Advice for a Newbie in Gloucester

[davep]

Hi All,

Well I have finally taken the decision to join your community and build a cobra. Can I thank everyone down at Exeter last weekend for their warm welcome and friendly advice.

I think ... I have a decided on it being either a Dax or an AK, but have a couple of questions I wouldn't mind some advice on first.

Firstly, it looks like the Dax has a more advanced chassis design than the AK. Is this right, and will I really notice the difference from a driving perspective and when it comes to road holding (I intend mainly road and not track use) ? Do the internal layout differences (mainly the size of the transmission housing) lead to any specific problems (I am of slight build !!).

Secondly, as an amateur, will I be ok buying with AK where I believe you have to source more of your own parts, or would I be better off going with Dax who I understand offer more of a 'one-stop shop' approach ? Linked to this, I note from some of the forums if you go with Dax you have to buy more of their own parts, which increases the build cost ? I know this question is a bit like how long is a piece of string, but on a like for like basis am I likely to notice much of a difference in build cost between the two ?

Finally, as a newbie, advice and help is likely to be important. I note from the threads AK has excellent customer service, but there seems to be more discussion about this when it comes to Dax (mainly due to their size I guess), any views on this ?

Any advice or guidance on the two companies warmly welcomed before I pull even more of my hair out and try to stop going round in ever decreasing circles ! As an aside, does anyone know if there is a cobra or kitcar club in the gloucester/cheltenham area ?

many thanks

Dave :thumb:

[TINKA]

Hi Dave and welcome, Yes the new Dax chassis is slightly more advanced but unless you are intending to do track days I doubt you will be able to notice it, and if you are not one of us lard arses, then the size of the tunnel is of no importance. You will notice on the AK though the pedals are not off set, I have no idea if this is the case on the Dax. Dont let the fact that AK don't sell you everything put you off as It is cheaper to go direct to the suppliers and AK give you a complete list of where to get everything, and if you want AK will supply all the running gear etc.
Finally the reason that there is not as much discussion about the AK is because it is such a good kit with a straight forward build,

Good luck what ever way you decide to go. :thumb:

[Purple AK]

Hi Dave.

I'm sure we probably spoke at the weekend, but I can only echo Martins comments :thumb: I woudn't describe myself as the brightest bulb on the christmas tree, But I managed to put together the AK (As a first build) without a build manual (There wasn't one then) With no more than a short visit to the factory, a few phone calls and a bit of common sense It's only in the last year that I have been posting on the forum, So most of the build was completed before I had the luxury of others help and advise on here For me sourcing all the other parts myself was all part of the fun of the build. And I made a lot of freinds in the suppliers whilst doing it :-} Go for it

[kevchard]

Hi Dave
welcome to the forum, I'm sure you will find it as friendly and informative as we have.
Cheers
Kevin and Helen

[V8bassman]

Hello Dave and welcome to the forum. I'm sure you would be pleased with the end result with either of the manufacturers you mention and as far as the Dax is concerned, yes you can source everything through them if you so wish. However this can be a costly exercise - I know of cases where the total build cost has exceeded £35k - so it pays to shop around and source what you can elsewhere. There are enough of us here who have already gone down that route to point you in the right direction whichever manufacturer you choose.
Hope this helps.
Good luck!

[davep]

Thanks for the encouragement, it all helps towards making that final decision ! I'm sure I'll become a regular on here as next year progresses with lots more questions, so its good to have the support.

Off to see AK next week, so that should help in putting the final piece of the jig-saw in place.

cheers

Dave

[TonyD]

Dave, if you want to see an AK before you buy a kit you're welcome to nip up the motorway to have a look at mine. Sourcing the required bits is a piece of cake and the one stop shop approach can be a fair bit more expensive than sourcing seperately.

The new Dax De Dion chassis is a bit more technically advanced but then again so is the price. Boot space is also a bit restricted, I believe, compared to the standard Dax chassis. If you're not doing too many track days the standard Dax chassis should be more than adequate for your needs.

AK transmission tunnel is wider than others but it isnt a problem for me, a 16 stone lard arse, and I've also built the tunnel height up by 3 inches. Both Dax and AK do a good kit but in my opinion AK beats everyone with what comes as standard with the AK kit but which are extras with other kits.

Cheers,

Tony

[davep]

Thanks Tony, would be really great to take you up on your offer for a quick visit some time :thumb: , just let me know when would be convenient for you ?

Took a look at the pictures you put up of your build and just encouraged me to dive in even more , interested to note the gell coat finish, wouldn't mind having a chat about that, and difference between coloured gell coat and full paint job. I'm being lazy now and haven't checked the forum to see what is written on this (apologies in advance), but whats the general view / consensus on coloured gell coat, versus going for the white and getting it sprayed ??

cheers

Dave

[TonyD]

Dave,

I'll drop me a PM. I'm about all this weekend ( decorating unfortunately) so I might need rescuing from the paintbrush. The concensus of opinion is that fibreglass continues to move and settle until about two years after the build is finished so its wise to wait until the shell has cured totallyu and then get it finished.

Also whilst it is in gelcoat you can bash the body about, drop tools on it, rip the exhaust through the rear valance, and after a few minutes with some polish or at worst the gelcoat mix and fibreglass no one is the wiser..... not that I have done any of the above of course.

Cheers,

Tony

[davep]

:thumb:
Just got back from Peterborough (hopefully having seen all the speed camera's !), one AK chassis and body ordered for delivery next year. A big thanks to everyone up there for the time they spent with me, as expected excellent customer service (does that get me a discount .....). Next decision, what engine to put in !

Also a big thumbs up to Tony for breaking out of his decorating last weekend and letting me see his AK.

Heres to a long and I guess not so prosperous marriage !

Dave