Advice thoughts and local FFR owner.

[golfobsessed71@gmail.com]

Hello all.
I picked up a FFR roadster and looking for some advice and ultimately some local with a MK4.

I have had muscle cars my whole life, C2 corvettes, 69/70 Mach 1S, 442s and a few Vipers.

I recently had a FFR 33 Hotrod, not my build though I did take it apart and put a three stage candy paint job on it... loved the car but number one it was an automatic and second I felt the car to be a little over engineered for me with LS3, 6L80E, AC, and more electronics than I was looking for.
I sold it to search for a 5 speed roadster...I placed a post on facebook and got a response from a guy in Maryland with an unfinished project.
It appeared to be perfect for me as it was finished right up to finish body/paint... it had been completely assembled and he put on 300 miles all mocked up. He started body/paint with gapping the panels and start of body work on the l mold seam areas.

I received the car late Sunday night... appeared to start right up off the car hauler, sounded great, shifted and moved great so all was good, put the car in the garage and let it run for a while, ran fine but first noticed some of the gauges weren't working accurately, both water and oil temp didn't go much over 110 degrees and i know it should have been hotter, oil pressure was too high at 90, stereo lights were blinking a bit and I thought... here we go.
I now have to decide a direction as I think this car is a bit over engineered for me as well... I had planned to go a bit more analog when I sold the 33, something more in my ability to do diagnose and repair.

This car is a coyote build (not a donor) all new FFR build with coyote from Ford, tko600 from tremec, iRS MK4, vintage AC added, hydro brakes, power steering, seat heaters, stereo etc... clearly more than I was looking for but felt I couldn't pass it up.

I have thought about selling as is and buying a bit more old school, trading and of course pressing on with this car.

I have some boxes of parts and as far as lights, bumpers etc it's all pretty self explaining as again the car had been assembled complete at one time but also boxes of stuff I don't even know what it is, hood hinges are in engine bay assembled but nothing on the bottom of the hood except holes, I'm sure the hinge assemblies are in a box but not sure how it goes.

In time I can figure it all out but again I am lost when I comes to the newer coyote and electronics.

Is there a FFR mk4 owner in the Phoenix area that perhaps I could at least see the car and take a few close up photos of some areas.

Is there a good coyote minded mechanic I could get to check things out. I am willing to pay someone just to come look at what I have.

I spent my whole life in the automotive collision industry and teaching body and paint for OEM certification for 16 of thos years, I can make the car look like a SEMA car but again lost with the newer electronics.

Any advice/thoughts would help to make my decision to move forward or sell/trade as is.

I went to Gordon Levys just before buying the car but don't want to be a pain to someone running a business.

Any local help? 165679165680

[Jeff Kleiner]

Sorry, can't help with a referral.


...some of the gauges weren't working accurately, both water and oil temp didn't go much over 110 degrees and i know it should have been hotter, oil pressure was too high at 90...

Just a couple of thoughts---looking at your photo it appears that you have the FFR vintage gauges by Speedhut. Unless they were reworked the temperature is C, not F. Coyotes tend to run high oil pressure, particularly at start up.

Cheers,
Jeff

[BradCraig]

Sounds like it's got good bones, but I wouldn't trust anything the prior owner did. I'd pull the body and do a 100% nut and bolt check, wiring as well. Yes, the Coyote's oil gauge is like a tach and does tend to have high pressure especially at startup. Good luck!

[golfobsessed71@gmail.com]

Thansk guys for the response, I had to leave for business yesterday early and won't get back to explore till late Thursday before even thinking about making decisions.

I appreciate this input and absolutely planing on removing the body, after I fully gap the car first, all bodywork and mock up... in fact I attached an electric hoist to my garage ceiling for the 33 hotrod top and it's gonna work perfect for body removal so I left it there.

Thanks again... I do believe I will get the car figured out in time just wasn't planning for it, started looking for a old school carburetor, more analog cobra replica... big question is am I up for the task I guess or sell/trade

Would love to find a local owner or builder

[edwardb]

Admitted very biased Coyote fan here. But what are you worried about? Based on your description, a brand new crate Coyote? Can't tell from the picture which vintage it is. But if it's running you can put a scanner in the ODB2 port (or have any Mustang or Ford shop do it) and confirm there aren't any codes. If all OK, just run it. There's nothing to figure out. It will easily go 100K miles with only needing oil changes. Likely you won't ever have to touch it. X3 or whatever on the oil pressure. Coyote's are all over the place especially when cold. Yours doesn't sound unusual. I'd be willing to bet there's nothing wrong with the temp either. Coyote, TKO600, newer IRS, PS, PB, what's not to like? I agree go over the rest of the car but I sure wouldn't sell it just because it's a Coyote. A/C and radio are a little over the top (my opinion...) but certainly don't hurt anything.

