Marlin Roadster Kit Car - Tayport

[David]

I can't post in Sales as I'm not a member again yet.

I'm guessing you've all seen this unfinished Sprint based Roadster before and that it'll be almost impossible to get through IVA with our without the wings on, any comments?

http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/marlin-roadster-kit-car/1079469329

thanks,

David.

[David]

Re: Marlin Roadster Kit Car - Tayport

Actually it looks like a Marina based car with a Dolomite Sprint engine etc.

[stevejgreen]

Re: Marlin Roadster Kit Car - Tayport

It there is no registration, I am afraid that IMHO it's not worth more than a collection of parts. A shame that if the Sprint installation is up to spec, then it could make a nice car.
Others of course will disagree but one of the stumbling blocks might be something as simple as the shoulder set belt mount.

[lil_red_roadster]

Re: Marlin Roadster Kit Car - Tayport

Not impossible but it would potentially require a fair amount of rework & careful effort.
I think we've seen 1 or 2 Roadsters go through IVA but I'm not sure about any going through the tougher SVA test.
Things to consider - edge radii, pipe runs, certification (e.g. fuel lines) & E-markings (windscreen, lighting)...and as Steve highlights, the seatbelt installation.
Are you thinking of going for it..?

[David]

Re: Marlin Roadster Kit Car - Tayport

Are you thinking of going for it..?

I was if you'd all said it wasn't that difficult, would have made a good winter project

[b_caswell]

Re: Marlin Roadster Kit Car - Tayport

David Email me at [email protected] and I will send you some info that may help you decide.

[Mike]

Re: Marlin Roadster Kit Car - Tayport

It there is no registration, I am afraid that IMHO it's not worth more than a collection of parts. A shame that if the Sprint installation is up to spec, then it could make a nice car.
Others of course will disagree but one of the stumbling blocks might be something as simple as the shoulder set belt mount.

I am getting very tired of this oft repeated negative response to anyone wishing to consider building a Marina based Roadster due to IVA.

Our reasons for building a Marlin kit car are many and varied, and very few of us could be accused of making a hard nosed capital cost benefit analysis to show that it made good finacial sense to buy, build, or even own a Marlin. We have all aquired one to satisfy a desire.
For some its about owing a different car - and for those members, it probably does make a lot more financial sense to buy a registered built Roadster that they can go and drive, without the hassle of building one. Similarly for tinkerers, the same may be true.

But for others, its about building your own car - haviong the opportunity to create a car from a pile of parts: the cost becomes the cost of your pleasure, and we are all prepared to pay different prices for our different pleasures. Therefore, providing there is no insurmountable technical reason standing in the way of getting a kit through IVA, the IVA should not be seen as a deterrent per se.

There are no new Marlin kits being manufactured these days, so the only opportunity to build your own Marlin now lies in the remaining incomplete kits. IVA has certainly made it harder to achieve, but it has not made it impossible. So, can we please stop this negative advice, demonising the IVA, and trying to dissuade every interested member from even considering the possibility of taking on the challenge. For some it may still be the right way to achieve their desires.

[Mike]

Re: Marlin Roadster Kit Car - Tayport

I can't post in Sales as I'm not a member again yet.

I'm guessing you've all seen this unfinished Sprint based Roadster before and that it'll be almost impossible to get through IVA with our without the wings on, any comments?

http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/marlin-roadster-kit-car/1079469329

thanks,

David.

Within the club there are members who have wings that could be purchased to complete this Roadster - do not let that be the only deterrent to taking on this kit.

Mike

[cameronfurnival]

Re: Marlin Roadster Kit Car - Tayport

I cannot see any reason why a roadster couldnt be IVAd. There are no major components mounted in ways different from the original type-approved cars and all parts can be adapted to suit. Admittedly it might be a challenge (but all IVA tests are) but when has that stopped anyone from doing something worthwhile? The IVA manual will need to be read frequently before nad during and checks made on dimensions, radii etc. I personally think it is possible. Go for it.

[DaveTrials]

Re: Marlin Roadster Kit Car - Tayport

Mike
I think it should be remembered that there are design considerations that have to be tested to show compliance as to strengths of certain components that need to be submitted, and for a one off build test ,as a marlin would be, this would just not be possible. I had to submit reports done by various institutions, supplied by the chassis manufacturer, before i could get a date to IVA my kitcar(Gemini). Spending a lot of money building a car where it hasnt been proven that it is going to be able to pass and end up as a garden ornament does not make sense. If i recall there is a Berli in this very prediciment.

