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Speedster Project - Day #1

FM Former Member
After much deliberation and prognostication I have bitten the bullet and commenced upon building my perfect car.
Thus far I have purchased a '68 floor pan and transmission and have started the long process of cutting, shortening and welding.
Also planned is rebuild of transmission and soon to be commenced rebuild of Type IV 2 litre.
At this time I have not decided upon from which manufacturer I will purchase the "kit". Having looked at both VS and JPS they both seem to offer the similar level of parts for pricing that is within spitting distance of each other. Therefore, it would seem to come down to a choice of criteria other than price. I have extensively lurked in the forums and read with interest everyones opinions and feelings about JPS and VS.
However, and I apologise sincerely if this is not the case, the postings all appear to be from members who have had their vehicles built by either IM, JPS or VS. It would be useful, before I make a decision, to hear from any members who have built themselves using kits from the manufacturers who could offer insights into their experiences.
Also, does anyone know anything of Premier Classics in Mexico? I found their website after doing some digging and read that they offer a kit in addition to turnkey vehicles. (I also think I recall reading somewhere that they might be the supplier to JPS and VS of the fibreglass bodies, is this right?).
Lastly, whilst rebuilding the transmission I would like to change the final ratio to a 3.88. does anyone know of any suppliers that offer a conversion kit or do I need to buy a new tranny?
Thank you in advance for any advice or information.
Jim.
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FM Former Member
After much deliberation and prognostication I have bitten the bullet and commenced upon building my perfect car.
Thus far I have purchased a '68 floor pan and transmission and have started the long process of cutting, shortening and welding.
Also planned is rebuild of transmission and soon to be commenced rebuild of Type IV 2 litre.
At this time I have not decided upon from which manufacturer I will purchase the "kit". Having looked at both VS and JPS they both seem to offer the similar level of parts for pricing that is within spitting distance of each other. Therefore, it would seem to come down to a choice of criteria other than price. I have extensively lurked in the forums and read with interest everyones opinions and feelings about JPS and VS.
However, and I apologise sincerely if this is not the case, the postings all appear to be from members who have had their vehicles built by either IM, JPS or VS. It would be useful, before I make a decision, to hear from any members who have built themselves using kits from the manufacturers who could offer insights into their experiences.
Also, does anyone know anything of Premier Classics in Mexico? I found their website after doing some digging and read that they offer a kit in addition to turnkey vehicles. (I also think I recall reading somewhere that they might be the supplier to JPS and VS of the fibreglass bodies, is this right?).
Lastly, whilst rebuilding the transmission I would like to change the final ratio to a 3.88. does anyone know of any suppliers that offer a conversion kit or do I need to buy a new tranny?
Thank you in advance for any advice or information.
Jim.
WOLFGANGWOLFGANG'89 CMC FWB, FL Supporting Member
Unless you have $ to burn - why not look for an uncompleted kit. They often go for 1/2 (or less) what the original owner paid for them. Although parts may be missing they are available and could possibly be upgraded over what the original company supplied (like real Porsche lights or gauges).

After getting a core TIV engine -- I'm starting to shy away from the up right conversion simply due to the high cost of TIV parts along with the conversion parts. Real easy to get $3G's invested in the engine and I'm not sure a 1280# vehicle needs it.
FM Former Member
Thanks for the replies.

Any suggestions for specific places to look for unfinished projects? (Aside from classifieds here and other owner/club websites)

There was one on ebay last week that I just missed out on, I guess someone got a good deal (was fairly close as well in OH, I'm in SE Michigan).

Also, thanks for the advice about the type IV, it looks like it may well be too much in terms of effort and cost.

Still would be interested to hear anyone experiences with building a vehicle themselves.

Thank you also for the clarification about Premier Classics in Mexico.

Jim
S shambly
Jim,

I'm over in the UK so the suppliers I used to build my kit last year aren't especially relevant for you (though I did source some parts from the US). I did keep a web diary of my build though, which at least will give you an idea of what you are letting yourself in for :)

My site is at www.hambly.org.uk/chesil
Click on "Original Build"

Mine was a pan based kit, from Chesil here in the UK.

Hope you enjoy building your car as much as I did mine.

Simon

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FM Former Member
Simon,

I have coveted owning a Chesil ever since I first saw one at the Birmingham Motor Show at the NEC in the mid 90's.

As a UK expat now living in SE Michigan; I would still love to build a Chesil (buy British and all that). But I guess that's out of the question, unless they drastically widen their choice of potential markets!

I will definitely check out the website. Thanks for the reply.

Cheers,

Jim.
FM Former Member
Gregory,
Where did you get the 1280 pound figure? I have a flared JPS with a type IV. I weighed it with full tank of gas, but no occupants at 1860 pounds about a week ago. The scale was a commercial one at the local Mayflower moving company lot.
Now I have to re-evauate my targeted weight to power ratio again. Damn, get out the "horsepower helper" Ma, here we go again . . . . .
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