What Am I Thinking...

[Twowheelbandito]

I don't need this in my life... Not another obsession. Why am I reading forum posts, looking up engine and transmission combos, watching build videos on Youtube and looking at my garage trying to figure out how I can fit a project car in there. There are tons of other projects I could/should be working on. I BELONG on two wheels and frankly they keep me pretty busy.:D
165362

A little about myself.

I started riding in the mid 90's on a Honda CBR600F3. Speed, acceleration and wheelies... I was hooked! Frankly, motorcycles provided the speed fix that I could not afford in the four-wheeled world at the time. They still do. The Ducati Panigale V4 puts out 214hp at the crank. It's a fully modern sporting machine with traction control, multiple ABS modes, power levels, wheelie control, etc. It is the fastest motorcycle I've ever piloted. A rider with modest sport skills will feel like an absolute hero on it. It's truly a spaceship on two wheels. While big power, better handling and new technology always interests me. I have huge respect for the riders and machines that lead the way. My Ducati 900SS is probably getting 80HP max out of it's two-valve, oil cooled twin, but she still expects you to know what you are doing when you ride her. No ABS to soften a sudden over reaction; No traction control to forgive a ham fisted throttle input. Wheelie control?
Yeah right. So why do I own and ride both. It's the experience... The Panigale is a representation of the state of the art. It's a powerful, well-mannered sport machine that takes a riders inputs and delivers a better result than the rider on their own is capable of. If you enjoy sport bikes you should try one. Just don't ride in traffic... The 900SS is a different beast entirely. It's from a time when you had to earn your speed. You apply the brakes. You weight the peg. You lean the bike. You roll on the throttle as you apex and straighten up. Do all of that smoothly and quickly, then repeat. The faster you go; the better the bike expects you to be. Nothing is forgiven. That's not to say that the Panigale and other bikes like it don't require a rider to have some skill. They absolutely do, but they also forgive riders for minor mistakes. Sorry guys, I'm kinda rambling on here. I think you get it. I like motorcycles... :D

So why am I thinking of trying to build a car?

Today we have access to speed, safety and technology that rivals race cars from not that long ago. I can go to any of the major auto manufacturers and buy a car that would run, sound and perform amazing (A/C and Radio included)! No bloody knuckles, hours of frustration or greasy hands required. Hell, I wouldn't even have to look under the hood if I didn't want to. Speed and convenience. All in a car that at least five other people on my block own. Sounds great! Maybe, but I can't help but feel like there is a bigger experience that I'm looking for. The idea of taking a bare frame and boxes of parts and turning that into a machine built for driving enthusiasts is exciting! In the end I'm not sure if I am ready to take the plunge. I will keep reading posts, watching videos and re-arranging the garage until either the urge dissipates or Factory Five gets a deposit from me for a Type 65 Coupe or maybe a MK 4. I should just go for a ride... Pani or SS? Hmmm...

Thanks for reading my rambling thoughts... If you'd like to share what made you decide to take on a project like this I'd appreciate it. What were some of the hurdles you had to go through? Is it something you regret taking on? How long did it take you to complete? What were some of the biggest stumbling blocks you ran into during your build? When all was said and done did you still have friends and family that didn't think you were nuts? :D

[NAZ]

Yup, you're gonna need a bigger garage or thin the heard of two-wheelers (but keep the Ducati). I agree, that Type 65 looks like a winner -- that's the one you should build. And put the biggest, baddest engine you can afford in it with IRS. Write the check and don't look back. You're not buying a car, you're buying into living the dream and making magical memories.

Have fun.

[mburger]

Ditto what “NAZ” said. (also nice grouping!)

[Jrmotorsports55]

You won't regret it.

[Namrups]

I'm 69 years old and have cancer that will some day be the cause of my death. I grew up during the muscle car craze. The first car I bought was a 1964 Plymouth Barracuda (the one with the hugh sloping rear window) that had a 1967 318 with a 4 speed. I loved that car and wish I still had it. Well life got in the way and my passion was put on hold for a very long time. I am now 2 weeks away from retiring. The company made me a very attractive offer. I could let life dictate what I should do with this new found wealth and live out the rest of my days watching the grass grow. I have decided not this time! I am going to follow my passion. I purchased the 65 Daytona Coupe. Was it a scary decision? You bet! I am not a risk taker. I knew that this would be my last chance and it gave me something to get up for every morning once I turn in my gate pass. If you read my thread you will see that I didn't even have a place to build the car when I ordered. Just the process of getting the garage built and supplied has given me more pleasure and enjoyment then almost any thing else I have done thru the years. It's given me a purpose and an opportunity to spend some quality time with my 16 year old daughter who will be helping me with the build. She already knows that it will be hers some day. This will be either the biggest mistake of my life or the greatest joy.

