Mark IV build

[BikingJohn]

Well I'm finally getting around to my first post, just got contacted by Stewart and my car will be delivered next Sunday. Couldn't ask for a better Father's Day gift.

I'm new to the forum so a little bit about me, not too much don't want to bore anyone. When I was 16 years old (1966) my brother-in-law asked if I wanted to to go to a Ford dealer with him to look at a Glass. Most people aren't familiar with that car but this particular dealer had one on display in their showroom. Needless to say they also had a Sunbeam Tiger and a real 427 SC. At that point, as they say, I was bitten. Obviously, being 16 and of poor heritage, all I could do was look. Long story short, after that I graduated from HS and went right into the military, during the Vietnam Nam era and spent the next 8 years in the military, got married, raised two kids, went to college, built a career, and now finally seeing my way to build this car as my first retirement project many years coming.

About my build:
I took advantage of the 50/50 Sale and purchased a complete kit with every option available, not going to list them, you all know what they are. For a drive train I plan on running the Coyote with the five speed manual. It's going to be a bit before I start, I'm trying to finish up a house remodel so I can sell it and downsize into a more reasonable retirement place...whatever that means.

I signed up for this forum not too long ago and have really enjoyed reading all the roadster posts, I'm sure I will be asking a lot of questions when I finally get started.....probably around the August time frame when I actually retire. I live in Southern Calif (Chino) so if there is anyone living close I would to get together and talk about your experience especially the registration process.

[GoDadGo]

Congratulations on your upcoming retirement and starting this new phase of life.

Please do a detailed inventory and read the manual before you dive in and you'll do fine.
Though my project is not complete, I'm doing my best to build the best roadster possible and so far I'm quite happy with my results so I know can do it too.
If a Banker can build one, then an Engineer can do it with ease so welcome aboard.

Good Luck & Thank You For Your Service!

Steve / aka: GoDadGo

[pcww]

A couple of non standard suggestions. Get a fairly good quality headlamp. The kind campers wear. I got mine from Amazon for about twenty bucks if I remember correctly. Second item is knee pads. I would not scrimp on these either. I have some from Walmart and they are not the best by any shot. The two forums are waiting to be of help. You will be amazed at how helpful these folks are. Some of your best bets are Jeff Kleiner and Edward B. They usually are able to respond within the day if not sooner and take what they say as bible.
I suggest you review their builds all the way through as you go and you will see the right way to do something. Manual is "helpful" forums a necessity. You are always better off if you listen to the consensus of advice and not try to out guess the forums. Good luck .
Henry

[BikingJohn]

Thanks for the encouragement. My problem is going to be to keep my hands off of it while I working on the house.

[GoDadGo]

Also, if you can afford a portable lift or create some SAFE method of getting your chassis up off the ground, then the time on your knees or laying flat on your back will be reduced.
I built some "GoDadGo" saw horses, but I'd suggest getting a Max Jax system or other approved home use lift to get your project off the ground by at least 20" or more.

Check Out:

http://www.bestbuyautoequipment.com

Ranger has two Quick Jacks that are extremely affordable and portable too. Sitting on a stool is much more comfortable than sitting on the floor.

PS: The manual has been my Bible, but the forum has truly been enlightening entertainment!

[bobl]

Thanks for the encouragement. My problem is going to be to keep my hands off of it while I working on the house.

Yes it will! I had to delay starting mine for about 2 months to finish other projects. It was very hard to do (I wasn't totally successful!).

[skullandbones]

Hi John,

If you have any way to work a lift into your budget, do so. I have a two poster in the single stall area. It has paid for itself several times over. You will find yourself doing inspections and other maintenance checks without a second thought. If I hadn't gotten mine, the suspension mods and other work I've done after the build would have been much harder. A four poster is also a great option. Some people need the extra storage for that extra car in say a two staller. Since you're planning for "retirement", it's a great time to do it. They are very affordable. Installs can be challenging but after that it's all good.

http://www.bestbuyautoequipment.com/2-Post-Lifts-s/285.htm?mm_campaign=4e1bf3c70b9690aed7baa14a244410 11&keyword=2%20post%20lifts&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=stimulus-morning_2-post-lifts&gclid=CLrSz6-FxrgCFYU5QgodkQsAsw



Good luck and have fun on your build,

WEK.:cool::cool::cool:

[WIS89]

John-

I like what everyone else has said, and can echo many of their thoughts. I too had a rather lengthy delay before getting started, and have had a pretty slow build process; not by choice, but out of necessity. I have used the non productive time to work on a build spreadsheet, and I highly recommend it.

Basically, I made a spreadsheet (after copying someone else's idea!!), and broke it out into each component area. Then, I put in the various options I was considering along with the source(s) for those pieces, along with the price. I even paste pictures and the URL of the items that I am considering. I also paste the link to the various threads where I found a particularly useful idea; it really helps to have this handy as I start work on that area! Everything from individual electrical components to the engine was entered into the spreadsheet. I refer to it regularly for buying decisions, as well as to track my expenses. It may help you, or it may not. I have found it very helpful, and it keeps me excited about the build, even when I am unable to work on it.

Best of luck as you get started, and I hope you keep us updated on your progress!

Regards,

Steve