Bye, Bye Atom.... Hello Can Am (Chassis!)

[356Speedster]

Evening everyone. It's been a while since I've posted over here, but over the last few months I've had some good off-line chats with some of the forum users who were good enough to contact me directly and offer advice. To those who have taken the time to give advice, thank you!

Well, here's the update..... I sold the Atom and this weekend, I took delivery of a Can Am chassis, wheeled dolly, double skin kit, pdeals, master cyls and radiator set

I've just ordered an air compressor and will be begining the build in earnest over the next few weeks. I'm sure I'll be in touch with you all as things progress, for some hands on advice and I may start up a photo diary of the build and post it somewhere, for those who are interested.

Mark

[Graham-P]

Hi Mark,
What spec have gone for or are you making it up as you go along?
Whilst you are building please keep in mind 'heat management' .......sound deaden and heat reflect all the cockpit panels. Seal rear and front bulkheads and you might want to think about adding an extra panel between the radiator and and battery compartments, this will go towards keeping the heat from the front bulkhead. It might add a few pounds but the comfort is worth it.
I guess this is as good a place as any to post pictures and build progress (then we 'experts' can tell you where youve gone wrong )
Good luck

Graham

[dal2litrefrogeye]

nice one hope you dont have to many probs along the way , but if you do , there is always someone on here who can steer you in the rght direction , iv been greatfull of the handy hints in the past , all the best Darren

[356Speedster]

Thanks chaps. I've been planning the build for about 9mths now, so have a lot of ideas for the spec. The highlights are: LS power (3 or 7 depending on final price), Porsche 996/7 twin turbo 6-speed 'box (converted to 2WD), aeroscreen, black gel-coat body, big brakes, AIM dash, stainless switchgear.... I've got some other ideas for the interior aimed at making it a bit more cosy. That's more following 3 yrs of Atom driving, where I had a plastic seat and no frills!

I am planning to insulate & sound deaden much of the car, so will be looking for advice on that one (I see an old thread has just been resurected on that topic). The 2nd panel between rad & batter compartment is a good tip, so thanks for that! I am double skinning the car, obviously.

I'm sure I'll be asking for advice regularly and I've made some good contacts off-forum, so I'm really looking forwards to the build

[Paul.B]

Welcome aboard. You'll find the forum a huge help. All questions are normally answered with only a little Micky taking

(Your garage looks awfuly small in the photo Will a Can-Am fit?)

[356Speedster]

Paul.B said:

Welcome aboard. You'll find the forum a huge help. All questions are normally answered with only a little Micky taking

(Your garage looks awfuly small in the photo Will a Can-Am fit?)

My garage is single in width, but longer in length. On the dolly when I move the chassis from one side to the other, it gives me plenty of room, so no worries until the later wheels-on stages. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the Ultima is the same width as the Atom and only 6inches longer. Perfik!

[Graham-P]

See you've gone wrong already everyone knows that red is faster than black........

I'll be interested to hear how the gearbox performs (I realise that's a way off) I have the getrag 996 box which isn't the best choice.

Also one more thing I have thought of is that if you're going to fit the Savage switches, I found that the way they are made ie. In two parts, make them a PITA to wire up if you haven't thought about where and how you're going to position them! It took me an hour of fiddling to wire my starter button up!
Just a thought.

[356Speedster]

Graham-P said:

See you've gone wrong already everyone knows that red is faster than black........

I'll be interested to hear how the gearbox performs (I realise that's a way off) I have the getrag 996 box which isn't the best choice.

Also one more thing I have thought of is that if you're going to fit the Savage switches, I found that the way they are made ie. In two parts, make them a PITA to wire up if you haven't thought about where and how you're going to position them! It took me an hour of fiddling to wire my starter button up!
Just a thought.

Colour always divides opinion, doesn't it! I was tempted by red, but then I've never had a black car and the Ultima suits the dark, menacing look IMO.

I presume you mean you've got the C2 'box, rather than the longer geared turbo / GT 'box then?

Thanks for the tip on the Savage switches, yes they were my switch of choice, so I'll make sure I plan the wiring in advance. As I'm planning keyless start, I'll also be looking at a push button start, too. Wiring is always fun isn't it