Vman's 818 Design Ideas

[Vman7]

Here are my design ideas for the 818. Which are in Albums in the Gallery section.

Here are the links to each Album. Each Title in Bold Black is a link.

818 Designs General (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=489)

818 Rear Mock-up Designs (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=490)

818 Front Mock-up Designs (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=514)

818 Coupe, Targa, Softtop Designs (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=541)

Vantage Design Project (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=523)


Links to Threads that are still somewhat relevant
Current 818 (May 2012) Coupe Add-Ons (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?6663-Current-818-(May-2012)-Coupe-Add-Ons)
818s (Nov 2012) Coupe Add-ons (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?8284-818s-(Nov-2012)-Coupe-Add-ons)
Vman's 818 Design Mod.s (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?8906-Vman-s-818-Design-Mod-s)
Vantage Design Project (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?2180-Vantage-Design-Project)
W i d e Body (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?9222-W-i-d-e-Body)
818 Adrenaline Poster (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?10462-818-Adrenaline-Poster)
Note: A lot of the pictures in the threads are missing, but are still in the Albums above.


All of this is for right now. Circumstances may change, then I might consider it.

I will no longer be doing new designs for posting, as well as requests, unless already inwork.

I will Not be adding anymore new Albums & designs. I will not be adding any new updates and links to Albums in the #1 post.

I put all the designs in Albums to help give people easy access to them.

The designs are for inspiring people to come up with ideas or use as is. People can upload the pictures to this thread to discuss or to upload to your own thread.

People can change the designs to their liking*.

Terms of Use:

If you do use any of my ideas for private use, or for what ever reason other then commercial** use. All I ask is that you give credit.

*All pictures for private use only, you can use them and change them here as long as you don't use them for any commercial use.
For commercial use, must have permission from myself and the original owner of the photos, in most cases the original pictures are from FFR.

**Commercial Use of Design Ideas: Must have my permission of my designs and from Factory Five Racing when applicable, being that my designs are based on their product.

David

[Vman7]

These are some older designs when FFR 1st released the 818 in a CAD model.
Album: 818 Designs General (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=489)

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14530&d=1358624672
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14531&d=1358624691
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14532&d=1358624704
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14533&d=1358624717
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14534&d=1358624728

[Vman7]

Album: 818 Designs General (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=489)

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14537&d=1358624779
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14536&d=1358624768
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14535&d=1358624741

[Vman7]

818 Rear Mock-ups
Album: 818 Rear Mock-up Designs (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=490)

Right now all the Rear Mock-ups have the same top recessed side/center vents and the same lower Lic Plate/vents and exhaust. There might be more overall designs later

1st Mock-up done a while back
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14538&d=1358624955

Hella 9001 Tail Lights (same ones FFR used for turn signal)
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=37384&d=1420662446


http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=37380&d=1420662337

[Vman7]

LED 818 Rear Mock-ups
Album: 818 Rear Mock-up Designs (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=490)

LED strips and custom shapes can be seen or behind clear or smoked plexiglass of some type

.5" x 7.5" x 3 LED
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=37383&d=1420662442

.5" x custom length x 3 LED
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=37382&d=1420662438

Custom Shape LEDs
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=37381&d=1420662434

[Vman7]

818 Front Mock-up Designs
Album: 818 Front Mockup-up Designs (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=514)

These are not the greatest front mock-ups, they were done way back when the base photo was the somewhat good one I could find, and it was before FFR changed the front side vents.

Some of the ideas are ok, but overall I am not that pleased with them.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15711&d=1361867216
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15710&d=1361867190
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15709&d=1361867159

[Vman7]

more 818 Front Mock-up Designs
Album: 818 Front Mockup-up Designs (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=514)

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15708&d=1361867136
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15707&d=1361867115
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15706&d=1361867087

[Vman7]

more 818 Front Mock-up Designs
Album: 818 Front Mockup-up Designs (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=514)

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15705&d=1361867054
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15704&d=1361867013
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15703&d=1361866981
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15702&d=1361866919

[Vman7]

more 818 Front Mock-up Designs
Album: 818 Front Mockup-up Designs (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=514)

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15598&d=1361601111
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15597&d=1361601108
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15596&d=1361601103

[Vman7]

818 Coupe, Targa, Softtop Designs
Album: 818 Coupe, Targa, Softtop Designs (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=541)

Right now these are just mock-ups and done a while back.

