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Newbie saying hi and asking a few questions.
Mike01 - 3/5/17 at 07:19 AM

Well thought I would say hi, been lurking on the Haynes forum for a number of years always wanted to build the roadsters but life always got in the way (two little girls and moving house and changing jobs) but I am now at a point where I can afford myself some time and resources to build my little dream machine.
I am new to kit cars and self builds, I am a practical person though and have some skills (nvq in mig welding ) and an aerospace inspector by trade, also spent my youth tinkering with cars (mainly Rovers in the R8 form) ,my tool kit is not what it used to be so I will have to acquire many of the tools I will need to complete this build so any suggestions on must have tools is appreciated, I am also curious where people have secured the box section steel from to build the chassis (I intend to build my own chassis as per the Haynes book) I look forward to making some new friends and posting my progress once I have everything planned out.

HowardB - 3/5/17 at 07:38 AM

Welcome to the forum, the sum total of knowledge here exceeds the capacity of the internet on occasions and it overflows into hilarity. It's a great place to start and there are always offers of help.

Did you make it to Stonleigh?

Mike01 - 3/5/17 at 07:46 AM

quote:
Originally posted by HowardB
Welcome to the forum, the sum total of knowledge here exceeds the capacity of the internet on occasions and it overflows into hilarity. It's a great place to start and there are always offers of help.

Did you make it to Stonleigh?


Sounds like my kind of place think I should fit right in, I was unable to attend Stonleigh had family over.....apparently it's rude to go off for the weekend to look at cars so says my other half, do intend to try and get to a few shows this year weather and work permitting

nick205 - 3/5/17 at 08:04 AM

Welcome aboard and the very best wishes for your build. As HowardB says this forum is a great provider of knowledge and help - parts, tools, techniques it's all on here. The chances are you'll find other builders local to you on here too (I did and it's been a bonus a few times).

Ugg10 - 3/5/17 at 10:57 AM

Welcome on board, looking forward to seeing your project progress.

As for box section, I must admit that I would be tempted to buy a pre-cut kit from one of the reputable suppliers (others will point you in the right direction as I have no direct experience) this will take one of the variables out of the equation and give you more time to concentrate on getting the welds right.

Also worth reading the latest IVA manual so you can plan to be compliant rather than fixing stuff after the event.

You got any plans for the kit yet - what it is going to be used for, engine, style etc.?

Mike01 - 3/5/17 at 11:10 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Ugg10
Welcome on board, looking forward to seeing your project progress.

As for box section, I must admit that I would be tempted to buy a pre-cut kit from one of the reputable suppliers (others will point you in the right direction as I have no direct experience) this will take one of the variables out of the equation and give you more time to concentrate on getting the welds right.

Also worth reading the latest IVA manual so you can plan to be compliant rather than fixing stuff after the event.

You got any plans for the kit yet - what it is going to be used for, engine, style etc.?


Flat pack kit for the chassis seems to be a popular choice the more I think about it the more it makes sense to purchase one.

The car will be used as a toy for weekends and very occasional track day I want an engine that offers tuning potential so I am leaning towards a Ford lump probably a zetec motor as they are cheap and plentiful with some good aftermarket support.

Camber Dave - 3/5/17 at 12:36 PM

Hi Mike

When I was in Bristol I used Fred Powell on Feedar Road.
They only sell full lengths but will half them if requested.

In practice though, the precut kits are the simple option.

I should also recommend the KitNet Forum. Everyone can have 2 weeks free access to check us out, then it is just £15 a year.
During your build you will save that 5 times over with advice, help and support.
Google kitnet.uk
We are Bristol and West Country based but growing nationally and we even have 2 members in Oz!

snapper - 3/5/17 at 06:46 PM

Your credencials are impressive so I would expect that your build will be to aircraft standards something I did not achieve by a long chalk.
I started by buying an I started pile of bits with no idea what I had bought, to ensure I finished it I told all my mates what I was doing, I could therefore not fail to finish it. I took a lot of s41t from them ( and still do ) but not as much as I would have if it was never finished.
This is a great forum, the value of the knowledge is incalculable

Mike01 - 3/5/17 at 06:54 PM

quote:
Originally posted by snapper
Your credencials are impressive so I would expect that your build will be to aircraft standards something I did not achieve by a long chalk.
I started by buying an I started pile of bits with no idea what I had bought, to ensure I finished it I told all my mates what I was doing, I could therefore not fail to finish it. I took a lot of s41t from them ( and still do ) but not as much as I would have if it was never finished.
This is a great forum, the value of the knowledge is incalculable


Hi I would like to think my build would be aircraft standard ,but then again I would be happy to just get it on the road :-)
I am anticipating a slow build to be honest, I tend to down tools if things are not going well for fear of losing my temper (I have a been known for having paddy with jobs )

gremlin1234 - 3/5/17 at 08:15 PM

one of the most important things to do is get a copy of the IVA test manual.

current one is October 2016
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/556944/m1-iva-inspection-manual.pdf

then remember that's the minimum standard to get a car on the road.
most of it is just common sense!

edit
WELCOME!

[Edited on 3/5/17 by gremlin1234]