buy one done or build up?

[4x4 suzi]

hi
want to buy a sierra but am not sure weather to buy one alreay done up or do a build up. i know it will probably be cheaper to buy one already done but i dont have the money straight up.. can you guys give me some advice on prices and best option for these thing

1.6 conversion
suspension work (spoa or not?) - fit 33s
gear ration to settle the bigger tyres (or gear box with the engine)
extractors and exhaust system

Thanks guys

[alien]

biggest issue will be legalities... if you want to buy something legal, buy stock and mod it yourself - this way you can engineer the mods and make it legal ($$$$).

[GRPABT1]

I agree, if you're worried about legalities buy something that comes with all engineers certificates required for the mods done (all of them not some). But I do recommend buying one with some mods already done as there are great bargains to be had and working on cars is waaaaaaaaaaay overrated

[weaves]

building it yourself may cost more in the end. but whats not to say the last guy didnt do a dodgey job or mask up a problem which would blow out to a huge unforseen cost.

if you build it yourself you will always be sure of your work and you will know how to fix it on the side of hill if need be.

weaves

[joeblow]

if you want it to be neat build it yourself (or get someone competent to do it for you). there is a lot of modded rubbish on the market that would only be good for parts.

[zookimal]

if you want it to be neat build it yourself (or get someone competent to do it for you). there is a lot of modded rubbish on the market that would only be good for parts.

Agreed. If you buy someone else's POS you could spend as much or more fixing endless faults. Even if it looks a good deal to start with.

If you're going to use it for reliable transport or want to cover bigger distances in it then buy something closer to stock (and looked after) and build it yourself. If it's just a toy then buy modded and save some money on upgrades. But I guess there's always exceptions to that rule.

[brendan_h]

i bought my zook already done up. though i do not regret it there where a few things i changed and where a pain doing so.

[chops_Drover]

I bought mine with a few mods done already including the engine conversion. I have replaced the rear springs that with the car with OME HD as I carry a fridge & quite a few tools/gear etc. The wiring on the engine sucks, is just a mess. There are a few bits & pieces that I would love to change but it is just whether the time & $$$ are worth it now as it is running & does what I want so far.

But to be honest if I had the chance & the time I would start from scratch, bare chassis build up exactly how I want it. The best thing about the zooks are that it doesn't cost all that much to do a full build up. I may even look at building another one if my current engine dies & use all the parts (gears, lockers, etc) I have to swap over into the new thing I build.

[mach.25]

I'll say keep your eyes out for a modded one, dodgy buildups are everywhere but you might come across something with a fair bit of gear for not too much cash. Everything everyone else said is still spot on, keep your eyes out even if you just get a 2" lift and decent rubber or maybe gearing, who knows. If it's modded hopefully it might come from a club member and you can find out who what why and how, I've seen some really good stuff (rare) and some of the worst crap imaginable (common) go by since I bought mine. Mine had a 2" lift and the bodgy wiring curse and a few dents from someone wheeling it. Never a regret though.

[waandy]

buy a stocker and do it yourself. if you can use a spanner and a hammer youl be fine.lol
i bought mine for 1700 bucks, threw 1000 bucks worth of tyres on it and made 2 inch extended shackles and i get more places than most other 4x4s. a bodylift to top it off and long travel shocks and thatl be the main mods done. just my opinion anyways.

[4x4 suzi]

hey guys, thanks for the advice..
i have an old lwb down the back that needs alot of work. i have a pajero at the moment so im not needing a car and could build that up its a 1lt 4 speed cab chasis. but needs alot of work. i wouldnt know where to start.. the engine barely runs..where and how much would i get a 1.6? come to think of it i would be perfect, a lwb ute narrow track.. just time

[4x4 suzi]

This is some pics of the old lwb i have.. needs heaps of work, has no interior.. only a dash, motor barely goes, rust in roof. anyway its probably possible with a heap of work.. i was thinking. 1.6, 33s, maybe spoa, cuatom tray...you guys got any ideas to make it a capable little for

bie?

[joeblow]

damn!...thats gonna need a lot of work.

[FC3892]

lot of work, but after a good 6 months would be a good thing. starting when it's half apart is easyer somtimes.
Comes back down to what u want to do in it! im in tassie so no rocky hills. more endless mud and sand! so i have a turbo motor, spoa, 33's and a 1ltr trasfur case. keeps my feet dry and the camping gear also! even with all that crap my cars still is under 3k all up. cheap

Adam

[Highway-Star]

lot of work, but after a good 6 months would be a good thing.

LOL
I havn't seen to many builds happen that quick .
Yeah she'll be right it will only take 6 months...........2 years later, oh it'll be ready by christmas........New years: maybe easter???

Some people get it done in good time I realise, but things always happen, and it usually takes time. Can be finacial resztrictions, time restrictions, problem solving a certain modification, etc etc.

My Fathers Hilux was an absolute wreck when we bought it, and we've been working for well over 2 years now (the first year saw no real work done, but just planning and decision making), and it might be ready by January 2009. It was completely stripped down in pieces after 1 day too , so the rest of the time can be classed as "Build time".

If you are prepared to work (read as have some real motivation), and are in no hurry (read as above) it could be all good.

[waandy]

if you were to fix up the lwb strip it sown to nothing and rebuild it up slowly and properly. will it be a bush pig or will it be driven on road regulary?
they are very simple to work on and if you are mechanicaly minded why not have a crack.
if it doesnt work sell it for parts or as an unfinished project.
uv got nothing to loose.
just ny opinion.
waandy