For those of you who are more mechanically minded, working to a budget or just need something to do at weekends and in the evenings we offer the chance to build yourself a Sumo. Little mechanical knowledge is necessary just the ability to wield a spanner and the determination to finish the job.

The main qualities required by those considering building a Sumo are the ability to follow the instruction manual combined with a measure of patience and a certain amount of DIY ability. Only very basic mechanical knowledge is required as the Sumo is really only a large 'construction kit' and provided you follow the instructions carefully, the assembly is very straightforward. However, some builders may recognise areas where they are not entirely confident such as deciding what in the way of 'donor' parts need to be reconditioning and how to go about it. The donor's 'Haynes' workshop manual is the obvious starting point but alternatively, you can obtain the components from us in a 'ready to fit' state (see clickable link below). Other aspects such as choosing the mechanical parts, doing the wiring or working on the engine etc, can also be overcome. Within your build budget, you can allocate funds to pay a professional just to work on any part you are not confident about.
Even the most demanding part of building the car, the alignment of the body panels (particularly the doors), is no more complicated than assembling and fitting a set of kitchen cupboards. We are confident that anybody who regularly does DIY jobs can easily build a Sumo. The components required, the basic tools required, the step-by-step assembly procedures and the legalities are all fully covered in our manual.

Mechanical Basis Ford components form the mechanical basis for the Sumo. They are reliable, robust, inexpensive and easy to repair and maintain. The easiest and cheapest method of obtaining a complete set of mechanical parts is to take them from a "donor car". Pilgrim has selected the Ford Sierra or Mk3 Granada as the donor car for the Sumo. There are literally thousands of these vehicles that have poor bodies but excellent mechanics. Their perfectly sound mechanical parts (engine, gearbox, axles, suspension etc) should be serviced, cleaned and repainted as necessary prior to use in the Sumo.
DONT HAVE THE SPACE OR TIME TO FIND OR STRIP A DONOR CAR ? HERE'S THE ANSWER

Construction Manuals You should find that our Construction manual is clear, concise and informative. Thousands of customers have used them to build Pilgrim Kits and would testify that they provide adequate information to enable mechanically unskilled, but otherwise practical people, to build their kit using our parts plus those donor parts they are designed to accept.
However we realise that some people can and do get stuck at various stages and therefore require a little extra assistance in building their kit. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff are available to guide you through any unforeseen difficulties. Our customers find it comforting to know that we are on hand to help even if most only need this service occasionally.