[golfobsessed71@gmail.com]

Thanks again guys, will be back with the car late Thursday and learn what I can over the weekend. I have an opportunity for a basic stroker, carburetor build out of Southern Cal and thought I would just buy a done car but don't want to regret it in the end.

Don't get me wrong I'm not over thinking it and I'm good either way I go, a little local finished car visit would help but not necessary, I don't really want all the options on this build like ac, sent heaters, fire suppression system etc but I guess I could take some stuff out too.

[john42]

Thanks again guys, will be back with the car late Thursday and learn what I can over the weekend. I have an opportunity for a basic stroker, carburetor build out of Southern Cal and thought I would just buy a done car but don't want to regret it in the end.

Don't get me wrong I'm not over thinking it and I'm good either way I go, a little local finished car visit would help but not necessary, I don't really want all the options on this build like ac, sent heaters, fire suppression system etc but I guess I could take some stuff out too.

After reading the list of things on your car I have my "I want that" sensors going off in my head lol. I have a very basic stripped down Challenge car. I think the fanciest thing on my car is windshield wipers. We should trade! (joking!) But hmmm heated seats! I would love that here in New Hampshire!

[Avalanche325]

Just my opinion, but it sounds like you are pulling the trigger before you aim.

Figure out what you actually want first. Question 1 - Do you want to build a car? If what you buy isn't what you really want, the shine comes off pretty quickly. That being said, I am a keep my cars for a long time guy. I probably over research, but I have never had a car that I regretted buying. I know people that are in the car of the month club. Different strokes. Maybe the wheeling and dealing is your thing.

It sounds like you have a nice car to work with. You could take out what you don't want a recoup a few $$. If the engine isn't they type that you want, that's a different story.

If I were you, I would leave those seat heaters right where they are. That advice comes form someone that lives in Florida and uses his in the winter.

[golfobsessed71@gmail.com]

After reading the list of things on your car I have my "I want that" sensors going off in my head lol. I have a very basic stripped down Challenge car. I think the fanciest thing on my car is windshield wipers. We should trade! (joking!) But hmmm heated seats! I would love that here in New Hampshire!

There is more options I am sure I'm forgetting... the builder said he spent years reading what other builders said they wish they had done and he did that... probably too much in my opinion.

[golfobsessed71@gmail.com]

Just my opinion, but it sounds like you are pulling the trigger before you aim.

Figure out what you actually want first. Question 1 - Do you want to build a car? If what you buy isn't what you really want, the shine comes off pretty quickly. That being said, I am a keep my cars for a long time guy. I probably over research, but I have never had a car that I regretted buying. I know people that are in the car of the month club. Different strokes. Maybe the wheeling and dealing is your thing.

It sounds like you have a nice car to work with. You could take out what you don't want a recoup a few $$. If the engine isn't they type that you want, that's a different story.

If I were you, I would leave those seat heaters right where they are. That advice comes form someone that lives in Florida and uses his in the winter.

This is absolutely the place I am right now... I set out to purchase more old school and didn't want to pass this car by... wasn't planning on spending the next few months doing another car, I just finished this 33

You hit ot right on the head... decide what I want and move forward with that.165738165739

Thanks again guys.

[golfobsessed71@gmail.com]

Hello again all, I put the cobra for sale locally on CL... if it sells I am going to buy a more basic and if not I am going to finish it.

Frankly I would like to know if I am out of line, I haven't posted for sale here yet as I haven't been 100% certain of selling and want to be in line with value.

New full mk4 build kit with 300 miles.
Gen 1 coyote crate (not donor)
New TKO600 5 speed
IRS suspension
Vintage AC
Hydro brakes
Power steering
Seat heaters
Fire suppression
Stereo
17" FFR halibrand replicas with 315" rear

Car was at one time completely assembled and driven 300 miles in Maryland.
Partially disassembled for body and paint, car was gapped, mold seams ground and filled and gel coat sanded but was never finished, primed and painted... knee replacement and inability to find a place to finish and paint stopped progression.

