Robin Hood. Why not?

[Superflid]

Toying with the idea of building a Cater/West/locost type car (On a fairly tight budget)and have seen the Robin Hood being given a few "Stay away" comments in these forums.
Simple really, what are the problems?

[Superflid]

Thanks Sparks.
The budget is the main problem, more than build difficulty etc. I have an engineering apprenticeship (A long time ago ), access to decent workshop facilities and plenty of spare time.
I was worried that there might be a general "Handles like a Camel" problem. Being a bit heavier shouldn't be too much of a worry as I only intend it to be used as a "Sunny day" toy on the road, no serious track use.
It's not going to be started for at least another 12 months so there is plenty time to have a good look round and, if need be, change my mind. I though asking here would be a good start.

[Superflid]

All this advice is exactly what I'm after. I really am in the first stages of deciding which car to build.
The Robin Hood is both cheap and local which is why I asked, seems like it's probably not the way to go.
Will be giving the websites suggested some study.
Thanks again.

[Superflid]

Sparks said:

Superflid, I (as I said) would like to build a kit car, or at least be involved in building one. I know there would be all sorts of issues, but would you be interested in going for something a bit better, and sharing cost/ownership? I am in Leicester, and may well be in a position to consider it in twelve months. Like I said, fisher fury/sylva stylus, (or sylva striker, tiger or even a well spec'd locost if you want the true seven style) is what I have considered. Reply here or drop me an email via profile. Sparks Edited to add: why no track days? main reason I want to build one. Less expense when I stack it >> Edited by Sparks on Friday 4th July 07:08

Still deciding what/when to build so not dissmissing any option yet, might even take the plunge and do the odd track day (Not really short of tracks living between Mallory and Donington).
Not so keen on the shared build/ownership though, can see potential for large problems. Would definitely be keen to help out/be helped with building a car. Would make it a bit less lonely........

The Locost or MK Indy both look tempting and possible as they can be done "Bit by bit" so spreading cost.

There is some seriously cheap stuff for sale on the Dutton owners club site.

Looks like this is going to be harder than I though.


P.S. Seen your thread about 306 temp gauge. Mine was the same (Almost from new!) and played up on and off for the 3 years I had it. Dealer never cured it completely. It was just a minor electrical glitch.
The other one you might get is the airbag warning light flashing. We had this intermittantly for 3 years as well. Dodgey connection under seat.
French electrics.
Apart from that, good car.

[Superflid]

jonnyhilfiger said:

Go here to read some comments from Robin Hood 2B builders.

Great link John, thanks.


"another fault was that the rear of the frame was about an inch over to the right, which ment that the wheels were majorly out of line"


Slightly worrying to say the least......



Stig, looking at the "For Sale" section on the Dutton owners site there are some seriously cheap cars. I am thinking that this would also cut out problems with SVA and registering.
Any Dutton models that you know of worth avoiding?

[Superflid]

Thanks for all the replies, as I said I won't be building/buying anything just yet but you have given me some good () reasons for avoiding the Robin Hood.
It looks like I will probably buy a complete car and do a rebuild, Dutton being a distinct possibility.
I'll let you know when things get moving.

Ken.