TheSamba.com :: View topic - Future project... Avenger GT-12

Sun May 18, 2014 1:54 am

Just wanted to (somewhat) introduce myself.
Just picked up 2/3 of an Avenger gt-12. It's in rough shape for the most part. It's sat for at least 10 years in the sun so the gel coat and primer is eaten away on a few spots.
Overall, it wasn't bad for the price.
I'm still not completely sure which route I plan to go with the frame/engine setup. I know people usually use the VW chassis, which is why I've come here. I need to brush up on my VW knowledge in case I do go that route.

Here's what I have as of now. I need to source a front clip for it, so if any of you come across anything, don't be shy, let me know. :D

Sun May 18, 2014 6:26 am

Those are a ton of work! Mine basically killed my kit car restoration desires.

The doors need a ton of beefing up. I used steel tube and plates to reinforce the hinges and strength of the doors. The 1 piece side windows are nearly impossible to find..I hope they came with the kit.

If you are tall you will never fit. If you get to the point of choosing seats they MUST be laid back alot.

Finding a front clip will be hit or miss. Keep your eyes out on EBAY and CraigList.

Best of luck to you.

Sun May 18, 2014 9:16 am

Thanks.
I looked through your build thread before I decided to buy it. Wanted to see what I was getting into. I would like to compliment you on it by the way, you did some amazing work and it came out very nice.
A few points; I'm short, so fitting in it won't be a problem.
I have a pair of cobra bucket seats I plan to use, they're very small and comfy.
In it's current condition, pretty much everything needs beefing up. The left door is actually broken. You can see the front hinge panel still attached in the second picture while the door is behind it out of the picture.
I'm not a stranger to fiberglass. I actually somewhat prefer it over sheet metal.

He didn't have the windows. All he had was the shell, doors, rear clip with tail lights and one of the seats.
Luckily, I have a few other projects to finish first, so taking time to find the parts won't be a problem.
If you have any knowledge on where I might find other parts for it, by all means, let me know. I would appreciate the help. Worse case, I can make what I need, I'd just prefer not to have to make the whole front clip.

Mon May 19, 2014 6:31 am

Depending on the style of those Cobra seats they might not work. I tried a racing style seat and they weren't even close to fitting. I tried a set of Corbeau Clubman seats and they were a no go. I even tried a set of seats from an old Lotus nd they weren't even close. And that was with a dropped floor. You might want to consider a dropped pan and a body lift.

If I recall correctly the windows were custom for the car. There is a group at Yahoo (Flyin 40's I think) that had a guy who had some made. You can also retro fit a set of RX7 windows with some glass work.

Making a whole front clip would be an amazing feat. Be sure to post pics.

Mon May 19, 2014 7:24 pm

I will definitely update with any work I do.

Thanks again for the recommendations.
As for the windows, are you referring to the windshield and rear glass? And which generation rx7? I would assume 1st gen due to the size of this thing, but I don't like to assume.

Mon May 19, 2014 7:29 pm

Windshield I believe is a Corvair. Rear glass is Mustang I believe. Door windows are custom.

http://www.avenger-valkyrie.org/techinfo/windows.htm

Tue May 20, 2014 4:30 am

Um.. yikes. You could have likely picked up an entire car for what you may have paid. Several near the west coast on CL:

http://fresno.craigslist.org/cto/4419715610.html
http://quadcities.craigslist.org/cto/4468520896.html
http://ames.craigslist.org/cto/4416132484.html

Fri May 23, 2014 7:00 am

Letterman7 wrote: Um.. yikes. You could have likely picked up an entire car for what you may have paid. Several near the west coast on CL:

http://fresno.craigslist.org/cto/4419715610.html
http://quadcities.craigslist.org/cto/4468520896.html
http://ames.craigslist.org/cto/4416132484.html

Well, I know a thing or two about a thing or two. I didn't pay much for it. I paid less than all those you posted, so no worries.

Fri May 23, 2014 4:31 pm

Yes, but you don't have a complete car, either. You'll need to find another just for the front clip, hence you'll be paying twice. So which way is the less expensive route?

Fri May 23, 2014 4:42 pm

Hi..
My grandson just found an Avenger GT 12, picking it up tomorrow in fact. He's been wanting a Bradley GT, (his name is Bradley!) but found this. It's a complete body, front, rear and body. Windows are there with electric set-up, but windshield has some cracks. It's sitting on a VW frame, but needs redone. No engine or interior, been sitting for some years, but ....he's getting it for $ 250, so he can't go wrong. We'll be checking on here for where to get some one of a kind parts. I've been into VW's for years, but this is new for him. I told him I get first dibs on the car when he gives up! Take care!

Fri May 23, 2014 9:46 pm

Letterman7 wrote: Yes, but you don't have a complete car, either. You'll need to find another just for the front clip, hence you'll be paying twice. So which way is the less expensive route?

True, but I will then have a spare body to use/do what I please... I get what you're saying, it's just the negative side of it. Negativity is lame. There's always a positive side with cars. :)

Sat May 24, 2014 5:51 am

Of course! No negativity, just the reality of owning kits. Having a plan is paramount in projects like these.

Sat May 24, 2014 11:31 am

Quote: Having a plan is paramount in projects like these.

Agreed.

I would say 9 times out of 10 the "intent" of a potential build never comes to be and the project is abandoned. Common reasons:

"Found a new project"
"No time"
"Lost interest"
"Doesn't look like I will finish it"

Mon Mar 09, 2015 2:35 am

It's been a while....
I've had the body sitting in the back yard since we moved to the new house. I picked up a 71 bug chassis from one of the local VW guys this weekend so now it can roll.
I'll be moving it to my storage unit now, but just thought I'd update with a tiny bit of progress. :)

Wed May 27, 2015 4:06 pm

To bad your so far a way you could pull a mold off of my car.

Wed May 27, 2015 5:56 pm

It's been almost exactly a year... my guess the project has fallen to the wayside with other projects taking precedence. There have been quite a few complete Avengers on CL lately...

Wed May 27, 2015 9:21 pm

Its only been three months since the pan pics. But ya I know I have been at mine for years I really need to get the body on my chassis so I can start working on the body. But before I can do that I need to get my Porsche brakes and suspension worked out.

Thu May 28, 2015 7:55 am

Those cars are a ton of work. It takes a lot of dedication to actually finish one.

Sun May 31, 2015 11:13 pm

Ya I had mine done once and now I'm upgrading it finally going to change the things I didn't like about it .

Thu Aug 06, 2015 1:55 pm

How's the progress coming?