One Newbie to Another re Build Sequence

[jmccrack]

This is not my first rodeo. I have a 34 Ford and a 55 Chevy truck under my belt. But this 35 has offer some unique problems. And I have not even started the doors yet. For the most part everything has sort of fit. I just wanted to start this thread to help all us new guys out on this grande adventure. So here is my first observation. When I received the crate with the truck and chassis in it the first thing I did was unpack and inventory everything. The next thing I did was take the cab off the truck and started fitting parts as per the manual. I wish in hind site I had left the body on. If you do It will help you a lot on seat placement , brake reservoir placement. and getting a better idea of where everything goes inside the cab. Body trimming so the door fit better later on. And in my case making sure the cab fits behind the firewall not in front. If any of you seasoned builders have any words of wisdom that would help us new guys out I am sure it would be greatly appreciated.

[Robodent]

The first thing I did was study the build manual for a good month before I started building. I read some other build threads going on at the time and there wasn’t much available I built truck # 16 . Wallace 18 has a very good build thread on the truck and it was very helpful for me and thank you TW. Another Avenue is the build school that’s available for guys I don’t know now with covid. Being a seasoned body man I had my challenges also with the truck.
Seat fitment and the dam radiator, condenser, grille sandwich. Being steady, persistent and not compromising by saying to myself that’s good enough kept me driving forward. Once it’s all said and done you’ll have such a profound feeling of accomplishment like no other!! Especially at a car show . Keep your chin up and drive forward. Rob

[FLFrank35]

This was my first build. I attended the build school at Mott College and I've assembled and repaired things (furniture, grills, lawn equipment, appliances, computers, etc.). For someone like me, there was still a sharp learning curve (and I'm still learning) regarding parts, terms, tools, techniques, etc. I incorrectly assumed that because I bought a kit, everything would fit together nicely, like the other things I've worked on.

Another thing that didn't occur to me at the beginning, is to mock things up before cutting, drilling and assembling. The experienced guys know this and it gives you the big picture as you're building. I wrongly assumed that if I just followed the manual, page-by-page, the build would go smoothly.

This forum is a great resource and supplement to the manual, thanks to all of the helpful guys on it https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/images/icons/icon14.png

Good luck!

[edwardb]

This was my first build. I attended the build school at Mott College and I've assembled and repaired things (furniture, grills, lawn equipment, appliances, computers, etc.). For someone like me, there was still a sharp learning curve (and I'm still learning) regarding parts, terms, tools, techniques, etc. I incorrectly assumed that because I bought a kit, everything would fit together nicely, like the other things I've worked on.

Another thing that didn't occur to me at the beginning, is to mock things up before cutting, drilling and assembling. The experienced guys know this and it gives you the big picture as you're building. I wrongly assumed that if I just followed the manual, page-by-page, the build would go smoothly.

This forum is a great resource and supplement to the manual, thanks to all of the helpful guys on it https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/images/icons/icon14.png

Good luck!

These kind of posts always make me a little nervous. Mainly because it shows what appears to be a gap between what was expected and what was realized. As is often said on here, these aren't snap together kits. The good news is Factory Five offers these with a huge variation of possible engines, transmissions, suspensions, brakes, options, etc. The bad news is Factory Five offers these with a huge variation of possible engines, transmissions, suspensions, brakes, options, etc. Really no such thing as a "standard" build and the build manual can't possibly cover all the combinations. There will always be a level of customization, frustration, and rework depending on what you choose. Goes with the territory. Because these are marketed to include those with little/no experience, this is frequently seen as a bad thing. It can be, don't get me wrong. Even some of us with multiple builds have those head-slap moments. ("What were they thinking here?") Sounds like you're getting grounded now though. You're absolutely right. Mock up like crazy. Try to look ahead as much as you can and try to visualize how various parts and components interact or try to occupy the same space. I'm doing a truck right now too. For the most part I'm satisfied with the kit. But there have been a few surprises so far and I'm maybe only 25-30% done. The main thing is don't get discouraged. Don't let yourself become a stalled build casualty. We're here to help if we can when needed. Factory Five is very customer service oriented and they'll take care of you too if needed. But they are stretched to the limit right now so be patient there if needed. The end is worth it, trust me. The owning and driving something you built is satisfying beyond anything I could describe. Keep forging ahead and enjoy the process.

[VIRGIN MIKE]

First thing I didn't do was a proper inventory - big mistake. One thing I did do early on, with the bare frame, was to lay it on its side to do the floor panels, fuel and brake lines, gas tank and pedal box. I also found it easier to lower the frame onto the differential than to lift the diff up to the frame. Now that I am almost fully assembled, I wish I had installed the sound/heat materials before I built out the dash.

[jmccrack]

great advice coming. I know this will help us all. I think the key is go slow plan your next move and spend hours on this forum. You are bound to pick useful information

[House Money]

great advice coming. I know this will help us all. I think the key is go slow plan your next move and spend hours on this forum. You are bound to pick useful information

Planning your next move isn't really enough in all cases. more like three or four steps ahead in a lot of cases.

Gary