Jazzman’s #8745 "Flip Top" Build

[speedfreak1211]

Very nicely done

[Jeff Kleiner]

Look forward to meeting you both this weekend!

Jeff

[wareaglescott]

Looks spectacular Kevin. Congrats on having it finished up. Good luck at the show this weekend!

[Boydster]

Unreal. After all the work you did, they took it to the next level. Congratulations!

[WIS89]

Kevin-

Simply extraordinary!! Just a spectacular design with amazing execution!! I know you must be stoked.

Safe travels to and from HB.

Regards,

Steve

[edwardb]

Stunning. Congrats.

[jceckard]

Great googily-moogily! How about a picture or two with the top flipped?

[RR20AC]

Amazing build, can’t wait to see you down at the beach. Jim

[Gromit]

(picking jaw up off the floor)

I don't have words other than the thought that your Licence plate now has dual meaning. people looking at this beauty are going to flip their top!

well done and many trophies in your future I suspect.

Chris AKA Gromit

[Straversi]

Congratulations. Look forward to seeing it in person Saturday.
-Steve

[2bking]

Excellent completion! I especially like the trunk work so how about some pictures with the panels removed?

[SSNK4US]

OMG! WOW!! It’s beautiful Kevin!!!
I’ve followed it from day one. (As a lurker lol)
I (we, my wife too) can’t wait to see it and actually meet you
in person tomorrow!!!

Did I saw WOW?

Kurt

[Yama-Bro]

Great job is an understatement...It's amazing!

[TheBabyBadger]

That car is seriously gorgeous. I LOVE the wood, and LEDs... the Devil is in the details! BEAUTIFUL CAR!

[AZPete]

Beautiful! I look forward to seeing Flip Top this evening when she debuts at David's BBQ!

[cnutting]

Well done! I've been following since the beginning. Lots of hard work but it paid off.

[cv2065]

Stunning work Bud! The interior of the trunk and attention to detail throughout the car looks custom made by a factory its done so well. Outstanding!!

[Chris @ Forma]

Speechless.....WOW...even the trunk

[KDubU]

As they say, “It’s all about the details”. A work of art Kevin, you should be very proud.

[Jazzman]

The Huntington Beach Cruise In was an amazing weekend! It was truly wonderful to meet in person so many of the "friends" that I have made on this forum. The weekend started out VERY early on Friday morning. Bob Brandle met us at our house and off we went to California. This was literally the maiden voyage of my new trailer. It pulled great! Very smooth, no problems at all!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=85263&d=1525184953

We went straight to David Hodgkins home for the pre-event BBQ. David and Leesa are very warm and wonderful people. There were already quite a few people there when I arrived. By the end of the evening, the house was packed! The food was amazing, the friendship even better. We all took a small cruise about 10 miles to a car museum and consignment showroom. There were many wonderful cars on sale if your pockets were extremely deep. Since my trailer was already full, I decided to pass this time!! The entire evening was simply wonderful . . . until FlipTop decided to give me a scare.

Just as we were leaving, Bob Brandle notice that the front left wheel was wobbling significantly! I carefully turned the car around and nursed it back to Davids home to decide what the problem was and what to do about it. As soon as we got back, the Factory Five Family gathered around to examine the problem. I had some tools, David provided a jack, a breaker bar was located for the lug nuts, and about 150 years of automotive experience focused their attentions on my car. So who steps forward to fix the "newbie's" broken car? The world famous Jeff Kleiner!!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=85258&d=1525184943

Lots of idea were thrown around, many tests run. At the end of the process, it was determined that either a) the wheel is warped, or b) the flange on the back of the wheel is not clearing the spindle end. In either case it was safe to drive to the show and back. Very tired, we headed back to the Shorebreak Hotel for much needed sleep.

Saturday morning started very early. I got up and dusted the car, then headed out to line up for registration. AZ Pete was already first in line, but I lined up second. David Hodgkins and family, Dave Smith, and many others were already there setting up the registration tent and display booths. At 7am, we all started filing in and finding parking spots. Even thought the show didn't officially start until 10am, the "show" began right away as locals came out for breakfast.

The show was a big hit all day! People had a great time seeing all the cars, talking to the owners, etc. I had a great time meeting and talking to other builders and soon-to-be builders. Everyone had questions, and it was great fun answering them all.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=85266&d=1525184956

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=85268&d=1525184960

One of the greatest moments was seeing the children become so excited about these rolling works of art. Two children in particular caught my attention:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=85259&d=1525184944

It was great fun to let several children sit in the car and have their pictures taken by their excited parents. I loved getting them excited about the possibility of actually building a car.

About noon, Steve Temple, editor of ReinCarNation magazine surprised me by telling me he wanted to do a feature story in his magazine about my car! He wanted to have a photo shoot that afternoon after the show, and David Hodgkins son Grant would be taking the photos!! What an honor and a treat!

There were so many amazing cars at this show! When the "awards" time came, I was very nervous. I was not sure what the response to my unique car would be. I knew I had "coloured way outside of the lines" on this one!! They started handing out the awards. Best interior? Nope. Best Paint? Nope. Best Roadster? Nope. Oh well, I love the car, and the public seems to like it, but clearly the judges thought it was just too far beyond the traditional. And then . . .

Editors Choice Award goes to . . . ME!! I can't believe it!!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=85274&d=1525184970

Then just as I am beginning to breathe again, the announce The Best of Show award: Me!! I didn't even think I was eligible. I assumed you had to win Best Roadster to even be considered. I am stunned!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=85261&d=1525184949

Words cannot describe how special it is to be selected among this amazing group of people. Thank you to Factory Five, Dave Smith, and the entire Hodgkins family for putting on this show. Thank you to every last member of this forum for your support and assistance. Very special thanks to EdwardB for all his technical advice, and to 2BKing for his engineering and assistance as I conquered his flip top modification!

