Waiting game

[Christopher]

I am patiently waiting for my MK4 Complete roadster which is scheduled for 4/22. I built my body buck and wondering is there is anything else people suggest I should be doing while trying to patiently wait? I have read the manual and making notes on things trying to educate myself better so when the time comes I am better prepared along with reading many of your build threads. Should I order clemco's? If so, what size? I am so excited I feel like a kid the day before Christmas. Lol.

[klawrence]

Clecos... order the copper colored ones, they are the 1/8th size. One good suggestion that was on this forum is do get all your other projects completed so you can spend more time with the car, once the kit arrives.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Don't forget the Cleco pliers install/remove tool. You can generally order sets that include the tool. Also don't go crazy on buying pins, you don't need a pin for every hole you drill.

[nucjd19]

Build threads, build threads build threads....... Papa, edwardb, Fman, etc..... all helped me immensely. There are new builders that are carrying on the torch too. I feel like I need to send them personalized thank you letters because of their documentation, work arounds and "gotcha's ". Clecos for sure. Good folks here starting posting and making connections is just as important. You not only bought a kit but just inherited a family. Sometimes folks argue, sometimes agree but they always support each other and are there to help. One of the unexpected benefits of joining the F5R owners club was meeting and creating friendships with folks that are genuinely kind hearted and mean well. :) That can be difficult in these times

[JeffP]

I'm in the same boat... delivery date is 2/26. I've been reading tons of build threads and every time there is a tool suggestion or supply i may need it gets added to my MK4 list on Amazon and Harbor Freight... I check them both each week to see whats one sale. Also picked up a 2T engine hoist off FB market place, so generally just trying to watch for the tools and catch them cheap. I keep an eye on parts that seem to be in short supply or dwindling and getting them ordered now. I'm not sure what you're doing for a powertrain, but I'm doing a Gen3 Coyote from Forte. The control pack for it is basically on long term back order with no tentative date. When I ordered it, he was receiving back orders for orders placed 5 months prior. With the chip shortages, i'm sure ford is keeping them themselves and not much making it to after market, so if you havn't ordered a drive train you may want to consider putting a deposit down. I also ordered my Wilwood brakes from Forte.. they were cheaper than getting them with the kit and i've heard they can be hard to come by, although I got them within 6 weeks. I've also started ordering tires as I catch them instock/onsale as rubber is also becoming a hard to find item - at the risk of them sitting too long - i know, i'm keeping them in a climate controlled area so they should keep their shelf life.

Good Luck with the wait!

[egchewy79]

as nucjd19 said, pick a few build threads and read them front to back. start planning your build in your head, but keep in mind the POL list will likely be lengthy so be prepared to pivot and work on something else. I'd recommend starting a list of things you want to add on (aftermarket fuel lines, brakes, radiator shrouds/mounts, seat mounts, etc). If choosing a vendor like Breeze or replica parts, batch your orders and save $$ on shipping. Even ordering from McMaster Carr or Summit, batching orders will save you lots in the long haul. I just bought some SS screws from McMaster...$9 for the screws but $7 shipping!
I could have saved hundreds of $$ had I planned and ordered things in batches.

[Wayne r mckee]

Get a Milwaukee rivet gun , I found one on offer up for $100 . Worth it at twice the price