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Post by syph013 on Jun 22, 2011 15:00:14 GMT
Hi I'm looking into doing a build with my son, not decided which as yet - either Rocket or Sonic 7
I don't have any experience in kit building, I can't weld (though I'm looking at doing a course), I've been looking at threads/websites that talk through someones build experience and testing things they came up against. I understand that MEV adapt the kit as they learn from builders experience, so are there any taxing things that still exist with either model? based on a very standard build - how does that fit? I need to fabricate....
Sorry if I sound vague
Cheers
Phil
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Post by mastarforth on Jun 22, 2011 18:46:44 GMT
Hi Phil
This is the 3rd kit can I have built now but everyone of us have been in your boat in the past
You will find that some days you just cannot cannot quite solve a problem that the next is obvious
I am just waiting to test a Sonic, and to be truthful the build has been much simpler than others I have built
The people on here have most the answers as problems have been met before
Go on take the plunge you won't regret it
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Post by syph013 on Jun 23, 2011 12:15:04 GMT
Cool, thank you. I've been reading various threads on here and they are very encouraging. The one issue I saw that would be well over what I could do is the modifying the engine regarding the pully that isn't used and a new piece needs fabricating and wondered are there many like this that have been encountered
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Post by Tim Kerr on Jun 23, 2011 12:38:55 GMT
If you fit an electric water pump you can do away without the need to modify the belt routing. You then only need a small belt to drive the alternator.
Tim
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Post by syph013 on Jun 24, 2011 11:27:05 GMT
Ahhh, thank you - thats what these boards are for
Ok vitally important question......what colours are available for the panels?
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Post by dinosaurjuice on Jun 24, 2011 11:40:25 GMT
Welcome!
changing belt routing isnt difficult, i think RTR even supply a pre cut/folded bracket now to mount tensioner - have to check though.
Welding is not essential, however its a great skill to have regardless. I never had proper tuition, but wish i had. Well worth doing some evening classes if theres a local college that offers them.
Will
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mattsmev
Senior
It's only Rocket science...
Posts: 726
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Post by mattsmev on Jun 30, 2011 15:51:51 GMT
Easy build and the tensioner problem was easy on my 1.6 engine. I think I just removed the A/C pulley and the power stearing pulley and fitted a shorter belt.
take the plunge and take the problems one at a time. go to the shows, have a look at other cars and use this forum. what can possibly go wrong
They do rockets in all the colours, bright orange, tangerine orange, life vest orange, gritter lorry orange spray on tan orange, duck a-la-orange - see every colour you could want
enjoy
mattsmev
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Post by fossie on Jul 1, 2011 7:54:10 GMT
I'd agree on the belt - if you buy the pre folded bracket from rtr you only need to drill a couple of holes and bolt it in place - best done whilst the engine is out of the donor....
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Post by slimy on Jul 8, 2011 14:20:09 GMT
For the welding course, I did one after hours at my local college. Best £50 I ever spent!! They teach you all the basics, and in my case the course was made up of two components. These two components could either be a beginner and advanced module in a particular type of welding, or two beginner courses in different welding techniques. I went for full-on MIG welding, and was very happy with the results. Other people went for MIG and stick, with some going for TIG.
The only thing I might say is that welding is alot to do with the kit, and as you can imagine the welding gear at college was mega powerful. When I got home and used something a bit more 'DIY' I found some of the techniques had to be adapted.
I'd say in most cases welding won't be needed, but I feel happier that I have it available. I had planned to weld up a locost chassis, but MEV's Sonic kit ticked all the right boxes for me so I'm saving for that instead.
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Post by syph013 on Jul 8, 2011 17:49:27 GMT
My local college offers a vehicle retoration course with a mig welding and grinding element that sounds interesting. It is run when they have enough interest - so may end up putting my name down for it.
Side subject - I'm saving for a mev kit (think I've settled on the Rocket) I reckon I'll not go for donor car and build a Q plater, now.....I've seen an engine with gearbox - any advice for questions to ask, ecu and keys are still over my head at the moment
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