Goin’ For It

[GoinForIt]

Hello all,

I am new to the world of Factory Five and internet-based forums, so taking on two firsts with this post. I’ve been reading quite a bit of information from this community, and I feel like I already know a few of you from your posts. So thank you for that already.

I happened to just “go for it” as my handle suggests, and I ordered my first Factory Five car last week, a MkIV Roadster. This is something I’ve dreamed about for nearly 10 years, but the doubts and practicalities always got in the way: money, space, time. With a 3rd garage space, older kids, and thankfully a bit more cash, I finally felt ready to go for it. I’m expecting my kit in late-November or early-December, and I’m hoping to share my experiences as best I can, and gain the knowledge and insight that this group gives back to those that share their journey.

My mechanical and “builder” experience has only been in the RC world to date, so looking forward to diving in to a bigger project. Despite never having changed the oil on a car, I feel pretty confident heading in to the project knowing this community is here. Thanks to all for what you’ve done to date for others, and what I’m sure many will do for me in the near-future, as I hope to do some sort of “build thread.”

Looking forward to it,

Goin’ForIt

(Also, apologize if I make any forum faux pas. Happy to learn and abide by the best forum practices.)

[gbranham]

Welcome to the club! You might update your profile with your location, so folks who are near you can offer to lend a hand in person. What options did you spec with your kit, and what engine, fuel system (carb/EFI), rear suspension (3-link vs IRS) are you going with?

Greg

[GoinForIt]

Hi Greg -

Thank you for the advice! Will do!

I am doing a complete kit with IRS and a carbureted 302 with a T5 transmission. My driving will be 100% street, so I’m looking for a car setup for lively road driving. I added a series of things focused on comfort given I’m 6’3” and in the Chicago area: Kirkey racing seats, heater/defroster, and a few other small items.

I’m not 100% set on the motor. Very tempted to do a 347 with a TKX.

Thanks again for the reply!

[Nickjj]

Welcome! Unfortunately from what I understand you cannot edit your profile with a location until you have at least 20 posts. I am in the same boat as well.

Nick

[GoinForIt]

Thanks, Nick -

I was gonna say, it doesn’t seem to be letting me update the profile. I should be able to get to 20 though!

In the meantime, I’m in the Chicago area (up north close to Wisconsin/Kenosha) if anyone happens to be in the area.

Brady

[GoDadGo]

Congratulations & Welcome Aboard!
..Here are a few suggestions to help you get started:

1. Order an extra hardcopy of the manual and read it two or three times before you kit arrives.
....By doing this you will not only know how the car goes together, but you'll be well prepared to do the inventory process.

2. Build a sturdy body buck so that you will be ready when your kit arrives.
....The plans for the body buck are in the manual and easy to follow.

3. When your kit arrives make a copy of the packing list and attach each sheet to the corresponding box.
....Taking this action will make pulling parts a lot easier as you start the build process.

4. Get extra friends over to help you remove the body and mark all the aluminum panels before you remove them.
....If you have 4 folks it will be easy as can be.

5. Check out Edwardb's (Mr. Paul) two MK-4 builds because his work and documentation is phenomenal.
....His documentation of these two builds really supplements the manual.

6. In the interim, watch the attached assembly videos from Factory Five Racing:
....They will help you visualize what you will soon be doing.

Assembly Video:

