The hardest part?

[alexmak]

I've ordered a complete kit (with mid-March build date), and BluePrint engine, and can't contain the excitement about all of this. However then I open the assembly manual and start dreading the process and that I might not be able to do something right. What was the hardest part in building the roadster? I know a lot of you used base kit, donor car and even fabricated your own parts - all of this is way out of my league. but what about complete kits? What was extremely hard/complex and made you feel stuck?

[phileas_fogg]

I found the trick is to not build a car. Instead, I had tiny little problems to solve each time I went into the garage, e.g., today I'm going to run my rear brake line, or today I'm going to put fittings onto a braided steel fuel line. I found that tasks that were intimidating turned out to be much easier than I expected, and that when I gooned something up I could usually fix it pretty easily. There were only a couple of days where I was ready to throw a tool across the yard; at that point I left off & went mountain biking.


John

[SDhemmings]

I found it was the little things that you can't anticipate. the big things tend to take care of them selves. When i started my car 3 years ago I read some advice on one of the forums "Divide the build into small jobs, concentrate just on that until done then do the next, and so on." When you do this it is amazing what you can do, you will walk into the Garage one day and be shocked at how far you have come. Also both Forums have a Fantastic community that will help you out of any conceivable issue you might run into. We also like to spend your Money!!! :)

[DadofThree]

Don't Dread Any of it! You have accepted the challenge, and one of the biggest challenge is repressing your doubts. You'll be stuck if you do it without the support of fellow builders (this forum). This forum will pull you through, but you have to let us know with questions when the time comes. We've all had different roadblocks, and we're all here to help you get over yours when they arise.

We're here for you.
Dave

[Just puttering]

Typically the electrical gets people. Also, body work and paint is an art form! It would be hard to "just read the manual and push through" with the paint!

Where are you located? Worked on cars before? What is your goal with the car?

Remember you eat an elephant one bite at a time (hard for me, i try to figure the whole thing out before step one!)
You will be surprised, step one will bring step two into your league and then three, four, etc.

Whtat a fun adventure you are starting, congrats, and start a build thread, its a great way for the forum group to help keep track of your progress

[Jeff Kleiner]

...What was the hardest part in building the roadster?...


When I built my own car 13 years ago the hardest thing was freeing up the time to work on it. At the time I was building a condominium project out of town with 3 hours of commuting time every day on top of 9-10 hours on site. Pretty much left me only weekends and maybe an hour a couple of days through the week.

Jeff

[rsw81]

I'm only to a rolling chassis so far myself, so I'm interested in this answer as well. However, I can tell you that if you work methodically, use the forum to answer your questions (which they are amazing at), that you will make it through every speed bump along the way. Just remember, you can always put your tools down and walk away for the day and come back to it another time. Don't let the frustrations of building a car get in the way of how awesome it is to build a car!

[alexmak]

Typically the electrical gets people. Also, body work and paint is an art form! It would be hard to "just read the manual and push through" with the paint!

Where are you located? Worked on cars before? What is your goal with the car?

Remember you eat an elephant one bite at a time (hard for me, i try to figure the whole thing out before step one!)
You will be surprised, step one will bring step two into your league and then three, four, etc.

Whtat a fun adventure you are starting, congrats, and start a build thread, its a great way for the forum group to help keep track of your progress

I decided not to think about body work and paint for now. That's something I'm terrible with, and I will find someone who knows what they are doing. but that's going to be a next year project, and this year I'll focus on everything except body painting (I'm out of the budget for it anyway). I'm in SE PA, did some basic stuff with cars like swapping brake rotors and pads mostly. the first goal is to have this as a project to build with my son who graduates this year, and then the car is going to be something just to drive around when weather permits. it should be fun, now I just need one tiny thing — to get that assembled, lol

[2FAST4U]

Choosing the color was the hardest part

[Sdonnel]

The hardest part? Being a first time builder trying to replicate the details and quality of a seasoned builder. While they can build a complete car on Overhaulin' in 60 minutes, the FFR community knows this is not applicable. Like many, I split my build up into various parts. The biggest was planning what I want and making sure I had all the pieces when i got to that point. By the time I was ready for those items, I had engineered the process in my mind over and over. I had many days where my son had to keep me from losing my mind. It would seem he was better at walking away than I was. In addition to that, the Forums and a friend who has built a couple cars turned out to be my saving grace ( Especially NTGuru). Research your questions prior to posting. 90% of what you are looking for has already been documented. The other 10% will make you the experienced builder that someone else turns to when they are building their first car. I always wondered why FFR owners would say the build is better than driving. Having built mine, I'd do it again in a minute without driving mine again. It's addictive and I miss the process already. Once the paint and body work gets done, I hope my urge to build will be tempered by the end result.

