Hello Chaps.

I realise that this isn't the correct section of the forum for this to be started. I am hoping to start this topic with a bundle of questions, hopefully some advice can be shared by those of you on here that are far more knowledgeable in the subject than myself. Hopefully this will then develop into a build thread, with a build and some notable progress and perhaps it will serve as some sort of help for any other potential candidates looking to start their own builds. I always like to look at build threads when I am considering a new project because its usually a well documented source of information, what fits, what doesn't, what works and what is a total waste of time.

Despite having a pretty low post count on this forum, I've been more of a watcher than a contributor, I have met a fair few members and they have always been very helpful, accommodating and have offered some sound advice and have always seemed very happy to talk about their own projects which I find very helpful.

Now to get to the point, I've wanted to build a "Seven Style" car for a number of years now. It all started with a build thread on here actually a fair few years ago. I then bought the Haynes roadster book, lent it to a friend and never saw it again. One thing and then another got in the way and it never happened. I started looking at cars last year and looked at a RH 2B which was not the best of ideas, it put me off considerably and I ended up buying another Porsche which I thoroughly enjoy, however once again I have found myself back here again.

I placed a wanted advert on this very forum for a project, I was hoping for something road registered to save me the bother of faffing around with SVA/IVA and the related costs, however registered vehicle prices clearly reflect the test costs, understandably so. I was then offered a non-registered project and I am incredibly interested in it and this brings me to the starting of this topic. Given the conditions in the country right now and the fact we can not travel no progress has been made regards this potential project and nothing will happen until it is lifted, which will probably be some considerable time yet. So some planning and research is on the cards.

So my questions are. Those of you who have built and registered your own cars. If you could give any new builder some advice what would it be? Is there anything you would do differently or perhaps change? Was the test procedure as complicated as you possibly first envisioned it being? Was there any advice you wish you had received when you first started out?

The car I am looking at is a Ford based, part built (no engine or box) GTS W7DE.


Any advice, help, even some photos of your own builds would be great.


Thanks.

For me the trade off was between a quick build and getting the car you wanted first time out.

I opted for quick and simple as I knew changes were coming to the SVA, so I used as much as possible from the donor car and left off as many additional things as possible.

For me this worked as I passed SVA first time and then subsequently changed the engine, added a screen, then wiper, side screens, hood, modified suspension etc.

I think one of the big risks is underestimating build time and cost and as a result never finishing.

The more you deviate from the plans if building from scratch the less likley you will finish.

Just little changes can have knock on affects down the line.

Nothing wrong with the Gts panther. If you whe lucky enough to get the parts you ordered they where generally good quality.

But. Darren did sell the plans so you could build your own. As I did. I then bought his fibre glass. So look at what you're buying. Obviously an invoice would be nice.

Not to be flippant, but if you want to build a car then fine pick a good kit and go for it. It can be fun sometimes.

If want to drive it just save up/get a loan and buy one on the road. When all is done, building will probably actually end up costing more and it could be quite a while till you get to drive it.

In the current economic climate I'd be very wary of getting finance on any car but it does depend on your own circumstances of course.

I get at least 75% of my enjoyment from having somthing in the garage to tinker with.

How big is big in Big T ?

Thanks for all of the input. Hopefully this Multi quote works!

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Originally posted by SJ
For me the trade off was between a quick build and getting the car you wanted first time out.

I opted for quick and simple as I knew changes were coming to the SVA, so I used as much as possible from the donor car and left off as many additional things as possible.

For me this worked as I passed SVA first time and then subsequently changed the engine, added a screen, then wiper, side screens, hood, modified suspension etc.

I think one of the big risks is underestimating build time and cost and as a result never finishing.

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quote:

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Originally posted by big_wasa
The more you deviate from the plans if building from scratch the less likley you will finish.

Just little changes can have knock on affects down the line.

Nothing wrong with the Gts panther. If you whe lucky enough to get the parts you ordered they where generally good quality.

But. Darren did sell the plans so you could build your own. As I did. I then bought his fibre glass. So look at what you're buying. Obviously an invoice would be nice.