https://youtu.be/NnJdjMKDC_g?list=PLWvfrZxPoPnbmHRjXTlVS-CVcPoK4x6lB

https://youtu.be/QokuC-jzLK8?list=PLWvfrZxPoPnbmHRjXTlVS-CVcPoK4x6lB

https://youtu.be/oBJ5dKLrhoU?list=PLWvfrZxPoPnbmHRjXTlVS-CVcPoK4x6lB

https://youtu.be/B5zGnHExZuA?list=PLWvfrZxPoPnbmHRjXTlVS-CVcPoK4x6lB

https://youtu.be/iT_YYcffxTY?list=PLWvfrZxPoPnbmHRjXTlVS-CVcPoK4x6lB

https://youtu.be/BHA_zGXUtok?list=PLWvfrZxPoPnbmHRjXTlVS-CVcPoK4x6lB

https://youtu.be/H_n5ZJJHrjE?list=PLWvfrZxPoPnbmHRjXTlVS-CVcPoK4x6lB

https://youtu.be/CNjDsEbqJVk?list=PLWvfrZxPoPnbmHRjXTlVS-CVcPoK4x6lB

https://youtu.be/ybGdqmVyDV4?list=PLWvfrZxPoPnbmHRjXTlVS-CVcPoK4x6lB

https://youtu.be/S4QwcS8uT2s?list=PLWvfrZxPoPnbmHRjXTlVS-CVcPoK4x6lB

https://youtu.be/qbfxy5nSGY0?list=PLWvfrZxPoPnbmHRjXTlVS-CVcPoK4x6lB

[GoinForIt]

Amazing. Thanks for the advice GoDadGo! Doing all of this!

[gbranham]

Oh yeah...take a million pictures of the aluminum panels from tons of angles before you remove them...especially the footboxes.

[GoinForIt]

Oh yeah...take a million pictures of the aluminum panels from tons of angles before you remove them...especially the footboxes.

Great thought. Thanks. Planning on a numbering system, but I’m sure pictures will help show what overlays what for order of operations when reinstalling.

Appreciate all of the early advice!

[TXeverydayDad]

Welcome to the club! In addition to GoDad’s and others’ good suggestions, take your time to do the inventory properly. The temptation to get started with the build will be strong but it’s a great opportunity to get to know all the bits and pieces and what they are called. I had to google several names to figure out what I was even looking at. It’s also a good idea to keep a build log for others to follow along and as a reference for yourself.

[GoDadGo]

Welcome to the club! In addition to GoDad’s and others’ good suggestions, take your time to do the inventory properly. The temptation to get started with the build will be strong but it’s a great opportunity to get to know all the bits and pieces and what they are called. I had to google several names to figure out what I was even looking at. It’s also a good idea to keep a build log for others to follow along and as a reference for yourself.

Excellent Advice!
It took us 14 hours to do our inventory.

[GoinForIt]

14 hours!! Wow. Thanks for the benchmark. I’ll be sure to take my time and familiarize myself with the various parts and components.

[edwardb]

Welcome and congratulations on your kit order! Have you considered the build school? Since you mention you haven't even changed oil before there's a lot of learning to do. Since you're in the Chicago area, not a real long trek to Flint, MI where it's located. My first build was started in 2009. It had been started by a pro builder so a good head start for a beginner. I didn't know about the build school at that time. But dedicated myself to learning and the forums were a big help. I was a long time R/C'er too. But also did a lot of mechanical things including a couple attempted restorations (emphasis on attempted) and a couple semi-successful engine overhauls. After the first Roadster build did more including a Coupe and the Hot Rod Truck. All of which I've really enjoyed and have tried to learn something new each time. So with patience, perseverance, and time, you can do it. Hopefully you've read enough on the forum to know there will be challenges along the way, lots of decisions to make, and don't feel like you have to put every mod listed into your build. Every change you make has the possibility for unintended consequences. Especially for a first time builder. Good luck!

[Namrups]

Great thought. Thanks. Planning on a numbering system, but I’m sure pictures will help show what overlays what for order of operations when reinstalling.

Appreciate all of the early advice!

I agree with the pictures. A numbering system is fine until you powder coat/paint over your numbers! A picture with a short description will be of greater help than a covered over number. Ask me how I know!!:p

[GoinForIt]

Welcome and congratulations on your kit order! Have you considered the build school? Since you mention you haven't even changed oil before there's a lot of learning to do. Since you're in the Chicago area, not a real long trek to Flint, MI where it's located. My first build was started in 2009. It had been started by a pro builder so a good head start for a beginner. I didn't know about the build school at that time. But dedicated myself to learning and the forums were a big help. I was a long time R/C'er too. But also did a lot of mechanical things including a couple attempted restorations (emphasis on attempted) and a couple semi-successful engine overhauls. After the first Roadster build did more including a Coupe and the Hot Rod Truck. All of which I've really enjoyed and have tried to learn something new each time. So with patience, perseverance, and time, you can do it. Hopefully you've read enough on the forum to know there will be challenges along the way, lots of decisions to make, and don't feel like you have to put every mod listed into your build. Every change you make has the possibility for unintended consequences. Especially for a first time builder. Good luck!