What an amazing journey this has been! I cannot wait to start the next one. I wonder what that will be . . .

[jceckard]

Congrats! Well deserved. Glad to see the flip top of FLIPTOP came in handy. Look at all that room to work!

[Bob Brandle]

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Kevin !!! So well deserved.

It was an honor and thrill for me to be but a tiny part of Fliptop's reveal, its immediate appreciation by the Factory Five family, rewards and to accompany you and Diane this weekend in Huntington Beach.

Now let everyone see some photos of the gorgeous interior and close ups of the flip front end.

After attending this, my first Factory Five event, I'm so looking forward to my upcoming Type 65 Coupe order and then the build in Scottsdale, AZ, with you and your expertise, skills and enthusiasm just a few neighborly miles away, as well as Arizona Pete and his.

Bob

[Yama-Bro]

Congrats on the award! You did a great write up on the event. I enjoyed reading it. I've been wondering if the proper way to identify yourself at these events to other forum members is to wear a name tag with your username and avatar? :D

[wareaglescott]

Great work Kevin and congrats on the magazine feature and awards! Now get out and put some miles on it! Been a long time coming.

[broku518]

WOW! What a great looking car, event and wonderful community. Congratulations!
This will be hard to top it off...only one to find out :)

[Vspeeds]

Congratulations on the award. Your car is truly amazing. During the show I kept going back to your car. The pictures do not convey the true attention to detail in your build.

[Jazzman]

Congrats on the award! You did a great write up on the event. I enjoyed reading it. I've been wondering if the proper way to identify yourself at these events to other forum members is to wear a name tag with your username and avatar? :D

Thanks, Bro! Actually, at David's BBQ we did all have name tags, and many, including myself, listed both their real name and their username. My art skills are not sufficient to draw any avatar!!!

[Jazzman]

This will be hard to top it off...only one to find out :)

Thanks Broku! Yes, plans are already in the works for the next build . . . :rolleyes:

[David Hodgkins]

Kevin,

It was great meeting you this weekend and sharing in the debut of FLIPTOP. You really built a special ride there my friend. Congratulations!

:)

[Jazzman]

Kevin,

It was great meeting you this weekend and sharing in the debut of FLIPTOP. You really built a special ride there my friend. Congratulations!

:)

Thank you, David, that is high praise coming from you!! I think you are the one that deserves the prize!! I can't believe all you and your family did.

[Jazzman]

Here is another nice write up about the Huntington Beach Cruise In from ReinCarNation magazine (https://www.rcnmag.com/news/all-in-the-family?utm_source=streamsend&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter&utm_campaign=180502).

[Vette1972]

Just an amazing build! WOW!!!!!!! You worked so hard Congratulations seems very small. Best to you and FlipTop!!!!

[doddmoore]

CONGRATULATIONS! When I saw your car on FB I was blown away. One of the best builds I have seen looking through MANY build threads. So happy for you. Absolutely deserved.

[WIS89]

Kevin-

Dude -- I just had to break out the word dude for this -- congratulations on the recognition that deservedly came your way! It is certainly only the beginning of the awards you will see!

You did an amazing job with your build, and I have truly enjoyed following along with your build thread. I have always marvelled at the creativity and talent that folks have when they, as you said, "colour outside the lines." I really admire all the detail work in your interior, and have no idea how you came up with the design ideas. Just so darned impressive!!

Again, congratulations on the recognition. I look forward to the Reincarnation article, and I hope there are lots of pictures! Enjoy the heck out of your hard work!!

Regards,

Steve

[Saul S]

CONGRATULATIONS! on an awesome build and Best of Show award. Well deserved

Saul

[Clover]

In my opinion, your car is one beautiful piece of artwork. Terrific job. You should be very proud.

[Mark Eaton]

Kevin,

Shelly and I so much enjoyed meeting you and Diane last weekend. You two are such wonderful and authentic people. Here is a photo that Shelly took of you and I...

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=85383&d=1525400964

[DavidW]

Beautiful Roaster, I hope to see it in person one day!

[Jazzman]

Kevin,

Shelly and I so much enjoyed meeting you and Diane last weekend. You two are such wonderful and authentic people. Here is a photo that Shelly took of you and I...

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=85383&d=1525400964

Wonderful photo Mark!! Thanks! I am so sorry that we did not get to spend enough time chatting this weekend. It was really great meeting you and Shelly. I fully expect you to have your car completed by next year. Please plan to come down for the show. Lets try to find some time to talk before or after the show. As always, if I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to ask.

Kevin

[Jazzman]

Read the directions. I know, not exactly a new idea, but it applies in this situation. You may remember that at the Huntington Beach Cruise In I discovered that my left front wheel was not spinning true. At David's BBQ I had a pantheon of experienced builders trying to figure out why the wheel would not seat solidly against the brake rotor. Yesterday I finally found time to take the car to the tire shop to have them test the wheel to see if it was warped or bent. (I was pretty sure it wasn't, as they would have found that when the balanced the wheel in the first place. But I had to check.) Lots of thumbs up, many photos, lots of ogling, but no warped wheel.

I came home and took the wheel off again. It appears that the only possibility is that the wheel doesn't quite fit over the centering ring that goes around the hub and centers the brake rotor.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=85681&d=1526234415

I removed the ring to see how far off it was. It was completely off! That ring couldn't possibly go inside the center hole in the wheel. I went back and re-read the installation instructions from Willwood, specifically how that ring is installed. What do you know: the ring is installed on the BACK side of the rotor, not on the front.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=85682&d=1526234415

I removed the brake caliper, removed the rotor, installed the ring on the back of the rotor (it has a very nice little notch that it fits in!) reinstalled everything, and voila! No more wheel wobble.

