All-New Gen 3 Type 65 Coupe: Complete Details!

[Dave Smith]

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/HOI_3690.jpg

Introducing the all-new Gen 3 Factory Five Daytona Coupe replica. This third generation car is completely new. There is not a single piece of steel chassis, aluminum panel, or composite body that is shared with the previous gen 1 and gen 2 car! This is effectively an all-new Factory Five design.

After last year’s SEMA Show, we began working on a major revision to our original Type 65 Daytona Coupe. After carefully considering the design goals, Director of R&D Jim Schenck decided he could not meet the goals of increased performance, increased cockpit space, and improved body shape without designing an all-new modern space-frame chassis to replace the vintage round tube chassis. Once we decided on an all-new chassis, we agreed to revise the body from the ground up with a new, improved, more symmetrical, and more aerodynamic shape.

The car has been track tested and carefully developed over the past year addressing many of the requests from customers for improvement over the old car and incorporating forward thinking new changes.

The new car is debuting at SEMA 2016 and production begins January 2017. You can place your order now for dates in January and February. The new car will be priced $1,000 higher and incorporate features and benefits far in excess of the price increase. The current version of the Daytona Coupe will stay in production through year-end and enjoy some significant discounts with our huge SEMA Sale being launched next week!

Click here for complete details on the new Factory Five Gen 3 Type 65 Coupe. (http://www.factoryfive.com/whats-new/new-gen-3-factory-five-coupe/)

[ram_g]

Read all the details (maybe we should combine threads with the previous one?)...some questions:
- "Windows are now an affordable option": What sort of windows - same sliders as previous? I guess I wouldn't mind these if there was a way to make them easily removable/installable so one could run without them most of the time but rapidly install them if it is going to rain or for a long highway trip.
- Any thought to a rear exit exhaust? If not, is the sort of thing that creative builders can figure out or do you think there will be something that would prevent this?
- How developed is the instruction manual? Can we buy these in advance like the other cars to read in detail before committing to purchase?

BTW, looks and sounds awesome, probably should have started with that! Jumps straight to the head of the queue for my next project...

[Connedale]

I would think that the market for rear exhaust is extremely small for this car. They would not net a significant profit on the resources put in a project like that.

[tcarlson]

Awesome redesign. I didn't think it could be made better, and am very pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong! Congrats on an excellent job!

[Jacob McCrea]

It looks like an incredible piece of equipment, one I could see myself buying if I ever finish my Gen 2 coupe. Whoever figured out how to redesign the whole thing and only increase the price by $1,000 should be teaching doctoral students at an ivy-league business school. Well-done.

[Yama-Bro]

Hey Dave, Is the paint on that car the Sherwin Williams Vintage racer color that you guys have on the FFR website? Great color!

[Mad Dog]

Yes - it is the Factory Five-Sherwin Williams Vintage Race Blue.

[Jonathan427]

Looks absolutely gorgeous!

Well done everyone At FFR.

[Skimakoyi]

Wow! Just wow! I loved the looks of the first and second generation and now this one tops them all. The body is so smooth and the improvements are all things I had hoped. Great job guys. I'm so looking forward to getting on of these kits.

[dagall]

I am impressed with the look. It is a very nice looking car. Now, you guys have to go back and redesign the wheel arches on the roadster. The 289 is perfect, but something about the arches on the new model I don't like. My opinion.

[Studebaker396]

Awesome redesign. I didn't think it could be made better, and am very pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong! Congrats on an excellent job!

As a perspective buyer the last year, I was ready to order a gen 2 kit. Something told me I should seek out an owner in my area, if possible. I wanted to see how I fit in the car. I'm 6 foot at 190#. Found someone that was one hour away. He was nice enough to allow me a look at his coupe and sit in it. The gen 2 car is , in my option, has a very small interior. Almost claustrophobic. Doors very small and hard to enter and exit. If they made everything bigger, as the press release states, then it's time for a second look.
As a builder of hot rods that use fiberglass bodies, I found it odd that they didn't have normal wind up windows. Glass hot rods have always had windows. So, if windows are now an option, then that's a plus. I called Factory Five and was told that wind up windows will be offered. We will see. By improving the car in these ways, I will now consider again building one. I think there was room for improvement and I hope it's what was needed to make a more comfortable car. Some of us would like a cool street car and not planning to go to a race course.

[Chuckie]

I have been waiting for the right time to order a Gen 2 but now I might have to decide between the Gen 2 and Gen 3. I want to be able to use 15" Hilabrand wheels with IRS rear. Looking through everything it seems that the 15" wheels can only be used with the 3 and 4-link rear. I'm guessing because the Gen 3 is set up to use 2015 Mustang IRS components which use larger diameter brakes? Will there be a way to still use the IRS set-up and use the 15" wheels? For me I want to keep the authentic "look" of the car at shows or driving around town and switch out to a larger set of wheels if I go to the track. And will the standard Gen 1 and Gen 2 side windows still be available? There are none in any of the pics.

