I thought I should start a build thread so I can repay this wonderful forum for all that I have learned from the super talented people here. I am sure my contributions will be in showing others what NOT to do. This will probably be a long introduction followed by hopefully short “Screw Up of the Week” reports.
First, I have been asked about the screen name. My name is Bill. My wife thinks I am a genius. She calls me Einstein all the time. Usually prefaced by some words of encouragement like “Way to go…”. She really loves me.
Background? Yeah….I have a long list of diverse projects where I have found new and imaginative ways of screwing up. I grew up on a potato farm with all the fun machinery fixing involved in that. When I was 15 I built a Meyer’s Manx dune buggy and drove it to school as soon as I was old enough. Car projects through the years include two Model A fords, 1946 Jeep CJ3, 1963 Jeep CJ3B, 1985 Jeep CJ7 (with a corvette engine), 1967 fastback Mustang GT, 1967 Camaro, Jaguar V12 xjs. Motorcycles, bunch of Harleys and one custom hard tail chopper with 150 hp. My dad, brother and I also restored and flew antique and experimental airplanes. Those projects included 1928 Arrow Sport biplane, 1931 Brunner Winkle Bird biplane, 1928 Travel Air biplane, 1918 Fokker D7 biplane, 1946 Aeronca Champ, 1940 Rearwin Cloudster and a Kevlar/carbon fiber seaplane we built from a kit. I also got into boats and restored a 1960 33’ Rhodes sailboat, 1941 53’swordfishing yacht, and a 1987 53’ trawler.
I can no longer fly due to an unfortunate collision between myself and the planet Earth. There was a ladder involved. Three months in a body cast was less than fun. That was when that movie Spartans 300 came out. I was trying to get somebody to spray paint some abs on that cast. (note: you can’t mess with gravity. It’s like a law or something). They had to put a pacemaker/defibrillator in which I no longer need but they can’t take it out. I figure if they ever execute me I will just keep coming back, so at least I have that going for me.
Anyway, back to the Grand Scheme of Things. I finally retired last year. We spent a year fixing up the aforementioned 53 foot trawler. It had 4 diesel engines, 4 toilets , 5 showers, 6 air conditioners. I had great fun fixing all the systems. The plan was my wife and I would take it south from NY every fall to FL or the Bahamas and come back north each spring. We got down to Florida where an idiot dock hand put 400 gallons of gasoline in our diesel tanks. We ran for 8 hours before the engines stopped. At the same time our grown daughter back in NY got very sick. We had an offer to buy the boat for what we had in it so we ended up back home to think about what’s next.
My wife was very worried that without businesses to run or a big yacht to maintain and captain I would go crazy. She said “The last time you had nothing to do you took my Jaguar all apart”. She knew I had always loved Cobras and had followed Factory Five since the 90s. When we saw the announcement of the Mark V and how larger people could fit in it she said “So why don’t you build one?” Oh yeah, I guess I should mention I am 6’5 280 lbs former tight end.
We took the ferry from the east end of Long Island over to CT and drove up to FFR. We met Dave Smith and all the wonderful people there. I sat in the Mark V and found I fit! My wife was ready to buy the complete kit right then.
I came home to think about it. My dad had passed away and my brother had moved upstate. I inherited a 70’x 80’ airplane hangar still full of old airplanes, engines, etc. Luckily it also has almost every tool in the world as well. I would have to get rid of all the planes and stuff, build a heated shop inside the hangar, install a lift etc.
Ok now finally we are getting to the car build stuff. I commend any of you who are still with me here. I got the hangar mostly cleaned out. (I still have the experimental seaplane with an experimental engine ….want to buy it? Lol). I have the 30’ x40’ new shop almost framed and rocked , spray foam insulation is scheduled.
I ordered a complete Mark V kit. It should arrive early May. I included all the bells and whistles including Heat and AC In case I want to add a hard or soft top. Although I suspect with a top on when I get out of the car it would look like it is giving birth.
I ordered a stacked Godzilla engine with ridiculous horsepower from FL.
My wife said “Is that safe?” This is the woman who let me do aerobatics in antique airplanes. I said “There is nothing safer than a Cobra with 675 hp”. This engine combined with the new Mark V may give me some engineering challenges but that is kinda what this is all about.
Today I went to meet the great Mike Forte and pick up my transmission, bell housing, clutch etc. I am not even as smart as I look but I know when you meet somebody like Mike you listen to everything they say.
Even though I have painted boats and airplanes before I hope when the time comes I use my brain and get somebody like Jeff Kleiner to do it.
