Advice for a young gearhead and their first build

[Cobra303]

Hello FFR Fam! This is my first post in any forum really. I've been obsessed with cars ever since I was a kid (34 years old currently), and always wanted to build a car with my dad, but since that never worked out I have had the same dream ever since my son was born. He's about to be 9 and loves cars as much if not more than I do so I know this was the perfect option for us to build an old school kind of car and to learn about how to build them together along the way since I am a complete newbie to building cars. I can do small maintenance things like changing the oil, brakes, or spark plugs, but haven't done much else besides that so would love to get ANY and ALL advice for someone just starting out with a roadster build. So to all of the gurus with the awesome build threads that I've read through, what would be your top things you would tell someone like me?

Thanks in advance!
Mike

[NAZ]

You can't have too many tools and will never have enough space even if you have a blimp hanger in your back yard. And bring lots of $$ as the folks here are experts at spending other people's money.

This is a great father / son project. Stay as close to a "normal" build as practical as the farther off the reservation you go, the more time and money it takes. And whatever you think it will cost, and however long you think it will take -- double it. Keep things simple and keep making progress. It's always better to ask when you're not sure than to continue and make a costly mistake. There's a lot of folks here that will help.

[Jeff Kleiner]

You’re a perfect candidate for the build school at Mott Community College. After the 3 days you’ll have a clear understanding for what it entails. When/if you buy a kit the school fee is applied as partial payment.

Jeff

[Avalanche325]

My first thing would be to ask.....is your Son into the idea of a build and this type of car? There have been some guys that the whole family is all over it, and some where the father is building and the son is in the corner texting his friends and wishing he was somewhere else.

I have a friend that built one and his teenage son didn't give a rip. Didn't even really want a ride when it was done.

Take realistic stock of your situation.

Not trying to be a curmudgeon. It will be an AWESOME father / son project if everyone is on board. I would have cherished doing one with my Dad.

[Cobra303]

Thank you all for the replies so far! Thanks for the tip Jeff, I looked into that Build School and think it would be a perfect for someone like me, I know how to build a house from the ground up for the most part and can make my way around the garage but definitely think the school could help so that I don't accidentally KILL myself or my son while building something incorrectly. Or have a nut/bolt fall off while driving around a bend through the mountains...:( So yeah, the school seems like a must for someone beginning like me.

I've been looking at FFR for a while so have known that it will cost a bit of money to get the car that I want, and from what I've read from most of you guys so far is that if its something you're debating about back and forth whether to get it or not, I should just save up and get it now so I have no regrets later.

As far as my son goes, he definitely is into this, I built him a go-kart after I learned how to weld from youtube and ever since then he's been on board with building a car together. I have 3 nephews that are a little younger than him and all are future gearheads for sure so Uncle Mike might be the go to spot for the cousin's to hangout during some weekends! :cool:

[Duster]

I went to the Mott build school prior to ordering my FFR. Both of my sons (34 & 28) went along with me. Nice trip. The build school was worth the cost as far as I'm concerned. If I can offer a few suggestions that might help you get more out of the class. I used the class to find out three things for sure: Would I like building the kit. Is the kit of good quality. Would my larger frame (6'3", 220 size 13 feet) fit in the car. Answers were yes, yes and yes. I ordered my kit the week I got back from the school. Very good quality. With the right seats, pedals and shoes I fit. Now, follow up thoughts are that if I had to do it all over again I would go to the school after I received my kit (and after doing the complete inventory). After being surrounded by all those parts and boxes I had more questions than answers that I would have liked to have answered at the class. The car we (re)built up there was a bit older than the version that I received so there were actually a lot of differences and the teachers were not up to date with what was coming in the newest kits. Not their fault and not pointing fingers, just reality. Not a huge deal but can be confusing. If you go post kit arrival BRING YOUR BUILD MANUAL and as they are pointing out and instructing have your manual in hand making copious notes. Draw diagrams, circle, hi-lite - you name it. Video as much as you can of the little things. I took pictures with my phone but my pictures did not make sense sometimes 4 or 5 monthes later. They will show you alternative ways to do something or aftermarket parts that may be better or easier or you might want to add to make the car yours. Absorb that information like a sponge. Before you go to Mott get on this forum and go through post by post on complete build threads of the pros like EdwardB and Papa to name just a couple. You will learn a ton and avoid time and money consuming mistakes as well as learning some very cool mods that make the car better. You will also see how some of these mods have been integrated into the kit you buy. Basic wrenching will get you through the majority of the project. Once you see the class you will realize that you can do this. I would rate the forum the biggest help at about 65%, the manual 20% and the school was about 15% based on my trip. Go after your kit arrives with the current manual in hand and video how-tos along with focused questions and you will be way ahead of the game. Good luck and enjoy!

[Papa]

My advice... Do it! I had similar experience to what you're describing and I built my car with a lot of help from the FFR builder community. It is such a rewarding experience to take on and complete a project like this. Best advice ... make a plan of what you want to build and stick to it as best as you can. Don't set unnecessary time constraints on yourself. Take your time and enjoy the process.

Dave

BTW, is the 303 in your handle indicative of a Colorado location? If so, give me a shout if you want to come by and see what I built.

