New Caterham Self-Build
Discussion
Chaps - been itching to build a Caterham for years...finally might have the opportunity/time/garage/money!
I'm interested in doing a base 1.6 build from a new kit.
I've looked on the Caterham web site and have seen the price list etc. Question - can you buy the car in tranches to avoid storing loads of parts that aren't going to be used until later in the build process? Or do you have to buy it all in one go up front?
Also, are there bits of the build that require real experienced skill that you would recommend getting a professional in to do?
Cheers all,
J.
I'm interested in doing a base 1.6 build from a new kit.
I've looked on the Caterham web site and have seen the price list etc. Question - can you buy the car in tranches to avoid storing loads of parts that aren't going to be used until later in the build process? Or do you have to buy it all in one go up front?
Also, are there bits of the build that require real experienced skill that you would recommend getting a professional in to do?
Cheers all,
J.
Check out the Caterham starter kit brochure here: http://www.caterham.co.uk/assets/html/showroom/Caterham%20Starter%20Pack.pdf
The Caterham parts department can supply a kit broken down into as many 'modules' as you like but the downside is that you lose the 'bulk discount' that comes when you buy a complete kit (CKD.) Therefore i believe buying a car in 'modules' makes the price 10-15% higher than an equivalent CKD.
One advantage is you can spec the vehicle to your precise requirements and build/spend at leisure. The down side is that starter kit cars are sometimes (but not always) frowned on by used buyers. Avoid anything radically different to the factory spec cars if you want to maintain a healthy residual.
The build is mostly straightforward if you can use some basic tools, have some common sense, garage space and a mate to help you when required. CC describe it as a 'meccano set' as on the whole the pieces just bolt together, unlike most other kits cars that require some 'manufacturing'
The Caterham parts department can supply a kit broken down into as many 'modules' as you like but the downside is that you lose the 'bulk discount' that comes when you buy a complete kit (CKD.) Therefore i believe buying a car in 'modules' makes the price 10-15% higher than an equivalent CKD.
One advantage is you can spec the vehicle to your precise requirements and build/spend at leisure. The down side is that starter kit cars are sometimes (but not always) frowned on by used buyers. Avoid anything radically different to the factory spec cars if you want to maintain a healthy residual.
The build is mostly straightforward if you can use some basic tools, have some common sense, garage space and a mate to help you when required. CC describe it as a 'meccano set' as on the whole the pieces just bolt together, unlike most other kits cars that require some 'manufacturing'
Everyone should build a new Caterham at least once if they have the chance.
I would buy the whole car/kit in one go if you have the finances. Believe it or not, they don't take too long to build at all and if you buy the kits at different times, you are going to left waiting for some time if nothing else but for the postman to deliver the next "instalment"!
I put the bits that are easily damaged (bonnet, wings, seats) in the conservatory until they were needed and this was only a couple of weeks or so later.
WRT whether a specialist is needed, the only thing I can think of is the spray job if you are having a painted car (unless you are a car sprayer
)otherwise you will need to borrow or hire an engine crane but this should only be for half a day or so and the rest of it should be within the ability of most people - jeez, my wife assembled the front suspension of one of my cars after I had said it was so simple....
Enjoy the build.
Cheers
T
I would buy the whole car/kit in one go if you have the finances. Believe it or not, they don't take too long to build at all and if you buy the kits at different times, you are going to left waiting for some time if nothing else but for the postman to deliver the next "instalment"!
I put the bits that are easily damaged (bonnet, wings, seats) in the conservatory until they were needed and this was only a couple of weeks or so later.
WRT whether a specialist is needed, the only thing I can think of is the spray job if you are having a painted car (unless you are a car sprayer
)otherwise you will need to borrow or hire an engine crane but this should only be for half a day or so and the rest of it should be within the ability of most people - jeez, my wife assembled the front suspension of one of my cars after I had said it was so simple....Enjoy the build.
Cheers
T
Just to add that I believe Caterham are going to replace the current classic (1.4 Rover K series engine) with a 1.6 sigma engine for next year. No idea on price but I would guess that it will be around £500 more than the current classic (£12,995). Might be worth waiting as a 1.6 simga is going to be a better bet than a 1.4 K series IMO.
Best of luck!
Best of luck!
The problem with buying a CKD kit is that you might be getting didscount but the cost of some of those parts are already very high, £3,600 odd for a new K series is excessive, they can be bought new for around 1k, so there is no real saving in buying a CKD as far as I can see. I've just bought a stripped down car, all the CF goodies, widetrack, adustable shock, 4 pot brakes, and have also bought a starter kit that is due in Oct, even with going with a very expensive 210bhp Duratec installation it's going to cost the same as a new CKD and with the spec i'll have it would have cost at least another 6k on top
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