i feel a crazy idea brewing in my mind.......

turbopete

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as finances are very tight and i need a 'practical' car to ferry the family around, i am toying with the idea of having something 'fun' for myself to drive. i do, however, need to consider a few factors, such as fuel costs, insurance costs etc.

not so mad so far BUT i was considering a complete SELF BUILD. not a kit car, entirely built by myself, albeit using existing components (engine, gearbox etc) from other vehicles

My first thought was to build something along the lines of an Aeriel Atom or a Caterham type of vehicle, basically a road legal go-kart BUT then i started to wonder about powerplants, layout, seats, etc.

i get these idea's when im bored, im afraid. any thoughts greatfully accepted. should i use a car or bike engine? any potential pitfalls/regulations to watch out for?

or am i just going completely bonkers?
 

toby1

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You're completely bonkers IMO :)
 

carloss

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as finances are very tight and i need a 'practical' car to ferry the family around, i am toying with the idea of having something 'fun' for myself to drive. i do, however, need to consider a few factors, such as fuel costs, insurance costs etc



The only things you need to consider Pete are above
 
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turbopete

turbopete

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I have always believed http://www.bangernomics.com/Bangernomics.html is the way to go if money is tight.

i would be keeping my focus. i was toying with getting a motorbike but i would need to take all relavant tests etc, hence why i was looking to build a road going 'go-kart' to have some fun with when im not ferrying family around, much like would be the case with a motorbike.
 
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turbopete

turbopete

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the locust is just the type of thing i was thinking of!

long story short, im bored and trying to think of things to do, and where id have something fun at the end of it!
 

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you are completely bonkers Pete.....
 
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turbopete

turbopete

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you are completely bonkers Pete.....

thats what i was afraid of, Lizzy. too much time on my hands and its having an affect on my mind
 

DB autos

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It's a illness called mid life crisess get the bike alot cheeper and you don't have to take any one with you.
 

whitenemesis

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A completed kit car might be a good 'advert' for potential employers. But they always cost far more than one first imagines.
 

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as finances are very tight and i need a 'practical' car to ferry the family around

i would be keeping my focus.

If finances are truly very tight, then you are already sorted. Save your cash in case tough times continue. You can have a lot of fun and expend a lot of time whilst getting fitter on a bicycle at much lower cost.
 

Xtractorfan

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Getting a motor bike and having a family to care for is not a good idea..in many cases they may end up having to care for you...as you can tell I love motor bikes ha..if only ..
 
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turbopete

turbopete

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A completed kit car might be a good 'advert' for potential employers. But they always cost far more than one first imagines.

one of my thoughts, hence why i was also thinking of building my own rather than a kit.

if im honest, i dont think its really a mid life crisis. its more a case of having previously owned an E300TD which was a quick car, then a ford Puma, which again was a quick car and handled brilliantly, and now i have the focus which is a great car BUT its just SO SLOW!!!

the idea of having something different appeals, especially as it can be built to suit me, ie RWD, Manual gearbox, no traction control, etc

or perhaps ive finally gone crazy!
 
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turbopete

turbopete

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Save your cash in case tough times continue. You can have a lot of fun and expend a lot of time whilst getting fitter on a bicycle at much lower cost.

fair point, but following a knee injury which damaged the cartilage a few years ago, this can, currently aggravate the problem. I am awaiting yet more physio and other similar 'treatments' but my GP informed me that the only total cure is an eventual joint replacement, so for now i continue life as best i can.
 

Palmer

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Why not make a speedy diesel?

Fairly good economy off boost, mega power when on boost :D

[youtube]xKEXbY9Se7k&feature=related[/youtube]
 

hairyg

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I think it is a crazy idea but the world is full of crazy ideas that turned out to be good.

My understanding is that if you build anything with four wheels, kit or complete self build, it will have to get through a Single Vehicle Approval examination. A three wheeler would be regarded as a motorcycle and needs a lesser (and cheaper) degree of certification. I would start by researching this area before you cut any metal, particularly as your finances are stretched already.

Two wheels at the front with a single rear wheel providing traction is a recipe for a lot of fun, look at Morgan re-introducing their 3 wheeler at £30,000 a pop. They have already sold quite a few.
 
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turbopete

turbopete

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Why not make a speedy diesel?

Fairly good economy off boost, mega power when on boost :D

[youtube]xKEXbY9Se7k&feature=related[/youtube]

i wonder what the MOT test would say about all the smoke though? (and i DONT mean from the tyres!!)
 

Palmer

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i wonder what the MOT test would say about all the smoke though? (and i DONT mean from the tyres!!)

You can run a higher boost to clear the smoke @ WOT

Run a % of veg oil, or limit the throttle travel to stop it smoking for the test

;)
 

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