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Originally posted by Mr Whippy
Not to be flippant, but if you want to build a car then fine pick a good kit and go for it. It can be fun sometimes.

If want to drive it just save up/get a loan and buy one on the road. When all is done, building will probably actually end up costing more and it could be quite a while till you get to drive it.

In the current economic climate I'd be very wary of getting finance on any car but it does depend on your own circumstances of course.

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quote:

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Originally posted by big_wasa


I get at least 75% of my enjoyment from having somthing in the garage to tinker with.

How big is big in Big T ?

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Take your time, know your limits, join a club and get to know local members.

quote:

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Thanks for all of the input. Hopefully this Multi quote works!

quote:
Originally posted by SJ
For me the trade off was between a quick build and getting the car you wanted first time out.

I opted for quick and simple as I knew changes were coming to the SVA, so I used as much as possible from the donor car and left off as many additional things as possible.

For me this worked as I passed SVA first time and then subsequently changed the engine, added a screen, then wiper, side screens, hood, modified suspension etc.

I think one of the big risks is underestimating build time and cost and as a result never finishing.


When did you register your car SJ and what changes did you successfully dodge?

I have zero experience with Seven Style cars, never even been in one, probably sounds crazy. So a basic Pinto or Zetec, the later being what I will be opting for, would be plenty initially. I will also be going for something with no screen and as you say, less components as the less there is, the less chance of a fail which is great.


Part of the initial lure for me was the fact the Haynes roadster was pushed as a "£1500 sports car" however within the first few pages this goes square out of the window and it has taken me a fair bit of research to get a better idea of overall costs.

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If I was to have my time again, and knew then what I knew now, I would by a complete kit, and something more
practical than a 7, and not go down the home built chassis etc as per the original book

Not saying I didn't enjoy the process, as I did, but as said above two steps forward and three back some days,
and some days even worse !!

7 are not practical in any way, they are not suited to a normal drive out, weather protection is expensive, and even homemade
as mine was, was ok,

If I was to build again, and I am not, I would go down the Cobra route, or Ferrari 250 repos style of cars

Just my personal view

steve

Yeah much as they make terrific track cars and the odd sunny blast they aren't much more practical than a motor bike. If I had the cash and the time for another kit car it would have a roof, doors and a boot! However in reality I'd just get a nice tin toptop to restore. Blasphemy on this site no doubt...

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If I had the cash and the time for another kit car it would have a roof, doors and a boot! However in reality I'd just get a nice tin toptop to restore. Blasphemy on this site no doubt...

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I think Mr Whippys point is a really good one. Think about what is important to you, to achieve, to do, to have. And reflect on what skills you have, vs what skills you want to develop. And how much you want to spend (or if this is even important to you). Work this through, and you'll hopefully set off in the right direction with your project.

I started this, 8 years (!) ago thinking I would like to have a 7 type car, and to have 'built it' myself. I thought it might take me maybe 3 years and cost a few grand. I wanted to learn about how a car worked in practice, how to work on it, and sucessfully build something from effectively 'nothing' off my own back. And do it all with some level of frugality. I had vague dreams of blatting through the country lanes once it was 'done', but they weren't really that important.

Reflecting on the above points I quickly (i.e. before really starting) went from "wanting" to build my own car from scratch, to *choosing* to buy a part-built/abandoned project, to avoid a lot of the main fabrication work. I realised how big a step it would be to go from having never welded, to producing chassis and suspension parts i'd be happy with.

My timescale has obviously stretched out a lot, life getting in the way, but also because I chose to stick to 'doing it myself' and keeping the costs own. In reality I am less bothered about having the finished car, more interested in making it - even if I make painfully slow progress on the many jobs that are to be done.

What I would reflect on is that i've spent a lot of time (which is not something I have a lot of) on grunt work - last weekend it was a couple of hours trying to cleanup the subframes for my seats, so I can finally paint them, one of many similar jobs i've gone through in the last few years: de-rusting/electrolysising parts/cleaning old paint off/prepping for new paint/etc/etc. This is the trade off I have to accept for low cost, but I probably didn't forsee the amount of dull legwork that goes into reconditioning parts/fabricating. Or the frustration when your best laid plans turn out to have not worked, and you have to start a job all over again...

