Building your own kit car is a dream for many motoring enthusiasts. The allure of creating a vehicle with your own hands, tailored to your specifications, is undeniable. However, building a kit car is not a decision to be taken lightly. It requires a significant investment of time, money, and effort. In this blog, we'll explore the pros and cons of building a kit car, the skills you'll need, and the equipment required to make your dream a reality.

The Pros of Building Your Own Kit Car

1. Personal Satisfaction and Achievement

One of the most significant advantages of building a kit car is the immense satisfaction and sense of achievement that comes with it. Creating a car from the ground up, understanding its every component, and finally seeing it drive is an unmatched experience. It’s not just about owning a car; it’s about owning a car you built yourself.

2. Customisation

When you build your own kit car, you have complete control over the design, specifications, and features. You can customise every aspect of the car to suit your preferences, from the engine and transmission to the interior details and paintwork. This level of personalisation allows you to create a truly unique vehicle.

3. Learning Experience

Building a kit car is an excellent way to learn about automotive engineering and mechanics. Whether you’re a seasoned car enthusiast or relatively new to the motoring world, the process will teach you valuable skills and deepen your understanding of how cars work.

4. Potential Cost Savings

While building a kit car can be expensive, it can also be more cost-effective than buying a high-performance or classic car outright. By sourcing parts and doing the labour, you can save money compared to purchasing a pre-built vehicle.

The Cons of Building Your Own Kit Car

1. Time-Consuming

Building a kit car is a time-intensive project. Depending on the complexity of the kit and your level of experience, it can take months or even years to complete. You’ll need to dedicate significant time to the project, which can be challenging if you have other commitments.

2. Requirements

Building a kit car requires various mechanical knowledge, electrical work, and fabrication skills. If you lack experience in these areas, you may face steep learning curves, which can lead to frustration or mistakes during the build.

3. Costs Can Add Up

While there’s potential for cost savings, the expenses associated with building a kit car can quickly add up. Beyond the initial cost of the kit, you’ll need to budget for tools, parts, paint, and possibly even professional help for certain aspects of the build. Unexpected costs can arise, making it more expensive than anticipated.

4. Legal and Registration Challenges

Once your kit car is built, you’ll need to get it road-legal, which can be complicated. In the UK, this involves passing an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test, registering the car with the DVLA, and ensuring it meets all safety and emissions standards. The paperwork and testing can be daunting and may require further adjustments to your car.

Skills You’ll Need to Build a Kit Car

1. Mechanical Knowledge

Understanding how engines, transmissions, suspension systems, and other mechanical components work is crucial. You’ll need to be comfortable assembling these parts and troubleshooting any issues that arise.

2. Electrical Skills

Modern cars involve a lot of wiring, and kit cars are no exception. You’ll need to wire the vehicle’s electrical systems, including the lighting, instruments, and possibly more complex systems like fuel injection or electronic ignition.

3. Fabrication and Welding

Depending on the kit, some degree of fabrication may be required. This could involve cutting and shaping metal or fibreglass components and sometimes welding parts together.

4. Problem-Solving

Building a kit car is rarely straightforward. You’ll encounter challenges and unexpected problems along the way, and thinking critically and solving these issues is essential.

Equipment You’ll Need

1. Basic Hand Tools

You’ll need a comprehensive set of hand tools, including spanners, sockets, screwdrivers, pliers, and hammers, at minimum. These will be essential for assembling the car’s various components.

2. Power Tools

Power tools such as drills, grinders, and possibly a power saw will make the build process much easier. A good quality torque wrench is also necessary to ensure all components are tightened to the correct specifications.

3. Welding Equipment

If your kit requires any fabrication or modifications, welding equipment will be necessary. This could be a MIG welder or TIG welder, depending on the materials you’re working with.

4. Lifting Equipment

An engine hoist or crane will be needed if you install the engine yourself. Additionally, jacks and axle stands are essential for safely working under the vehicle.

5. Garage Space

A suitable workspace is vital for building a kit car. You’ll need a garage or workshop with enough space to store parts, assemble components, and move around the vehicle comfortably.

6. Manuals and Documentation

Access to the kit’s assembly manual and other relevant documentation is crucial. These guides will provide step-by-step instructions and help you understand the order of assembly and the correct procedures.

Conclusion

Building your own kit car is an exciting and rewarding but challenging project. The process requires a significant investment of time, money, and effort, as well as a range of skills and equipment. However, for those passionate and determined to see the project through, the result is a unique, personalised vehicle that offers a deep sense of accomplishment.

If you’re considering building a kit car, weigh the pros and cons carefully. Ensure you have the necessary skills and resources before embarking on the journey. For those who do, the experience of driving a car you built yourself is like no other.