Donor Vehicle

[Strw]

Hello All

I have been reading the forum for the last two weeks and thought it about time I finally post a question.

I am 28, live in Perth WA and am thinking of building a G-Force kit. In order to keep the price down as much as I can I am thinking about getting a donor vehicle were I can get most of the parts off of and sell the rest. I know the G-Force kits use Jag front and rear suspension, so does this mean I am better off getting a jag or is there a better choice for a donor car.

I was also wondering if anybody else out there has a copy of the G-Force manual and parts list they are no longer using I could buy off them so I could go through it before I commit to building a car.

Scott

[Asp302]

i do not thnk there is one single car to use as a donner in ozs make it how you want it to suit you bugger the rest

[stephen low]

Scott

An important factor you need to determine is what ADR's you are allowed to build to and hence particularly what engine you can use. The ADR's control emission levels and most of the eastern states only now allow B series Ford or second generation Chebby aluminium beer coasters.

If you try hard you can make a lot of bits fit but it does depend on the look you want and what you are willing to sacrifice ie money or appearance if certain items more meet your tastes.

Obviously a late model donor can provide engine, box, loom and associated electrics so these are some of the more major bits. Bonus is if you can make the steering column, stalks etc fit plus fuel tank and pump and even heater.

Just depends on how handy you are with your hands and tools!

The Jag suspension will have to be got on its own but again buying right might better any deal you can get over individual parts purchases.

If you have time on your side even Ebay can be of help and save you money!

As to the GF list of parts, it is dated and I felt of little value. There are several WA builders on the forum and I expect they should chime, in so you can talk further with them, perhaps over a beer!

Good luck with the hunt and research.

Cheers

[400TT]

If you want to save money on a build then buy a wreck/front cut.

Best bang for buck choices are:

Ford Falcon with EFI 302w
Toyota Crown/Soarer/Celsior/etc front cut with Lexus 1UZFE engine.

I've used Crown front cut for a Cobra build. You get really good value out of it, especially if you are happy with an auto. You should even be able to use the radiator and lots of other small things that save you money. Plus there are in-demand items you can sell for good money - power steer pump, air bags, aircon compressor etc etc.

Check with your state authorities to see how much longer you will be able to register 302w & 1UZFE.

With Jag stuff just shop around, you should be able to do it cheaper if you buy a wreck, but it's a lot of hassle for just suspension and rear-end and other odd parts. If you don't want the hassle of another wreck, make sure you call interstate Jag suppliers, prices vary dramatically for parts. I just bought some Jag parts came from SA.

Also hit as many swap meets as you can. Time consuming, but you will pick up a lot of parts at these dirt cheap.

Plan your build carefully as you can save big money on simple things. Like ask the manufacturer for a body you can leave in gel coat, at least to start with. Get it in a good colour, black is an excellent choice. Then with a few days, maybe a week of body work you can have a reasonable looking polished finish. Just like a boat. The Harrison I built with my brother is still in black gel coat, it was a vinylester body. Has numbered rondells, guard stripes, bonnet/scoop rivots etc and I reckon it looks good. Expect to pay a little more for a coloured body as it's a bit more hassle for the manufacturer, if you don't pay more, then you have a bargain.

[sambo]

A note regarding the coloured gelcoat - I paid $125 for a gray tint, however it wasn't anywhere near as dark as I expected (my fault I guess) so be very clear when you're ordering. And remember, if you add any filler around the doors etc or silicone between panels it will need to be painted the colour of the gelcoat. If I did it again I would go black or white - much easier to match up than a colour or mid tone like gray.

[*Cobber*]

Strw

I bought an XSJ v12 for the suspension and brakes, sold the rest and made enough money to reco all the parts and a bit left over. Bought a Celsior 1UZ front cut sold all the bits I didn't need which paid for the supercharger for the top. Check out my pics.