advice for a potential newby

[sleep envy]

I've been lurking for a while now and have come accross Craig-Ultima's build diary. Have to say although I didn't read the whole site I'm really impressed by the effort that went into it (as well as the effort that went into building the car too!).

In the next 12 months I'll end up having a lot more free time on my hands and am now starting to work out what I'd like to achieve with it. At the moment I'm investigating building a car with either a GTR or Caterham topping the list.

As someone who's got limited knowledge of a car (I can do basic things like change pads and disk, oil changes, replace rads and bleed a system) am I underestimeting building a GTR or should I first attempt a more simple build?

Secondly I've had a browse of Ultima Sport's site - whilst I've got a fair idea of cost (inlc the power unit) what's the magnitude of cost I'll be looking at considering tools and sundry items will need to be bought?

Cheers for your input.

[thevet]

In my experience of an ultima build the cost of tools isn't huge but would obviously include sockets, spanners, screwdrivers, battery or mains drill, airpowered angled drill, [ratchet and riveter both very optional] loads of drill bits, but I found some good quality titanium coated ones dramatically outlasted the cheap multipacks from screwfix. The other really useful bit of kit is a trolley to build the car on, which I built for less than £2 and have now chopped to make loading ramps for the car onto a trailer. An engine hoist would be needed but could be borrowed from somewhere. There are loads of little bits that a toolophile like me buys as the jobs require but thats me. For a more complete tool list look at some of the build sites but also remember that the ultima is one of the best engineered and thought out cars where nothing is too hard for any kit builder and the factory is always helpful and this forum will always get you loads of practical and experienced answers. Go on, you know you want one really!!!

[tuxman]

Hi Sleep envy ,pretty straight forward build built 2 westfields befor my can-am and have to say the v8 westy was harder to build at times !!(less space ) i think most ultima owners would agree that fitting the body is the hardest bit , the rolling chasis is a work of art and is great to build . cost ? well we spent 45 k to get it on the road then have spent another 10 on it in the last 2 years ,is it worth it god yes have never had so much fun with my clothes on !!! .Simon

[steve_D]

The body fit is the hardest. The engineering is splendid so the mechanical bits go together easily. The more tricky bits will be trim and finish related which is why I believe DIY type skills are more relevant than motor mechanic. £48K would be my guess.
Buy an air riveter your wrist will thank you.

Steve