How difficult is it to build a Toylander kids ride on car kit?

Building a Toylander kit is generally considered a moderately challenging, rewarding, long-term project suitable for a competent amateur with basic DIY skills and access to tools. It's definitely not a simple afternoon assembly, you will be building a children's ride on car that can last several generations. 

Here is a breakdown of the difficulty and what skills and time are typically involved:

🔑 Required Skill Level: Competent DIY Amateur

The assembly is straightforward and can be handled by any competent adult D.I.Y. amateur. You don't need professional engineering knowledge, but you should be comfortable with:

  1. Woodworking (The Body): This is the largest part of the build. You'll be working with moisture-resistant/exterior grade MDF/plywood (which you can source yourself or buy as a pre-cut panel kit).
    • Skills: Cutting, shaping, measuring, drilling, gluing, and screwing together components to form the body tub, bonnet, and wings. Techniques like using a jigsaw and router are common for clean cuts, especially for wheel arches (unless purchasing a CNC cut body panel set in which case all the cuts, chamfers and radiuses are included).
  2. Basic Electrics (The Motors & Wiring): This involves connecting the motors, controller, batteries, lights, and horn.
    • Skills: Following wiring diagrams, securing components, and connecting terminals. The kits are designed to be logical, but electrical knowledge is useful for troubleshooting.
  3. Mechanical Assembly (Axles & Steering): This involves mounting the motor(s), aligning the chain drive (if applicable), and assembling the steering and braking mechanisms.
  4. Finishing (Painting & Detail): Applying primer, paint, and finishing details (decals, trim, hinges, etc.) to achieve the authentic look.

⏱️ Time and Patience Required

The build time is substantial, making it a true project rather than a quick kit build.

  • Average Build Time: Builders often report spending 80 to 150 hours on the entire project, depending on the model and the level of detail they incorporate. Time also depends on how much time is spent building during each session; short 1hr sessions will make the build take longer as compared to longer sessions; either full days or weekends.
  • Duration: Many builders complete the project over several months (e.g., 4 to 6 months), working in evenings and weekends. Patience is frequently cited as the most important ingredient for a stress-free and successful build.

🧩 What Makes It Challenging?

The difficulty is often dependent on the Kit Option you choose:

Kit Type

Challenge Level

Key Tasks Involved

Basic Kit (Plans Only)

High

You source all body panel materials (wood, fixings), cut all the wooden body panels from raw sheet materials, and do all the assembly. Approx.; 80+ hrs work

Basic Kit + Panel Set

Medium

This is the most common option. The pre-cut wooden panels save a huge amount of measuring, cutting, and shaping, making the body assembly much faster and more accurate. Approx. 60+hrs work.

Basic Kit + Ready-Made Body

Lower

The body is supplied fully assembled (unpainted). You focus only on the mechanical and electrical components (motors, axles, wiring, steering). Approx. 40+hrs work
  • Space: You will need a dedicated workspace (a garage or workshop) for several months, as the parts take up significant room.
  • Metalwork (Optional): If you opt to build the metal fabricated parts yourself, you would need to be competent with a steel fabrication and a welding set. However, Toylander supplies the steel work in the basic kit, so welding is not required unless you are building completely from scratch.

In short, if you enjoy DIY, have the space, and are looking for a highly rewarding project that results in a cherished family heirloom, a Toylander kit is a perfect fit.