Appreciate the words of encouragement! I have thought about the build school, but maybe I have too much confidence from the “build school” in your threads, because I haven’t taken action there. I’ve read through your builds (multiple times - thanks for taking the time to share the experience). I think that I’ll look into a school session during the early stages of my car (inventory, panel removal, etc.). Definitely won’t hurt and probably worth the investment.

Any thoughts on what mods (if any) are worth tackling even as a newbie? I’m tall/big (6’3” 220), so I’m pretty keen to expand the DS footbox. Doable? Special tools recommended or needed for this? Also, I’m in a colder climate so hoping to add heating elements (seats/heater).

Thank you!!

[GoinForIt]

I agree with the pictures. A numbering system is fine until you powder coat/paint over your numbers! A picture with a short description will be of greater help than a covered over number. Ask me how I know!!:p

Haha. Heard! Pictures it is!

[Jeff Kleiner]

Congrats!

I have to agree with Paul and suggest that you consider the build school. I was invited to attended as an observer/contributor a couple of years ago and the guys do a great job! It would be very beneficial to someone like you who is coming into the project without much experience, especially in regards to parts identification and assembly processes and methods. Since you're not already familiar with many of the parts and components inventory will be a good learning process for you. Take your time and do it completely. As you go through it keep the manual handy and refer back to it if you come across something on the inventory sheets that you aren't sure of.

Good luck and don't be afraid to ask us questions :)

Jeff

[edwardb]

Any thoughts on what mods (if any) are worth tackling even as a newbie? I’m tall/big (6’3” 220), so I’m pretty keen to expand the DS footbox. Doable? Special tools recommended or needed for this? Also, I’m in a colder climate so hoping to add heating elements (seats/heater).

Thank you!!

There isn't a lot you can do with the footboxes. The Mk4 from the last multiple years is basically maxed out. Depending on the engine and header arrangement, some have been able to put a small bump out on the RH side in the area of the accelerator pedal. But that's mainly for wide feet/shoes. Not height specifically. I have wide feet too and with careful selection of shoes I haven't found those mods necessary. Your experience may vary. Your biggest area to gain room for your height will be with seat selection. You'll want something thin, like Kirkey which you mentioned, and make sure they go all the way back. There's also a little wiggle room with the brake and pedal height. Guys your size fit but it's not a real big car. So expectations have to be reasonable.

As far as mods, that's a loaded question. I've said repeatedly in multiple threads that if you build it stock per the manual you'll have a perfectly good, reliable, and safe Roadster. I think some see mods as required to take it to that level. I don't. Having said that, my most basic recommendations would be the following: I'm also in a cold climate (SE Michigan) and we've found heated seats are enough. If it's too cold to stay comfortable with those then a space heater doesn't add a lot. Again, your experience may vary. My usual recommendation though is if you ever plan to add a top, then a heater and defroster are much more useful and even sometimes necessary to keep the windshield clear. You don't have to read far to find I'm a huge promoter of power steering. Transforms how the car handles with the improved front end geometry. The reduced effort, mainly for low speeds and parking, is a bonus. I'd recommend the trunk struts FFR sells, the Kleiner mod on the rear quick jack/overrider mounts, grommets in the front quick jack/overrider mounts, a genuine Ford OE fuel tank filler seal, the Pro-M Racing High Flow Fuel Pump Hanger for 1986 – 1997 Mustangs, the Breeze cooling fan shroud, the Breeze lower radiator mounts (I haven't found the upper hinged mounts necessary but some guys like them), one of the choices for a turn signal stalk on the steering column if you don't want the toggle switch on the dash, and the ididit High Beam/Low Beam Switching Relay 3100006040, again if you don't want the toggle switch on the dash. Most builds add door cards. Choices including making your own. A lot of builds switch out the standard Halogen headlights for something brighter, e.g. LED's. Really helpful if you plan to drive much at night. Personally, I'd probably go with the TKX over the T5. It's more robust. But the T5 would be OK if you go that way. Lots of discussion about hydraulic clutch. But with a replacement genuine Ford cable it's not bad as is. See, how the list can get started?