I don’t claim to have any great skills despite all the projects. Wait until you see all the stuff I am about to screw up. Before I can build the car I have to finish building my shop in the hangar. The plan is to work slow and make it last. My wife said “Don’t build it too fast or you will have to build another one”. Stay tuned.
Wow, that's a lot of cool projects you've done in the past.
The most remarkable part of your story is that you're still here to tell it after restoring and flying "antique experimental aircraft"! And you still fit in the MkV with those oversized cajones?
Jim, Thanks for the good wishes. Your build thread is impressive. You did awesome work building your shop. I am exhausted from building my new shop. The kit is about to arrive and then the work STARTS. The funny thing about all the flying, motorcycles, etc. I never got hurt until I fell off that ladder.
Ok, time for an update on progress...or the lack thereof. Our Mark V kit is supposed to come on Saturday. The new shop is still being taped and spackled. Then we must paint. The lift has not been delivered yet and the new electric service. lights, fans, HVAC, plumbing are not in yet. But other than that...we are ready lol. I was able to build a body buck, re-purpose a rolling table as a chassis cart, and set up a sort of "Parts Room" for all the boxes coming. Stay tuned. IMG_5234.jpgIMG_5232.jpg
Today Stewart Transport came and delivered a Complete Mark V Kit to my Not Complete Shop. It all went well and the driver was awesome. I am glad I had my little skid steer fork lift. The plan is to finish the shop then inventory everything before starting the build. I thought it would take longer to get the kit and I thought it would take less time to build the new shop. It is nice to know we have almost everything in house now except the back ordered parts, the engine, and the wiring harness.
Our Factory Five Mark V kit contains the following:
Complete kit set up for Godzilla engine
Hydraulic clutch kit
Godzilla headers and side exhaust
IRS complete kit
IRS shock kit
IRS Center and spindles. 3.55
31 spline driveshaft
Pwr steering
Vintage GPS 7 gauge set
Black leather seats
Powder coated frame
Left and Right Chrome roll bars
12.88 front Willwood brakes and IRS Willwood rear brakes both red
18" Hallibrand wheel tire package
Wood steering wheel
Body cut outs
Cut aluminum dash with vinyl
5 pt safety harnesses
2 GT 400 polished side mirrors
Plastic hood scoop
Sun visor, wipers,
AC parts
Oil cooler kit
Red indoor car cover
Roll bar grommets
Front and rear sway bars
Floor mats
Brake reservoir parts
Vintage oil temp gauge
Remote brake booster parts
Godzilla install kit
Wind wing kit
Trunk gas strut kit
Seat track kit
Side louvers assembled
Batt cut off switch
Brake duct wire mesh
I also got a set of 17" wheels which will have tires more for cold/wet weather driving
From Forte Parts Connection:
TRX 2.87/.81 5 speed transmission
Godzilla bolt kit and pilot
Ram 23 lb flywheel
Centerforce T/O B
Hydraulic slave kit and master
I will probably use Tilton MCs for all (thanks Mike Bray)
and many other parts may be substituted for FFR parts.
Stay tuned.
The car cover was a nice surprise. They have a hole in the middle for the crane to lift off the truck. It should say on the packaging "Some assembly required" lol.
Quick update. We got the chassis and body in the "parts room" organized where it will have to wait a couple of weeks for us to finish the shop. Then we will inventory everything. Stay tuned.IMG_5277.jpg
Okay, this was really sketchy. They delivered the new Atlas four-post lift today. I knew it weighed almost 3000 lbs and was about 15 ft long, all in one package. I asked the shipping company how we were going to get it off the truck. They said, "No problem; the truck has a lift gate." We managed to do it using the lift gate and my little skid steer forklift that can lift 1100 lbs with giant me on the back as a counterweight. Without that I don't know how you are supposed to do it. Be prepared if you order one of these things. Now that needs to be assembled before we even start assembling the cobra.
Ok it is time for me to make a "Lack of Progress" report. Our Mark V kit was delivered a month ago. I have not done the inventory yet because the shop is still a construction site. Here is a tip for anybody who plans to fix up a shop and build one of these kits. The shop rebuild will take way longer than you thought and FFR will ship you your kit right when they said so plan better than I did. One of the reasons for the delay on the shop is my next door neighbor decided he badly needed the 5 acre parcel next to the hangar/shop. He offered 2 1/2 times what it appraised for so we sold it to him. Then I realized the water and electric to the hangar went through that parcel. That meant new water and electric service trenched to the hangar and permits...in NY. So I outsmarted myself on that deal leading my wife to say "Way to go Einstein" lol.