I believe I have everything for the car (gonna go through everything today) with all lights, full hoop bumpers, wipers, handles, wing windows/visors, spinners, dual roll bars including extra chrome drivers side and more.

Interior, structure, engine bay all appear to be finished though door panels are still in plastic and never installed.

Car starts, runs, sounds, shifts, stops fine. A tuner was added and never really dialed in so will need some dialing as I'm told but again all runs and sounds good.

I feel the car was a bit over engineered but builder said he read on the forum for years and added what he felt others said they wish they had added.

I put it on CL for $37K expecting a little negotiation and really felt like mid $30s was a good price being a coyote non donor build with everything to finish.

Am I out of line? If I don't get in that range I will take the car to the end, if I had local assistance (of course willing to pay) I would take it to the end... I would also consider a trade for a basic sbf carb analog build.

I reached out to a few referrals of builders locally but no returned calls.
I am not looking for local assistance in body, fit finish and paint... more on the mechanical/electronics side

I would pull the body and like someone to go over that part of the build to be sure it's all done correct before putting the body back on... I know NOTHING about that stuff.

If I am just out of line on value please let me know. 165798165799

[edwardb]

Given the current market (hot...) and how that's equipped, your asking price maybe is a little light to be honest. At least as a starting point. CL isn't the best place to advertise though, IMO. Too many scams and too many people looking to low ball you. I'd advertise it right here on the forum for starters. Bring-a-trailer has been a very popular place lately and seems to bring premium prices. Don't know what they're policy is though for partial completes. Good luck with the sale and hope you can find something that's more to your liking.

Interesting to find out that's a Gen 1 Coyote under there. That's a Gen 2 cover. It would look better (and fit better) with an actual Gen 1 cover IMO. Never a fan of the Gen 2 cover.

[golfobsessed71@gmail.com]

Given the current market (hot...) and how that's equipped, your asking price maybe is a little light to be honest. At least as a starting point. CL isn't the best place to advertise though, IMO. Too many scams and too many people looking to low ball you. I'd advertise it right here on the forum for starters. Bring-a-trailer has been a very popular place lately and seems to bring premium prices. Don't know what they're policy is though for partial completes. Good luck with the sale and hope you can find something that's more to your liking.

Interesting to find out that's a Gen 1 Coyote under there. That's a Gen 2 cover. It would look better (and fit better) with an actual Gen 1 cover IMO. Never a fan of the Gen 2 cover.

Thanks Edward, I wasn't even aware of that with Coyote cover... I am going to go through boxes today to be sure what I have... I already started exploring the car a bit this morning to see what some switches are on the dash... lights, wipers and fan speed etc.

I thought CL would be good as a local sale so someone could.come see and hear it but once I get a grasp on parts and decision I will more than likely post here... I would prefer someone looking for "this" configuration as opposed to just any project.

Thanks again.

[drewr]

There are people looking for just such a car on this forum pretty regularly. You should obviously try to recoup what you have in it, but that asking price should get bites pretty quickly around here. Besides, people on this forum already understand what you're selling and the inherent value.

[john42]

There are people looking for just such a car on this forum pretty regularly. You should obviously try to recoup what you have in it, but that asking price should get bites pretty quickly around here. Besides, people on this forum already understand what you're selling and the inherent value.

Agreed.

Last fall when I bought mine, that was exactly the price point I was looking for. Was hoping to find a nearly finished car to make the colors I wanted. I would have jumped fast on that car for that price. Alas, I did and have the car I have now and am making into my dream Cobra.

[golfobsessed71@gmail.com]

Thanks again guys, just went through everything, looks like I do have everything and then some (extra stuff), pretty well tagged, only thing that appears to be missing is the lug covers for the wheels.

I am not a big fan of the dual roll bars nor the height of the roll bars so I did also purchase a drivers side FFR MK4 chrome roll bar with intentions of cutting it down a few inches, also the builder installed sliding tracks for the seats so they sit a bit higher than I would want and I would remove them, his and hers electric fan vents for the foot boxes that were both on as well as the windshield wipers when I got the car... I had no idea what the switches were for so that takes care of the noises I was hearing not knowing what is was... motor sounds really good.
165801165802165803165804

[Avalanche325]

As far as the roll bar goes, they are a little high compared to originals, but that is to make them functional. Check out Breeze, He has a shorter bar that is raked back a few degrees and looks really nice. I agree that one looks better than two......unless you actually need them. If you are thinking of having an instructor on a track day, you will need two.

