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 Topic  |
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Travis
USA
39 Posts |
 Posted - June 19 2005 : 5:56:59 PM
Hi,I'm 17 and am thinking of maybe building a kit car,a 427 Cobra,street version.My question is how hard are these to put together?I have little mechanicle experience.I do have a place to build it and I think I have most of the tools needed or have friends who do.would I have to be almost a master mechanic to attempt this?Most of the kits say the average person can build them but I thought I'd ask you guys the professionals if it's true .I'm wondering do you think I could get most of the work done myself and then pay a proffesional to do the really hard stuff?.Also who do you recomend buying the kit from.Thanks.
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JOHNNYBOY
USA
154 Posts |
Posted - June 19 2005 : 7:47:46 PM
travis,
dont fret dude if theres a will and cash theres a way.im working on my first diablo,and let me be totally honest with you the first thing i did was find someone who builds them and watched them build them.the people that build kitcars are passionate about these cars and most will help you out,but if you dont know how and your friend dont know how you will be selling your dreams on this website.but dont let go of your dream just watch other people that have been there first.i live in fla.i hade to drive 1700miles to watch the builder work on a car.if you truly want one of these it in my opinion is the only way to go.like i said most of the people in the buis will go out of their way to help you especially the builders.because you will be new buisness for them and most of us love the cars we build.
good luck man if you do it do it smart.
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Travis
USA
39 Posts |
Posted - June 20 2005 : 08:33:24 AM
Hi,thanks for the quick reply.The problem is I don't have a lot of money.I was thinking that if I was able to build a kit car it would save me money.Also I was hoping I could pay as I go,like I'd buy the kit and while putting it together,I would be saving my money from my job so when the body was done I could buy the next set of parts I need,and while putting it together I would say my money for the next set of parts etc .
So by what you have seen and done so far on you'r Dioblo is there really a chance a guy like me who has the will but not a lot of cash or experience could get it built?I mean is the work mostly just hard work and time consuming[I got time]with a few spots you need a mastermechanic ?If I could build most of it myself,and had to pay someone to do some of it,It would still be worth it as I just can't afford an already built Cobra,for a while yet. Thanks for you time.
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JOHNNYBOY
USA
154 Posts |
Posted - June 20 2005 : 11:35:33 AM
travis like i said if theres a will there's a way,i have very little if any prior knowledge on building my first car,the only reason i say you need cash on your first one is your green and your going to screw thing up until youve made enough mistakes that you learn what not to do.i my case even with learning from someone that already builds these cars i though i had a better plan than they did and it cost me evertime i went against a proven method ,but thats how you learn. if you dont mind taking your time and paying as you go thats basically what im doing,but believe me when i say at least get in touch with a builder or someone thats been there before it might save you enough to do a good job on your first car.
good luck man.
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jspbtown
95 Posts |
Posted - June 21 2005 : 08:36:17 AM
Travis,
This has been covered many times, and opinions are as varied as they possibly can be. I have restored 7 kits to date, purely as a hobby. I haven't kept a single one. Your budget will disctate what you can do. The most affordable and complete Cobra kit will probably be a Factory Five kit. Great car, great kit, great support. Realize that you will probably have to sink a least $20,000 into it, and thats not a high end motor, or fancy paint. Based on your comments that money is tight, and financing parts is usually not possible without some sort of equity, that might be out of your ballpark. Also, what is the purpose of the build? Is it to just build a car? Or is it to have reliable transportation? If you want reliable transportation, then a kit car is not for you. Sure, some may be more reliable then others, but reliability, and comfort features cost. If your looking to have the experience of building a car for yourself, and daily transportation is not the goal, then consider a VW based kit, possibly a dune buggy. The VW based kits are as simple as they get, parts are very available, and you can build it to any level your budget allows. There are alot of reasons, most notably simplicity, to consider a VW based kit. No, they do not handle the best. No they are not the most powerful. But with some minor engine upgrades, a disc brake swap, and some suspension work they can be very quick, and stop very well.
Kits are toys, simple as that. If your not ready for a toy at this junction of your life, then consider waiting.
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Travis
USA
39 Posts |
Posted - June 21 2005 : 8:21:57 PM
Thanks for the help guys,I have decided to wait a little while before tryuing this.I think I would be able to do some of it or all of it but It will cost more than I thought,and Since this is going to be my dream car I'm going to wait untill I have more money so it will be perfect.I don't want to cut corners and later regret not waiting untill I could afford putting in part B over Part A.
Thanks again for helping me decide.
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How Hard are kit cars to build?
