FFR charging premium for RHD - but not yet 100% providing a true RHD chassis!

[Junty]

Further to a post within my build thread...
36369
Further to the specific documented Brake and Suspension thread about the RHD pedal box variants. Ive now discovered that all of the aluminium cut and folded by FFR is bent the wrong way for RHD vehicles. Specifically the centre console in aluminium - The larger piece that is supposed to angle into the passenger side - angles into the drivers clutch pedal area on a RHD car. For any future RHD kit builders - please ensure FFR is either specifically folding these pieces for the RHD configuration - or else order these parts flat pack (unfolded).
It is just slightly disappointing that these things were not configured correctly - especially as we do pay a premium for RHD kits!
I first took the folded pieces to a local aluminium fabricator - hoping that they could roll them flat and fold them back the alternative/correct way - however the aluminium as I suspected cracked along the folds, so I had to manufacture new pieces and fold them the correct way. Attached is the new RHD console - with the FFR one cracked and flat on the floor.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Further to a post within my build thread...
36369
Further to the specific documented Brake and Suspension thread about the RHD pedal box variants. Ive now discovered that all of the aluminium cut and folded by FFR is bent the wrong way for RHD vehicles. Specifically the centre console in aluminium - The larger piece that is supposed to angle into the passenger side - angles into the drivers clutch pedal area on a RHD car. For any future RHD kit builders - please ensure FFR is either specifically folding these pieces for the RHD configuration - or else order these parts flat pack (unfolded).
It is just slightly disappointing that these things were not configured correctly - especially as we do pay a premium for RHD kits!
I first took the folded pieces to a local aluminium fabricator - hoping that they could roll them flat and fold them back the alternative/correct way - however the aluminium as I suspected cracked along the folds, so I had to manufacture new pieces and fold them the correct way. Attached is the new RHD console - with the FFR one cracked and flat on the floor.

Junty,
Did you contact FFR to give them a chance to rectify this problem?
Bob

[Junty]

Hi Bob, yes - sent nice, helpful emails suggesting changes all the way. In the very beginning I received a reply advising that my notes had been passed to the design team. However every FFR email since has not received any response. After not receiving any reply from FFR, I thought to add this helpful thread, and then also forwarded the emails to general customer service at FFR also. I'm very happy with my FFR 818 - I just want to offer helpful suggestion and advice to help future RHD builders...

[DodgyTim]

Hey Junty,

I was emailing Joe Scott as my rear wing wasn't in the crate.
I got no response and was getting frustrated, then rang FFR, only to find Joe had left the company.
His emails weren't being picked up by anyone else.

FFR were really good about sending out the wing, I was relieved because it was $1500 worth and I was way outside the 45 day notice period.

Maybe give them a call? So far i haven't been disappointed once I've managed to get them on the phone.
Cheers
Tim

[gpaterson]

Who is Joe's successor? I found Joe excellent to deal with and very good at providing solutions. I am sure his replacement will have the same FFR customer focus.

I feel that the RHD conversion has not been well executed and the only thing that seems to had been done right is the dash. Everything else I have touched so far has needed modification especially the pedal box. I am not complaining as I realise these kits are made primarily for the US market and the RHD conversion is very much an afterthought.

[zippytheclown]

hey you (fellow) kiwis, did you buy your kits through a dealer or direct from FFR? I'm an NZ ex-pat living in Brisbane Australia, there is a listing for an australian distributor, but I was wondering if it would be cheaper to deal direct with FFR. I don't know what you guys are paying but the distributor here is quoting AUD$22990 for the basic kit plus AUD$600 for powdercoated frame plus AUD$1200 for the RHD kit, and I know soobs are hell cheap in NZ compared to aus, for an MY02 wrx here you'll be lucky to pick up a half decent one for less than around 8k, and most have 1/4 million k's (not joking, 250,000k's +). I seriously doubt you can build one here for less than AUD$40k even if you stay basic.

[DodgyTim]

Hey Zippy
If you want to see an 818 I have one in Brisbane, drop me a pm
Cheers
Tim

[DodgyTim]

Joe's replacement details


Joe no longer works for Factory Five as his last day with the company was Oct. 31st 2014. For future reference you may contact Dan, Tony, Vinny, or myself with any questions.

Thanks & I hope all else is well.

Jay Kravitz
Technical Sales & Support
Factory Five Racing, Inc.

[Mechie3]

I liked dealing with Joe too. Sorry to hear he left.

[ehansen007]

Guys, talk to Tony or Dan. They'll get you taken care of.

[Frank818]

Who is Joe's successor? I found Joe excellent to deal with and very good at providing solutions. I am sure his replacement will have the same FFR customer focus.

I sure hope so, this guy was awesome and he had an excellent memory, even 6 months after the fact!

[Frank818]

Got a reply from FFR. Jay is catching up on Joe's emails. A lot have happened since Oct 31st that caused them to lag on replies, some personnel changes and SEMA and etc.

Of course, don't send to Joe's email, but chances are if you already did, you may get a reply sooner or later.