Paulmilly
|
| posted on 30/7/16 at 10:15 PM |
|
|
New to this
Hi all,
I'm new to this and looking for a project to get stuck into.
I've seen the following on eBay and need expert advise on what to ask, or to leave well alone. Any help would be appreciated?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/112076928701
Many thanks
Paul
|
|
|
|
|
bi22le
|
| posted on 30/7/16 at 10:30 PM |
|
|
Sides are wood? Sounds a bit strange especially as the exhaust is going to be close to them.
Give some back ground on your abilities and wants and people can help you more.
Track days ARE the best thing since sliced bread, until I get a supercharger that is!
Please read my ring story:
http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/forum/13/viewthread.php?tid=139152&page=1
Me doing a sub 56sec lap around Brands Indy. I need a geo set up! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHksfvIGB3I
|
|
|
Paulmilly
|
| posted on 30/7/16 at 10:39 PM |
|
|
Thanks for the reply, I thought the wooden floor and sides were strange. I'm a complete beginner apart from tinkering with cars when I was
younger I.e. Changing brakes, adjusting timing, generally taking stuff apart and putting it back together! I'm now looking at building a kit car
but would need to build "by numbers" step by step. Hoping to land lucky with an un started project that some one needs rid of.
|
|
|
ReMan
|
| posted on 30/7/16 at 10:46 PM |
|
|
Hi
You will be disappointed on the "build "by numbers" step by step" front, even the better ones take some skill.
Buying someones part finished(started) more so
Not trying to put you off but go in eyes open and do your research (here is as good as anywhere)
www.plusnine.co.uk
|
|
|
Paulmilly
|
| posted on 30/7/16 at 10:51 PM |
|
|
Hi,
What route would you suggest for a beginner? I could buy ready to go but no fun in that!
Cheers
Paul
|
|
|
ReMan
|
| posted on 30/7/16 at 11:31 PM |
|
|
Give us some clues on your budget and what you want to do with the finished item?
And whether you have any particular desires in engine choice or style?
www.plusnine.co.uk
|
|
|
Paulmilly
|
| posted on 30/7/16 at 11:37 PM |
|
|
I would say I have around 2k to start off and then add as and when her in door allows it! Looking at road and track (donington is just up the road)
Tiger Avon could be an option but open to suggestions, I believe these would take a ford Zetec engine etc..? Also looked at GBS kits both ford and
Mazda.
|
|
|
big_wasa
|
| posted on 31/7/16 at 06:06 AM |
|
|
The car in the eBay link is a Locust not a Locost. This is not a spelling mistake.
The locust had a steel chassis with a plywood tub. As you can see from the front it uses a complete donor subframe, Triumph I think. It's a
completely differant animal to a Locost. Fine for a Sunday afternoon cruiser but no track car. There is nothing wrong with the uses of wood, just look
at Morgan's.
|
|
|
mcg
|
| posted on 31/7/16 at 06:28 AM |
|
|
I took on a 'part finished' project and spent way more time working out what to do than I did actually doing it on the car. Someone
else's vision for the car that doesn't have all the bits on it means you spend a lot of time thinking 'what the h@ll were they
thinking?'. I learnt a huge amount doing this project and am still learning a lot now. What I would say Is that I have a lot more fun now that
is done (ish) and I am more fixing and developing stuff than building from scratch. Buying parts to make this stuff work and finished really adds up.
I have always said that if I had my time again on the kit car I would have spent a bit more money and bought a finished one, then completely taken it
apart and rebuilt to my taste / design / specification. At least all the bits are there and my guess is it works out cheaper. Especially if you can
get one that is road registered then when you get it back together you can test it in the road!
|
|
|
bi22le
|
| posted on 31/7/16 at 08:16 AM |
|
|
I would say that 2k and beginners experience should point you towards a project that was running fine and now needs tlc to get it back up and running.
Search lots on here for topics discussing bought vs built.
I personally feel that buying a finished but neglected project would be a great start. Then everything is there ready for a full strip down and
rebuild.
Then you get your hands dirty, have a good challange to build with mods as you want and you don't have to guess / weld / solve problems as
much.
Don't fixate on going straight for glory, there are far more part built and abandoned projects due to lack of time then anything thing else.
Also add your location. People are kind enough on here to help out alot more than any other car forum.
[Edited on 31/7/16 by bi22le]
Track days ARE the best thing since sliced bread, until I get a supercharger that is!
Please read my ring story:
http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/forum/13/viewthread.php?tid=139152&page=1
Me doing a sub 56sec lap around Brands Indy. I need a geo set up! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHksfvIGB3I
|
|
|
Slimy38
|
| posted on 31/7/16 at 08:54 AM |
|
|
I think the very first thing you need to do is learn to weld, and get yourself set up with a cheap MIG setup. Unless you have 20k to lay down for a
Westfield or Caterham kit, you're going to need to weld at some point.
