New member

[BIGxPAPPA]

Hi all,

I have read a couple of introductions from people who have such a grounded base of knowledge in the automotive world from rebuilding engines to ...well, building a business to serve people who want to build cars... My knowledge is VERY limited, i've changed my oil, lowered my car, and installed a hood, but the majority of my knowledge is tied to interior electronic modifications.

i just ordered the book on how to build a FRF roadster, which is my intent when the cash comes in, but until i get the book and discover car parts i've never known about, i'm getting a little worried that perhapes i'm in over my head. Just about everyone i know takes their cars to a mecahnic or quicky lube place for car work so i dont have that sort of resource to go to.

I guess what i'm asking is if those of you who had limited automotive know-how when you started a build, felt comfortable given the materials from the kit, to build a reliable, running roadster from basically your own two hands.

Right now, i just want the car to cruise around in, im not much of a speed demon, so im thinking a 302 turnkey crate engine but i am a little worried about small stuff that im probably overlooking. I realize that i need to add to my relatively small collection of tools in order to prepare for the build but im not sure how deep im willing to go.

[David Hodgkins]

The short answer is that YES, you can do it if you are even slightly mechanically inclined! That's what the forum is for!

Lots of folks who have done it say the build school is a very good way to get to know the build, so it is always recommended. I didn't go, but those who do say it's great.

Take your time, and break the build down into bite size chunks and you will get through it. Just make sure you have a decent digital camera and willingness to buy tools!

I went the same route as you and purchased a Crate motor. many vendors can build you a turn-key drivetrain that you can drop in with minimal wrenching. So that takes the engine build portiuon right out of the picture.

Where are you located?

2 words: BUILD PARTY! I had 3 or four that got me off a few humps along the way. The folks that build these cars love to help out the new guys. Find out who lives nearby and show up for any gathering mentioned. New guys are ALWAYS welcomed at shows, cruise-in's, etc.

Welcome to the forum, and welcome to the madness!

:)

[skullandbones]

BIGxPAPPA,

You have one of the best tools of all! Electronic knowledge. If you get a turnkey drivetrain and can breeze thru the wiring, you're half way there. You may feel less comfortable drilling, riveting, etc but like David H said, you break it down to simple tasks and behold: it goes from boxes of stuff to a real race car like magic (maybe not quite that easy)! But you get the idea. Seriously, you can get all the help and support you need along the way, here. Looking forward to hearing that you "pulled the trigger". See you later, WEK.

[CapeCoralCobra]

Welcome, and I agree with both above. A fellow roadster builder close to me built one several years ago (MK II), and his previous experience was close to yours, minus your electronics knowledge. He did most of the work himself, without the assistance of this (or the other) forum, and built a pretty decent car. I have considerable experience rebuilding cars, but lack in electronic skills, so that's where the forums came to the rescue for me. I believe patience is the greatest attribute needed for a build, along with an ability to visualize a logical sequence of steps. A 302 based crate engine is probably plenty for what you want to do. HTH.