Only 1 week to go!

[smithbks]

My completion date has arrived and Stewart will be delivering the complete kit next week. I can't tell you how much time I've spent reading and preparing for this day, and now that it is almost here I feel like I am missing something. So I thought I would throw it out there and ask what are the most important steps you took pior to your kit arriving?

[DaleG]

Organize your workspace, pick a out-of-the-way location to store parts needed later-on; windshield (do not store flat), etc. Prepare shelf space for logical storage of parts. Get the body buck ready. You will need a car cover; might as well get it now. You will need a 36mm socket for the wheels; get it now. Four jack stands; four wheel dollies are nice; allows you to move the rolling chassis around in your work space.

When you receive the kit, meticulously complete the inventory; check things such as the length of drive shaft and number of splines to make sure its the correct one, check roll bar(s) and side pipes for proper finish. Many packages have only FFR part numbers on them; when doing inventory, write the description of the item on the package and store like items together. Report issues to FFR within a few days.

And, have fun.

Cheers, Dale

[David Hodgkins]

Do you have a body buck built? Do you have a decent camera?!?

Also, maintain contact with both FFR and Stewart via phone at this time to check the schedule, as it can (and does) change, due to a variety of factors. It's up to you to be proactive; don't rely on previously stated delivery dates or think that they (especially Stewart) are going to keep you in the loop.

Don't forget to breath! Building is an ongoing process and you are just taking your first steps!

You're in for the time of your life buddy!

:)

[chopthebass]

I'm in exactly same situation. Kit completion is 14 June. Destined for Calgary, Canada!

I have to build a garage before I can start the car.

[Pylons]

Also, maintain contact with both FFR and Stewart via phone at this time to check the schedule, as it can (and does) change, due to a variety of factors. It's up to you to be proactive; don't rely on previously stated delivery dates or think that they (especially Stewart) are going to keep you in the loop.

Absolutely this. My load date changed many times and the only way I ever found out was to call Stewart. Don't expect Stewart to respond to email or vmail either...you have to talk to someone.

I found it quite frustrating.

[smithbks]

Great advice guys. Thanks! Especially some of the little things I never would have thought of. I do feel a little silly at times standing in my empty garage waiting for the baby to arrive.

I'll be calling Stewart tomorrow to make sure they are picking it up. Thanks again.

[Tocoti]

Inventory is like opening Christmas presents. I loved it.

[Pylons]

Inventory is like opening Christmas presents. I loved it.
I wish I had ever had a Christmas present opening session that lasted that long!

[sch2046]

I have to say, I have received the package from FF and have been interested in building the Mark 4, after reading through a bunch of build threads, I am now very intimidated. I see guys cutting and rewelding frame rails and fabricating parts that work better that FF parts etc. I don't know how to weld, I have never used a CAD program before. I can work on my own car etc, am I getting in over my head with one of these kits? Are the build directions accurate and straight forward? Now on the Fence.......

[frankb]

I agree...inventory was just like Christmas, except I think the boxes were multiplying at night!

[Gumball]

I have to say, I have received the package from FF and have been interested in building the Mark 4, after reading through a bunch of build threads, I am now very intimidated. I see guys cutting and rewelding frame rails and fabricating parts that work better that FF parts etc. I don't know how to weld, I have never used a CAD program before. I can work on my own car etc, am I getting in over my head with one of these kits? Are the build directions accurate and straight forward? Now on the Fence.......

The beauty of FFR builds is that you can do it "by-the-book" or you can consider it a blank canvas as many of us have done.

Just so we don't hijack this thread - feel free to start a separate "on the fence" thread and see just how much support you get (I'm guessing it will be quite a bit).

[Pylons]

I have to say, I have received the package from FF and have been interested in building the Mark 4, after reading through a bunch of build threads, I am now very intimidated. I see guys cutting and rewelding frame rails and fabricating parts that work better that FF parts etc. I don't know how to weld, I have never used a CAD program before. I can work on my own car etc, am I getting in over my head with one of these kits? Are the build directions accurate and straight forward? Now on the Fence.......
Do the build school. You'll be able to gauge whether you can do it or not. My guess is you can and it will give you some confidence...it did for me...I'm a couple weeks in and still confident that I can get this thing built!

[sch2046]

thanks guys, build school it is.

[4.6 litre]

You will enjoy the Build school. I went with my wife. I wanted to get her on-board with me. She loved it and after the school was over she wanted me to do the build more than ever. You'll come back very confident. The guys on this forum are great.
My kit should be here next week. I don't weld either so I won't be overly adventurous with those types of mods. My anticipated mods only involve 6061 aluminum panels. If I do need something welded I get someone to do it for me at a price, hopefully a rack of ribs and all he can drink.

Best of luck on your journey,
Damien