Then buy yourself the 'build a sports car on a budget' and read it from cover to cover at least three times.
Once you've done that you'll have a lot more confidence and you can start considering buying some lengths of steel hollow section. £100
will get you all the metal you need for a chassis, or you can buy a flat pack from Talon motorsport. While you're building that, keep an eye out
on Ebay for a donor MX5. Up to about £400 will get you a full set of donor parts and possibly some money back from the rest.
By the time you're there you should be really hooked!!
|
|
|
Paulmilly
|
| posted on 31/7/16 at 08:55 AM |
|
|
Hi all, thanks for this advice much appreciated. I think all go for the "was running but now needs tic" option, so I'll keep on
searching for one. I'll update my info but I live in Burton on Trent in Staffordshire. Would be good If anyone nearby hears of something. Cheers
Paul
|
|
|
SteveWallace
|
| posted on 31/7/16 at 09:24 AM |
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by Paulmilly
I'm a complete beginner apart from tinkering with cars when I was younger I.e. Changing brakes, adjusting timing, generally taking stuff apart
and putting it back together!
That's about the level that I was at before I started. Don't let it put you off the ideal of a building a whole kit (but probably not a
scratch build involving structural welding unless you can weld anyway). Just view each stage of the build as a project in its own right and learn as
you go. Whatever stage you're at someone one here will be able to help if you get stuck. You will make some mistakes that mean that you bought
things that you decide that you don't want to use, but there is an active market on here to sell surplus.
If you cannot find a full kit of parts that someone else has already gathered together and not finished, or a nearly finished project that you can
strip and rebuild, then buying a whole donor vehicle will be the cheapest route. There are people on here who have stripped a donor of what they
needed and the sold the rest of the bits on e-bay for more than what they paid for the donor. Down side is that you need space to store and strip
it.
Given where you live, if you're working to a budget then I suggest you use Albert Looms scrappy in Derby for random bits.
I'm always amazed that the resale value for finished cars is often no more than the cost of the collection of bits, despite the effort put into
putting it together. If you want something on the road quickly then buy a finished car to tinker with. If you want the challenge of the build, then
buy the parts.
If the car/kit that you buy is not road legal, don't forget to budget for IVA at £450 if you want to drive it on the public highway.
[Edited on 31/7/16 by SteveWallace]
|
|
|
big-vee-twin
|
| posted on 31/7/16 at 09:51 AM |
|
|
You don't need to weld to build a car, buy a new complete chassis and body work and get building, that's what I did.
It took me 5 and a bit years the main issue was I wanted to build my car the way I wanted it and sometime had to spend 6 months saving up the cash to
buy the part I wanted.
Enjoyed every minute now blatting around Yorkshire.
As you can still work in progress in the middle of adding a screen post IVA
[img]
 
Screen2
[/img]
[Edited on 31/7/16 by big-vee-twin]
Duratec Engine is fitted, MS2 Extra V3 is assembled and tested, engine running, car now built. IVA passed 26/02/2016
http://www.triangleltd.com
|
|
|
benchmark51
|
| posted on 31/7/16 at 11:56 AM |
|
|
Personally I wouldn't go for the locust. With the amount you suggest (2k), I would look at the GBS kit for around that money.
GBS Zero Starter Kit - Self Build, Track and Road Car, Kit Car. Ford Donor.
|
|
|
bi22le
|
| posted on 31/7/16 at 12:59 PM |
|
|
If ypu do start fresh with a kit. I would try and stay away from ford. Some of their parts are getting rare and therefore people are charging a
premium.
Look for BMW donor or mx5 donor kits.
Track days ARE the best thing since sliced bread, until I get a supercharger that is!
Please read my ring story:
http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/forum/13/viewthread.php?tid=139152&page=1
Me doing a sub 56sec lap around Brands Indy. I need a geo set up! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHksfvIGB3I
|
|
|
INDY BIRD
|
| posted on 31/7/16 at 01:31 PM |
|
|
Had a locust back in the 90s ladder frame chassis, the wood floors and sides are skinned with Ali,
Live axel normally escort, and some have triumph or cortina front end,
Mine had a pinto with 160 bop' way to much for tha car, but was fun, went like stink to 100mph, dare not go over it thoug in that car, as
suspension on these is a bit lets a
Say agricultural.
