Grand Sport Replica Building ?'s

[65vetteC6]

Interested in a grand sport build. What is the budget needed to complete a kit. I have seen base kit prices for aroun 18K and delux kits forcloser t 30K. I have not seen any recent information here about them. I read through soe of the threads from 1+ year ago about D&D and the poor qality. I have seen that GT motorsports makes them now as does Mongoose Motorsports (which i think was formerly D&D). Anyone have a replica from them? Both shops look legit.

[ghostrider20]

Originally Posted by 65vetteC6

Interested in a grand sport build. What is the budget needed to complete a kit. I have seen base kit prices for aroun 18K and delux kits forcloser t 30K. I have not seen any recent information here about them. I read through soe of the threads from 1+ year ago about D&D and the poor qality. I have seen that GT motorsports makes them now as does Mongoose Motorsports (which i think was formerly D&D). Anyone have a replica from them? Both shops look legit.

I thought GM shut the complete kit manufacturers down?? On a side note, if GM goes T.U. will that open the door for replica cars??

[tentuna]

From the research I have done the best one out there is Mid West, he does not have a web site, but his reputation is very good and his bodies and frames are superior to D&D.
Remember you will need a donor car so include that cost in your calculations.

[65vetteC6]

Either Mongoose or GT motorsorts or both included the frame and one had it mounted onto the frame. I believe Mongoose Motorsports uses tube frames. Both websites are still up.

http://www.gtmotorsports.org/

http://www.mongoosems.com/cars_turnkey.htm

[jim lockwood]

You've already read prior threads on replica Grand Sports and you know there are quality issues and historic accuracy issues with ALL replicas. Not much needs to be added.

In addition to that research, you owe it to yourself to also read about the history and the technical details of the original, real Grand Sports and understand them. Know what they were and were not. If this is a passing fad, research the market for used replica Grand Sports to learn what sells well and what doesn't. Then, decide how closely you want to mimic what might have been.

Do this ahead of time, and your car will cost you less up front and return more if/when you sell.

Jim

[JohnZ]

Originally Posted by 65vetteC6

Interested in a grand sport build. What is the budget needed to complete a kit.

I built mine from a bare frame and body shell D&D kit twelve years ago, had about $60K in the finished car at that time. If you're going to build one, be aware they are NOT like a typical Cobra kit - there's a good deal of engineering and fabrication involved, especially if you want it to be as authentic as possible (vs. a "custom"). If you don't have those skills and the time, space, funds, and motivation to plan and organize the project, buy one already built.

[53 Blue Flame Brett]

John/Jim, your cars are simply beautiful. I'd love to build one once my 53's are all restored and sold.

[sub006]

From what I read, none of the kits are close to complete. All seem to require some skilled fabrication and adjustment for a good result. Find a good finisned one or have a skilled friend/trusted pro in the wings if you tackle it yourself.

[groovyjay]

I had a long talk with the Mongoose guys at Carlisle this year and they seem to be very helpful people to deal with. I'm currently building a GS Roadster and it will cost a lot more than the low mileage Mongoose turn key cars go for!

[ctjackster]

Originally Posted by 65vetteC6

Interested in a grand sport build. What is the budget needed to complete a kit. I have seen base kit prices for aroun 18K and delux kits forcloser t 30K. I have not seen any recent information here about them. I read through soe of the threads from 1+ year ago about D&D and the poor qality. I have seen that GT motorsports makes them now as does Mongoose Motorsports (which i think was formerly D&D). Anyone have a replica from them? Both shops look legit.

you might want to speak with Brian (CF member "aworks") as well, he's done a GS or two.

[53 Blue Flame Brett]

Originally Posted by groovyjay

I had a long talk with the Mongoose guys at Carlisle this year and they seem to be very helpful people to deal with. I'm currently building a GS Roadster and it will cost a lot more than the low mileage Mongoose turn key cars go for!

Jay, I had no idea you were building one of these cars! I'd love to keep in the loop. I really would like to build one of these too. I know where I can find a decent 63 conv tub cheap.

[groovyjay]

Originally Posted by 53 Blue Flame Brett

Jay, I had no idea you were building one of these cars! I'd love to keep in the loop. I really would like to build one of these too. I know where I can find a decent 63 conv tub cheap.

Sure am, it's an on going project that should have been done by now, but other projects have interfered this buid.

[IMG][/IMG]

I try to get it on the road for the summer 2010.

[53 Blue Flame Brett]

Jay, keep at it and post pics as you progress on the build!!!!

[jim lockwood]

Originally Posted by sub006

From what I read, none of the kits are close to complete.