[UpNorth]

GoinForIt,
I was in your shoes meaning that I never changed the oil on any of my cars before going into THE adventure.
Everything said above is good stuff. These guys are great!
I would consider upgrading to the 347 from the 302, not much more $ but more fun and if ever you consider selling it could be much more palatable to potential buyers.
Also, do the build school. Go there with a relative or a friend that will be a helping hand during the build. It’s a lot of fun.
Yes, read the book before and write a lot in it as you progress.
Finally, inventory is paramount, don’t skip on this. You’ll thank yourself later.
Oh, one last thing, the most important tool you’ll need: Patience. Don’t rush in anything, take your time.
Cheers.

Francois

[JMD]

Welcome! I was in a similar place when I started looking at these cars 7 years ago. Took this long for my life to get to a point where I could pull the trigger. I highly recommend the build school if you have the time and money to do it. It's not completely necessary, but you will pick up a lot of good ideas and there is no substitute for actually putting your hands on the car and spending a few days talking with those who have first hand knowledge in person. I actually received my build before going to the build school, which was great because it wasn't all brand new to me. I think I actually got more out of it having had a couple weeks to get familiar with the parts and actually have some progress under my belt. It will also help you decide if it's something you think you can handle. There were a few guys in my class who decided not to get one as it was a bit out of their comfort zone. It's better to come to that conclusion before you put your money on the line, for sure.

Feel free to check out my build as I tried to share most everything I learned along the way. It's been a blast and I'm so glad I decided to do it. Would have made a lot more sense in many ways to just buy one, but I wanted the experience of building it myself.

Everyone has a different experience based on who they are and how they approach it. I did my inventory in 3 hours, so there really is no 'benchmark' and your results will vary. One thing that helped me is writing the major components on the outside of each box so I could located them quickly as the build went on. Saved me so much searching through boxes or the inventory list to find something. Being organized will help make all the difference.

I also found that there are so many great parts you might want to get from Breeze Automotive. Some of the FFR ways to assemble are fine, but I highly recommend using some of the parts that I did from Breeze as it definitely elevates the form and function of the car. But if you're tall skip the Breeze seat brackets. They do a great job of reclining the seats to a comfortable position, but at the cost of leg room. If the seat is flat on the floor you will gain about 2" of leg extension vs using the Breeze brackets. I'm 6' with long legs and have the brackets with the seat all the way back and it's almost too tight for me. It's actually perfect, but any closer and it would be uncomfortable.

I look forward to seeing your build thead!

[nuhale]

I'm in Gurnee and spend a ton of time coaching hockey at the recplex. Welcome to the club. I'm very close and currently have a MK4 and in the process of building a coupe. The current pic of the month on the header page is my roadster. Feel free to PM me and happy to assist in your build process any way I can. All of this is revoked if you are a Packers fan. :cool:

I'm going to put the roadster away for the winter in the coming weeks so happy to have you come by for a visit and talk some shop while it's still in the garage.

Regarding your size and fit.. assurances you will be fine. I'm 6-3 230 and fit comfortably (300 at one point and still was ok).

[GoinForIt]

Congrats!

I have to agree with Paul and suggest that you consider the build school. I was invited to attended as an observer/contributor a couple of years ago and the guys do a great job! It would be very beneficial to someone like you who is coming into the project without much experience, especially in regards to parts identification and assembly processes and methods. Since you're not already familiar with many of the parts and components inventory will be a good learning process for you. Take your time and do it completely. As you go through it keep the manual handy and refer back to it if you come across something on the inventory sheets that you aren't sure of.

Good luck and don't be afraid to ask us questions :)

Jeff

Thanks, Jeff. I’ve read that you’re quite the painter. What’s the process there? I’m obviously many months away from completion, but would love to work with you on the body/paint.

