New Member, Have an Itch to Scratch, Advice?

[JohnnyPhysix]

I've been lurking here for awhile and researching even longer. I use to own a Spitfire and miss tinkering with cars. I also live in Pittsburgh and the wife an I always participate in the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. We also just go places just for drive.

 

 

With all that being said I want to get something to build and have fun driving and having always admired the 7's, I think I decided on building a Duratec 2.0 Birkin SS3 unless anyone has any arguments. Here's my thoughts:

 

• Birkin because it still looks like the original (that throws out Stalkers, Westfields, etc). Also the Lotus coral may still let me in with them for the Grand Prix
  
• Birkin because it is priced like the original (I'd love a Caterham, but just can't justify the price)
  
• I want a kit (can't seem to verify if any US Caterham dealers actually sell kits anymore)
  
• Don't need the wide version because I am only #135 at 5'8 and my wife is even smaller. I've heard choosing seat may be a different matter for a later time.
  
• The Duratec, well just because. And I guess my dad use to work for the engine plant.
  

 

 

Assuming I am not crazy and in good company I am hoping to get some updated opinions. I did see a post back in 2012 (7192-New-member-want-to-build-a-Birkin-any-advise) and some build logs, but curious if any sediments changed. One of the specific things on my mind now is US distributors. It seems we have two now (BirkinDirect-USA or TexasMotorWorks or is there a third distributor)? Any opinions / recommendations? I also imagine they both could source all the other parts too? Or should I just go to FordParts for the engine? Not sure on the diff and transmission.

 

 

The other thing nagging is the big unknown. Should I be expecting a big surprise half way through the build like so weird 50% kit car tax or some oversea's shipping fee. I know its possible, most of you are proof, and not to worried about the mechanics, just the other stuff (if there really is any other stuff). Hopefully I am fretting about nothing but getting to a point in the planning where I want to poll the community.

[wemtd]

I hate to disappoint but your 1st Assumption is wrong:

Everyone with these cars is at least a little crazy.

 

I built with support from BirkinDirect and found Tom's support to be flawless. The primary obstacle encountered was container/factory delays from South Africa (also a challenge for the cat folks). I don't know if PA has any unique obstacles to kit building however there are a fair number of cars in Pennsylvania so I expect you're probably ok.

It's too bad you weren't at the annual usa7s Fourth of July gathering to see a good sampling of caterhams, birkins, westfields, and others. Good luck with your search, pm me if you'd like to discuss my experience further

 

P.

[yellowss7]

Pa is not horrible compared to some other states for registering, although there are a few hoops you have to jump thru to get it done. I spoke to Tom Carlin (TBox56 on this site) at this year's NJMP 7s gathering about how he handles the process of assembling a car or kit for the customer. He seems to have a good system for making sure that all the parts are included. Having built a Caterham in 2000, I can tell you that missing parts was a normal condition of the kits that arrived at almost builds.

 

I'd give Tom a call to get a feel for him and the process. He's a good all around guy.

 

Good Luck,

 

Tom

[mrmustang]

From experience with Cobra replicas, PA has one of the easiest programs out there. Call Harrisburg's main DMV office and ask them to send you the "specialty construction" package. Follow the package and you'll be fine. Build the car to actually pass the initial safety inspection and the car is then emissions exempt for life while in PA

 

Bill S.

[JohnnyPhysix]

Thanks for the support and responses! I actually reached out to Tom via email last year and was very responsive. From the lack of mention of TMW, I am guessing they may be a no-go? I've been curious: does all Birkin imports actually go through BirkinDirect? Another thing for those who've gone this route, any idea how much I'll need to budget for above and beyond the kit such as engine, brakes, etc? I know I can probably go crazy with modifications, but rather get up and running first and not sticker-shock the wife too much.

[yellowss7]

Brakes are over rated, They just slow you down. :jester: Seriously, our cars don't need big brake kits as we don't use them that much, and our cars are so light. Save your money for sticky tires.

[Croc]

Birkin Direct USA (Tom Carlin) is the official US and Canada importer for Birkin. Yes all imports go through them. Give him a call - a top guy in my dealings!

[Kitcat]

As the former owner of a Duratec Birkin, I can affirm it is easily the equal of the 2 Caterhams I have owned, in terms of handling, stopping, acceleration, etc. And if you build it yourself you will avoid the issues I had, tho everything I have read and everyone I have talked to says Tom Carlin's shop does an exemplary job on turn-key Birkins. Tom says there have been a number of important upgrades since the '09 S3 Birkin I owned. The Birkins cockpit was quite a bit smaller than the Cats but, as you note, you will fit nicely. And maybe interior space is one of the improvements?Also, the seats were horrible (IMHO) and I think that has been addressed as well. If not, it is easy to fit aftermarket seats or even Caterham seats (Wh/I did).

[Tbox56]

Give me a call and I will be happy to work through a realistic budget to get you started.

 

Tom

Brikin Direct-USA

970-376-5188

[JohnnyPhysix]

Thanks Tom. I realized rather quickly after opening this can of worms that I need to reconnect with you. We did correspond last year when this was just a twinkle in my eye, and thought still waiting for other things around here to settle down, it seems that I do have more questions that you can help with.