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 Topic  |
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Jonathan
39 Posts |
 Posted - July 15 2006 : 12:19:45 PM
I'm looking for a rebody of a reliable modern car.I'm aware of some that use the Miata as a donor, which is an extremely reliable car:
Simpson Design Italia http://www.simpsondesign.net
Z3 Conversion ?
M1stang http://m1stang.com/ The miata is a great platform because they're cheap, reliable, good handling, and they haven't changed much from 1990-2005. You can usually find them in pristine condition because the owners are usually gearheads or they baby them like *******s. Does anyone know of any others? I'm looking for something simple which will require only minor body work and paint using a newer car (that can be had under 6k) as a donor. Perhaps some that aren't as well known but people that follow kit cars respect their work? Perferably located in the US. Thanks |
kitcarguy
535 Posts |
Posted - July 15 2006 : 12:59:01 PM
Before  www.vitessesportscar.com/images/a.jpg" border=0>
After www.vitessesportscar.com/images/pic6bmain.jpg" border=0> http://www.vitessesportscar.com/home.html i think they are in canada www.kitcar.ws |
Jonathan
39 Posts |
Posted - July 15 2006 : 2:54:52 PM
Thanks! Keep posting guys. |
Jonathan
39 Posts |
Posted - July 18 2006 : 6:36:58 PM
Are there no others? I was kind of hoping for more responses. I realize this forum doesn't get too many hits, but I know there are definately more out there.
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Darrel
64 Posts |
Posted - July 19 2006 : 11:03:00 PM
Sure, what the heck. My favorites are based around the Pontiac Fiero, specifically the 1988 Formula and GT. Yeah, yeah, I know "old tech" but look at some interesting facts. First, GM fianlly got the suspension right with a clone of a Lotus design, no bump steer, great breaks,etc. Second, there is an abundance of engine swaps which don't seem to screw up the balance of this mid engine design. You can leave the 2.8 stock, go 3.1,3.4,3.8, 3.8 supercharged,4.9 Caddy, or 350 small block in about 30 to 50 hours and have a killer performing car running in the low 12's in the quarter mile. There are several transmissions both auto and manual 4,5, and 6 speeds that work with these engines. Third, the Fiero got a 5 star crash rating so it's a rolling cage to begin with and the gas tank is safely located in the middle of the car. Fourth, because the body panels are non-stressed panels just attached to that cage doing a body swap is much easier than most kit cars. Fifth, have you ever driven an 88 Fiero??? I picked one up about a month ago. What fun, very neutral balanced handling, rowing the 5 speed is a blast, and can you imagine doubling or tripling the stock horsepower in one of these cars? My favorite re-body is the Finale now being carried by V8 Archie. He also carries the Fino design as well but I just don't like those bug eye square headlights as much. You can see both cars at...
www.v8archie.com
And of course there are about a bajillion Lambo's,F***ri clones, etc. that have been built on Fieros for many years. So you re-new the suspension of an 88 Fiero, throw in the engine swap of your choice, your favorite flavor of Italian, English or whatever body kit and depending on how much sweat equity you're willing to put in, poof!, great handling, fast, mid-engine exotic car, that cost you $20,000 to $30,000. I think that's a bargain.
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Jonathan
39 Posts |
Posted - July 20 2006 : 8:31:32 PM
Thanks Darrel, I've seen the fino/finale before. I think I still have the kitcar mag they were first introduced in :)Not looking to spend $20-$30k, more like under $8k. I'm not looking to build a kitcar, just a simple rebody. I'm not concerned about performance as the car is being built for a non-enthusiast who only wants a unique car. How reliable is a stock fiero? I know little about them except for all the usual bad things you hear about them on the internet.
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Darrel
64 Posts |
Posted - July 20 2006 : 9:23:14 PM
Doing a re-body for under $8000 is going to be tough no matter what you choose. The key to Fieros, in my opinion is getting an 88 model. They're out there. I picked mine up for under $5,000 and it doesn't need much mechanically. If your're truly not concerned about the motor you might find one for $2500 to $3500. The Finale/Fiero kits are $4800. Dial in paint, tires, rims, some interior cosmetics and you might be at least under $10000 if you shopped wisely. In my opinion stock Fieros are very reliable especially the 88 models. Parts are still readily available and there are plenty of forums for tech. help. By the way almost all the crap you read about them on the internet is just that crap. Most of the problems revolved around the 4 cylinder models and earlier years. Get a little more history on the cars here... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_Fiero
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kitcarguy
535 Posts |
Posted - July 21 2006 : 06:44:01 AM
6 cyl fieros are as reliable as any other 20 year old car...lol Dont listen to everything you read about the fierowww.kitcar.ws |
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Simple rebody on a modern reliable car?
