If new to building, advice

[ChucktownRacer]

I am considering building a type 65 coupe, but very concerned as I have never done anything like this before. I am pretty handy around the house, and can turn wrenches for minor car issues. If you were me, what advice would you give me to help assist in the package and unknown things that I cant foresee happening. What parts on the kit from FFR are absolutely necessary, which are very helpful, and which aren't particularly worth the time or money.

What would you do differently after building your first vehicle.

Thanks in advance.

Rob

[FF33rod]

Welcome! you've come to the right place - this forum is excellent pre-build, during the build and post build!!!
Do a lot of reading of the build threads for the type 65, it's amazing what you pick up and learn. All the builds are interesting to read about but there are a few serial builders that really know their stuff and document things extremely well. One of those for the type 65 is "edwardb" (Paul).
I highly suggest going to the build school given your background, it's what I did. It really helps to build confidence and they do pass along many tips and tricks that help. If I remember correctly there isn't a class for the 65 but many aspects are extremely similar to the roadster so attending that course would be appropriate.

Cheers
Steve

[Rsnake]

Rob,
I am currently doing a well documented build from start to finish on youtube.
Check it out. Cobra Daytona Build
Thanks

[edwardb]

Welcome! For a new inexperienced builder, the Roadster is a bit more mature and simpler to build. But the latest Gen 3 Coupe is excellent as well. Just a bit more complicated because it often has more features (e.g. heat and A/C) plus the body is more challenging to fit. But it's an awesome car. I highly recommend it. You're getting good advice to go to the build school. They don't have one for the Coupe. But the Roadster one will give you 90% of what you need and a good reality check if it's something for you. I'd highly recommend a complete kit and everything provided by Factory Five works. You'll get lots of opinions on mods, what is better, etc. But they're just that -- opinions. Including mine and I do my share of both. But do some homework and start simple. You won't find many regrets from those who stick with it and finish. My Couple build thread is linked in the sig line below.

[UpNorth]

Rob,

I was in your position 3 years ago. And now my car is about to go to a body shop.
My first advice would be to go to the build school when things get a little more normal.
Even if you’re not building a Daytona there you will get to know if you can and really want to build it.
I got out of there knowing I want and can do it...Priceless!
Then I would take a field trip to Wareham.
After all that...you decide.

Francois

[Blueblood]

I have never built a car with instructions. Lol So can anyone who has built a factory five car tell how the instructions are for the build. Are they easy to understand, do you need some experience to know what they are referring to? That may be a part of the build that will determine the level needed to complete the project.

[Alan_C]

Rob, I had the same kind of concerns before I built my MK4. I had never done more on a car than perform tuneups and brakes. I am a retired (now) electrical engineer, so I was confident with the electrical side. In 2011, I figured I was looking at spending $30K or more to build a MK4 from a late model donor. First I wanted to be sure I would finish and second I wanted to be sure it was safe. To address my concerns, I went to build school. Build school was a great experience and well worth it. At build school the instructors will show you some fabrication methods that you may not have done before, like making brake and fuel lines. I took lots of notes and pictures which were helpful when working on my own car.
The manual was well done, it keeps you on track by providing a recommended assembly order. You need to consider that the manuals and their supplements are made for the most common builds like a small block Ford or now a Coyote based build. The more you go off track, customize, your build from the standard the more you will have to figure out on your own. We all customize our builds somewhat, but choosing a uncommon engine or transmission will require more work on your part. I built my MK4 using a 4.6L DOHC engine, not a common build at the time but one that Factory Five had support for. When it came time to wire the car was when things got a bit more complicated. A supporting vendor reworked my donor harness and made dealing with the electrical much easier. As time goes on, more of the variations have been done and are now supported. What is really key, be prepared to "learn" new skills and buy lots of tools.
If you are still working, building the Factory Five will be the best therapy money can buy. In the end, you will have extreme pride in the accomplishment of having built it yourself. These cars are challenging at times, but the folks here on the forum collectively have done it all with solutions to problems being nothing more than a forum post and a few hours wait.
For me the MK4 was kind of a entry level drug, I have the bug bad now. I have moved on to restomoding a vintage Mustang. In this effort, there is no manual to follow but fun just the same.

[edwardb]

I have never built a car with instructions. Lol So can anyone who has built a factory five car tell how the instructions are for the build. Are they easy to understand, do you need some experience to know what they are referring to? That may be a part of the build that will determine the level needed to complete the project.

Part of the answer depends on your expectations. If you expect every single nut and bolt and detail of your specific build configuration to be pictured and explained, you may be disappointed. These aren't snap together kits. They're a custom build that will require some effort and research on your part at various stages. Having said that, the current build manuals are significantly better than they were in the past. They will give you a build sequence that works and plenty of detail for common stuff like the suspension, aluminum panels, body installation, etc. What you may not get is specific details for your chosen engine or transmission, depending on what you use. There are supplemental instructions (http://www.factoryfiveparts.com/instructions/) for certain options and variations. Builders sometimes miss those. Highly recommend spending $10 and ordering an electronic version of the model you're interested in. Available on Factory Five's parts website and you'll be able to download immediately. A paper version of the manual comes with the kit (or can also be ordered) but I like the electronic version because I can quickly look things up. Factory Five tech support is usually very helpful, although IMO should be a little selective when to use it. They just don't have the bandwidth to answer every little question. A huge advantage of Factory Five is the build community. Like this forum. Ask most anything and someone out there can usually help. So all together I'd challenge you to find another company or product of this type with as many resources. But still takes effort and initiative on your part.

[ChucktownRacer]

Definitely will. Thanks R.