Yeah, read the directions!!

[wareaglescott]

Interesting. So did you do the other side the same?
Glad you figured it out before it became an expensive lesson.
Been meaning to text you and see if you have been getting out and driving an enjoying the car?

[Jeff Kleiner]

Well there ya' go! Glad you sorted it out :) As you well know after we investigated further the leading hypothesis was that the wheel was interfering on the center and not seating properly but lacking the proper measuring tools we couldn't verify it. We also didn't have the instructions but even if we had it's a safe bet that there wasn't a snowball's chance in hell that we would have consulted them!

Drive on Kevin :cool:

Jeff

[Jazzman]

Well there ya' go! Glad you sorted it out :) As you well know after we investigated further the leading hypothesis was that the wheel was interfering on the center and not seating properly but lacking the proper measuring tools we couldn't verify it. We also didn't have the instructions but even if we had it's a safe bet that there wasn't a snowball's chance in hell that we would have consulted them!

Drive on Kevin :cool:

Jeff

That is so True!! Thanks again for all of the help!!

[Gromit]

I've been following this build in awe of the guts it takes to cut up a car and turn it into a complete vision.

Glad that warped wheel was a simple fix. one observation... if you had that spacer wrong during the final wheel alignment I'd consider going back and getting it checked again.

Just goes to show you never stop learning or doing. even when its finished it really isn't.

Keep the photos of this beauty coming.

Chris AKA Gromit

[AZPete]

Kevin, I'm glad it was such as easy fix. I'm also pleased to hear that even one of our idols, Jeff Kleiner, is like us mortals in not reading the instructions.

This is also a reminder of the WORST part of DIY: there's nobody else to blame! I've had to yell at myself and threaten to sue myself many times.

[CdnCarNut]

WOW, just WOW. I've been reading this post from start to finish over the past week and am truly amazed at how this turned out after all the extensive mods and "learning experiences". You have a great build and should be extremely proud of it.

I've recently been lurking in the roadster build area after spending the past 1+ years following the 818 forum. I've decided to pass on the 818 and will now build a Cobra roadster, which was always my dream to begin with. Although the roadster is more expensive to build than the 818, it seems to have been better developed and produces a better quality product than the 818. Time to sell my Subaru donor car and further prepare for the Cobra!

I hope it will be as rewarding to build as those whose threads I've read, including yours. I have little doubt that it will.

Cheers!
Russ

[Jazzman]

I've been following this build in awe of the guts it takes to cut up a car and turn it into a complete vision.

Glad that warped wheel was a simple fix. one observation... if you had that spacer wrong during the final wheel alignment I'd consider going back and getting it checked again.

Just goes to show you never stop learning or doing. even when its finished it really isn't.

Keep the photos of this beauty coming.

Chris AKA Gromit

Thanks, Gromit, I had not thought of that. That is a really excellent idea. One more thing to do!!

[Jazzman]

WOW, just WOW. I've been reading this post from start to finish over the past week and am truly amazed at how this turned out after all the extensive mods and "learning experiences". You have a great build and should be extremely proud of it.

I've recently been lurking in the roadster build area after spending the past 1+ years following the 818 forum. I've decided to pass on the 818 and will now build a Cobra roadster, which was always my dream to begin with. Although the roadster is more expensive to build than the 818, it seems to have been better developed and produces a better quality product than the 818. Time to sell my Subaru donor car and further prepare for the Cobra!

I hope it will be as rewarding to build as those whose threads I've read, including yours. I have little doubt that it will.

Cheers!
Russ

If your going to do it, follow your passion! If the Roadster is your dream, do it! Don't settle. And YES, it will be more rewarding than you can possibly imagine! It is one of the best decisions I have ever made. My only regret is that I couldn't have started about 15 years earlier and gotten my kids involved.

Thank you for your kind words. There have been a lot of learning experiences, but much like the rest of life, they make us stronger. Tonight I showed the car to three more friends who had not seen the finished product. They commented that they were really impressed, but so much more so because I actually built it! It is a wonderfully surreal experience to drive something you built! I can't stop smiling!! :cool:

[DadofThree]

Hey there Jazzman,
I just wanted to take a moment to say Congratulations on your Best of Show award and your Fantastic build! Been following, and am a fan.
Dave

[Jazzman]

Hey there Jazzman,
I just wanted to take a moment to say Congratulations on your Best of Show award and your Fantastic build! Been following, and am a fan.
Dave

Thank you Dave, but anyone that is a Dad of Three and as proud of it as you are is my hero! Keep up the good work, Dad!

[Jazzman]

I doing a bit of cleaning out of the garage. I am selling and giving away several unused parts. Check out the entire list HERE (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?28494-Time-to-clean-out-the-Garage-Some-for-sale-some-Free-to-a-good-home!!). More items added as I have time.

[cv2065]

Congrats on your win Jazzman!! The color you have on the car is beautiful! Oh, and thanks for the detailed build thread and advice. I've gone back to your thread many times making notes for my up coming journey. Many Thanks!!

[Jazzman]

Congrats on your win Jazzman!! The color you have on the car is beautiful! Oh, and thanks for the detailed build thread and advice. I've gone back to your thread many times making notes for my up coming journey. Many Thanks!!

Thanks CV! I am so pleased that you have gotten something out of my tome. Are you considering doing a flip top? 2BKing and I have worked together to put together complete step by step plans and a full instruction manual on every step of the Flip Top Modification. If you are interested, contact 2BKing. I, of course, would be happy to help as well.

[cv2065]

Thanks CV! I am so pleased that you have gotten something out of my tome. Are you considering doing a flip top? 2BKing and I have worked together to put together complete step by step plans and a full instruction manual on every step of the Flip Top Modification. If you are interested, contact 2BKing. I, of course, would be happy to help as well.

