Opinions please

[HEDHUNTR]

Howdy everyone!
I'm new to the cars and new to the forums. For the record I always wanted one of these cars since I was knee high. I have been looking at buying a FFR roadster for awhile now and it seemed they were just a little out of reach for me. The most I could afford was 25k maybe. I absolutely didn't want to build from scratch since I lost my garage lease, have a family and two jobs. It seemed as though it was either a 15-20k half built parts box, no paint engine not installed mess or spend 30k+ and get what I wanted. I recently found one. The good: Paint is in great shape, its a solid car with good running gear, low mileage 4k on the body and 60k on donor parts. The bad: its got mustang A arms, stock 5.0, 8.8 rear w springs T5 transmission and its an MK1 model built in 02. Its a great starting foundation for me to put the correct wheels on it (currently 4 lug so a 5 lug swap is in order) dress up the interior (I like cross stitch look, color piping on the seats etc etc) it needs a radio and speakers. I would also like to do some aluminum cover panels under the hood add trunk/hood hinges and some stainless hardware where I see fit. Possibly polish the intake and swap the valve covers for cobra ones. This is where I want to be with a car where as I can fiddle with in my driveway or take it to my buddies shop and tinker and drive it home. I do not mind spending an extra 2-4k on the the car over time and I am very resourceful doing all my own work. Also maybe add the transmission support that this car does not have. My question is am I paying to much? I did not list the price but is anyone willing to talk to me via inbox and I can send pictures and price? thank you

[edwardb]

I have opinions about pricing (like everyone...) but I am far from an expert on the subject. Personally, I would be a little cautious about getting an opinion from one person. Several options. (1) Hopefully you've been browsing this forum, along with FFCars, and others like Club Cobra, Cobra Country, etc. so you know what the market is for these cars. If you haven't you should. (2) Post more details, and pictures if you have them, and a general price range. You will get some opinions. (3) Maybe best yet, give your location and maybe there someone experienced in your area who could help with an on-site inspection. This has been successfully many times. IMO, nothing wrong with a Mk1. But there have been a ton of upgrades/improvements since then, and what you're describing is a very basic build. Could be a great deal, or could be a money pit. I'm not sure the "extra 2-4K" you've described will really do all the changes you initially suggested. Personally, I'd look for a newer version or at least one requiring fewer of the very basic upgrades you listed. Like this one, for example (and I know nothing about it other than seeing the post): http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?18626-FF-MK4-For-Sale-34000-OBO-Stafford-VA

[HEDHUNTR]

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?18606-Factory-Five-1965-Cobra-Replica

[BEAR-AvHistory]

You said you have no garage, where do you intend to keep the car? I would buy as new as possible & not worry about the engine/trans except that they are in good condition. Original Cobras were quite low powered compared to many of the FFR builds but still fast as h**l.

[HEDHUNTR]

You said you have no garage, where do you intend to keep the car? I would buy as new as possible & not worry about the engine/trans except that they are in good condition. Original Cobras were quite low powered compared to many of the FFR builds but still fast as h**l.
I have a 1 car 10X20' big enough to keep the car but not large enough do any major work on it. Everything on the car is in working order. Like I said I cant afford a 35k build.

[edwardb]

I have a 1 car 10X20' big enough to keep the car but not large enough do any major work on it. Everything on the car is in working order. Like I said I cant afford a 35k build.

I understand that. My point (maybe not made very well) is that you could get into something for much less, but by the time you upgraded you could easily be at this number. And there many differences (improvements...) between a Mk1 and this example Mk4 that you could never duplicate. This isn't a cheap experience no matter how you approach it. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[skullandbones]

There is a gap that exists between what you are describing and what you want, IMO. It may look great (paint in great shape) but the upgrades you talk about would swallow your 2 to 4k budget like a super massive black hole swallows up stars. I paid $500 difference to change from the donor fox body rear axle to a Cobra setup that had the discs and axles I needed to do or I could have bought axles and brake kit. That's just one piece of the puzzle. You probably would want to go with coil over shocks and replace the donor LCAs. Another big chunk of money. If I were you, I would look for a MKIII partially finished or in gel coat. I think they are out there even though you don't here about them until the owner is willing to pass it on to another builder. So you need to position yourself for a good deal and pounce on it when it shows. Another possibility is to find a MKI or II that has all the features you want without any upgrades. Those do happen sometimes. Some of my friends have beautiful older MK models but they either have done the improvements over years from their origin build or bought them that way.

Best of luck in your search,

WEK.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/factory-five-cobra

Some might require a ride & a trailer home but there are cars out there. See one you like ask a local guy from the forum to take a look at it for you. Will save the trip if its an obviously bad car.

BTW The other forum has a lot more traffic & is worth a look.

[HEDHUNTR]

All of the reserves for those cars are 27-30+K

[HEDHUNTR]

4444644447

[R Thomas]

This is my evaluation after spending several months with which way to go.
1. Be honest with your budget and which features are important to you? While I might envy those that have as much money as they need for me the build is more fun than the driving. So I want a kit not a partially completed project. If I had an unlimited budget I might call one of the builders on here and let them do it but wheres the fun in that.
2. Whats the goal to cruise around in a car that turns heads or to drive something very reliable? I'm perfectly happy with a rebuilt stock push-rod 302, T-5, and 3.27 rear. Some just want more.
3. Do you have the space to build? Sounds like you already answered this one, same problem for me I have no decent build space right now.
4. Do you have the skills to build? Best check if doubts in my opinion is the build school. If you can't do that you may find someone close by to help out.
5. Who can better decide which way you go? To me asking someone else what color, engine, wheels is sort of like asking them to pick out your spouse! They may have a bit of information for you but you need to choose for yourself.