View Full Version : Idea - build mentor network
Hey guys. 6 months into our build and started up the 427w in our MK4 for the first time yesterday.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/228442999658382
Along the way I have leaned on Art Shand (Theshandman on this forum) and his build partner John B, who live about an hour north of me and are about 6months ahead on their roadster build (they are almost road legal). We visited their build early-on, and they were with us in my garage to help with motor install, and yesterday with first start. Their hands-on (local) guidance and response to texts has been amazing. While this forum is also hugely helpful, as have been visits to i.e. Henry Renaud's shop in Florida and his responses to my texts, the LOCAL part of the relationship with Art and John has made stressful parts of our build much easier to manage. Since my day job is in academic science, this model of mentorship is all too familiar to me. I think it could be facilitated by FFR or by us here on the forums. Wouldn't a beginner be much more willing to take the plunge if they were connected with an experienced, willing and CLOSE-BY ally?
I think it would be helpful to establish and maintain a list of willing build mentors along with their locations. I would certainly be willing to pay it forward.
Just 1 More
03-20-2023, 09:41 AM
That's a great idea. I'd love to have someone close by to help on my 33 build. I posted a question looking for people near by and there weren't really any. So, I rely on this forum and others for information, inspiration and bounce ideas off of and so far, the members have been helpful.
egchewy79
03-20-2023, 09:49 AM
Although I never attending, many feel like the Mott's build school is extremely valuable. It at least will give you an idea if you're in way over your head.
I found the forums to be extremely helpful. Take pics and post your progress and someone with eagle eyes will pick out some challenges you might miss. I've been able to connect with others in my area through the forums as well and have had others reach out to check out my build before they take the plunge.
Rdone585
03-20-2023, 10:03 AM
A mentor group could certainly be suggested by this forum. In fact there is a regional section here, there just isn't that much traffic there. Seeking in-person help can be managed through local clubs. Unfortunately there aren't always enough interested in every area to form one. In Florida we were fortunate to have many, even had 75+ attend a yearly event. We helped numerous builders overcome things in their build challenges. I've seen builds from most all the vendors, not just FFR. I guess our neighbors finally got use to seeing 6+ Cobras parked at our homes for dinner parties, delivery parties, or to help a friend with first start issues.
Alec - I agree that mentors make all the difference in the world. I agree it is really good when a mentor can help you "in-person". I also agree that people aren't always geographically close by or available. Given these facts, I believe that our forum is the best hybrid mentor network you could find. I have met many, many people on this forum that helped me on-line, and a number of them have come to my aid in-person. I have done the same (hopefully, those people agreed that I actually did help them!). So, I think we have it right here. Ask and you will receive! Offer and it will be accepted! Thanks for allowing me to comment.
CraigS
03-21-2023, 08:31 AM
It is a great idea but it depends so much on geography. I got my MkI in 05 living outside Wash DC. There is a Capital Area Cobra Club there w/ several dozen members. I made a lot of friends and we all helped each other. I retired in 2012 and helped here and there w/ 5 new builders including a 33. In 2019 we moved to Blacksburg Va and through this and the other forum found one other FFR about 1.5 hours away. In DC I ran 2-3 autocrosses per month all within an hour of home. Here they are mostly a 2 hour drive. I went to a cobra breakfast every Sat or Sun Am for 14 years. No breakfasts here. So I sold the car in 2020. I miss my FFR and still hang out here. I enjoy the discussions and try to help when I can.
OSU Cowboy
03-21-2023, 11:39 AM
Mott Build School ... along with heavy reliance on the forums ... not to mention a healthy dose of sticktoitiveness spanning 11 years is what got me through the build process.
I would hit walls / obstacles that were motivation-related, work / family related, or a combination of the two. Usually when these happened I re-visited build school notes and spent time on the forum to map out the next steps.
Any time the build felt like "work" - I'd put up the tools and turn off the lights. I wanted to enjoy the process and not feel as if I was just slogging through it.
Where you have sufficient local support ... your idea certainly works.
AC Bill
03-21-2023, 01:12 PM
Some of the issues builders run across today while building, are vastly different than when I was building my roadster.
Every, and any problems I had, were solved thanks to the FFCars forum. Many of the answers had already been posted as they were common issues among all builders, others would be solved shortly. by simply asking the members. In turn, I was happy to help new builders for several years.
Now, with the changes to the MK4 models, the more modern engine/drivetrains being used, the different braking systems, etc. I'm unable to mentor anyone any longer.
The Facebook Factory 5 builder page is also a very good way to get immediate responses from builders all over the country. Within a couple minutes of posting more than often you get multiple responses with help, works amazingly well and is quick.
Jeff Kleiner
03-21-2023, 01:45 PM
Your mentor network is right here.
