If you could do it all again

jcraigau · #1 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 04:59 AM

I've now got five months until I take possession of my G-Force kit. A waiting list - who would have guessed - what happened to the GEC!

Between now and then there is obviously a heap of things I could be doing to streamline the build process. Does anyone have anything they would have wish they had spent more time on whilst there were a few spare hours in the day?

Currently I'm still stripping down the SS Ute and getting the engine/gearbox combination ready to drop in.

--JC

Andrew429 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 06:49 AM

Hi JC,

Assuming you're not getting a rolling kit, you could do the following:
Get the suspension stripped down, passivated and rebuild it, this will take some time (especially getting the hubs right), I would start with that. Roadbend Jaguar will be able to help you with suspension components.
You could get all the components for the brakes rebuilt, I got mine done at Perth Brake Parts - they could also supply bundy tube, new discs etc.
A steering rack will also help early on.
That should get you a rolling chassis.
I found it was the small components that took most of the time, mostly brackets, oddball size bolts etc.

jcraigau · #3 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 07:17 AM

I've got a couple of months to decide if I want a rolling chassis. It looks like it will double the price going from Stage 1 to Stage 2, so I'll shop around and check out the availability of parts and rebuild costs. Going with a roller means I need to do less...

I will also be checking out options around the steering. Not sure if it's possible but keeping the Commodore rack and power steering would be preferable.

I see you also have gone the G-Force route and are close to licensing. Been fun so far? gone as expected? or have there been curve balls? Rob seems like a great bloke with a heap of knowledge on Cobra's.

--JC

trularin · #4 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 08:48 AM

When I designed the electrical, I had a rather large number of "accessories", but as I taxied the system ( and my patients ), I found that I was cutting item from the list.

Later I added a lot of the items, but if I had been more patient at the wiring stage, I would have had it all in then.

The other one is high beam control in the column.

Zedn · #5 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 04:32 PM

Hi JC,

Sorry to hear about the Homebush kit, it looks like it was a steal at that price. Must have been dissapointing.

If you are going to do your own suspension, i would definately start sourcing that and stripping it down to shorten and rebuild. That will take you a bit of time to get it all looking nice and source all the parts at a reasonable price. If you are handy with a welder, i think that would be a much cheaper way to go than buying the roller.

I went for a run in Ollie2906's G-force cobra a couple of weeks ok. Beautiful car, looks like a nice kit.

Liam

Andrew429 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-15-2009, 02:00 AM

Hi JC,

It's been a roller coaster ride like most projects. It had it's low points (I re-routed the brakes twice completely to get it neat) and its high points (opening the taps on the dyno was especially good).
Some parts of the kit will take ages, as the parts will require mods to get them to fit up, the G-Force radiator and shroud is a good example - a 16 hour day spent on that alone. You will probably have far less grief than me as you have a complete motor and box by the looks of it. I took an old big block, got it rebuilt and then retro fitted an LPG injection system onto it. I now have a chronic shortage of real-estate under the bonnet.
The rack is a early commodore unit from memory (VB/VC?), I don't think you'll need the power steering, I've got an extra 150 kg's on the front wheels and the steering isn't that heavy when you compare it with something like a WB ute!
I would suggest taking as many photos of other kits as possible, this became my build guide when all else failed.
Rob will provide you with a mass of knowledge, the trick is remembering it.

Cheers

jcraigau · #7 (**permalink**) 08-15-2009, 07:33 AM

Hey Zedn,

DISAPPOINTING !@! yea, that's a polite way of putting it...

Andrew, I was also told to throw nothing away until I've got everything sorted on the kit. There are always parts that surprise you.

The other thing I'm still deciding on is the dash. I've seen everything from faithful repro through to very contemporary. The idea of using the gauges is very tempting, seeing as they give all of the readouts of the Commodore.

stephen low · #8 (**permalink**) 08-16-2009, 04:37 AM

JC

If you can use your ute's wiring loom fairly unaltered, this will save a lot of time and cost, unless you are electrically illuminated, unlike myself. In fact save as much as you can you'll likely find most bits handy.

Depending on the SS ute you have the tank may fit, a bloke near me fitted the fuel tank into his GF. This sorted pump and wiring and fuel lines as well as time.

I went old school full dash as I didn't have a donor and wanted to fit a stereo without a complete clutter. This is very much a personal choice.

You've got the time so I'd suggest you pick up the jag suspension bits you want and refurbish yourself. Get Rob to shorten the rear as he does but fit it all yourself for knowledge sake at least.

Also see if the GF jig still has the slight misalingment with the diff mounting holes. If you are fastidious you will want to tweak this to ensure the diff is perpendicular to the chassis. It was only slightly out on my chassis and it is all correctable.

Seating location is difficult in the GF because of the cockpit shape at the back and floor shape. If you're happy with fixed buckets, go Rob's seats, I gather they are comfortable but will fit low and straight out of the box despite the price. This is my only real beef with the GF kit!

Good luck.