Thanks Bud! Not going the flip top route. That's probably a little more than I want to tackle at this point, but I certainly lived vicariously through you and your build thread, as it came out stunning! I appreciate the generous offer from you both.

[Jazzman]

The PS door latch, marked as "LS", was getting loose. I had wondered about just screwing it in. I decided to pull it off and install rivnuts. I used 10x24s because I had them and the matching rivnuts. Worked great. I regreased the mechanism while I was there. A little blue loctite on thd new mounting bolts just to be safe. Works good now.

I decided to do the DS just to be safe. I went to remove the cover, and discovered it was attached on the inside with double sided tape. I had not noticed that there were no screws holding it on. I don't know who did it or when it happened, but the mounting screws that hold the cover on had been broken off in their holes. Dont think there is any fixing that in such cheap metal. Does anybody happen to have an extra DS door latch, probably marked "RH"?

[wareaglescott]

Did you interior guys break it and not tell you?

[WIS89]

Kevin-

Seems to me that damage like that had to have happened when it was in the shop getting the interior done, as Scott said. I am really sorry this happened!

Regards,

Steve

[cv2065]

Sorry to hear that Jazzman. The real tragedy is them not telling you and fixing it with double sided tape. That's pretty poor form....

[Bob Brandle]

Jazzman, aka Neighbor, Fellow FFR Enthusiast, etc.,

Thanks so much for your recent acceptance of me to be involved with the debut of your awesome MKIV Roadster, Fliptop and then helping to scope out my order list for the FFR Gen 3 Type 65 Coupe!!! As you know, I placed the order last Saturday and I'm thrilled about it.
Besides the deserved Thanks, I'm trying to accumulate forum postings to get to and beyond the 20 and then initiate my Build Log.

Bob

[ZachT]

Just finished reading your thread. Hope you’re continuing to enjoy the MKIV. We will be relocating to AZ in about two years and will be doing an MKIV there ourselves. Hope to see you around the community there.

[Jazzman]

Just finished reading your thread. Hope you’re continuing to enjoy the MKIV. We will be relocating to AZ in about two years and will be doing an MKIV there ourselves. Hope to see you around the community there.

Not sure where you are now, but I think your decisions are good ones! (Both moving to AZ and building an MKIV!) By all means, look me up when you get here. We have a small but growing band of FFR enthusists here. I am glad to help you spend your money!! :cool: The only part I don't get is the two year delay!! You'll love it here!

[Jazzman]

Today will always be a sentimental day for me. Three years ago today (technically the day before Thanksgiving, three years ago) I began my journey to build the MKIV Roadster. I recall being both excited beyond words and saddened at the same time. There were some early winter storms that year that delayed the truck from arriving. I did not expect the delivery until after Thanksgiving, and had organized a small party for the delivery date. I was very excited when I received the call that the driver wanted to deliver the car BEFORE Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, this also meant that there could be no one there to celebrate it with me! Oh well, I was very excited none the less!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=48008&d=1448497024

Today I have a completed MKIV, and more importantly, a treasure trove of memories of the build process. What a great learning experience. What a great group of people on this forum. The skills I learned and the confidence I developed led me to take on another project, this one a full on RestoMod of a 1967 Mustang Coupe. (Build thread below, though I haven't done much on it recently!!)

So Today, on the third anniversary of delivery of my MKIV, I will finally release the professional photographs of "FlipTop". A big "THANK YOU" to everyone who made such an impact in my build process! Your assistance is built right into every part of my Roadster.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=97923&d=1542860533

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=97924&d=1542860534

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=97922&d=1542860533

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=97929&d=1542860536

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=97930&d=1542860536

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=97931&d=1542860536

[Jazzman]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=97927&d=1542860535

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=97926&d=1542860534

[SSNK4US]

Kevin,

I’ve followed your build from the beginning.... there are a few people on here I put up on a pedistal for ingenuity, beauty, dedication and a few other nice words. And you are one of them. Your build was amazing and it showed it by the award you received in Huntington Beach. I’m glad I got to see it in person and to actually meet you there this year. Your one of my inspirations for our build. (I just need to get going on it lol) Your car is stunning in your new pictures, but they don’t do it justice as much as in person.
Congratulations again on a fantastic build! And happy anniversary!

Kurt

[SSNK4US]

Ps The wood in your car reminds me (although fake lol) of the wood around the clock above the glove box on my moms 69 Mustang Grande I rode home in new when I was 9 years old. lol
I can’t wait to see where your 67 goes....
I’ve had a 66, 68 and a 69

Kurt

[BadAsp427]

That is BAD ASP!!! WOW!!!!

[2bking]

Just beautiful, what else can one say!

[Boydster]

As I've said before, such a gorgeous and amazing machine. Congratulations.

[wareaglescott]

Happy Anniversary and what a spectacular build and pics!

[WIS89]

Kevin-

I have shared many superlatives about your build as it was being done, as well as after completion. Your build is outstanding in every respect, and one of the finest I have seen!

I hope to someday see this car in person, but I am afraid it will make me even more aware of my insufficient talent!!

Thanks for sharing the updated pics; they are awesome! Enjoy the holiday as well as your anniversary!

Regards,

Steve

[PeteMeindl]

What a true work of art, Jazzman! You really are an inspiration to us all out here. Thanks for posting these new pictures and sharing your thoughts about the anniversary - What a great journey!

[Jazzman]

Kevin-

I have shared many superlatives about your build as it was being done, as well as after completion. Your build is outstanding in every respect, and one of the finest I have seen!

I hope to someday see this car in person, but I am afraid it will make me even more aware of my insufficient talent!!

Thanks for sharing the updated pics; they are awesome! Enjoy the holiday as well as your anniversary!