As a final point i'd say: "If you have the time/space/money - follow your dream, and just be prepared to knuckle down at some point, whether that is with time or money". If you are lacking on any of those 3, think carefully about what you're embarking on before you commit!

My tips for a new build are:

1. Take your budget and double it.
2. Stick a whiteboard on the garage wall and do a to do list.
3. Don't be afraid to ask questions on here, the collective knowledge is far greater than anywhere else kitcar related.
4. Google is your friend.
5. Outsourcing will make the build alot easier and probably faster.
6. Most importantly enjoy the build.

Oh and stay away from Mercedes donors, they are a world of hurt haha.

Jay

First question I'll ask is - do you have a decent garage/workshop full of tools. If not and you're building from scratch and doing all jobs yourself, you have to factor all the tools into the budget.
I bought an unfinished project that on first look was not far from being complete. But once in my garage and reading all the IVA faff, I am almost back to a bare chassis sorting things that would never pass. Electrics have been my bug bear but have learnt loads and almost enjoyed the experience. There is a sense of achievement if you find a problem then have to find and apply the solution yourself. (Or with help of the great minds on here)

[Edited on 15/4/20 by harmchar]

I wonder why on a website named after a scratch built car so many of the responses warn against the folly of the whole concept.

I am a fully paid up member of the 'it's better to travel than to arrive' club. I had worked as a mechanic but building my car led to improving my welding, machining, cnc machine building, composites, wires and stuff and so on.

The still unfinished project has cost me an eye watering sum. I do not regret a penny. One day it might make some noise and roll around a track. Quite possibly it will not. Along the way I have enjoyed ...most of it.

If you want to build a car just do it. Never answer the two most troublesome questions. (1) when will it be finished (2) how much did that part cost....Just do one bit at a time.

Yes much as above
If you want to build one, build one.
If you just want to drive, buy one, theres no shame in it and it will probably be cheaper
Know your limitations in time available including what you family will allow
Be 100% sure what you want before you start
Drive or at least passenger in one
Look and touch some (difficult at the moment)
Dont settle for the cheapest/oldest/heavy power options
Part built is OK, but may disappoint, depending on your own standards you may have to start from scratch but with holes you didnt want
The "test" is not to be feared, its just a test, work to the rules at the outset and it should be a formality
Keep the Porsche too

Good luck

Hi

Slight variation on the above..

Take a bit of time to decide what you want to Use the car for once you've finished, sunny days out with the other half? - then a full on track spec 7 probably aint going to work

Take you time to find:-

A built IVA'd car that's roughly close to the specification you want to end up with, preferably a shabby example so you don't feel too bad when you do the next bit:-

Then totally dismantle it and re-build it as you want it - turn it back into a 'Kit' learn from the bits of the original build you don't like and re-fresh all the components etc as you go.

You can change the engine, box, colour etc - whatever you like, safe in the knowledge that with a bit of simple form filling it'll keep the 'officialdom' happy..

You'll end up experiencing the vast majority of the normal Build process, but you'll have learnt from the dismantling process so that makes the build easier to do.

You'll loose all the faffing about and significant cost of the IVA and you wont have the grief one would expect to get off the other half when stripping a donor car on the drive..

And - it'll be a HUGE amount cheaper to do overall.

HTH

[Edited on 16/4/20 by JimSpencer]

I've built a number of 'kit' cars. In the late 60's I rebuilt a Lotus 6, a couple of years later an Opus Hrf, followed by a Ginetta G15 (that was brilliant in that it went together with ease and everything was there!). Then a gap with mortgage, marriage and children. I kept looking though.
Then about 10 years ago decided to have a seriuos look (no mortgage, kids left home and still married). I looked at mainly sevens. Westfield - I would like but couldn't afford, GBS Zero - probably the best kit around but again I couldn't afford. After visiting several shows and sitting in different makes I found several I couldn't get in, 6' and 16 stone. can't fit in a Tiger which was another consideration either.
Oh dear.
I ended with a short list with the Robin Hood 2B+ at the top. So I built a Haynes Roadster. Very glad I did. Used an MX5 Mk 2 donor that cost £360 from which most of my parts came and the bits left over sold for £560! I kept cost low with ebay items and Renault Scenic rear seats (£10) etc. Total car cost on the road was £3030.26 - almost a record I think :-)
I had it two years and really enjoyed it but got caught out in very heavy rain where the car aquaplaned and was written off. Since then have helped build a Tiger Avon with ST170 on tb's giving over 200bhp, am helping with a 1968 Ginetta G4 restoration and also another MX5 based Haynes Roadster.

