818 Hard Top Tease

[Louisromersh]

Factory Five keeps teasing us this pictures like this! To see more pics of Factory Five post of A Day in the Life at Factory Five see link

https://www.factoryfive.com/whats-new/day-life-factory-five/


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[flynntuna]

Hmmm, following the shape of the humps but at a steeper angle. Still no way to tell if it's one piece or two. Still hoping for a new engine cover with a targa top.

[Niburu]

I'm just glad this has gone from talk, to evidence of it being actually worked on.

[shinn497]

I get the feeling they always wanted a hard top but needed to focus on other things as they rolled it out. Also, I can't get over how the hard top makes the car heavier.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

I get the feeling they always wanted a hard top but needed to focus on other things as they rolled it out. Also, I can't get over how the hard top makes the car heavier.
What have you heard about the weight of the car with the hard top?
From what I see in that picture, it looks like it will be sandwich composite core (think surf board) I could see it being only 20-40 lbs.
I'm hopping it is easily removable.
Bob

[shinn497]

weight is weight.

[Jeff Kleiner]

...I can't get over how the hard top makes the car heavier...

You expected it to make it lighter?

Jeff

[Niburu]

Then we rename it to "Project 867.5309"

[Frank818]

I'm hopping it is easily removable.
Bob

And storable in the trunk. If it can be bent like the VW EOS, MB SLK and a few others.


Then we rename it to "Project 867.5309"

It's already the Project 900 as most people seem to have trouble to make an S lighter than 880-900. :)

[MrDude_1]

It's already the Project 900 as most people seem to have trouble to make an S lighter than 880-900. :)

anyone can make it project 800... you just need obscene amounts of money, and lots of custom parts/mods.

[Mechie3]

You expected it to make it lighter?

Jeff

Fill it with helium, that makes it lighter. ;)


anyone can make it project 800... you just need obscene amounts of money, and lots of custom parts/mods.

Or you need to dispense with niceties and be conscientious of what you do. Forgo style for form. Don't like the lightest wheels on the market? Too bad. lol. I don't think many of us want to really do that.

[Oppenheimer]

What have you heard about the weight of the car with the hard top?
From what I see in that picture, it looks like it will be sandwich composite core (think surf board) I could see it being only 20-40 lbs.
I'm hopping it is easily removable.
Bob

I'm thinking they are working on just the shape, not yet working on the actual end product material yet. I would think once they get the shape they want, they'll make a mold, and build them in the same fiberglass as the rest of the car.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

I'm thinking they are working on just the shape, not yet working on the actual end product material yet. I would think once they get the shape they want, they'll make a mold, and build them in the same fiberglass as the rest of the car.
the box in the back ground is a company that makes composite core material. That's why I said that.
Dave should know something about making surf boards.
Bob

[flynntuna]

the box in the back ground is a company that makes composite core material. That's why I said that.
Dave should know something about making surf boards.
Bob


Nice catch

http://diabgroup.com

[FFR-ADV]

From the part showing in the tease photo just as Dave indicated the shape is staying faithful to Vman's design. Notice how the hardtop ends far back on the deck just like shown in the profile.

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Here is a rear view of a similar top from Vman's Vantage design
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Great job Factory Five!

[tirod]

Dropping two sail pillars and a large piece of clear material to look thru will add weight. But it will also have you out on the road when it's raining, and all the roadsters have gone home.

At 42F on a blustery November day, you won't have much other competition. A roof is for those who brave the elements, not a fair weather track and show car. ; )

So, what would you prefer buzzing the rev limiter in top gear on the Mulsanne straight at 4:30 am, when any precipitation is a driving rain, a hardtop, or an open roadster with face shield? The answer is, what's the best wiper motor setup?

http://www.barcboys.com/Images/65Sebring/65Seb-15CobraDaytonaRain2Web.jpg <------ Your hardtop here.

[TahoeTim]

that photo is fake, right?

The lower edge and shadow look photoshopped

[Jaime]

I think they photoshopped that shape over it to keep the actual shape secret.

[FFR-ADV]

I think they photoshopped that shape over it to keep the actual shape secret.

Yes, that is what the caption on Factory Five's website indicates:

"John, our master shaper, works on the 818 hard top. Image blacked out to keep Jim happy"

https://www.factoryfive.com/whats-new/day-life-factory-five/

[TahoeTim]

SO how can someone claim it is staying faithful to Vman's design???