[CraigS]

As you look through the forum take note of anyone who started out as a novice. If he has a build thread read it. If not search for threads where he posted. There are quite a few here who had done less on cars than you and now have a great FFR.

[GoDadGo]

Go Dad's Top 10 Tips For First Time Builders:

1... Get the manual and read it a few times because it helps you when you do your inventory because you will become familiar with most of the parts you'll be dealing with.
2... Watch the factory five build videos once or twice too.
..... https://youtu.be/NnJdjMKDC_g?list=PLWvfrZxPoPnbmHRjXTlVS-CVcPoK4x6lB
3... Plan your build around your abilities and your budget, but expect to go over budget.
4... Get in line to have your car painted by Jeff Kleiner ASAP because bodywork and paint suck.
5... Take any advice that Jeff Kleiner or 65 Cobra Dude (Henry) gives you because these guys are professional builders who knows these cars like the back of their hands.
6... Check out Sir Edwardb's (Mr. Paul) build threads because they supplement the manual very well.
..... SBF / Solid Watts Link Axle / MK-4
..... https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?8296-Mk4-7750-Build-Progress-Update
..... Coyote / IRS / MK-4
..... https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?18591-EdwardB%92s-Mk4-8674-20th-Anniversary-Build
7... Take any advice you get from Sir Edwardb (Mr. Paul) because he is a true craftsman and likely the best hobbyist builder on the forum.
8... If you want to complicate your life and catch some ribbing, stuff a Chevy in it and call me because I can share with you what I've learned.
9... Be careful and watch your fingers and toes, especially your fingers, because cutting off even one pinkie will stall your project.
..... https://youtu.be/QyMN73IW6I8
10. Walk away when you get frustrated, and don't throw tools because they'll bounce around and damage something, which will cause you to throw more tools.

Congratulations On Joining The Factory Five Family & Welcome Aboard!

.................On a side note, building this car with your son will make him a motorhead for life!

[Sdonnel]

Not discounting anyone’s experience, but keep one thing in mind. All the builders on this forum were once first time builders too. Many have gone back and done multiple cars and we’ve gotten the opportunity to see their craftsmanship. I’ve personally visited Edwardb’s house and been able to see both cats side by side. They are absolutely stunning. I have also replicated many details from his cars on my own. That’s what it’s all about. Use what you like and pass on what you don’t. You’re thinking about this in the right way. The cars are never truly done, so plan to always be building in some form or another.

Scott

[Cobra303]

Thanks Dave for letting me stop by to check out your ride, definitely solidified by decision to order a kit in about a year! I like the list you put together GoDadGo, and after talking with Dave, I will be getting on Kleiner's waitlist ASAP. Multiple people have pointed me towards Edwardb and I can't wait to pick his brain at some point! Thanks again guys, this is all new to me.

[GoDadGo]

Thanks Dave for letting me stop by to check out your ride, definitely solidified by decision to order a kit in about a year! I like the list you put together GoDadGo, and after talking with Dave, I will be getting on Kleiner's waitlist ASAP. Multiple people have pointed me towards Edwardb and I can't wait to pick his brain at some point! Thanks again guys, this is all new to me.

Like Papa Dave, I'm a 1st-time builder too so keep that in mind.

....That makes me an enthusiast just like you, but with Dark Side Power!

....................................Good Luck!

[Papa]

Thanks Dave for letting me stop by to check out your ride, definitely solidified by decision to order a kit in about a year! I like the list you put together GoDadGo, and after talking with Dave, I will be getting on Kleiner's waitlist ASAP. Multiple people have pointed me towards Edwardb and I can't wait to pick his brain at some point! Thanks again guys, this is all new to me.

You're most welcome, Mike. I always enjoy talking with other builders and prospective builders. Shoot me a text any time you're in the neighborhood and if I'm free, you're welcome to pop in.

Dave

[NiceGuyEddie]

YOU CAN DO IT - countless people have build Factory Fives with no prior experience except for assembling BBQ grills and IKEA furniture.

[swwebb]

If not Kleiners list, try Jeff Miller (da Bat) for paint. He's in Temecula, CA. Both Jeff's are awesome painters!!

[Avalanche325]

It sounds like you are ready to go!!!
Pull the trigger!

[wareaglescott]

You can do it. This forum is an extremely helpful community.
My previous automotive experience was limited to changing my oil in high school 25 years prior and I pulled it off. I wrote my build thread from a beginners perspective including my first time mistakes. Linked in my signature. You may find that useful.
No question is to stupid to ask here. We have all benefited from the tremendous help available here and are always happy to pay it forward. This darn forum pretty much restored my faith in humanity with all the helpful folks here!

[AZPete]

You can do it! You said you can build a house, can learn stuff on YouTube, and you've got this forum, so do it. I was a scared novice but built a roadster and then an 818 Coupe with the help of guys here. It has been a life-changing fun journey and the only thing better would have been to build with my son. Unfortunately, I waited too long and by the time my first kit arrived he had a wife, kids, dog, mortgage and a career out of state. Don't wait.

