Quote:
Originally Posted by kevins2
You can start with the mounting of the fuse blocks and other small engine compartment components and then do the wiring. Can also assemble the front suspension - all part of the kit that will keep you busy for a while before ordering parts outside of the kit.
Best to read through the manual and spend some time on the ERA website deciding on the options you want. If you just put your deposit down, you'll have plenty of time to research that. Then, when the time comes to discuss what options you want, Peter can guide you as to what you can easily defer vs. what you should order with the kit.
Regards,
Kevin
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Actually, you'll find that the ERA wiring harness is quite complete and sophisticated, and is more like a factory harness than is the case with most other brands. For example, the fuseboxes are already wired in, so you just run the harness where it belongs and bolt things in as you go (like the fuseboxes and the relay holders, also already attached).
And, it's no problem stripping the car completely to the frame--this allows you both to easily ream out rivet holes and to completely paint the underside of the body (I used a 500 degree satin black engine spray paint). You then mount and seal the body to the frame (along with 34 rivets and a few screws) and take just that much to the paintshop. You'll then have clean aluminum panels to mount later on (no overspray). Spend just a little extra ($150. at the time I bought mine) to have ERA drill all of the rivet holes for you (they didn't miss many, and it simplified my life!).
The only other parts I left on before paint were the fuel line and the brake line from the master cylinder area to the rear connector. I've also delayed mounting the front suspension until the car is complete and ready for engine and driveline--you'll have an easier time working through the removable access panels in the front fender wells (great access to both footbox areas) without the suspension in the way.
Also, Dan is correct--buy any options and accessories you want and ERA mounts them for you. (I do wish I had paid a little extra to have ERA mount the top and the tonneau cover--mounting these is not included in the price of those options).
Putting the body back on was a no-brainer--the kit is so well engineered and pre-assembled that the body essentially found its own way to the proper position. All holes lined up perfectly, although I still measured everything (unnecessary, as it turned out).
It all depends on how much you want to do--I wanted to do it all.
Good luck, and congratulations on buying an ERA.