The new shop walls are built, insulated, painted. I installed the Mr Cool HVAC myself in a day. Building 10' x 10' sliding doors and installing them by myself was challenging.
I set up to inventory all the parts because I am coming up on the 45 days FFR allows. One handy thing I found was a cart (I assume it came from the former Grumman facility 5 miles from here where they built the F14s) that has cups to hold hardware. I will put all the FFR hardware in there and can roll it over where I am working. Inventory should be done this week.
Next up it to install the four post lift sitting here. It looks like it has pretty heavy parts. Note to self: Get some friends.
Sorry to bore you all with all this. Soon there will be actual build stuff. Stay tuned.
One handy thing I found was a cart (I assume it came from the former Grumman facility 5 miles from here where they built the F14s) that has cups to hold hardware. I will put all the FFR hardware in there and can roll it over where I am working.
That WILL be handy! I cobbled something similar together a few years back too tackle that coffee-can filled line of nuts-n-bolts that seems to grow after every project. So nice to be able to see at a glance what ya got.
We are very close to the Grumman Calverton Plant. My wife's dad worked there on F14s and EA6Bs for 30 years. The theme of this build thread will be to showcase all the stuff I screw up. That is I think the most useful info for others.
The red and cream biplane in my first post is a 1931 Brunner Winkle Bird. It was bigger than a Fleet but also used the Kinnner engine. They were built in Brooklyn.
I am currently about halfway through the inventory. Some of the parts they name on the packing list I don't know what that looks like so how do I know if I have one? A fun puzzle but getting there. Stay tuned.
Last edited by Aleinsteingenius; 06-16-2025 at 12:56 PM.
We are very close to the Grumman Calverton Plant. My wife's dad worked there on F14s and EA6Bs for 30 years. The theme of this build thread will be to showcase all the stuff I screw up. That is I think the most useful info for others.
The red and cream biplane in my first post is a 1931 Brunner Winkle Bird. It was bigger than a Fleet but also used the Kinnner engine. They were build in Brooklyn.
I am currently about halfway through the inventory. Some of the parts they name on the packing list I don't know what that looks like so how do I know if I have one? A fun puzzle but getting there. Stay tuned.
Great...I didn't even start building yet and I already have a screw up to report. While waiting for the kit to be delivered I thought I would be pro-active and ordered a wire harness from Ron Francis. It arrived and I put it on the shelf. Now going through the kit inventory I found the exact same wiring harness. I hope they will take the un-opened one I ordered from RF back. My wife said "You obviously didn't understand what a complete kit meant. Way to go Einstein" lol
We are very close to the Grumman Calverton Plant. My wife's dad worked there on F14s and EA6Bs for 30 years. The theme of this build thread will be to showcase all the stuff I screw up. That is I think the most useful info for others.
The red and cream biplane in my first post is a 1931 Brunner Winkle Bird. It was bigger than a Fleet but also used the Kinnner engine. They were build in Brooklyn.
I am currently about halfway through the inventory. Some of the parts they name on the packing list I don't know what that looks like so how do I know if I have one? A fun puzzle but getting there. Stay tuned.
One thing I have done when I am faced with the "what's a three handled gredunza look like" situation is to do a search of the digital copy of the manual. It has a word for word search function and will find any associated references. It is also the most up to date reference document besides your inventory sheets.
Thanks for the tips guys. I have managed to complete the inventory and I am not missing much at all. I was thinking of Metal-morphous as they are not too far away. I can actually see New Haven across the Sound from our house. Your car looks great! How long was the lead time?
Thanks for the tips guys. I have managed to complete the inventory and I am not missing much at all. I was thinking of Metal-morphous as they are not too far away. I can actually see New Haven across the Sound from our house. Your car looks great! How long was the lead time?
Ron got me in pretty quick and he quoted me around 16 week to do it, but it was actually around 12 weeks for him to do the car. I think if I was to do another car I would first get intouch with the painter just after you receive the car to see when is the best time to get it in during the build.
"I guess I should mention I am 6’5 280 lbs former tight end." Welcome to the big boy club. I'm 6'2" 290lbs and a stocky a former wrestler and tight head prop for Rugby. With fore thought, many of the size issues can be overcome. Even just adding an inch or two in certain areas can mean a great deal to your comfort. I have large thighs, so I made a custom dash that gave me more room, plus adding an aluminum block under the steering column's yoke can help you get it to a comfortable position. The Kirkey classic Lowback help lower you in the cockpit and also help with leg length. as for the engine, I think you're in the right neighborhood Just an FYI, if you are planning on IRS, you should check with FFR on the HP limit of their existing half shafts. When I asked it was around 400 HP, so since my target was well above that I went to the driveshaft shop and order upgraded FFR half shafts. Again I look forward following you journey and what changes you make.
