Bought a Kit Car

[Procision-Auto]

Yep, another money pit, when will I ever learn? The Camaro is gone after a few years of blood, sweat and tears...actaully no tears surprisingly.

Now I'm getting into something I've always wanted and dreamed of doing: building, or restoring a car from frame up! The wiring, engine, suspension
work, etc. doesn't scare me, but the body work and paint sure does!

My experience with fiberglass prep., and painting is very limited and certainly not in a position to be taking on an entire car. We'll see what YouTube
and Google can offer, but hopefully I can call on some of the pros here for advice. I have a feeling some of the body work and the final painting phase
will be handed off to a shop with the proper tools/booth.

Recommendations are appreciated. Expected build date Spring 2012, so no big rush.

Anyone else doing/done the kit-car thing?

[dfree383]

What car? I've been wanting to do a street rod, got a frame..... but thats where it ended this year....

[Procision-Auto]

It's a Factory Five kit called the GTM. I've got the frame, but no motor/transaxle!

[dfree383]

What do you need for a motor? I've got a bunch laying around.

[Procision-Auto]

Has to be LS series (to fit motor mounts and transaxle); thinking more along LS6 or a very healthy LS1 to start with.

You live in Quebec, CAN.?

[nascarfan7]

Saw that kit a little while back and the looks of that machine finished looked awesome. 2350lb or so with an LS? 500HP would be a rocket ship ride.

[Procision-Auto]

Yes, the values you quote are about right (depending on options). With
an LS7 powering the car (or similar power), Factory Five Claims 0-60 in
seconds; 11 sec quarter; and top speeds near 200 MPH.

Here's the pres. of the company giving a tour of the facilty and car:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tnuRNu-FV4

[defrag010]

GTM's are AWESOME! It's too bad that I am 6'6", because I would like to build one some day... but I can't fit in half of the production sports cars out there, let alone a little kit car like this. I recall the porsche transaxle being a pretty expensive piece of the puzzle for these.

[Procision-Auto]

People have modified the seat rails to increase headroom, and/or found lower profile seats. Don't let that stop you!

If you're good with fiberglass and welding, the roof can be extended a couple of inches too. That's way out of my league,
however there are some builders chopping the cage to install alternative engines and transaxles.

You're right, the Porsche tx is a good penny although a few other vendors are making comprable units. I'm not even
close enough in the build stage to think about it, but I know I'll be saving every penny to afford the tail section of this
kit.

[dfree383]

Has to be LS series (to fit motor mounts and transaxle); thinking more along LS6 or a very healthy LS1 to start with.

You live in Quebec, CAN.?

I did untill a few weeks ago... I the middle east now....

[Barry_R]

What do you need for a motor? I've got a bunch laying around.

Any that run?






Sorry - couldn't help myself.

If it's any consolation the Briggs in your mower would have outscored me this year.....

[dfree383]

What do you need for a motor? I've got a bunch laying around.

Any that run?






Sorry - couldn't help myself.

If it's any consolation the Briggs in your mower would have outscored me this year.....

Well at least yours looked cool with all those wires and shiney stuff..........

[Bob Hollinshead]

My experience with fiberglass prep., and painting is very limited and certainly not in a position to be taking on an entire car. We'll see what YouTube
and Google can offer, but hopefully I can call on some of the pros here for advice. I have a feeling some of the body work and the final painting phase
will be handed off to a shop with the proper tools/booth.

Recommendations are appreciated. Expected build date Spring 2012, so no big rush.

Anyone else doing/done the kit-car thing?

If you need bodywork advice go here: http://www.spiuserforum.com/forum.php

And some of the best primers and clears available: http://www.southernpolyurethanes.com/