SoManyParts
01-12-2020, 12:29 AM
OK.... this is a bit tardy. I have been on the road and legal a couple of months and just passed 1,000 miles today.
This forum has been far to important for my build to not say thank you and perhaps make a few comments that may help others. I do aplogize for not being more active during the build, but I stare at three screens at work each day and the last thing I feel like doing during "my" time is looking any more at a screens than I have too. So for what it worth, here are my thoughts...
1. Just about anyone can build this that has patience and determination. I am not a mechanic and my most significant experience came 35+ years ago in "Auto Shop" in high school (back when they offered such valuable coursework). I do consider myself handy and tinker/fix/build a lot of different things, but never anything close to this scale, complexity, cost, etc.
2. I needed a project as a recent empty nester as all the time with kids sports and every other interest needed to be filled. I had been considering a COBRA kit for years. Finally, the time for me was right.
3. All things considered, I think Factory Five offers a remarkable product and delivers on their promises. Yes, I had a pretty standard POL list and a couple of "missing" parts, etc. I can't say I had "exceptional" service at every point of contact, but it was "solid" and almost everyone was helpful at each point. Considering the complications of what they do and the relatively small company size, I think they do a remarkable job.
4. I did attend the build school. For me, it gave me the confidence that I could build this and have a great result at the end. It also helped me identify the build and options I wanted, and introduced me to the vendors, forums, and resources that are available.
5. I read several build logs. As has been said by others.... "they were as useful to me as the build manual." I offer my biggest, heartfelt thankyou possible to everyone who has documented their build and continue to freely offer their knowledge, help, and advice to others. For me, Edwardb and WarEagleScott were my favorite reads and who I would search for questions. Thank you! I would give you hug if I ever met you, but that would be a little wierd for both of us....
6. The Calif. Registration process is a bit of a pain. My biggest issue was just the lack of familiarity with the process with the random people you get at the desk. Took me 3 visits (the last two I ended up working with the lead superviser on duty) to get it done. The process is heavily documented in this forumn. My advice would just be to know the process yourself, and go fully prepared with the documentation, and ask to talk to the superviser...
7. Jeff Miller did my body and paint work. Best decision I made during the build! He is just 45 minutes away for me so it was very convenient. I watched him work (and occasionally helped lift something) when I dropped the body off, and again when I took the chasis back to fit the painted body. I was watching an experienced artist. A true pro. I am very happy with the results.
8. Best Upgrade??? Seat heaters.... even thought I live in place that doesn't get that cold, those seat heaters make any drive enjoyable from 40-65 degrees. Haven't driven below 40 but if I had a real coat instead of a sweatshirt, I think it would be fine.
9. At first, I was always kind of watching behind me to make sure parts weren't falling off while I was driving. After a couple of months and 1,000 miles... I have not been stranded, or let down yet. As far as I know, all the parts I bolted on are still there :) The car is a blast! It is powerful and raw. I built it a road car/driver but I am looking forward to taking it someplace (not a public road) where I can explore its limits and really push it in a safe environment. It definatley leaves a smile on my face when I drive. My wife likes going on rides in the country and it the car always generates lots of attention wherever it goes.
Scott120462120459120460120461[/ATTACH]120463
This forum has been far to important for my build to not say thank you and perhaps make a few comments that may help others. I do aplogize for not being more active during the build, but I stare at three screens at work each day and the last thing I feel like doing during "my" time is looking any more at a screens than I have too. So for what it worth, here are my thoughts...
1. Just about anyone can build this that has patience and determination. I am not a mechanic and my most significant experience came 35+ years ago in "Auto Shop" in high school (back when they offered such valuable coursework). I do consider myself handy and tinker/fix/build a lot of different things, but never anything close to this scale, complexity, cost, etc.
2. I needed a project as a recent empty nester as all the time with kids sports and every other interest needed to be filled. I had been considering a COBRA kit for years. Finally, the time for me was right.
3. All things considered, I think Factory Five offers a remarkable product and delivers on their promises. Yes, I had a pretty standard POL list and a couple of "missing" parts, etc. I can't say I had "exceptional" service at every point of contact, but it was "solid" and almost everyone was helpful at each point. Considering the complications of what they do and the relatively small company size, I think they do a remarkable job.
4. I did attend the build school. For me, it gave me the confidence that I could build this and have a great result at the end. It also helped me identify the build and options I wanted, and introduced me to the vendors, forums, and resources that are available.
5. I read several build logs. As has been said by others.... "they were as useful to me as the build manual." I offer my biggest, heartfelt thankyou possible to everyone who has documented their build and continue to freely offer their knowledge, help, and advice to others. For me, Edwardb and WarEagleScott were my favorite reads and who I would search for questions. Thank you! I would give you hug if I ever met you, but that would be a little wierd for both of us....
6. The Calif. Registration process is a bit of a pain. My biggest issue was just the lack of familiarity with the process with the random people you get at the desk. Took me 3 visits (the last two I ended up working with the lead superviser on duty) to get it done. The process is heavily documented in this forumn. My advice would just be to know the process yourself, and go fully prepared with the documentation, and ask to talk to the superviser...
7. Jeff Miller did my body and paint work. Best decision I made during the build! He is just 45 minutes away for me so it was very convenient. I watched him work (and occasionally helped lift something) when I dropped the body off, and again when I took the chasis back to fit the painted body. I was watching an experienced artist. A true pro. I am very happy with the results.
8. Best Upgrade??? Seat heaters.... even thought I live in place that doesn't get that cold, those seat heaters make any drive enjoyable from 40-65 degrees. Haven't driven below 40 but if I had a real coat instead of a sweatshirt, I think it would be fine.
9. At first, I was always kind of watching behind me to make sure parts weren't falling off while I was driving. After a couple of months and 1,000 miles... I have not been stranded, or let down yet. As far as I know, all the parts I bolted on are still there :) The car is a blast! It is powerful and raw. I built it a road car/driver but I am looking forward to taking it someplace (not a public road) where I can explore its limits and really push it in a safe environment. It definatley leaves a smile on my face when I drive. My wife likes going on rides in the country and it the car always generates lots of attention wherever it goes.
Scott120462120459120460120461[/ATTACH]120463