Regards,

Steve

Thank you again for your support, both currently and historically. You and the other members of this forum are what make it a unique, positive, and supportive place. We are blessed to have each other!

Your talent is only insufficient so far as you believe it to be! I have neither great experience or God-given automotive knowledge. I learned what I needed as I encountered each obstacle. I don't believe I am substantially more talented or skilled than many others. I may have more drive than some, but this is a personal choice. You can do what you believe you can do, you can overcome what you actively engage as your next challenge. A blessed few receive truly God-given talent. Most of us just use our own God given skills to do more than we could ever imagine possible. The very fact that any of us would step out to build our own car shows that we are already much more focused and driven than most! You already have more skills than are necessary. Those that you do not have, you can learn if you choose to. I believe in YOU!

We have never met, (and I would love to!!) but I truly believe that you will achieve exactly what you set as your goal. If you choose to set your goal high, you will achieve it in very small steps. Regardless of where your ultimate goal is, embrace it and enjoy it. If your car runs and drives safely, you have already exceeded most if not all of your peers! These projects are supposed to be fun and personal. Build the car YOU dream of. Compare yourself to no one as long as you are true to your own vision.

[robertjamesellis]

Kevin,

You have assembled an exceptional and stellar cobra! I do a lot of woodworking and would never have thought to put Zebrawood in for the dash and transmission tunnel but it looks absolutely beautiful. Its your brave adventures and outstanding results that have inspired me as well. (Sorry for all the superlatives but your car deserves them!). I'm looking forward to your help and guidance as I forge ahead on my own Flip-top version. Hopefully will be starting on that in about two months once I finish up my wiring and dash. Once again great work, beautiful car and many thanks for the inspiration!

Rob

[Jeff Kleiner]

Hey, look what's back to the top of the current threads list! Congrats on the anniversary Kevin. The car is indeed exceptional and it was great to have been able to meet both you and it in person at Huntington Beach earlier this year :)

Cheers,
Jeff

[Jazzman]

Kevin,

You have assembled an exceptional and stellar cobra! I do a lot of woodworking and would never have thought to put Zebrawood in for the dash and transmission tunnel but it looks absolutely beautiful. Its your brave adventures and outstanding results that have inspired me as well. (Sorry for all the superlatives but your car deserves them!). I'm looking forward to your help and guidance as I forge ahead on my own Flip-top version. Hopefully will be starting on that in about two months once I finish up my wiring and dash. Once again great work, beautiful car and many thanks for the inspiration!

Rob

Glad to hear someone is going to outdo me! If you have not already done so, read 2BKing's build thread and mine to see how the system has evolved. I already know of several minor changes I would make if I were to do it again. King and I would be happy to help you in your journey. King has the plans, I have the instructions. (Technically you can get both from either of us, but this is King's engineering, so I want to give him all the credit he deserves!! He is also a really nice guy!! :cool:)

[Jazzman]

Hey, look what's back to the top of the current threads list! Congrats on the anniversary Kevin. The car is indeed exceptional and it was great to have been able to meet both you and it in person at Huntington Beach earlier this year :)

Cheers,
Jeff

Yeah, bad pennies tend to turn up occasionally! :cool: It was, indeed, a great pleasure to meet you as well. I do hope that we will again have an opportunity to chat at Huntington Beach next April. It was great to see photos of you with FFR at SEMA. I am glad they are giving you the honor you deserve! I hope it was a memorable experience for you.

Always in your debt,

Kevin

[DavidW]

Help me out..... I'm trying to find details about your grill in your thread. I've looked a couple times and cant find it. Can you tell me about the grill. I got the Breeze grill and haven't installed it yet because it looks so flat in the opening. What you did flows with the car better. I'm gonna copy you, not exact, you have inspired me, thanks!

[Bob Brandle]

Kevin,
Congratulations on the 3 years anniversary of your Fliptop MKIV’s Build Start and the fascinating journey you’ve taken to create such a creative masterpiece. I missed the actual anniversary date being out of the country for the past three weeks, now home, and was extremely late to your build, but truly appreciated personally being there with you for the last few months of its completion and debut at Huntington Beach. As you know, I’m now building my Gen 3 Coupe just a few miles from your home and the Fliptop, and am both inspired by your MKIV and challenged to step up and make mine worthy.
Bob

[Jazzman]

Help me out..... I'm trying to find details about your grill in your thread. I've looked a couple times and cant find it. Can you tell me about the grill. I got the Breeze grill and haven't installed it yet because it looks so flat in the opening. What you did flows with the car better. I'm gonna copy you, not exact, you have inspired me, thanks!

There is more to that than meets the eye. It is pressed expanded steel. I did not do it myself, but the interior fabricator built two sides of a form and literally pressed that expanded metal between the forms using a hydraulic press. Good luck with your grill. I certainly did not have the equipment to do this type of a grill myself!

[WIS89]

Kevin-

An overdue thanks for the thoughtful post above. I appreciate the time you took to write it, as well as the generosity of spirit shown in its writing!

I do hope we can meet up some time, so I can express my appreciation of your car, as well as your words, in person. Until then Merry Christmas to you and your family, and may 2019 be an exceptional year for you all!

Thanks again!

Regards,

Steve

[Pat427]

Beautiful!

[Jazzman]

I recently received a question about how the front grill is attached: "How did you attach your front grill? I don't see any fasteners in the opening, maybe they are there but I cant tell. Is it permanently attached with some type of HSRF?" It is not attached with HSRF or fibreglass, and there are no fixed attachment points. We considered the fixed attachment points, but were concerned that it would rattle due to vibration. In the end, we just use a high strength automotive adhesive. I can't remember the name, but it came in a tube like window silicone. We opened the hood so the grill was facing the ground, placed the grill in place, tied a couple of small weights to strings hanging from the grill just to keep it in place, and laid on a generous layer of this adhesive around the edges. We smoothed it out as best we could, but it sticks really well and doesn't really lend itself to smoothing! 24 hours later, it was not going anywhere. If I can find the name of the adhesive, I will add it to this post. Sorry for my feeble memory!