[Jim1855]

Go for it. No nannies, a few bugs & showers, great fun. As close to being a cowboy, busting broncos as you'll ever get.
HP is your friend, just remember to caress the gas pedal rather than abuse it. Just like the lessons learned with right hand throttle experience from HP bikes. You can use it all, just not all at once.
Welcome!
Jim

[Twowheelbandito]

Much respect! Following a lifelong passion, spending time with your daughter, planning and working on a cool project. Even if it all goes sideways, I don't think you could ever call that a mistake. I'd call it time well spent. Best wishes on your build!

[Twowheelbandito]

I guess I'll add you guys to the "Enabler" list. I crossed a big line this week. I told my lady that I wanted to build a Daytona. She took it well. I think she's given up on the idea of parking her car in the garage... ;) I think I want to go with the Coyote with a T56 and IRS. Looks like it's a popular setup for these cars.

[Jacob McCrea]

Funny that you post this. I have a 1995 900SS-SP sitting in front of my Type 65, albeit non-running after the second cylinder head stud failure. Carbon solo tail section, Termignoni high pipes and open airbox, among other mods. At some point I will fix it and carry on where I left off 16 years ago. Bottom line is you will love a Type 65 for the same reasons as the 900SS. I am pressed for time today but will comment on the questions asked before too long.

[q4stix]

I have a Daytona (Triumph 675R) in front of my Daytona (Type 65).
Add me to the list of enablers!

[drewr]

I'm building a Type 65 Coupe as well. Expensive, but way better than therapy or substance abuse. I go into this Zen state when I'm working on the car. It scratches an itch in my brain like nothing else. So I'm completely thankful that I have the opportunity and the resources that will allow me to do this. Obstacles? Well, if you have a wife, you'll have to sell her on this idea. Most here have either supportive or tolerant spouses. It can cause problems when the extra zeros appear on the credit card bill. Space is an issue. You need a dedicated space to work and store parts. Like for years, potentially. Money for tools is another issue. You'll need good tools and the right tools. I'm sure with your work on bikes, you've messed up a bolt or a part trying to make do with the wrong tool.

From your post it sounds like you understand. The journey is the thing. You've got to want to build it as much or more than you want to have it. Otherwise, the chance is high you'll get bogged down and lose interest.

My 2cents.

[ggunter]

Hey two wheel, I love peering into peoples garage pictures. I love your collection of cycles. What kind of bicycle is that in the garage. I used to build custom race frames in the 80's long before anyone heard of Carbon Fiber anything. Double butted chrome moly tubing was the big deal and if you had a lot of money titanium was the hot lick for frames. Everyone used Campy Super Record running gear. My ex wife rode in the 84 women's Tour de France on the 711 women's team, that's why I was so heavily into biking back then. I just sold my frame jigs a few years ago. It looks like the front wheel is radial laced with flat spokes. Do you time trial or just like to ride. If you decide to build a car, there are a ton of talented people on this forum ready to help. And also ready to spend your money for you. Either way its a blast and a project you will never forget.

[Twowheelbandito]

Funny that you post this. I have a 1995 900SS-SP sitting in front of my Type 65, albeit non-running after the second cylinder head stud failure. Carbon solo tail section, Termignoni high pipes and open airbox, among other mods. At some point I will fix it and carry on where I left off 16 years ago. Bottom line is you will love a Type 65 for the same reasons as the 900SS. I am pressed for time today but will comment on the questions asked before too long.

NICE! I hope you get her up and running again. The SS is a great ride! Not the fastest thing, but great feedback and feel. I took it out to Laguna Seca last year and had a blast!

[Twowheelbandito]

I have a Daytona (Triumph 675R) in front of my Daytona (Type 65).
Add me to the list of enablers!

Added! The 675R is fun. I'm a fan of Triumph triples. Better torque that most 600cc four-cylinders and they rev quicker than a twin. I think I've seen a few of your videos on Youtube.

