Building a mk4 or a type 65 coupe for the first time, which could be better choice?

[Jacob McCrea]

Welcome. One of the best things ever written about building a coupe can be found by doing a google search for "fail, fail, fail, type 65," or something reasonably close to that. I think the web address is type65.blogspot.com. The author's entry titled "fail, Fail, FAIL" gives a candid overview of the struggles of building the thing. I think the short of it is that you need to be a little more of a fabricator and problem-solver to build a coupe, compared to a roadster, particularly if you want the aluminum paneling and body to have a really nice fit and finish (the old and true saying is "everything almost fits"). This is not a criticism of the kit or meant to dissuade anyone, but worth reading before putting down your hard-earned money. Again, welcome and good luck.

[edwardb]

Welcome. One of the best things ever written about building a coupe can be found by doing a google search for "fail, fail, fail, type 65," or something reasonably close to that. I think the web address is type65.blogspot.com. The author's entry titled "fail, Fail, FAIL" gives a candid overview of the struggles of building the thing. I think the short of it is that you need to be a little more of a fabricator and problem-solver to build a coupe, compared to a roadster, particularly if you want the aluminum paneling and body to have a really nice fit and finish (the old and true saying is "everything almost fits"). This is not a criticism of the kit or meant to dissuade anyone, but worth reading before putting down your hard-earned money. Again, welcome and good luck.

I found and read through this blog. It's sad seeing someone going into a project with excitement and enthusiasm and then later reaching the point where he wants to bail on the whole thing before finishing. He was unable to sell it for what he had in it (no surprise there, unfortunately) so is having someone finish it for him. There are some important lessons to be learned in this blog. These things take time. Lots of it. He didn't have enough and admitted it. Little to no experience can be a problem, and was in this case. This project included a donor and a lot of part rehabilitation. Also a lot of work, and maybe not for everyone. The builder also shows that it's nearly impossible to build one of these with only the manual. Especially without experience. These are all points prospective buyer/builders should be honest with themselves about, regardless of what they are trying to build. In this particular case, the guy may have been better off with a Roadster. But likely would have faced some of the same issues IMO.