The Pilgrim Sumo FAQ Pages
These questions are ones which we hear or are asked on a regular basis.
Q. The Pilgrim supplied alternator bracket doesnt fit properly on my Rover V8 ?
A. Check if the engine is an SD1 or Range Rover V8, as the Range Rover has a different Water pump and the bracket supplied is for the SD1 V8, If you have a Range Rover V8 the bracket will need modifying.
Q. I cut the holes for the Roll bar and then when I fitted the body, it doesnt sit straight.
A. The holes for the Roll Bar should not be cut untill the body has been fixed
Q. Can the bonnet handles be done away with as I want a nice long smooth bonnet line without handles
A. Yes. A Fiesta bonnet catch (or two) will do the job
Q. What do the chassis and body packages comprise of?
A. A fully bracketed and drilled chassis with front upper and lower wishbones, diff carrier, steering column bracket and mushrooms (for part of the front hub configuration).
A neutral gel coated body (unless gel coat colour specified) with bonnet, boot, doors, door hinges, internal door handle fixing plates, inner door sills and rear inner arches
Q. What is the best donor car to choose and should I avoid any models?
A. If you want to use a single donor then the Sierra is the best choice. However, if you are using a powerful engine such as a V8 then a Granada mk3/ Jaguar XJ6/ Jaguar XJ12 is a better option because these have disc brakes at the rear, which are more efficient than the standard Sierra drums brakes and have stronger drive shafts and differentials.
The only model you should avoid is a Ford 4x4 because the front suspension is unsuitable.
Q. Will I need any specialist equipment?
A. You should only require a standard set of tools plus some hole saws for the cutting of things such as holes in the body for roll bars. You will also need to hire the use of an engine crane. Don’t forget your safety equipment such as goggles and masks.
Q. What are the advantages of buying a galvanised chassis ?
A. If you choose to have your chassis galvanized then your chassis will be immersed in hot zinc. This means that the chassis should be impenetrable to the elements, therefore meaning that it shouldn’t rust (unless damaged). This is a lot easier than painting the whole chassis and the galvanizing also goes inside the box section of the chassis which you will probably be unable to do with paint. We highly recommend this option.
Q. Whats the point of a coloured bodyshell?
A. A coloured body shell will be advantageous to those not wishing to pay to have the car body sprayed. If the instructions on the preparation of the body are followed as per the manual then the finish of the vehicle should be of a high standard at virtually no extra cost.
If the car is sprayed you will have to cut all the holes by fitting some of the items and then take everything back off again before the car is painted. Therefore there is less labour involved if you have a gel coat coloured body because you should only fit the items once.
Q. Do I have to buy all the parts at once?
A. No. Parts can be purchased as and when they are required or when you have the money.
Q. What is the average build cost?
A. The average build cost is in the region of £12,000. BUT ! Cars can be built for a much lower budget but can also be built for more. The cost of a build entirely depends on whether you choose to have all the extra shiny parts, gadgets and what engine you purchase.
Q. Does your kit comply with the SVA regulations?
A. This car should pass the SVA with no problems as long as you adhere to the SVA guidelines.
Q. Why should I buy from Pilgrim Cars UK Ltd?
A. We offer virtually all the parts you will require for your build so you won’t have to search far to get your parts. We keep many parts in stock.
You are only a phone call or email away from receiving technical advice from our helpful staff. We offer a fully comprehensive construction manual to help with the ease of the build as well as 2 videos details an actual build. All customers are welcome to visit the factory for any help or parts that might be needed.
Our prices are very competitive because we sell many kits, so we pass the savings we make from purchasing in bulk to our customers, whilst not compromising quality.