So how long did it take you to build your Ultima GTR/Canam?
So how long did it take you to build your Ultima GTR/Canam?
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Discussion

ULTIMALOVER

Original Poster:

96 posts

289 months

Friday 19th October 2007
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Just curious how long it took you guys you build your Ultimas. Were there a few that got most of the parts up front, saved money and then bought more parts towards the end or did you buy all the parts all at once? What are my options if I live in the United States? Could I get $20,000.00 USD in parts at a time and build it according to my timeline or do I have to put down $40k-$50k usd all at once to get most of the parts? How does the factory operate if you are on a tight budget?

andygtt

8,345 posts

293 months

Friday 19th October 2007
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I built mine in about 8mths, I didn't get all my parts from the factory and there are parts that you can save money on and parts that will actually cost more (seats).
It will all depend on how far you are prepared to go into develping bits as if you buy your own bits you almost always have to source other parts clips brackets etc etc.

Steve_D

13,802 posts

287 months

Friday 19th October 2007
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Not sure if the factory still do it but they used to ship to the US for free. If this is still the case then I'm betting you only get one shot at that so worth making a full load.
There are many bits you will source in the states such as engine and transmission. This may also include the exhaust system and fuel lines. This will work in your favour in spreading the finances as they are pretty much the last things to go in. Wheels and tires can also be left until late if you build the car on a dolly or make up some temporary wooden ones.
I'm sure some of the US builders will be able to better advise on what they were able to source locally.

Steve

DHGTR

1,196 posts

272 months

Saturday 20th October 2007
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There are certainly a vast difference in timelines here in the UK. some guys have built in 3 months and others have taken upto 5 years to complete their car. Ultima will let you purchase as little or as much as you want. If you buy everything from Ultima you get pretty much EVERYTHING you need. If you customise your build it can add to your buildtime. i guess the deciding factor for you is how much it costs to ship these bits.

GTR One

216 posts

246 months

Saturday 20th October 2007
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18 months and almost finished biggrin

ROWDYRENAULT

1,294 posts

243 months

Saturday 20th October 2007
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1 year from date of delivery to drive down the driveway. Yes Ultima ships to the U.S. for free one time only order of over $44k or there abouts. This offer is almost to good to pass up for two reasons. First is money you can easlily pay as much in shipping as some of the mid size parts cost. Second reason one time through customs and you are done. I agree with the fellow who said you can source engine, transaxel tires and rims here. but beyond that the Ultima parts work and they fit. For instance I have a set of Sparco Driver 90s way high end, all carbon go to the moon seats. I still ordered the seats from the factory, the other day on a lark I decided to see if the Sparcos would fit. Not even lately not even close. Now if I had not bought the seats from the factory thinking I could use the Sparcos I could still buy the factory seat but I bet shipping would cost perhaps $200, thats 20% of the cost of the seats. Just one small example. Lee

TuxMan

9,011 posts

267 months

Saturday 20th October 2007
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6 months to build ,and 2 1/2 years development !!!!

bluesatin

3,115 posts

301 months

Saturday 20th October 2007
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About 10 months weekends and holidays. A bit easier now as so many more people to help after the factory closes at 12 on Sat!

dutchess

37 posts

239 months

Sunday 21st October 2007
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I win!!!

5 years and still counting :-) But I'm a 'garage tinkerer', so I'm loving every minute. (I know that's an excuse as in reality I gotta do it as funds permit).

I just found out that I have sprog #2 on the way, so I fear more delay in the pipeline...

454

136 posts

275 months

Monday 22nd October 2007
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What a well timed thread !!
It's exactly 4 years to the day since I started my GTR build and I am almost finished.
The Car is booked in at Ultima for checkup and SVA etc on Nov 6th so after all that time I am finally creeping over the finish line smile

V8OWNER

602 posts

264 months

Monday 22nd October 2007
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dutchess said:
I win!!!
5 years and still counting :-) But I'm a 'garage tinkerer', so I'm loving every minute. (I know that's an excuse as in reality I gotta do it as funds permit).
following in your footsteps...! 12 months and ive just finished putting the brakes on...
presently saving for bodywork...

Davrianman

487 posts

293 months

Monday 22nd October 2007
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14 months in and about 2/3 finished! Hopefully will have on the road end Summer 08 funds permitting! I'm on track with my plan of 2 years though... :-)

Mart

Stig

11,823 posts

313 months

Tuesday 23rd October 2007
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About 6 months for the GTR about 18 months for the Can-Am!

It totally depends on the workshop time really.

I reckoned that with all the parts to hand, decent facilities and the time, you could get a car together in a matter of weeks. Then again, half the fun is in the building / research phase.

BobM

944 posts

284 months

Tuesday 23rd October 2007
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My kit was delivered 7th June '03 and I passed SVA on 28 November '03. Would have been quicker but I cracked a windscreen fitting it and had to wait 4 weeks for the factory to source another frown