TrumanBurbank
Member
Hey Everyone,
Long time lurker here. I have been looking at Goblins for the last 3-4 years and finally pulled trigger just after Christmas. Got the email shortly after, that we are frame #400! That makes my OCD happy.
I never had the space or tools to take on a project like this. However, just last year we ended up buying a 4200 sq.ft. airplane hanger with an attached house, and this fall I have been buying tools in preparation for the build.
The Goblin has always had my interest, as I have been looking for something to replace the void from getting out of motorcycles. I have had a handful of bikes in my past(mostly sport bikes). With the increase of inattentive drivers on the road today, and my lack of self control I decided it would be best to sell everything. The last thing I wanted, was for my wife to be left alone in this world because of a hobby of mine. I understand the Goblin may not fair much better in some scenarios, but on average I think with the cage and harnesses, we will be a lot safer. Plus the wife will be much more comfortable in the Goblin.
I work for a company that makes turbo kits, tuning and other go-fast parts for the SXS/UTV market, and the Goblin has a ton of similarities to SXS's so it caught my eye right away. I had originally been looking at other kit cars, and some convertibles before I found the Goblin. The Goblin fits everything I was looking for. Good power/weight, open air, unique, budget friendly-ish, and I was also looking for the enjoyment of the build process as well. This will be a project for me and the wife to enjoy (bonus, she is a better welder than I am).
For the most part, I intend to daily drive the Goblin on nicer days, go on shorter road trips, sightseeing, and just go out for a cruise when we are bored. Everything I used to do with a motorcycle. I also got the tow bar, so we can take it on longer roads trips across America.
I had been looking for a donor for about 6 months prior to putting the deposit down on the kit. I had lost hope that I was going to find a good donor for a decent price, and decided to pull the trigger on the kit first and keep looking while the kit is being built. Literally 2 days after putting the deposit down, I found a 2006 SS/SC Donor with 140,000 miles for $1000. The car is in pretty rough shape on the outside, but the engine seems to be in good shape. I live in Wisconsin, so rust is something we have to deal with. I had already assumed that most of the suspension that was getting reused, would need to be purchased new. I am in the process of figuring out what needs to be replaced. The transmission is also something that may need replacing. The kid I bought the car from said it had issues shifting but he "fixed" it. I haven't driven it yet, so I am not sure where that stands.
I am considering doing a headgasket, timing chain, and dual pass while the engine is out, just for piece of mind. I have not started the disassembly process yet. I have a few projects in the garage I want to wrap up first, so I can give all of my attention to the kit car. I also want to drive the car for a bit, just to see if there are any other gremlins before I tear it down.
As of right now, I am planning to mock-up the car first prior to powder coating, as there are some changes I want to make. I am planning to add a harness bar at the proper height as I am 6'3" and most of that is in the torso. I also want to make aluminum side panels that cover the entire side of the car, and use 1/4 turn quick release fasteners. I want to have a roof made for the car, for sunny days. I plan to use the rigid chase light, for the taillights. I also have a cool idea for a set of aerodynamic headlights, but I need to get the car in person before I know if that'll work. I am going to be using Kirkey 65 series seats as I am a bigger guy and need all the room I can get. Hoping to fit 18.5" on both sides, but may have to go with a smaller passenger seat. I plan to make a custom windshield, set for my height, that matches the angle of the front of the cage. Undecided on wheels/tires, and colors as of now.
Since I am in Wisconsin, I will be going with the Montana LLC route for the title and registration.
So far the only things that concern me, is the wiring harness, and the Montana LLC portion. Everything else is definitely within my skillset.
Long time lurker here. I have been looking at Goblins for the last 3-4 years and finally pulled trigger just after Christmas. Got the email shortly after, that we are frame #400! That makes my OCD happy.
I never had the space or tools to take on a project like this. However, just last year we ended up buying a 4200 sq.ft. airplane hanger with an attached house, and this fall I have been buying tools in preparation for the build.
The Goblin has always had my interest, as I have been looking for something to replace the void from getting out of motorcycles. I have had a handful of bikes in my past(mostly sport bikes). With the increase of inattentive drivers on the road today, and my lack of self control I decided it would be best to sell everything. The last thing I wanted, was for my wife to be left alone in this world because of a hobby of mine. I understand the Goblin may not fair much better in some scenarios, but on average I think with the cage and harnesses, we will be a lot safer. Plus the wife will be much more comfortable in the Goblin.
I work for a company that makes turbo kits, tuning and other go-fast parts for the SXS/UTV market, and the Goblin has a ton of similarities to SXS's so it caught my eye right away. I had originally been looking at other kit cars, and some convertibles before I found the Goblin. The Goblin fits everything I was looking for. Good power/weight, open air, unique, budget friendly-ish, and I was also looking for the enjoyment of the build process as well. This will be a project for me and the wife to enjoy (bonus, she is a better welder than I am).
For the most part, I intend to daily drive the Goblin on nicer days, go on shorter road trips, sightseeing, and just go out for a cruise when we are bored. Everything I used to do with a motorcycle. I also got the tow bar, so we can take it on longer roads trips across America.
I had been looking for a donor for about 6 months prior to putting the deposit down on the kit. I had lost hope that I was going to find a good donor for a decent price, and decided to pull the trigger on the kit first and keep looking while the kit is being built. Literally 2 days after putting the deposit down, I found a 2006 SS/SC Donor with 140,000 miles for $1000. The car is in pretty rough shape on the outside, but the engine seems to be in good shape. I live in Wisconsin, so rust is something we have to deal with. I had already assumed that most of the suspension that was getting reused, would need to be purchased new. I am in the process of figuring out what needs to be replaced. The transmission is also something that may need replacing. The kid I bought the car from said it had issues shifting but he "fixed" it. I haven't driven it yet, so I am not sure where that stands.
I am considering doing a headgasket, timing chain, and dual pass while the engine is out, just for piece of mind. I have not started the disassembly process yet. I have a few projects in the garage I want to wrap up first, so I can give all of my attention to the kit car. I also want to drive the car for a bit, just to see if there are any other gremlins before I tear it down.
As of right now, I am planning to mock-up the car first prior to powder coating, as there are some changes I want to make. I am planning to add a harness bar at the proper height as I am 6'3" and most of that is in the torso. I also want to make aluminum side panels that cover the entire side of the car, and use 1/4 turn quick release fasteners. I want to have a roof made for the car, for sunny days. I plan to use the rigid chase light, for the taillights. I also have a cool idea for a set of aerodynamic headlights, but I need to get the car in person before I know if that'll work. I am going to be using Kirkey 65 series seats as I am a bigger guy and need all the room I can get. Hoping to fit 18.5" on both sides, but may have to go with a smaller passenger seat. I plan to make a custom windshield, set for my height, that matches the angle of the front of the cage. Undecided on wheels/tires, and colors as of now.
Since I am in Wisconsin, I will be going with the Montana LLC route for the title and registration.
So far the only things that concern me, is the wiring harness, and the Montana LLC portion. Everything else is definitely within my skillset.
