How hard/easy to build an Ultima

How hard/easy to build an Ultima

Author
Discussion

tigerk

Original Poster:

4,294 posts

257 months

Friday 3rd October 2003
quotequote all
Leaving the financing aside, how hard is it to build an Ultima compared to other less exciting kits?

Or is it easier due to the quality of the product?

Kev

andycanam

1,225 posts

265 months

Friday 3rd October 2003
quotequote all
It was my first kit and I thought it was very fairly easy....

I remember thinking at the time that the body was a pain in the ass but looking back on it now it was only frustration and impatience due to never having built a kit before. I was expecting it fit first time and didn't realise 1mm here can change 5mm over there etc...

The best way to descride it is it's like buying all the parts from ferrari and building it yourself.

eclipsar

112 posts

253 months

Friday 3rd October 2003
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I agree with andy, the car is quite a easy car to build, I would say its all the new parts, but I have not built anything else to compare it to. If I was to build another it would be even easier.

Chris

BogBeast

1,137 posts

264 months

Friday 3rd October 2003
quotequote all
ditto above..

basic mechanical knowledge and persistance. The hardest part on my sport was the body. GTR's are now gel coat so alot of it is now fit an d forget...

jgmadkit

548 posts

250 months

Friday 3rd October 2003
quotequote all
Could I make a request?

Could all you good people that have built an ultima consider posting your build and post build views over on Madabout-kitcars.com.

There are currently 3 build feedbacks for the GTR but none for the Spyder and Sport versions. Posting your feedback is valuable for people considering building one of these fine cars. It also includes the build time and cost.

To do this simply go to the Model in question via either the 'Kit Cars' link or via the 'Manufacturers' link shown on every page and then within the car details page click on the 'If you have built one of these cars then please click here' link.

Once the form is submitted you will get an e-mail which asks you to click on a link which activates your feedback (this just makes sure a valid e-mail address was supplied)

Would be very grateful if any of you could do this (and for any other car for that matter if you've not built an Ultima)

Many thanks for all that can help

Cheers, John

Madabout-kitcars.com

jgmadkit

548 posts

250 months

Friday 3rd October 2003
quotequote all
Apologies for hi-jacking the thread

meeja

8,289 posts

249 months

Friday 3rd October 2003
quotequote all
I have to say hats off to anyone who builds one of these brutes.

Especially those who have made it their first kit.

You hear about so many "abandoned projects" from those who do not have the time to commit to the build, or just lose the interest or heart.

Building an Ultima represents a serious financial investment so like I said... hats off to you!

I have never been a huge fan of serious "road going racing cars" if you know what I mean (all spoilers/fins etc etc).... probably dates back to when I first saw a Metro 6r4(?) where I used to live.... I just thought it looked daft!

However, after a close look at the Ultima's at Donington, if I had some serious wedge to invest, I could be tempted....

Next challenge is to get a ride/drive in one!!

gdr

586 posts

261 months

Friday 3rd October 2003
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Its my third kit - Rotrax - GD427 - Ultima. It was easier than the GD427 with the exception of the body fitment as Andy says a small tweak at one end changes things elsewhere - always suspected full bodied kits would be tricky and I was right. Can-am might be a bit easier. A lot of people get the factory to fit or at least prefit the body and I'd do this if I was to build another. Mechanical stuff is great, kit is well developed and all new bits make life easy. Also easy to get through SVA.

spartan_andy

645 posts

248 months

Friday 3rd October 2003
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meeja, went to donny couldn't get a good look at ultima I wanted to but the management dragged me away

meeja

8,289 posts

249 months

Friday 3rd October 2003
quotequote all
spartan_andy said:
meeja, went to donny couldn't get a good look at ultima I wanted to but the management dragged me away


That is their perogative....

In such cases, you will find that mini-managements come into their own....

"Ah.... he is due a feed and a change of nappy"

"No problem, you stop here, and I'll nip back to the car and sort him out.... see you in about half-an-hour"

Genius.

spartan_andy

645 posts

248 months

Friday 3rd October 2003
quotequote all
Unfortunately it would be me being sent back to the car to do the change they both feed themselves now and eldest is in to even though she is only 3 ah well start em young. She also keeps going on about daddy's new car which isn't technically a car yet but we'll get there

ultimapaul

3,937 posts

265 months

Friday 3rd October 2003
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I can only agree with what's been said. I built a Tiger Cat before the Ultima and the builds were at each end of the spectrum! I would add though, for the cost the Tiger was great. I took the cowards way with the body though, I got the factory to do it. Getting the car to rolling chassis stage was a delight. I don't think there is a car out there that would be easier.

Paul

tigerk

Original Poster:

4,294 posts

257 months

Tuesday 7th October 2003
quotequote all
Thanks for all the replies. Much as I expected. I haven't seen a poorly built Ultima yet

Food for thought......