Coupe mock-up. The rear view should look something like the Vantage Design
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16872&d=1366752776

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16871&d=1366752754

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16870&d=1366752740

[Vman7]

Vantage Design Project
Album: Vantage Design Project (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=523)

This was my design for the contest, Unfortunately I didn't get it done in time for the contest. So I still continued with the design until I came up with the 3.0 version.

I did have plans to use the current FFR 818 body and come up with something along the lines of the Vantage 3.0, but after many attempts to get better front, rear, new side views, along with maybe some inscreen shots from FFR's Solid Works, I just gave up on it.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16037&d=1362973390

The rear area is still not right, angle is off just a bit.
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16036&d=1362973377
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16035&d=1362973362
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16034&d=1362973348
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16033&d=1362973329

[Vman7]

Ok I think I everything up to date :)

Enjoy! :)
David

[Frank818]

All these great ideas are killing me to know they are only available on pictures. :) lolll

[Kurk818]

Thanks for compiling all of your designs on one page.

[Flamshackle]

Man that vantage you designed is a great looking car!

I'm hopefully ordering my 818 this year and would love to see a third party develope this design for the bodywork. Dreams are free right?

[jceckard]

x2 on the Vantage. I've been studying the Roadster as a future project. If the Vantage were to ever materialize, you might make a convert out of me.

[flynntuna]

It's amazing how subtle changes can change the whole look. Just changing the angles in the radiator intake area improves the balance of the front. I gotta learn basic photoshop. :cool:

[Vman7]

It's amazing how subtle changes can change the whole look. Just changing the angles in the radiator intake area improves the balance of the front. I gotta learn basic photoshop. :cool:

yep! :) flynntuna, do have the orig of that 818 front view? that is a perfect front view :) You wouldn't happen to have a rear view as good?

David

[flynntuna]

I took that photo with my cell phone at Huntington Beach. The rear shots not as good .

[Vman7]

Well that front shot will work though :) Thanks :) hard to believe that was with an cell phone, you have a pretty good eye for taking photos.

Well now I have a front shot I can work with. A little shading here and there, take out some of the glare etc. should be good :)

Now I just need a good rear shot.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Here is a link to a nice rear shot of Erik 818E.


http://i1313.photobucket.com/albums/t559/bobgru/P1060830_zps7884878f.jpg

[Vman7]

Here is a link to a nice rear shot of Erik 818E.


http://i1313.photobucket.com/albums/t559/bobgru/P1060830_zps7884878f.jpg

What did all the stars align last night......lol I better check my heart just in case, since I told myself a while back that if someone ever gets some good front and rear shots, it will be the day I die.

Bob that will work, off just a tiny bit, but I can fix that with no problem. :)

Now I have some pic I can work with :)

David

[flynntuna]

At the time I was focused on the changes I'd make to the front of the car, particularly the radiator area, the mounting points that can't easily be changed ect. The rear, I'm thinking that with a saw and an insert that you were describing would be the only changes I'd make there.

I'm waiting to see what FFR has come up with for the hard top. I'm hoping for a targa top, but I don't think that's what the end product will be. If I have to, I'll probably make a mold from the engine cover, and make a copy of it to modify for a targa top. But I haven't thought it all through yet. May just do a fiberglass top with soft top side panels like a modified bikini top.

http://www.projectgla.com/gstring_na.html

[Vman7]

At the time I was focused on the changes I'd make to the front of the car, particularly the radiator area, the mounting points that can't easily be changed ect. The rear, I'm thinking that with a saw and an insert that you were described would be the only changes I'd make there.

I'm waiting to see what FFR has come up with for the hard top. I'm hoping for a targa top, but I don't think that's what the end product will be. If I have to, I'll probably make a mold from the engine cover, and make a copy of it to modify for a targa top. But I haven't thought it all through yet. May just do a fiberglass top with soft top side panels like a modified bikini top.

http://www.projectgla.com/gstring_na.html

A bikini top would be kind of cool.

I think the hard top from FFR may look something like mine from the side, but from the rear I think FFR is going to taper it way inward like the 2 humps are, which just won't look right. Now FFR does the hard top like the rear view on the Vantage and side view like the mock-up I did on the 818 that would look really good. Only thing is FFR would to do a new engine cover for that to work.

David

[Vman7]

I am thinking about doing a poll on FFR's 818 vs Vantage, but of course I would be biased.