So what would I build for myself next. Not Tiger! Westfield maybe but almost certainly the GBS Zero with almost any engine but ecoboost would be nice but more llikely anothe MX5 base.

Good luck with your task choosing

quote:

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Originally posted by big_wasa
I get at least 75% of my enjoyment from having somthing in the garage to tinker with.
How big is big in Big T ?

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Make sure you have space available to work in and store the bits in.

Dismantling a donor car often gets messy and reconditioning the parts often costs more and takes longer than planned.

Locate a few car builders and owners local to you before you start. Knowing people always comes in helpful.

Personally I built an MK Indy back in the SVA (pre IVA) days. For me 75% of the enjoyment came from building kit. Don't get me wrong, the finished car was fantastic fun to have and drive, but the building (and tool buying) was just an absolute pleasure.

Read the IVA manual... build accordingly.. first time pass is cheaper!

JFDI. I'm still procrastinating 6 years later.

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Originally posted by Theshed
I am a fully paid up member of the 'it's better to travel than to arrive' club.

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Go out in one before you spend significant amounts of time, energy and money on something you might not actually want.

I started off wanting one, found I couldn't physically drive some kits that well, if at all (I'm a similar build to you, size 12/13 feet). I looked at the Roadster, went out in BECs and CECs and started building a MX5 based one.

As I was building, I realised I wanted a RWD sports car now. So I went and found a very good, low mileage mk3 MX5 as a daily.

Long story short, the Roadster was sold unfinished. The MX5 is still on my drive with nearly 100k on the clock (although no longer my daily) and I have no plans to sell it. I realised the MX5 delivered what I wanted from the Roadster in a more accessible, easier to attain and cheaper way and I've still had a lot of fun with it.

[Edited on 17/4/20 by PorkChop]

The quantity and quality of replies and information that has inundated this topic has really astounded me. I did expect to get anywhere near as much helpful input, so thank you all very much. I tried to quote everyone, but I ended up with a reply about 4 pages long, so I will try and go through and reply to you all.

Here we go.

theduck - Thanks for the suggestion, I suppose that FaceBook is probably the best place to find clubs, unfortunately I don't use facebook. Can anyone suggest any clubs in the South East or London?


SJ- Simple will also be my approach, the less items there are, the less there is to fail on. Modifications after the test date seems to be the preffered approach by most and is something I would consider.

steve m - Interesting to hear your points there Steve. I would love a AC Cobra, GT40, Mirage, Ultima or something like that, however my experience in kit building is non-existant. Perhaps in the future things may be different and hopefully I can gain some experience of kit building and the inspection process which I could utilise later down the line. My old neighbour many years ago had a mirage kit, I remember it in his garage when me and his son used to ride our PW90s. I am actually still in contact with that particular neighbour who now works at Santa Pod. Thorough petrol head and sound chap who I am sure would be happy to offer help and insight.