[DavidW]

Thanks, maybe it was that automotive goop stuff. I think I'll try silicone.

[Jazzman]

Thanks for your kind words, Mick40. You should find a PM from me in your inbox very soon.

[Jazzman]

I am so pleased that others are deciding to follow 2BKing and me in doing his tilt front ("FlipTop") modification. There is one question about the build that I hear more than any other: What would I do differently next time? There isn't much, but there is one area that I now see that I could have improved the design. It is a "taste" thing, and it merely one possible way to do it. Here is the issue: In the next photo you will see the layout of the cut line just above the exhaust pipe. Both King and I made cuts that were nearly square. (it is actually canted forward slightly, but that is not critical for this discussion.) The problem is that this design creates two sharp, almost 90 degree corners that have to slip by each other as the hood/front closes down onto the body. If everything doesn't line up just exactly right every time, These two corners have a bad habit of catching on each other as they try to pass by each other. This can cause your beautiful paint to chip on these corners. (Ask me how I know!!)

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=111586&d=1564555757

For those of you that are computer graphic experts, painters, etc, please look away now. The modified photo you are about to see demonstrates one of the many limits of my skills: that of trying to draw lines on existing photos! So here is the idea: Instead of creating two corners that must pass each other to close, use one arch that will simply fit on top of it's mate as the hood/front closes.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=111585&d=1564555736

My drawing skills are lousy, but I hope you get the idea. This arch could be done at the front of the opening for the exhaust pipes, in the center of this same opening, or at the back of the opening. Each of these locations would have their own look, benefits, and potential challenges. You get to use your creativity to decide what might be best for your build.

[Jazzman]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=115751&d=1570671538

It was a long time coming, but the 2018 Huntington Beach Cruise In Best of Show and Editors Choice Best of Show winner is finally in ReinCarNation Magazine! I am humbled but appreciative of the recognition. (Of course, not humble enough not to post it here!!) IF you would like to read the article in web-optimized format, click HERE (https://www.rcnmag.com/garage/totally-flipped-out). IF you would prefer the full magazine in the printed format, click HERE (https://www.rcnmag.com/ezines). Amazingly, they used the article virtually exactly as I wrote it!

[Jetfuel]

Congratulations Jazzman....that's so freaking cool and I know that you're in cloud nine...you should be very proud of your accomplishments so brag about ...brag about it....as a matter of fact we want to see more.

Jet

[bobl]

Congrats! Just finished reading the article. Beautiful build and much deserving of the compliments.

[Boydster]

Congrats Jazzman. What a beautiful, stunning, well-thought out machine. I'd love to see it in person some time. And yeah, I guess say hello, too. ;)

[PrestonT23]

Congratulations, you have done such an incredible job with the build!

[Mark Eaton]

Wow Kevin, Unbelievable! And only 16 months? I'm 26 months into mine and only finally trying to fit the body, LOL. That red and yellow interior lighting is pretty spectacular, I'll bet you could see it from a satellite when you turn it on!!

[PeteMeindl]

Congrats, Jazzman! How great to see that article show up in my mailbox! You deserve it for your spectacular work!

[Jazzman]

Thank you all for your compliments. I certainly hope that there will be another Huntington Beach Cruise In so I can see all of your builds! Enjoy the journey!

[ydousurf]

This is one over-the-top and beyond phenomenal build, Jazzman! Absolutely standing in a class by itself? Okay, maybe only one of only a very few to take on such a challenge and come out as a winner! I used to own a 56 Ford Pickup Truck back when I was younger and I too put a tilt frontend on it. My 56 was pretty straight forward; but this --- shaking my head in disbelief, as I ponder the complexity of such a masterfully done piece of true beauty! Unbelievable, that is, until you see it! You, my friend, if there was such a barrier to reach, you just blew through that limit, breaking the confines to reach a whole new level! Outstanding! Oh, and did I mention "points earned" for bravery, for even taking the first step on this journey. May you take: BEST OF SHOW WHEREVER YOU GO! Now, it's time to just sit back in this beauty and just absorb all the praise, and awards you will no doubt get. You clearly earned it!

Dj

[Jazzman]

This is one over-the-top and beyond phenomenal build, Jazzman! Absolutely standing in a class by itself? Okay, maybe only one of only a very few to take on such a challenge and come out as a winner! I used to own a 56 Ford Pickup Truck back when I was younger and I too put a tilt frontend on it. My 56 was pretty straight forward; but this --- shaking my head in disbelief, as I ponder the complexity of such a masterfully done piece of true beauty! Unbelievable, that is, until you see it! You, my friend, if there was such a barrier to reach, you just blew through that limit, breaking the confines to reach a whole new level! Outstanding! Oh, and did I mention "points earned" for bravery, for even taking the first step on this journey. May you take: BEST OF SHOW WHEREVER YOU GO! Now, it's time to just sit back in this beauty and just absorb all the praise, and awards you will no doubt get. You clearly earned it!

Dj

You are too kind! Thank you for all the praise. I truly could not have done it without the overwhelming support that I received from members of this forum. This is truly a "group" effort . . . I just was blessed to be the guy that got to do all the work.

If you are interested in my current project/nightmare, I encourage you to click on the 1967 Ford Mustang Coupe build listed in my signature area. I would really appreciate observations and opinions about my current quandary from members of this forum. It's a long way from building a Roadster, but certainly "educational"!

