Newbie from Austin, TX

[dbo_texas]

Just wanted to introduce myself. I've been stalking this forum for several years and building a Roadster is one of my dreams. I'm doing a ton of research and hoping to put together a build plan soon. I've got very little knowledge when it comes to working on cars, but it's something I've always wanted to learn about and get into. I'm a mechanical engineer by trade, so I've got no problems fabricating, turning a wrench, and prototyping stuff. I've already got about a million questions. A neighbor recently bought the MK4 complete kit so I hope to help him with the build in the near future to keep the dream alive until I'm ready to buy. Any Roadster owners in North Austin/Round Rock area? I'd love to check out your car sometime and pick your brain. I do plan on attending the annual Central Texas Cobra meetup this Spring in San Marcos. Hopefully, I can attend the build school around the time I'm ready to purchase. I've heard great things about it.

Items I'm really struggling with at the moment:
-Determining how much I want to spend - and then tacking on another $10K :)
-Figuring out if I want to do a complete kit or base kit + donor/salvage/new parts. I'd love to do complete with crate parts but not sure if I can swallow the price.
-Picking engine (will depend on bullet 1) - I don't need huge HP...I'm thinking 300-350HP would be plenty for me. I plan on using it strictly as a street machine.
-Carburetor vs. EFI
-customizing the interior (I want to do saddle leather on the seats and dash instead of the standard black, but not sure how much that will add to build cost)
-power brakes and power steering - not sure if I need those or not

-Darryl

[bobl]

Welcome to the forum. I live in Spicewood just west of Austin. I completed my MK IV build last year and have a partially built car I just picked up to finish. You are more than welcome to drop by and check them out and go for a ride. Give me a shout any time. boblloyd51@yahoo.com

Bob

[dbo_texas]

Welcome to the forum. I live in Spicewood just west of Austin. I completed my MK IV build last year and have a partially built car I just picked up to finish. You are more than welcome to drop by and check them out and go for a ride. Give me a shout any time. boblloyd51@yahoo.com

Bob

Thanks Bob! I will likely take you up on that offer.

[dbo_texas]

So I've been cruising this forum now for several weeks, and I've checked out some of the others as well. Is there a reason the Roadster sub-forum doesn't have organized sub-forums below it like the other cars like the 289USRRC, the '33 Hot Rod, and the 818? I'm finding that it makes searching for information a little more difficult than it could be if it was organized into sub-classes for different areas of the car/build such as engine/transmission, suspension/steering/brake, wheels/tires, electrical, body/interior, etc. Just curious why the Roadster isn't set up that way.

[edwardb]

So I've been cruising this forum now for several weeks, and I've checked out some of the others as well. Is there a reason the Roadster sub-forum doesn't have organized sub-forums below it like the other cars like the 289USRRC, the '33 Hot Rod, and the 818? I'm finding that it makes searching for information a little more difficult than it could be if it was organized into sub-classes for different areas of the car/build such as engine/transmission, suspension/steering/brake, wheels/tires, electrical, body/interior, etc. Just curious why the Roadster isn't set up that way.

I can't answer the "why" question but honestly IMO it's a moot point. First, it's not going to change. Second, it would be a constant struggle for forum members and mods to keep things in the right place if the categories were very narrow, again IMO. Third, threads are rarely only a single subject. They tend to wander all over the place.

It's actually pretty easy to find stuff by searching. But don't use the forum search engine. Use Google. Works great. I use it all the time. From Google type (without the quote marks) "site:http://thefactoryfiveforum.com /xxxxx" and replace the x's with with as many search terms as you want. Power brakes, etc. Works well for the other forum as well.

Welcome to the forum BTW. Saw your other thread asking about A/C. Can't help too much since I haven't put A/C in a Roadster. But many have, so you should get some responses.

[dbo_texas]

Thanks Edward! I've spent an endless amount of time over the last month reading through your build threads and many other posts you've made throughout the forum helping folks out. It is clear to me and many others here that your input is invaluable to current and future builders. Thanks for taking the time.