New chap asking basic question

[G4YVM]

Firstly, hello and what a superb forum this seems to be.

I'm in Salisbury, Wiltshire and was surprised when my 15 year old son asked today if we could build a kit car. Surprised because we arent really a "car" family, if that makes sense.

Having always fancied a Robin Hood (because Ive seen on and there my knowledge ends) I wondered about that. But I like the Caterham 7 too, and Morgans, and frog-eyed Sprites, and Aerial Atoms. See a theme?

I am after a road legal car that I can drive a hundred miles in the summer and still get out and walk without leaning on crutches but also a car that we will be able to build. We are not car fettlers by inclination though we are amateur engineers and not dumb!

So, my basic question: which kit would be the easiest for a first timer.

Any advice most welcome

David

[Chris Cussen]

Well the easiest kit would be a Caterham. You can buy it complete in a box. Bags of after sales support and even the numpties on Top Gear managed to assemble one in a weekend. The downside is it will cost you a shed load of readies.

After that your question enters the 'how long is a piece of string' area. I'd suggest you make a short list of kits that appeal to you then search the internet for Forums/Blogs and sites for info.

The cost will be significantly more than the kit price, particularly if it needs painting. Other costs will be seats, instruments, wiring looms, twenty zillion nuts and bolts, and if you are new to the game a decent set of tools.

And, just a hint, whatever the manufacturer tells you the build time is, multiply it by 10

[lancelot link]

Welcome to the forum....

There are lots of potential options for you to build out there ....reading your post , it appears that the 7 style cars are your thing , but I did see the mention of a Frogeye Sprite in there as well........( This is where I do some blatant self-promotion....apologies to anyone who objects to that !! )

I am based in Poole ....not too far from you and can offer a good starter style option for you....if you visit www.sammio-spyder.com , you'll see what I mean...

You can build a car based around factory mechanicals ...general overhauling , paint detail etc is all thats required and the replacement body is very easy to fit , even a 15 yr. old could do it !!

Add the fact that it needs no SVA/IVA test ....saving of £500 right there , and keeps its tax exempt status , original reg etc. its a good possibility for you.....The cars do undergo an inspection once the body has been swapped , I can collect from you , do the test and return to you for £50.....the car is renamed as a SAMMIO as a result of the test because it no longer resembles a Triumph product...

If its of any interest , email me direct or call me and you are welcome to visit anytime over the Xmas holiday period to see what we are about...

THANK YOU

[G4YVM]

Nice looking cars!

D

[chrislandy]

Hi, another option would be to buy a kit thats already registered but needs rebuilding, that way you don't have to worry about any tests and you have something to work from.
Chris

[G4YVM]

Im getting a bit addicted to reading this site! Its a gold mine of info isnt it??

When I am reading the cost and time to build that people have put into the various sections of this website, does the cost include the donor vehicle generally?

Also, are there certain donors to avoid? For example, some cars have 2cv as a donor...but they seem rare now.

Thanks

David

[timbo]

Hi David
I have built a Marlin Sportster with an M52 engine but I wouldn't recommend this as your first build (the fiendish electronics for this partiular engine are only the first of many challenges!). So any kit car with a BMW donor - make sure you get a fairly old donor would be my advice!
Have you considered a Westfield? One of my acquaintances in the kit car business assures me these are the easiest to build. They can be built using a single donor Mazda MX5 Mark 1, the cost of which is not included in the kit (but can be picked up from Ebay for between 500 and 1000).
But Chris is right, allow significantly extra time and money!!
Good luck
Tim

[G4YVM]

Tim

Thanks for the reply

I have been drawn to the Westfields I must admit. They look very nice!

Thanks for the heads up on using older engines too! I also rather liked the Jaguar based Suffolk cars but (a) the cost is awsome and (b) the idea of a Jag as a donor rather than a final car seems counter intuitive. And the words of a friend of mine still ring in my ears: when you get a Jag you'd better get a good sense of humour as well.

D

[artyis200]

have a read of this one ( http://www.locost7.info/locost.php) im currently attempting to build a marlin berlinetta, but at times wished id just got a referb to do, the full build of mine will far out way the cost you can get one ready done , if!! your on a tight budget buy secondhand and modify it to suit your self. it will dispel the self build achievement, unless you do some thing really radical with your purchase

[limpabit]

My own opinion with part build. Swings and round abouts. Strip and rebuild on a part build.

My advise is. Go to a kit car show. Look at the cars. DON'T LET YOUR HEART RULE ON THE LOOK AND FEEL OF THE CAR.

THEN CONTACT,BE A PASSENGER, LOOK, GRILL THE OWNERS OF THE CARS. They will give you the honest opinion of how the car is built, fabrication needed and support needed for all the little bits to get the car complete.

Then when you think, " I NEED HELP!", support needed.

I have met and made good friends with like minded people (all be it going through the tough times the same as you! Trying to work out this and that).

At the beginning, I was a febble IT guy knew nothing about cars. But with friends and contacts, produced a one off.

[G4YVM]

Fabulous posts guys. Many thanks.
Kit car show here I come

D