I think I need to get sleep, been up since 6PM thur. Probably won't be able to sleep though, now have is crazy 818 stuff on my mind again......

[Vman7]

Well so much for that rear shot working. I had to slap myself for not seeing it right off the bat. The windshield is off the the right.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=37476&d=1420938959
37476


I know it sounds like being real picky, but the less work I have to do to create a blank the better.

The reason for being so meticulous on the photos, especially the front & rear, 1 less work in creating a blank, 2 once a blank is created. I only have to work with one side of the rear or front in doing mod.s, make copies and flip them and put on the other side. This way I am not doing twice work. Mostly because of all of the shading, shine, light sources etc. that have to considered.

Hope that makes sense.

Now this front shot is pretty good. Still needs a lot of work. Getting rid of a lot of glare and reflections, but those are not as hard as haveing to center a car.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=37477&d=1420827340
37477

In other words. The whole idea once a blank is made, is to be able to work quickly in creating new mod.s or changes without having to do a lot of shading etc.

David

[Vman7]

I am going through and saving some FFR Studio shots from their site right now and going through them.

A few areas on the 818 that have been driving me nuts for a while now, going to go through and address. Mostly some areas that should be either gone or smoothed out for a cleaner look.

This is something I might have brought up once before, but can't remember if I did or not. Do the front outside vents really serve a purpose? or are they one of those things that .... Oh look a blank spot let's put something there things?

David

[Vman7]

Here is one of the areas I think needs to go. It draws attention to it and away from the flow of the body.

One of those, Oh look a blank spot let's but something there things.

Before

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=12600&d=1351463204

After

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=12602&d=1351463344

[Vman7]

I guess this needs to said 1st before I go any further, before the diehard 818 fans goes nuts.

The 818 overall has a great shape! But could be a lot better.

There are two main overall things going on with the 818 that not done right will clash. The 818 has a rounded shape to it, but at the same time has a lot of sharp lines as well. This where it gets tricky. Since most of the 818 has rounded shapes, the sharp lines need to be in the right places and not to many to overwhelm the overall look. In this case the 818 just needs a few of the sharp lines either removed or more smoothed out in order not to overwhelm the overall look.

These are just some of the areas I will work on to help give the 818 a cleaner look.

Some of the other ideas would be more of a mod or upgrade. To help give the 818 a more aggressive look and feel, but without compromising airflow performance (mostly in the front, won't really matter in the rear).

Now whether or not Dave Smith and FFR consider or even look at the changes is another story.

I have said this before and got some flak for it from Dave Smith and some others. I can't say for sure about Jim S., because I really don't know him or have ever had any conversations with him. So who ever designs the look of FFR's cars (mostly the 818 & GTM) from what I can only go by what I see, is this. They seem to struggle with certain areas. Now this is just an opinion from my view, nothing personal :)

David

[Vman7]

Well now that I am on a roll here.......lol

I have probably said this somewhere before......

The 818 overall is good, but I wouldn't say "wow, hair on fire" when it comes to the looks. From an chassis and engineering point, I would say outstanding!

Only reason I continue from time to time on the 818 design stuff is, there are ppl that really like the current look and would just like to change a few things on their own, so I try to help the best that I can, when I hav time.

In the current form the 818 is in the way of looks, I wouldn't really buy it even if I had the money, I am more of a Clasic exotic car person with a few of the newer styles, mostly Ferrari and Porsche. Now that is just me.

If for some reason, Dave Smith & FFR decide to ever consider outside help and or influence from whom ever. Then I might get back on the 818 hot and heavy, but until that happens, I really don't desire to get a lot involved with 818 that much anymore.

(ducking ahead of time for all the flak that is going to come my way....lol)

David

[Vman7]

This is the one that drives me crazy. The door lines that conflict with one another.

Notice how the lines I pointed to conflict, there is kind of an "X" going on there.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=37481&d=1420959269
37481

After giving the door lines a smoother Transition.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=37482&d=1420959456
37482

David

[Bob_n_Cincy]

This is the one that drives me crazy. The door lines that conflict with one another.

Notice how the lines I pointed to conflict, there is kind of an "X" going on there.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=37481&d=1420959269
37481

After giving the door lines a smoother Transition.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=37482&d=1420959456
37482

David

Hi David,
first let me say that my eye for body style on a 1 to 10 scale is about a 2.
I'm a chassis motor type of guy.