Jeff
phileas_fogg
03-21-2023, 03:43 PM
It is a great idea but it depends so much on geography. I got my MkI in 05 living outside Wash DC. There is a Capital Area Cobra Club there w/ several dozen members. I made a lot of friends and we all helped each other. I retired in 2012 and helped here and there w/ 5 new builders including a 33. In 2019 we moved to Blacksburg Va and through this and the other forum found one other FFR about 1.5 hours away. In DC I ran 2-3 autocrosses per month all within an hour of home. Here they are mostly a 2 hour drive. I went to a cobra breakfast every Sat or Sun Am for 14 years. No breakfasts here. So I sold the car in 2020. I miss my FFR and still hang out here. I enjoy the discussions and try to help when I can.
Without Craig's in-person help, it would have take me at least a year longer to build my car. I also would have missed out on the New Year's cruise, and too many lunches to count. Thanks again buddy!
John
rich grsc
03-21-2023, 03:52 PM
Your mentor network is right here.
Jeff
Now wait a minute Jeff, the wheel needs reinventing.:rolleyes:;)
edwardb
03-21-2023, 08:37 PM
The Facebook Factory 5 builder page is also a very good way to get immediate responses from builders all over the country. Within a couple minutes of posting more than often you get multiple responses with help, works amazingly well and is quick.
Yeah, I was a member there for a while. My observations: First, this forum is far more in-depth. No comparison really. Plus is easily searchable because as mentioned questions (and problems) are frequently not new. Second (and here I'm probably going to step on some toes) there was a lot misinformation being passed around there. Not everything is perfect here either (and that's a subjective topic anyway) but I was pretty amazed at some of the responses in that group. It's a resource, but be very cautious. Like you should be everywhere.
As to the general topic, I've had several builders where I was probably a "mentor" given the volume of messages, calls, etc. Which I was happy to do where I had the experience to offer knowledgeable responses. None local. All virtual. Worked OK I think. The forum overall and the support it provides reduces the need for 1-on-1 in most cases if the builder is properly motivated.
j.miller
03-21-2023, 10:25 PM
Your mentor network is right here.
Jeff
YUP ! I used to be more active ( I have my reasons) (spin that to your enjoyment) I will say THIS ! (not naming names) but Kleiner, Edward B.......(whoops) and so, so many others are willing to give all they have to give at a moment's notice. tHE MENTORSHIP IS A GREAT IDEA IN CONCEPT BUT WHERE i SEE THE SHORTFALL IS AT SOME POINT (dang, bumped cps lock, sorry) someone feels left out, demands more time then the mentor has to give or just decides to get all.....(i'm gonna say it) gets BUTT HURT because they think they got bad info or got ignored, neglected, blah, blah , blah. I like the idea of just asking on the forum and getting answers. .....then iffin ya want more do a PM......then if you have a bit of a (man crush) ask permission to talk on the phone......and then! you can ask if there is someone local you can get in touch with. OK! THAT'S IT ! it just went all warm and fuzzy.... Time for a shot...da Bat......not sayin it was a bad idea, jus pointin out some downsides I see.
john42
03-22-2023, 07:15 AM
I have a slightly different take on this idea in general.
#1 - I'm not a mentor. Everyone knows way more then I do.
#2 - If you're within reasonable driving range of where I live, I'm more then happy to come help build/fix or shoot the sh!t. I'll wear my oil stained working on the car cloths and happily crawl around on your garage floor helping with anything.
#3 - If you're cruising around anywhere near me I'm also happy to join. Or if your car breaks down anywhere near me, I'll toss my tools in the car and come help.
#4 - If you're cruising around and are near me, drop by anytime, unannounced, I don't care!
Yeah, I was a member there for a while. My observations: First, this forum is far more in-depth. No comparison really. Plus is easily searchable because as mentioned questions (and problems) are frequently not new. Second (and here I'm probably going to step on some toes) there was a lot misinformation being passed around there. Not everything is perfect here either (and that's a subjective topic anyway) but I was pretty amazed at some of the responses in that group. It's a resource, but be very cautious. Like you should be everywhere.
As to the general topic, I've had several builders where I was probably a "mentor" given the volume of messages, calls, etc. Which I was happy to do where I had the experience to offer knowledgeable responses. None local. All virtual. Worked OK I think. The forum overall and the support it provides reduces the need for 1-on-1 in most cases if the builder is properly motivated.
I agree the FB builder is just another resource to explore when building one of these cars, fortunately when I used it I had good responses and it definitely helped me progress. I always like to use Ronnie Reagan's "Trust but verify" concept. For me, without this forum my build experience would not have been the same without people like yourself and many others. Not only for the helpful advice I received during my build but all of the ideas, aftermarket parts and upgrades that are available for these cars that make it a better quality product when done.