Hello from sunny(HOT) El Paso TX

[smkn951]

Hello everyone,
my name is Carl, currently in the military (ARMY) 23 yrs and counting.
Married for 18 years and counting 4 kids (no more counting)....
thinking of building my first FFR car but can't decide.
A GTM would be nice to do and it'll be the only one that i know of in El Paso.
But it seems that it'll be a hell of a task.
what are your thoughts?
TIA
Carl

[skullandbones]

I thought (for a fews seconds) about a GTM build in my future. After watching a couple of "fastthings" videos, I quickly changed my mind. Instead of a few hundred hours of build for a roadster, you would be doing from what I have heard 1000+ hrs and that may be conservative depending on how much of a perfectionist you are. That's why I referred you to those videos (very good looks at the components and difficulty level of build from a body mans perspective). Also, the resources to build one are considerable. See the "Build a GTM on a budget". Even a budget build is way more expensive and complicated compared to ofther FFR builds on avg. When I hear someone say that it's easy to build a Cobra, I am at least interested in their argument as it is probably easy for a lot of people but I can't imagine someone saying, "GTMs are easy to build". If you do decide to build one, more power to you. The reward would be huge. Good luck, WEK.

[smkn951]

skullandbones, thank you very much for that insight.
so far leaning away from the GTM build.
in your opinion which kit would be more suited for a first time build?
TIA
Carl

[skullandbones]

Hey man: that is a very loaded question. I am biased toward the roadster of course. But you need to get some insight from others esp the coupe people. It all depends on what your dream is. Mine is so simple (no wind sheild wipers, only PS pump and alt. on engine, 4 link, 302 and T5. You could build a roadster or coupe that would be much more complicated but that may be the reason for the popularity because of the wide range of possiblilities. Keep your options open. I'm sure you will find a good middle ground for your needs. WEK.

[smkn951]

Spoken like a true mentor. thank you for the advice. though .........it leaves me knocking my noggin for what kit still.....
thanks again.
Carl

[DARKPT]

Think about what you want to do with the car when it's finished, that'll help you pick a kit. Whichever one you choose, you'll need to be passionate enough about it to stay with it.

If budget is an issue, think about how much bodywork is involved. Roadster is least expensive, GTM is probably the most expensive.

For me, it was the shape of the Coupe. I had to have it! The fact that I got to build it with my 15 year old and learn some new skills was a bonus.

Thanks for your service, and welcome to the forum!

[smkn951]

Thanks DARKPT.
that was the main point, to build it it with my 14 year old, since i've missed so much with him, plus my oldest daughter likes doing car stuff too, she too can jump in.
Budget is a big factor, but being in El Paso, there's so much junk yards/ body shops in the area and the prices are very competitive. I could also get some help with the in-laws, a few of them are really good with body work.
The GTM is what the boy wants and he seems to be passionate about it. Anything really would do as time spent with the family doing something together is well worth the $$$.
Glad to be of service, i's my pleasure. I love Soldiers and seeing the young ones do something with their lives and making a difference is reward in itself.
I hope to get to a decision soon, summer is just around the corner and it'll be a great opportunity to really catch up on some missed time.

[gtaroger]

The GTM is alot more work to build and alot more mola.If you can aford it and have got the time, go for it.Roger

[riptide motorsport]

Welcome!!!!