Best kit for Newbe? GTD, Tornado, RCR.. or Other.

[Lawrie]

Hello All,

My first posting here. I love the car and planning a build sometime in the future, but would like to spend a bit of time researching before starting.

I have a look to see if this has been discussed before - can't find the thread. But it must be out there somewhere.

Can anyone can shed some light (or point me to a thread). I'd like something as close to the original of a Mk I or Mk II. But can seat a 6ft confused individual (me) without bruising the top of my head. A kit that might even take original parts...?

I'm in the UK - so that might narrow the options down. But it'll be a long term project - as long as its done right, so a kit outside the UK might be considered if its the right one.

I have some mechanical experience - ex motorcycle racer and general road hoodlum (retired!), so I can pop engines out and rebuild them (but it is amateur level - no tuning skills). Also, I have no welding experience.

Just wonder why people chose some kits over others. Any pointers to some basics will be really appreciated. It'll keep the dream alive! :thumbsup:

 

[Simon]

Hi Lawrie,
Welcome, you have a PM

Simon

 

[Nick]

Hi Lawrie,

Welcome to the forum, we have all been in your position at the start and everyone will have an opinion.

Personally I would recommend a chat with Mick at www.southerngt.co.uk , he does his own replica, but has worked on RCR, Tornado, MDA, GTD etc, and is a mine of information.

Regards

Nick

 

[Jon Briggs]

Nick, Its an old thread thats been spammed. It seems a lot have today.

 

[Malcolm]

You won't get a GTD kit anymore as GTD closed for business some years ago. However there are plenty (relatively) of built cars around you could go for. I am also a big fan of the Southern GT replica that Mick Sollis produces, based near Southampton. I am also a big fan of space frame cars over mono's which is an age old discussion in itself. Also to get a supplier based in the UK makes a lot of sense for easier back up and support during construction.

You should not commit to anything until you have come to the GT40 EC AGM day at Donnington in April as there will be virtually all makes avaialble on display with owners to chat to which cuts out most factory sales patter giving you a real picture of what is best for you. The usual caveat must be that your personal budget for this will be a big deciding factor as building a replica is between say £20,000 to £150,000 (maybe even more!) depending on authenticty, specification and materials chosen.

 

[Nick]

Nick, Its an old thread thats been spammed. It seems a lot have today.

Wondered how long it would take you to spot that one.

Oops so it is thanks.

 

[Jason]

You won't get a GTD kit anymore as GTD closed for business some years ago. However there are plenty (relatively) of built cars around you could go for. I am also a big fan of the Southern GT replica that Mick Sollis produces, based near Southampton. I am also a big fan of space frame cars over mono's which is an age old discussion in itself. Also to get a supplier based in the UK makes a lot of sense for easier back up and support during construction.

You should not commit to anything until you have come to the GT40 EC AGM day at Donnington in April as there will be virtually all makes avaialble on display with owners to chat to which cuts out most factory sales patter giving you a real picture of what is best for you. The usual caveat must be that your personal budget for this will be a big deciding factor as building a replica is between say £20,000 to £150,000 (maybe even more!) depending on authenticty, specification and materials chosen.

I realise this is an old thread but this particular point is one of interest to me at the moment, I've been considering options and have been looking at Tornado's site, in particular space frame c/w monocoque. I have also been reading a lot of the build threads (excellent reading they are too) but so far, I have not found a single one with a build of a monocoque. I have also searched for this particular topic but didn't find a specific discussion on this. Without wishing to open a can of worms, could someone please help me and point in the right direction for a thread if this has already been discussed? Many thanks,
Jason

 

[Andy Sheldon]

Jason

The build for both versions of chassis is the same as the monocoque is a direct replacement for the spaceframe.

The only difference is that the monocoque does not require paneling.

Thanks

Andy

 

[Jason]

Jason

The build for both versions of chassis is the same as the monocoque is a direct replacement for the spaceframe.

The only difference is that the monocoque does not require paneling.

Thanks

Andy

Hello Andy, thanks for the clarification - it's what I was expecting. However, I'm looking for information more on the lines of pros/cons of space frame c/w monocoque - I know that the mono is far stiffer but there is of course a price difference to be taken into account (unfortunately my budget will not be unlimited). I've noticed from some of the build threads that some people take advantage of the double skinning to add sound insulation or wiring channelling etc and wonder what possibilties exist for the mono version.

Please excuse my probably dumb questions - as you'll have noticed, I'm a newbie to replica construction and still on the nursery slopes of the learning mountain.

Cheers,
Jason

 

[Andy Sheldon]

Jason

The monocoques are more expensive due to both material and production costs.

Our monocoques are much stiffer and lighter than a spaceframe.

There is no real need to do any double skining on a spaceframe as the object is only to make the open spaceframe water tight. Double skining just adds weight.

If you have any further questions please let me know.

Thanks

Andy