[golfobsessed71@gmail.com]

As far as the roll bar goes, they are a little high compared to originals, but that is to make them functional. Check out Breeze, He has a shorter bar that is raked back a few degrees and looks really nice. I agree that one looks better than two......unless you actually need them. If you are thinking of having an instructor on a track day, you will need two.

Thanks so much, if I keep it I will cut down the chrome roll bar about 2" and relocate the rear brace mount as well as rear brace hole.

I would also block off the pass side roll bar holes, I understand the "safety" side but I will never track either way and would be a Sunday cruiser... I removed the roll bar from my FFR hotrod as well.

[RFracer]

Description and equipment looks like a really nice car. With your body & paint skills covering a few holes and roll bar remount should be easy. Unless you buy one of the turnkey minus cars you’ll always be working on something. As others have mentioned the Coyote is nearly tinker & adjustment free. I have a very old school build ERA FIA car with a machine shop motor and webers. The opposite of a crate Coyote. It’s great fun and has a lot of eyeball under the hood but not a great low speed driver. Very happy with it but it’s not for everybody. My 2 cents is go through the car finish it up and see how you feel. Change anything that really bothers you like the radio. Living in New England seat heat is a luxury in a Cobra. Hang on to that. You can easily re mount the seat. On the floor removing the slide adjuster.

On a separate note didn’t you buy wheels for that 33’ before you took delivery? That was a short affair if the car is gone ;)

[golfobsessed71@gmail.com]

Hey all... I should have posted earlier but I have decided to keep the car. I spent time this morning going through the boxes first... most everything made perfect sense, I then went through the car all over and realized... I must be crazy.

I am actually very excited to take this car to the end, I made some great connections today including someone who will help with the coyote tune (which was important)

I reached out to Gordon Levy and I'm heading there Monday for a few items (quick jack bumpers) and a look at a few items which will clear up allot for me.

I actually started a few things on the car getting ready to start gapping the car and body work ( installed bumper mount rods for body alignment) ordered panel bonding for the extra roll bar holes as well as put in my order for filler and primer for body work through one of our company locations.

Got straps on the garage ceiling around and electric hoist for body removal as well.

I'm sure I will be on here with questions like (where can I get the clover lug not covers for the 17" halibrand replicas)
and advice along the way.

I appreciate all the help and advice with this... thanks to all.

[golfobsessed71@gmail.com]

Description and equipment looks like a really nice car. With your body & paint skills covering a few holes and roll bar remount should be easy. Unless you buy one of the turnkey minus cars you’ll always be working on something. As others have mentioned the Coyote is nearly tinker & adjustment free. I have a very old school build ERA FIA car with a machine shop motor and webers. The opposite of a crate Coyote. It’s great fun and has a lot of eyeball under the hood but not a great low speed driver. Very happy with it but it’s not for everybody. My 2 cents is go through the car finish it up and see how you feel. Change anything that really bothers you like the radio. Living in New England seat heat is a luxury in a Cobra. Hang on to that. You can easily re mount the seat. On the floor removing the slide adjuster.

On a separate note didn’t you buy wheels for that 33’ before you took delivery? That was a short affair if the car is gone ;)

I didn't buy wheels... I thought I would want 15" wheels but realized I had wilwood oversized and should wait before buying the 15s... I will more than likely stay with the 17s and paint the centers lighter as I don't care for the darker argent on the MK4.

Thanks for the above, all helped me make the smarter decision

[john42]

Unless you buy one of the turnkey minus cars you’ll always be working on something.


LOL well. I think the name of the game is always finding something to tinker with! I got up this morning depressed my delivery from Summit, or Amazon, F5 or who ever else hasn't arrived yet and atm I don't have something to tinker with.

Wife reminded me I need to get the pool opened up. Not nearly as fun as the car....

[AC Bill]

I have to admit, I too prefer many of the old school aspects, although I do like fuel injection. So if you too really prefer that, why not look at doing a trade, rather than selling it?

I'm sure there are roadster owners out there who run carb'ed engines, non-power steering, fewer electronics, etc., and under-engineered, who may be quite happy doing a trade. Some guys get tired of wrenching after awhile.