[GoinForIt]

GoinForIt,
I was in your shoes meaning that I never changed the oil on any of my cars before going into THE adventure.
Everything said above is good stuff. These guys are great!
I would consider upgrading to the 347 from the 302, not much more $ but more fun and if ever you consider selling it could be much more palatable to potential buyers.
Also, do the build school. Go there with a relative or a friend that will be a helping hand during the build. It’s a lot of fun.
Yes, read the book before and write a lot in it as you progress.
Finally, inventory is paramount, don’t skip on this. You’ll thank yourself later.
Oh, one last thing, the most important tool you’ll need: Patience. Don’t rush in anything, take your time.
Cheers.

Francois

Thanks, Francois. I appreciate the clear and direct opinion on the motor, and EdwardB said similar regarding the transmission. Seems like I should just go for it again.

[GoinForIt]

Welcome! I was in a similar place when I started looking at these cars 7 years ago. Took this long for my life to get to a point where I could pull the trigger. I highly recommend the build school if you have the time and money to do it. It's not completely necessary, but you will pick up a lot of good ideas and there is no substitute for actually putting your hands on the car and spending a few days talking with those who have first hand knowledge in person. I actually received my build before going to the build school, which was great because it wasn't all brand new to me. I think I actually got more out of it having had a couple weeks to get familiar with the parts and actually have some progress under my belt. It will also help you decide if it's something you think you can handle. There were a few guys in my class who decided not to get one as it was a bit out of their comfort zone. It's better to come to that conclusion before you put your money on the line, for sure.

Feel free to check out my build as I tried to share most everything I learned along the way. It's been a blast and I'm so glad I decided to do it. Would have made a lot more sense in many ways to just buy one, but I wanted the experience of building it myself.

Everyone has a different experience based on who they are and how they approach it. I did my inventory in 3 hours, so there really is no 'benchmark' and your results will vary. One thing that helped me is writing the major components on the outside of each box so I could located them quickly as the build went on. Saved me so much searching through boxes or the inventory list to find something. Being organized will help make all the difference.

I also found that there are so many great parts you might want to get from Breeze Automotive. Some of the FFR ways to assemble are fine, but I highly recommend using some of the parts that I did from Breeze as it definitely elevates the form and function of the car. But if you're tall skip the Breeze seat brackets. They do a great job of reclining the seats to a comfortable position, but at the cost of leg room. If the seat is flat on the floor you will gain about 2" of leg extension vs using the Breeze brackets. I'm 6' with long legs and have the brackets with the seat all the way back and it's almost too tight for me. It's actually perfect, but any closer and it would be uncomfortable.

I look forward to seeing your build thead!

Thanks, JMD - Great advice. Any components from Breeze that you would highly recommend?

[GoDadGo]

14 hours!! Wow. Thanks for the benchmark. I’ll be sure to take my time and familiarize myself with the various parts and components.

I'm a bit OCD when it comes to keeping track of stuff like this but it is true that the process did give me great familiarity with 99% of the components of the car...Please make sure you buy an OEM Ford Clutch Cable if you are not going with a hydraulic system. Also, this is what it is like to drive a Cobra so be ware but you do get accustom to the car rather quickly but you will need earplugs depending on your power output.

https://youtu.be/81OVZnHWd2A

Another thing to think about is running 200 Treadwear tires if you want it to hook and book instead of just spinning your wheels through the gears. My original tires were Nitto-555's and were okay; however, when I upgraded earlier this year to Nitto NT05's I found that the car became far better and planting the power while being better in all aspects.

https://youtu.be/iwslgKJUaKc

Good Luck & Your Grand Adventure Has Just Begun!

[JMD]

Thanks, JMD - Great advice. Any components from Breeze that you would highly recommend?

I list the Breeze components I used on the first post of my build thread. I recommend all of them. I went into this trying to spend as little 'extra' money as possible to get the car up and running, but as I went through the build I saw that these components either made assembly much easier, performed much better than the stock part, or both. It did add some $$$ to the build, but I plan on having this car for a long time and I would regret not building it to my satisfaction the first time.