Mr Whippy - Thanks for your input again. I think I am fortunate enough to have had a pretty broad experience with tin tops. I've always had a "toy" on the side and have even utilised some as Daily vehicles. I have gone through the Jap phase with a GTR in the R32 flavour, GTiR pulsar, Imprezas and numerous other vehicles, R32 Golf, a few Porsches, Newer JCW minis and other various tin tops. I've also always had classic minis and I have reached a point where I am a bit sick of welding up rotten bits of car which seem to be never ending. I much prefer to be driving the thing than cutting and welding. That said My 60's mini cooper will never be sold and would, hopefully be run along side a Seven.

jps - Thanks for the very informative reply, you've clearly put a lot of effort into compiling your reply. It is interesting to see you also bought a part built project. I was keen to build my own chassis initially and I did a lot of research into the matter a number of years ago, however getting on the property ladder and other more pressing matters got in the way and this never happened. I was a stainless steel fabricator for a number of years before moving into a production engineer position within the same firm. Even with that relevant experience the appeal of building my own frame currently isn't that appealing, despite having welded one up for a friend who has plonked a V8 in it. Having undergone other various recommissions I am aware of the very boring process of degreasing, cleaning, painting and other time consuming jobs which offer no rear reward but need to be done. Your advice is great, I do have the space, the time is there as are the funds (don't get me wrong I wont for out for the whole lot in one go, it will be as and when they are needed). Is your build now complete?

J666AYP - Thanks for the input, I have followed your build thread with interest and fair play for having a go at something I have not yet seen before. How is the build progressing? I am very lucky with my employment, and my very good friend owns and runs a very successful machining shop which comes in very handy.

harmchar - Luckily enough I do have an excellent work space with a very comprehensive selection of tools which have been compiled over the years. In addition I have some good friends who are happy to loan tools between us. It is interesting to see that you stripped your whole project back and this is not the first time I have heard of this happening. I suppose in a way, for the sake of sanity it may be good practice to disassemble and then reassemble, to correct torque settings. Never "assume" anything. Is your car now registered and on the road?

Theshed - It is interesting that there is a reoccurring theme of feedback, of which I have taken notice. IS that your build as your profile picture? It certainly looks interesting. Do you have a build thread for it? I would be interested in having a look.

ReMan - Thanks for the reply. I think I have looked at photos of your build previously. In regards to driving one I have been looking and I see that Caterham do a hire system. Hire one for a day or two and they are just up the road from me. Funnily enough my uncle used to work for them a number of years ago. However the current situation like you say means nothing can happen any time soon. I suppose some of the cheaper options that were available are not overly cheap anymore. Pintos for example seem to have climbed in price recently. The Porsche will almost certainly be staying, if I can get away with it!

JimSpencer - Thanks for your thoughts there Jim. I have to say my initial plan was to buy an already tested car. I have been looking for a number of years and there seems to be so many different types of kit out there, built to so many different standards that I have never found anything that really ticks my boxes. Hence the reason I am now looking at picking up a part built kit. The componentry is what I would have chosen myself, in a style I would have gone for, yet the engine and box are not there so that gives me the freedom of choice which is desirable. I actually live only a few miles from the DVLA test centre. So although the test costs can not be avoided, transport costs to and from will be significantly reduced.

ianhurley20 - Interesting you say about fitting in things. My interest in this specific kit is due to the fact it is a larger model and should hopefully cater for my ample frame. I met a member on here that was local to me who had bought a GBS Zero and the kit was of an impressive standard. The RH 2B I looked at last year for the money I felt it was not financially viable. The amount of work required to get it to a standard I would have deemed acceptable would have probably cost the same as building a car from scratch. I have a work colleague who built a Locost many years ago, he used a sub £500 mk2 Escort 2 door donor which just goes to show how long ago it was built. he is built like a well established Oak tree and built the car to suit his size. He had it for a good few years before selling it to a chap in Italy.

big_wasa - Thank you! My biggest area of concern would be the gearbox. The most suitable boxes seem to be the R28 Omega box. It bolts straight up and is capable of handling up to around 300bhp which I am sure is plenty. Earlier I was reading through the GTS subforum and saw a foreign (possibly Sweden, or maybe Belgium) built GTS with a B204 motor. Dry sumped and running around 420bhp I think it was. Was running a dry sump though which I suspect is to get the engine sat a bit lower in the car, they seem to be a rather tall engine.


nick205 - I like to try and keep a well organised garage with suitable racking and some vague sense of order. I under stand what you mean about dismantling donor vehicles. For a few years I used to buy and dismantle vehicles along side my day job as an extra source of income and am all to familiar with how chaotic it can become. Its not something I would like to return to. Do you have any photos of your MK?