Scott

[cv2065]

Hardest part was remembering that if something doesn’t fit right or ‘seem’ correct, then take a break and consult the forum or common sense. Don’t monster grip or force anything that doesn’t want to go. The manual is a guide and needs some extra thought in certain areas.

[Papa]

Lots of good comments already, but I'll add my observations, too. For me, it was easiest to think of the car as a system of systems/assemblies. As you go through the manual, read the whole section for the system/assembly you are going to work on next. Understand the parts, tools, supplies, etc. that you will need and gather all of the items. Next, flip through the other sections of the manual to see what other assemblies/systems interact with or fit near the one you are working on. This helps you catch potential conflicts before you create them; mounting brake and clutch reservoirs too far forward and affecting the hood gas struts, etc. For me, I knew the mechanical aspects would be fairly simple to follow along with, but the electrical was intimidating and I'm an Electrical Engineer. That's where this forum will become your most valuable tool in your tool box. Ask lots of questions before you start making guesses! I promise you that if you're confused about something, you're not the first to be so and others that have overcome the same issue will be eager to help you do the same. In the end, when you're looking at a completed car that drives, steers, stops, and you realize you built it with your own hands, you'll be rewarded with self-satisfaction and pride. The destination is what motivates you, but it's the journey that you'll remember most.

[GoDadGo]

The toughest part of my build was knowing when I really needed help and when I didn't.
The next was trying not to get upset about delays when life throws you a curve or two or three.

Here Is Our Journey:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8m-MdRZvaH45Y6h4orIm7w/videos

Just know that if we (Your Factory Five Family) can do it, then so can you!

[TMartinLVNV]

Mine is not complete yet, but pretty close. Lots of great advise in the posts above. Just do one task at a time. I've never done something this complex before. I'm fortunate to have a few guys locally that really know their stuff and helped me out tremendously. There are no problems with the build that someone on this forum has not already come across. This forum is a great asset.

[Joecobr]

How do you eat an elephant? The same way as anything else...one bite at a time! (qualifier: research the hell out of each bite, starting on this forum).

[toadster]

As I'm just starting myself, I resolved the fact that I don't know everything and that I will learn MUCH more than I already do... I've also conceded to let someone do the bodywork/paint - I know my limitations and OCD :)

Electrical work I have dabbled in, but not to this level - and I'm excited to learn a LOT more. And as everyone has stated, learn to walk away and re-think the problem, search the forums, etc. This isn't a daily driver, so you're not 'forced' to get it 'fixed' by morning to get to work, so have patience.

This forum is a treasure trove of heroics, assistance, support, and even laughter... best of luck! One page at a time!

[egchewy79]

take a look through the manual first. some parts need to be done in a certain order as to not interfere with another part, but there is a large variability on what needs to be done first, next, etc. I recommend leaving as many of the aluminum panels off until you are sure you don't need to gain access to a certain part under the panel. Take one part of the build at a time. I am a novice at this and found that my brain could only retain so much information at once, so learning about distributor gear compatibility with the cam gear, radiator mount options, wiring harness, etc was too much at once. Start a build blog and post pics as many experienced builders on this site will be able to spot a problem right away. Be prepared to spend more $$ on parts you didn't know you needed thanks to the members of this forum.
Lastly, take your time and enjoy the journey. There will be plenty of times it feels like you're taking a few steps back. That's all part of the fun. There's no prize for finishing first if you do sloppy work. This process is definitely an exercise in problem solving, patience, and determination. Walk away for a while if you need to and return when you're ready to go at it again.

[delta0014]

I had the most questions with electrical on the Coyote engine. It’s something that I didn’t have any experience with, and frankly just don’t enjoy. The forum and especially Edwardb is a life saver for questions.
I’m not doing the body work.