[GoinForIt]

Hey Fellas -

Closing the loop on this thread. The tab is paid, the (early) decisions have been decided, and the completion date is set for 11/16. I’m very glad to have posted in this forum. A lot of great advice, and I was able to reconnect with an old colleague, Nuhale. He and I happened to work together for 3+ years in a past life, and this thread reconnected us. Very cool.

I was able to check out his car, go for a ride, and pick his brain. Pretty amazing, and a great small world moment.

The next time I post I hope that it’s in a build thread in early December. Thanks again for all of the help. Here is where I landed:

Complete Kit
Gen 4x Coyote
IRS
New Center and Rear Spindles
Header and Side exhaust delete (Gas’N or Under car)
Low Kirkey Racing Seats
Power Steering
Koni Touring
Standard Front Brakes
13” Rear Brakes
18” Halibrand Wheels
Still deciding on Sway Bars

Talk to you soon!

[PMD24]

Welcome!

Highly recommend the build school. You'll learn so much, including things to do differently than described in the manual. I attended the school in April and then poured over the forum to prepare for my order. I now believe it would have been better to attend just before my kit arrives. I've learned so much from the forum, the FFR techs helping with the order, and other research, that I now believe I'd get even more benefit from the class now versus when I took it in April. You're at a perfect point for maximizing the benefit of the class.

Relative to the manual, the FFR tech recommended that I download the pdf and use that for the build because the pdf will be more current than the printed manual. He suggested a monitor in the shop/garage and using the pdf on the monitor as the reference source for completing the build. I'm setting that up now.

My kit arrives this week!

[edwardb]

Congratulation on moving ahead. I get the "wait" decision on the sway bars. One hint though if you think there's a chance they're in your future. The front bar bolts right on the standard chassis. But for the rear bar with IRS, there are mounting brackets that have to be added. Picture attached. These brackets are held in by the same bolts as the lower control arm and tow adjustment arm. Easy to install while building up the suspension. If added later, disassembly required. Extra work and maybe not such a good idea once the suspension is installed, aligned, etc. You should be able to get these from Factory Five.

205890

[Jeff Kleiner]

...
Koni Touring
...
Still deciding on Sway Bars




Since you decided to go with the soft springs I highly suggest that you go with the bars to help limit roll during "spirited" driving.


Thanks, Jeff. I’ve read that you’re quite the painter. What’s the process there? I’m obviously many months away from completion, but would love to work with you on the body/paint.

You can shoot me a PM for info.

Jeff

[GoinForIt]

Thanks! On numerous recommendations, I sprung for the sway bars today. They may make it with my kit, but they may not. If not, they should be just behind, and I’m sure in time to fit into the build sequence correctly.

Appreciate the advice from nuhale, EdwardB, and Jeff Kleiner regarding sway bars.

[JMD]

Thanks! On numerous recommendations, I sprung for the sway bars today. They may make it with my kit, but they may not. If not, they should be just behind, and I’m sure in time to fit into the build sequence correctly.

Appreciate the advice from nuhale, EdwardB, and Jeff Kleiner regarding sway bars.

I got the sway bars with mine but decided to leave them off for now. I did fit the rear bar so the brackets and end links were installed with the rest of the suspension. With those in place the bar itself installs and uninstalls quickly. I'm going to see how the IRS behaves on the road without them and have a baseline for handling so I can get a feel for the difference once I decide to use them. It's always good to give yourself plenty of options as you go through your build...definitely easier to make any changes earlier than later.

[GoinForIt]

I got the sway bars with mine but decided to leave them off for now. I did fit the rear bar so the brackets and end links were installed with the rest of the suspension. With those in place the bar itself installs and uninstalls quickly. I'm going to see how the IRS behaves on the road without them and have a baseline for handling so I can get a feel for the difference once I decide to use them. It's always good to give yourself plenty of options as you go through your build...definitely easier to make any changes earlier than later.

Smart. I’ll probably just put ‘em on though. Let me know what you find out though assuming you’re on the road in the next 3-4 months.

Thanks for the recommendation!