Five Years On The Road...

[Mustang Man]

I'm a couple of days late, but I've been busy with work, my daughter's high school graduation, and other stuff. This past Tuesday, June 4th, marked five years I've been on the road with FFR5310, and seven years as an owner/builder. While I don't have as much mileage on the Roadster as I like, every mile I have put on the build has been cheaper than ANY therapy I could ever have found a doctor for!;)

I've met some great people thanks to the Roadster, helped a few build their own dream, and generally just enjoy sharing and helping other builders here when I can't get get behind the wheel (like right now with central Florida under a tropical storm).

I just wanted to take a second after getting back from lunch here at work to say thanks to everyone here for welcoming me into the cult of Factory Five and for following our build. More importantly, a big thank you has to go to Dave Smith and his crew for building one of the best, most accessible replica offerings on the market and for helping me make my dream come true of being the owner of a Factory Five!

Someday I hope to add a Coupe or '33 Hotrod to the stable, but I've got a son to finish college, a daughter about to start, and a wife that's been out of work for a year. So future FFR products will have to wait for now and I'll just have to enjoy what little time I get behind the wheel of the Roadster that much more.:)

Here's to all the builders and all the "lurkers" thinking of building!

Mark

[68GT500MAN]

Congratulations on the five/seven year milestones! It does feel great to get out and enjoy the cars, but more importantly the fellow owner/builders in the FFR community. Isn't it about time for the magazine to send you back to the West coast to report on something? How about HB 2014, it would be great to sit around and talk to you again.
Doug

PS: I DO see a 33 in your future.

[Dave Smith]

Mark,

If that isnt the core of what we do! I grew up reading magazines written by guys like you and even today I feel like a little kid when I cruise down to your offices and check out all the goodies in your garage at Modified Mustangs and Fords Magazine. This community welcomed you because at each step of the way you've been helpful, full of great ideas, ready to lend a hand and mostly because you (like most here) built your own car. The fact that you are the ultimate gear-head and a damn good guy to know when you need a cool part is icing on the cake. Most of us understand what you're talking about here. There are times when my car delivers better therapy than anything on the planet. Thanks for the kind words and I will do everything in my power to help you score a 33!

To everyone on the forum, we all have to recognize how cool it is that a major magazine guy like Mark understands our passion and plays in our sandbox! I know a ton of magazine guys who are salesmen who know nothing about cars, let alone build their own! Mark is the real deal and I do actually believe that if he was seriously cut, he would bleed Ford blue!

[Mustang Man]

Doug, yes indeed, would love to get back out there. I could certainly use an In & Out fix! Ha! But seriously, HB was a lot of fun. Might just have to use some frequent flyer points and come visit next year. Who knows, maybe I'll just drive the Roadster cross country? LOL

Dave, thanks for the compliments. As you well know from our conversations I'm more wrench turner than salesman and really enjoy being involved at the enthusiast level. There's no "glass tower" for me! Thanks for the comment on the '33 as well. It won't be tomorrow, but if things work out like I'd like it'd be in the next couple of years (once we're empty nesters). Thanks again!

Mark

[skullandbones]

Hi Mark,

Great perspective on the therapy thing. I noticed my attitude has improved since I started driving the roadster instead of wishing I was driving it! But what do you do about that silly grin that won't come off after a drive? My grandmother had a special way of putting it but it can't be repeated here.

Congratulations on five years! BTW, how many miles is it? I feel guilty not putting a few hundred on mine now that it is registered but it's getting real hot here (112 today). The drives will have to be early or late in the evening until relief from the weather. Hopefully you will get more opportunities to ramp up the numbers on the odometer. Thanks for you advice along the way, too. WEK.

[WIS89]

Mark-

Congratulations on the milestone! Likewise, congratulations on your daughter's graduation. As a relatively new empty nester, I can relate the the freedom and burdens that it carries. Although I haven't built my Roadster yet, it is on the near term list to order (during the current sale in fact), and I cannot wait to get started!!

I hope your '33 build goes well, and I also hope you take the time to keep us apprised of your progress!

My best wished for continued success, the success of your magazine, and perhaps the most important-- your children in college and beyond!

Regards,

Steve

[Dave Smith]

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/daveandmarkh.jpg

Mark - found this image on my computer from a few years back. Good times down there in your shop!

[LuckyWinner]

Just want to say thank you to you and all the other "old timers" here. Thank you for passing on all your info and helping us all out!!!

[Garry Bopp]

Mark,

Congrats on the milestone of 5 years! I enjoyed meeting you back in Feb. at the Tampa FFR cruise in. It was a fun day with sunshine, great cars and great FFR family to share it with.

Garry

[mikiec]

Been there. The next ride is as great as the first.

[HookedonFord]

Mark,

Congrats on graduation, putting family first, and five years on the road. Also, thanks for all your posts, insight,and great articles. If the tour offer is still available I am going prioritize to stop by and meet you in person hopefully before the end of the year. I know I want to do another build and have a collection of "extra" parts that I must keep and my wife wonders about. So are you are already collecting some parts as well? I look forward to reading about your '33 build in the future. Enjoy the therapy!

Jim

[Mustang Man]

Thanks guys for the comments/kudos. Wow Dave, I wish I still fit in that shirt! :rolleyes:

Jim, come on down whenever you get the time. Warehouse is a bit of a mess right now, just got a few cars back in from the Power Tour, but plenty to drool over!

Garry, I live vicariously through your posts, just so you know. I'd love to take the Roadster all over like you do your coupe. Just can't do it right now with this job and the family/lack of funds.

The '33 is certainly several years off, but I check the forum threads all the time for ideas and updates. Strangely, as cool as the Coyote is I'm thinking the 3.5L Ecoboost twin turbo with a six-speed auto (paddle shifted), full top with power windows and either the motorcycle fenders or full fenders. I loved the execution on Preist's car when he was down here for our open house a few months back!

Thanks all!

Mark

[David Hodgkins]

Mark,

Just thought I'd add my $.02 to say that you have been an incredible asset to both forums. Thank you for being a great example of what a car guy is all about. A family man first, but with a wandering eye toward the garage!

You Rock.

:)