[ydousurf]

Hey Jazzman,

I will no doubt check out your new project, as well as go back through this build too! I actually love and have a passion for wood working too. When I'm in the garage working on a gift, that's where I find my happy place! Standing behind a; table saw, band saw, router, sander, carving tools, etc... When various types of wood are brought together to show the beauty of each variety, not to forget those imperfections that can actually play an integral role in the end. So, I really love the zebrawood and how you recessed the guages and even having the one protruding outward and beveled to boot! That was no easy task and it's absolutely stunning and beautiful craftsmanship!

And as for this forum, it's the coolest place on the web! The people are just beautiful souls and the encouragement, help and guidance is what makes this place so special. I'm so honored to be out here and can't wait to start my build and tap the (4F's - Factory Five Forum & Fellowship! You guys are the best!

Dj

[460.465USMC]

[QUOTE=Jazzman;225045]

The thing that has buoyed up my spirits is the friendship of people on this forum that I have not even met in person. You people are amazing!! On Wednesday I received a package from EdwardB of a piece of aluminum that I will need to fabricate a bracket for my fluid reservoirs. On Thursday I had a series of conversations with SkullandBones. He is willing to help me with my brake line flaring issue. He even called in another friend that will also be willing to help. Then yesterday, AZPete contacts me and is willing let me borrow the tool I need from him! Wow!! The generosity of the members of this forum is absolutely wonderful. I have been so busy the past few days that I have not had a chance to formally thank all of you. I ask your forgiveness for that oversight. I look forward to 1) paying forward EdwardB's generosity, 2) meeting with SkullandBones and his friend, and 3) meeting AzPete to see his 818. (I will have to go looking for your build thread Pete!) Thank you all so very much!!

Jazzman, I couldn’t agree more. Though only a member on this forum since Aug. I’ve read many instances of friendly, helpful folks. I’ve reached out to RRAC20, Edwardb, and yourself thus far, and each one of you have responded and offered guidance. And I don’t even have my own build yet! The kindness and generosity are really cool. I’ve benefited so much over the last year reading build threads—including yours—that are giving me great ideas, though I’m still in the research phase (and saving my shekels). Thanks, Kevin, and everyone else for your time and investment in beginners like me! Your documentation is fantastic, and will be a great reference source for me once I start my build.

[Jazzman]

The thing that has buoyed up my spirits is the friendship of people on this forum that I have not even met in person. You people are amazing!! On Wednesday I received a package from EdwardB of a piece of aluminum that I will need to fabricate a bracket for my fluid reservoirs. On Thursday I had a series of conversations with SkullandBones. He is willing to help me with my brake line flaring issue. He even called in another friend that will also be willing to help. Then yesterday, AZPete contacts me and is willing let me borrow the tool I need from him! Wow!! The generosity of the members of this forum is absolutely wonderful. I have been so busy the past few days that I have not had a chance to formally thank all of you. I ask your forgiveness for that oversight. I look forward to 1) paying forward EdwardB's generosity, 2) meeting with SkullandBones and his friend, and 3) meeting AzPete to see his 818. (I will have to go looking for your build thread Pete!) Thank you all so very much!!

Jazzman, I couldn’t agree more. Though only a member on this forum since Aug. I’ve read many instances of friendly, helpful folks. I’ve reached out to RRAC20, Edwardb, and yourself thus far, and each one of you have responded and offered guidance. And I don’t even have my own build yet! The kindness and generosity are really cool. I’ve benefited so much over the last year reading build threads—including yours—that are giving me great ideas, though I’m still in the research phase (and saving my shekels). Thanks, Kevin, and everyone else for your time and investment in beginners like me! Your documentation is fantastic, and will be a great reference source for me once I start my build.

Sounds like you need to make a trip to Arizona! SkullandBones is about 40 miles from me, AZPete is only 15 miles from me! Both of them are good people! Not at all surprised by EdwardB, he helped me out in similar fashion during my build. Keep up the planing, dreaming, and saving. We’ll be here waiting to help you.

[Jammer369]

Hi Kevin,

Congratulations on a beautifully built roadster! It really is a work of art and I can't wait to see it in person! I have read through your build thread several times in the past week since I found it. I have wanted to build a roadster since I retired from the USAF back in 2008. From the beginning, I wanted it to have a flip front. Not just because it makes maintenance so much easier but because it shows off the awesome engineering and hard work that goes into the build. It looks like I am nearing the end of the wanting to build tunnel and getting closer to pulling the trigger on finally purchasing a kit in the next year. King's build and your build will be an inspiration to me and the really detailed documentation and pics from both threads will be a huge resource moving forward. The amount of engineering work King put in to this modification is really impressive and shows how talented he is. I have poured over his build thread as well and I think his original thread is the one where I first got the idea to make a flip front. Thanks for taking the time to document each step!

A few details I prefer in my future build:

MKIV full kit
Coyote w 4R70W
IRS
E-EBrake
Flip Front
18" wheels

Your build is a great example of how beautiful a car can turn out with hard work and dedication. I look forward to meeting you and other members from this forum in person in the near future.


Troy

[Jazzman]

Hi Kevin,

Congratulations on a beautifully built roadster! It really is a work of art and I can't wait to see it in person! I have read through your build thread several times in the past week since I found it. I have wanted to build a roadster since I retired from the USAF back in 2008. From the beginning, I wanted it to have a flip front. Not just because it makes maintenance so much easier but because it shows off the awesome engineering and hard work that goes into the build. It looks like I am nearing the end of the wanting to build tunnel and getting closer to pulling the trigger on finally purchasing a kit in the next year. King's build and your build will be an inspiration to me and the really detailed documentation and pics from both threads will be a huge resource moving forward. The amount of engineering work King put in to this modification is really impressive and shows how talented he is. I have poured over his build thread as well and I think his original thread is the one where I first got the idea to make a flip front. Thanks for taking the time to document each step!