[Twowheelbandito]

Hey two wheel, I love peering into peoples garage pictures. I love your collection of cycles. What kind of bicycle is that in the garage. I used to build custom race frames in the 80's long before anyone heard of Carbon Fiber anything. Double butted chrome moly tubing was the big deal and if you had a lot of money titanium was the hot lick for frames. Everyone used Campy Super Record running gear. My ex wife rode in the 84 women's Tour de France on the 711 women's team, that's why I was so heavily into biking back then. I just sold my frame jigs a few years ago. It looks like the front wheel is radial laced with flat spokes. Do you time trial or just like to ride.

Thanks! The bike in the garage is an older Aluminum framed Specialized Secteur. I've never ran a time trial. I mostly used road cycling to train for motorcycle trackdays and racing. It's one of the best exercises for building endurance and stamina for the track.

I'm actually building up a Specialized Roubaix S-works frame with SRAM wireless Red components. The Roubaix should be a little more comfortable than the Secteur. It's built to handle rougher roads. We'll see soon enough.

[Twowheelbandito]

Thanks for all the encouragement guys! After putting some thought into it, I know I am not ready to build now. I really want to though. I keep watching build videos and seeing guys making their first go-kart runs. Freaking awesome! Realistically starting next year makes more sense. I'll have time to move some bikes out of the way, prep the garage and research what I want to do with the build. FFR says that if I want to start my build late 2023 I should reach out to them in early 2023 to place the order.

Has anyone in the forum built a Daytona and street registered it in California? I am curious about the process and if there is anything to prepare for.

[Alan_C]

If you like building projects, a FF roadster or Daytona will be one of the most rewarding efforts of your life. If you can afford to build what you want, you will have no regrets. Not two wheeled fun, but loads of fun and comradery with others who have taken the same journey.
I am starting to add another 1000 sq. ft. to by existing 1100 sq. ft. garage. I believe this is a symptom of being a toy collector.

[ggunter]

Hey Two Wheel, here is my old school Triumph. '66 Bonneville I restored about 10 years ago. I have a Harley too but always have a soft spot in my heart for Triumph's. It was my first bike in 1966.165760165761

[Jacob McCrea]

"If you'd like to share what made you decide to take on a project like this I'd appreciate it. What were some of the hurdles you had to go through? Is it something you regret taking on? How long did it take you to complete? What were some of the biggest stumbling blocks you ran into during your build? When all was said and done did you still have friends and family that didn't think you were nuts?"

I was looking to get back to working with my hands, and have a hobby that - unlike bicycle and motocross racing - didn't demand large and regular amounts of my free time. I also wanted something I could do with my dad, whose health was in slow decline. It didn't work out quite as well as I would have liked in both respects. I underestimated the time required to produce a quality result, and overestimated my dad's interest in the project.

I don't regret taking on the project, which took me 10 years due to various periods of lack of time, lack of money, the learning curve of unfamiliar tasks, some wasted efforts, other hobbies and responsibilities, etc. - but almost never lack of interest. I made a lot of changes to the chassis - some brilliant, some pointless, most somewhere in between. These projects are perfect fits for folks who are both creative and mechanically inclined.

The biggest stumbling blocks were (1) the staggering amount of time it took to achieve a solid fit, finish and attention to detail; (2) a period of 3 years when I took a low-paying job to advance my career, and could barely afford a can of spray paint; and (3) fixing a handful of manufacturing or design flaws in the second generation Type 65. No one has said I was nuts and the compliments have been numerous and gratifying. And it really improved my understanding of vehicles, especially electrical and hydraulic systems. But like anything that's really difficult, it was a lot of work to get to that point. Also, I was surprised by how many tools I purchased. I had worked on cars and motorcycles for 20 years, was enough of a gearhead to own a commercial shop for personal use, and still bought more specialty tools than I expected.

I don't think I would do another one, not even a "by the book" build with someone else doing the bodywork, which I did myself. Trying to fit a build in with a demanding job, a good marriage, other time-consuming hobbies, etc. was difficult. Quite frankly I am now trying to get my weight, fitness and cholesterol level back to where they were when I undertook this project 10 years ago.

"I know I am not ready to build now."

That's good, in a sense. The worst thing you could do is jump into this project without being able - for whatever reason - to see it to conclusion. The opportunity will be there for a good long time.

