So what's missing or what would you like to see on the 818 ?

[da King]

I really like the 818 and hope to order mine this year but I was looking in the interior section here and saw a thread on bikini tops, not really interested in that but was wondering what options FFR has for the 818, if any. Is there any planned updates/option's from the factory? What's missing on your kit that you'd like to see or add?
I had thought of a tonneau cover, zipper down the middle, had one on an old MGB, from what I've seen the body looks like it might be too thin to support snaps to hold the cover, I'm not an expert on that kinda stuff but that is an option I'd pay for. Flow through fresh air ventilation? What have you added to your car or what would you like to see on the 818 that would fit with the design concept of the kit.
Finn

[Xusia]

The 818 is a new kit, so there are presently not a lot of options (brake kit, aero parts, seats, and a steering wheel). FFR has plans to add more options, and have stated they intend to offer a soft top, wipers, and heater for sure. They have also discussed (which means they have NOT committed to making) hard top, a coupe or targa, wheels, and probably some other things I'm forgetting.

Also, there are many vendors on the forum that offer "aftermarket" parts designed specifically for the 818. Here again, there are currently not many of these, and again, the number will grow.

One thing to keep in mind is that the first 818 kit shipped out just last June. No one has actually publicized that they have completed a fully functional and street legal 818 yet. I imagine Grass Roots Motorsports is the closest, but I still don't think they are quite done. Point is, it's REALLY early in this kit/model's life (which is why there aren't as many options as on other models). There is a LOT more to come. Practically guaranteed. :)

EDIT: Clarified language and updated list of options.

[Silvertop]

The 818 is a new kit, so there are presently not a lot of options (brake kit, soft top, aero parts, seats, and a steering wheel). FFR has plans to add more options, and have discussed (which means they have NOT committed to making) hard top, a coupe or targa, wheels, and probably some other things I'm forgetting.

Also, there are many vendors on the forum that offer "aftermarket" parts designed specifically for the 818. Here again, there are currently not many of these, and again, the number will grow.

One thing to keep in mind is that the first 818 kit shipped out just last June. No one has actually publicized that they have completed a fully functional and street legal 818 yet. I imagine Grass Roots Motorsports is the closest, but I still don't think they are quite done. Point is, it's REALLY early in this kit/model's life (which is why there aren't as many options as on other models). There is a LOT more to come. Practically guaranteed. :)

That's pretty much right on the money in terms of what's available and what's not. Even the soft top isn't really available yet -- though it should be shortly. I'm pretty sure that they are planning on offering some sort of a heater for it not too far down the road. But I don't think it has been promised.

In addition to GRM's kit, I think Wayne Presley's 818 must also be very close to completion -- pretty much just waiting for a custom paint job to be finished. And I don't think Erik Treve is too far behind either. I'm not at all sure that they are engaged in any kind of a race to be first, however................

[Frank818]

Wiper system is also part of the discussions, if not currently under development.

[RM1SepEx]

wiper work is in process...

[AZPete]

One of the best things about Factory Five cars is that you can add or modify anything you want. Roadster builders have added their own fresh air vents, bikini tops, hard tops, tonneau covers, reshaped body parts, hinged front body, lambo doors, keyless ignition, all sorts of engines (GM, BMW & electric), trailers, sound systems, A/C, and hundreds of smaller mods. There is also an active group of venders (cottage industry) supplying specific parts like roll bar bolts and battery boxes, to complete kits of brakes, power train and wiring harnesses. For the 818 you can have anything you want - either build it yourself or wait for a vendor to offer it.
Anything.

[Frank818]

So an HVAC system and rolled up windows are doable as we speak on the 818? Like you said, if you have the tools, materials and technique, I guess you can do everything. Otherwise you gotta wait for someone to offer what you want, if someone will someday. For the HVAC and windows I'm pretty sure yes, though.

[68GT500MAN]

In my opinion it is a little too early in the process for a discussion like this. Let about 50 cars get on the road and then we will have some good information to work from.
Doug

[THE ITALIAN]

I would like to see opening doors on the R to use the side roll bars as a step stool(street R), also to have better access to repair or maint issues under or near the dash, seats etc. but again, the extra safety is worth the trouble.

[tmoretta]

I would like to see opening doors on the R to use the side roll bars as a step stool(street R), also to have better access to repair or maint issues under or near the dash, seats etc. but again, the extra safety is worth the trouble.


I agree. I want the safety of the R model but need to register in Ct., hence I will start with the S model, as I need windshield and wipers, and want a passenger seat and opening doors. I am hoping to figure some way to add the side roll bars from the R. Maybe bolt in - I don't know.

[Wayne Presley]

I would like to see opening doors on the R to use the side roll bars as a step stool(street R), also to have better access to repair or maint issues under or near the dash, seats etc. but again, the extra safety is worth the trouble.


I agree. I want the safety of the R model but need to register in Ct., hence I will start with the S model, as I need windshield and wipers, and want a passenger seat and opening doors. I am hoping to figure some way to add the side roll bars from the R. Maybe bolt in - I don't know.

You guys need to get next to an R, so easy and low to step over the doors to get in. Half the time I got in the GRM car I didn't open the door...

[Bob_n_Cincy]

You guys need to get next to an R, so easy and low to step over the doors to get in. Half the time I got in the GRM car I didn't open the door...

Wayne, would you recommend a removable steering wheel to do that?
Bob

[da King]

Bob: If you go with a removable wheel check out Pegasus Racing, they sell quick release adapters. I don't know if SCCA requires a specific type of release or not, I do remember them checking it on my cars when I was racing, if its something that has to be approved by the SCCA then PR will sell it.
Finn

[THE ITALIAN]

You guys need to get next to an R, so easy and low to step over the doors to get in. Half the time I got in the GRM car I didn't open the door...

Me and Moretta are in the acting biz.
We are stand in's for Mini Me, of course I am the "Tri-Pod", the one they spoke of in the movie.

I am actually taller when "excited" on my back

[FormerFF]

I vote for either a removable hard top or a targa, on the street model, of course. For me, this car would be a sunny day car that would occasionally be used for a track day, and I'd like to go to some fairly distant tracks, so I'd like weather protection. Long distances in poorly sealed convertibles isn't all that much fun.

[WRX Dave]

Spyder style bikini top is #1 on my list.

[icky]

A hard top of some kind. After reading other posts, about getting in and out, maybe a swinging top on hydraulic struts with a latch in the front.


Edit: after thinking for a min I realized it might not be that convenient, since you would have to walk around the car to unlatch both sides. Still want a hard top of some kind.

[wleehendrick]

Spyder style bikini top is #1 on my list.

Same here.