[ChucktownRacer]

Edward,

I really appreciate your recommendations. Given your history, I was hoping you'd comment. Your builds are so impressive

[ChucktownRacer]

Alan,

Thats great advice. I am considering purchasing a rear end wrecked newer mustang GT in order to transplant the engine and trans. Id probably try to stick with something that is pretty standard...especially on my first build. Need to stick with the pre-planned instructions.

Thanks again,

Rob

[ChucktownRacer]

Alan,

Thats great advice. I am considering purchasing a rear end wrecked newer mustang GT in order to transplant the engine and trans. Id probably try to stick with something that is pretty standard...especially on my first build. Need to stick with the pre-planned instructions.

Thanks again,

Rob

[GoDadGo]

Any advice given to you by Edwardb will be based on real-world experience so recommendations given by him are always spot on.
From my perspective, he is truly a Master Hobbyist Builder so check out his build threads because they really supplement the F-5 Manuals very well.

[AC Bill]

When you get stuck on something, (almost a given), this forum, and the FFCars.com forum, has a tremendous wealth of info available, and members with many, many years of combined build experience, who will answer pretty well any question you could ask.

i know its not all that popular any longer, but the dismantling of a donor Mustang for parts, can give you great insight on how, and where, components are used on a vehicle. Even if you don't use all the parts for your build, (which is almost a given), you will have a much better overall understanding of them.

[Fbird]

I have the body mounted on my coupe for trial fit #1. Then I will be pulling it off and putting in the engine and buying my Ford coyote engine control pack. I am doing things a bit differently than most due to cash flow availability.I think I am one of the younger builders for factory five forum, but I could be wrong (43). I am an art teacher and my wife is also in education. I generally like doing anything that I can create with my hands. I am a potter, drawer, welder,home brewer and dabble in all forms of home projects. I also have two sons in 9th 6th grades. We come from all different backgrounds and professions in the forum.

My advice to you is just go for it. Completely page through someone else’s build, then read the manual. I would recommend printing out an Edward b build and referring to it often.Creating something whether it be art, a car, music, or a well prepared meal are some of the best forms of therapy. I do things for the experience almost more than the end result. It took me over 10 years to restore a rusted out Smokey and the bandit trans am, but I did all the work myself except rebuilding the engine and trans.I made mistakes, but I learned a lot and gained confidence. Completing that project lead me to buying my coupe a year ago. The itch to build is greater than the itch to drive and show. You can build a factory five coupe. The instructions are good...not perfect...but very good. If you run into problems there are great people here who are helping guide me on my new project and they will help you get it done. Ask questions and just build something..nothing better in my opinion.
Here is my coupe in progress.https://sites.google.com/view/todds-type-65/home

[P100DHG]

I am proud newbie. A Factory Five virgin, but I come at it with ambition, a fresh perspective and new ideas. I wrote my build thread for the first time builder.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?29393-P100DHG-Build-Thread

For me the journey went beyond the car, beyond the mechanics, beyond the fabrication and this has been one of the most incredible learning experiences of my life.

I love the wisdom Fbird shared and really connect with his advice. “I made mistakes, but I learned a lot and gained confidence.... The itch to build is greater than the itch to drive and show. You can build a factory five coupe.“ Wow does that sum it up! Wonderfully said.

Take it a day at a time a step at a time. Take it in manageable chunks, be in the moment when you build and just keep an open mind. The community needs new builders who look to find new solutions to the problems we are all scratching out heads on.

[Alan_C]

Remember, the MK4 base kit was primarily designed for Fox body donor cars and later models no newer than 2004. Coyote powered later model mustangs can be used for the engine and rear end, but that is about it. I used a 2004 Mach 1 as a donor in 2011. It was 7 years old at the time, but had only 38K miles on it and was accident damaged just bad enough to total it. To find lower mileage 2004 or older donors now would be difficult given their age. High mileage donors have the problem that just about everything needs to be rebuilt or used as cores in exchange for remanufactured parts. This is the reason so many builders today go with complete kits and all new parts. All new these days pushes the build price easily to $50K and beyond. If you decide to go the donor route, buying the right donor is key to success.
Copart auctions can be a good way to find a car as they have auctions all over the country. There websites are easy to use so that you can find a donor that is right for your build. Beware of Autobidmaster and the like as their business practices have caused issues for lots of buyers, myself for one. Independent brokers can be found that will represent you for a modest fee, provide you access to the auction and transfer the title paperwork once the car has been bought. There are car hauling shipping companies to ship the car if not local. Auctions can be a good source for a donor, but I have had good and not so good experiences in buying two donor cars.

[Chris @ Forma]

Rob,

All the advice offered by others is excellent. The only thing the I might add is to find one or more experienced builders in your part of the country and hang out with them a bit. You'll learn a lot more by lending a hand. Additionally, the community is always willing to lend a hand and not just give advice. We have 5 coupes in our shop right now and if you were closer I'd suggest you come by for a visit. If you are ever in the Columbus, OH area, you are always welcome to stop by. Once you get started, reach out to me, I'm planning on retiring in your neck of the woods and will be traveling down there frequently in the coming years and I'd love to stop by.

[ChucktownRacer]

Rob,

All the advice offered by others is excellent. The only thing the I might add is to find one or more experienced builders in your part of the country and hang out with them a bit. You'll learn a lot more by lending a hand. Additionally, the community is always willing to lend a hand and not just give advice. We have 5 coupes in our shop right now and if you were closer I'd suggest you come by for a visit. If you are ever in the Columbus, OH area, you are always welcome to stop by. Once you get started, reach out to me, I'm planning on retiring in your neck of the woods and will be traveling down there frequently in the coming years and I'd love to stop by.

Chris, I appreciate the offer. That is one of the many cool things about this forum. Very tight knit and everyone is so helpful. Rob