The Fliptop is now in her final stages of preparation. She is sequestered in a secret location for her final primping. Much like the daughter getting ready for the prom, She is putting on her very best in preparation for her full debut. But I am already getting bored. I am already missing the build process. I promised my longsuffering wife that the next car would have certain requirements:
Must have Automatic Transmission (so she can drive it!!)
Must have Air Conditioning and heating.
Beyond that, she has pretty well given me carte blanche on what to do. Here are my thoughts. I would appreciate any thoughts or comments you might have on any of these subjects:
Do another Factory Five car. I have loved doing the MKIV, and continue to be impressed with the quality of the product. However, I deviated a LOT from the stock build, so I ended up not using a bunch of stuff. I am considering a "donor build" next time, even though I still plan to use all new parts. Might save me a bit of money not buying stuff I didn't end up using. So here are my thoughts on models:
Another MKIV? Been there, done that. Need new challenges.
Coupe? The metal body Gen 3 Coupe is interesting, but much like what I already have done. I like it, I am seriously considering one, but something nags at me to push myself further. I am not sure if I can shoehorn an automatic tranny in there.
Hotrod? My son loves it, but he isn't interested in building it. I like it, but am not passionate about it. Every conceivable version has already been done. What can I add to the mix that is new, innovative, and really great?
818? I like it, but it is even smaller than the MKIV. Would pose new challenges working with a Subaru powerplant. Just not sure if I want to go that far away from the American Muscle powerplants. Also not sure if I can shoehorn an Automatic Tranny in.
GTM? LOVE the car. Not sure I can shoehorn my own . . . magnitude (?!!) into the doors and onto the seats. Worse still, can I get out?!!! To do it right, the price point is steep. (What am I saying, look what I did to the MKIV!!!) I will have to beg someone that has one at Huntington Beach to let me sit in it to see if I want to go this direction.
Other potential options and interests: (These take me outside of the realm of having a "build manual" and remove the excellent support network of all of you on the Factory Five Forums. They will push my education, ingenuity, and creativity. )
'67 Mustang from all reproduction parts: This is probably the car that first captured my imagination for cars. Every conceivable version has already been done. What can I add, and do I even want or need to? Easy to get an Automatic Transmission into it. Parts are readily available. Easily saleable, even though not a "original" Mustang.
Early mid 60's Bronco: I think an automatic is feasible, just not sure if I can mate it to a Coyote and still get it in there. Lots of fond high school memories in a Bronco. Lots of repro parts available, but they are really getting pricey now.
mid 60's Corvette from all reproduction parts: Many of the same comments as the Mustang apply here. My wife likes this car, but she is not a "car lover". She doesn't really care what I build as long as she can drive it.
1955 Ford F100 truck: Not sure if all the parts are still available as reproductions, but many are. May be a bit more difficult to find parts than the previous two.
1951 Mercury Eight "Lead Sled": This one would really push my learning curve for metal work. (certainly a goal.) Much harder to find parts. Would have to find an original car to restore, and this might involve extensive rust repair and metal fabrication. Lots of these already done, but I like the flowing line after the top is chopped. It is a really big beast! IT would really fill the garage!
Something else even more unique:
I have always loved the 1970's era Porsche 911, but they have really jumped in price. Automatic Tranny is also out of the question. Plus modifying these very much is akin to painting a mustache on the Mona Lisa!
I love the old Triumph TR6 and TR7. They are similar in style to the MKIV, and an automatic Transmission is probably out of the question.
I am going to be looking around at the Barrett Jackson Auto Auction for inspiration and ideas.