But picking the color will be the hardest decision.....

[alexmak]

what? nobody mentions amount of beer consumed during the process? or that was an easy part?

[acmikee]

your lucky if you need help the traveling builder is located near you in Hershey pa.

[TMartinLVNV]

what? nobody mentions amount of beer consumed during the process? or that was an easy part?

Alex, my beer fridge is in the garage less than 10 feet from the Roadster. Super Easy :p

[alexmak]

your lucky if you need help the traveling builder is located near you in Hershey pa.

That might be a good option if I need a lifesaver

[CFranks]

I'm in SE PA...l

Welcome to the madness! I live in the western Philly suburbs and there are a few others on this forum who live out here as well. I'm in gel coat driving, but it's back in pieces for the winter as I break/fix/upgrade things if you ever have any questions.

[alexmak]

Welcome to the madness! I live in the western Philly suburbs and there are a few others on this forum who live out here as well. I'm in gel coat driving, but it's back in pieces for the winter as I break/fix/upgrade things if you ever have any questions.

oh hey! very nice to meet you, I live in Newtown Sq, which is pretty close to Berwyn! If it's possible, me and my son would love to meet you in person and see the pieces (if you do the tours, of course).

[alexmak]

I had the most questions with electrical on the Coyote engine. It’s something that I didn’t have any experience with, and frankly just don’t enjoy. The forum and especially Edwardb is a life saver for questions.
I’m not doing the body work.

But picking the color will be the hardest decision.....

Picking color is easy! It has to be blue! Or red. Or gray. Or black. oh... I see what you mean...

[CFranks]

oh hey! very nice to meet you, I live in Newtown Sq, which is pretty close to Berwyn! If it's possible, me and my son would love to meet you in person and see the pieces (if you do the tours, of course).

Ah ok, I grew up in Newtown Square. Sure, happy to show you and your son the car. Send me a private message and we can set something up.

[Avalanche325]

There is nothing actually hard about the build, including doing my own body and paint. Picking the color was a tough one mentally.
The most annoying thing to me was the RF harness not being made for the pretty much standard classic gauges.

I decided to polish my engine bay panels, which again was not hard, but a huge amount of labor for something that you really don't see much of. I wouldn't do it again.

After the build I had to replace my pedal box in a completed build. Now that was hard!

[Caddy Dad]

Hardest part was remembering that if something doesn’t fit right or ‘seem’ correct, then take a break and consult the forum or common sense. Don’t monster grip or force anything that doesn’t want to go. The manual is a guide and needs some extra thought in certain areas.

I totally agree! If it doesn't look right or doesn't make sense, stop, step back and do some research. Plenty of SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) on here to help you out.

[toadster]

what? nobody mentions amount of beer consumed during the process? or that was an easy part?

sorry, passed out and just read this - who said more beer? :p

[alexmak]

meanwhile we are building a dolly!
122459

[KDubU]

Electrical for me. Just could not get my head around it for a while but it helped when I found a lot of the RF harness was not needed.

[GoDadGo]

The toughest part of my build was knowing when I really needed help and when I didn't.
The next was trying not to get upset about delays when life throws you a curve or two or three.

Here Is Our Journey:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8m-MdRZvaH45Y6h4orIm7w/videos

Just know that if we (Your Factory Five Family) can do it, then so can you!


I've got to change my comments because I think Deciding To Pull The Trigger was the toughest part of the project.

Think about it gang; you can buy a Volkswagen Jetta for less money than our cars that comes in a pile of boxes.

[delta0014]

Think about it gang; you can buy a Volkswagen Jetta for less money than our cars that comes in a pile of boxes.

I think I could of bought 2 or 3 Jetta's for what my pile of boxes will end up costing.

[JIMOCO]

I will second or third the Traveling Builder comments. I'm fortunate to live near Mark and his family. Great people. Mark and his sons are always willing to answer questions. I had Mark do a safety inspection once I got titled to make sure I did not do something that would put me and others at risk. He had some great suggestions. He also did my front end alignment and checked the suspension balance. I felt much more confident about my build after having an expert set of eyes look at it.

[alexmak]

Where can I read more about Mark and his services?