[Jaime]

You can see that the hard top ends closer to the rear end than the current engine cover does. That part is visible just under the masked area. That's the only claim that FFR-ADV was making about staying faithful to the design.

[FFR-ADV]

We all look forward to seeing more of the hardtop, but I expect Factory Five wants to get the design mature before putting it in front of us. The best we can do at this time is cheer Jim and John's efforts on our behalf.

BTW I do not think it will have a huge weight penalty since it looks like this will replace the rear deck and the humps are replaced, so the majority of new fiberglass is over our heads. Other more significant weight might be in windows if they are power windows like was used on the 33 Ford. If the windows are like the 65 coupe with racing slides they should be pretty light. If anyone knows the weight of the 33 hardtop, that would be a good estimate less the weight of the panels which we will lose. Vman's rear window is close to vertical behind the roll bar and would be the lightest.

For me a hardtop is the key to being able to use my 818 much more. Vman's design lines are classic and I wish the team my best as they make it real for us. Go John and Jim!!!

[flynntuna]

Remember Dave had high praise for Xabier's design, and Rodney's was popular too.
Both had images with tops that I'm having trouble finding.

[Frank818]

Too bad the 818 does not look as special as the red or black...

[riptide motorsport]

Too bad the 818 does not look as special as the red or black...

Yup I remember way back when, when we actually thought there was a design contest, and yet we still ended up with he sub par original design.......sad really. Shouldn't look backwards at all those beautiful designs. :(

[bbjones121]

They wouldn't let me sneak up there while i was touring the factory, but i was told it is their own design. Maybe some cues from vmans, but probably not completely the same. I really want to know window options. Plastic windows on the coupe are ok, because they had plastic windows on race cars. Modern cars need windows.

[Flamshackle]

Yup I remember way back when, when we actually thought there was a design contest, and yet we still ended up with he sub par original design.......sad really. Shouldn't look backwards at all those beautiful designs. :(


I felt that way a little in the begining also. But they did say that this chassis would be a "swatch watch" with multiple body designs. Lets just wait and see. Some of the other designs may still be built.

[gpaterson]

Personally I think that FFR have done the 818 community a huge favour by the way the have approached the 818 project. They have engineered a fantastic chassis around a versatile power plant. By all accounts it handles extremely well and can be almost any horsepower that you wish to dial up. I race the New Zealand Targa and there are STi's that are 550bhp albeit a little fragile. So when it comes to the body, it is plain and functional. This provides scope for community members to design and develop replacement panels to change the look of the car.

FFR have proven to be responsive to the 818 communities requests for ongoing improvement with such things as the billet shifter and soft top and shortly with their hard top. But as a community we shouldn't feel limited by what FFR have developed and should be showing a little innovation ourselves. There is now over 250 kits sold which means that there are now 250 (plus probably another 100 or so more with their kits on order) potential customers for something that is sexy cool and value for money that is developed by one or more of the 818 community. There are only a few mounting points for the existing body which means that someone could conceivably design a complete new body and slip it onto the 818 chassis. I think that because the out-of-the-box 818 has a rather plain body it provides each of us the opportunity to do something ourselves to make our cars standout rather than each of us having a clone.

I think FFR's attention to chassis design and this communities innovation around body design will make this car a winner and give it substantial longevity. I wouldn't have it any other way.

[Flamshackle]

Personally I think that FFR have done the 818 community a huge favour by the way the have approached the 818 project. They have engineered a fantastic chassis around a versatile power plant. By all accounts it handles extremely well and can be almost any horsepower that you wish to dial up. I race the New Zealand Targa and there are STi's that are 550bhp albeit a little fragile. So when it comes to the body, it is plain and functional. This provides scope for community members to design and develop replacement panels to change the look of the car.

FFR have proven to be responsive to the 818 communities requests for ongoing improvement with such things as the billet shifter and soft top and shortly with their hard top. But as a community we shouldn't feel limited by what FFR have developed and should be showing a little innovation ourselves. There is now over 250 kits sold which means that there are now 250 (plus probably another 100 or so more with their kits on order) potential customers for something that is sexy cool and value for money that is developed by one or more of the 818 community. There are only a few mounting points for the existing body which means that someone could conceivably design a complete new body and slip it onto the 818 chassis. I think that because the out-of-the-box 818 has a rather plain body it provides each of us the opportunity to do something ourselves to make our cars standout rather than each of us having a clone.