I wouldn't be so charitable as to call any of the offerings "kits".

Anybody remember Heathkits? What was it that made them so very special?

1. They came with all the parts necessary for assembly
2. There were clear directions
3. All of the parts fit together and, when assembled, almost always worked properly.

You won't find any Grand Sport offering about which you can make those three claims.

Find a good finished one or have a skilled friend/trusted pro in the wings if you tackle it yourself.

If you do find an assembled/finished GS, have a second and third set of eyes look the car over. There is the issue of how well crafted the car is and then there is the more serious matter of how well engineered it is. The two are not the same and our D&D car is a prime example.

Our D&D came to us with gorgeous craftsmanship everywhere. Beautiful body lines, the doors fit and work properly, flawless paint, powder-coated tube frame with high quality welds, polished KO wheels. It was a show-winning knockout.

The engineering behind this car stunk to high heaven.

The rear suspension had 1/2" travel and was on the verge of collapse. The steering had 3/8" bump steer on one side only. The car oversteered badly at the limit. Control arms were located by bolts that were too short to fully engage even half-height Nyloks.

But, geez, did the car ever look fabulous.

Was ours just a POS? Well, maybe, but I've seen a lot of D&D cars and, honestly, ours is one of the best ones.

So, if you look at a completed car, be sure to look beyond the shiny paint and engine chrome; question everything about it. Assume the builder was Bubba. Go in with every available set of eyes wide open.

OK, stepping down from the soapbox now....

Jim

[65vetteC6]

Seems like a project. Cant you also get a 63 and it it wth crrectbody parts? They dont have as good of value from what i have read.

[aworks]

I must agree with Jim on this. None of them are kits. I built one D&D coupe and one Mid America roadster. The D&D body needed much support work done. No bird gage. I almost built a 3rd but I could not find a good donor for another Mid America coupe. I did pay Jeff for a chassis I never got but thats another story.

The Mongoose cars are no better than the D&D car was when Dean was building them. I built both my cars ground up. When I bought my D&D parts I wanted it all raw. In did not even let Dean glue the headliner in.

You will find that the D&D or now called Mongoose cars have much body shake or cowl shake. The doors do not close nice. Mongoose also uses cheap claw type door latchs and non stock corvette door hinges. You need to do alot of fabrication to make a nice tight drivable car. Anyone can make a car look good standing still. But it takes skill to make one drive and feel good. Let alone be safe.

Mid America is the way to go but same thing you better be a very good bodyman. Thats what I do. And you need a donor car. Thats not easy to find and the cost is high. Try to find a midyear coupe rear clip with a good bird gage with doors and papers. Not cheap.

Heres pics of both my cars. Both are now sold. The D&D coupe is in Fla. And the roadster is in Calif. If you have any questions feel free to contact me. Brian G.

[Lightweight 001]

Duntov Motor Company builds GS replicas without the need of a donor car. We offer them in both the original and aero nose configuration (the dropped nose). We offer the car in any stage of completion from just the parts to a tur- key street or racecar. Both the roadster and coupe bodies are available. Our cars unlike the competitors are built with the original suspension look and geometry instead of just putting the body on a C4 suspension. We have the capability to fabricate these cars as close to the original as desired including the aluminum birdcage provided its paid for of course. Our cars are the only reproduction Grand Sports to be approved by HSR, SVRA, SCCA, COMMA and CVAR for vintage racing in the standard production groups. General Motors has acknowledged our cars as being faithful reproductions. You can contact us at 972-243-3838 for a free brochure and dvd. We also sell 63-82 Corvette parts online, provide trackside service for a number of vintage Corvettes and other cars and run a Corvette body shop as well.

[jim lockwood]

Originally Posted by Lightweight 001

General Motors has acknowledged our cars as being faithful reproductions.

Care to elaborate on this?

[Lightweight 001]

In a big way, but not today. I will fill you in on Friday morning.

[aworks]

Originally Posted by jim lockwood

Care to elaborate on this?

I would like to here this myself. I have never seen one of Duntov Motor Companys cars. Only pictures. Please tell us about how the body is made. I'm interested in structural integrity and how correct it is. I would love to build another one to keep for myself but at this point I'm not happy with anything out there.


Tony in Mass. is making a very fine car. I,v looked at his products in Carlisile the last two years. He's not far from me and in the spring I am going to take a ride up and see him. Only problem is he dose not have a price and he is not sure if he wants to sell just a roller or parts. I would like to build the body myself. I'm not sure how you sell your stuff either. Brian G.