Kit advice,

[AJKOK1]

Hi all,

I'm looking for some kit suggestions. I want to build a kit but have a few requirements that seems to limit my options, there are so many kit builders out there i am sure i haven't seen the half of them yet.

I am not a super experienced mechanic so want a kit that has a full manual ( or close too) and one where everything is supplied in a turn key kit, i.e no donor vehicles needed. The obvious options are Caterham / Westfield for the turn-key solution, but i fancy something that looks a bit different to a Seven. I like the Raw Phoenix and their more modern version the Fulcrum, but does anyone have any suggestions on any other builders that do a complete solution with a build manual for Numptys Lots just seem to show pictures and rely on you googling for answers, i'm looking more for a grown up meccano kit !

I am working through the magazines, but be good to get some real world recommendations.

Thanks in advance

Al.

[ugg10]

Have a look at Tiger Sports cars, their Seven style kits all come as complete packages and their GTA body is an alternative to the Fury/Phoenix.

Other I would look at are the Sylva J15 (rear engine fury/GTa/Phoenix style), the various RTR/MEV offerings (Arial Atom exos), the MK HDR (Healy body on a seven chassis) or for something a bit different a Spire GT (Radical sportscar style).

List of UK manufacturers here - http://www.totalkitcar.com/uk/uk-manufacturers/

Most kit manufacturers will provide a full kit or at least a donor package for you to refurb if you ask.

That said, IMO part of the fun of building a kit is dismantling the donor, understanding how it was put together and then refurbing to make sure it is up to standard before re-installing in the kit. Only my opinion though.

Best advice I can give is get yourself to a show have a look around, speak to manufacturers and owners alike and then build a short list and visit the factories. Even if you buy a full kit in a box you will have questions and therefore a good understanding with the manufacturer and their customer service/attitude is essential. A hundred pounds in petrol spent now will save thousands later and make the whole experience more enjoyable.

Hope this helps.

[Steve_D]

AJKOK1 said:

.....I am not a super experienced mechanic so want a kit that has a full manual ( or close too) and one where everything is supplied in a turn key kit......Al.

I always say DIY skills are more relevant to kitcars than mechanics skills.
The Haynes manual for the donor will cover most of the mechanical. The rest will be drilling, filing, painting etc.

Steve

[ugg10]

I also remember seeing in the kit forums that GBS Sportscars also do a Healy shape body for sevens through their Kit Parts Direct partner company, so I guess you could buy a Zero complete kit and add the body onto that.

http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Austin-Healey-3000-Kit-C...

[jeffw]

ugg10 said:

Have a look at Tiger Sports cars, their Seven style kits all come as complete packages and their GTA body is an alternative to the Fury/Phoenix.

Remember it might look, from a long distance, like a Phoenix/Fury but Tiger's chassis isn't really on a par with Sylva/Raw Striker/Phoenix/Fury

[AdiT]

OP, are youlooking for a "turn key" kit or a comprehensive kit to build yourself?

"Turn-key kit" usually implies, a built car where you can, turn the key and drive away. Most manufacturers have that option, many will do a comprehensive kit with all the parts including recon' donor parts(though few include every nut and bolt) for you to bbuild. Few have a truely comprehensive built manual.

[AJKOK1]

AdiT said:

OP, are youlooking for a "turn key" kit or a comprehensive kit to build yourself?

"Turn-key kit" usually implies, a built car where you can, turn the key and drive away. Most manufacturers have that option, many will do a comprehensive kit with all the parts including recon' donor parts(though few include every nut and bolt) for you to bbuild. Few have a truely comprehensive built manual.

Thanks for all the advice and feedback, it is really appreciated.

With regard to "Turn Key", i meant a kit with everything needed to build it in one go. I perhaps have used the wrong terminology as i don't want it ready built, just a full kit ( aka Westfield / Caterham offer)

Al.

[AJKOK1]

Steve_D said:

AJKOK1 said:

.....I am not a super experienced mechanic so want a kit that has a full manual ( or close too) and one where everything is supplied in a turn key kit......Al.

I always say DIY skills are more relevant to kitcars than mechanics skills.
The Haynes manual for the donor will cover most of the mechanical. The rest will be drilling, filing, painting etc.

Steve

Thanks Steve, i guess that is a fair point. Having to find and remove parts on an old car seems a bit more challenging to a novice than following a step by step guide with new parts....but perhaps the sense of achievement grows too.

[AJKOK1]

ugg10 said:

I also remember seeing in the kit forums that GBS Sportscars also do a Healy shape body for sevens through their Kit Parts Direct partner company, so I guess you could buy a Zero complete kit and add the body onto that.

http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Austin-Healey-3000-Kit-C...

Thank you, certainly like the style of that

[MG CHRIS]

Mev rocket supply a full kit also the exocet using pretty much everything from the mx5 all you need extra is lights and wheel spacers.

[simon3000]

have you considered the toniq.it may be basically a seven but the styling is up to date.what do you wnt the car for?track or road?try to find a local kit owners club and get a ride/drive in as many cars on your shortlist as possible.its a big investment and a car that looks good but has a crap chassis/handling/ride will really bug you

[AJKOK1]

simon3000 said:

have you considered the toniq.it may be basically a seven but the styling is up to date.what do you wnt the car for?track or road?try to find a local kit owners club and get a ride/drive in as many cars on your shortlist as possible.its a big investment and a car that looks good but has a crap chassis/handling/ride will really bug you

Thank you, i will take a look. Want a car to build with my son that we can use for trackdays and the odd Sunday afternoon blast in the countryside. Will take the advice on looking around with a shortlist, unfortunately i think we have missed most of this years kit car shows.

Al.

[AdiT]

I think the only show left is TKC Live at Brands in November. It might be worth hanging fire until next year when you could visit Stoneleigh show at the begining of May.

The issue with build manuals is, many of the kits available allow the builder so many variations of equipment. Engines for instance could be any of a dozen car or bike engines, each needing different solutions to get them in. Brakes could be from many different tin-tops or several aftermarket brands... Part of the beauty of kits is no two are alike.