| So you are toying with the idea of building your own | | | | To do this, your first stop should be the manufacturers' |
| car from a kit. You have some basic mechanical skills | | | | website. Here you will find all the cold, hard |
| and a standard toolkit. You even have a bundle of | | | | specifications you need to give you an idea of what |
| cash burning a hole in your pocket. But there are so | | | | the finished car will be like. |
| many car styles to choose from, where do you even | | | | Then you need to dig a little deeper. Check out the |
| begin? | | | | Owners Club to see if there are any underlying |
| Well, you need to work through the four basic steps to | | | | problems with the manufacturer or assembly |
| choosing the right kit car for you and you can't go | | | | difficulties. Getting involved with the Owners Club is |
| wrong. | | | | possibly the best investment of your time as they |
| Step 1 - Set A BudgetThis is by far the most important | | | | have already been down the path you are intending to |
| step and one that you need to spend some time | | | | take and can help you when things get tough. |
| working through. Kit cars come in all budget ranges, | | | | Now you need to seek out as much information as |
| from the Locost at just a few hundred dollars right up | | | | you can from a wide variety of sources, such as |
| to serious sports cars like the Ultima, where the only | | | | forums, independent review websites and magazines. |
| limit to the cost is you. | | | | Don't believe everything you read but let all this give |
| So it is vital that you set a budget and stick to it. Even | | | | you an overall view of the car and manufacturer. |
| within a project there are so many little things that can | | | | Step 4 - Visit The Factory |
| eat up your cash if you let your enthusiasm run away | | | | By now you should have a shortlist of 2-3 cars. It is |
| with you. Shiny bits cost money! | | | | time to hit the road and pay the factory a visit. Most kit |
| Step 2 - Select A Kit Car Style | | | | manufacturers are small time operations, so it is |
| To narrow down your search for the ideal car kit you | | | | essential that you call ahead of time to book an |
| will need to look at your driving style as well as the use | | | | appointment. |
| to which you will put your completed car. | | | | Once at the factory you can get the chance to |
| If you are looking to take your vehicle onto the | | | | actually get behind the wheel! Not all factories have a |
| racetrack then you can forget about building a classic | | | | test car sat around for you to inspect and they may |
| tourer such as a Beauford. | | | | call on the services of a previous car builder to offer |
| However, if you love to blast along leafy country | | | | their car for inspection. |
| roads with the wind in your hair then a Cobra replica | | | | If the factory is holding an Open Day sometime in the |
| could be your ideal choice. | | | | near future then make this a priority trip as you will |
| Step 3 - Gather Information | | | | generally see a variety of vehicles from a number of |
| Now you have a set budget and a specific car style in | | | | enthusiastic builders. This is where you can see the full |
| mind you now need to gather all the information you | | | | potential of the kit car you are intending to build. |
| can in order to narrow your choices down to the last | | | | The only step you now need to take is to make your |
| handful. | | | | final decision and place your order with the factory. |