

I plan on keeping this first post up to date with costs so it will be an easy reference for anyone wanting that sort of info.
Donor Car £255

So wish me luck as I start my journey.

(This is also posted on the Haynes forum)

[Edited on 17/2/15 by dubzter]

So I picked up my donor car on Sunday (15/02/2015) again thanks go to GaryT for giving me the heads up. I signed up to MX5Scotland so I could get in touch with the guy and eventually came to a deal.

The car is a 2003 Mazda MX5 Nevada 1.8 with approx 88k on the clock. She had failed her MOT due to rotten chassis rails and the cost to repair made it uneconomical so it was being broken up. As you can see from the pics she has been well stripped but importantly the engine runs and she moves under her own steam.

There have been a few parts stripped that I need but they can be sourced as and when. So I'll be looking out for brakes front and rear and some form of instrument panel whether that be mazda clocks or something aftermarket.

Me and my old man managed to borrow a car transporter trailer and set off at 8am for the 600 mile round trip to pick her up. Bob (the seller) was a nice chap and the deal was done swiftly.

Here are the pics.

Rotten chassis rails :eek:




In all her gory



Loaded ready to go

Bear in mind that IIRC the mx5 front wishbones are a different geometry to the MK1 - make sure talon are suppling you the right wishbones!

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Originally posted by prawnabie
Bear in mind that IIRC the mx5 front wishbones are a different geometry to the MK1 - make sure talon are suppling you the right wishbones!

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Good Luck

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Originally posted by johnnybizzle1986
Good Luck

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great to see you starting out, as on most sites plenty of picture are required,
seriously its good to see you starting out and if I can be of any help give me a shout even if you just want a cuppa and blether
all the best Gary

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Originally posted by garyt
great to see you starting out, as on most sites plenty of picture are required,
seriously its good to see you starting out and if I can be of any help give me a shout even if you just want a cuppa and blether
all the best Gary

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From the searching ive done so far the mk2 front uprights have a slightly higher steering arm so the track rod end is 7mm higher than the mk1. The rears give an ever so slight wider track.

Sat side by side I cant see a difference. I want to get them measured when I get a chance.

quote:

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Originally posted by big_wasa
From the searching ive done so far the mk2 front uprights have a slightly higher steering arm so the track rod end is 7mm higher than the mk1. The rears give an ever so slight wider track.

Sat side by side I cant see a difference. I want to get them measured when I get a chance.

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Got my chassis today, thanks Phil.

So I guess it as easy as this

Hi escort rack is fine and speak to phil re. the extensions just tell him escort to mx5 and he'll do his thing
looking forward to the progress reports
Gary

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Originally posted by garyt
Hi escort rack is fine and speak to phil re. the extensions just tell him escort to mx5 and he'll do his thing
looking forward to the progress reports
Gary

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quote:

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Originally posted by dubzter

quote:

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Originally posted by big_wasa
From the searching ive done so far the mk2 front uprights have a slightly higher steering arm so the track rod end is 7mm higher than the mk1. The rears give an ever so slight wider track.

Sat side by side I cant see a difference. I want to get them measured when I get a chance.

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What impact do you see that having on the build? The rears I can't see causing any issues but the front steering arm do you think it will cause a problem? I've been thinking about using a mk2 escort quick rack with extensions. Haven't looked into details yet but will suck it and see I guess.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Slimy38

quote:

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Originally posted by dubzter

quote:

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Originally posted by big_wasa
From the searching ive done so far the mk2 front uprights have a slightly higher steering arm so the track rod end is 7mm higher than the mk1. The rears give an ever so slight wider track.

Sat side by side I cant see a difference. I want to get them measured when I get a chance.

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What impact do you see that having on the build? The rears I can't see causing any issues but the front steering arm do you think it will cause a problem? I've been thinking about using a mk2 escort quick rack with extensions. Haven't looked into details yet but will suck it and see I guess.

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I believe the mk2 front upright is actually favoured because the higher TRE keeps the track rod itself away from the lower wishbone. With mk1 front uprights and some wishbone designs it's possible for the rod to touch the wishbone.

Hopefully I've remembered that rightly...

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Started a build blog

https://hayneskitcar.wordpress.com/2015/03/01/the-chassis-2/

Giving the chassis a lick of paint

https://hayneskitcar.wordpress.com/2015/03/07/a-lick-of-paint/

Looking good, wish I had of done a blog to! Your picture quality is awesome!

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Originally posted by Rosco86
Looking good, wish I had of done a blog to! Your picture quality is awesome!

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Damn I should have SORNed the donor car as soon as I got the paperwork through............oops that'll be £45 I owe the DVLA then.

Yep did that once as well.

any updates regarding the build? Would love to know where you have got to in the build

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Originally posted by JSArmstrong
any updates regarding the build? Would love to know where you have got to in the build

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