Good afternoon, fellow builders

[groover08]

Hello Everyone. I've been thinking about building a FFR Mk5 for a long time and hope to place my order in January 2027. I'm here to read as much as possible and engage with the community so I can learn, make good decisions, and get the best build possible. I live in the Washington, DC metro area in Maryland, just north of the DC boundary. I am a lobbyist for a large industry, and before you joke, know that I have a rule: never speak politics outside of work. Life is too short. My story is I'm originally from Australia, was relocated to the US with my prior job in 2011, and have been a US Citizen since 2020. I love it here and will not return to Australia other than for family visits. I'm married with 17 and 20 year old daughters. Thank you for your kind welcome to the community. I'm excited to start engaging with you.

[Grubester]

Welcome! I'm half-way through a Mk4 289-style build in Oregon.
I'm luckily retired and it makes the build a joy. Don't rush to the finish line, "get into" each stage of the build. This is an "assembly project" but it's also a fabrication project and challenge.
You *will* be disassembling your previous work more than a few times, as you finally realize how to get that stage right. (No frustration, it's called learning -- though at times it's like pounding sand down a rathole)
The Forum, of course, is invaluable -- many generous builders share great suggestions... or at least opinions.

[tundra2050]

Welcome. And congratulations on being an American. Although the Australians and British are pretty cool. I played rugby with several of them over 30 years ago. Fun bunch of lads to drink with. Also wish my wife had an Australian accent, lol.

Anyway, I was in the same boat as you for several years, but I was waiting for retirement and my kids to almost be out of the house. Now that I'm retired and only working a few days a week, I have more time on my hands. I purchased the 289 and it's expected to come next week. I'm super excited. I spent the past 5 years on the forum trying to get some ideas as well as see what works or not. The knowledge base is incredible and the pros are willing to lend their expertise.

Best of luck with your future build!

[Namrups]

EdwardB is a premier builder having built three roadsters, a Daytona Coupe, truck and is now building a MK5. He also just finished building an airplane!!(link to his build thread: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?51545-EdwardB%92s-Mk5-30th-Anniversary-Build-First-Time-Body-On) He is a great builder, fantastic person and his build threads are like the build bible's! He will answer any question put to him. If you want to learn how to build one of these just follow his lead!