I think the lower line you are seeing on the door is just a light reflection. Take a look at this picture.

Bob
37483

[Vman7]

Hi David,
first let me say that my eye for body style on a 1 to 10 scale is about a 2.
I'm a chassis motor type of guy.

I think the lower line you are seeing on the door is just a light reflection. Take a look at this picture.

Bob
37483

It's not a reflection. Reason you don't see it on the EV West one as much is one of 2 reasons. 1 the white is more subdued, either from the lighting or the white more flat.

The shinier the paint the more small details are going to show up.

I'll have to post more pictures of the FFR orig. from different angles to show what I am talking about.

What FFR basicly did was, they tried to bring the top line of the front fender over and down through the door and fade into the side vent. Then the rear fender line over into the door. That's where they intersect.

Now I would normally say that is ok, but and this is a big but! FFR broke up the front fender/door area. If the door was smooth with the front fender then it would be a little more understanding.

They need to either do a way with either the rear fender line coming into the door or shorten the front fender line coming into the door.

What I did was smoothed out the rear fender line coming into the door, and shortened the front fender line on the door.

David

[Vman7]

deleted

[Vman7]

I'll have to get back on this, with a better way of explaining and showing what I am talking about.

[Hindsight]

RE your front side vent question: They are for brake cooling but will only work if you fab up a manifd on the back side of them and add flexible duct routed to the brake discs.

[Vman7]

RE your front side vent question: They are for brake cooling but will only work if you fab up a manifd on the back side of them and add flexible duct routed to the brake discs.

hmmm..........funny place to be putting brake ducts. In front of the tires and to the outside at that, then having to bend the tubing in an "S" shape to make it back to the brakes.

[Vman7]

Should have seen what I posted originally in Posts #34 &#35.

[Hindsight]

Should have seen what I posted originally in Posts #34 #.

Heh, there is an art to providing criticism in a manner that will be well-received :) I'm still learning.

[Vman7]

Heh, there is an art to providing criticism in a manner that will be well-received :) I'm still learning.

It was nothing at you :) what you said was fine.

[Vman7]

I am trying to find something in one of my old 818 threads, and came across one of my threads that I forgot about. It is pretty much like this thread in the sense of links to albums in the #1 post. it still has some relevant stuff in it.

So I added the link to Vman's 818 Design Mod.s to post #1

[Hindsight]

It was nothing at you :) what you said was fine.

Oh I know, I was more talking about FFR.

[Vman7]

Oh I know, I was more talking about FFR.

ah, ok I got ya!

[flynntuna]

Vman have you seen theses examples?

[Vman7]

Vman have you seen theses examples?

I like the Lic Plate mod on the black, but that one is to high angle wise.

The blue one is not bad, still off just a bit, to grainy and it has the add on spoiler. Sorry for being so picky.

Thank you very much for looking, if you know where to look for pictures, please do :)

Just a matter of time before that one rear shot shows up somewhere.

Again thank you very much for looking :)

David

[flynntuna]

Would the ideal photo have: outdoor lighting or at least balanced lighting all around, at about 20' distance zoomed in, with the lens height the same as the mid point of the rear?

[Vman7]

Would the ideal photo have: outdoor lighting or at least balanced lighting all around, at about 20' distance zoomed in, with the lens height the same as the mid point of the rear?

yes, with the camera lens just a little below mid point. You can tell if you are too high, if you are seeing anything that is fwd of the top of the rear fenders. That blue picture you post is just about right from top to bottom, so is that white one I posted in Post #26 which is perfect other then being taken too much to the right. Bob n cincy was nice enough to post the link for that one.

oh btw if you plan on taking a pic, look out for objects from behind you that may end up in the reflection.

David

[Vman7]

For those that remember the Blue/white 818 Cad model (see posts #2 & 3) that kind of shine, with a single color, like grey but Solid Works screen shots (front, rear, side, top). kind of like the pic below only with each view in their own screen shot.

I wish this pic from FFR was at least twice the size, it would be good for mock-ups.
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=37501&d=1421028974
37501

[Vman7]

I'll be posting some mock-up of the side view later tonigh/early morning. They are not the Vantage 4.0 stuff (blending FFR 818 with Vantage 3.0) they are what I guess you could call a possible 818 Gen 2.

