PorkChop
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| posted on 17/4/20 at 08:02 PM |
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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:
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".
Completely understand where you are coming from.
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nickm
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| posted on 19/4/20 at 04:10 PM |
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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
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gremlin1234
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| posted on 19/4/20 at 05:11 PM |
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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
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J666AYP
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| posted on 19/4/20 at 05:21 PM |
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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
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big_wasa
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| posted on 19/4/20 at 07:10 PM |
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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 
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Irony
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| posted on 20/4/20 at 08:47 AM |
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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.
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Big T
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| posted on 20/4/20 at 09:59 AM |
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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.
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sdh2903
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| posted on 20/4/20 at 10:16 AM |
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"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
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| posted on 20/4/20 at 11:33 AM |
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quote:
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.
The more I read your reply the more it seems to make perfect sense to get in one. Catherham do private hire, although am I making a rod for my own
back by driving what could be considered as the best? Then building my own, would this possibly result in paramount disappointment?
Out of interest what kits have you built?
Much to my annoyance I was watching this on eBay. However there seemed to be a bit of uncertainty on what was happening in the country and the time it
ended. Hence me not bidding.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/202935643448
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J666AYP
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| posted on 20/4/20 at 11:51 AM |
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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
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christim
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| posted on 20/4/20 at 11:54 AM |
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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
My Build Thread
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Big T
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| posted on 3/5/20 at 01:01 PM |
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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?
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flak monkey
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| posted on 3/5/20 at 05:30 PM |
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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
Sera
http://www.motosera.com
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Simon
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| posted on 3/5/20 at 09:00 PM |
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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
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Gonzo0193
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| posted on 9/5/21 at 11:45 PM |
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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.
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