I think FFR's attention to chassis design and this communities innovation around body design will make this car a winner and give it substantial longevity. I wouldn't have it any other way.


Well said and I agree. I (Also living in NZ) am waiting for a functional hard top before I commit to purchasing. I LOVE the look of the 818 from the front wheels back but have really struggled to enjoy the aesthetic at the front end. I could innovate a new front look with some good friends here in chch but would rather wait and see if FFR do another body shape.

The timing of my build allows me to wait.

[Frank818]

The problem with different body shapes is they have impact on other parts. Headlights, wheel well aluminum panels are the ones I can think of that are OEM FFR. Of course all the mods one has done may be impacted too, but that's the owner's responsibility.

[ehansen007]

Yup I remember way back when, when we actually thought there was a design contest, and yet we still ended up with he sub par original design.......sad really. Shouldn't look backwards at all those beautiful designs. :(

Originally I had the same opinion however has anyone been to FFR HQ to see the 1/4 scale models of these cars? I have and they were both dorky and comical at the same time. Rodney's design (which I loved) looked like a Manx Dune buggy! Totally unlivable and dis-proportional. At first I was disappointed too with the final product but only because I had visions of impractical designs like these making the production line. They were concepts and that's it. With that said, I'm looking forward to some refinements to the design for sure. Dave has mentioned he'd like to rework the front of the car but it's selling really well right now so.....what would you do? :)

[flynntuna]

I only brought those concept drawings to highlight the possible engine cover shapes.

I agree with you about those concept drawings, they weren't practical in real life. The current 818 design is growing on me, and as most everyone has said it looks much better in person. The only part I'd change is the front bumper shape around the radiator opening, though wonders can be done with paint. :)

[Drew P]

While the concept drawings weren't practical, that was all we had to go on for a long time. People got attached to those concepts and many were disappointed when the final car didn't look exactly like what they fell in love with. I like what the final car looks like but I am definitely excited to see where it goes with the possibility of some changes down the road.

[bbjones121]

+1 to that


While the concept drawings weren't practical, that was all we had to go on for a long time. People got attached to those concepts and many were disappointed when the final car didn't look exactly like what they fell in love with. I like what the final car looks like but I am definitely excited to see where it goes with the possibility of some changes down the road.

[indiana818]

i cant wait to see a real top

im all in !!!!!!!

kerry

[Louisromersh]

I Agree with indiana818 I'm all in as well! I hope when they release the hard top they also come out with AC/Heat for the 818 & Power windows.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

I Agree with indiana818 I'm all in as well! I hope when they release the hard top they also come out with AC/Heat for the 818 & Power windows.

Wow, there is such a wide range of people getting the 818. You want power windows. I have to decide if I'm going to put in a cup holder.
Bob

[Louisromersh]

I'm going to put in a cup holder.
Bob

CUP HOLDERS! What you not putting one It was assumed you needed at least one so you can keep both hands on the steering will.

[ehansen007]

From the part showing in the tease photo just as Dave indicated the shape is staying faithful to Vman's design. Notice how the hardtop ends far back on the deck just like shown in the profile.

3427534276

Here is a rear view of a similar top from Vman's Vantage design
34277

Great job Factory Five!

Last I heard the design will be a little different than VMAN's. IT's only going as far as the front deck engine cover and around the humps so you can still use the trunk (to check tranny oil?) :). They had considered the full GT design like pictured above however it would require an entirely new rear deck. I guess we'll see!

[flynntuna]

IMHO that suggests a fusion of Xabier's design and Vmans, at least that's what I'm hoping for :o

[Frank818]

IT's only going as far as the front deck engine cover and around the humps so you can still use the trunk (to check tranny oil?) :).

Makes sense, if they still plan on releasing a trunk storage space...

[harrymorrow1]

I Agree with indiana818 I'm all in as well! I hope when they release the hard top they also come out with AC/Heat for the 818 & Power windows.

Once I build my 818S I will have to get rid of my other vehicle because of space restrictions, the above options would help me drive my 818S more year round as the weather here can be extremely cold to extremely hot and humid and not forgetting the traffic jams, I will watch with eager anticipation but still 75% sure this is the right kit for me.

[Santiago]

...as a community we shouldn't feel limited by what FFR have developed and should be showing a little innovation ourselves....I think that because the out-of-the-box 818 has a rather plain body it provides each of us the opportunity to do something ourselves to make our cars standout rather than each of us having a clone.

