JHclassics dino conversion

[loadswine]

The 246GT is one of my all time faves and this is probably the only replica I'd consider. Looking forward to seeing some pics. :)

[pilotpete]

I have seen these kits and IMHO theyr'e just not a good replica (if that's what you're after). Don't get me wrong - the kit is excellent as is the detailing of the parts in the kit. You will get an excellent car from this kit, but there are more authentic looking kits out there.

[smash]

Agreed - although none of the old Lancia based kits are the right length, which remains they're biggest issue. They're all too short as a result of the original splash they're based on being taken from a 206 rather than a 246. "Waiter? Anorak please!"

[briweekes]

I've also been looking at these dino replicas, they are perfect for the v6 conversion, for the great sound and the engine being transverse, it should work really well. The end result is something classy, and rarely seen on the road. I guess you've seen the many articles on them in the uk kitcar mags

[smash]

A lot of them already have Alfa 3.0 V6 retro fitted - the one I looked at had, sounded glorious!

[dogrough]

Does any one know of any one else supplying a 246 Dino conversion for the MR2? Got a MR last year, rough body but as I was going to put Dino panels on it didn't matter. Had Paul fit the 1MZ, & I thought this year the kit would go on. Very disappointed, got no replies to a couple of emails so I phoned a few people to see if they could throw any light on the subject. Sounds like the MR 2 Dino kit is not available!!, Gone bust, not interested ? ive had a few tales was also told to do a web search & it seems its a tad ' fickle ' Must admit the thought of losing the thick end of £5k doesn't appeal to me. Few tales on the net has lost, how can I put it, trust. Seems if you find one positive feed back its backed by ten negative. Any ideas? may just replace standard panels at least with the engine conversion ( top job as normal ) I will have one nice car. Got myself geared up for the Dino kit so to be let down I don't know how I feel. My own fault I should of done my home work!

Kevin.

[cdwood2010]

Hi Kevin

John Hurst (JH CLassics) is still very much still alive and kicking. If you want to PM me i can put you in touch if youre having difficulty.

As far as i know he is the only one (mainstream) that does these conversions. Not cheap, but once finished they look stunning.

http://www.jhclassics.com/

http://www.skyinsurance.co.uk/blog/2...o-246-replica/

Chris.

[dogrough]

Hi Chris,
Thanks for the quick reply, would you like to supply me with a Kit?. I have had a couple of calls this afternoon that advised me to give it a swerve. Was told to go over to the dark side & get a ' proper ' Dino ' replica the Dehavilland. Must admit I was going to be satisfied with ' near as damn it ' DGT but if i'm spending money I may as well get closer to the genuine article. And a four pot MGTF, no, I may wait till someone gets a V6 in one, & when they do you would have to be a bit silly to consider anything else. Now the advice I have had today hadn't swayed me to much, but thanks to one of the articles you supplied I have been a little more convinced. I think Chris Paddons kit looks very good, in fact better than a turnkey DGT that i saw that you would be able to get a rolled up news paper in the panel gaps! Now i think Chris over come quite a few problems, which he shared with john, who then said he will incorporate those changes into the turnkey cars!. So obviously the kits would still be, how can i put it, iffy! I was once told by someone who had fitted a DNA kit that the kit just fitted straight up & rates as one of the easiest things he had done. I had intended to do one of the DGTs, now i'm going to err on the side of caution. The negative feed back i have had has made me think twice. I had asked john for a build guide, i think its about £150, i wanted this so i could get the MR prepared & i was also aware what was needed. Heard nothing. then a couple of people said he'd gone bust, not interested, only interested in turnkey. The Chris Paddon article seems to bear out the last statement, the first hearsay, the second i think i can confirm.

Kevin

[cdwood2010]

Hi Kevin,

Sorry if i confused you there somehow, i don't do the kits, but I'm saving my pocket money to buy one. I had a nice chat with Chris Paddon at JAE (i'm in the background in one of the pics!), and a good look at the car, and it is pretty impressive. The missus saw it and said "build one of those". I told her that the panel kit alone is nearly £5000. That didn't seem yo worry her though.

There are some horrible kits out there, so personal referrals are always the best. I'm sure Chris will be all too keen to show you his car. It will likely be at the Kit Car show at Stoneleigh (Coventry) next month.

If you want to PM me some details i will get you in touch with John / Chris.

Regards,

c.

[snowtigger]

Personally if I was building turnkey cars to a very good standard and getting well paid for it then selling kits to the home builder were there is no quality control and it maybe a very hard kit for the average home builder with limited knowledge or tools to complete to a good standard would be secondary to my turn key operation.

I'm looking at an escort mk1 space frame with glassfibre body it looks quite easy but a rolling chassis with out engine or gearbox is £12 k add £2 k for paint another 5 to 7 k for an engine gearbox ecu exhaust and sundries your into 20 thou.
A turn key version retails as a basic 24 not a bad deal really.
Some of the jh cars are stunning but have had money spent to make them as authentic as possible one even won best car at jae.

You going to the kitcar show Chris I fancy a day out, I will see what the secretary says of my events calendar has to say lol.