[Hacksaw84]

Well under the current situation this might not be the most helpful advice but... Go to one of the big cobra shows before you order. London Ohio, San Marcos Texas or Huntington Beach California are a few. You will get to see around 100 cobras at one time. Explain yourself and talk to a bunch of builders. See what you like, or don't like. There will be decisions you need to make when you order and that was the best way for me to do it.

I didn't attend but I do think the recommendation from others on the build school is an excellent one.

Also, if you can build a house, learned how to weld, and built a go cart you will be just fine. Not that it will not be hard, challenging or confusing at times but you can do it.

[rich grsc]

Well under the current situation this might not be the most helpful advice but... Go to one of the big cobra shows before you order. London Ohio, San Marcos Texas or Huntington Beach California are a few. You will get to see around 100 cobras at one time. Explain yourself and talk to a bunch of builders. See what you like, or don't like. There will be decisions you need to make when you order and that was the best way for me to do it.

I didn't attend but I do think the recommendation from others on the build school is an excellent one.

Also, if you can build a house, learned how to weld, and built a go cart you will be just fine. Not that it will not be hard, challenging or confusing at times but you can do it.

Unfortunately all of those events have been canceled this year, so that isn't going to be helpful till maybe next year.

[Hacksaw84]

Unfortunately all of those events have been canceled this year, so that isn't going to be helpful till maybe next year.

Yeah that is why I said its not currently the most helpful advice. It helped me out so figured I would share my 2 cents.

It sounded like the OP was planning ahead and not immediately looking to get started. It might still work out for him to attend one or two before ordering

[lewma]

I built mine with my son and now we fight over driving time ( he's older than 9 :) )

[Cobra303]

Well under the current situation this might not be the most helpful advice but... Go to one of the big cobra shows before you order. London Ohio, San Marcos Texas or Huntington Beach California are a few. You will get to see around 100 cobras at one time. Explain yourself and talk to a bunch of builders. See what you like, or don't like. There will be decisions you need to make when you order and that was the best way for me to do it.

Thanks for the tip! I think once the current situation cools down a bit and these start to get underway again it would be a perfect event to check out because I can not decide on a paint scheme, engine choice and a bunch of other little things (like a deeper trunk, IRS, etc), so to see a bunch of cobras in one spot would be awesome. Maybe I can try to join in on one of the Mile High Cobra clubs weekend drives with Dave and his buddies.

[Cobra303]

AZPete and lewma, I am looking forward to the build with my son probably more than the actual end result of driving the car (which will be mind blowing in itself) but to spend a couple years or whatever it might be, building and learning with my son will be freaking awesome, and with all the advice and help from you guys on here I know we can do it! Just gotta get all of our stuff planned out now!

[Papa]

Thanks for the tip! I think once the current situation cools down a bit and these start to get underway again it would be a perfect event to check out because I can not decide on a paint scheme, engine choice and a bunch of other little things (like a deeper trunk, IRS, etc), so to see a bunch of cobras in one spot would be awesome. Maybe I can try to join in on one of the Mile High Cobra clubs weekend drives with Dave and his buddies.

MHCC doesn't care what kind of car you have. I joined a year before ordering my kit. One of our members drives a Lamborghini. It's all about getting together with other enthusiasts and having fun.

Dave

[Bob-STL]

Here's what I did.

https://www.rcnmag.com/garage/motivational-exercise

[Cobra303]

MHCC doesn't care what kind of car you have. I joined a year before ordering my kit. One of our members drives a Lamborghini. It's all about getting together with other enthusiasts and having fun.

Dave

Heck yeah! Well, let me know when your next ride is with the MHCC and I'll try to tag along!

[Ernie67]

Take pictures of you son while he is working on the car-and get them printed out. Who knows what type of digital media will replace your cloud storage- the prints will be kept as treasures by him.

[GoDadGo]

Hey Cobra303,

Before I ordered my kit two Factory Five Guys took me for rides in their cars and I knew that I needed to start the journey of building my own.

The first was an early MK-3 that was a donor build that had the early IRS and a peppy 302 with a T-5 in it...The second was a MK-4 that was a complete kit that had an over the top 2003 Super-Charged Modular 4.6 Cobra Motor it with a 3-Link rear...The first was a bit of a beater and not done very well, but the second was rolling art with way more power than what I was looking for...Both cars were great, even the beater build, because they were both Factory Fives so both had solid foundations...What I learned/realized is that these cars can be finished to any level you'd like, you just need patience and need to know when you need to ask for help.

Look at Edwardb's most recent sale which was his third build and it produced a very strong price in only two days.

Our First Video:
https://youtu.be/3f1Q4aS5SG4

Our Go-Kart Video:
https://youtu.be/PCngiKoopkA

Our Most Recent Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WEe6-wdNtA

Good Luck From The Dark Dart Side!

Steve

PS:..I'm A 1st Time Builder Too!
...... That Means If I Can Do It, Then So Can You!
.......While It Is True That I Am A Pretty Good Wrench Swinger, I Am By No Means A Master Mechanic!
.......I'm A Dark Side Banker (Special Asset Work Out Officer) Who Never Learned How To Swing A Golf Club Or Tennis Racket!