Building your own car? What's involved?
Discussion
To the Mods, Sorry if duplicate topics aren't allowed. In that case feel free to delete the other one but please KEEP THIS ONE as I feel I'll get a better response here. Thanks
Ok I’m looking for some advice and information on how to go about building my own car. Yes I know it’s completely crazy but I would like to look at what’s involved.
Basically this has all started since I’ve bought an old classic car. Which I absolutely love. Now there is a very rare example of this car which has been converted from a 4 door saloon into a coupe and looks (in my opinion of course pretty fantastic). I’ve looked into having my one converted to look like this coupe, however I started thinking seeing as this car would be a complete one off why not build exactly what I want.
So here’s my idea, basically built an identical “replica” of his car but with modern running gear etc to fit my needs. Have a copy of the body made (could be done out of any material really however fibreglass would be a good way to keep the weight down) and have a nice powerful engine and gearbox to go with it.
Now, where do I start? Could I get my own chassis designed and simply bolt in the engine & gearbox & modern suspension? Or is using a donor car much easier?
I know it’s a totally crazy request but it’s something I’m very keen to look into!
Thanks everyone!
Ok I’m looking for some advice and information on how to go about building my own car. Yes I know it’s completely crazy but I would like to look at what’s involved.
Basically this has all started since I’ve bought an old classic car. Which I absolutely love. Now there is a very rare example of this car which has been converted from a 4 door saloon into a coupe and looks (in my opinion of course pretty fantastic). I’ve looked into having my one converted to look like this coupe, however I started thinking seeing as this car would be a complete one off why not build exactly what I want.
So here’s my idea, basically built an identical “replica” of his car but with modern running gear etc to fit my needs. Have a copy of the body made (could be done out of any material really however fibreglass would be a good way to keep the weight down) and have a nice powerful engine and gearbox to go with it.
Now, where do I start? Could I get my own chassis designed and simply bolt in the engine & gearbox & modern suspension? Or is using a donor car much easier?
I know it’s a totally crazy request but it’s something I’m very keen to look into!
Thanks everyone!
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
My pleasure and good luck with the build.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
My pleasure and good luck with the build.
This is the kind of idea i'm going for. I should stress this is NOT the car I'm looking at, simply the idea of having a visualy identical car but with modern running gear
http://www.zcars.org.uk/vids/mkv.html
http://www.zcars.org.uk/vids/mkv.html
lambo_xx said:
Anyone?
The running gear is fairly easy - it's mainly maths, welding, swearing, and money. Provided the new running gear is of roughly the same configuration (i.e. front engine, rear wheel drive) it won't be impossible. Replicating the coupe bodywork is more problematic though. The best bet may well be to laser-scan the existing car (providing you can get permission), and then replicate that with a wooden buck that can be used to make panels from.
Have a look at Whitspeed they seem to have done this quite a bit including a full space frame and GRP bodies Mk1 escort.
http://www.whitspeed.co.uk/
What's the car ???? Why not mod the body metal work and then replace the underneath with a spaceframe and new running gear (see whitspeed again, they can do this for their chassis keeping the original chassis number and registration IIRC) - may be easier than replicating the body. You couple then also make a GRP copy of the metal body for later as insurance.
If you want something that is not mm perfect then if you can get a scale model (1:12 or 1:18?), do the mods/model making on that and then get that scanned, cad modeled and then sliced so that you can get CNC model panel made and then make upo a "wireframe" to create the mould, it may be easier than scanning the full sized model.
Something like this - http://www.paulskilleterarchive.co.uk/picture.php?...
You cna then sretch fabric over the wooden formers, apply poly or epoxy resin and add filler to make up the shape.
Simple eh !!!
http://www.whitspeed.co.uk/
What's the car ???? Why not mod the body metal work and then replace the underneath with a spaceframe and new running gear (see whitspeed again, they can do this for their chassis keeping the original chassis number and registration IIRC) - may be easier than replicating the body. You couple then also make a GRP copy of the metal body for later as insurance.
If you want something that is not mm perfect then if you can get a scale model (1:12 or 1:18?), do the mods/model making on that and then get that scanned, cad modeled and then sliced so that you can get CNC model panel made and then make upo a "wireframe" to create the mould, it may be easier than scanning the full sized model.
Something like this - http://www.paulskilleterarchive.co.uk/picture.php?...
You cna then sretch fabric over the wooden formers, apply poly or epoxy resin and add filler to make up the shape.
Simple eh !!!
Edited by ugg10 on Saturday 19th October 14:59
To give us a guideline for running gear suggestions, a clue as to what the car is would be helpful.
As for the bodywork, using your 4 door as a base and modifying the rear is definitely a possibility. However, using the 4 door as a basis to design a new body would give you the opportunity to modernise the styling a bit.
As for the bodywork, using your 4 door as a base and modifying the rear is definitely a possibility. However, using the 4 door as a basis to design a new body would give you the opportunity to modernise the styling a bit.
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