Optional Extras for Rocket

[airforceone]

Hi guys, This will be my last new thread, Maybe !!

Looking at all the rockets that have been built on this site, I would like some guidance on the optional extras that are available to purchase when I buy the kit.

I know most of the additional parts are obtained from the donor car but with all the experiences and expertise on this site there must be certain items that would make the build and my life a bit easier if I just bought them new with the kit.

All hints and tips welcome.

[Andy]

Hi airforceone it's a hard one I worked on how much cash I had then did brakes ,seats,powder coat ,wheels ,pedal box
When you come to take the wiring out the donor car I took it all out and labeled it as I unplugged it save you a lot of time in the end hope this helps
Lego

[mattsmev]

Hi airforce one

its every case on its merits, and depends a lot on budget. Try to figure out what the car is for,track day weapon or garage show queen. Long runs to le mans and the car shows of a blast arround the excellent roads around Faslane.

then figure out how much money you have after buying the essentials and figure what you want. You will need brakes, pedals, seats and lights, but extras (and even the essentials) can be changed or added after you have built it. My car has changed loads since i finished it two years ago.

You also need to play to your strengths. I made my own loom out of the doner loom. It saved me cash and is something i could do. I have also got cheep head lights as i quite like them and they work for me.

enjoy the decision making process and be lead by what you want the car for.

Cheers

Mattsmev

[roadtrackrace]

The options that most people take are a roll bar, powdercoating and front brakes.

Next on the list is the Wilwood pedals as making your own from a set of Focus pedals is preety time consuming.

After that I would say that seats, lights and wiring loom are popular but they are all things that can either be sourced from numerous places or as Matt has don with his wiring, DIY made.

You get yards of spare wire when you strip the Focus loom down and this can be recycled and re-used.

RTR

[airforceone]

Thanks Guys

This info is helping alot.

This next question goes to everyone that has completed or nearly completed there build.
Exactly what items are required from the donor car, I have seen what they list on the MEV website but would like a bit more info.

I would like to purchase everything I need new starting with some items from RTR with the purchase of the kit and then by other means gradually as I progress with the kit as I would really like to register the car as new. If I do it gradually then the budget I have initially will work. As I don't intend to finish until next year I then have a rolling budget, which keeps the missus happy.

If all the parts are new with the exception of the engine can this still be done.

I imagine that the Engine/Transmission is the big bite out of the budget. Exactly at which point in the build does the engine need to be fitted before it starts to slow or stop the build.

Sorry for all the questions, but 20 years in the Navy you get the 6 P's hammered into you.

Quick note for anyone intending to bring there cars to Scotland, mattsmev was right about the roads around Faslane, they are real drivers roads, been round them in various hot hatches in my time but cant wait to get on them in a rocket.

[mattsmev]

Hi airforceone

what about buying a kit-in-a-box from RTR and taking a small loan to cover the extra money if the initial out-lay is the problem. I suspect the repayments would be the same as the ongoing outlay of buying bits as you go and certainly more predictable. You are then free to build at any rate you please. I was VERY careful with my budget and planned very well, but I still had surprises and spending was less controlled in the final stages.

I put my engine in quite quickly. the floor and suspension is really quick, so then i was keen to get the engine out of the way. so i drilled for my engine cover and fitted the battery (I expect that has changed now with the fuel tank reg's). If you have all the required parts from RTR the build will be fabulously quick and new registration will be easy.

It's only a thought, Although I am uncomfortable with loans it will save you loads of time on the internet, save you lots in delivery charges as it will all be from one supplier, and get the car on the road quite quickly. I am sure RTR will do a custom Kit-in-a-box to suit your requirements.

Cheers

Mattsmev

[airforceone]

Thanks Mattsmev.

A couple of posts have mentioned the kit in a box and I have been looking at it very seriously.

The budget wasn't the problem, the whole purpose of this build was to help me improve my car knowledge and revisit my long time lost mechanical skills. But as usual when boys want there toys it goes from a basic build into, I really fancy a trackday flyer. I have already been pestering Paul at RTR about paint colours and specialised paints.

I have been trying to calculate the total cost a build will set me back and it's quite surprising, well for me anyway.

The simple task of buying a donor car for example, having it deliverd if needed then collected once stripped. Additional parts if not available or damaged on donor. Possible high mileage on engine and gearbox (rebuild may be needed).

I have seen some pictures on various posts that show some builders with there engines and transmissions in pieces talking about needing flushes and rebuilding parts, as much as I would like my skills to be at that level at some point, they are not quite there yet.

So as I said, yes I have been looking at the kit in a box option. Also the option to register the car as new is a big plus.

I know that build costs are particular to each individual, but does the average build come close to what the kit in a box costs anyway, Yes/No ?.

I must admit, I have been impressed with these forums, I though that I would go straight in to buying a kit then away I would go. Thankfully I have spent time looking at the rocket site and posting some questions of my own and thanks to you guys and your replies, it has become far more complecated and what now looks like being a whole lot more expensive than I thought. CHEERS !!

Sorry Paul if your reading this but there is another e-mail coming your way.

Cheers Guys.