What does “graduate” a car mean?

[DJWalker]

Hi

I’ve seen the term ”graduate” used a few times when browsing the Factory Five stuff - as in “he’s preparing the paint before graduating the build”. I don’t think this is a term we use with cars in the UK so not sure what it means. Does it mean getting the car approved and legal for street use?

Thanks

[j33ptj]

Graduating is completing the car so it is ready to use on the road! So yes, quite right, old chap!

RJ

[FLPBFoot]

To me it means the car is 100% finished. Painted all sorted and on the road. Mine is at this point but dont have the pictures I want yet in order to make the post I think it deserves.

[egchewy79]

I think different people have different definitions. Most "graduate" their car when they are completely done with the build (body, paint, and all the accessories). I've also seen other "graduate" their car once they get it titled and on the road. To each their own. My car is done except for body/paint, so maybe it's graduated but needs to still go to finishing school :)

[GoDadGo]

...To Me, Graduate Means Road Ready & 100% Legal To Drive!

https://www.factoryfive.com/whats-new/customer-steve-l-graduates-his-mk4-roadster/

...............It Is When The Fun Truly Begins!

[GWL]

To me I'll graduate when I'm about 98% done (bodywork, paint and all systems operational) cause I don't think I'll ever really be done. And I like it that way.

I don't think most would accept the concept of graduating if the bodywork and paint were not finished.

George

[David Hodgkins]

General consensus seems to be to graduate you need to be running and legal (registration and plates), have paint and an interior (if its a street car. Race cars exempt).

George is right, these cars are never done so the car does not need to be 100% done otherwise hardly anyone would ever graduate!

:)