Insight on building/owning

[tjfuess]

Posting this for my father as he's... technology/computer illiterate lol. He's looking for any insight from people who have experience building a Factory Five GTM - any pros/cons etc. I'm sure he has specific questions but I'll refrain from posting until we get some feedback... if that is.
Additionally, he is also interested in purchasing one that is not built preferably in Upstate NY or any of the surrounding states & would love to see one completed purchased in NY or surrounding so he can make a final decision on this endeavor of building one. Thank you!

[Namrups]

What part of upstate NY? I'm building a coupe. I live in Mechanicville. Between Albany and Saratoga. If your near PM me and we can arrange a meet. You can see what putting one of these "kit" together is like.

[cob427sc]

I have built several FFR cars and the GTM is the most complex (and expensive) project to build. If he has some automobile knowledge I'd say go for it, however it's not for the first time builder in my opinion. My be better to start with a roadster or 33hr first. Not sure but supposedly FFR was no longer offering the GTM.

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

Honestly, being tech/computer illiterate is probably going to be the biggest drawback for him. These forums and the ability to look up needed info and parts on the computer are pretty high on the priority list, IMO.

[Shoeless]

I agree with Shane here. The two forums are absolutely imperative in building a GTM.

The build manual is not very good and if you deviate from it, you have to be able to investigate what others may, or even more importantly, may NOT have done.

Honestly, I haven't looked at my manual in about 3.5 years and I'm about 5 years into my build. Will others do it much faster, sure, but it won't be as cool as mine LOL :cool:

[wareaglescott]

How old and tall is your father?
Personally I find the car a real pain in the rear to get in and out of and would list that as a major con. Now I am 6'3" about 200 pounds and in good physical condition. Climbed in and out of the one in the showroom at Factory five and that itself was enough of a turn off for me to never consider building one. That is surely a con but I am sure some owners would disagree with me.
If you father has not actually sat in one I would suggest putting that first on your list.

[tjfuess]

What part of upstate NY? I'm building a coupe. I live in Mechanicville. Between Albany and Saratoga. If your near PM me and we can arrange a meet. You can see what putting one of these "kit" together is like.

Were right in Averill Park, so not too far from ya. I'll touch base with him & PM with his availability & go from there. Thank you!!

[tjfuess]

Honestly, being tech/computer illiterate is probably going to be the biggest drawback for him. These forums and the ability to look up needed info and parts on the computer are pretty high on the priority list, IMO.

It's more so with computers (laptops/desktops) - but thats why he has me lol. When it comes to cars & engines, thats a different story haha.

[tjfuess]

How old and tall is your father?
Personally I find the car a real pain in the rear to get in and out of and would list that as a major con. Now I am 6'3" about 200 pounds and in good physical condition. Climbed in and out of the one in the showroom at Factory five and that itself was enough of a turn off for me to never consider building one. That is surely a con but I am sure some owners would disagree with me.
If you father has not actually sat in one I would suggest putting that first on your list.

Yep and that was his concern & wanting to see if we could find one locally that someone would be willing to let him sit in it, before he starts an investment.

[Ajzride]

They have one at the showroom in MA. If I recall it was only about 3 hours from the NY line.

[cob427sc]

Getting out of the GTM was the main reason for me selling the car. When I built it I was in my mid sixties, 6'-2" 240lbs. Getting in wasn't a problem and plenty comfortable to drive but after an hour or longer getting out was the killer for me. More than once I basically fell out onto the pavement and then stood up. Could have been the result of numerous old ski injuries but just didn't work for me.

[chmhasy]

This is a good read and may apply to the GTM

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?9926-A-few-reminders-to-all-owners-amp-a-good-read-for-soon-to-be-s

[Jeff Kleiner]

You realize the GTM is no longer being produced, right? If you decide to proceed your only option is going to be to purchase someone else’s incomplete project or a finished car.

Jeff

[tjfuess]

You realize the GTM is no longer being produced, right? If you decide to proceed your only option is going to be to purchase someone else’s incomplete project or a finished car.

Jeff

Yes, we are aware. He is more interested in purchasing one that has not been completed, but would not rule out a finished project.

[tjfuess]

Getting out of the GTM was the main reason for me selling the car. When I built it I was in my mid sixties, 6'-2" 240lbs. Getting in wasn't a problem and plenty comfortable to drive but after an hour or longer getting out was the killer for me. More than once I basically fell out onto the pavement and then stood up. Could have been the result of numerous old ski injuries but just didn't work for me.

Lol, thank you for the insight! I’ll pass that along to him.

[Namrups]

Has anyone on the forum tried getting in and out of both the GTM and the Gen 3 Coupe? If so which was easier? Asking because tjfuess is near me and can gauge getting in and out of my coupe against the GTM.

[Shoeless]

Yea, there is no sexy way to get in or out of the GTM LOL.

I have no comparison to the Gen 3 Coupe.

[crash]

Because of where we had to place our fuel cells in the FFR PDG GTM race car (on the sides of the driver) in order to get the maximum fuel load allowed by our rules, 44 gallons, we now have half doors and raised sills that we end up sitting on to get in and out of the GTM. This, IMHO, is far superior to the low sills where you literally fall out of the car. Instead we grab the roll cage above, lift our butts up onto the sill and then slide out onto our feet. Yes, the race car is a single seater, but this could be done on a standard GTM by just adding another door bar and a small sill to sit on. Would also likely make the car safer from side impacts.178589