Should I build or buy?

I'm an average guy, I like to tinker although I've never did any heavy duty auto work. You know, I change the oil and rotate the tires. But I know that I'm mechanically inclined and I have all the confidence in the world. I don't know welding but I could learn. I've got tons of spare garage space. Should I build or buy? Give me you best shot!!! LOU

Lou,

It is best to have above mechanical knowledge as there is always some fabrication in building.
It also helps to have a very knowledgeable friend that knows VW beetles inside and out( this will save you quite a bit money wise for misc items that need to be done )
The plus to doing it yourself is that you then have a total in depth knowledge of what is what with your speedster and can repair as well as maintain it without out sourcing.
Good used turnkeys are out there but also best to have someone go over it that is Speedster knowledgeable.
And lastly, if your pockets can absorb it a new turnkey with a warranty is peace of mind.
Ask questions here as this forum is an exceptional source of Mr Nice Guys that are knowledgeable and willing to help .

Hope this has given you a bit of insight

Alan Merklin

I want to build it so that I know what's what and be able to do the maintenance down the road. I also want to keep the cost down by building since I'm not the richest guy around. Do you think I can get thru the project with enough vw books, internet help, and worrying my local vw mechanic? Or is it really a tough chore reserved only for retired mechanics? Please, no angry replies from all the retired mechanics out there. Thanks, LOU

Lou, if you have not discovered it yet, there is a very good page on this site which pertains to the building of a Speedster. You will gain a better understanding of the scope of the project if you read it through in detail. I am of the understanding that you do not save as much as you might think going the kit route. Others?
John H.

Lou,
Almost everybody I have talked to who built their own car, spent more than buying a new turnkey. If you are really on a budget constraint, find an old CMC and think about rebuilding one portion at a time.

In addition, you should take seriously the warning on Vintage Speedsters website about building yourself.
"This kit takes significant time (months) to assemble and will require the owner to supply an entire VW donor automobile. Expert fabrication, welding, electrical, assembly, body and air-cooled engine experience are needed. This is not a step-by-step assembly and will require unplanned fabrication that is unique to each build.

Lou, You can build it yourself, like I did. But if you do it right,add special touches, personalize it......you will still have just as much money invested as if you bought a new Vintage speedster.
If I had it to do all over again instead of spending 14 months from body....to...driving, I would find a relatively low mileage speedster for around $14-15,000 and spend another $3-4,000 personalizing it. Any way you look at it you will have at least $15-20,000invested any which way.


Gclarke

Lou,

You sound just like me before I built mine.

This was my first project of this kind of scale.

So here's my $.02

Only build it yourself if you can come to terms with the following issues.......

1. Do not build your own unless you are looking forward to building it as much as you are looking forward to driving it.

2. Unless you have connections, you will most likely spend more than buying turn key.

3. Little things will add up to more money, time and sometimes frustration. For example, I probably spent $750 just on fasteners.

4. Unless you are stacked with tools, you will spend money on tools and misc. consumables (drill bits, RTV, adhesives, etc.)

5. Depending on your skill level you are commiting 1000-1500 hours of your life to this project. I told myself that I wasn't going to be one of these guys that buy the kit, work on it for 6 months then they sit in the corner of the garage for 10 years.


I had a blast building my car and the extra money I spent was well worth the fun and pride I had and continue to have. In fact I would love to build another someday!


Jerome

Thanks everyone. While I was looking forward to building, I think I'm going to buy a turnkey or someone else's completed car. I guess I have enough tinkering to do once I've got a car anyway. Thanks everyone for all the advice! I be around, in fact, I see some of you at Knotts this weekend. Look for the tall, drooling, african american guy!! LOU

Jerome is right on with all his points. I'm probably several months from having something drivable and it has cost more money than I thought and taken longer. Would I do it again? Yup.