Done differently?

[MRSQSL]

While my husband and I wait (impatiently) for the arrival of our kit, we have spent countless hours online soaking up the wisdom of other builders. I'm sure we will find out many things the hard way, but if you had the opportunity to start over, is there something you would do differently?

[bil1024]

Use the FFR hood hinge, Breeze one not a good fit.

[seagull81]

Don't use the Mustang springs. Go straight to coilover shocks. Best upgrade I have done.

[QSL]

to help clarify, we purchased the complete mk4 kit with stainless exhaust, chrome roll bar, 17" wheels, wipers, Willwood brakes. We are going with a 408 engine and a tko600.

[skullandbones]

Go the non-donor route. It is cleaner and will not cost as much as you think if you shop around. That's been my experience. It's fun no matter how you do it!!!

Good luck. WEK.

[Howard]

I just enjoyed the build - I didn't sweat the details - I changed my mind on a bunch of stuff as I went along. Switched from 5 link to IRS - no regrets on that. Had Street Rod Painter do my paint - no regrets there either. Did a lot of custom stuff since I went with the base 4 link bare chassis kit. Latest upgrades are new seats and wheels - easy to change. The stuff that's not easy to change you need to do the way you want from the start.

Have fun!

[3kcarbon]

Decide which alternator you want, the Rf harness with the kit is setup for a 87 to 93 alternator which is a bit weak and was known for starting fires on old Fox body cars. Breeze has a kit to upgrade it to the 3 G alternator. You may also want to add a battery cutoff and a 12 volt full system fuse or breaker. I can't believe they don't have that as standard.

[Gale K]

Howard, did you change from the Kirkeys?

I think I would possibly change my aluminum panel prep. Did clear anodizing. It looks good, but 90% of it will never be seen. I think I would do Rustoleum Hammertone on it if I had a do-over.

Not necessarily less prep time, but much lower cost, and I like the look of it.

[Howard]

Gale - I just installed a set of Kirkey vintage seats - I wanted a more classic look than the high back Kirkey seats. They both bolt into the same mounts, so for track days etc, I'll put in the high backs.

[patpur]

Just an FYI - I used that Rustoleum Hammered spray on my last car - on the brake calipers. Never had a heat issue, no bubbles, no peeling. Its great stuff. Just make sure you prep the surface. They also make a really cool fleck tone paint.
Good luck with your build!

[MRSQSL]

Thanks for all the great advice so far. Please keep it coming.

[KC Wildcat]

While I have not build an FFR yet, I have been on here for yrs and have undertaken many other projects of similar nature. One of my mottos - you only get one chance to do it right the first time. Do you homework (which it seems you are doing) and plan your build out - the greater the detail, the better. A lot of people say I will do a basic build and then upgrade things later. Just know some upgrades are harder later and doing upgrades is ALWAYS more expensive and time consuming than if you had done it that way in the first place.

[Wayne Presley]

Hopefully you got the 3 link or IRS. I've built or finished 18 roadsters so here is what goes into my cars
Pick 3 colors for under the hood, any more that that looks cluttered
powdercoat the aluminum
get the blank dash and only put the gauges in it, cover with the vinyl or leather with no padding as it looks much cleaner without padding or switches
get the Russ Thompson turn signal hub
Have Batman (Jeff Miller) paint your car in Temecula, incredible painter
Get the FFMetal battery box and fan shroud
get wind wings
modify your door latches with the carriage bolts now
And you can have something that looks like this when you are done

[QSL]

i guess we are off to a good start then...

3 link or IRS - 3 link based on factory fives recomendation
powdercoat the aluminum - thats the plan
get the blank dash - had them substitute for the blank dash so we could make it our own.
get the Russ Thompson turn signal hub - will do. saw one yesterday and it was nice.
Have Batman (Jeff Miller) - thats the plan, they are only 1/2 hour away!
Get the FFMetal battery box and fan shroud - thats the plan
get wind wings - ordered on black friday sale!

[AC Bill]

I was very fortunate to be able to build mine after a lot of others had already built their cars, and was able to incorporate many of their suggestions during my build. (MKIII 3.1)

Here is a few that I did, and would do again.

The dead pedal and foot box extension mod.
A "slipper" on the gas pedal side of the foot box, to prevent carpet wear and shoe drag.
A "slipper" on the tranny framing for the e-brake cable T, to rub against.
A thermostatically controlled cooling fan, rather than just a manual switch. (I still added an over-ride switch as well).
Extra ground straps from starter, and engine block.
Cup holders.
Carpeted trunk, (quieter, and things don't slide around as much as plain aluminum.
The sun visors and wind wings. (well worthwhile, for driving comfort)
A passenger roll bar, adds a certain level of confidence.
Indicator lights for my driving lights, ebrake, and fan over-ride switch, for reminders.
Rear calipers instead of drums.
The 3.55 rear gear ratio.
A new non-power steering rack, (rather than a donor de-powerd one).
A screen or grille of sorts, for radiator protection.
Foot box cooling fan.
Battery on/off switch.
Trunk floor removable access panels. (fuel pump and sender access)
Removable access panel on drivers upper foot box.
Heater, with controllable defogger outlets (vents have on/off ability).
3-link and coil overs.
FFR floor mats- worth the investment to protect the carpet.
Adjustable push rod for master cylinder.
Russ Thompson gas pedal.
All electric gauges. (easy to wire and to calibrate speedo)
Fire extinguisher in trunk.
"AC" logo-ed tool roll, looks cool and very handy.
12V power outlet.
Floor and trunk drains. Haven't needed to use them yet thankfully.
Insulate cockpit and foot box's for noise and heat.
Mount inside rear view to windshield, rather than dash cowl. (better visibility)
Herb's door trim panels with pockets-Fantastic.
Leather shift boot rather than provided rubber one.


Still a few things I should have done, or will still do..

Add a turn signal beeper, either the relay with the built in one, or wire it to allow for one.
Add tie-downs or eye bolts in trunk, to secure larger items.
5 lug axles and hubs. Broader range of wheels available, than 4 lug.
Design a trunk prop rod.
Re-position side mirrors onto windshield frame posts, for better visibility.
Add aluminum finish plates on door latch holes.
Aluminum or stainless e-brake handle cover, rather than donor one.
Faux lock out shift lever- looks cooler and more original.

[CraigS]

I know you are in California, but put a heater in it. See if you can find the "feels like temp" for 75 deg F and 65 mph wind. Think about going out to dinner and then coming home at 9PM. You can always throw on a coat but it is so nice to flip a switch and feel your feet get warm. Heat is great cause, otherwise, you might be tempted to take the daily driver.

[Wayne Presley]

3.27 gears
Russ Thompson gas pedal
seat heaters
Speed Hut gauges
powersteering
Hawk HP+ or Porterfield R4S brake pads