Hello from VA

[FlailingElbows]

Hey everyone, I thought I'd just introduce myself here. I'm from Northern Virginia, Spotsylvania to be exact and I'm a software developer by trade, but I grew up working in my Dad's garage helping him do brakes and oil changes and stuff like that, nothing terribly complicated. I don't have much mechanical knowledge, or any real experience working on engines or transmissions or any of the more complicated systems in a car.

So, my plan is to attend the build school with my Dad in Michigan, next June (2013). Probably the weekend after Father's day. Dad, Father's Day, build a car...sounds like a good time right? I think so. After we do the build school, I'll place my order for one of the MK4s, or whatever the newest roadster model is at the time. My Dad will be retiring within a year or so, so conveniently I think I'll be able to convince him to come spend a couple months at my house and we can then build the car together.

My Dad is a mechanical engineer, has worked in the field for 45+ years, and is now working in a Tool & Die shop as the day to day process manager or something. He has also rebuilt his own street rod, an original 34 Plymouth PE, that should be done this winter. So I figure he'll be able to cover much of my slack, and provide the know-how and any outside the box thinking necessary for our build.

Sound like a good plan? Should I order the roadster before the build class? How long does it take for FF to finish a complete kit and ship it? Can anyone think of any way my software development skills could be beneficial to the build?

Thanks for any and all answers, and I hope to post lots of pictures and videos of our build(s) as we work on them. I love the forums and the absolute wealth of information and helpful people here too, looking forward to the whole process.

[riptide motorsport]

Welcome!!! Excellent plan, FFR seems to be getting cars to people in around 2 months time frame..........your in for the time of your life!!!:)

[SStrong]

I waited about a month for my kit to ship (not a complete kit). You may get yours sooner. The build school may be better to take first, and it will help you make decisions on a lot of things. Wish I had taken it first, I might have had more of the parts I needed on hand when I began and would not have made some of the mistakes I made. Sign up for the school and order the kit to arrive shortly after the school? You will enjoy the build experience, especially with your dad (great way to hide from the wife for a few hours). When my dad was alive, we spent a lot of time building hot rods.
You should have a build book, and keep records of what you put into your car, so your computer skills will help with keeping track of orders/purchases (I have put about $29k into my build to date and could tell you to the penny). I also have over 700 pictures (all in my book). Good luck with your build!

[FlailingElbows]

Wow, only two months. For some reason I thought it would take them longer to get those kits ready. I guess they must have some inventory built up in order to process orders that quickly. Still, it's good to know that you don't have to wait 6 months to a year to begin building once you've placed your order.

Oh yeah, I'm definitely planning on doing the build course before I order the kit and do my own build. Originally though I was planning on waiting maybe a 6 months - a year after doing the build course before I ordered. Do you think I'll lose too much of what I learn if I wait that long? Would it be better to delay taking the build course until I'm closer to ready to place my kit order?

[gtaroger]

Welcome! Sounds like you have good backup. Roger

[kiki231]

Welcome--

BTW -- ANY plan to work with your father/son/brother/mother/sister/daughter etc is a great plan :)