[golfobsessed71@gmail.com]

I have to admit, I too prefer many of the old school aspects, although I do like fuel injection. So if you too really prefer that, why not look at doing a trade, rather than selling it?

I'm sure there are roadster owners out there who run carb'ed engines, non-power steering, fewer electronics, etc., and under-engineered, who may be quite happy doing a trade. Some guys get tired of wrenching after awhile.

A sale or trade was my plan but after spending a little time with the car I felt I should press on with the build... maybe I will love it... or sell/trade after complete.

I do have to admit after playing with the car a bit it is growing on me, great audio system as I just found out today.

Started body panel gapping today and will start on body work later in the week.

[john42]

I do have to admit after playing with the car a bit it is growing on me, great audio system as I just found out today.



Audio system? The only system I have is stereo exhaust pipes! Can't imagine how I would ever hear music while driving. :-)

[GoDadGo]

Looks Like You Picked Up A Project With Great Potential!

.........Welcome Aboard & Welcome To The Family!

[golfobsessed71@gmail.com]

Audio system? The only system I have is stereo exhaust pipes! Can't imagine how I would ever hear music while driving. :-)

Well I haven't driven it yet and have loud pipes but the stereo is pretty loud and surprisingly clear... still have those stereo exhaust pipes but will be nice to have that option now and again... there are things I was anticipating taking out of this car once the body is removed but now I'm rethinking that.

[golfobsessed71@gmail.com]

Looks Like You Picked Up A Project With Great Potential!

.........Welcome Aboard & Welcome To The Family!

Thank you and glad to be here, gonna be fun.

[Big Blocker]

Welcome to the family . . .

Keep the car and finish it, you will be absolutely amazed at how much enjoyment and fun you will get out of it when finished.

As far as "old School basic" . . . my MKII was as bare bones as could be; nothing on it or in it that would be considered "fluff". No P/S, no A/C, no power brakes, no windshield wipers, no heated seats. That being said, I did construct some footwell vents for cooling of my feet. Vegas gets very HOT! and sitting 4" away from my engine didn't help with the discomfort level. Old school 5.0 (looks exactly like a 289) with factory EFI for reliability here in the desert heat AND cold. Plus, it works from sea level to over 10,000 feet at our local mountains.

Finish the car you won't be disappointed.

Doc

[golfobsessed71@gmail.com]

Thanks Doc.

I actually pressed on a bit with selling by reaching out to all that had posted " wanted unfinished roadster" but didn't get a single response... so I've been pressing on and having some fun.

All body work is finished, aligned all panels without latches so now doing the "latch in" alignment and final moch up, cut down the roll bar a few inches.

Then body removal for primer and paint... I do love the car, getting under the car and removing the wheels it is all brand new front to rear so looking forward to detailing all once the body is off.

I am quite busy with work and travel almost weekly so don't really have the time for this build but getting it done on weekends... I do come to Vegas allot for business with some dealerships and collision center clients.

Thanks again for the welcome, learning quick and meeting some good people along the way... enjoying the journey.

The car originally had more options than I was looking for, I did want very old school as I have a convertible C5 and Street Glide for Sunday and thought I wanted to go very raw and analog but I think all the options will grow on me... the ones I will use at least.

Again thanks and enjoy the weekend 166046

[s_martin]

Glad to hear you are going to finish your roadster. I bought one that had been on the road for almost 20 years, and think I would have enjoyed the build, it just never quite worked out that way.
I didn't see that anyone responded about the lug covers for the wheels. I am assuming you have the FFR wheels. You can get them directly from FFR here:
https://www.factoryfiveparts.com/15376-halibrand-replica-wheel-lug-cover/

Enjoy!

[golfobsessed71@gmail.com]

Glad to hear you are going to finish your roadster. I bought one that had been on the road for almost 20 years, and think I would have enjoyed the build, it just never quite worked out that way.
I didn't see that anyone responded about the lug covers for the wheels. I am assuming you have the FFR wheels. You can get them directly from FFR here:
https://www.factoryfiveparts.com/15376-halibrand-replica-wheel-lug-cover/

Enjoy!

Thank you... I tried FFR but they didn't have four, I ordered a set from ET Mags and an hour later the guy I got the car from found them... so I canceled with ET.

Thank you again.