Newbie

[jonte]

Hello All.

I've been a member now for a couple of weeks or so and thought it time to introduce myself.

Whilst priviliged to have been accepted as a member of this most excellent forum I have to admit that I'm totally out of my depth here - in fact, it's the only thing I can contribute with any authority

Like a lot of dreamers, I'm full of enthusiasm but simply lack the knowledge, skills and where-withall to make it happen.

For starters, I'm ashamed to say that as an almost 50 year old male, (hope this doesn't sound too sexist!) I really don't know one end of a car from the other (mechanically) apart from putting air in the tyres, water in the washer bottle and, occasionally, the right fuel in the tank - I'm not exaggerating!

As far as tools go, I own a set of six screw drivers, a couple of spanners a hack saw and a hammer - all hardly used - and that's about it really. I'm proficient with none and suffice it to say: I certainly can't weld! However, I do have a 20' x 8' garage available, space allbeit limited by the ubiquitous bicycles, gardening implements, spin dryer and my son's weight-lifting equipment.

Unusually, but fortunately in terms of hobbies, I find myself with quite a bit of spare time; converesely, funds are limited.

However, as I wrote earlier, I'm nothing if not enthusiastic and willing to counter some of my drawbacks - for instance, I'm thinking of enrolling on a basic MIG welding course, although it'll probably turn out be just something else I'm cr*p at

From browsing here and other areas of the worldwide wotnot, I'm aware that short cuts are available in the form of very reasonably priced chassis kits in various states of completion together with a plethora of auxilliary items to ease my plight - but with blind enthusiasm, I need to do it the hard way so want to start from scratch - Yes, I agree

Whether I actually get started remains to be seen but don't bank on it!

I'll end now to let you get back to something far more worthy of your time, but please permit me one attempt at sounding reasonably 'grease-monkey' like; here goes:

I've a new shaped (1996 reg'd) 1.0 VW Polo that's seen better days but which has/is being used by my son as a run-around but not for much longer. Is it possible that it could be used as a donor? I think I'm right in thinking that it's FWD although I've read elsewhere on the forum that some FWD donor engines can be converted to RWD and adapted to take a Ford type gear box. The only time I've seen the Polo mentioned here is in rleation to the radiator/cooling stuff so perhaps it's a no-no? I imagine in any case the engines's not fit for purpose in a much as it's not very high powered and possibly too heavy?

Probably adapting the chassis to fit is way beyond an imbecile anyway; it's just that it would save a bit of cash and I could learn a bit about mechanics stripping down the bits - still dreaming

Anyway, thanks for reading and for all the excellent advice, blogs and build diaries. Fantastic!

Jonte

[twinturbo]

Welcome.

I know a number of members had no previous motor vehicle technical experience. So your not alone.

A lot of us do totaly different day jobs so relevant experince is not there either.



I think pretty much anybody could build one with the guidance on here.


as for the polo. non starter. there is no RWD gearbox available.

TT

[HandyAndy]

A warm welcome to the forum Jonte,

You,d be surprised at the differing backgrounds of most builders, without the help of this forum most of us would have struggled to make the Roadster But its such a friendly bunch on here, everyone helps eachother in all aspects of a build.

As Adrian suggests, put your location on your profile & you might be close to a current Roadster build, gain info / inspiration etc.

If you are in the North East you are more than welcome to come & see my build.

cheers
andy

[Twin]

Welcome Jonte,

you'll find the guys on here very helpful.

[aerosam]

Welcome to the forum dude.

I wasted about 50 quid's worth of steel before I got my welding up to standard to make a start on the chassis - don't worry about it, welding comes with practice.

This being said, have you factored in the cost of tooling up to make a chassis? As is also being discussed elsewhere on the forum - a flat packed or pre-fabricated chassis may only be slightly more expensive that starting from scratch.

[Enoch]

All you need is the right tools, the right attitude and a bit of aptitude. All skills can be learned. I have never welded before, I have never done panel work before, I have never changed a clutch before - the list is endless. If you have a desire to do it then you will do it. Just ask when you come up against a problem you can't solve for yourself, somebody else has already encountered it and solved it. There are some very clever people post here, my build would be nowhere without them, as it is it's nearly finished now. Oh, nearly forgot - beer. you will need beer
Enoch

[twinturbo]

And always remembedr this.

" measure twice"
"cut thrice "
" measure again"
" shout and swear
" and do it again"

I can't do anything without making a mistake, just to enthusiastic to reach the goal.

but I either redoo, or think around. sometimes the result is more elegant than the original.

TT

[jonte]

Thank you All for your kind words of encouragement and sincerest apologies for late reply.

Have updated my profile accordingly and would welcome an opportunity to visit a local fellow builder for some inspiration.

Will provide updates when available; just off to sort the garage !

Jonte