If I have time I might start the conversation about my MCS (Modular Component System) ideas.

Come 11Pm after my favorite TV shows are over......lol

David

[Vman7]

Background on how this all came about.

Just after FFR released the 1st CAD pictures of the 818 (818R blue/white model), my mind starting going to work away to change the looks of the 818 by just changing out panels etc. This was not just on the outside but also for the interior as well, and even possible for a drivetrain.

So back I guess about 2yr.s or so, the big hamster wheel in my head started working overtime......lol

Back in Feb, 2013 FFR and Dave Smith showed up in Tampa for a Cruise-In. I had a chance to meet Dave Smith, I was there early before most of the people showed up. I didn't get a chance to talk to Dave then, mostly because he was helping set everything up. I ended up talking about with Scott aka Honey Badger a lot during the event. Not tell people start leaving did I get a chance to talk with Dave Smith, but only briefly, since Dave was signing autographs and trying to answer other peoples questions. I did not want to come off as overbearing so I didn't push my ideas. I told Dave Smith a little of some ideas I had, and Dave gave me his business card and said email him.

A few days later I emailed Dave Smith with a short email going over some of his private msg.s that he sent me. So after the 1st email Dave asked me to remind him of the private msg.s. I included the private msg.s in the next email, which was pretty long. I got into mostly talking about the 818 and possibilities for the future, and possibly working with Dave Smith and FFR in the future.

I won't get into the details that I wrote in the email, mostly due to that is between Dave Smith and I, and also for myself because of possible future endeavors. In other words, screw myself by giving out to much detail on my ideas, and then someone else picks up on it and steals them.

I never heard back from Dave Smith after that long email. Not sure if Dave didn't really care and was just being nice, or if he just got way too busy with business and such. I like to think it was the latter :)

Some think I should be a little more assertive with Dave Smith and FFR. It makes a little anxious about doing that, which really isn't me, since I tend to be assertive, but not aggressive. I just get anxious about the whole idea, because I don't really desire to harm and chance of possibly working with Dave Smith and FFR.

I hope to at some point be able to talk with Dave Smith.

So Dave Smith by chance you happen to read this, private msg, email me :)

Ok now for the part everybody is probably more interested in then my yakking above....lol

The MCS (Modular Component System) Basics.

The overall idea is to be able to change out modules anywhere on the 818 body. I'll use the Rear for now as an example.

There would be the main Rear panel which would have areas for tail lights, vents, exhaust etc. that are already open. Then as a customer you would choose the module you like to use. Tail light modules, vent modules etc..
Then just install them. They would go in with guide pins and screws.

This would be the same for the rest of the 818, including the interior.

The trick is getting the best base panels, mostly for the front and rear, that would work the best with the most interchangeable modules.

Ok there you go, just the basics on the MCS (modular Component System)

Now back to smoothing out some stuff on the 818 side view :)

David

[Mechie3]

I like the idea. I'm mostly satisfied with the side panels and the hood. The curves aren't bad at all and look pretty OEM IMO. The front and rear bumpers are what I would be mostly likely to change, and the easiest components to change as well. The bumpers just look a little too flat and simple as though they were using DFM (design for manufacture) and focusing on easier manufacturing vs more OEM look.

[Kalstar]

I was with Dave Smith yesterday for most of the day. Your name came up and every time it did he heaped praise. If your desire is to work for Factory 5...Imho...you are going at it wrong. My advise is to fly out to the Factory and sit down with Dave. No harm no foul in doing this. Understand Dave runs the company, but he has others that engineer, design, sell, cut, weld and build. All these people do the jobs Dave expects of them and from what I have seen they excel at far more then simply meeting expectations. You are gifted no doubt but insulting the design in open forum (subliminally or otherwise) of the guy that designed the 818 and the person that would be your direct supervisor is not the best of ideas. Jim S. when and if you get the pleasure to meet him, is a very quiet but confident man. He does not say much and is not one to hold grudges. When he does talk, his words are chosen wisely and I have never heard him say a bad thing about anyone. I say all of this for personal benifit of me, I feel you would be a great addition to F5R and Jim (in my opinion) would not be the person preventing that from happen (I am sure he knows talents like yours is a great tool). But as I said, Dave has people in positions that he wants, he does not need the illusion of compition within the ranks. I say again, sit down with Dave, not at a show, not at over email exchanges....do it face to face. Factory Five is stable and growing, it would be a wonderful opportunity for you....if you give yourself that chance.

