question on difficulty

[bigjim]

so i am very interested in building a roadster but do not have a lot of experience with cars. I am a fast learner with decent mechanical knowledge. I was wondering if it reasonable to think that i would be able to complete one of these cars, and if so what are some tips or places to start that may help me gain some knowledge and make the breakdown of the donor and build of the roadster easier?

[bil1024]

Well keep reading the forum, attend build school if you can, which is in Michigan and FFR makes a video now on assembly. If you have the desire you will be fine

[David Hodgkins]

Well keep reading the forum, attend build school if you can, which is in Michigan and FFR makes a video now on assembly. If you have the desire you will be fine

Good advice.

Jim, I was in the same place as you when I started. I took a year hanging out on the forums, researching options and got to 1000 post before I was ready to order. The community is a great resource and for many (like me) a key to a successful build! Welcome to the forum, and the start of a great life experience!

As far as first step go, deciding on how the car will be driven will help steer you towards options that go with that goal. A hard core track weapon is a lot different than a comfortable boulevard/highway cruiser.

IMO resist the temptation to upgrade for the sake of bragging rights. These cars don't need supercharged 500 ci motors in them to have enough oomf in them to scare you.

If you can tell us about your general build plans/budget we can talk about suspension/brake/wheel/driveline options, etc.

Where are you located? We can hook you up with guys so you can see some examples and get to know the local community.

:)

[Tony Zullo]

Dave is correct the forums are you're friend ,and the school is a great tool for a novice or a pro ,great car to build very easy!!Tony@ffr

[68GT500MAN]

First of all welcome to the forum. You should have no problem with your build, many with similar experience have completed theirs. It is even possible to complete the build without the help of the forum, I did. That being said, do not feel intimidated asking questions, you will get lots of help and suggestions.
Doug

[RMB]

The only experience I had was minor bolt-ons with the 87 Mustang GT I had in high school/college. I got my roadster in May '03 and had it street legal in April '04. The wiring was a little intimidating, but was able to easily figure everything out with the help of the manual and this forum. But overall, I didn't find the build difficult at all.

Rob

[azbruin]

Ditto to all of the other comments. I hadn't even changed my own oil for 20 years but was able to build my car in less than a year. I ran into a number of issues but always got plenty of advice on the forum and from the FF techs. I was astounded by support from the local automotive community. I used a donor and had several frozen bolts on the front suspension. My local Brakes Plus store removed them and refused to take a dime. When I needed the brake pedal shortened, a local welding shop did the job and wouldn't even accept a tip.

[dallas_]

bigjim,
I don't think there is any single step that you couldn't do.

It's just that there are a lot of them. Just take it one task at a time and eventually you will have a completed car.

Like others have said, first determine what you want the finished product to be and stick to the plan.
And when you run into snags, the forums are a fantastic resource.

It's actually more about assembly than diagnostic mechanical skills.

[skullandbones]

Hi Bigjim,

Based on your statement, "I am a fast learner with decent mechanical knowledge", you are a prime candidate for a build project. What I found difficult is the other part of the build that is hard to translate. That is the fact that you will be doing everything down to the measure, drill, rivet..........repeat. So you will be doing all of the little things that most people never even attempt because it has already been done or done before they got the project. They are more or less tinkering on a hot rod or doing a bolt on. You will be "assembling" a complete car as Dallas said. That is the difficulty. It just takes time and patience. So it's a marathon so to speak not a sprint. If you have the will to stay with it, your skills will allow you to do the job. Some people have been able to complete one in months but that is not the rule. Usually it takes a year or more. Many are driven to finish quickly so they can drive as that's their main goal. Others enjoy the process and linger on tasks longer. I am a tinkerer so building was a chore for me. If you just jump in and do it, you will have not problem. Restate that. You will have issues but the people on the forum will help you and also help you spend your money! Good luck, WEK.