FFR #4402 MKII Supercharged 308 445 RWHP Sterling Grey W/ Black Sapphire Stripes, Purchase 8/22/2008 Sold 12/04/2018
FFR #8249 MK IV "Milano" Kit purchased 10/5/2018 - Graduated with 3.27 IRS, Multiport, Fuel Injected Supercharged 347 Big bore with Coil On Plug running Holley HP engine management, 576 RWHP, 510 Torque https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?29980 Milano thread
Thanks for the tip Tbull. I will look into stronger halfshafts. I am sure all the new super powered Mustangs must have upgrades ones maybe they could be cut down,. Ray thanks for the info on Metal-Morphous I will give them a call even though I have only just today finished inventory on the kit.
As to "The Big Boy Club" once done playing football being a big guy is a pain. My wife keeps me around to get stuff off the top shelf. open jars, and kill spiders on the ceiling. Other than that airplane seats, buying clothes,etc is a pain. I was very happy how well I fit in the FFR Mark V prototype. Here is a picture of my giant self in there making vroom noises..... IMG_0702.jpg
Last edited by Aleinsteingenius; 06-17-2025 at 04:39 PM.
I know exactly what you mean. Plus more expensive too. I was my dad's runt. He was 6'6 and 240. Like anything there are pros.and cons. The driveshaft store has the lengths already and they have them good to 1000 hp. I went with the 600 hp version and never regretted it.
FFR #4402 MKII Supercharged 308 445 RWHP Sterling Grey W/ Black Sapphire Stripes, Purchase 8/22/2008 Sold 12/04/2018
FFR #8249 MK IV "Milano" Kit purchased 10/5/2018 - Graduated with 3.27 IRS, Multiport, Fuel Injected Supercharged 347 Big bore with Coil On Plug running Holley HP engine management, 576 RWHP, 510 Torque https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?29980 Milano thread
Great news! Ron Francis agreed to take back the duplicate wiring harness I stupidly ordered. I told my wife "With the money we are getting back we can buy a powder coating rig!" She gave me "The Look". You married guys know The Look. At least she wasnt' standing there with her arms folded tapping her foot. lol.
Another report of my progress not building our Mark V. Today I moved the new lift into the shop and unpacked all the pieces. I got my weightlifting in working by myself. I promise eventually I will post stuff about actually building the car. IMG_5368.jpgIMG_5369.jpgIMG_5370.jpg
Ron at Metal-Morphous did my Mark 4 (Indigo Blue, AKA Lexus blue) about a year ago and it came out beautiful.
Ron and Pedro are a pleasure to work with
Ray
Sorry to hijack your thread... I was thinking of Indigo Blue for my build. I was afraid of it leaning to purple. Does it look like a Navy blue? Any purple tones? Thanks.
I am definately going to call Metal-Morphous. Our daughter works a Yale right there in New Haven. I have changed my mind on colors 14 times already so TBD.
How do you put up a four post lift when you don't have any friends? Very carefully. At some point I will actually build a car. IMG_5373.jpgIMG_5374.jpg
Hi everybody. I apologize for the lack of posting for the last 3 months. I got very sick. I developed a Cerebral Spinal Fluid leak, which made my brain work even worse than it normally does. The doctor, knowing I am a car nut, explained it as "You have low oil pressure. Your check engine light is coming on". They managed to plug the leak. I asked where the leak was. He said, "It doesn't matter. It's like putting Stop Leak in your radiator, it just goes to where the leak is and plugs it". He spoke my language. I got out of the hospital mid July and decided to enjoy what was left of the summer here on Long Island fishing, sailing, etc with the grandkids.
Ok back ot the build. The huge shop project is finally done. I have The Cobra Brain Trust coming over tonight to help me get the body on the buck and the frame on the lift. They are a good bunch of guys who are all smarter than me. One is an expert on 1969 Camaros and has a big collection of them. One did a 1936 Ford pickup with a hot rodded flathead in it. One has a Model A roadster with a blown 289. One has a Shelby GT500. The other two are Mcgiver types who can fix anything. IMG_5531.jpg
This must be a record for the longest build thread with no actual building on the car. I promise the next one will show some progress. Stay tuned.
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Originally Posted by Aleinsteingenius
Just an FYI, if you are planning on IRS, you should check with FFR on the HP limit of their existing half shafts. When I asked it was around 400 HP, so since my target was well above that I went to the driveshaft shop and order upgraded FFR half shafts. Again I look forward following you journey and what changes you make.