[Hindsight]

Very well said Kalstar

[Kalstar]

Very well said Kalstar

Poor spelling+ iPhone = Not priceless.

[shinn497]

Well I for one hope you join FFR. You have some amazing ideas. Keep at it!

[Vman7]

I was with Dave Smith yesterday for most of the day. Your name came up and every time it did he heaped praise. If your desire is to work for Factory 5...Imho...you are going at it wrong. My advise is to fly out to the Factory and sit down with Dave. No harm no foul in doing this. Understand Dave runs the company, but he has others that engineer, design, sell, cut, weld and build. All these people do the jobs Dave expects of them and from what I have seen they excel at far more then simply meeting expectations. You are gifted no doubt but insulting the design in open forum (subliminally or otherwise) of the guy that designed the 818 and the person that would be your direct supervisor is not the best of ideas. Jim S. when and if you get the pleasure to meet him, is a very quiet but confident man. He does not say much and is not one to hold grudges. When he does talk, his words are chosen wisely and I have never heard him say a bad thing about anyone. I say all of this for personal benifit of me, I feel you would be a great addition to F5R and Jim (in my opinion) would not be the person preventing that from happen (I am sure he knows talents like yours is a great tool). But as I said, Dave has people in positions that he wants, he does not need the illusion of compition within the ranks. I say again, sit down with Dave, not at a show, not at over email exchanges....do it face to face. Factory Five is stable and growing, it would be a wonderful opportunity for you....if you give yourself that chance.

Herein lies the problem, I just can't afford to fly up to FFR, money has been way to tight the last few years. I couldn't even afford to go to my Dad's funeral back in 2012, but I did something more important, I went and saw my Dad 2 months before hand, but I just could't afford to fly twice, it took me 6 months to pay off that expense.

Hence going to the Cruise in at Tampa. Mostly just to introduce myself to Dave Smith.

First off thank you for conveying Dave Smith's praise, I really appreciate that :)

Second I never really insulted the 818 design. I have always said that it is a good overall design, but it could be improved. Things can always be improved on. That is not an insult, that is structural criticism. The whole idea is to develop the 818 in the best that it can be.

I get all that you said about Dave being pres etc. and people he has working for him doing all the engineering etc.

My desire is not to work for FFR, but with them. There is a big difference.

A friend of my suggested either calling Dave Smith and possibly setting up a video conference. So that is one way to go.

The email, pvt msg thing is just a way to make 1st contact.

David

[Mechie3]

I think Vman is proposing more of a progression of the original swatch watch concept that Dave Smith himself proposed. FFR has been busy wrapping up the standard 818, Vman has just been branching out into an area that FFR hasn't had time to yet.

[metalmaker12]

Vmans ideas are very good no doubt, but so were many artist that entered the design contest. But we all know how that went. Hopefully they take some of his ideas and work with him. A lot of is have had great ideas for the design and mechanical aspects, just not sure FFR has intentions of listening to it all. They got good street credit but sometimes might need a step outside to not be complacent.

[Kalstar]

I think Vman is proposing more of a progression of the original swatch watch concept that Dave Smith himself proposed. FFR has been busy wrapping up the standard 818, Vman has just been branching out into an area that FFR hasn't had time to yet.

Don't be so sure.

[Mechie3]

Perhaps I should clarify "that FFR hasn't had time to bring to market yet". :) I'm also lumping in the hardtop with the standard 818 if that makes any difference.

[Kalstar]

Perhaps I should clarify "that FFR hasn't had time to bring to market yet". :) I'm also lumping in the hardtop with the standard 818 if that makes any difference.

Ok I'll give you "to market". But there is more to the story. Stay tuned or come to the open house in June.

[flynntuna]

Alright spill the beans. ;)

[07FIREBLADE]

If your implying that the hardtop will be available by the time the open house is here. We really need a hot list for it, cant finish body work until that's available. Only if they would just reveal it by the HB show instead. But back on topic hopefully something comes out of this thread. It definitely has its merits and the ideas and designs are insane.

[Mechie3]

Sweet. Now we just need pics. ;)

[metalmaker12]

Ok I'll give you "to market". But there is more to the story. Stay tuned or come to the open house in June.

