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Papa
12-11-2016, 08:44 PM
Hello all:

I have been contemplating building a Factory Five roadster for about a year now. My goal is to build a nice street cruiser with my grandsons. I've spent the past few weeks trying to sort through the endless options and reviewing the awesome build threads that others have so kindly taken the time to create for us new to the idea of building a car. I consider myself a capable DIY guy, not an expert by a long shot. I look forward to the challenge and know that there is a huge knowledge base available in these forums.

Right now I've tentatively divided my future build into four phases that I plan to complete over a three-four year period (it's important that my grandsons experience the build and they are pretty young still):

1. Rolling chassis
2. Drive train
3. Body & paint
4. Final assembly

I'm comfortable with what phases one and four require from a skill set, but two and three will likely be farmed out to the pros.

My must have list is pretty small so far and includes:

347-351 fuel-injected power plant
Tremec TKO 500
Solid rear axel with three-link
Leather seats (heated)
18" Halibrand replica wheels

Everything else is pretty much undecided at this point. I'm blessed to have plenty of room for a project like this with a beautiful 1200 square foot, heated shop and a very supportive wife. I need to sell my current toy (1970 El Camino) at some point and figure it will cover the cost of my drive train.

That's about it for now.

GoDadGo
12-11-2016, 08:53 PM
Welcome To The Forum & Please Send Me Pics Of Your 1970 El Camino.
My brother has been looking for one and he is simply is too tall to comfortably fit in any of the Factory Five models.
On another note, I too have a supportive wife, but a tiny one car shop; however, it was good enough to tackle my Dark Side MK-4 Roadster.
Again, please send or post pics of your ELCO because if we don't buy it somebody on this forum will know somebody who will.
Finally, You Will Love Building Your Factory Five!

Gordon Levy
12-11-2016, 08:57 PM
Welcome to the madness. Please let us know if we can help.

Papa
12-11-2016, 09:23 PM
Hi GoDadGo:

Thanks for the welcome! Here is a picture of my El Camino:

61843

If interested, PM me for details and more pictures.

i.e.427
12-12-2016, 12:16 AM
Welcome to the family Papa. Now that you have gotten your first thread under your belt, spend some time filling in your bio. Let u know what part of the country or planet for that matter, you come from. There are plenty of members and vendors that will be more than happy to lend some time or knowledge to aid in the build process. Perhaps even aid in the planning of your build as well. Just let us know. And good luck with your project.

i.e.427

Papa
12-12-2016, 08:59 PM
Thanks! I'll definitely get that stuff updated "officially" as soon as my account clears the probationary period and I have 20 posts. Until then, I can provide a bit of info here.

I live in Colorado about 30 miles south/east of Denver. I'm an electrical engineer working in the aerospace and defense industry. I spent fifteen years in the U.S. Army before settling my family in Colorado. I enjoy all makes and models of cars and sold my previous "dream car" a 2006 Mercedes SL 500 a couple of years ago and really want to have another topless hot rod to cruise through the Rockies in the "good weather" months. The El Camino in my previous post just isn't exciting me anymore. My wife of 31 years and I are looking at retirement in the next few years and I want to get this project done before the money is harder to come by.

From everything I've read on the forum so far, I have no doubt that I'll be able to ask for and receive help with any issues I encounter along this journey. I'll likely start with finalizing my plans for my build before settling on the final (initial) plan. "No battle plan survives contact with the enemy", Helmuth von Moltke.

Looking forward to getting to know this awesome community,
Dave (Papa)

GoDadGo
12-13-2016, 07:05 AM
Hi GoDadGo:

Thanks for the welcome! Here is a picture of my El Camino:

61843

If interested, PM me for details and more pictures.

Thanks Papa!

I'll contact my brother and will send you a private message later this evening.
He's the tall dude in the attached video who is just a tad tall to fit in most of the Factory Five Models with any comfort.

https://youtu.be/3f1Q4aS5SG4

Please look for my private message this evening.
Again, Welcome To The Factory Five Family.

Steve