It is best to make prospective purchases aware of this issue before they dive in.

I am getting very tired of this oft repeated negative response to anyone wishing to consider building a Marina based Roadster due to IVA.

Our reasons for building a Marlin kit car are many and varied, and very few of us could be accused of making a hard nosed capital cost benefit analysis to show that it made good finacial sense to buy, build, or even own a Marlin. We have all aquired one to satisfy a desire.
For some its about owing a different car - and for those members, it probably does make a lot more financial sense to buy a registered built Roadster that they can go and drive, without the hassle of building one. Similarly for tinkerers, the same may be true.

But for others, its about building your own car - haviong the opportunity to create a car from a pile of parts: the cost becomes the cost of your pleasure, and we are all prepared to pay different prices for our different pleasures. Therefore, providing there is no insurmountable technical reason standing in the way of getting a kit through IVA, the IVA should not be seen as a deterrent per se.

There are no new Marlin kits being manufactured these days, so the only opportunity to build your own Marlin now lies in the remaining incomplete kits. IVA has certainly made it harder to achieve, but it has not made it impossible. So, can we please stop this negative advice, demonising the IVA, and trying to dissuade every interested member from even considering the possibility of taking on the challenge. For some it may still be the right way to achieve their desires.

[Mike]

Re: Marlin Roadster Kit Car - Tayport

Mike
I think it should be remembered that there are design considerations that have to be tested to show compliance as to strengths of certain components that need to be submitted, and for a one off build test ,as a marlin would be, this would just not be possible. I had to submit reports done by various institutions, supplied by the chassis manufacturer, before i could get a date to IVA my kitcar(Gemini). Spending a lot of money building a car where it hasnt been proven that it is going to be able to pass and end up as a garden ornament does not make sense. If i recall there is a Berli in this very prediciment.

It is best to make prospective purchases aware of this issue before they dive in.

Hi Dave

Anyone buying an unfinished kit should be aware of the general issues arising from their desire to put the finished car on the road, and that includes IVA, but your final comment is typical of the misleading hysteria that surrounds the IVA.

The Berlinetta's original construction has a fundammental technical design problem in meeting the IVA. The front sub-frame, as used in the Cortina is not attached to the standard mounting points of the Cortina when located in the Berlinetta, and is therefore deemed not to be satisfactory from an engineering viewpoint. This was known before the builder referred to above tried to put his Berlinetta through IVA, and he chose to ignore it, and do nothing to mitigate the issue. To get a Berlinetta through IVA will require fundamental design changes for the front suspension and engine mounts. That is unquestionably a serious issue.

But does the Marina Roadster suffer from a similarly significant engineering floor?

The seat belt mount is certainly an issue, but this has been dealt with in later Marlin kits: it is not technically difficult to resolve nor expensive to achieve.

If you guys wish to make the argument that there are specific issues preventing a potential builder from achieving an IVA pass with a Marina based Roadster, can we have a informed reasoned explanation of those issues rather than just hearsay and supposition.

By all means make potential owners aware of the issues, but try to be more positive, rather than turning potential owners off before they have even researched the issues in depth.

As a club we are here to promote and prolongue the enjoyment of Marlins, not keep hammering nails in coffins.

[b_caswell]

Re: Marlin Roadster Kit Car - Tayport

I have put this together but don't shout at me if you don't agree. Notesfor Vosa IVA with old Marlin roadster kits

The first thing to do is some serious homework on what isinvolved and how much time and money is available.

“Kit car” magazine did produce a useful condensed booklet covering the main points of IVA but not sure if this is still available, however the VOSA IVA manual is available online.

The link is to this is < https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-approval/individual-vehicle-approval-manuals>..... and kit cars come under the category M1.

Have a scroll through before trying to read it fully then refer to these notes from me that are more Marlin specific. Can’t guaranteethat I have covered every issue but I have done my best.

Section...06.....Door latches..... The design of theRoadster door is such that you will need to source special double latched locksbut they are available from kit accessory suppliers.

12....Interior fittings dashboard etc.... You will need to ensure cockpit edges and dash have a radius edge to prevent injury.

