Speedster Kit advice

adam356 · Post by **adam356** » Fri Dec 17, 2010 7:40 pm

Hi Im new on here so go easy on me.

Ive gone and sold my 911 today which although is sad means that i can finally start to build a sppedster replica after threatening to do it for 20 years.

The thing is ive always aspired to a chesil as they were as i thought the best ones but ive read a few things lately that slate them a bit.

Before i start on the chassis shortening id appreciate some views on kits and suppliers if possible.

Cheers

Adam

kitchens · Post by **kitchens** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 3:09 pm

PM sent

356 · Post by **356** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 3:19 pm

Speedster Clinic

stevesprite · Post by **stevesprite** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 8:41 pm

I built mine about six years ago after visiting a few of the kit manufacturers who were around at the time. I had the chassis shortened by Chesil but went for a Pilgrim Kit. It was a very steep learning curve for me, with loads of nightmares regarding the fitting/alignment of doors, boot lid, bonnet etc. I also had to cut out the front wheel arches and re graft them in the right place. That said I thouroughly enjoyed every minute of the build and love driving the car!! I understand that things at Pilgrim have improved, so it may be worth checking them out. Good luck with whichever you decide.

Steve

adam356 · Post by **adam356** » Sun Dec 19, 2010 10:16 am

Cheers for the relies,

I have heard bad things about the pilgrim ones but sometimes you need to hear personal experiences of problems to get a real indication of what they are like.

I have spoken to peter bailey at a few shows and on the phone a few times and i have to say he comes across as a bit unhelpful as if i am a timewaster!!! Unfortunatley when you are going to spend a lot of money on someines kit you need to know that it is going to fit!! The chesil always came accross as the best availiable but id like to know other options and opinions?

Im read quite a few good things about the speedster clinic cars and as they are very local to me this is a route that i will look at but i cant find any website or info on them as to get in touch to see whether they can supply a kit and the parts needed?

Then theres the minefield on the iva which ive now got to get my head round!!!

Cheers Adam

356_outlaw · Post by **356_outlaw** » Sun Dec 19, 2010 11:42 am

Don't rule out Martin & Walker

www.904gts.com

adam356 · Post by **adam356** » Sun Dec 19, 2010 12:01 pm

356_outlaw wrote:Don't rule out Martin & Walker

www.904gts.com

Im not ruling anyone out at the min!!!

Whats your experience with the Martin and Walker kit?
Ive seen from your thread on volkszone that you have built a coupe.

What was the kit like? Did it need modifying to make it fit right?

Sorry for all the questions!!

Del · Post by **Del** » Sun Dec 19, 2010 3:23 pm

adam356 wrote:Cheers for the relies,
I have spoken to peter bailey at a few shows and on the phone a few times and i have to say he comes across as a bit unhelpful as if i am a timewaster!!!

He is in only interested in people with more money than sense, and only interested in making a sale in which he will have an enormous profit margin, just check out his parts prices alone!

adam356 wrote: Unfortunatley when you are going to spend a lot of money on someines kit you need to know that it is going to fit!! The chesil always came accross as the best availiable but id like to know other options and opinions?

I think the Chesil is the more well known and well marketed but does that does not make it the best. Most people (apart from Chesil owners) will tell you the Chesil is far from the best. Bloody well marketed and presented tho.

adam356 wrote:Im read quite a few good things about the speedster clinic cars and as they are very local to me this is a route that i will look at but i cant find any website or info on them as to get in touch to see whether they can supply a kit and the parts needed?

I would not worry about websites and information online, just make an appointment to see Gary and talk to him in person. He will build you exactly what you want. His are by far one of the best out there. It may take a few phone calls to get hold of him as he is awlays working in his workshop on cars and cant always get to the phone but worth pursuing. He is "356" on here. (You may have gathered that by the reply above) ^^

As has already been said on here, dont rule Martin & Walker out either.

Are you in a rush? You ought to get to a few shows and see a Martin & Walker and a Speedster Clinic car in person. (And a Chesil just for good measure).

mdmax72 · Post by **mdmax72** » Sun Dec 19, 2010 7:42 pm

Adam,

one thing to consider , if you want wind up windows or drop in style as originals. As far as i'm aware Chesil are the only one's that do the wind-up windows as an option. If you are trying to build a closer rep then the drop in ones are what you need. So, if its the later, the options are Chesil, Speedster Clinic and Martin & Walker unless you go over seas...

Thing is with Peter he see's that many dreamers (time wasters), so he can come over the wrong way, which is understandable. Like anyone, if you go and see him with cash in the hand he'll have the time for you.

Last time l spoke with Martin and Walker, they were talking a year before l could have a body, as they're main market was the 904 & 550 they do. Do call and vistit though as the economy is struggling things may have changed.

Dont worry about the IVA, its not that bad... just abit of a pain in ass building the car then having to remove items for the test...

adam356 · Post by **adam356** » Sun Dec 19, 2010 10:37 pm

Cheers for the replies,

Lots to think about....

bonerp · Post by **bonerp** » Mon Dec 20, 2010 10:36 am

I'm doing a Pilgrim. I stayed away from Chesil for the comments above and my own experience. I agree that they don't appear too helpful. They are also expensive too and add a huge mark up on prices of parts that yoou will be able to source yourself from the states etc.

I have had bits from guys on here, the states, VWHeritage and Machine7, MegaBug are good for 2nd hand spares that cannot be sourced as new now.

With regards to my Pilgrim, my body shop have spent lots and lots of time realigning doors that I thought couldnt be made much better. But this is at cost and some reglassing of the fibres...

However I am now very happy as it moves towards paint. I am sure Pilgrim is better value for money at the similar level of quality. Its down to your prep mate.

Mine should have been undersealed on sat on a rubber solution to protect the fibreglass. This was a specific solution for fibreglass and should stop star cracks etc from stones.

next is priming ready for paint. And excitingly the bodyshop have provided a paint card of condor yellow and it is stunning. I am now very excited about seeing the final painted shell and putting pressure on the paint shop to cmplete it.

bonerp · Post by **bonerp** » Mon Dec 20, 2010 10:45 am

speak to 356 above for Garys work.[/b]