Assembly option

kgs365 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 06:29 PM

those of you that did your own assembly instead of paying ERA to do it...would you pick that option again or would you pony up the $$ ...looking for areas to save $$...but every time i read the manual I question myself if it would be better to let the pros do it...so interested to hear actual experiences

Bobcat · #2 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 06:34 PM

I did my own , but let ERA bond the body to the chassis .... and I would definitely go that way again ..... though Doug may have other thoughts on that!
The , to me , big advantage is that you will know every nut , bolt and part and how they go on the car . To me , that knowledge is invaluable .
The ERA manual is fairly complete , although you will have to check the website for ongoing updates ... and if you get stuck , ERA will work through it with you . They have great support .

Bob

ERA Chas · #3 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 07:12 PM

Bob and Doug are great sources of help plus there are a few guys on here with plenty of ERA build experience.

ZOERA-SC7XX · #4 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 07:45 PM

It depends on your talent and ability. If you have reasonable mechanical experience and a decent set of tools, go for it. This is not rocket science. You must, however, be knowledgeable in engine, trans and rear end installation. Everything else will just come together (I also had ERA bond the body to the powder-coated chassis). This build was quite rewarding for me, almost as much as driving it. I had Tony do the paint work, but did the rest myself with a little help from my daughter and my girlfriend. A few little setbacks were cleared up by talking to Doug at ERA, who is a master. I wouldn't change anything. Good luck.

*13* · #5 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 08:28 PM

A little bit of patience & read the assembly manual before you do each job. It really depends on you. Do you want to build it or will you cry if you break a finger nail?

Again, have them at least powdercoat the frame & bond the body. That is a no brainer! The rest is up to your ability. I had them assemble the Rear Subframe also. I did most everything else myself except the tranny which I bought from David Kee. Many of the options such as brakes, steering parts, overflow tank, brake ducts & so on are really easy to just buy from ERA. They build, install & sell these parts for their customers all day long so you know they will work. I thought about sourcing out many of the parts but usually went back to ERA to get them because they really were reasonably priced & I knew the parts would be correct & work/fit correctly. If you have any questions let me know I'll be happy to try to pass on my experiences.

Pete Munroe · #6 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 10:42 PM

I would agree to have them paint/powder coat the chassis and bond the body. That has to be VERY cost effective.

Bonding the body...why reinvent the wheel? ERA's guys have done it dozens of times, there has to be a learning curve and you really only get one chance to do it right.

ERA's parts prices are as good/better as anyones for most everything on the car. I tried to shop around just to establish contact with some of the vendors, but you won't save any, and just may get the wrong parts when you buy from outside sources.

Plus, everything you buy individually has to be shipped...get it all, or as much as you can budget shipped at once. When the car is shipped it doesn't cost anymore to throw in a few box's of parts for the ride.

Regular tools covers most everything. The whole car is so well thought through ( see the manual ) and engineered there just aren't any problems.

Help is as far away as the telephone...

Pete

Pete Munroe · #7 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 10:48 PM

hit the send button twice...

kgs365 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 04:33 AM

Thanks guys...this reaffirms the decision I made to do it myself...

Jim Holden · #9 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 09:19 AM

I have done cars both ways.

This past year I helped a cousin build an ERA427SC kit in my garage. We had the body bonded by ERA and then sent the car for paint. The motor and Jag rear were built professionally. We did everything else; wiring, interior, installation of engine, trans, rear, suspension, etc. He then decided to send it back and have Doug and crew go over it just to be safe. He did, of course incur the added cost for their "review", but saved a great deal over what he would have paid to have them assemble the car.

Bob's manual's are excellant and the boys at ERA will take phone calls to answer (oft times stupid) questions.

Jim