Bluemoon - Are we reffering to an official manual here? Its something i would undoubtedly need.

PorkChop - Thanks for the input Pork Chop. I have had a few MX-5s and have enjoyed them very much. ON another forum a Super car collecter was recently advised if buying an Aston Martin or Ferrari 430 was a good move and he was converned about having so much money tied up in such exotica. The supercar collector said something to the effect that he has had just as much fun in a £5000 Mx5 as he has in many of his Ferraris, with out the worry of having so much money tied up in a car. Commended it for its sheer fun and driveability which is interesting to hear. As much as i have enjoyed the cars in the past, and the rocketer V6 conversions look awesome fun, i think the main appeal about a kit for me is the self build aspect and it is the main draw. Unfortunatley i can not buy a car and just "leave it alone".


Once again thank you all very much for all of the help and advise you have offered. Any more please keep it coming!

[Edited on 17/4/20 by Big T]

The IVA manual is here - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/iva-manual-for-vehicle-category-m1

I'd go through it with a highlighter as some bits you'll need to comply with, some bits you don't and some bits have more than one way to comply (the fog light switch for instance).

quote:

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i think the main appeal about a kit for me is the self build aspect and it is the main draw. Unfortunatley i can not buy a car and just "leave it alone".

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I have built 2 cars now and have thoroughly enjoyed building both

Whatever the firm says you can do it for, is the absolute minimum, for a decent spec of whatever you choose multiply by 1.5 or double

Both firms i have built from have given me excellent support, but it helps if they are close to you (a picture paints a thousand words)

IVA is just part of the build process (the kit firm got theirs through IVA after all)

The closer you stick to their original demonstration model the easier the build will be

Patience is paramount !!!

If you cant or dont have the skills (that realisation is part of the build process sometimes) you will be amazed who lives nearby that does and you will possibly make new friends through that contact.

I lost my garage to an extension for my disabled son and that hampered my second build your own garage is paramount !!

You need to speak to owners of cars you are interested in and dont take this the wrong way "face to face" because many people including myself wont discuss any shortfalls in their cars on a public forum as it feels a bit disloyal to the kit manufacturer.

Dont set a target date ! and learn to walk away when its driving you nuts

Nick M

I have said before
the first 80% takes 80% of the time, the next 10% takes another 80% of the time, and who knows how long it may take after that

Big T,

Thanks mate. My project is coming on abit now, have had a busy winter at work so not had a massive amount of spare time. Seem to be chasing problems and simplifying bits most of the time. But it's all progress buddy.

Jay

I built my first / second to the Gts plans, sort off

The chap that bought it when I moved house really has developed it over the years.
Now pushing 400bhp

https://youtu.be/sP4py4tgfKA

I am working on an Mk at the moment with a turbo Zetec on an Mt75 box. It looks a pretty similar box to the Vauxhall’s. I forget the torque they are officially rated to but they seem to just about cope with 300~350 horses but with a crap first gear.

Be advised sticking a turbo on the engine and getting it in the hole is the easy bit. Plumbing and cooling is a hole different level.
I figured I could get an engine change done in 6 months. I hope to finish it next week after 18 months of the road.

Then I can move on to my fourth 7

When I first started my build I had never turned a nut on a bolt and my toolkit consisted of a socket set and a spanner set. I look at the big V8 now with its twin exhausts running down the sides and even though in these terrible times - it's still cool, even when SORNED. When I am driving it, and people wave or take a photo, or I catch a reflection in a shop window. I think I did that!

Now I find that people ask me mechanical questions about their own cars and I know the answer!

The two main things I learned is that building a car is a deeply satisfying and rewarding process. It's also a extremely educational one assuming you are not a mechanic. I often swear my degree taught me less and cost me more than building a kit car.

If I was building another car it would be budget dependent. If I was restricted on budget I would buy a pre-built and pre-IVA'd car and strip it back to the chassis and start again. If I had middling budget I would probably get something from GREAT BRITSH SPORTSCARS. If I had plenty of cash I would go to Westfield or Caterham.

