New Member - Any Michigan Builders?

[EricScottZehnder]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forums but have been a FF fan for a while and a Daytona Coupe fan for even longer. I have never built a car before but, as a person who works in IT server technology, the prospect of building a car with my hands is extremely appealing. Since there doesn't appear to be a primer here for Factory Five builder noobies, please let me know what you think.

I have a two car garage and a small assortment of tools but nothing heavy like an engine hoist or welder. I'm 6'4" so smaller kit cars like a Lotus 7 clone were out of the question a good foot ago. I'm considering the FF Type 65 coupe full kit with IRS and buying a Ford crate engine of some variety like a 351W (350-400HP), nothing too crazy.

1. Have I missed a critical FAQ or primer for new builders that I should read?
2. Do you really receive most everything you need from the complete kit?
3. Is there a ton of welding or specialized tool work or is it mostly bolt-on (assuming I'm cool with a very default setup for how it looks)?

Lastly, are there any builders in the Southeastern Michigan region that would be willing to meet up and show their car off or even offer a drive? It's almost November so I would completely understand if this needs to wait until Spring.

Thanks in advance,
Eric

[edwardb]

Hi Eric. I'm in SE Michigan as well (Lake Orion) with two Roadsters -- one finished the other just started. So can't help you specifically with a Coupe but can answer your general questions.

1. Not specifically, but lurking on these forums is a great source of info. FFCars.com is another forum with a lot of traffic. Check it out too. There is a build school at Mott Community College that guys come from all over to attend. I haven't, but I've heard good things. Also a Roadster, but many similar aspects. http://www.mcc.edu/factoryfive/f5_schedule.shtml This recently released book is also good -- I just got a copy last week -- and although also for a Roadster, gives some good overall FFR and kit building info. http://www.amazon.com/Build-Cobra-Buying-Project-Series/dp/1934709433/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351293079&sr=8-1&keywords=building+cobra+kit+car

2. Yes, except engine, trans, rear axle, wheels, tires, paint, and whatever custom parts or mods you want to add. Lots of debate about whether complete kit or basic kit and then adding your own parts (either new or donor) is better/cheaper. But, in my opinion, depends very much on your knowledge level.

3. No welding required if you build it stock. I don't weld, and I'm building my second. Normal mechanic tools are mainly what you need. If you dig into the engine, maybe a few more special tools. You will need a lift for the engine. You can rent, borrow, or buy. Jack stands and a floor jack are mandatory.

6'5" is tall for these cars. Not impossible (guys do it) but you may need to tweak a few things with the seats and pedals to make it work. I've personally never sat in a Coupe, but I understand it's a little tighter than the Roadster. You're welcome to come over and see my cars any time. My finished Mk3 will be going into storage in the next few weeks. The Mk4 is under construction. I only have a 2-car garage as well. BTW, there are a number of Factory Fives in the SE Michigan area. Couple other Mk4's being built right now, that I know of. I'm not aware of any Coupes.

HTH

[EricScottZehnder]

Thank You! Though that class isn't perfect it'd still be a wealth of information for someone in my shoes! Both my Dad and my Mom's favorite car is a Cobra in blue with white racing stripes; maybe I could be swayed one way before the other. My Dad is 59 and knows far more about cars than I do. The idea of building his favorite car with his help, spending time with him, and seeing his face when he takes my Mom out for a spin would be worth every penny and then some.

[edwardb]

The Roadster is considered an easier build, and maybe that's important for someone without experience. The main thing is just to stick with it. The build of any custom car can be challenging (these aren't snap together models, as many like to point out) and will at times test your perseverance. Many are sold partially built because guys underestimated the effort. But follow your dream. Like I said, you're welcome to come up my direction and check mine out. I've been known to give rides. I'm about the age of your dad, and puts a smile on my face each time I drive it. My wife and I did almost 1800 miles in it this year, our first full year since it's been done. It's a blast to drive, but I also loved the building. So much I picked up another just a month or two ago. I didn't have a previous experience either.

[loeffler1]

I'm 72 and my coupe is almost complete other than finish body work and paint. I'm also short (with age I hear you shrink a couple inches) so I fit pretty good. However there are mods to help, especially the Salvaggio mod of lowering the seat. PM Karen (vnmss). There are old threads with photos on this mod. Go for it!!!!

Bill

[rj35pj]

I live in Marion,IN about 3 hours from Kalamazoo. If you don't find someone closer you are always welcome here. Let me know if want to stop in.
Bob

[rj35pj]

I live in Marion,IN about 3 hours from Kalamazoo. If you don't find someone closer you are always welcome here. Let me know if want to stop in.
Bob

OOPS I forgot my car is out for paint another one hour south of me....we could always stop in at the paint shop. :)

[EricScottZehnder]

Update on Build School (Mott Community College - Flint, MI):

After the tip from EdwardB on the FF Build School, I contacted the instructor of the class as the website didn't say how much you'd be doing during those 3 full days (8am-5pm) of classes. Here's the reply:

In our class, the students will assemble a MK4 roadster in 3 days. We start out on day one with a bare frame. By lunch time we will be assembling the suspension. It will be a rolling chassis by the end of the day. Day two will start off with brake bleeding and by lunch time the engine will be in. Then we will wire the car and do the final hookups for the engine test at the end of the day. Day three is body assembly and fit up. By the end of the day it will be a drivable car. The instructor will take it around the parking lot for a test drive. Factory Five offers the discount for taking the class. We do not have a Coupe class, but two of our instructors have built Coupes themselves. They are very similar to the roadster so that is the best class to take. You don't need anything more than a note book, camera for class and an idea of what you plan to build so you can get all your questions answered. By the end of class most people know what options they want or don't want.

This was an extremely exciting reply because for $800 that's a massive amount of knowledge to be gained and experience that I could use on my own cars until I can afford to do the kit car.

[EricScottZehnder]

Any other Coupe owners in the SE Michigan area besides rj35pj? I just procured the manual for the Coupe and I'm educating myself on whatever I can find. I'm having a blast envisioning myself turning a wrench on this project but I really need to sit in a stock Coupe to see if I'm just spinning my wheels, so to speak.

EDIT: OH SHOOT! (http://www.zeemaps.com/map?group=117342)