Builder's guide or website?

I've been searching the internet for websites that document the building of one of these 550 spyders but with no luck. I am comtemplating either purchasing a Thunder Ranch RSK or the new Lotus Elise. Well, if I decide on the RSK, the idea of building it sounds interesting. Anyone have a website that documents their build or anyone want to share their experiences??

Jose Soriano

We are all here to help. There are several build pictures in the FILES section (I posted some under Mike Beck Rebuild). Also, we are more than willing to take pictures of any area of interest.

There was a pretty detailed site by one person, but it is no longer.

Mike

I second Mike. Mike's been great to help me sort out my myriad wiring issues and hopefully I've helped others. There was a guy in Arizona that had a really good site but he had to sell his car.

Ask, ask, ask!

Ok, here goes!

If I decide on the RSK or a 550 Spyder and I decide to tackle building it, what am I in for? I'll assume that a 2 car garage is plenty of room to build and that standard tools with air-tools and an engine hoist should be enough. Do you actually save money by building or do you end up spending about the same amount than having it built for you? How much time, realistically could it take to build one of these? Is it easy??? I'm pretty handy and I have pulled motors and I do much of my own maintenance on my cars. I'm curious if there is much in the way of fabrication.

Also, I assume that there are better parts out there than the standard volkswagen fare that I can use. For example, I have seen posts on using a hydralic clutch instead of the standard cable clutch. What stuff should I look into when building as to not have to redo it after its complete??

I love driving track events so I will drive this car hard. Any suspension upgrades I should look into when building. I have read on some upgrades like a z-bar etc.

Sorry, I have a ton more questions.... that's just breaking the surface. That's why I was looking for a build website that went through it all..... If I decide on building an RSK, I'll definatley document it and post a website.

Thanks,
Jose Soriano

I guess what everyone tends to recommend is to buy a used one that is 'broken in' and has already had it's problems. I think this one's up to you. I've basically rebuild mine, which is a 1986 Beck that was build and never finished, ie; 300 miles in 17 years.

You will probably spend as much building as buying but there's a lot of pleasure in building one, I would imagine since I really haven't build mine. There are so many upgrades and touches you can make that you'll likely never stop. I would suggest going to the Spyderclub.com site and looking at www.spyderclub.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=2638&highlight=top+things and www.spyderclub.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=2074&highlight=top+things and going from there for things people like and want. You'll get great parts and service from Dario.

A few things I like are 4 wheel disk, I'd like to change to wide 5's (because I like the look) but am waiting for some $, small plexiglass windshield (but do this after registering the car, just in case), and so on.

I would do everything you'd like to first and then paint it.

Also I've done quite a bit of Solo II'ing with it and it's a total blast. For Autocrossing I would recommend a good second set of rubber (205/50's minimum), coilovers if possible (sorry, not for me with a Beck) and sway bars. What I've learned though is it's a lot of fun hanging the rear end out and catching it (sometimes!), so you really don't need to go to the extreme's.

Also, as always, you can never have too much horsepower. I'm one of the very low HP guys that I hope to change soon also, but I just need to keep my foot into it longer!

RSK or 550? Go with the look you like.

Aloha Bert,

Sorry to go off subject. When you Solo II how do they classify your Beck? In Honolulu mine has been classed as D-Modified.

Mahalo,
Ken

Jose,
Just finished putting together a 2003 Beck and found the experience frustrating and rewarding. Although I just had to add the engine, transmission, and front suspension (that took me 3 mo.)I found that was enough to satisfiy my desire to build a car. There is not a lot of info out there to help beyond the websites. I, no doubt, could have bought a new car for what I spent building one. However, I now know how the car is put together and how to fix something if needed. My suggestion to you is research the vendors, get someone reputable to build your engine and transmission and find a local VW person to use as a resouce person. There are a lot of things about a VW that may seem to be straight forward, but it may not be the way the German engineers designed it(I learned this from putting several things together twice).

Gary

Hi Ken,

Currently mine's listed as BSP (B Street Prepared), but at the last run the guys up front said it should be SU as it's a kit car and anything could be in it. They also said that I'd probably do better in SU (which I believe is Street Unlimited) as there weren't as many cars entered there. Actually I really don't care what they want to put it in (until I get a stronger engine). What I really want is to work in Group 1 and run in Group 2 so I get to screw around the rest of the day either talking to all the car guys, driving the back roads or hitting the beach, etc.

Thanks for the input guys,

I really like the idea of building the car and that's why I'm leaning towards a spyder instead of the Lotus Elise. I just don't want to have an impossible project sit in my garage for years. Been there, done that.

As for the different manufacturers, I really like Vintage in terms of quality but I am quite put off by their delivery times and tales of broken promises. So because of that, I'll probably go with Thunder Ranch and get either the 550A or the RSK. I like the wider wheel idea.

So I guess I am correct in assuming that these kits are pretty much bolt together with minimal fabrication? That a do-it-yourselfer can tackle this project without too much difficulty? Is there a good build manual??

I recently visited Tom over at Thunder Ranch and I had a great time talking with him and checking out the cars. I'm probably going to make my desicion on which car I go with - Spyder or Lotus within the next two months.

Jose Soriano

Bert,

Here in Honolulu the SCCA rotates the 4 heats every month. This Sunday I will be driving in Heat 4, working in group 3 which means I don't have to show up until noon.

Last month I drove Heat 1, worked 2 and hit the beach at lunchtime.

I'm with you. My driving skills are lacking so I am at the stage where I just enjoy decreasing lap times and work on improving my skills.

If you want to see my spyder in action, along with a bunch of other Solo II's log onto: SCCAhawaii.org Click on Solo II, scroll down to the photo's and amongs the myriad of other cars there are approx. 6 photo's of my Spyder.

Aloha,
Ken

Jose,

I bought my kit in 1989 and so I have saved a bundle over a turn key (about 50%). I used no air tools, and no engine hoist (just a friend to help lift the engine in). I had the Bentley manual for late 60 VW bugs and no internet. It took me about 9 months to complete. It was a bolt together affair. Some items didn't fit perfectly, but then, what ever does anymore? For the most part, it was no problem to put together in spare time.


You will know the car intimately after building it and should be able to do most of the maintenance on it. If you find this rewarding, then go for it. If not, then the "buy used and tweak" approach is a good way to go.

Mike

Ahh, decisions, decisions! Looks like I'll probably end up with an RSK or a 550 Spyder.... The Lotus Elise is looking Less appealing every day!

Jose'

Check out the used Vintage for sale at Spyderclub.com. You could save time and money and actually be behind the wheel of a Spyder within a few days.

I've been looking at used Spyders and... call me sick, but the idea of building one really sounds fun. Besides, I haven't found a spyder the way i'd build it... More emphasis on race than street. My Spyder wouldn't have period correct intricacies but it would have a functional roll bar and good suspension (I hope...)


Jose Soriano

Jose