I have also learned that there are three types of owners, builders, drivers and people who are both. If you are both then fine. If you are a driver you will run out of patience and if you are a builder the car will sit undriven.

PorkChop - Thank you very much. I'll get that printed out and have a good go through it. I am hoping that once a build does commence, I can put some photos of the progress up and hopefully get pulled for things which do not adhere to the standard by those with greater experience.


nickm - Thanks for your input Nick. Interestingly one of my main motivators for a build is my disabled younger brother. For some unknown reason he has a huge interest in them, along with Lotus and of all things the Cobra replicas. It would be fantastic to be able to take him out in it and where possible, get a bit of input from him. One of the things I am struggling with a little bit is the model of this kit doesn't seem hugely popular. I realise that there were a few supply issues from GTS, payments being taken and products not being supplied, however there seems to be a few Panther kits but not much info about the W7DE. With it having been built to the 442 plans there does seem to be other similar examples out there. Ironically I was looking at Rally Design (from what I understand GBS and Rally Design used to be on the same trading estate in Faversham at some point) and they have a part built GTS panther for sale on their site, as a roller at £6,000+VAT. I know there are a few members on here local to me, as I have been fortunate enough to meet them and they have offered some pretty sound advice at the time.


gremlin1234 - I understand the point you are making. The last 20% also seems to go unnoticed in terms of visual progression as well.


J666AYP - Having had a re-read of your build last night I am 100% stealing your cable labelling idea, that's a cracker and I am sure whole lot easier to work with.

big_wasa - That's very interesting to see Wasa, The build that I spoke about in the first thread was actually your original car! The chap who bought it (Dave I think his name is) has a very in depth build thread on another forum which I follow with great interest, I've asked the guy a few questions and followed his build with great interest. If you don't mind terribly I may have to drop you a PM with a few questions. If I remember correctly he had the car registered on a "13" plate.

Irony - Once again thanks for your input. It is reading things like this that cement to me that I have to build one. Do you have any photos of your build? I think this thread has so far confirmed to me that a car has to be built and registered by myself. I think the satisfaction would be very significant and your reply confirms this I think.

"I have zero experience with Seven Style cars, never even been in one, probably sounds crazy"

This is the biggest point that ive picked up on, ive taken mates out who consider themselves car enthusiasts who've hated it and others who loved it. They can be a bit marmite, i know its not good timing but you need a run out in one.

Lots of good advice on here already, sticking to a tried and tested route helps massively, ive built 3 and never done this and its costs, not just in monetary terms but massive amounts of time.

I would definitly be in the camp of rebuilding a ready built car now. i know that may sound strange having iva'd 3, but its the best part of a grand each time taking into account the IVA, registration, tax etc. And its just a faff from start to finish. The only time id do it again is if im lucky enough to be able to afford a gardner douglas build.

I would hold out for a ready registered car thats a bit rough around the edges and take it back to bare metal, that way you know the car inside out, you can tweak it to your specification when building it back up and you can put the grand into the car rather than to DVSA/DVLA. If you hold out for a westfield/caterham you'll not lose money and parts are abundant.

And im a total anti-facebooker, however i joined just for the clubs and pages and items for sale and theres so much out there. I begrudged doing it, but its worth it.

quote:

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Originally posted by sdh2903
"I have zero experience with Seven Style cars, never even been in one, probably sounds crazy"

This is the biggest point that ive picked up on, ive taken mates out who consider themselves car enthusiasts who've hated it and others who loved it. They can be a bit marmite, i know its not good timing but you need a run out in one.

Lots of good advice on here already, sticking to a tried and tested route helps massively, ive built 3 and never done this and its costs, not just in monetary terms but massive amounts of time.

I would definitly be in the camp of rebuilding a ready built car now. i know that may sound strange having iva'd 3, but its the best part of a grand each time taking into account the IVA, registration, tax etc. And its just a faff from start to finish. The only time id do it again is if im lucky enough to be able to afford a gardner douglas build.

I would hold out for a ready registered car thats a bit rough around the edges and take it back to bare metal, that way you know the car inside out, you can tweak it to your specification when building it back up and you can put the grand into the car rather than to DVSA/DVLA. If you hold out for a westfield/caterham you'll not lose money and parts are abundant.

