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 Topic  |
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mantacars
127 Posts |
 Posted - July 04 2003 : 5:12:46 PM
Since your last post was to a topic that has become quite lengthy and buried in multiple threads of information, I have elected to start a new topic in an attempt to answer the last of your multiple questions.
When bullding a kit car, if attention is devoted to conservative,
reliable mechanics and creature comfort, the completed car could
realistically be a "daily driver". While you may be able to use your kit car everday commuting to work, shopping at the the grocery store,
or partaking of your preferred social entertainment, one caveat should always be kept in mind. Most kit cars are replicas of exotic or rare vehicles and, as such, are guaranteed "attention getters".
Bad things ofen happen to "attention getting" vehicles when left unattended for prolonged periods of time.
Mike |
JonB112
67 Posts |
Posted - July 04 2003 : 10:19:46 PM
Thanks Manta, I really appreciate the response.
I can understand reliable mechanics but please elaborate on "creature comfort." I guess I'm not current with the lingo like I should be. Yea, flashy automobiles can have their downside. They get you that desired attention from women, but also attention from car jackers as well. I just wanted something nice since I'll be working with some professional athletes and entertainors starting this year. It's a less expensive means of transportation then just renting an expensive vehicle for them. If my clients like them, I can help with some promotion.But that's why I'm really questioning the dependability and durability of the builds as daily drivers b/c Quality and Reliability are VERY important to me. I'm a huge Lamborghini Diablo enthusiast but I'll never be able to rationalize spending $200-300K for a car. That kind of money can buy 1-2 real estate properties in certain tourist markets that can yeild $50-60k of residual income per year. And to be honest, I think some of the Lamborghini DIABLO Kits look as good or better then originals, but, I also like the idea that I can customize several features to my preferences. How can one select a good quality builder besides looking at their past work and experience? If there are some highly reputable east coast builders that anyone knows of beisdes RKS, D&R, and Exotic Glass, I would love to know. As of now, those 3 are the front runners for me. Not sacrificing quality, I'm a competitive pricer. I've been researching DIABLOs long enough and in a few months, I plan on purchasing. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated...
Thanks again and Happy 4th to everyone.
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mantacars
127 Posts |
Posted - July 05 2003 : 05:34:15 AM
Sorry for thinking "creature comfort" self-explanatory. Maybe my personal terminology and not recognized vernacular in the auto industry.
Meaning: Driver and passenger amenities such as air conditioning,
heater/defroster, decent audio system, comfortable seats,
rollup windows, etc.
Personally, I'm not into Lambo replicas, so I'll leave specific recommendations to other members on this forum far more qualified;
however, I can offer following general suggestions:
* Continued research, research, research
* All personal testimonials possible
* Contact local kit car club for assistance
* If possible, visit to mfg./builder before final commitment
* Establish satisfactory, written contractural relationship
* Up front deposit customary - pay in full only upon delivery
Closing note of caution - you're not buying a car from the dealership,
"turnkey" cars are custom built and usually have not warranty.
Good Luck,
Mike
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meat
USA
992 Posts |
Posted - July 05 2003 : 1:08:33 PM
Car jackers and car thieves will generally stay away from high-end or flashy cars; you just can't blend into traffic in a fly-yellow F355 or a blue/white Cobra.If your car is going to get stolen, it's going to be by someone specifically looking for your type of car, or it's going to be a crime of opportunity - leaving the car running while you run into the store "just for a minute" - by an inexperienced thief. Your pal,
Meat.
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mantacars
127 Posts |
Posted - July 05 2003 : 4:33:46 PM
When I opened this topic, in my closing statement, "Bad things often happen to attention getting vehicles when left unattended for prolonged periods of time.", I hadn't even thought about car theft or car jacking; however, where I live (Las Vegas, NV.) both are a distinct possibility. Theft of exotics and rare vehicles here is not uncommon. These vehicles don't remain local for easy recognition, but
are off to Mexico or the port Los Angeles which are both in close proximity. As for car jacking, kids here like attention getting or performance vehicles for a quick joyride or partcipation in illegal
street drags.
My intention was to caution of events far less serious than the loss of vehicle, but still a major "pain in the ass", such as:
* Keyed paint, slashed tires, broken glass - Some people, given the
opportunity, do damage material things they cannot afford.
* Door dings - On rare occasion, I have parked my car in the most
remote location of a public parking lot and when I return someone
is parked right next to me, so that they can "check it out".
* Body damage - Many kit cars do not have front and/or rear bumpers,
for protection against itty-bitty little taps by other vehicles or
runaway shopping carts.
Mike
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meat
USA
992 Posts |
Posted - July 05 2003 : 7:25:06 PM
quote:
mantacars wrote:
When I opened this topic, in my closing statement, "Bad things often happen to attention getting vehicles when left unattended for prolonged periods of time.", I hadn't even thought about car theft or car jacking; however, where I live (Las Vegas, NV.) both are a distinct possibility. Theft of exotics and rare vehicles here is not uncommon. These vehicles don't remain local for easy recognition, but
are off to Mexico or the port Los Angeles which are both in close proximity. As for car jacking, kids here like attention getting or performance vehicles for a quick joyride or partcipation in illegal
street drags.
My intention was to caution of events far less serious than the loss of vehicle, but still a major "pain in the ass", such as:
* Keyed paint, slashed tires, broken glass - Some people, given the
opportunity, do damage material things they cannot afford.
* Door dings - On rare occasion, I have parked my car in the most
remote location of a public parking lot and when I return someone
is parked right next to me, so that they can "check it out".
* Body damage - Many kit cars do not have front and/or rear bumpers,
for protection against itty-bitty little taps by other vehicles or
runaway shopping carts.
Mike
Yes, all of that can happen, I absolutely agree. There are indeed wackos out there that believe that you shouldn't have something better than they do. A friend of mine has a Hummer that has been keyed twice, and once he caught a rabid tree-hugger putting a bumper sticker about supporting terrorists by owning a gas hog (his Hummer is diesel powered, and he uses it for his business, which involves search and rescue...like it says on the side of the rig). And there is always Meat's parking lot rule to remember: The emptier the parking lot is and the further away you park from the building determines the number of cars parking next you (not to be confused with Meat's corollary: the speed of the unmanned approaching shopping cart is directly proportional to how expensive and/or new your car is). Your pal,
Meat.
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Response to JonB112 - Daily Driver
