original FFR tag , shoulder bolts back end of frame tubes

[bscott58]

Hello, I have purchased an MK2 that was apparently purchased and built in 2005. The car was built and registered in Calif, the car has a riveted VIN tag in 2 places as well as the sb100 label. I could not see the FFR original tag anywhere, are there more that one of these installed from the factory? Any suggestions where I could look on the car? or are there ways to find this through FFR records? next, I have shoulder bolts- lifting lugs mounted on the back end of frame tubes, are these FFR installed ? or lets say approved ? I will try to add pics . they appear to be for securing to trailer. Thanks173736

[mrmustang]

Hello, I have purchased an MK2 that was apparently purchased and built in 2005. The car was built and registered in Calif, the car has a riveted VIN tag in 2 places as well as the sb100 label. I could not see the FFR original tag anywhere, are there more that one of these installed from the factory? Any suggestions where I could look on the car? or are there ways to find this through FFR records? next, I have shoulder bolts- lifting lugs mounted on the back end of frame tubes, are these FFR installed ? or lets say approved ? I will try to add pics . they appear to be for securing to trailer. Thanks173736

The early MKI-MKII FFR's do not have a VIN stamped into the frame, instead, they have a chassis number welded into the left rear upper 4X4 frame member above the left rear wheel/suspension area. The only way to see this number is to pull the body off the frame, then get a decent flashlight with a tight beam, and look in.

Bill S.

[GrooveM]

The early MKI-MKII FFR's do not have a VIN stamped into the frame, instead, they have a chassis number welded into the left rear upper 4X4 frame member above the left rear wheel/suspension area. The only way to see this number is to pull the body off the frame, then get a decent flashlight with a tight beam, and look in.

Bill S.

Thank you Bill for that information. I have a Mark I and was wondering where that was located. I have plans to take the body off this winter to do some frame restoration and try to eliminate some of the rattles and squeaks. I'll try to get a pic if I can. Cheers.

[mrmustang]

Thank you Bill for that information. I have a Mark I and was wondering where that was located. I have plans to take the body off this winter to do some frame restoration and try to eliminate some of the rattles and squeaks. I'll try to get a pic if I can. Cheers.

Get rid of the galvanized bolts at the end of the frame rail while you are at it, they will cause more harm then good and should not be used for tying down the car. Since you have a full floor trailer, find a local trailer shop that can properly (with backing plates) install "E" track, then use over the tire tie down webbing so as to not damage your frame.

Bill S.

[Jeff Kleiner]

...next, I have shoulder bolts- lifting lugs mounted on the back end of frame tubes, are these FFR installed ? or lets say approved ? I will try to add pics . they appear to be for securing to trailer. Thanks173736

Those are not Factory Five installed so obviously not approved by them. That's going to be something that either Craig added or that his uncle did when he built the car. It looks like they are located in a location that allowed them to be bolted up through the open end of the vertical 2x3 tube. Based on the photo I'm thinking that they look like 3/8. I have some experience with machine eyes/lifting eyes and rigging from a previous life...straight line rating for a 3/8" is 1,300 pounds but that drops to 325 pounds for an angled pull (such as what you'd have if you crossed the straps when strapping down on the trailer). Frankly I'd have concerns---while everything might seem good for rolling down a nice smooth straight highway a panic situation or impact could easily exceed the working limits. As I mentioned in an earlier reply I'd recommend looping a "choker" axle tie down over the lower control arms as I indicate here and securing your straps to those in a crossed configuration.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=173737&d=1665754013

{{{By the way, those LCAs are installed backwards; the wide part of the strengthening rib with the "5" is supposed to be at the rear}}}

Hope that helps,
Jeff

173737