Quote:
Originally Posted by ProdigyCustoms
You don't have the money? You don't need it. Don't blow your budget this early in the project, there are plenty of little things that are going to sneak up and break your budget for you.
|
I have to agree with alot of what Frank said, only because it makes sense. I will focus on his last statement though. You really will have added expenses popping up that will add up. The little things can eat up hundred dollar bills fast.
And 509Chevelle's comments on moving one step forward to just go two backward. I have been in that situation. Built up a system just to remove it all and start over because of improper planning on my part. Over anxious or not educated to begin with. At least you are trying to educate yourself ahead of time. Smart move.
And you have realcoray making some great points that were also talked about. Use the money to modify but not replace the existing framework. You will get the most bang for your buck going that route. But some guys want a remove and replace for a few reasons. One that I see is not really knowing what to do. And thats an honest reason. Thats why the after market makes complete systems. It takes any guess work out for the guy that can figure it all out but looks at it as being the same outcome just to have a company work it all out with components that are proven to work together.
Funny thing about our hobby, and its a hobby for me. Some folks are in it for the business. But for a hobby guy like myself there are several levels of engagement. Some like to ship the car off to have it modified. Some will look to replace some components on an existing frame. Some want to build their own frame and choose the parts they want. Others will look for a system to incorporate into their car. Thats whats great about working on cars. You can modify the car with any of the above approaches. Usually money and skills play a part in the decisions. But not always. There are other needs that will influence the direction a guy takes.
For me? If I was to start up a new project. And money isnt pouring out of my trees and I do have the ability to weld up a frame. I would buy from speedtech. They look to still be a grassroots company that builds some IMO very strong sub-frames. Some of the other companies have gotten top heavy with the overhead. So you will pay for that overhead. And some of the companies still have the large overhead (even larger) and they sell systems that are less expensive but the amount of steel is lacking. They need to trim the cost of the final product so it is shaved from somewhere, prolly actual raw materials.
Im not saying the frame with the most metal is better. But I will say the company that you are looking at cant provide the same amount of raw materials in their sub-frame that speedtech will give you. And speedtech doesn't just overbuild for lack of engineering. They place structural members where they are needed and dont have to worry about the added cost due to a lower overhead. The translation. You get more for YOUR money. JR