[edwardb]

I have been waiting for the right time to order a Gen 2 but now I might have to decide between the Gen 2 and Gen 3. I want to be able to use 15" Hilabrand wheels with IRS rear. Looking through everything it seems that the 15" wheels can only be used with the 3 and 4-link rear. I'm guessing because the Gen 3 is set up to use 2015 Mustang IRS components which use larger diameter brakes? Will there be a way to still use the IRS set-up and use the 15" wheels? For me I want to keep the authentic "look" of the car at shows or driving around town and switch out to a larger set of wheels if I go to the track. And will the standard Gen 1 and Gen 2 side windows still be available? There are none in any of the pics.

When the 2015 IRS was introduced last year the word from FF was (1) 17 and 18 inch wheels only, (2) no pin drive. I'm 99.9% sure that's still correct. Neither the newer Mustang brakes or the Wilwood optional brakes will fit in 15 inch wheels. I am aware of another forum member who is working to have custom brake brackets made to use the 2015 IRS with 15 inch wheels. But I don't know any details. Obviously not an official FF mod. I have the 18 inch wheels on my Anniversary Roadster with the 2015 IRS. I realize it's an acquired taste, but I like them a lot. Looks to me like the prototype Gen 3 Coupe is also running 18 inch wheels.

[David Hodgkins]

.../Looks to me like the prototype Gen 3 Coupe is also running 18 inch wheels.

Actually they are 19's. I'm a fan of 15" too but those wheels look sharp!

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=60548&d=1478296628

325/30 ZR - 19
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=60568&d=1478297091

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=60525&d=1478296608

I was at SEMA on Wednesday and have uploaded a ton of Coupe pix (64 to be exact):
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=1034


:)

[Chuckie]

Thanks for all the pics!! Nice to see a few more. I'm really digging the new design. If I have to go the 3 link to get my 15" wheels then that's kinda ok. I can go that route until someone comes up with something. With everything upgraded on my Mustang 3 link it does pretty good. I would probably be happy with a Gen 2 if I could have the rear flares that they added to the Gen 3. I think that was the only thing the Gen 2 was missing.

[Vette1972]

David, Thanks for all 64 photos of the Gen 3 Coupe. I looked at all of them TWICE! Really in depth views of all parts of the car. I live in Southern West Virginia. Anyone close to me where I could look at a Coupe Gen 1 or2? I would like to start one in the fall of '17. Len

[ram_g]

David, thank you so much for those pictures, really does help to understand the new coupe structure.

Curious that the completed car has the traditional FFR clutch cable while the roller shows a 3rd master cylinder. Wonder if FFR are planning to offer a hydraulic clutch option themselves?

Also I'm now more than ever curious to see what sort of window they'll be offering. The completed car has some sort of bulb seal weatherstrip along the top of the doors - to seal against a window??

[Sgt.Gator]

I was at SEMA and sat in both the roller frame and the completed car. I'm 6'4, 217, and fit fine. I'm sure even with a helmet on I will fit. I watched many more big guys as tall or taller and many much heavier test fit and they all had plenty of headroom.

However if you aren't flexible and on the heavy side you will find entry/exit a bit of a chore. It's low and has wide sills, and the seat was mounted on the floor so there's a drop into it, and a climb back out. . Several guys commented on the difficulty of it. For me it's a heck of a lot easier than climbing in and out of a race car with NASCAR door bars, but not as easy as getting in and out of a C6 Corvette.

My interest is in a full race car version so the main concerns for me were headroom with a helmet < No Issue>. Legroom and pedal placement <No Issue>. And ability to escape out the windows if the door is jammed and the car is on fire. From eyeballing it I think I should be able to get out the driver's window with the extra dose of adrenaline fueling my efforts (unlike a Spec Miata which is impossible for me, I've tried). The passenger side is iffy because the tranny tunnel is high and the driver seat sits very low.

There was no way I could race a Gen 1-2, but this one hits the mark for us big guys.

[GoDadGo]

I was at SEMA and sat in both the roller frame and the completed car. I'm 6'4, 217, and fit fine. I'm sure even with a helmet on I will fit. I watched many more big guys as tall or taller and many much heavier test fit and they all had plenty of headroom.
. . . . . .
There was no way I could race a Gen 1-2, but this one hits the mark for us big guys.

Sgt. Gator,

> We are heading to Panama City next week to see if my brother will fit.
> He's the same height as you, but has a 36" Inseam and size 15 foot.
> The foot box in my MK-4 is a total no go as is the entire car in the stock configuration with the Big Boy Leather Seats.
> Do you think he will fit, because the reason for our trip is to see if he will fit.
> Please Advise & Thanks!