AGREED! One of the things I actually like about the 818 is that for me its body has no history (I wasn't around for the design contest). I have no respect for this body design (which is different from saying I don't like it, it's fine for what it is). So there's little to inhibit me from cutting the shnizzle out of it to make it as I see fit. In contrast, I would be very hesitant to cut up a Mark IV body (even the Challenge cars make me a bit ill from time to time) because I respect the lines and the history from which they came. But the 818, hell that's fresh meat!

To be honest, I'm a bit surprised that I haven't seen more folks modifying the body yet. I can't say what I'm planning will appeal to all folks, but I can say that the nose is getting a serious makeover in my build. Why would I keep it if it isn't serving my purposes or tastes?

Best,
-j

[07FIREBLADE]

I agree completely with you J. Only issue I have modifying anything to the way I want it to look is first the domino effect changing multiple area will effect many other places. Maybe after I get my body on the way I want it. Then I can move forward with making changes. Right now it would be pointless to make drastic changes when I can't even get the OEM to fit right.

[Santiago]

Also agree. Get the body on first to your satisfaction; then you've got a firm point of reference for any changes. I figure my body is going to be on and off many times before I'm done (and that's not including painting).

Best,
-j

[Canadian818]

I for one am very interested to see what the guys running 255/295 combo tires will do. Flares should work, but before long someone will be doing a wide body.

[Drew P]

A wide body would be interesting and probably pretty cool looking. However I see that as more of a show car thing than performance. If you are already running a 255/295 combo, going even wider on tires in a car as light as an 818 would likey make it a lot more difficult to get heat in the tires. Though if you are looking for a wider stance without going to wider tires, that is something else too. Definitely lots of options.

[Niburu]

so could we have another teaser photo?
maybe silhouetted in profile pic

[Flamshackle]

I saw the new hard top when I visited FFR a week ago.
I can't post any pics but I can say without a doubt this top is a TOTAL game changer for the 818.
I hope I am not overstepping any confidences here (mad dog will no doubt sort it out if so) but there is MUCH more than just a hard top happening. I can't wait to see the new car finished! It's gonna blow you away. Seriously!


Makes sense, if they still plan on releasing a trunk storage space...

The deep red 818 at FFR has a nice trunk storage space built in which I am sure is developing for release. Makes it a very handy little car if you can fit your man bag in there.

As far as I understood the frame will not change for the hardtop (although for extra stiffness and safety you could easily add a halo to the existing cage if wanted)

Did someone say also that it will have power windows? Whole new face for the front? Complete retrofits for the exisiting car? And more?

I didn't ;-)

[Vman7]

I saw the new hard top when I visited FFR a week ago.
I can't post any pics but I can say without a doubt this top is a TOTAL game changer for the 818.
I hope I am not overstepping any confidences here (mad dog will no doubt sort it out if so) but there is MUCH more than just a hard top happening. I can't wait to see the new car finished! It's gonna blow you away. Seriously!



The deep red 818 at FFR has a nice trunk storage space built in which I am sure is developing for release. Makes it a very handy little car if you can fit your man bag in there.

As far as I understood the frame will not change for the hardtop (although for extra stiffness and safety you could easily add a halo to the existing cage if wanted)

Did someone say also that it will have power windows? Whole new face for the front? Complete retrofits for the exisiting car? And more?

I didn't ;-)

hmmm.......so has FFR made major changes to the body. You said something about a "new face for the front". I might just be wasting my time on the 818 2.0 etc., then.

David

[flynntuna]

Gezzzz, how am I going to keep this build under $25k. :p

[Kalstar]

I'm staying silent.

[GUNS]

Any news one when they're going to release these additions? I'm getting to the point where I need to slap the body back on, but may hold off it there are some significant improvements.

[Flamshackle]

Any news one when they're going to release these additions? I'm getting to the point where I need to slap the body back on, but may hold off it there are some significant improvements.

I think the guys said they would show it at open house.


I'm staying silent.

Hahaha...

[wallace18]

So much for this being on the QT. LOL.

[Kalstar]

So much for this being on the QT. LOL.

Walace, No info from me. I am careful what I say as Dave told/showed me in confidence. Scotty was shown the set up by Dave Smith himself so I am not responsible :-) I believe Dave will release info but like most things he wants it to present well, right now the work is still on going.

[shinn497]

Any news on how much will come for the standard 10,000$ vs be additional? Still also thinking about weight here. the 818kg/9,900$ price point is magic for me.