A few details I prefer in my future build:

MKIV full kit
Coyote w 4R70W
IRS
E-EBrake
Flip Front
18" wheels

Your build is a great example of how beautiful a car can turn out with hard work and dedication. I look forward to meeting you and other members from this forum in person in the near future.

Troy

Thanks for your kind words Troy! We have talked so much privately that I didn't even find this until today. Please forgive the oversight! MY offer still stands to give you a ride. Just let me know when!

Blessings,

Kevin

[Jazzman]

A new direction for FlipTop's Sister. Check out the Mustang build thread below for the news!

Kevin

[Jazzman]

Just a quick update. I still have FlipTop. She doesn't get out as much as she would like, but we still go out now and then. A while back I was driving her on the freeway when she suddenly just shut off. No particular reason I could figure out, it was as if an Unseen Hand had simply turned her off. While I waited for a tow truck, I contemplated what the problem might be. Nothing seemed to make sense. After about 30 minutes of waiting, I got impatient and tried to start her again. She fired right up! By this point I was far too late to make my meeting, so I headed back home. She never missed a beat. An hour after I got home. My wife got the call that her 95 year old father had "graduated". I would not have been home to comfort my bride if God's unseen hand had not turned off FlipTop on the freeway.

I didn't drive Fliptop for many months. (It was summer in Arizona, 110+ under the blazing sun!!) I still did not know exactly why Fliptop had turned off. Did I have a fuel issue? An electrical issue? Something else? Since it seemed like she was not getting fuel, I decided to start with the fuel pump and the fuel filter. I didn't hear anything coming from the fuel pump, but I wondered if the filter was clogged. To get to it, I had to remove the rear passenger side wheel. The filter was fine. I was about to put the wheel back on, when I noticed a 4" long nail that was "threaded" through the inside sidewall of the tire between the belts and the rubber. Not deep enough to let air escape, but more than deep enough to compromise the integrity of the tire. I took it back to Discount Tire company where I purchased it. Even though it was five years old, the road hazard warranty that I had purchased replaced the tire for free! Had I not gone looking for the fuel issue, I never would have taken off the tire and found the nail that could only be seen when the tire was off the car! Once again, I had been protected from potential danger by the Unseen Hand of God. By the way, when I put the new tire back on the car, She fired right up and has not stopped working since. Coincidence? I don't believe so. You may draw your own conclusions.

I can't wait for it to warm up a bit here so I can get her out of the garage and back on the rode where we belong! Hope to see you somewhere down the road!

Jazzman

[460.465USMC]

Wow. Quite a story, Jazzman. What blessings the "car trouble" brought to you and your family! Thanks for posting.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Great to hear from you Kevin! I’m not big on coincidences but do believe in Karma…do good things and good things happen;)

Keep up up to date my friend :)

Jeff

[JayOH]

Resurrecting an old thread but the flip hood modification is impressive. High up on the list of modifications I’m thinking about for my future build. King and Kevin are great resources for the community and both were eager to share their knowledge with me when I reached out to them for help and documentation. Really stand up community members. Thanks

[Jazzman]

Back in the good ol’ days when Factory Five hosted a Cruise-In in Huntington Beach, Ca, I assembled what I believe was the best trailer for moving the factory Five Roadster: an 18’ Kwik Load Trailer and a Serpent Express Soft cover. If you don’t know about either of these products, click the links here:
• https://www.kwikload.com/
• https://serpentexpress.com/home

201405201406

The combination worked wonderfully to haul my Roadster. It was easy to load, a dream to pull, and protected the car from rocks, rain, and prying eyes. It also made fuel stops quicker: you didn’t have to spend 30 minutes allowing onlookers to take photos of your car!! (Ok, perhaps that’s a downside, but I digress.)

My days of taking the car long distances to car shows is likely over. I loaned out the trailer (without the cover) and . . . let’s say it didn’t come back in the same way it had left. Long story short, the trailer is gone. But the cover is still stored in my wife’s guest room. She would really like it out of the guest room. I won’t be using it, so HAVE I GOT A DEAL FOR YOU!! I am putting this up for sale at a very reasonable price: whatever you believe is fair! It worked so well for me, I wanted to put it into the hands of another Factory Five family member! Let me tell you what you get:

• The Serpent Express soft cover – “Soft” is a very inaccurate name. This is very heavy duty material! If you could buy one (which you can’t, they don’t make them anymore), the Serpent express website says they start at $3200! Furthermore, the base Serpent Express soft cover is only 14’ long. This one is 18’ long! This additional length alone would have added $300. It has red racing stripes down the center. (a $400 value)
• All the verticals and crossmembers to build the frame. This was not provided by Serpent Express. It was an additional cost.
• Most of the padded covers for the frame. (To be fair, some of these have been lost or damaged, but it is just foam pipe insulation, available at most Home Depot’s.)
• all the assembly instructions that came with the cover.
• Even the “Serpent Express” logos that I never got around to installing!
All this for the very reasonable price of WHATEVER YOU BELIEVE IS FAIR!

I am in Scottsdale Arizona. If you are in the area, or know someone coming through Phoenix, It fit's very easily into a pick up truck bed. It could be shipped, but would be rather expensive. The cover is heavy, the frame pieces are long. If you want to pay to have it shipped to you, great. Just be aware it will have to be ground shipping. Just to be absolutely clear, this is just the cover and the frame. It is NOT a full trailer!! You get to supply your own Kwikload or other 18’ trailer. I will be happy to show you how I customized my KwikLoad trailer to give it just a bit more useable width.

Message me if you are interested. Have a very blessed FREEDOM DAY! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

Jazzman