14....Steering wheel and column.......You will need to have an approved type steering wheel and study the design of the column assembly to comply.

16....Exterior projection....The leading edges of the front wings and suspension plus the windscreen frame and other sharp edges will need to have a radius or beprotected.

19 and31.... Seat belt anchorages will need to have recognised threaded feruleswelded in to take correct grade of bolts and the shoulder height from the seatto the top mount will involve either a very thin seat squab or lowering the floor(quite a straight forward procedure) to get the measurement required. Plus thelater add on seat belt tower to mount the bracket (There is a drawing for this(in technical tips) that would involve some simple engineering).

45....... Windscreen ....... will need to have the required markings Itis possible to get specialist windscreen companies to cut a flat laminatescreen to pattern but I am not sure if they can save the marking or re-etch thenew screen to comply.( You would need to approach your local vehicle glasscompany)
There is an opinionthat you can present the car with the screen and wipers missing but as on theRoadster the frame is integral with the chassis I am not sure if they wouldaccept that. It would be a bit drastic but I suppose you could cut off thescreen frame carefully to weld back on later.



You would be advised to take plenty of pictures of eachspecific stage of the build feature and produce a portfolio of the build topresent along with the car. This also helps with assembly points that gethidden by later work as well as proving the home build status.


Not sure where you’re nearest IVA testing station is but itmay be worth going along to see if you can have a chat with one of theinspectors.

[john cole77]

Re: Marlin Roadster Kit Car - Tayport

I spoke with the guys on the Pilkington stand at Stoneleigh earlier this year about producing a windscreen for a roadster.
They said that to make a flat screen from a template with all the correct markings, would be around £150.
So the issue of the screen is eaisily solved.

[cameronfurnival]

Re: Marlin Roadster Kit Car - Tayport

I can add a bit to this...
Section...06.....Door latches..... The design of theRoadster door is such that you will need to source special double latched locks but they are available from kit accessory suppliers. The things you need are called bear claw latches (available from CBS) in two sizes. I have fitted these very successfully to the Romero (identical doors to the roadster). Dont forget to remove the grease nipples from the hinges.

12....Interior fittings dashboard etc.... You will need to ensure cockpit edges and dash have a radius edge to prevent injury. Make sure of a 19mm radius on the bottom edge - a piece of upvc sink waste covered in vinyl works well, check switches are radiused and bezels of instruments.

14....Steering wheel and column.......You will need to have an approved type steering wheel and study the design of the column assembly to comply. If it comes from a production vehicle (like the sierra column - inc steering wheel) this is no problem, if not then the tester will have to be convinced that teh design is safe - appropriately angled joints etc

16....Exterior projection....The leading edges of the front wings and suspension plus the windscreen frame and other sharp edges will need to have a radius or beprotected. You can fit edge trim as long as its glued on firmly and isnt 'temporary' (cough). Check enough of the wheels are covered.

19 and31.... Seat belt anchorages will need to have recognised threaded feruleswelded in to take correct grade of bolts and the shoulder height from the seatto the top mount will involve either a very thin seat squab or lowering the floor(quite a straight forward procedure) to get the measurement required. Plus thelater add on seat belt tower to mount the bracket (There is a drawing for this(in technical tips) that would involve some simple engineering).

45....... Windscreen ....... will need to have the required markings Itis possible to get specialist windscreen companies to cut a flat laminatescreen to pattern but I am not sure if they can save the marking or re-etch thenew screen to comply.( You would need to approach your local vehicle glasscompany)
There is an opinionthat you can present the car with the screen and wipers missing but as on theRoadster the frame is integral with the chassis I am not sure if they wouldaccept that. It would be a bit drastic but I suppose you could cut off thescreen frame carefully to weld back on later Pilkingtons quoted me £130 plus vat iirc for a roadster screen with correct markings.

[Mike]

Re: Marlin Roadster Kit Car - Tayport

I spoke with the guys on the Pilkington stand at Stoneleigh earlier this year about producing a windscreen for a roadster.
They said that to make a flat screen from a template with all the correct markings, would be around £150.
So the issue of the screen is eaisily solved.

Before one of the big Auto Windscreen replacement companies went bust, a guy there made me three Cabrio screens, cut from Landrover defender screens, and managed to include the BS and E markings on them, for £180.