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netminder
38 Posts |
 Posted - June 27 2006 : 8:27:01 PM
I'm a total newbie in the kit car world. I saw a Fiero / 355 & think it is a heck of an idea. But being new a couple of things have struck me as I have read this & many other sites. Any comments or opinions would be welcome.I see an awful lot of unfinished kits for sale. What are the main reasons for not finishing? It seems like a lot of these unfinished kits can be bought for much less then a donor + kit. Why? How likely is it that buying a half finished kit would be more trouble then starting from scratch? There are a bunch of kit makers out there, what should I look for to find a good one and a good kit? What might indicate trouble? Anybody that has built a kit car or tried & didn't get it done what do you wish you had known before you started? What would you have done different? Thanks in advance I appreiciate your taking a few minutes to share whatever you can to. I can't stop growing older but that doesn't mean I have to grow up. |
Rick
USA
212 Posts |
Posted - June 27 2006 : 9:27:07 PM
There are as many reasons for unfinished kits as there are trees...lack of funds, lost interest, changes in family, career, whatever. Some are lack of mechanical ability, folks getting in over their heads, others are lack of electrical ability for the wiring.
Starting from scratch enables you to know every nut and bolt on the car, and you can customize it as you go. An unfinished kit, or one that 'needs work' already has someone else's idea of 'right', and if you don't agree, you'll wind up tearing things out and redoing. But, like you said, those projects are often pennies on the dollar, and of all the parts are there, you may have a great deal.
The best advice I can think of is go to a local kit show - one of the bigger shows like Carlisle or Knotts and talk to the manufacturers and owners. Cars vary widely in build quality, and few manufacturers have been able to stay in the industry building quality vehicles. Lone Star, Factory Five, and Beck are some of the best (IMHO) in the industry if you are into the Spyders and Cobras; anything old-school you'll be looking at finding an unfinished or used kits to work with. Do your research! There's lots of info out there!Rick 
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kitcarguy
535 Posts |
Posted - June 27 2006 : 9:54:48 PM
Well put Rick. Number one reason IMO is not enough research done.... people seem to think that a socket set and a few screwdrivers will get it done. Even I had that idea when I got a bradley in highschool. I got it real real cheap and figured out real real fast that I was over my head. www.kitcar.ws |
netminder
38 Posts |
Posted - June 28 2006 : 1:48:23 PM
Thanks, I have been doing a lot of reading and a couple of weeks of lurking here so I guess I have started the resarch part.How much mechanical ability does it take? I have some experience working on engines and various car stuff - breaks, tranny replacement stuff like that. Is that enough? I've never done electrical or gotten really deep into an engine and my bondo work is very limited & not all that good. I have a reasonable set of tools but nothing more exoctic then a good torque wrench. What do you recommend or is there a good list some place? Thanks I can't stop growing older but that doesn't mean I have to grow up. |
kitcarguy
535 Posts |
Posted - June 28 2006 : 7:02:54 PM
If you have a good mechanical ability you should be ok. Just do alot of research before you dive in .... is the fit is not good on the kit.... you will been to be a bodyman as well.www.kitcar.ws |
Rick
USA
212 Posts |
Posted - June 30 2006 : 10:49:13 AM
Mechanical ability is everything in kits. It's not a matter of just bolting on body panels; again, depending on the kit, there are going to be minor fitment changes that need made, and sometimes some custom brackets or fittings to bolt or weld to. From a chassis standpoint, you can get a 'roller minus', which will have everything set but the engine and drivetrain, or you can start literally from scratch - building everything from the suspension components to installing the engine, tranny, rear axle, you name it. You could always hire someone to do the parts you don't feel comfortable with, but that means getting the chassis to his/her shop. If you're not mechanically inclined, chassis work is not the place to start. You need every fastener tight to spec, every suspension and brake part perfect, or you'll likely wind up hurting yourself and someone else somewhere on the road.
I've been fortunate; I found my Sterling as a one-owner car, but I had to learn everything about a VW Beetle just to work on the motor and all the components. Not hard, but if you've never done it before it can be a little unnerving. Start simple, and work your way up.Rick
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newbie education sought