Hmmmm hmmmm hm

[Vman7]

Ok I'll give you "to market". But there is more to the story. Stay tuned or come to the open house in June.

hmmm...........well if there are changes that change the overall look again. Looks like I'll have to put things on hold again.

[Vman7]

If I would have had a few really good front and rear pictures 2yr.s ago I would have been way ahead. Seems like I am always playing catchup with 818. It gets frustrating.

Well I gues back to working on the 33 again for about 6 months, until after open house to see what FFR came up with.

David

[Vman7]

Speaking of teases.......lol

I'll throw one out. If I ever post the design ideas on the GTM Bird of Prey design, it would blow ppl away!! But I have for now decided not to do that, since most of the ppl that due a GTM have bucks, and if I am going to give away the Bird of Prey I might as well get paid for it...........lol

[Kalstar]

Flynntuna. I am not a liberty to spill the beans. What I can say is I got a sneak peek before the 818 came out and this time around I am even more excited. Vman could you find the way to drive up instead of Fly? I think a meeting with Dave would be enlightening. I am not any different then everyone else on this forum, I think we all would like to see your ideas layed in with what F5R produces. Don't give up just yet on us 818'ers, you are quite gifted and your ideas will be worked into builders cars and hopefully the production cars down the road.

[Kalstar]

Speaking of teases.......lol

I'll throw one out. If I ever post the design ideas on the GTM Bird of Prey design, it would blow ppl away!! But I have for now decided not to do that, since most of the ppl that due a GTM have bucks, and if I am going to give away the Bird of Prey I might as well get paid for it...........lol

Trade you plane tickets for it....half kidding.

[Vman7]

Flynntuna. I am not a liberty to spill the beans. What I can say is I got a sneak peek before the 818 came out and this time around I am even more excited. Vman could you find the way to drive up instead of Fly? I think a meeting with Dave would be enlightening. I am not any different then everyone else on this forum, I think we all would like to see your ideas layed in with what F5R produces. Don't give up just yet on us 818'ers, you are quite gifted and your ideas will be worked into builders cars and hopefully the production cars down the road.

I did the math about a year or so ago between driving up or flying up. It would cost more to drive. I would to meet with Dave, just can't afford anyway I try to do it. That's why I am trying other ways :)

Not giving up, just looks like putting 818 stuff on hold again. I like to be ahead of curve, but it seams with 818 like I said, I am always playing catch up.

Just wish FFR would give me some kind of heads up for time to time. I remember telling Dave Smith I was willing to help on design stuff and if Dave wanted to keep it secret, no problem.

At times I kind of feel like a mushroom......lol

btw thanks for somlement.

David

[Vman7]

Trade you plane tickets for it....half kidding.

lol........that's why it's a tease........lol Mostly I have only done sketches on the bird of prey, very little in photoshop as of yet.
some of my ideas I'll sketch out before bringing them into photoshop.

[Vman7]

I need to find a different hobby.............rofl maybe collecting hockey pucks!!! yeah that's the ticket.......rofl

[flynntuna]

June is an awfully long time to wait! :eek:

[Kalstar]

I have a proposition for you. Design me 3 different wrap designs in photoshop (not single color either) and I'll get you a round trip ticket.

[Vman7]

I have a proposition for you. Design me 3 different wrap designs in photoshop (not single color either) and I'll get you a round trip ticket.

Depends on what you are looking for. Are you looking for color changes or graphics?

[Vman7]

<<<<smacking head on keyboard...jqwp oiuq4twen otui 3qj n9

I need to see psychiatrist.........rofl
I keep allowing myself to keep getting drawn back into this 818 stuff.

[Vman7]

Ok I cleaned up this post or I should say I deleted it basicly.

What I said was inappropriate and I should not have taken out my troubles and frustrations on some.

If I offended anyone who happen to see this post before I changed it. I was wrong it what I said. Therefore without making any excuses I apologize and ask for your forgivenss.

David

[flynntuna]

Try this...

[Vman7]

Try this...

rofl

[carbon fiber]

Speaking of teases.......lol

I'll throw one out. If I ever post the design ideas on the GTM Bird of Prey design, it would blow ppl away!! But I have for now decided not to do that, since most of the ppl that due a GTM have bucks, and if I am going to give away the Bird of Prey I might as well get paid for it...........lol There are only 400 or so cars produced and It seems most GTM builders are on tight budgets. If you did something for it, it would be for passion and not money. Not much money to be made in such low production numbers. If they were made in numbers like the roadster it would be different. I'm not showing my GTM redesign because I'm not going to sell it anyway, and I'm doing what I want. I'd reproduce the bodies if people would pay for it, but I don't think most understand what a huge undertaking it is to get from drawings to finished bodies, and why it cost so much to do. It would be easier with the 818s separate panels and the 818 guys seem to be buying more aftermarket stuff than the GTM guys.

