Taken the plunge
Taken the plunge
Author
Discussion

Storer

Original Poster:

5,024 posts

244 months

Wednesday 25th November 2009
quotequote all
After spending far to many hours reading on this site over the last 10 years I have at last committed myself to building a GTR. It's my first build of a kit but I have a little knowledge (dangerous) of how to wield a spanner/hammer.

I am bound to have many dumb questions at odd times of the day/night that only this forum will know the answers to so I hope you will be patient/gentle.

Being of advancing years my knowledge of how to work this modern marvel they call the Internet is limited. Posting photos/video is a complete black art to me (I've tried feeding the picture into the slot on the front of my computer but it doesn't seem to work), so expect long winded questions.

I haven't yet decided on the engine size (plenty of time as it will probably take me a couple of years) but I think I will want to do some track days so the build will be with that in mind. I will want more power than my Cerbera though.

I'm collecting the chassis and a pile of boxes tomorrow so if anybody has a build dolly going spare I can give it a good home near Cambridge.

Any tips or things to avoid doing before I do them most gratefully received.

Right, now to re-read some of the build sites.

Paul

pilbeam_mp62

955 posts

230 months

Wednesday 25th November 2009
quotequote all
Nice one Paul !!

I am sure you will have a lot of fun (and the occasional not-so-good) moments when building.

It will all come right in the end though !!

Regards

738 driver

1,202 posts

222 months

Wednesday 25th November 2009
quotequote all
Welcome Paul,

Well done, take your time and enjoy the selection & build process.
Many on here have previous kit or vast motor engineering knowledge and some no experience at all but everyone asks questions...........none of which are regarded as stupid.

Rgds,
DW.

Stig

11,823 posts

313 months

Wednesday 25th November 2009
quotequote all
Hi Paul,

Fortunately, there's loads of info online nowadays (cough - http://www.ultima-gtr.infowink ) and I'd recommend becoming as familiar with it all as possible before you start. It will save the common mistakes when building.

That said, the GTR is pretty straightforward to put together. If you're going to get stuck in straight away, it's important to plan what your final spec will as early as possible be to make sure you prepare for it.

Good luck! smile

Edited by Stig on Wednesday 25th November 10:44

Storer

Original Poster:

5,024 posts

244 months

Wednesday 25th November 2009
quotequote all
Thank you for the warm welcome guys.

I will take heed of your comments Stig and spend some time sorting spec. I think it will have a modern version of the chevy engine, probably LS7, as this looks like the sensible way to go now. I suspect the rest will be standard Ultima fare to keep life simple.

Ordered an air riveter this morning. Couldn't face doing that job by hand.

60mph

254 posts

214 months

Wednesday 25th November 2009
quotequote all
Hi
You'll be fine ! 10 years a long decision process . I bought a full kit after 3 days of seeing a photo of an Ultima . I had not heard of "pistonheads" 'till I'd finished the build . Hence 2 phone calls to the factory everyday for 3 months . The advice from me is that if in doubt phone the factory .

Frank

Storer

Original Poster:

5,024 posts

244 months

Wednesday 25th November 2009
quotequote all
Frank

Had to wait until I can spare the funds (just). Still not finished paying for school fees and university but my businesses are now producing good results and I have more time too. I'm far too practical for my own good.

This is also costing me a horse for my wife so she can go hacking/hunting with our daughter.

Paul

clynos1

199 posts

227 months

Wednesday 25th November 2009
quotequote all
Advancing years is by no means a problem - you will enjoy the experience - not an order you understand purely a statement of know fact!
Bought my Can Am 'kit' in my early 60's finished within a year - just could not put the spanners down!
Ask as many questions as you like, there are many on this forum who will help you along the way as they did with me.
Welcome to the Forum
David

LuckyP

6,243 posts

254 months

Wednesday 25th November 2009
quotequote all
Welcome to the fold.

Just one from me:

What you plan for...you shall receive.

Just make sure what you get.....is what you wanted. smile

V8Dom

3,547 posts

231 months

Wednesday 25th November 2009
quotequote all
LuckyP said:
Welcome to the fold.

Just one from me:

What you plan for...you shall receive.

Just make sure what you get.....is what you wanted. smile
pete

sorry guys quick question off subject, what size was you steering wheel, do you remember

thanks

domx

V8Dom

3,547 posts

231 months

Wednesday 25th November 2009
quotequote all
Paul.


good luck with the build. I bought a second hand one as I felt I did not have the funds or time to build.Have loved every minute of it and if I cant afford the fuel I just open the garage door and look......

Will sell the factory car and build one day.....

Good luck


Dom

V8 Vum

3,206 posts

250 months

Friday 27th November 2009
quotequote all
Greetings Paul,

As another of the 'Ancient Brigade', have no fear! This forum houses a Bunch of very helpful good-guys and gals - believe me.

However, one word of caution - -and a health warning! - Maybe it's the car that attracts us type, or maybe its the forum itself, but CRIKEY! There are some VERY STRANGE and LUNATIC individuals that lurk this 'ere site! I am certainly one!nuts

Nevertheless most have our hearts in the right place (wheres mine?) ....we are all entertaining in our own silly ways, and ...most important ....always up to help another and that is what matters!

...and as coincidence has it...OK...so you need a Dolly? I have just the thing!

PM me

Keith

Storer

Original Poster:

5,024 posts

244 months

Friday 27th November 2009
quotequote all
V8 Vum said:
Greetings Paul,

As another of the 'Ancient Brigade', have no fear! This forum houses a Bunch of very helpful good-guys and gals - believe me.

However, one word of caution - -and a health warning! - Maybe it's the car that attracts us type, or maybe its the forum itself, but CRIKEY! There are some VERY STRANGE and LUNATIC individuals that lurk this 'ere site! I am certainly one!nuts

Nevertheless most have our hearts in the right place (wheres mine?) ....we are all entertaining in our own silly ways, and ...most important ....always up to help another and that is what matters!

...and as coincidence has it...OK...so you need a Dolly? I have just the thing!

PM me

Keith
I do hope it's not the inflatable type.

PM on it's way

Paul

V8 Vum

3,206 posts

250 months

Friday 27th November 2009
quotequote all
Storer said:
I do hope it's not the inflatable type.

PM on it's way

Paul
yikes - Rumbled!

rofl

Keith

TuxMan

9,011 posts

267 months

Friday 27th November 2009
quotequote all
Hi Paul , welcome to the club , i,m just noth of peterborough so if you need any info or help give me a shout . Simon

Stig

11,823 posts

313 months

Friday 27th November 2009
quotequote all
60mph said:
Hi
You'll be fine ! 10 years a long decision process . I bought a full kit after 3 days of seeing a photo of an Ultima . I had not heard of "pistonheads" 'till I'd finished the build . Hence 2 phone calls to the factory everyday for 3 months . The advice from me is that if in doubt phone the factory .

Frank
Odd - I thought the stock response from them now was 'Go and read the PH forum' - especially out of hours, which is, let's face it, the time when you inevitably need help! hehe

wink

Pb3

1,064 posts

275 months

Friday 27th November 2009
quotequote all
TuxMan said:
Hi Paul , welcome to the club , i,m just noth of peterborough so if you need any info or help give me a shout . Simon
You are deluding yourself Simon, your Noble looks nothing like an Ultima wink You seem to be spending more time on this forum these days... are you missing us?