And im a total anti-facebooker, however i joined just for the clubs and pages and items for sale and theres so much out there. I begrudged doing it, but its worth it.

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Big T,

Send me a list of what labels you want when you get to that stage and I will print a load off and chuck them in the post for you mate.

So much easier than chasing cables back or looking through diagrams.

Jay

As i'm currently mid-build i'm still learning a lot and would / wouldn't do things the same again. But a few things for me:

• I would know my limitations and lean on the skills of others more (thinking i could make my own bodywork was crazy, when there are people out there with the skills to do a far better job)
• I'm glad i decided to build the chassis myself, as I have that sense of achievement and 'I did that', and wouldn't change that decision. But it would be a one-time thing for me I think. IF I build again i'd probably now buy a ready-made (GBS) chassis
• I can't see the point in getting a donor car any more...I've spent more on replacing parts that I've decided not to use from the donor that it would have made much more sense just buying that parts I needed (gearbox, diff, driveshafts and uprights/brakes)

As I say though, still building, still learning, and loving the journey

Thanks for all of the help offered here, its certainly given me something to think about over the last few weeks. I've got another question and thought that rather than starting a whole new thread I would put it in here.

My questions are mostly related to the "Q-Plate". I realise that once the reg is appointed to the vehicle you can not change it to anything else, but are there any negatives to running a Q plate? I understand the circumstances in which a Q plate is required. Are there any perks as such with running a Q plate?

My advice is simple.

Pick what you want and stick to it - changing ideas halfway through is a sure fire way to never get it finished.
Double your budget
Ask for advice if you need it

Simple as that

When I bought "the book", it was all based on the Escort with Cortina uprights but I didn't want a live axle nor to use a crossflow. I also decided the book car was too narrow.

I made my chassis 4" wider (simple change to book dimensions), wanted a Rover V8, and IRS.

Started on 2/7/02 and on road first week Jan '06. Rolling chassis in first two weeks. Made the chassis/rear suspension setup (bought the front) and made all the bodywork. It was cracking fun but once I get on the road I missed the challenges of the build as there was so much to think about, sort out, let alone the order things had to be done. I drew what I wanted in Lotus Freelance graphics and it came out pretty much bang on.

I am now building a mid-engine Beetle which is going very slowly - I spend most of my time thinking about it which is fine.

As has been said, pick something and get on with it; just maybe think about what your end result will look like and set about creating it. You will have unforeseen challenges but I found them to be the best bit. A friend asked me what my favourite part of my car was - he was surprised when I showed him the bracket that held my speedo sensor in place. Looked great, worked and I made it

Have a look through the photo archives on here for inspiration/ideas.

There are some very knowledgeable/talented people on here so don't be afraid of asking them questions (even via U2U if you think they might be a bit silly)

Cheers

I was in this situation for years, and finally decided to pull the trigger on a GBS Zero Mazda based kit. You can buy all of the parts you need straight from GBS (except the donor parts), and they are more than happy to spend hours with you at the factory giving advice and answering any questions you have. Although it doesn't have a manual, I know if I'm ever truly stuck, there is a premade part I can buy, or someone on the end of the phone to tell me how to do it.

They also sell a lot of things as "kits". For example you can buy a brake line kit, that comes with all the lines pre cut to length and flared, along with all the rivets and clips you need to attach it to the chassis, and the unions / brake light sensor. They do the same for the fuel system, and little things like this make it loads easier to just get on with building.

When I picked up my chassis, they did a dry fit of all the panels with me, and informed me the best way to install / bend anything that needed bending.

Id say, short of a manual, GBS is a pretty good option for a focused build with loads of support.

Just be aware the lead times are long at the moment, I had to wait 5 months for my chassis.

As for cost, all in I'm looking at around £15k + on the road costs. This is with some nice stuff such as pre made wiring looms, upgraded radiator, roll cage, bright orange powder coat, throttle bodies, emerald ecu, ATR suspension and an AIM dashboard.