[edwardb]

I concur with the advice given to date. One more point, though, is that people often talk about how hard it may or may not be. But builds sometimes stall not because it's too hard but because people don't have the patience or willingness to stick with it. There are some that build these in a matter of months, and more power to them. But most (like me) don't have the time plus are just plain slower. Expect 1-2-3 years as maybe more normal. You have to keep the pace going for that long and not get discouraged with the occasional setbacks and do-overs that will inevitably happen. Many kits don't get finished for these reasons. Just something more to think about and ask yourself.

Having said that, I love the build process. Finished my Mk3, missed the building process so much picked up a Mk4 and I'm about a year into that project. And I had zero prior experience other than some mechanical aptitude and a lot of motivation/interest.

[Gumball]

It's all about expectations and a realistic evaluation of your skills and interest. As was mentioned, check out local builders and get a good up-close view of one of the cars... particularly in the middle of a build so you can see what's under the skin. And, the build school, also mentioned above, is a great way to get your hands on a car and really decide if you're capable from a skills perspective.

I'm not a fast builder by any stretch of the imagination... I'm going on four years this October... but I'm having a great time and learning new skills along the way. I did a couple of restorations before this, but never a complete project like this. I built the engine myself (a first) and I'm now learning how to do body work by doing it myself, too (also a first).

Also, don't hesitate to look into a local community college for automotive technology courses if there's something you think you'd like to learn and don't want to tackle it on your own.

One of the great things about these projects is that you can do as much or as little yourself as you'd like.

[MPTech]

First, Welcome! this is a great experience, if you are a car-guy / gear-head, you will love it!
Second, YES!!! You can build it! (I did, so can you!)

Where are you located?
My first suggestion is find a local car club, preferably Cobra club. Great source of knowledge and help if you get stuck.
You're already doing the second thing, you found this forum (and check the other one too, more history and build knowledge available).
Attend the build school (this is good, but not absolutely necessary, but still good).
And lastly, create a plan before you start. (you wouldn't start driving on a vacation without planning you're destination, then how to get there!)

Here's my build plan, it's served me well, and you are more than welcome to use and modify it for YOUR build.
MPTech Build Plan (http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/264052-mptech-build-plan-revision-9-counting.html)

last advice, go the Base Kit, but not donor route. A donor is roughly 20 years old now, don't put old parts on your new car. (been there, done that, regretted it).
First Trailer Ride (http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/319377-first-trailer-ride.html)

[Avalanche325]

Welcome!

As you can see, there is a lot of good advice here. You have FFR a phone call away, and several thousand people that are building or have built right here. People are always willing to help. They will run out to their garage and take measurements, and pictures when you ask a question. They will also have done things many different ways, so ideas on improvemants and customizations are abundant.

One thing not mentioned is that you can order the build manual for a few dollars and see exactly what you are getting into.

Post your location and you will likely be able to go see complete and mid-build cars. You can probably get a ride, which is always a thrill. I am just at roller stage and showed my car to a guy that is waiting for his kit to arrive. That gave him a cutaway view of the car, and he was able to see some details and some of the options that I am doing. And it got me a new friend. You can't beat that.

[riptide motorsport]

Welcome........FFR is the erector set of component cars..................you can do it.

[WIS89]

Welcome........FFR is the erector set of component cars..................you can do it.


Now THAT is a great quote!! As a guy who used hid Dad's erector set as a kid, I can totally relate. Thanks for the walk through memory lane...

Regards,

Steve

[Scott Zackowski]

so i am very interested in building a roadster but do not have a lot of experience with cars. I am a fast learner with decent mechanical knowledge. I was wondering if it reasonable to think that i would be able to complete one of these cars, and if so what are some tips or places to start that may help me gain some knowledge and make the breakdown of the donor and build of the roadster easier?

All the advice given so far is right on the mark!

Here is my advice:
1) You have to have the desire.
2) Important to enjoy problem solving (the Build School emphasized this and they were right)
3) The Forum is your friend.
4) If you like to build things even if its woodworking, you can do this.
5) Get the Build Manuel, either on line version (better) or hardcopy and review it.
6) I too was uncertain, if I had the skills to this, and therefore went to the Build School, which verified I could build the car and that it was right for me.