Steve

[Sgt.Gator]

Sgt. Gator,

> We are heading to Panama City next week to see if my brother will fit.
> He's the same height as you, but has a 36" Inseam and size 15 foot.
> The foot box in my MK-4 is a total no go as is the entire car in the stock configuration with the Big Boy Leather Seats.
> Do you think he will fit, because the reason for our trip is to see if he will fit.
> Please Advise & Thanks!

Steve

I will have to say Probably. I'm sure he has the same problem I do in many sports cars with his right knee jamming between the gear shift/trans tunnel and the steering wheel. I didn't have that issue in the Gen3, but his inseam is longer than mine (34"). My foot is a 12 - 12.5 and it was good too.
Size 15, YIKES! Hard to say if he can get those canoes in there. It's worth the trip to find out though.
As always YMMV!

[Erik W. Treves]

the "wooky" has size 17's!!! he fit!

[GoDadGo]

the "wooky" has size 17's!!! he fit!

Excellent News Regarding Sir Wooky's Ability To Fit!

[Russ Thompson]

This new version should be no problem for just about everyone, it's big inside! Most will need to put the seats on rails to see over the steering wheel!

Eric, welcome to the coupe world! :-)

[2FAST4U]

What do the foot boxes and aluminum paneling look like?

[CraigS]

No way to go smaller than 17s w/o tons of machining, and maybe not even then. I am doing a 2015 IRS retrofit on my roadster and grabbed a take out rear Mustang suspension from Ebay. First thing I looked at was whether my 17" Bullits would fit. Barely do. Some stick-on wheel weights will need to be moved. Unlike the solid axle, there is no intermediate bracket between the caliper and the axle. So you don't have 2 inches of bracket that can be modified. The caliper mount ears are cast as part of the knuckle. In this pic you can see the caliper mount ears at the bottom of each knuckle.
http://www.americanmuscle.com/frpp-irs-knuckle-kit-1516.html?utm_content=Handling+-+Other%7CFord+Performance&utm_campaign=15%2B%20No%20Years&utm_source=Google-pla&utm_medium=Shopping&utm_term=%7Bkeyword%7D&AMID=frpp-irs-knuckle-kit-1516-FPReplacementV1&T5_Var3=blue&GID=389952
I also have a friend who has the same suspension but from a V6 which has smaller rotors. We compared them to mine. The calipers are a slightly different design compared to my V8 versions (thicker outside of the rotor) and we ended up w/ exactly the same wheel clearance.

[Lostinthewoods]

Love all of the changes. Would really like to see a picture of the body in gelcoat. Have there been any changes to the molding process to improved the seams?

[Vette1972]

Ordered the Gen 2 digital build manual to start the process of planning a build. The new Gen 3 build manual should be available in January when the new Coupe is ready to be shipped. Dave at Factory Five answered my inquiry about the new manual. I am a newbie but very interested in working on a Coupe. I've been reading the various build threads on Coupes and Roadsters. Great info for a new guy.

[ehansen007]

Yes - it is the Factory Five-Sherwin Williams Vintage Race Blue.

Otherwise know as Toyota Camry light blue. 2002 I think. ;)

[Chuckie]

No way to go smaller than 17s w/o tons of machining, and maybe not even then. I am doing a 2015 IRS retrofit on my roadster and grabbed a take out rear Mustang suspension from Ebay. First thing I looked at was whether my 17" Bullits would fit. Barely do. Some stick-on wheel weights will need to be moved. Unlike the solid axle, there is no intermediate bracket between the caliper and the axle. So you don't have 2 inches of bracket that can be modified. The caliper mount ears are cast as part of the knuckle. In this pic you can see the caliper mount ears at the bottom of each knuckle.
http://www.americanmuscle.com/frpp-irs-knuckle-kit-1516.html?utm_content=Handling+-+Other%7CFord+Performance&utm_campaign=15%2B%20No%20Years&utm_source=Google-pla&utm_medium=Shopping&utm_term=%7Bkeyword%7D&AMID=frpp-irs-knuckle-kit-1516-FPReplacementV1&T5_Var3=blue&GID=389952
I also have a friend who has the same suspension but from a V6 which has smaller rotors. We compared them to mine. The calipers are a slightly different design compared to my V8 versions (thicker outside of the rotor) and we ended up w/ exactly the same wheel clearance.

Then FFR will hopefully make something where the old T-Bird knuckles can be used but maybe keep the center section. I think going with the 3-Link is still a good option....as long as a Watts Link for a Mustang can be added on. Maybe I will look around on the S550 Forums because I know that some of them are going to want 15s for slicks. I would like to stay period correct for the most part and I think the Type 65 looks great with those fat *** tires. My Mustang looks great with 20s and the 19s I had on it before that, but it wouldn't look right with 15s. I feel the same about not using 15s on either flavor Cobra. The FIA Cobra looks kick *** with 15s. To me it looses something with anything else.

[120mm]

For those who have big feet: Have you tried fitting in with a pair of racing shoes?

I know here in Europe, Bugatti and others make low profile shoes just to make it easier to fit into racing car footboxes.