Howdy there,newbie here

I've been thinking about building a 'kit car' for a while now. Ideally it'd be something I could purchase a bit at a time,partly because of cost but also because of space. I couldn't justify spanking 4 or 5k in one hit but over a period of time it probably wouldn't be too bad (not sure on build time,would like to take my time and learn along the way). Space wise we have a reasonable size garden with places (ie sheds etc) where I could do bits and pieces like engine work and so on but nowhere I could have a chassis and fix bits to it. Does anyone 'build' cars outside? I guess it's probably a bad idea due to the length of build.

Robin Hood - Considered these ages ago,but now see they have stopped selling them due to a change of owners. Obviously rules this one out.

Tiger Avon - I have looked at (on the net,not in person) the Avon but from what I have read on here it doesn't appear to be the first choice.

Luego Velocity - Again a car I like the look of,especially with the price at <2k. The problems with this are the initial outlay (all at once) and the fact that there are lots of option packs. Would I need these to build the car or just to make it better?

Quantum Sunrunner - I quite like the look of the Sunrunner (I know it's completely different to the above ) but there is zero information on the net about it,obviously this puts me off. Have no idea on price so could well be out of my reach.

There's also the option of buying a chassis and then choosing my own parts. I like the idea of this but I don't have the knowledge to ensure I get all of the right parts to fit each other etc. I guess these would also need welding? (ie mounts etc) I have access to a welder but wouldn't be confident enough to do important stuff like that.

Tiger and Luego appeal to me because they are reasonably close to me which can only be a good thing.

Are there any other options/companies I'm missing? I'd consider most vehicles (4 wheels,car engine) so I'm open to suggestions & opinions. I have tools and have done bits and pieces on cars in the past.

Thanks for taking the time to read this beast of a post

Hope this is in the right place.

lee

BTW, I keep reading about 'the book'. Is this the 'How to... for <£250' book?

show some respect! it is "The Book" , and yes, that is the one.

don't have any more answers.

dave

i think mk do it in bits but will prob cost ya more

Welcome!
Right if you're going to do it in bits we're not really talking 'Kit Car' - more like component car. That rules out most except the Sevenesque locosts. Read 'The Book', but like some red tops, don't believe all you read, it's not gospel. If you're happy you want a car in that format procede to getting your bits around you. Decide early on what powertrain to use, and what the car will 'do' for you. Typically if you want a straightforward build with lots of knowledge available you'll go for a car engine/box, Ford x-flow, Ford Zetec (with rwd g/box) Vauxhall 16v (with rwd g/box) or one of many others, all have their devotees. If you want plenty of relatively cheap power, and want the odd track day you may look at a bike engined 7 (Track days do not necessitate a bike engine but they do make for a good power-to-weight ratio). Make sure you know what legislation may apply to your choice of engine!
If you are as mad as some of us that means building the chassis - if you go this route you'll pick up loads of skills, and a welder too! It's not a sin to buy a chassis, either from a reputable trader, or perhaps someone who has given up a project - if you do this you'll need to know what you are looking at. Getting a chassis gets you on your way quickly, and they are not too pricey. Most cars use a mix of Sierra, Mk1/2 Escort & Cortina running gear. By the time you get an engine/chassis you'll have built up a load of knowledge and formed in your own mind what you want. If in doubt ask on this forum. 99% of people on here are genuine and very knowledgeable (if only because they've been there, screwed up and learnt from the experience)
Good Luck

p.s. It's not impossible to build alfresco, just more difficult. Unless you buy a painted/coated chassis you'll have to ensure you keep it rust free (WD40/Waxoyl/Primered) and under a reliably waterproof cover.

It's really a matter of whatever floats your boat.
You could make everything yourself, purchase all the parts necessary to construct a complete car, or anything in between.

If you're not confident with a welder a good start would be to buy a chassis and wishbones from say, Luego, Tiger, MK, MNR, MAC1, GTS or anyone else I may have forgotten. This would give the basis for building a rolling chassis. Make as many of the other bits that you can, buy anything you can't when you need it and buy fibreglass parts (nosecone etc.) later on.

Some people have built cars outside from scratch, but I think this is called Hardcore!Although I have a garage mine has been outside since September. Just keep it covered when you're not working on it and you should be ok.

Hope this helps, and good luck whichever path you take.

David

Darren at GTS does some kits as well, good prices also

Jason

Thanks for the replies,they are much appreciated

I sort of have a copy of 'The Book' I bought one a few years ago when I was thinking of building a car,along with a book on Pinto engines. I then lent/gave them to a work mate who was looking into building something. I'll enquire and see if I can get it back if he still has it.

The idea of getting (buying) a chassis and going from there really appeals,I fear I'd be on here every 5 minutes asking if stuff'll fit though !! Are all of the 7 style parts from different manufacturers much of a muchness in terms of fit etc or would I be better to start with one company and stick with them?

At the moment I'm thinking of a zetec engine (1.8 litre,around the '93/'94 mark) as I know a bit about them and have worked on them a little before. Obviously I would need be looking for a chassis that this would bolt straight into.

I work in an engineering company so I would like to be able to make bits where possible,partly to make it a one off but also to add to the feeling that I built it.

My thanks again,
lee

[Edited on 17/4/05 by LeeB]

once you have chosen your chassis (if buying new) you can request zetec, pinto, etc etc mounts to be welded in so you have no mounting issues.

Dont fear about asking questions on here, thats what its for! although using the search facility before asking will probably provide you with a lot of information early on in the build especially.

For ease of build you wold be better to stick to one manufacturer, this way you know that what ever parts you buy *should* fit. Although i know that GTS do wishbones for the MK indy etc etc.

Good luck and i bet you now have plenty to think about!

Im building a mac#1 Motorsport ZR in stages as and when i have the cash. Its going together very well, highly recommend. MK, MNR, GTS etc etc etc will do similar packages.

Take a look at the classifieds, you will see unfinished projects, ask yourself why?? 50% will be because people run out of enthusiasm / money or circumstances change which is fair point, but what about the other 50%??? I wont say what i think to avoid litigation!

Go to the shows, meet the people, get confused with the leaflets, shortlist, visit the companies. Thats what i did however my final 2 were hard to choose between (Mac1 and MNR).

I too am buying parts as i can afford them. I cant afford to buy a kit (£2k+) in one go. It may cost me a little more in the long run, but at least i can feel like i am getting something done.

David

LeeB,

whereabouts in the country do you live?

Certainly got lots to think about now

I think I'll have to take a look and find out some show dates. Don't really want to go into this half arsed and end up with something I don't want to complete.

Hellfire - I live in Cambridgeshire.

Probably showing some ignorance here but what sort of engines (Rover?)/power do Caterhams have? I went in one at the Motor Show last year (don't know any details about the car) and the thing was quick. The driver was 'driving' it around an oil drum just on the throttle. I realise I can't hope to achieve anything like this but it would give me an idea on specs.

Thanks,
lee

I went last year and I think they were something around Superlight spec so a 1.6 or 1.8 K Series with about 130-160bhp, power thats available out of the crate with something like a Vx 2L, Zetec or bike engine, so don't think that you cant achieve that kind of performance because you can quite easily.

Whether you'll be able to drive it on the throttle round an oil drum is another matter though, the main bit that determines that is the nut behind the wheel

[Edited on 25/4/05 by ChrisGamlin]