Future New Speedster Owner

Thank you all for all your thoughts/advice! I'm impressed with all the replies to my request- and it's clear this is a great group with a lot of passion for these cars.

I had a great chat with Troy today that was very helpful- thanks again Troy.

I've already cleared the SLO event with my wife and we'll be there to meet everyone and see the cars. Would be great if someone is willing to take me for a spin, and perhaps let me behind the wheel for a minute. I have some trouble with the idea of buying something that I've never driven so would be great to tick that box. 

Now you're thinking right.

You sir, are the man.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXCh9OhDiCI

Alex, believe me, I know how these cars are raw and direct and immediate. How do I know? 10 years and 40,000 miles of seat time in my Spyder. It took the first five years to get the car 90% of what it is now(well, was!) and the last 5 years to get the last 10%.

I'll be starting over shortly, ask Greg about me.

Bwkirl posted:

Thank you all for all your thoughts/advice! I'm impressed with all the replies to my request- and it's clear this is a great group with a lot of passion for these cars.

I had a great chat with Troy today that was very helpful- thanks again Troy.

I've already cleared the SLO event with my wife and we'll be there to meet everyone and see the cars. Would be great if someone is willing to take me for a spin, and perhaps let me behind the wheel for a minute. I have some trouble with the idea of buying something that I've never driven so would be great to tick that box. 

 

Go to the thread I posted and post a comment that you're interested in buying a Speedster and that you're going to the SLO event. Tell everyone you would be interested in riding on Saturday with someone if they have an open right seat. There might be at least one. I'm sure there are some who will let you drive their car. I have a Vintage Speedster that I bought from Troy and you can drive it some if you like.

Here it is again:

https://www.speedsterowners.com...-coast-cruise-v-2016

So while in Burbank this week I visited JPS. Didn't have time get down to Vintage but I will the next time I'm in LA. With some great input from Troy and a nice chat with Kirk I'm fairly certain I'll go with a new build from Vintage. But I'll wait until I've had a chance to see some cars (and meet you all) in SLO in June. 

Just wanted to let everyone know since you've all been great to offer your thoughts. 

Bwkirl posted:

So while in Burbank this week I visited JPS. Didn't have time get down to Vintage but I will the next time I'm in LA. With some great input from Troy and a nice chat with Kirk I'm fairly certain I'll go with a new build from Vintage. But I'll wait until I've had a chance to see some cars (and meet you all) in SLO in June. 

Just wanted to let everyone know since you've all been great to offer your thoughts. 

You're definitely taking the right approach. Take your time, do your research, and see some cars. Then you'll be truly informed and you will make the best decision. See you in SLO.

when I was looking I went to JPS, wasn't too impressed and bought from Kirk,

Hello all.  I've continued my research and still thinking I'll go with a new Vintage build. But after reading some of the posts, in particular about engine issues, I'm thinking about trying to structure a contract with Kirk that would pay him a deposit and about 90% of the remaining balance at time of delivery and hold back maybe $1,000 until I've had the car (motor, drivetrain and brakes) inspected by an independent third party.  The understanding would be that if anything is found to be done incorrectly Kirk has the option to repair any issues or pay for the repair/adjustments.  My plan would be to drive the car home from Vintage to the SF Bay Area and I don't want any surprises along the way if I can help it.

Any thoughts? Has anyone done anything like this with their cars?

Thanks for your thoughts. Blake 

Blake:

Yes we would like to see you at the SLO west coast cruise.. You will see a wide variety of cars.. Its a great place to get a good idea of what you have in store and a great place to get ideas... So please come join us and get a PHD in speedster all in one weekend..

  If your lucky You may get a private consultation from Professor Terry Nuckles.. Author of many best selling books, such as, "HAPPY CAR, HAPPY LIFE, FORGET THE WIFE", a buyers guide for newbies. (circa 1979)..   

Again I encourage you to come join us..  it a great time, and we all welcome you!!

Teby  (Tebs)

Blake, I'd take Teby's advice - in this case, anyway.

(But ignore anything he tells you about the best pickup lines to use.)

Potential problems with a new build usually aren't in the contract, but in the parts. Some forum members have arranged with Kirk to have an engine builder he works with make them a custom engine. This ensures you won't get one of his 'off the shelf' motors.

You'll probably run into some folks in SLO who have gone this route. They can fill you in on the details and probably suggest better pickup lines than Teby would, too.

Thanks guys. My wife and I are definitely planning to attend the SLO event at the end of June. Looking forward to meeting everyone and getting some good info on the cars and thoughts on how to best approach the build process with Vintage. 

Gentlemen, is there an East Coast SOC gathering beyond Carlisle? Thanks.

Connie and I may bring back the fall Pumpkin Run here in PA.

Cool, I may actually have a speedster by then.  Looking forward to meeting everyone next month and soaking in the experience.