[edwardb]

Where can I read more about Mark and his services?

http://www.thetravelingbuilder.com/wordpress/

[miller7448]

The hardest part for me is the fact that you can't search the forum and have it take you directly to the post with the content. Unless I'm doing something wrong it just lists all the threads that contain your search which in many cases is build threads with large numbers of posts to look through. The forums are a huge asset just wish it was easier to find what you need.

[Murd]

The hardest part for me is the fact that you can't search the forum and have it take you directly to the post with the content. Unless I'm doing something wrong it just lists all the threads that contain your search which in many cases is build threads with large numbers of posts to look through. The forums are a huge asset just wish it was easier to find what you need.

Try google. Just search “factory five blah blah blah” for whatever you want to know. You’ll find threads from both forums.

[Traveller]

Or limit Google's results to this site by searching for:


site:thefactoryfiveforum.com your search term here

[Murd]

Traveller, what car is that in your profile pic? Got a link?

[delta0014]

The hardest part for me is the fact that you can't search the forum and have it take you directly to the post with the content. Unless I'm doing something wrong it just lists all the threads that contain your search which in many cases is build threads with large numbers of posts to look through. The forums are a huge asset just wish it was easier to find what you need.

It is a lot easier, as some other people said, to google it with “factory five” in the search. Took me awhile to realize that.

[Traveller]

Traveller, what car is that in your profile pic? Got a link?

Just a random picture that I liked. I don't know who or where it's from...

[AC Bill]

I've heard the new manual is better than the the old one, so perhaps it will make the build easier. When I built mine the manual was a very rough guide, and left a lot to be desired. The FFCobra.com, (now FFCars.com) forum, was my go to back then. (This forum didn't exist back then).

What I couldn't gain from reading the posts of previous builders, on practically any particular aspect of the build, could just be posted as a question. Within 24 hours I'd have my answer. Some of the things that had me completely flummoxed, turned out to be amazingly simple, with one simple hint. Such as, hold the part from the other end to feed it in, then turn it around, or, install this panel before the other, (even though the manual said otherwise:rolleyes:), sort of thing. Even after working in the automotive business for over 30 years, I still learned a lot.
I see Facebook has a builders group, and there can be some good advice found on it, but as a new builder, I would still depend on the two forums.

[miller7448]

It is a lot easier, as some other people said, to google it with “factory five” in the search. Took me awhile to realize that.

Yeah I made the mistake of trying to use the search directly within the forum.

[RJD]

Power plant selection - old school, new school, or ...

122537

Then reconciling the instructions for the Ron Francis wiring harness, the dashboard wiring, the engine's EFI set-up, and the extra accessories I added was a bit of a challenge for me. The good news is there's plenty of knowledgable guys out there on the forum willing to help out.

[clancypm]

You will find out that you will be able to do the build even though you my feel a little overwhelmed in the beginning. Like others have said just do one thing at a time. As said in the movie " what about Bob- Baby steps. I found the people in the forum very helpful and you tube is a must. When there were times I couldn't figure out how to do things,I would step away, sleep on it, use you tube, the forum, and I always came up with the solution. I found the electrical was the hardest for me and I wish I had thought it out better. It all works but looks like spaghetti behind the dash. That is the one part of the build that I would like to redo. BTW every time you get stumped and come up with the solution you will feel so good. So don't worry and just enjoy the build.

[Todd Baumann]

Mark is a great guy and if you want to go that direction you will be happy no doubt.
But I would like to suggest my avenue and that is the "Build School" we can help you get all the confidence you need and build this on your own.
Regards,

Todd

[alexmak]

Thank, Todd. We considered the school, and still might do it if nothing else works. We are those people that read a manual after we try And someth8 g doesn’t work :) (although not in this case, of course)

[BEAR-AvHistory]

The hardest part is realizing its not hard to build & ignoring the "Is it done yet?" people. You get 30 odd boxes a few crates, maybe a skid & it looks overwhelming. Just remember how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazine.com-vbulletin/580x435/80-ffr_5_32fda1ec24c9ad829e297c54ed69670e38c9d9fa.jpg

Two hours a day max + some all day Saturdays & Sundays.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazine.com-vbulletin/580x435/80-1_2020_1_a0c564678d1c3ded3faf2deaa3a550bf2e258c59. jpg

Then one day its done.

