First Factory Five Slabside?

[jolsen42]

I posted this over on Club Cobra, but I thought you guys might be interested. My long journey started back in 1997 with the purchase of 1293. It's gone thru a number of iterations. First an SC,



then a semi street,



Then a full 427 street,




and now a 289 slab. I purchased the body from "Mr. Bruce" over a year ago.



While the body is basicly a drop on, there are a number of modification to make it work. The FIA would have been a lot easier, but I've always loved the "slab". I had to move the gas tank behind the seats. I had to lower and build a shelf for it to sit on.

[jolsen42]

I also had to move the front suspension i about 2.5" so the front wheel would sit inside the fenders.



Make a 289 dash




Here are a couple of other mods, replicating the 289 motor and the coolant expansion tank.



Here is the body after paint done by the "Incomparable Ron Randall aka Metal Morphous"





More to come.

John O

[patpur]

Beautiful work! Love the color too.

[Olli]

Outstanding work John!

Olli

[Sailor]

That colour is perfect for her.

[riptide motorsport]

Smashing!!

[Silversmith]

Like I said on CC, A1 transformation!!!. Mabe Dave Smith will reconsider a slabside/FIA offering after seeing this soon to be Stunner!!! Dave you do know the slab/FIA is the Hot new/old toy a lot of people are looking for from FFR. I own a ERA sideoiler & love it! Also; ERA does make a Slab/FIA offering. But I would love to own a FFR as well!! I mean what self respecting roadster owner doesn't need @ least a small & big block in da garage!!! DAVE!!!! DAVE????

[Silversmith]

Jolsen42, Mabe you would consider showing/describing a more detailed frame mod/blog to show Dave Smith how easy it would be for him to add a slab/fia jig in his frame shop. We all know it would require more than just that. But realisticly, many of the parts now used for the MKIV would interchange, with out to much work. Or mabe a more detailed procedure of the transformation would inspire others to get Mr Bruce's body & swap out also!! No! Wait! That could really cut into FFR's future sales Heck, I just might buy a old MK I, II,III, 3.1 & make the change myself! I got a preped 351W block & AFR205 heads just looking for some where to go!!

[matstng]

Very nice work. Can't wait to see the finished product.

[Dave Smith]

Nice work (and alot of it!). As some of you know, we have an FIA body currently mounted on a Mk4 chassis. The thinking was to launch the FIA and ultimately a slab side version this year (for the 50th anniv). To date the project has been at a standstill since the buy-out and 818 projects have been ongoing. It's something I've committed to but NEVER given a definite on the timeline. This may push me harder.. There is something fresh and appealing about a slab side with a 289 and wire wheels. Also, the Challenge Series racer would've been great to start with a true FIA body shape.

[Silversmith]

Yoooooouuuuu Cann Doooo ittt Dave!!! Tooo You Can Do it!!!!! Oh! Ohh!! A FIA spec Racer!!!! I may have to build a 3rd slot in da garage. Big Block, Slab Side, FIA Spec Racer. Push! Push!! Push!!!

[AJ Roadster NJ]

Jolsen, I have to say that I think that is the most beautiful Roadster I have ever seen, period, full stop. Your attention to detail, and the hard work and planning you put into it are evident, and have yielded spectacular results.

In my mind I see it parked in the infield at Watkins Glen during the historic races next September, it would fit right in. Or at the monthly breakfast, that would be good too.

AJ

[Raceral]

That is so much work.. Very nice, But I gotta tell ya.. that Green street car is mighty nice too

[mrmustang]

Nice work (and alot of it!). As some of you know, we have an FIA body currently mounted on a Mk4 chassis. The thinking was to launch the FIA and ultimately a slab side version this year (for the 50th anniv). To date the project has been at a standstill since the buy-out and 818 projects have been ongoing. It's something I've committed to but NEVER given a definite on the timeline. This may push me harder.. There is something fresh and appealing about a slab side with a 289 and wire wheels. Also, the Challenge Series racer would've been great to start with a true FIA body shape.

What was it "FFR "CE" Coming August 1998"

Da Bunnies are watching, now more than ever


Bill S.

[bil1024]

Oh yeah I would build one of those!

[AC Bill]

Seriously, John is a true Craftsman when it comes to his cars..

I believe a slabside from FFR would do far better in sales than the 818. They would need to do a few changes to the Roadster that they offer now, but no where near the number of bugs that they will be working out on the 818.
People all around the world already know about the FFR Roadster. The 289 version would be a natural success I'm sure..
If I was Dave, I'd cut my losses on the 818, and start in on a slabside model..

That's sure to PO the 818 fans.. lol

[emac]

That street 427 looks great. Just when I decided on British racing green with hood scoop and stripe! Seeing it makes me want to delete the hood scoop and the stripe. Only a week or two until I have to decide.....ughh

[jolsen42]

Thanks guys for all the kind words. Really appreciate them. Dave Smith, yes it is a lot of work, but it keeps me going. I'm old, and the legend is that if you stop moving they throw dirt on you. emac if it's not too late go the complete street version. No scoop, no stipes and NO UNDERCAR EXHAUST . AJ are you refering to the 427 or the slab. The slab is not even finished yet, so that is the ultimate compliment. Thanks, and I hope everything works out for you. Karns was over this week end. There is nothing else to say.

John O

[David]

John, let's see that baby with doors on it!!!

David

[AJ Roadster NJ]

John, in response to your question on which version I was referring to with my comment, it was most definitely the slab. I absolutely love that car and the finishing touches you've put into it. Just gorgeous.

[dallas_]

John, fantastic job for sure. Really nicely done.

Dave, I expect I would be in line for one of those when I finish the roadster.

[j.miller]

Very, very nice. gotta love the look. mmm

[Someday I Suppose]

John, great looking car for sure!! You should post a bit more about that grill and hard work needed to make it look correct. Congrats, and way to keep moving for sure!

[mcwho]

Very Nice, I gotta ask, what is the paint code for that subdued green on the slab side and 427 model.

[jolsen42]

Here are some of the latest pics. The fitting of the front bumper.





More soon.

John O

[jolsen42]

Well lads, it's been awhile since my last post, just so many little things to do that take time. I've finally got my headers and my exhaust is hung.


and then I decided to change the induction and went from this


To this.





I made the mistake of looking on ebay and found an original Cobra 2x4 intake. So what the heck. I was going to have the first start yesterday but while pressurizing the fuel lines I discovered a leak in my home made fuel log. Just another setback. I am hoping to get this completed by the end of July, but you never know.

John O

[jlfernan]

WOW!

[AJ Roadster NJ]

John, I still think that is the most beautiful Roadster I've seen. I just love the look.

But I've been staring at your newest photos for a while now trying to puzzle out what the torsion pin (hair clip) is doing in the top middle of the radiator aluminum. I don't get the black piece of metal there either. I'm sure there's a good explanation, I just can't figure out what it might be.

What's the story?

AJ

[riptide motorsport]

Smashing!!!!!

[riptide motorsport]

AJ............I'm thinking that the rad. mount for easy removal/servicing.