818 build difficulty

[mfitz1]

is the 818 hard to build?

[Kalstar]

Quantify hard?

The basic answer is, if you think you can, you can. If you think you can't you probably still can. The 818 is the easiest of the F5R kits. Still not easy but easier then a self exam colonoscopy.

[metalmaker12]

Lol, it's like a 6 out of ten with a ten being the GTM

[riptide motorsport]

You can do it with our help no problem..

[flynntuna]

The way I see it, and please correct me if I'm off base is, most anyone with some mechanical ability and be willing to take the time to learn how the various systems work can build the car. Everyone's skill level is different, but IMHO someone with low skills (like me) takes their time,thinks thru the problems and gets a second opinion from the truly skilled on this forum can get the project done. How Long it takes is secondary and is dependent again on skill level and the quality your willing to live with. FFR says it can be completed in 250 hrs, for me it'll probably take 500 hrs 250 hrs on electrical alone. Lol

[Xusia]

You can do it with our help no problem..

Yep.

Check out my -yes-I-need-to-update-it build thread: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?12662-Xusia-s-Build-Thread-Building-an-818S-for-Dummies

[Triathletedave]

is the 818 hard to build?

I am a complete noobie, but with the help of a few friends and the great folks on this forum, I am having a lot of fun with my build. The best kind of challenge if you ask me!

[wallace18]

If you can do a complete brake job on a car by yourself without help, you most likely have the skills to build the car. IMO. I can be a challenge but it is also rewarding in the end .

[68GT500MAN]

All FFR models can be built by someone with a dream and willing to ask for help when needed. I have never built (or worked on) the 818 yet, but from what I read here on the forum most builds are moving along nicely. I always tell prospective customers to look at the project one section at a time and soon the collection of boxes will be a running car that you can drive. A lot of people compare these projects to a plastic model kit and in ways they are similar, but, in many other ways they are quite different. There will be times when you have to "adjust" parts to get them to fit and then there are the builder "options" (modifications) that may have to be worked around later in the build. A long answer to say YES you can build and enjoy the 818.
Doug

[metros]

Like others have said there is a lot of information available on the forum here if you run across a problem you're unsure of how to deal with.

You also get the donor tear down to improve your mechanical ability before the kit gets there. Before I started I had done lots of suspension/brake work but never pulled an engine/transmission from a car. I worked on stripping the donor for 3 months and just got my kit started. There are some things I'll be asking help here for. But with a lot of research on the internet you can do quite a bit by yourself.

[RM1SepEx]

just sit down with a couple beers and go through the build threads... you will see how easy it can be! Ability varies wildly, help is never far away

[Mechie3]

One benefit is a lot of kinks have now been worked out either by FFR, forum vendors, or the builders with lots of documented how to's on the build threads.

[Evan78]

Buy the 500 page assembly manual and see for yourself.

http://www.factoryfiveparts.com/assembly-manual-5/

$10 for PDF, $50 for print.

[mfitz1]

I'm currently just interested in the 818 I'm only 14 and id like to build one when I'm older.

[Santiago]

Ok, so a couple of beers is out, but you can still sit down and rifle through some of the build threads. There's a lot of information there, and there's even a sticky posted on helpful tips.

I think it's pretty cool that you have the interest already - you've got time to learn a lot about automotive mechanics. Here's a tip: the next time you hear of someone who is going to fix something on their car or do a mod (whatever it is), see if you can lend a hand. It'll be appreciated and you're likely to learn something in the process.

Best,
-j

[mfitz1]

Ok thanks

[Scargo]

Before I was 14 I was tearing into everything mechanical. By the time I was 15 I was working on motorcycles. If you are like that then start saving your money. How about a cart for now? Also, find a way to learn and help someone that is a car nut. Perhaps you are already there? Good luck.

[Kalstar]

My GTM build took nearly 4 years.....start saving and learning. Before you know it you will have the coolest car in high school.

[EODTech87]

mfitz1 where do you live? Maybe someone building one lives near you and would be willing to teach you a thing or two.

[Triathletedave]

I'm currently just interested in the 818 I'm only 14 and id like to build one when I'm older.

My 9 year old son is helping me with the build, and he loves it! Any chance to tear into something mechanical has a certain 'cool' factor to it. He's learning a lot about mechanics and cars as well.

[mfitz1]

Ok thanks I started a similar thread about the gtm also I'm getting similar responses.

[AZPete]

I rebuilt/restored a car at age 15, but it was a 1930 Model A Ford so I needed little more than a screwdriver and crescent wrench. It was a great education and the deadline was my 16th birthday when I could get a drivers license. I drove it for 5 years and I'd love to have that car back now!

mfitz1, start now with something.

[RM1SepEx]

Ok thanks I started a similar thread about the gtm also I'm getting similar responses.

Start with the simpler 818 build. closed cars a waaaay more and difficult work

[Hazelwwp]

So far, I think the 818 has been much more difficult than the 33 Hot Rod. The 33 Hot Rod was a complete kit -- no donor car. Cleaning up the wiring in the 818 is proving to be particularly challenging. Also since my donor had a stage 2 exhaust, none of the kit exhaust pieces will work so I have a lot of custom fabrication to look forward to. All in all, the 818 is more challenging than the 33 Hot Rod mechanically. I haven't started body fitting yet but I am hopeful that will be much easier.

[mfitz1]

I've been looking for a cheap car to rebuild/restore for a little while.

[WIS89]

I've been looking for a cheap car to rebuild/restore for a little while.

I think that is a terrific idea! Go ahead and find something that you can dig into, but make it a manageable project. If it is too difficult, you may lose interest, or get frustrated. However, digging into a car to restore or renovate can be a major learning experience.

My son and I restored a Jeep together, and he learned more in that project than I could write about here. As a result of all the work he did, and all that he learned during the project, there is very little that he can't do on a car. He is fearless about digging into any part of a car, and has learned a great deal. His Jeep is his car, and he loves making new projects to make it better.

I think your idea is wonderful, and I wish you luck! Don't be afraid to ask questions here. There are some pretty great folks hanging out here, and I know they will be happy to help you.

Regards,

Steve

[mfitz1]

did you strip the jeep of all its parts and rebuild it?

[mfitz1]

would a datsun 240z be a good car to learn on.

[flynntuna]

240z one of my favorites.

[Xusia]

would a datsun 240z be a good car to learn on.

I had 2. Love them. Getting a bit old for parts availability and options.