Which Vendor for Speedster?? Jps, Vintage or Beck??

I'm new to this scene. I've read some bad things about Beck. I'm considering a JPS Turnkey. I also like the Vintage because they have built quite a few cars. Any thoughts??

-Joe

All three a very good builders; use the search function here to read previous posts. I guarantee you'll get plenty of valuable information and opinions that way; also visit their websites and get acquainted with their products and pricing structure.

Joe,
I ordered a Beck based on the combination of tube frame, it's largely factory-built, and price/value. I think the problems discussed in the forums have been with dealers, one in particular, and not the distributor, Special Edition. I don't think there have been issues with the design or components, only the assembly by a certain goup of folks. Deal directly with Carey. I haven't had occasion to speak with him yet, but our e-mail conversations have me feeling very comfortable with my order.
Before the flames begin,let me add that I am in no position to appraise the product quality first-hand. I am in no way affiliated with Special Edition. Just one guy expressing an opinion formed after a fair amount of research.

I think the bad rap about Beck is from the resellers of their cars, not Beck itself....Always be careful about resellers, all they care about is the bucks, they could give a $hit about you.......

Once again, forget the middle man, especially boulder speedsters. They seem like a bunch of first class shmucks.

Joseph, You mention three builders as possible vendors from which you might buy your Speedster.

Since it may be an unintentional oversight that you are not considering Thunder Ranch, I suggest you also include Thunder Ranch as a prospective builder for your Speedster. I have owned my Thunder Ranch Speedster for almost two years and am very satisfied with the car, in every respect. (Visit my photos on this site).

Thunder Ranch uses a specially constructed steel tube frame and their own Speedster body mold which provides more interior space. Their "build" provides some other advantages over VW pan based cars, or Speedsters built from the old Speedster body molds that are currently being bolted onto either VW frames or steel tube frames that are built to the size specifications of the cut VW pan (to fit the old molds). On the net, do a key word search: Thunder Ranch.

I am also considering the Specialty Auto Speedster. I like how it has the more reliable flat 4 from subaru and the new drivetrain. It seems more expensive but well worth it because it would save me time and money in the future!! Do you have a link for the other Thunderanch?

-Joe

Joseph, if you are considering a Specialty Autoworks car, you must not be overly concerned at the somewhat atypical approach this builder has taken to Speedster/Cabriolet construction. I chose it in part for the very reason you state and it seems to me that it has met my personal objectives after nearly two years of ownership.

As far as price goes, consider what comes standard on the car that some of the manufacuters consider extras and some of which are not available at all, if they are in fact important to you.

One caveat, however, is the rather long build time. The queue is large and growing and the shop is a small operation producing a divers product line.

I LUV my car.
Hoss

Link for Thunder Ranch:

http://www.thunderranch.com

angela

That Thunder Ranch Spyder 550 kit sure looks tempting...

I'm not in a huge hurry. I Like the great parts they use. I like the Air-cooled stuff but it's alot of stuff to keep up on. I currently own a Subi WRX STI 300hp beast and it runs great. So the flat 4 is great stuff.

-Joe

If that's the case the Subytubs from SAW are for you; you can even use the same mechanic as for your daily driver!

I would suggest Vintage. They're the best in my opinion. Kirk has been around forever and knows these cars in and out. They also take care of their customers and do service work on the cars and will supply you with parts whenever you need them. Super nice guys. I've never heard of any problems with these guys. With Beck and JPS, I've heard some issues in and out of the forums.

Are you in California?

Please, please Ricardo....it's "Tubaru" not Subytub. We don't want to upset Vince's delicate sensibilities.
LOL
Hoss

Thank you John, Ricardo knows better, he must be bored and trying to start something....

Am I missing something here Hoss/Vince?...I don't follow you, why would I be upsetting Vince's sensibilities?

Not a bigee Ricardo. This was meant in fun and has to do with a post Vince made a while back about the nickname, "Subytub." Some other names were suggested and we sort of agreed that "Tubaru" had a nicer ring to it. Vince doesn't REALLY have delicate sensibilities, or anything else that I have discovered. He's a big, nice guy that enjoys stirring the pot and he's my friend.

John explained it right on....Subytuby is just a little to pansy for me....nothing againt the more sensitive among us, i just thought Tubaru sounded a little stronger...These cars deserve it....

Ok! Tubaru it is!!!....