Any build tips??

[mwalley1]

Hello all,

I have ordered my rocket and should be read mid September!

Trying to get myself ready for the build!

Do you have any tips for me??

Got all the basics tools but are there any that would make my life easier??

Thanks Matt

[JimK]

Hi Matt

Apart from tidying up my garage and buying some new tools........

Mobile build platform, makes it so easy to move around, unless you have a garage like Mabbs!
Decent Rivnut tool
6" vice
quick release clamps, work like an extra pair of hands
Quality drill bits and cone drills

Read the IVA manual cover to cover, I did and still made/make mistakes!

Plan your build, loads of great build stories to follow, check out the tech section, there is a wealth of information here.

I think there is only so much you can plan but it depends on your build, I went the all new kit route so this has been easier for me.

Try not to get too excited!

Regards
Jim

[airforceone]

Hi Matt

Just started my build, had a basic collection of tools, the only things I have had to source so far was extra HSS drill bits, various sizes as you may go thru a few doing the floor pan. It's worth spending the extra money for good quality tools, Halfords do discounts quite alot on their professional range of tools I bought quite a few of these sets and they are very good.

I also tend to buy the tools as needed, look around for best prices, I don't particularly like buying from ebay but you can pick up cheap tools.

I'm 4 weeks into the build now, got another week before I go on holiday. You will probably be getting one of the newer chassis with the slightly different engine mount brackets, like mine.
You can get a load done in the first 4 weeks then things start to slow done that's the stage I'm getting too now. This is were you can spend loads of dosh trying to get the parts to help speed things up, I'm fighting this at the moment my holiday has come at the right time.

Good luck with the build when you start.

Ned

[fossie]

If you go for the powder coated frame, whilst working on the car you MUST cover the frame with protection - I didn't and am regretting it now as the powder coating is soft and marks very easily...

[airforceone]

You will always have some marking on the powder coat during build, it's impossible not to. Obviously cover the exposed area were your working at the time but it's a simple job to touch paint areas on completion of the build.

Imagine some of the chips and marks you will have to deal with when you have been out driving on the open road or motorway.

Ned

[mightylad]

Hi all,

My rocket chassis was 'wet' painted instead of the normal powder... It definitely has its advantages - easy to touch up after stone chips, easy to blend bigger scratches in with a little sanding and new paint. And after 900miles - the frame is still in good nick! (just watch out for roads which have recently been re-covered!)

the disadvantage though is obviously durability... wet paint is quite hard once dry any can easily chip if hit hard enough (think dropped sockets/ring spanners etc!)...

Ultimately, i guess you dont see that many powder coated production cars on the road - manufactures must be happy with just wet paint!!

cheers,
Ol