[CobraCop3457]

You mentioned 'both forums' - may I ask what the second forum is? This is all new to me as I am researching the set-up for my future MKIV build. I want to order it and start it next year as I prepare to retire 4/1/2022 (Not that I'm chomping at the bit to get started!!)

[jrcuz]

The other forum is ffcars
JR

[GoDadGo]

I think I could of bought 2 or 3 Jetta's for what my pile of boxes will end up costing.

Amen Brother!
So far I could have bought two since I just crossed the 40-K mark since everything on my car was 100% new; however, I'd still do it again knowing what I know now.

[CobraCop3457]

Thank you! GOT IT..

[Mark Eaton]

Alexmak,

Nothing about this is too hard. Read lots of build threads and plan every move you make. Also, plan on redoing pretty much EVERYTHING you put on the car at least once and usually a couple of times. (I have installed my engine 3 times, so far LOL)

Start a build thread and post lots of photos. You will get all the help you need.


Mark

[alexmak]

Alexmak,

Nothing about this is too hard. Read lots of build threads and plan every move you make. Also, plan on redoing pretty much EVERYTHING you put on the car at least once and usually a couple of times. (I have installed my engine 3 times, so far LOL)

Start a build thread and post lots of photos. You will get all the help you need.


Mark

Thanks! Yes, I figured a build thread is a must. I read a lot but I got to the point where I already have dreams about it, and sometimes they are weird (like assembling a frame together).

[jwd]

Over thinking EVERYTHING! I have more scrap aluminum and tubing than Boeing. I’m way too anal.If a bracket isn’t interesting,its scrap.
I learned when I was young that you can distract tech with something interesting in front while they don't see the crap in back that’s about to fall off.

[miller7448]

I'm changing my answer after this weekend. Hardest part has to be attaching the windshield uprights. Had to buy a right angle impact wench to have any way of tightening those bolts.

[AC Bill]

I'm changing my answer after this weekend. Hardest part has to be attaching the windshield uprights. Had to buy a right angle impact wench to have any way of tightening those bolts.

i found I could reach the passenger side post bolts, by reaching through the fender vent hole. Awkward, but doable. Drivers side was equally as awkward, but I was able to reach the bolts from inside the foot-box area. Biggest pain was kneeling down, and also trying to see the bolts, to get the wrench's on.

[railing]

The most important person in my life, my step-father, continually told me this, and it has always held true:

"Plan your work, work your plan"

You have tons of repeatable advice above. Read the manual, then look at one page, finish the page and do the next. Some tasks will take a minute to complete others a week. But if you plan each piece and work that plan, it will go smooth.

I haven't ordered my kit, but I've renovated a house by myself, built a 1200 sq/ft garage with a second floor, completely gutted 3 bathrooms and rebuilt it myself. Redid all the electrical, plumbing, and sewer lines myself, ran all new natural gas lines, etc. I figured out what I wanted to do, looked up how to do it, if I didn't have the tool, I bought, borrowed, or rented it. I practiced on scrap, I messed up, I fixed it, and when I got stuck, I asked for help. Know your limitations, but push your boundaries and try.

Yoda was wrong, there is a try. You might fail, but you'll learn and be better next time. The fun is in the trying and succeeding, but you need failures to learn. I'm sure every builder here has broken a part, stripped a screw, scratched paint, etc. It happens.

Plan your work, work your plan.

And best of all, enjoy your spoils ...

[Matt Ries]

My hardest part was to use time in the garage effectively. When I built the car, '06 my kids were younger. I didn't have much time. My goal was forward progress every week, whether the car got worked on or not. So I used lists to track different work tasks, and where I was in the task. It may be days or weeks before I got back to the car. Research and planning is forward progress and happened when I couldn't get out to the car. Detailed List allowed multiple areas to be in progress at one time. When problems require more research, stop on that list and move to another as garage time is used to it's fullest. As time goes on and items are cked off it's very motivating all that you ck off as done! Good Luck and have fun with it.

[NiceGuyEddie]

If you have a turnkey crate engine and wiring harness specifically designed for the car, the hardest part is going to be committing to a paint color.

Unless, of course, you hit a weld in the frame when drilling the holes for the pop rivets. :)

[Murd]

My hardest part was not driving it until it had plates on it.