Make a Dream come true? (New member)

[ChrisL]

Hi Guys

Nice to see that you guys have a message board up and running, as it can be used as a valuable resorce.So i do hope you don't mind my newbie questions :).. and pardon my english, I know it's not all that good at times.:cool:

I'm still busy reading thru all your posts, in the hunt for info, thoughts and ideas on how, why, what stuff, and I'm sure i'll gain some useful knowlegde about the mysterious yet awesome Stratos.

So, this is my first step to realize my dream over 10 years, and I'm thinking about purchasing a HF2000-3000 kit from Hawk cars, or to trie to get a unfinished project.

I have never built a complete car before, but have quite a good knowlegde on cars and motorbikes, and I do work as a mech- engineer in the oil business, so I do know what a wrench is.
I'm at the finishing stage of my project (mr2) which have been thru a series of serious modifications, and now I feel that it's time to go for the Dream car of my life.

Any info, tips and tricks on what to do and how to do it would be greatly appriciated.

Thanks
Chris Lund

[chris.richard]

You've found the best place to start! There have been a few posts in the past about costs, kits, alternative manufacturers engines etc, which are easier to look up in the archive than retype, so happy browsing. The Hawk kit is not a comprehensive bolt-together "Meccano" approach, there's a lot of modifying, problem solving and creative sourcing and thonking* to be done along the way. That's all part of the satisfaction and challenge though, but don't expect it to be easy. But the end result is worth it.
If you don't get Meccano in Malta, I'll explain that one.

*I meant "thinking" but we probably have to do a bit of thonking somewhere along the line too!:D

[ChrisL]

If you don't get Meccano in Malta, I'll explain that one.

lol, I know what that is, used to be my favorite toys when I was a kid. I'm actually a Norwegian that got fed up with scraping snow from my drive in, so I seeked some sunny winters :)

I noticed the post you had for the Allora replica kit. Is it still for sale?

Chris

[chris.richard]

Not a clue - ijust seemed to be involved in the advert somehow.

[mogul_x]

Originally posted by ChrisL

Any info, tips and tricks on what to do and how to do it would be greatly appriciated.

Thanks
Chris Lund

Chris,

Another good source of information is the Stratos Replica club in the UK. They print a newsletter that has some good tips and "how to" articles. Even though most of the members post here, there are articles published that cover topics that are not being discussed on this website.

Depending on the type of modifications you made to your MR2, you may find that the Stratos will require some of the same skills and tools. Access to a machine shop, or a well equipped garage, would be very helpful in assembling a Stratos kit.

I'm told that a Black and Decker Powerfile is an extremely useful tool to have for fitting the bodywork. I don't have one, since they are not readily available in the USA :(, but they are highly recommended.

Good luck in your efforts.

Regards,

[JohnB_SPY8808053]

Welcome to the forums.

Please let us know if you have any questions after reading through the old posts.

John B.

[ChrisL]

Thanks guys. I found a lot of interresting info here, good work, and props to Stratos for hosting this page !!



Chris

[Simon Dickens]

Hello Chris,
car is still for sale i have not responded as i have been on
holiday for the last two weeks in Mallorca so if you phone me now
i am back at home i will try you today by phone,
best time to pnone me is weekends or after 7.00pm evenings
Regards Simon Dickens

[Stratos]

Chris,

Welcome to the forum, and to the world of the Stratos.

Everyone on here is very friendly and will do whatever they can to try and help you.

Whenever you have questions, just post them on here and we'll all do our best to try answer them for you.