MOTT Mk 4 Roadster Build School

[copythat]

Is the build school recommended (aka necessary) for novices like myself? The only thing I have ever rebuilt/customized was a 1966 Ford Bronco and that was a long, long time ago. The training is a significant investment and is nowhere near where I live, which translates into added expenses. Are there any statistics to show that people who attend the school are more likely to complete a build when compared to those who strike out on their own?

Thanks,
Rob

[txboiler]

I recently took the class and highly recommend it. based on what I have read on the forum, I was confident in my skills. I was interested in learning about the “secrets” and things to watch out for etc., the course offered that. I shared some of your same concerns but was thoroughly impressed with the knowledge of the instructors. I recommend printing the manual and reviewing prior to going to the course; as it is not specifically used in the course bit the sequence is followed. I believe the course fee is justified based on what you learn; you will also receive a rebate from FFR and Blue print when you order your kit.

[nucjd19]

I was wishy washy about going to do it. I wanted to but with COVID and the distance required I decided against it. I am sort of in your shoes but with maybe a little more experience rebuilding my 78' Landcruiser and repairing tractors and skid steers on my farm but far from a seasoned mechanic. From what I have gleaned by researching this forum and reading the manual it is very doable without the course but I think it instills confidence for folks that are hesitant about the commitment. IMHO with the guys on this forum is like having the build school at your fingertips 24/7 with just a search or question posted. At least that is what I am hoping as I just sent my payment in for my kit ( finish date 11/14).

[OSU Cowboy]

I attended the Build School in August 2008 just prior to the MK3.1 arriving from FFR in September 2008. I am no master mechanic. For me, the school was invaluable as well as the forums where members have provided a wealth of information, how-to's, etc. Got the roadster on the road in Nov 2019 with 4 days of help from the Travelling Builder, Mark Dougherty. For me, the Build School was great as I had never taken on a project on this scale. We show up to "parts and pieces" on Friday morning, and by Sunday evening witness a fully operational vehicle. It gave me confidence I could get this done ... and it only took me eleven years. Perhaps some day I'll learn how to stick with something and see it through to completion.

[Caddy Dad]

I recently took the class and highly recommend it. based on what I have read on the forum, I was confident in my skills. I was interested in learning about the “secrets” and things to watch out for etc., the course offered that. I shared some of your same concerns but was thoroughly impressed with the knowledge of the instructors. I recommend printing the manual and reviewing prior to going to the course; as it is not specifically used in the course bit the sequence is followed. I believe the course fee is justified based on what you learn; you will also receive a rebate from FFR and Blue print when you order your kit.

2x on what txboiler said. I wasn't totally confident I could take on and complete a project such as building a Mk IV roadster. This class gave me the confidence, insight and hands on experience on what is involved with building a car. These cars are not snap together Lego kits, they're not cheap and they are a lot of work. But with a little patience, perseverance, knowledge gained from the class and help from this forum you can produce a really nice car that you'll be proud to say "yeah, I built that".
Good luck!

[egchewy79]

I had minimal mechanical skills (oil changes, brake pad changes) prior to this endeavor and did not do the build school. The forums have been my savior and I've definitely have done some stupid stuff along the way, requiring disassembly and reassembly, sometimes several times on the same part of the build. Despite this, I have enjoyed every part of this process, including the frustrating ones that require you to step away for a while and regroup. Learning slowly at my own pace had been a welcome distraction, especially during the quarantine period where I was essentially furloughed for several weeks. While the build school would have been helpful, I don't believe it to be necessary. If you're on the fence about embarking on this journey, then maybe the school will let you know if you're out of your comfort zone. just my $0.02.

[TMartinLVNV]

I had minimal mechanical skills (oil changes, brake pad changes) prior to this endeavor and did not do the build school. The forums have been my savior and I've definitely have done some stupid stuff along the way, requiring disassembly and reassembly, sometimes several times on the same part of the build. Despite this, I have enjoyed every part of this process, including the frustrating ones that require you to step away for a while and regroup. Learning slowly at my own pace had been a welcome distraction, especially during the quarantine period where I was essentially furloughed for several weeks. While the build school would have been helpful, I don't believe it to be necessary. If you're on the fence about embarking on this journey, then maybe the school will let you know if you're out of your comfort zone. just my $0.02.

What Chewy said. I thought about the build school when I was purchasing the kit. I decided not to. There is no problem that you can come across that the forum has not had before. The build school probably would make it easier, but it is not necessary.

[Ponymedic]

My vote is go for it. It was a plane ride and hotel for me also so not insignificant investment. I have been turning wrenches for fun my whole life so I was confident with skills. Where I was less confident was with kit specific. That is where they ruled. I spent most of the time taking notes and pictures. Picked up lots of things that you wont see in the manual ( in fairness you will see them covered here). Im a tactile person so being able to see and touch the build helped me from making expensive mistakes

[nucjd19]

As a side note I would pay a pretty penny to have the build school video taped. They could make a TON of money recording a build and selling an " Audit video series". It could augment their build school well. Even if I went I would pay for a video series as well.

[egchewy79]

As a side note I would pay a pretty penny to have the build school video taped. They could make a TON of money recording a build and selling an " Audit video series". It could augment their build school well. Even if I went I would pay for a video series as well.

I first read this as "adult video series", which would be a whole new level of car building experience ! :p

[nucjd19]

I first read this as "adult video series", which would be a whole new level of car building experience ! :p

LOL! Now that would be awkward and possibly dangerous without appropriate footwear...

[tmlint]

Is the build school recommended (aka necessary) for novices like myself? The only thing I have ever rebuilt/customized was a 1966 Ford Bronco and that was a long, long time ago. The training is a significant investment and is nowhere near where I live, which translates into added expenses. Are there any statistics to show that people who attend the school are more likely to complete a build when compared to those who strike out on their own?

Thanks,
Rob

I will tell you that I was in the same boat as you. I have restored several cars. I figured there was nothing that I would learn. I decided to attend last month at the final minute. I was way wrong. I learned a lot and Scott and Todd that lead the class did a great job! Every time I completed a restoration I always was like if I did it over again I would change this. Going to the school gave me first hand knowledge of a build so that I can look for the things that I would like to differently on my build. There are things that are in the manual that state a certain way of doing the build. But the instructors with show different and better ways of building the car. It was a great experience and well worth the money.

[tmlint]

I first read this as "adult video series", which would be a whole new level of car building experience ! :p

Ha Ha! I thought the same thing when I first saw it!

[copythat]

I will tell you that I was in the same boat as you. I have restored several cars. I figured there was nothing that I would learn. I decided to attend last month at the final minute. I was way wrong. I learned a lot and Scott and Todd that lead the class did a great job! Every time I completed a restoration I always was like if I did it over again I would change this. Going to the school gave me first hand knowledge of a build so that I can look for the things that I would like to differently on my build. There are things that are in the manual that state a certain way of doing the build. But the instructors with show different and better ways of building the car. It was a great experience and well worth the money.

Thank you for the information. Did you by chance take the FFR build manual with you and make notes as you went or ???

[jrcuz]

When I went in 2016 they supplied a manual the first day.
JR

[Daddy O]

I do not think they are supplying manuals anymore. When I went in September they did not.

[tmlint]

I do not think they are supplying manuals anymore. When I went in September they did not.

You are correct. I did not get a manual when I went in October. I had a digital one that I had already that I used on an iPad