Kit feedback

[FFRSpec72]

Here are some items that need improvement to make the build a better experience.

1. Most of the labels on the nuts and bolts bags have come off and thus takes more time to find things
2. If we pay more for an race version then include the parts to make it the right ride height for race as longer UCA bolts and washers
3. Manual needs to be clear on the race ride height and which holes to use foe suspension
4. Don't shove last minute items in last box

[Xusia]

I also had some labels fall off. Fortunately, I noticed before it happened to very many and taped them all. Still, I shouldn't have to do that.

[Triathletedave]

Ditto on the labels issue. My paperwork did not include a back order list, which left me confused about what was back ordered vs what was simply missing. Also, I have several parts that have two different serial numbers. That is very confusing when doing the inventory. I think it would also be very useful if the serial numbers were referenced in the build manual at each step. That would make the flow of building go much better.

[Blitzkrieg]

Not sure if this fits here, but don't ship kits if you do not have all the parts. The main reason behind this is because people who got donor kits have warrantys on them. If I don't have my gas tank I can't start the engine and test it all.

[TahoeTim]

I agree 100%. A complete kit ship policy will drive them to keep parts in stock. They have always been this way. Having said that, I will admit to next day air packages sitting in my garage for weeks.

[Xusia]

Most vendors I've seen that provide kit specific parts warranty them from the time the kit is complete. Something that isn't kit specific could have warranty issues. Still, most of us aren't building our kits in 3 months, so I don't think that matters a whole lot. Personally, I would rather have my kit sans a few parts so I could work on it, rather than not have it because they are waiting a couple bolts. Or lights. Or adapters. Or...

[wleehendrick]

I didn't have the problem with h/w labels... only 1 label fell off in my entire box. Also, I don't mind the last minute box (box 12 for me) It minimized the number of b/o'd items. I would rather have 90% of the kit, than wait for delivery paced by items that I wouldn't touch for months anyway. So far, I've been please with the parts availability... minimal b/o's and I've never had my build held up by waiting for anything.

My two biggest issues are frame tolerances and panel quality. It seems that a few features on the frame jig are a bit off... maybe this has been fixed in later chassis, but I've had to open holes and add spacers in a few spots. Also, the previously discussed f.g. and c.f. parts quality. Yes, all this can be touched up, but it's the case of an ounce of prevention in a factory can save all us builders a pound of cure at home!

[Blitzkrieg]

I can see parts like bolts and screws being backorded but 4-5 months for a gas tank they made/make is kinda ridiculous. If they can get you the back ordered parts within three weeks thats good start shipping kits. But they are going to be in this cycle of having b/o part for along time.

[metros]

I was very pleased with how well the boxes were packed. It would be easier to check inventory if some of the lesser known parts had pictures so I know what I'm looking for.

I think the backorder of gas tanks was because they redesigned it slightly to allow more leg room on the driver side.

I have a serious concern on the quality of carbon fiber parts that I received. I paid a good amount of money extra for the carbon parts and from what I'm seeing I would rather just paint them black than use as is. I'm waiting patiently for a response from ffr before I make a post featuring my concerns.

[billjr212]

I think the donor disassembly section of the manual could use a little beefing up. I've found myself flipping forward in the book to try to find pictures of exactly what is getting reinstalled and how in order to determine what to pull off/sell from the donor. (examples: linkage from door handle to latching mechanism, taillight wiring sub-harnesses, headlight wiring sub-harnesses). Not a huge deal at the end of the day, but I remember the donor section of the Roadster manual being a lot more detailed (or maybe 7 years has made my memory fuzzy).

I agree with Xusia and others. Would much rather have 90% of the kit to get started than wait until 100% is ready to be shipped.

[FFRSpec72]

I agree with Xusia and others. Would much rather have 90% of the kit to get started than wait until 100% is ready to be shipped.

