Skip to main content

MadaboutKitcars

This is a read-only archive of the old Madabout Kitcars forum. New posts and replies are no longer possible, but every thread is still here to browse and read.

What tips and tricks can you pass on?

11 Dec 2003, 12:34am
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 :eusa_doh: 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 :eusa_pray:

Cheers John

Madabout-kitcars.com
11 Dec 2003, 8:59am
The job is so much easier with the right tools. :confused:

Shortcuts and bodge ups now are problems later. :eusa_hand:

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). :eusa_doh:
11 Dec 2003, 9:11am
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
11 Dec 2003, 9:20am
When assembling components, fit together loosely first, then tighten. :eusa_hand: Then check it.

If it isn't working :cry: , 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. :eusa_angel:

Frustration causes things to go wrong and things break. :eusa_doh:
9 Feb 2004, 4:40pm
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.