[Niburu]

You can add to that how many more 818 kits there are going to be out there in another years time.
The production rate of 818 kits far outstrips the GTM.

[Vman7]

There are only 400 or so cars produced and It seems most GTM builders are on tight budgets. If you did something for it, it would be for passion and not money. Not much money to be made in such low production numbers. If they were made in numbers like the roadster it would be different. I'm not showing my GTM redesign because I'm not going to sell it anyway, and I'm doing what I want. I'd reproduce the bodies if people would pay for it, but I don't think most understand what a huge undertaking it is to get from drawings to finished bodies, and why it cost so much to do. It would be easier with the 818s separate panels and the 818 guys seem to be buying more aftermarket stuff than the GTM guys.

That's why it's a tease....lol The designs that I have done so far, but nothing really totally in photoshop would more then likely be one offs.

[Vman7]

Working an 818 2.0 version (based on FFR current 818), side view only right now. Going to give me a little trouble for the rear area though, since I haven't found a good rear view picture, unless somebody else finds one.

I hope FFR hasn't made any major changes to the body, if so this will be for naught.

David

[flynntuna]

David, saw this In Erik Treves's build thread. The trunk cover is partially in the way but it seems to be at the right height. Something you can work with?

[Vman7]

David, saw this In Erik Treves's build thread. The trunk cover is partially in the way but it seems to be at the right height. Something you can work with?

I just might be able to use that to help center the white one in post #26. Thanks :)

[Bob_n_Cincy]

David
Have you seen this picture?
Bob

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=37694&d=1421478043

[Vman7]

David
Have you seen this picture?
Bob

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=37694&d=1421478043

Nice and clean, unfortunately way too high. Thanks Bob for looking and posting though :)

[Vman7]

I cleaned up post #29, and #30. I also changed Post #78

Those were inappropriate Christian behavior. I try to take responsibility for what I say and do and hold myself accountable.

David

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Nice and clean, unfortunately way too high. Thanks Bob for looking and posting though :)

David,
For functionality, I need to have a large vent in the rear, like the grey car. (rear radiator) I don't really like the double trapezoid. Can you suggest what modification you would do to the existing rear bumper?
Thanks
Bob
37716

[Vman7]

David,
For functionality, I need to have a large vent in the rear, like the grey car. (rear radiator) I don't really like the double trapezoid. Can you suggest what modification you would do to the existing rear bumper?
Thanks
Bob
37716

Yeah that double trapezoid thing just doesn't look right, keeps reminding me of the highway workers with the orange vests for some reason.....lol

The 818 in it's current form, I would say something along the lines of of one of the dark blue mock-ups I posted. just without the factory five piece on the top between the tail lights.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14538&d=1358624955

I can take that grey 818S you posted and do a quick mock-up.

David

[Vman7]

Bob,

Here is something quick.

Before & after comparison
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=37717&d=1421511075
37717

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=37719&d=1421511336
37719

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Bob,

Here is something quick.

Before & after comparison
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=37717&d=1421511075
37717

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=37719&d=1421511336
37719
Thanks David,
That is better.
Bob

[Vman7]

Thanks David,
That is better.
Bob

No problem :), that shouldn't be to hard of a mod, other then the tail light buckets.

[Vman7]

I decided to change this post.

I am not going to post anymore 818 design ideas, period!

I am not going to get into why. So sorry to say to all the ppl who were looking for new 818 ideas are on your own, which probably really don't care anyways, which is ok, but for those who needed some help with design ideas I feel sorry for.

After 2yr.s of being patient and hoping for the better, it seems FFR really has no desire to really work with anyone from the outside.

Let FFR figure out design ideas on the 818, because seems like they are going to do that anyways.

and as Paul Harvey would say...

Vman7, good day!

[Vman7]

Updated "Terms of Use" in post #1

David

[Vman7]

Updated Post #1 Please read!

I have put a lot of thought into this for sometime now. Not going to get into detail why.

David