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Post by leicesterkev on Nov 2, 2010 19:36:40 GMT
Hi All,
I'm exceptionally new to the world of kit cars but have been thinking about doing this for a while. Couldn't stop grinning when I went out in the rocket so decision made on the spot! I've got a build slot in January and space is tight (I only have a small garage) and limited mechanical knowledge (which is half the fun) so all tips will be really gratefully recieved. I'm likely to spend a lot of time on this forum but would be great to know if there is anyone else building a rocket near leicestershire......... any words of wisdom?
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Post by carbonbob on Nov 6, 2010 22:02:10 GMT
hi leicesterkev Im from kettering so not a million miles away and picked up my rocket in October so I have a bit of a start on you and learning as I go. I am an engineer so mechanically no problems but not very inventive so going to be stealing any good ideas from the forum!
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Post by leicesterkev on Nov 9, 2010 19:24:50 GMT
Hi there Carbonbob,
Not a million miles away at all. have you found the build reasonably straight forward so far and what size engine did you go for?
I'm quite limited on space so was hoping to get a new/reconditioned 2.0 litre engine and then source the different bits and pieces through breakers yards as and when I need them. Space is tight so i don't really have the space to strip down a donor and then store everything during the build. probably cost more in the long run but couldn't think of another way of doing it. can you spot any major flaws in my plan?
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Post by carbonbob on Nov 9, 2010 19:47:50 GMT
Hi Kev I have a narrow garage so not loads of room either but it is fairly long, managed to shoehorn the focus in to strip it then got the Rocket in and it seemed quite spacious I have gone for the 1.8 to start with with a long term 2.0 turbo nutter variant when the money allows. I found very few focuses in the local scrappers around here so was glad I got a doner. Struggled to get rear brakes so I have done a modification and fitted willwood rear handbrake units It is a bit involved but not overly complicated and a bit more expensive. Other than that best of luck its all pretty much just like a big meccano set to start with might get harder later on !
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mattsmev
Senior
It's only Rocket science...
Posts: 726
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Post by mattsmev on Nov 10, 2010 7:54:16 GMT
Hi Leicesterkev
I like your way forward, it makes sence especially if you don't have much room. I managed to buy my focus, striped it on the drive and got rid of what i did not need before the rocket arrived. I had no room and less money.
I would humbly suggest that you check out the technical section and the DVLA website to check the rules for registering you rocket. If there are too many second hand components you may have trouble getting a new registration. It's all dooable, but just make sure you understand the rules before you start buying loads of components from different cars
Cheers
Mattsmev
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Post by leicesterkev on Nov 11, 2010 13:04:03 GMT
Hi Both,
Thanks very much for your replies and definitely reassuring that I'm not the only one trying to build a Rocket in a garage the size of a shoe box!
Bob - As you're still in the early stages of the build, can you recommend which parts I'd need to source first in order to keep me busy for the next few months? I'd like to get as much as I can with each order to try and get the best price but need to not try and get everything at once?
Mattsmev - Thanks very much for the DVLA heads up because I can imagine that is a bit of a nightmare. I'd ideally like to get a new registration but am I right in thinking that if it's made up of lots of parts from potentially different donors then I'd still still be eligible for a 'Q' plate? (All looks straight forward on the government website but something tells me it's not ever that easy!)
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mattsmev
Senior
It's only Rocket science...
Posts: 726
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Post by mattsmev on Nov 11, 2010 18:45:02 GMT
Hi again
the web site is the best place to find the details, but DVLA offices are variable - see the tale of woe in the technical section from Outlander...
I think you are allowed one second hand component as long as it has been re-furbished. they do check receipts. It is worth a phone call to your local office if you are not sure. I would have no problem with a 'Q' plate but most of the kit car community is a bit sniffy about such things. Not sure why, perhaps it affects resale value or for replica cars gives the game away and you can't add a personalised plate.
As long as you understand the rules you can choose a good way forward that suits your situation.
Cheers
Mattsmev
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Post by spitfirebob on Nov 11, 2010 23:13:37 GMT
Hi Kev
I live in Shepshed just off junct23 of M1 and am currently building a rocket.
Just getting back into build as lost a bit of enthusiasum/momentum.
Have only really got basic knowledge of mechanics myself so if you need a brainstorming session feel free to get in touch :-)
Cheers
Bob
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Post by carbonbob on Nov 12, 2010 18:46:55 GMT
hi Kev I have started at the front so hubs brakes steering long bolts and a good drill/pop rivet gun will keep you busy for a couple of weeks now i,m sorting the rear brakes I have done a mod for willwood rears which I will document and show when I am sorted that has been another couple of weeks and added a couple of quid to the build !
cheers bob
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Post by leicesterkev on Nov 15, 2010 13:14:05 GMT
Hi Spitfire,
Shepshed's not far at all. I used to work in Kegworth so am quite familiar with that neck of the woods. When did you start your build? It's good to go that others are going into this without too much mechanical knowedge so can't wait to get going now. I'm just South of Leicester in between junction 20 and 21 so something tells me that a brainstorming or 2 could come in very useful! Thanks for the offer and it's highly likely that I'll be taking you up on the offer!
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Post by cookymonster on Nov 15, 2010 20:38:03 GMT
Hi Leicesterkev, looks like you will get delivery straight after us. We will have to keep in touch as the build progresses. I am building mine with my dad as i am only 20 and he has 20 years mechanical experience. So swapping ideas should be no problem. Our donor car is stripped and all parts ready to go on. Cant wait. Roll on January!
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Post by leicesterkev on Nov 16, 2010 19:55:04 GMT
Hi Cookymonster, Keeping in touch would be really good and sounds like your dad could come in rather useful! What was the donor like? It does like you're way more organised than I am though... as you've probabl spotted from earlier in the thread, space is one of my biggest enemies so gonna have to get parts as I go. Took a lot to get the wife to agree to the project but filling the lounge full of focus parts could be one step to far  ..... The plan (very very rough plan) is to try and complete the build in time for spring/summer 2012 so you'll probably be way ahead of me but that just means everytime I get stuck, you'll hopefully have already sussed out the answer... decided on a colour scheme yet? whereabouts are you based? |
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Post by spitfirebob on Nov 18, 2010 11:16:31 GMT
Hi Spitfire, Shepshed's not far at all. I used to work in Kegworth so am quite familiar with that neck of the woods. When did you start your build? It's good to go that others are going into this without too much mechanical knowedge so can't wait to get going now. I'm just South of Leicester in between junction 20 and 21 so something tells me that a brainstorming or 2 could come in very useful! Thanks for the offer and it's highly likely that I'll be taking you up on the offer! Hello Kev Started my build early on this year,but as i said ran out of enthusiasm!! started back on it last week after a 5/6 month break. Like i said if you need any advice and i can help or you just need to have a look at a certain part of build, feel free to pop in Cheers Bob |
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..... The plan (very very rough plan) is to try and complete the build in time for spring/summer 2012 so you'll probably be way ahead of me but that just means everytime I get stuck, you'll hopefully have already sussed out the answer... decided on a colour scheme yet? whereabouts are you based?