What tips and tricks can you pass on?

[JG]

With a view to creating a tips and tricks article/section, what automotive tips and tricks can you pass on to other kit car builders?

Quite often certain tips can be so obvious that we never actually think about it until we see it in print and then think why didn't I think of that instead of spending the last 3 hours doing it some other way.

If we can get a nice long list together then it can be cast in stone on Madabout for all to reference.

Keep it as closely related to kit car building / maintenance as you can

Cheers John

Madabout-kitcars.com

[Ex-Biker]

The job is so much easier with the right tools.

Shortcuts and bodge ups now are problems later.

Check the engine oil and other fluids before you start it up. Oh, and you need petrol to make the engine run (unless it's a diesel etc).

[JG]

A couple off the top of my head are:

Don't use silicon sealant ANYWHERE on your kit car - nothing sticks to it use polyurothane sealant instead, great stuff.

Just dismantled your donor car, finished for the day, 20 years worth of crud on your hands and would you believe it, your swarfega tub is empty - typical. Well, put some washing up liquid in your hand then a liberal sprinkling of sugar and clean away - amazing cleaning power.

I should be able to think of some more when I've woken up properly.

John

Madabout-kitcars.com

[Ex-Biker]

When assembling components, fit together loosely first, then tighten. Then check it.

If it isn't working , go and get a drink, sit down and go back to it later. I slightly fresher approach often helps to show what was wrong the first time.

Frustration causes things to go wrong and things break.

[vojx]

My maxim for any kitcar related job was always - it'll take twice as long as I expect, and cost 50% more than budgeted. Perhaps just a reflection on my financial and engineering acumen.