Help in considering the build

[dvukmer]

Hoping I can get some straight and honest answers on the difficulty level associated with a Type 65 build. I'm 50 and have had many years of tinkering with cars but mostly minor things over the years (timing, changing fluids, replacing wheels, overhauled a mazda 30 years ago with a friend, etc). I know all of the parts and understand the mechanics of automobile operations pretty well but I am definitely not a mechanic (e.g. never put together a transmission or clutch or even changed my own brake pads). Is this a kit I can build? I'm sure I would have some questions and have to use tech support or call in my local mechanic along the way but I'm hoping that most of the kit is "plug & play" with regular tools and basic auto know-how. I would appreciate comments or suggestions from other builders. Thanks in advance.

[AJ Roadster NJ]

You sound exactly like me when I was at that stage. In fact, I was 50 years old when I ordered the kit. I had not done any significant work on cars for almost 25 years at that point. Although I always kind of knew that there was a car project in my future, those years were all about career (brutal, lots of travel which can be draining) and family. I didn't even change the oil in my cars myself during those years, just had it done.

When I was a lot younger, I did a lot of work on my own cars and was quite good at it, and enjoyed it. During college, I rebuilt the motor in my Audi Fox because it was either that or not have a car, no money. I drove that car another 25,000 miles before selling it, which gave me confidence.

When I ordered my roadster, I did a lot of planning and took it slow. Also, I think being very self-critical is a good trait. If I sat back with beer in hand and decided that I had not done a good job with something, then I took it apart the next day and re-did it. Another thing was that I have a neighbor and good friend who is very mechanical, owns a Ducati, generally a gearhead. I very openly invited him to critique my build along the way, so instead of seeing something he didn't like and staying silent, he would always ask about it and we'd talk it through.

I absolutely loved the build experience. Recently I've been unemployed and I had to sell the car before painting it, but the hours I spent in the garage with it were simply priceless. I told my wife repeatedly that it was way cheaper than seeing a therapist. :cool:

My tool collection ballooned during the process. I also built my own motor, which for me was the most fun sub-project of the whole thing. I remember standing in front of the row of books at Barnes & Noble trying to decide which book on smallblock Fords to buy, and then just buying them all. When I started my engine build, I knew all those books cover to cover in detail, so I had zero surprises as I progressed.

Buy it, you'll love it.

Here is a video I took of the car shortly before selling;


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amcuDRISVh0

[riptide motorsport]

Yes, you can do it,.,,,,,,,,,,,,any questions or sticky points we can guide you through............Steven

[dvukmer]

Thanks very much to both of you. Very helpful. I've ordered the manual so I think I'll have a better feel, positively or negatively, after I go through that.

[SStrong]

You gotta do it. I started mine a few months ago (I'm 59, building a roadster). You can get what you need here on the forums as far as advice. I have always done my own mechanical work, raced in the late 60's and worked with my brothers on their race cars (56 vette, 49 Ford pickup, 55 and 57 Chevys, 62 Chevy, and others), but I wouldn't call myself a mechanic. You'll need a torque wrench or two, and may need some other tools that you don't have. But this is the time to do it, and you will enjoy it.

[loeffler1]

Yes, Yes, Yes you can. It's tougher than a roadster. It's not just plug and play. Read the manual and toss it in the corner. I'm 72 and bought mine in 2008, about 80% complete, however I did a lot of extras along the way. If you look at it as a bundle of small tasks and complete one at a time you are good to go. Any time you hit a snag we are here. Ask away and you'll get answers, sometimes too many, but all helpful. Painting and body work may have to be farmed out as I did. There is nothing in the world as much fun as assembling your own supercar, that is if cars are your thing. And of course driving it. Remember last but not least you are not getting any younger, nows the time, I wish I hadn't waited so long.
Good luck.

[xlr8or]

You can definitely do it.

As mentioned above, you break it down to small tasks. Have a finished plan in mind and build to it. The chassis breaks down into several groups of tasks. Suspension/brakes, plumbing, sheet metal, electrics, drivetrain. Interior and exterior go the same way. Just do your research and decide what you might want to modify from the basic plan and incorporate that into the small task lists. And of course this and the other forum are a huge resource. If something doesn't seem right, post a picture and a question and you usually have answers within the hour.

Most of all don't feel bad if something doesn't come out right or you can't figure it out. Every step of the process has been screwed up by someone here. If you don't like the way something comes out, figure out where it went wrong and do it over.

[xylonmedia]

We can find many ways to help you break the bank!!! All kidding aside, you can do it! You have a great group here to help you along the way!

[dvukmer]

Wow, with this kind of support, I don't think I have a choice! Now the only choice is going to be whether to go with the coupe or the GTM. The coupe seems as if it might be a tad easier given that you can buy a "complete kit" but maybe that's irrelevant. They are both fantastic looking cars but it's the potential performance that motivates me even more. The only thing that really sways me against the GTM is that I would like to use as many new components as possible and still keep the entire build under $50k. Not sure I can do that with a GTM and have new parts and a nice, production quality interior/exterior. Thanks again folks. I'm waiting on my assembly manual in the mail so I can do some prep work.

[loeffler1]

The huge expense for the GTM is the transaxle. Unless you've got deep pockets I think the coupe is the way to go. I'm getting close to 50 big ones and I still have to pay for finish body work and paint so the coupe is not as easy on the pocketbook as the roadster but still less than the GTM. I think if you're careful with your expenditures and don't listen to us on both forums (We're great with spending OPM) you'll get it done under 50. I've fallen prey to the costly forums!!
Bill

[DFLETCH]

I have a quick question to the roadster community. I recently got a great deal on a roadster that had some front end damage. However, I cannot determine what model it is a Mark 3 or Mark 4. All I could find is a chassis number FFR2796. Any suggestions on where I can look to identify.

Thanks

Dan

[dvukmer]

Thanks Loeffler. The money isn't the primary issue as my $50k number is more of a guide than a hard stop. Having said that, this will be my first build so it's combination of money, time and difficulty level. From everything I've read, it appears that the coupe would be more manageable in all three of those categories. I'm going to sign up for the build course this summer so I hope that helps to prep me. Thanks again everyone, looking forward to joining the community of happy coupe owners/builders.