Paul Banham Sprint
Chartman
which is a Frog Eye Sprite replica based on a mini's running gear. The car
'looks' superb, but is it? Does anyone have any experience/knowledge of Paul
Banham Conversions, especially the Sprint?
Does anyone know of any similar (i.e. classic sport car) mini based kits?
Many thanks
Chartman
Chartman
first sent it.
Grunff
"Chartman" <no...@m.ta> wrote in message
news:a7ohdm$fbp$1...@knossos.btinternet.com...
I built a Sprint a couple of years ago (or was it three?). Pretty easy
build, and the end result is lots of fun to drive. Make sure your welding is
good, there's lots to do.
Only niggle I can think of is that it's impossible to get the wheels sitting
high enough in the arches, even if you lower the car considerably. It just
looks a little odd.
Any other Qs, I'd be glad to help.
Grunff
Chartman
Paul Banham has fitted 13" wheels to the one on his web site. What size
wheels did you fit?
Chartman
Andy
Hi,
I'm currently building a Banham Spyder and also run a builders
webgroup. From my experience & that of other group members I can make
the following comments :
1. Get written confirmation from Paul Banham that the car will pass
SVA inspection WITHOUT any modifications to the standard build. DON'T
accept anything less than a letter headed & signed note.
2. Get written confirmation of all delivery dates as it has been known
for his delivery times to slip... by months. I've just been made aware
that he has been sucessfully sued over non-supply of parts for an X21
after being paid in full by the purchaser 20 months prior.
3. Expect to spend alot of time building your car, there basically
simple but to make a real good job takes time. My build has took 14
months so far and I have at least another 6 months work to complete
the car.
4. Do some homework and an indepth budget first. It's all the little
bits that add up fast and then things get expensive.
5. Find the best donor car you can afford, ensure the sills, and any
areas that are retained are in A1 condition. A late accident dammage /
salvage vehicle would possibly be a good donor as long as it's
straight.
6. If your welding's a bit iffy either practice lots or get
professional to do the work. Poor welding will do no favours when the
car is SVA inspected or in the event of an accident.
Finally, have a look at my website, www.550-spyder.co.uk This will
give you a good idea of the work involved in building a Banham
conversion. You can emil me direct from there if you need any more
help.
Cheers & Good luck !!
Andy
grunff
I also used 13" alloys. I lowered the car to the point where the
lowest point (the exhaust) was 4" off the ground, and it still looked
odd.
The problem is that the body just sits too high on the
floorpan/chassis.
Grunff
grunff
It sounds like things have changed significantly since the time I got
my kit (around 2.5 years ago). Back then, the service was excellent.
In addition, the body conversions were still SVA exempt, so I didn't
have to go through an SVA.
Grunff
Andy
> my kit (around 2.5 years ago). Back then, the service was excellent.
> In addition, the body conversions were still SVA exempt, so I didn't
> have to go through an SVA.
>
>
> Grunff
Unfortunatly it appears that way... if your car's not registered as a
Banham Spyder, you'll have to get SVA to get the log book amended
otherwise it will remain a Skoda 'something' on the V5. Although not a
huge issue at present as long as you can get it MOT'd each year.
If you still have the car why not join the builders webgroup, linked
off my website.
Cheers,
Andy