As the title says, I'm new to Spyders but not to restoration. I'm wrapping up the paint job on my '60 MGA and am looking for a new project.
Would anyone be willing to offer recommendations?
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Looks like you're in Illinois if your profile zip code is correct. Based on that information I would contact Carey Hines at Beck/Special Edition and ask about the different kit levels they offer. @chines1They re located in Bremen, IN and it would be the closest dealer/manufacturer to you.
Vintage Motorcars in Hawaiian Gardens CA has a nice Spyder. I should know. Not much different than the Beck. Rear coil overs as apposed to Beck torsion bar rear suspension. But if you are in Illinois you probably should get a Beck.
Thanks - been considering the Beck but haven't bothered reaching out due to their long lead times. Maybe that will change with the economy...
My car is for sale (build thread below). It's not really a project any more. Another of our members has something very much like what I bought listed here: an unbuilt Thunder Ranch Spyder that needs everything.
Finally, there is also a used one in Connecticut for sale with a lot of nice features.
That unbuilt Thunder Ranch Spyder would have been perfect but it's been sold. Definitely looking for a project.
@Richard S posted:Thanks - been considering the Beck but haven't bothered reaching out due to their long lead times. Maybe that will change with the economy...
The long lead time is for a turnkey car. If you're looking for a kit, partial roller, or a roller then the lead time my be a lot less.
Well that's encouraging! I'll give them a call tomorrow.
So as a result of this thread, my wife and I visited Carey at Beck yesterday.
Wow!
First of all, he was a gracious host who generously took time out of his day to show us around. It was terrific to see the Spyder in various states of construction and to meet some of the people who worked on it. Have to say, I was always hesitant about the fiberglass body but he changed my mind on that... it was better than any I had seen before.
The only downside is the terribly long wait time. So I guess I better start looking for a used one with a Type I engine (or something otherwise cheap with a nice enough body and interior to make replacing the engine worthwhile).
Consider buying used now with the intent of ordering a new one. When that one is ready, sell the used one. Give yourself 6-12 months at least with the used one before you decide how you want to configure the new one.