Most Caterham parts fit them, ie bonnet nose and scuttle so they can look like a Caterham but nothing like them, I'd save a bit more and look
for something else if it was my money,
|
|
|
Paulmilly
|
| posted on 31/7/16 at 02:51 PM |
|
|
This is great stuff chaps, so if I went for a new kit (see below) I would still need to learn how to weld? If that's the case I'm gonna
try to get something that's done and upgrade it.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/232022844548
Is the above a good deal? it's brand new and quite local to me.
Cheers
Paul
|
|
|
Paulmilly
|
| posted on 31/7/16 at 03:01 PM |
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by benchmark51
Personally I wouldn't go for the locust. With the amount you suggest (2k), I would look at the GBS kit for around that money.
GBS Zero Starter Kit - Self Build, Track and Road Car, Kit Car. Ford Donor.
Are these decent kits?
|
|
|
ReMan
|
| posted on 31/7/16 at 03:11 PM |
|
|
Unless your building a chassis you should not need to weld
www.plusnine.co.uk
|
|
|
Slimy38
|
| posted on 31/7/16 at 04:29 PM |
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by Paulmilly
This is great stuff chaps, so if I went for a new kit (see below) I would still need to learn how to weld? If that's the case I'm gonna
try to get something that's done and upgrade it.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/232022844548
Is the above a good deal? it's brand new and quite local to me.
Cheers
Paul
That does seem like a decent set up. You'd need a Sierra donor, or you could just buy the donor parts individually.
|
|
|
ReMan
|
| posted on 31/7/16 at 05:36 PM |
|
|
Yes i spotted that too, not a bad buy.
The Sierra bits would be easily enough obtained without buying a doner
www.plusnine.co.uk
|
|
|
Paulmilly
|
| posted on 31/7/16 at 07:49 PM |
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by bi22le
I would say that 2k and beginners experience should point you towards a project that was running fine and now needs tlc to get it back up and running.
Search lots on here for topics discussing bought vs built.
I personally feel that buying a finished but neglected project would be a great start. Then everything is there ready for a full strip down and
rebuild.
Then you get your hands dirty, have a good challange to build with mods as you want and you don't have to guess / weld / solve problems as
much.
Don't fixate on going straight for glory, there are far more part built and abandoned projects due to lack of time then anything thing else.
Also add your location. People are kind enough on here to help out alot more than any other car forum.
[Edited on 31/7/16 by bi22le]
How about this, does the price seem about right?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252475097953
Cheers
|
|
|
bi22le
|
| posted on 31/7/16 at 08:40 PM |
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by Paulmilly[/i,
This is great stuff chaps, so if I went for a new kit (see below) I would still need to learn how to weld? If that's the case I'm gonna
try to get something that's done and upgrade it.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/232022844548
Is the above a good deal? it's brand new and quite local to me.
Cheers
Paul
Yup that's not a bad one. Or this one depending on your colour choice and BEC / CEC wants. It may go above 2k though.
Sylva Riot Kit Car , Track Car, Race Car, etc
Which is a good point. Best time to buy is end of summer and winter. Ypu need to list your wants, expectations amd priorities. As this will help you
realise when the right kit comes along amd give you confidence to buy.
Do you know if you want bike or car engine powered? Track or road? If its road and a new kit then you will have to get it registered which takes time
and money.
Again, use the search on here.
Finally, you don't need to know how to weld.
Track days ARE the best thing since sliced bread, until I get a supercharger that is!
Please read my ring story:
http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/forum/13/viewthread.php?tid=139152&page=1
Me doing a sub 56sec lap around Brands Indy. I need a geo set up! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHksfvIGB3I
|
|
|
bi22le
|
| posted on 31/7/16 at 08:41 PM |
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by Paulmilly
quote:
Originally posted by bi22le
I would say that 2k and beginners experience should point you towards a project that was running fine and now needs tlc to get it back up and running.
Search lots on here for topics discussing bought vs built.
I personally feel that buying a finished but neglected project would be a great start. Then everything is there ready for a full strip down and
rebuild.
Then you get your hands dirty, have a good challange to build with mods as you want and you don't have to guess / weld / solve problems as
much.
Don't fixate on going straight for glory, there are far more part built and abandoned projects due to lack of time then anything thing else.
Also add your location. People are kind enough on here to help out alot more than any other car forum.
[Edited on 31/7/16 by bi22le]
How about this, does the price seem about right?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252475097953
Cheers
Not a fan of robin hood chassis. Only due to feedback read on here and that there are now better chaos around that offer more.
Track days ARE the best thing since sliced bread, until I get a supercharger that is!
Please read my ring story:
http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/forum/13/viewthread.php?tid=139152&page=1
Me doing a sub 56sec lap around Brands Indy. I need a geo set up! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHksfvIGB3I
|
|
|
