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Build Your Own Sports Car
If you are looking for a racy looking car, but don't fancy any of the current models, why not construct your own? There is a wide choice of sports kit cars, ranging from the basic Locost right up to Italian Supercar replicas. This article will attempt to give you a taste of what you could be sat behind the wheel of if you decide to assemble it yourself.
So you have decided to build your own kit car, but where do you start? I suggest that you check out a few examples that take your fancy from a variety of manufacturers. Taking for example, a GT40 copy, there are a wide range of build options as well as expenditure and skill requirements. So you will need to decide how much you want to spend and look at your own capabilities before you make a final decision on a particular manufacturer.
This is now a good time to check out the manufacturers Owners Club. Many have websites or forums where you can ask questions or check out potential problems you may have. If the kit manufacturer offers poor support or below standard components, the chat rooms are where you will find out!
Presently you should have a shortlist of potential Sports car projects, a budget to work to and a fair idea of the mechanical skills necessary. You now should now be able to choose a kit. In order to make a selection, I suggest that you go to the kit car exhibitions or manufacturers open days and chat to other kit car builders. Don't forget, they have valuable experience in building your chosen model and can come up with advice if you should get stuck with a particular problem.
After you have handed over your money for a kit, the work really begins. Even before the kit is delivered, you should locate the cleanest, most mechanically sound donor vehicle that you can. The better the donor, the better the finished kit car you will be driving. All required mechanical parts should be removed and cleaned as per the kit builders manual. If you are not fully happy with the condition of a component then it should be renewed. Don't take risks with your safety. It is wise at this stage to get insurance for your kit project.
For most kit cars, putting together the vehicle is fairly straightforward. Any manufacturer that has sold more than a few kits will have a comprehensive build manual listing every step, in the right order. If you have concerns then ask the manufacturer, Owners Club or forums. You will be surprised at how helpful your fellow kit builders are. It is in the manufacturers own interests to assist you as much as possible, and many have dedicated helplines for this task. After all, when you drive the car, you will become a traveling advertisement for their brand.
After you have assembled the car you will need to ensure that any testing and paperwork is in order before taking to the road. Again, the manufacturer and Owners Club are the ideal people to point you in the right direction.
When you take your completed sports car on the road, you will feel a sense of achievement as you drive a hand built vehicle that you made yourself.
About the Author: Mark Heywood runs Kit Cars and Replicas, a website dedicated to helping enthusiasts select and construct their own sports cars.
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