I think FFR should let you know what is on BO and have the option to wait or not, as I have a car that I can't finish the suspension on right now, sure I can move on and come back to that but my preference would be to finish an area that way I'm I have done everything like torque and torque lock all the nuts

[FFRSpec72]

I don't mind the last minute box (box 12 for me) It minimized the number of b/o'd items.

My issues was not clear, they throw in the heavy ball joints with the carbon fiber splitter and now I have a damaged splitter, in general I agree

[billjr212]

I'm with you now. So it's really a 2 part issue:

1. Need better communication and or separate listing of what is back-ordered. (I thought this was historically shown on the inventory sheets with a "B/O" or similar notation, but perhaps not for the 818). This would help enable the builders to make informed decisions on which projects to start and which to leave alone.
2. Need to be careful with appropriate packaging for the "last minute box" as we will call it.

Fair enough.

[wleehendrick]

My issues was not clear, they throw in the heavy ball joints with the carbon fiber splitter and now I have a damaged splitter, in general I agree

Gotcha... that's not good. All my cf pieces were wrapped in bubble wrap and put on Stewart's truck separately. No issues for mine.

[Goldwing]

I'm in the camp of sending 90 some % of the kit so we can get started. FFR covers the shipping from there, so it doesn't affect cost on our end. The lists were confusing to me at first, but after a call, I understood how it worked and moved on. The gas tanks should be a temporary issue that I got hit with as well. Like metros pointed out, they redesigned it for more leg room. I have to wonder if that was due to so few builders actually using the stock tank due to fitment issues. There was a need, they responded. I'm not sure why the delay is so long, but in the end a better tank should be on the way.

[blueoval_bowtie_guy]

I cannot imagine how much extra warehouse space they would have to have to 'store' the incomplete kits. The cost of that would have to be covered by a price increase.

If you don't want to start working on it unless you have all the parts - just let it sit in your garage and wait for them.

[FFRSpec72]

I cannot imagine how much extra warehouse space they would have to have to 'store' the incomplete kits. The cost of that would have to be covered by a price increase.

If you don't want to start working on it unless you have all the parts - just let it sit in your garage and wait for them.

So I have to eat the cost of storage? Do you have to do this with any other purchase ? Sorry your Ford Focus is missing an engine but its at the dealer for you pickup.

[FFRSpec72]

I'm in the camp of sending 90 some % of the kit so we can get started. FFR covers the shipping from there, so it doesn't affect cost on our end. The lists were confusing to me at first, but after a call, I understood how it worked and moved on. The gas tanks should be a temporary issue that I got hit with as well. Like metros pointed out, they redesigned it for more leg room. I have to wonder if that was due to so few builders actually using the stock tank due to fitment issues. There was a need, they responded. I'm not sure why the delay is so long, but in the end a better tank should be on the way.


Your paying for FFR to ship items to me as its all figured in he price if not thorn FFR is not as smart as I would think

[Goldwing]

I knew I should have said "[directly] affect cost" lol, but oh well. I understand your point. The cost to rush a truck of engines to the Ford Focus plant when they run out, or overnight a box of seat belt buckles to the plant (or any part) is also figured into the cost of a Focus, but the individual buyers of the cars affected aren't stuck with the bill, that cost is spread out among all buyers. (As a pilot, those overnight contracts were lucrative). We aren't buying a completed product, and thus, I feel the rules can be a little more forgiving. We are also early adopters in this process, tweaks are still being made, and that will affect the readiness of parts. At least half of my delayed parts were recently changed parts: door cards, upper arms, gas tank, etc. I've had a few moments of frustration as well, but the fun aspect of the build has made it easy, for me at least, to just let the water pass under the perverbial bridge.

[TahoeTim]

This is my third FFR kit. You get used to it. If they were waiting on the $10k payment, they would be motivated to never have a back order part. We put up with it so it never gets better, IMHO. All in all, the issue would go away if we had the option to not pay and have them hold the shipment until complete. No shipment, no cash would get Dave's attention as they stack up at the loading dock.