Birkin S3 Kitcar Build....

[AndySA]

Looking very good, well done Ben and Ben's Dad!

[Ben Jk]

AndySA said:

Looking very good, well done Ben and Ben's Dad!

Thanks! Its all down to my Dad though! I've basically just updated this blog and provided opinion, and moral support!

Edited by Ben Jk on Wednesday 14th March 10:37

[Ferdl]

Hi again,
the car looks great, good job!
One more question: what shocks/springs did you use (manufacturer, open/closed length, internal valving, spring rate, etc..)?
Regards, Ferdl

[Red16]

Congratulations on the IVA pass, it's such a relief to get it through the test knowing you only have one more hurdle to go before it's road legal. Just in time for some decent weather too

[Ben Jk]

Yep! Just waiting on DVLA now! They seem to be taking a while!

[Ferg]

I had my car inspected by the DVLA prior to it's SVA test. I drove from the VOSA site to DVLA and picked up my registration that afternoon. Isn't this possible anymore?

[Ben'sdad]

Ferdl said:

Hi again,
the car looks great, good job!
One more question: what shocks/springs did you use (manufacturer, open/closed length, internal valving, spring rate, etc..)?
Regards, Ferdl

Hi Ferdl,

The Birkin spec for springs and shocks is AVO WA 120/085 (steel body) or AWA 120/085 (aluminuim body) with A8350 springs at the front, and WA 150/100 or AWA 150/100 with A12150 springs at the back.

These shock absorbers have adjustable spring platforms and adjustable damping.

However The rear springs specified are two inches longer than the open length of the shock absorber specified, and AVO said you should not put the two together (they even said you could do yourself serious damage trying to get them on without a proper press). AVO recommended I try A10180 (a 10 inch spring but 180lb rather than the 12 inch 150lb).
This I have gone with, and we will find out if it is correct when I start using the car.

[Ben'sdad]

Ferg said:

I had my car inspected by the DVLA prior to it's SVA test. I drove from the VOSA site to DVLA and picked up my registration that afternoon. Isn't this possible anymore?

Hi Ferg,

It may depend on your local office ? My local office have had my documentation since the 2nd March.

You have to go via Swansea for everything, you cannot telephone the local office, and so far Swansea have refused to let me talk to them.

Today Swansea told me my registration was currently being processed, so I took a trip into the office to see where they were up to with it (in the hope I could pick it up). When I got there they told me that it hadn't even been looked at, and was about fourth in their pile of stuff waiting to be done !! They seem to consider that it being a kit car is a good enough excuse to disregard all their supposed time scales. They couldn't even give me an idea when it might be processed.

[Ferdl]

Hi again,
about the rear springs: it does not really speak for Birkin to make such recommendations ...
The A-arms at the front suspension seem to be almost horizontal without load (on your first pictures). Shouldn't they point towards the floor when unloaded? I mean: isn't there any rebound left when the car sits on the road (with horizontally levelled A-Arms)?

[Ben'sdad]

Ferdl said:

Hi again,
about the rear springs: it does not really speak for Birkin to make such recommendations ...
The A-arms at the front suspension seem to be almost horizontal without load (on your first pictures). Shouldn't they point towards the floor when unloaded? I mean: isn't there any rebound left when the car sits on the road (with horizontally levelled A-Arms)?

AVO did tell Birkin of their concerns, but I don't know if Birkin have altered what they specify.

The top arms do sit horizontally as you say, but there is movement both up and down, and the ride height is correct. The suspension on my car was actually set up by a seven specialist. What you have to remember is that the springs at the front are 350lb and not much weight actually goes onto the front when you put passengers or luggage in (about 12%). The best set up is always to be near horizontal when road ready, so that you get equal deflection both above and below the normal running position. Helps with things like bump steer etc.

[Ben'sdad]

Ferg said:

I had my car inspected by the DVLA prior to it's SVA test. I drove from the VOSA site to DVLA and picked up my registration that afternoon. Isn't this possible anymore?

Just got my registration from the local DVLA office. They have had it 11 working days, and from not having looked at it two days ago, it was "suddenly" ready for collection today !!

I do not know if it was because I was asking Swansea awkward questions that some one was kicked into action ??

Still never mind, that is the last hurdle jumped and I have a fully road legal Birkin - and it is just 2 years since I got the kit (all but a few days).

[Ferdl]

Then all there is left to say: HAVE FUN!

[Red16]

Congratulations on clearing the final hurdle!

Have you been out in the car yet then?

[ColinM50]

Very impressive build and congrats on getting it finished and on the road. All that's left is to enjoy it and with the weather we're having right now I'm sure you are. Put 300 miles on my kit car since Saturday

I see that you'd mocked up a number plate for it or is that the proper number? I see DVLA has B10RKN avaiable for £400

[Ben Jk]

ColinM50 said:

Very impressive build and congrats on getting it finished and on the road. All that's left is to enjoy it and with the weather we're having right now I'm sure you are. Put 300 miles on my kit car since Saturday

I see that you'd mocked up a number plate for it or is that the proper number? I see DVLA has B10RKN avaiable for £400

Thats the proper plate. We got it a while back.

B10RKN would have been pretty good! Never saw or thought of that one!

[Ben Jk]

Red16 said:

Congratulations on clearing the final hurdle!

Have you been out in the car yet then?

My dad's been out a few times! I live 250 miles away so haven't driven it yet! First time will be this week.

[Ben Jk]

Its been a while..... but with the crappy weather upon us, it was time for paint! Car has come off the road and has gone into the bodyshop. Should be finished back end of next week.

Edited by Ben Jk on Thursday 8th November 17:47

[Ben Jk]

Main colour sprayed. Blue tape so stripe could be checked before being sprayed.

[Baron Greenback]

Look good! Just seen the thread! Good looking car, always love the build of the Birkin S3! Do miss my L7R but not my commute now! Boring motorway roads, just love roundabout and b roads in the kit!

[Ben Jk]