this is my first post here as i only just found the website ...

just thought i (we) should say hello as these internet forums are often a REALLY good place to get much needed advice help contacts and parts ( found that out with my landrover)


now heres the plan My dad wants to build a beach buggy i said NO lets build a 7 style locost and he said hmmmm

now while i convince him to go with me on this one maybe someone out there gan give me some advice on where to get started obviously chassis and donor car are the first things i need then suspenshion wishbones and such to get it up to a rolling chassis but the question is

what ?

who from?

how much ?

and can anyone else get it cheaper ?

lol


i will apopreciate any help you can give me and i was also thinking that the most lunatic vehicle ever conceived would be some sort of 4wd locost with a Powerfull but small engine from something like a subaru or even a hayabusa ...

i an see it now tearing up and down sand dunes in africa big chunky tyres extreme susepnsion and a puring engine with a full rollcage and some kind of wheelie bar rofl just a thought ...

basically HELLO

Andrew and Dad,

Welcome to the forum. To take some of your comments:

"now heres the plan My dad wants to build a beach buggy"

You'll be on the road very quickly. Buy beetle, remove shell (about a dozen bolts) attach new shell, wire up and off you go. Day's work

"what ?" - Luego/MK/Westfield/Caterham/ST/ etc etc

"who from?" see above

"how much ?" - how long's a piece of string. I'm building mine from scratch and reckon I'll be on road for under 2.5 grand. Go carbon/bike engine etc, look more to the wrong side of 20k

"and can anyone else get it cheaper ? " - see above

ATB

Simon

thnx man any more input and it looks like im not the only person online at 00:29 lol

Hi and welcome to the site. You're right in thinking forums are a great place to get help, I've used it regularly to get my car on the road and I'd probably still be building otherwise!

As Simon said, the cost, build time etc can vary hugely depending on whether you decide to buy a kit or build from scratch. I'd recommend building a kit if you're new to this sort of thing, but if you feel confident about your welding skills and don't mind the extra hassle then you could save money by building from scratch.

Your best bet is to get along to a kit car show and/or visit some manufacturers to get a feel for their kits, prices, and general customer service and satisfaction.

Good luck with whatever you decide to build!

Pete

PS I think a beach buggy would also be a cool thing to have, especially if you could get it on the road for the summer!

well i was thinking deffinately buying a kit rather then building from scratch as i would trust it more lol im only 16 and have never been taught how to weld so that may be something i should look into lol

Before you go starting a build - decide on how much insurance it's going to cost depending on your engine size/type and quadruple it (if you get any quotes!) then decide if it's viable or not.

Welcome to the fold by the way - hope you decide to go down this route but it's not easy. 3 things to remember when building - plan, plan and what's the other? Oh yes - plan!

Enjoy you're build and have fun driving it!

insurance shouldnt be too bad for my dad i doubt wether id be able to afford it till im atleast 21 tho coz lots ofkit car insurance ocmpanies wont cover you till you are 21 or 25 ive looke dinto it before lol

but since im only 16 atm i would only be using it on private land anyway speaking of which i really should speak to the groundskeeper at that big private estate lots of flat frass areas could be funny fortunately for me he gats his ladrover serviced the same place i work so mebbe i can get acces for free or reduced price

quote:

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Originally posted by Andrew+dad
well i was thinking deffinately buying a kit rather then building from scratch as i would trust it more lol im only 16 and have never been taught how to weld so that may be something i should look into lol

---

I am in a similar position to yourself as i am currently deciding on the feasability of going for a locost or playing safe and choosing a kit. i had kind of settled on a tiger avon but then i noticed a half built locost project so now im back at the 'weighing everything up' stage! Likewise i also fancy the motorbike option if the insurance is ok!

Newark Kit Car Show is on this weekend.

GO... and have a very good LOOK and see whats about. DONT BUY.. just Look. get some Ideas, and Mull it over... think some more, then decide what to Do.

If you want to build the chassis, then www.Mcsorley.net plans there are good and well sorted.

Decide on whether you want live axle, IRS, or De-Dion, what engine, and a budget,

When you get you budget and timescale, Double them, and you will be nearer the mark!.

All this typing is making me thirsty... time to go to the pub!...

But GO to newark... plenty of info there.
Its straight up the A1 for you!



[Edited on 17/6/2005 by wilkingj]

near / in peterborough ??

Im building a Mac1 Type ZR - very pleased with purchase. It has some nice design developments. Ni issues with the build and you'll struggle to find a company with better after sales service.

As said already, go to the shows, get a feel for what is on offer, try and develop a short list, visit them and then decide. Above all, take your time. You will be building for a while, you dont want to regret it half way through.