I'm thinking of starting with the production trials and maybe Class O, the vehicle I have in mind is a Jago Jeep. Could anyone help with what refinements would be required, and would this be a suitable vehicle to move upto Classic trials in the future. Also could anyone let me know what route I need to take to join my local club in Stroud, Gloucestershire.
http://www.actc.org.uk/clubs/stroud.htm
ReplyDeleteI assume the Jeep would be Class 7.
It maybe an idea to see if there is an Adrian Marfell prepared Beetle about. The Fifth Gear car was for sale a while ago.
My view is that if you have the Jago already that will be fine. It ticks the boxes for a PCT/Class 0/MCC Class 7 car. Not so sure about class 7 in the ACTC events as it isn't going to be competitive with Melos/Phaeton/Marlin. If you haven't got the car already I would search out a Trials prepared Marlin, they are built like a brick s***house". By "trials prepared" I mean raised suspension and in particular a 10cwt diff with roller bearing conversion. They seem to go for around £3,000. My understanding is that the Ford engines are favorite, with the B series regarded as the least competitive. However, that certainly wouldn't put me off if it ticked all the other boxes. As a Beetle driver I agree with Mark, with one very, very big proviso and that is the condition of the body. If you don't understand Beetles take someone along who does. Otherwise you will be into a lot of work with your Mig welder. Set against that its very, rare that you can't drive a Beetle home after the event. Unless its got a super, dupa engine go for a 1300 so you can run in Class 4. Lots and Lots more stuff on my main site at www.classictrials.co.uk where you will find links to the excellent material on The ACTC Site, Andrew Browns super site and of course the MCC. If you aren't a member already join now, almost all clubs invite MCC members to take part in their events. You can't go wrong starting out with your local clubs PCT's and the MCC Class 0. Also you can find a lot of YouTube links from the Video link in the sidebar at www.classictrials.co.uk Oh, don't forget its the Ilkley this Sunday. Well worth going to have a look at the cars and chat to the drivers. Michael
ReplyDeleteThe Jago Geep (note correct spelling; Jeep is a trademark of the Chrysler Corporation) is an approved Class 7 car, but no one has got one to work very well. I think that despite its Escort basis, which makes it seem apealling, the engine is too far forward to give adequate/cometitive levels of traction. A good starter car if you already have one, as all that would be required would be bash plates under the sump and fuel tank plus a set of 14" wheels. But if you are planning a purchase for long term trialling, then a Marlin would be the better bet - if only because there is a ready market for Marlins and therefore if you find that you don't like it, it can be sold on easily. The Fifth Gear has long been sold. Expect to see it out in the West Country this autumn. Join Stroud, and go along to their many so-called PCT's during the summer. All their events are run to ACTC Formula and there is bound to be someone who can guide you in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your reply, some great advice. Now I think that I will rethink my options regarding which vehicle to use. Do you know of any web sites that I could take a look at that sell the cars that are suitable?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advice re: the engine, I thought there might be a reason why I had not seen one being used.
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