There have been challenges, but I am so glad I took the plunge.
It is an amazing journey!
Average build time is 2 years, some less, many longer. The key is to do it your way and enjoy the experience!


Mk IV, Complete kit, FFR 7304

[cobrajj]

I had some experience working on my own cars and a good assortment of basic tools. I bought a few specialty tools during the build. I used the FFR basic build manual, but mostly followed the http://mk3build.com/manual/doku.php?do=login&sectok=e947abbe297e3526167fcb36184a4a1d&id=start. The forum here was the most valuable asset, with answers and pictures from members with lots of experience.

[DaleG]

MPTech, never saw your build plan before. It should be a "sticky" for prospective builders to peruse. Even a good plan basis for vets.

[GJerry]

As they say, we have to start somewhere and I can't think of a better place. This company designs the product so well that it's the closest thing to a bolt together that's available. With the assembly manual this forum and the company itself, you should have no problems. I would approach this project as an opportunity to learn new skills, like paint work. I know many people will send their cars out for paint. Instead, learn to do it yourself. I know I've said it before but the journey is half the fun. I spent my entire adult life in aviation and know some guys that started building an airplane with no experience that have built some award winning aircraft, then they still had to learn how to fly! So if you have the interest and willingness, go for it!

[Giff]

In my opinion, the guys with little to no wrenching experience do a better, cleaner, prettier job than many guys with lots... I think it has something to do with learned bad habits, taking shortcuts and other tendencies that haven't emerged yet in someone new to the hobby. That being said, there are learning curves to using power tools, welders and even hand tools but nothing that cant be overcome with a little practice. Assembling this kit is a large project, but if you break it down into small tasks, I think almost anyone can do it.

Something just occurred to me, has anyone heard of a woman building a kit yet? I mean an actual woman buying the kit and doing the work herself, not somebodies girlfriend/wife helping set the motor!

[edwardb]

...there are learning curves to using power tools, welders and even hand tools but nothing that cant be overcome with a little practice.

True about the learning curve if no experience. But just to be clear for the OP who maybe doesn't have full knowledge of the kits, technically no welding is required. I don't weld and don't own a welder. I'm on my second build. For sure lots of guys do mods where welding is involved, but that's their choice.

[emac]

Next to the forums my go to resource was mk4build.com. Excellent website. They ask for a small donation, and it is worth every penny. Donate $10 and read every page. That will really let you know if building one is for you. Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with them. Just appreciate their sharing of knowledge.

Ernest

[SCFFR]

Building a FFR car will give you a sense of accomplishment that will be very hard to equal. It's something that you can learn as you go. There is tons of support and information on the forums, from the many vendors and from FFR. Life is short....................don't let it be one of those "I wish I had done" moments.

Ron

[tirod]

In houses, building new is much easier than remodeling old. Same with cars. Remodeling old houses and old cars adds to the difficulty level. Things finished need to be removed, then reinstalled. A cascade of changes forces more rework, plumbing, electrical, framing, refinish, it never seems to stop until the trim is installed on a painted wall. Then you go back again to hang pictures and move furniture.

Not that I've done much of that, but my current to do list includes installing two shower/tubs in bathroom remodels, finishing stone work on a chimney I had to replace, and building a garage ( oh goody, all new. Should be much easier.)

A new kit, it's all right out there, very little rework needed. If you don't have to dissassemble the entire front end to begin with, you aren't wasting time. Everything you do is finish work, not repair or refurbish.

I've worked on a '66 Mustang over 18 years, and a '90 Cherokee for nearly the same. Working on something with others designs and sense of priority means dealing with their issues. What was cost efficient for the existing technology for that time isn't necessarily what is easy after they spot welded things semi permanently into place.

Anyone with some experience fixing old work can handle doing new with a lot more enthusiasm. If there isn't that much experience, still better to do new. Less frustration and your time is twice as effective.

[Scott Zackowski]

I second the need for a good mechanics tool set.
The build is a good excuse to get a lot of neat tools.

Mk IV, Complete kit, FFR 7304