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MadaboutKitcars

This is a read-only archive of the old Madabout Kitcars forum. New posts and replies are no longer possible, but every thread is still here to browse and read.

First Kit Car

5 Oct 2013, 8:11am
Sooo, i've never built a Kit car before and want to start my first one, what do you guys think would be a good one to start with? and what is it likely to cost?

not to hard to build, i have access to a fair amount of tools but want to keep it as simple as can be.

ideally i'd want one to fit an MR2 as they're pretty easy to get a hold of.

Thanks!
5 Oct 2013, 10:32am
Get down to a kit car show and take a look around, I think the Exeter show is soon.

If you are looking at a re-body kit / panel kit then you need to see some finished cars and check for fit/finish etc and whether it actually looks good. Some panel type kits can be a knightmare to fit while others can be literally unbolt-bolt on. Try to talk to some builders/owners too rather than rely on the company for information... A decent company will have a number of owners/builders who are willing to talk to you.
5 Oct 2013, 3:26pm
Totally agree. Need to go to a show and have a look around.

Really depends on what takes your fancy. MR2 based cars range from a reboot to total kit.

What about an F1 replica?


http://www.furorecars.co.uk
5 Oct 2013, 8:12pm
Or an mx5 based kit there are a few out there now...just a body bonded on the original shell
7 Oct 2013, 7:46am
Thanks guys, i will definitely get to a show. the f1 kits look like fun so something to think about.
7 Oct 2013, 8:31am
redratbike wrote:
Or an mx5 based kit there are a few out there now...just a body bonded on the original shell


There are also now full kits to replace the Body of an MX5 and if your into a little more you can quite easily scratch build your own car from an MX5 donor. It takes a little longer and it can be a nightmare at times but its very rewarding.

Where are you based from your user name it looks to me like your peterborough way.
10 Oct 2013, 10:06am
ra5ax wrote:
There are also now full kits to replace the Body of an MX5 and if your into a little more you can quite easily scratch build your own car from an MX5 donor. It takes a little longer and it can be a nightmare at times but its very rewarding.

Where are you based from your user name it looks to me like your peterborough way.


I'm in Brighton, i have looked at perhaps a Mev Exocet and they seem relatively simple to build once you've stripped the car, but i'm not going to make any definite decisions until i go to a show.
10 Oct 2013, 11:15am
I started off thinking exactly the same as you a few years ago and i'd say based on my experiences over the past few years, read all the magazines you can, go to the shows and then decide on your project not on your current ability but on your budget! and how long you want to take to build it!

As long as you're willing to give-it-a-go, then the skills will come as you go through the project but the thing you can't change is generally the amount of money you have available to spend :(

I know that an MR2 rebody is seen as "simpler", but that's only the case if you're going you get someone else to paint and trim it! If you want to do those bits yourself then you're also doing well over half of the skills needed to build a kit such as a Sammio/Ribble/Miglia/Tribute!

Whatever you choose i wish you all the best look forward to see a build thread :)

Dave