To self-build or to kit...?

[acra]

Hi guys, just pondering the choice between going for a self-build or buying a kit....
I'm definitely in the mind of a 7-style car, for it suits both budget and style I'm after.

I've got the good old book by Mr Gibbs, and have been looking at the more reasonably priced (read cheap budget!) kits too, namely the GBS Zero (formerly RobinHood http://www.robinhoodsportscars.co.uk/Custom/index.cfm) and a few others.

Does anyone have any experience with GBS? Thing is, with the book and a self-build, I'd know exactly what needs doing before getting started (i.e. all of it!) but with kits, I'm not entirely sure how much is pre done, and how much needs buying, fitting etc.

Also been looking at Saturn Sports Cars' offering, thinking of the complete package (http://www.saturnsportscars.co.uk/st...d&productId=58) and wondering the same things (how much is pre done, and how much needs buying, fitting etc.).

Any pointers, or am I just having a tired ramble? :P

[K4KEV]

You need a list of questions that you want to address and nab Andy from Saturn and give him a grilling .....chances are there will be no questions he cannot answer .....kit form or totally from scratch is a matter of preference on your part one way or another ......just do it

[Andy_B]

And your abillities ...can you weld ? have the gear to do so ...all can be learned quickly but you then have the outlay of a decent welder/gas/wire grinding discs etc etc ...makes me think a pre fab would be easier/cheaper...less baw ache...BUT...then you have the man make fire moment when you look at all your pics and remember every last weld and joint that you did so well...getting the chassis rolling....then the engine firing...all help to do so can be found on this very knowledgable (spelling shite) forum .thats my favorite bit !!

[ozzy1]

The other thing to consider is the time frame you expect to build it in.Much quicker to buy the kit and get straight into assembling it.

[twinturbo]

Some people Slate GBS , Don't know why as the cars are good value may be something to with management history after the RH Sports Cars years. They have become more expensive over the years. You do tend to get almost everything you need in a GBS kit.

Tiger had a reasonable chassis pack offer last time I looked.

I bought a second hand chassis which has required reworking, when I do my next car it will probably be from a Saturn "Deal" .


TT

[acra]

Well, I can't yet weld, but am willing to factor the time in to learn...

I like the look of the Saturn kit as it's so close to the book, but I'm in two minds - I love the idea of the complete self-build, but I also like the idea of the kit! :O too many choices!

Only thing with the saturn kit, I'm not keen on the narrow and tall looking rollbar, but I'm sure that can be specced differently.

Thing with GBS is recently their website has changed, and now it seems the only kit they offer is the basic version, which looks more expensive for what you get than Saturn's offering.

I'll continue my research, but cheers for the posts guys!