[Alan_C]

My story goes like this, I always liked the look and history of the Shelby Cobra. I saw and downloaded the Factory Five product CD in 2009. In 2010, I showed the brochure to my wife and discussed with her that I would like to build one in retirement. My wife's reply was why wait, you should start sooner. With the green light from the other half, I started planning. I am an electrical engineer, now retired, but at the time working full time and then some. Management had pushed me into a project lead role I really did not want, but took at their insistence. It was not long before I needed a stress relieving diversion from the job I did not like much anymore.
My concern was that, I had mechanical ability where I had done tune ups, brake jobs, shock replacements, and so on, I had never taken on a automotive project like building a complete car. in 2011 dollars I expected a donor based build to be about $30K with paint. I was not going to fail and needed to insure I have the skills needed to finish. I decided to take build school for the new, at the time, MK4 roadster. The cost of Build School with air fare and hotel was not inexpensive, but I thought it would be insurance as I would know what I was getting myself into. Simply said, build school answered my questions and dismissed any fears that I could build and finish the car.
As said I was working full and some overtime plus commuting 90 miles a day. I was able to buy my donor, the kit, and finish in 4 years. I could have finished sooner, but I had scope creep in my build as I followed others with similar builds. The forum improved my build quality and emptied my wallet a bit more than planned. When done, I spent about $35K all in completed, painted, and titled.
I drove the car for about 4 years before a career ending layoff and out of state move turned the car into more of an ornament than a driver. I recovered most of the build cost when I sold the car and was very pleased with that.
Building my MK4 was one of the best experiences I could have, period. I 100% recommend to anyone seriously thinking about building one to go ahead and pull the trigger given they have the money, garage space, ability and of course, the green light from your other half if needed.
Even more importantly, if you are not a car nut now, you will be. Now that I am in retirement, I am working on my second build. This time around I wanted a roof so I am building a 70 Mustang Boss 302 tribute. It is a full pro-touring style build with upgraded everything except the vintage body. I could not have imagined taking on the restomod build if I had not first built the MK4.
I now look at the MK4 being a gateway drug on to my second car. I thoroughly enjoy my retirement in AZ as my project is just a few short steps away in the garage. A warning, this hobby is addictive and will empty your wallet. Next year I will add a 1000 sq. ft. garage addition so that my hobby can expand.

[Twowheelbandito]

That is a great looking ride! The Bonneville is a classic!

[Twowheelbandito]

"If you'd like to share what made you decide to take on a project like this I'd appreciate it. What were some of the hurdles you had to go through? Is it something you regret taking on? How long did it take you to complete? What were some of the biggest stumbling blocks you ran into during your build? When all was said and done did you still have friends and family that didn't think you were nuts?"

I was looking to get back to working with my hands, and have a hobby that - unlike bicycle and motocross racing - didn't demand large and regular amounts of my free time. I also wanted something I could do with my dad, whose health was in slow decline. It didn't work out quite as well as I would have liked in both respects. I underestimated the time required to produce a quality result, and overestimated my dad's interest in the project.

I don't regret taking on the project, which took me 10 years due to various periods of lack of time, lack of money, the learning curve of unfamiliar tasks, some wasted efforts, other hobbies and responsibilities, etc. - but almost never lack of interest. I made a lot of changes to the chassis - some brilliant, some pointless, most somewhere in between. These projects are perfect fits for folks who are both creative and mechanically inclined.

The biggest stumbling blocks were (1) the staggering amount of time it took to achieve a solid fit, finish and attention to detail; (2) a period of 3 years when I took a low-paying job to advance my career, and could barely afford a can of spray paint; and (3) fixing a handful of manufacturing or design flaws in the second generation Type 65. No one has said I was nuts and the compliments have been numerous and gratifying. And it really improved my understanding of vehicles, especially electrical and hydraulic systems. But like anything that's really difficult, it was a lot of work to get to that point. Also, I was surprised by how many tools I purchased. I had worked on cars and motorcycles for 20 years, was enough of a gearhead to own a commercial shop for personal use, and still bought more specialty tools than I expected.

I don't think I would do another one, not even a "by the book" build with someone else doing the bodywork, which I did myself. Trying to fit a build in with a demanding job, a good marriage, other time-consuming hobbies, etc. was difficult. Quite frankly I am now trying to get my weight, fitness and cholesterol level back to where they were when I undertook this project 10 years ago.

"I know I am not ready to build now."

That's good, in a sense. The worst thing you could do is jump into this project without being able - for whatever reason - to see it to conclusion. The opportunity will be there for a good long time.

Thanks for the insight. Like you, I enjoy working with my hands. The idea of building a Daytona is exciting, but I have to be realistic with what I can do with the space and time I have available at the moment. I know I will end up ordering the kit. The car is just too cool! I think starting next year gives me a chance to plan and prepare for the build.