The hardest part?

[delta0014]

The hardest part for me is the fact that you can't search the forum and have it take you directly to the post with the content. Unless I'm doing something wrong it just lists all the threads that contain your search which in many cases is build threads with large numbers of posts to look through. The forums are a huge asset just wish it was easier to find what you need.

It is a lot easier, as some other people said, to google it with “factory five” in the search. Took me awhile to realize that.

[Traveller]

Traveller, what car is that in your profile pic? Got a link?

Just a random picture that I liked. I don't know who or where it's from...

[AC Bill]

I've heard the new manual is better than the the old one, so perhaps it will make the build easier. When I built mine the manual was a very rough guide, and left a lot to be desired. The FFCobra.com, (now FFCars.com) forum, was my go to back then. (This forum didn't exist back then).

What I couldn't gain from reading the posts of previous builders, on practically any particular aspect of the build, could just be posted as a question. Within 24 hours I'd have my answer. Some of the things that had me completely flummoxed, turned out to be amazingly simple, with one simple hint. Such as, hold the part from the other end to feed it in, then turn it around, or, install this panel before the other, (even though the manual said otherwise), sort of thing. Even after working in the automotive business for over 30 years, I still learned a lot.
I see Facebook has a builders group, and there can be some good advice found on it, but as a new builder, I would still depend on the two forums.

[miller7448]

It is a lot easier, as some other people said, to google it with “factory five” in the search. Took me awhile to realize that.

Yeah I made the mistake of trying to use the search directly within the forum.

[RJD]

Power plant selection - old school, new school, or ...

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Then reconciling the instructions for the Ron Francis wiring harness, the dashboard wiring, the engine's EFI set-up, and the extra accessories I added was a bit of a challenge for me. The good news is there's plenty of knowledgable guys out there on the forum willing to help out.

[clancypm]

You will find out that you will be able to do the build even though you my feel a little overwhelmed in the beginning. Like others have said just do one thing at a time. As said in the movie " what about Bob- Baby steps. I found the people in the forum very helpful and you tube is a must. When there were times I couldn't figure out how to do things,I would step away, sleep on it, use you tube, the forum, and I always came up with the solution. I found the electrical was the hardest for me and I wish I had thought it out better. It all works but looks like spaghetti behind the dash. That is the one part of the build that I would like to redo. BTW every time you get stumped and come up with the solution you will feel so good. So don't worry and just enjoy the build.

[Todd Baumann]

Mark is a great guy and if you want to go that direction you will be happy no doubt.
But I would like to suggest my avenue and that is the "Build School" we can help you get all the confidence you need and build this on your own.
Regards,

Todd

[alexmak]

Thank, Todd. We considered the school, and still might do it if nothing else works. We are those people that read a manual after we try And someth8 g doesn’t work (although not in this case, of course)

[BEAR-AvHistory]

The hardest part is realizing its not hard to build & ignoring the "Is it done yet?" people. You get 30 odd boxes a few crates, maybe a skid & it looks overwhelming. Just remember how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.



Two hours a day max + some all day Saturdays & Sundays.



Then one day its done.

[CobraCop3457]

You mentioned 'both forums' - may I ask what the second forum is? This is all new to me as I am researching the set-up for my future MKIV build. I want to order it and start it next year as I prepare to retire 4/1/2022 (Not that I'm chomping at the bit to get started!!)

[jrcuz]

The other forum is ffcars
JR

[GoDadGo]

I think I could of bought 2 or 3 Jetta's for what my pile of boxes will end up costing.

Amen Brother!
So far I could have bought two since I just crossed the 40-K mark since everything on my car was 100% new; however, I'd still do it again knowing what I know now.

[CobraCop3457]

Thank you! GOT IT..

[Mark Eaton]

Alexmak,

Nothing about this is too hard. Read lots of build threads and plan every move you make. Also, plan on redoing pretty much EVERYTHING you put on the car at least once and usually a couple of times. (I have installed my engine 3 times, so far LOL)

Start a build thread and post lots of photos. You will get all the help you need.


Mark

[alexmak]

Alexmak,

Nothing about this is too hard. Read lots of build threads and plan every move you make. Also, plan on redoing pretty much EVERYTHING you put on the car at least once and usually a couple of times. (I have installed my engine 3 times, so far LOL)

Start a build thread and post lots of photos. You will get all the help you need.


Mark

Thanks! Yes, I figured a build thread is a must. I read a lot but I got to the point where I already have dreams about it, and sometimes they are weird (like assembling a frame together).

[jwd]

Over thinking EVERYTHING! I have more scrap aluminum and tubing than Boeing. I’m way too anal.If a bracket isn’t interesting,its scrap.
I learned when I was young that you can distract tech with something interesting in front while they don't see the crap in back that’s about to fall off.

[miller7448]

I'm changing my answer after this weekend. Hardest part has to be attaching the windshield uprights. Had to buy a right angle impact wench to have any way of tightening those bolts.

[AC Bill]

I'm changing my answer after this weekend. Hardest part has to be attaching the windshield uprights. Had to buy a right angle impact wench to have any way of tightening those bolts.

i found I could reach the passenger side post bolts, by reaching through the fender vent hole. Awkward, but doable. Drivers side was equally as awkward, but I was able to reach the bolts from inside the foot-box area. Biggest pain was kneeling down, and also trying to see the bolts, to get the wrench's on.

[railing]

The most important person in my life, my step-father, continually told me this, and it has always held true:

"Plan your work, work your plan"

You have tons of repeatable advice above. Read the manual, then look at one page, finish the page and do the next. Some tasks will take a minute to complete others a week. But if you plan each piece and work that plan, it will go smooth.

I haven't ordered my kit, but I've renovated a house by myself, built a 1200 sq/ft garage with a second floor, completely gutted 3 bathrooms and rebuilt it myself. Redid all the electrical, plumbing, and sewer lines myself, ran all new natural gas lines, etc. I figured out what I wanted to do, looked up how to do it, if I didn't have the tool, I bought, borrowed, or rented it. I practiced on scrap, I messed up, I fixed it, and when I got stuck, I asked for help. Know your limitations, but push your boundaries and try.

Yoda was wrong, there is a try. You might fail, but you'll learn and be better next time. The fun is in the trying and succeeding, but you need failures to learn. I'm sure every builder here has broken a part, stripped a screw, scratched paint, etc. It happens.

Plan your work, work your plan.

And best of all, enjoy your spoils ...

[Matt Ries]

My hardest part was to use time in the garage effectively. When I built the car, '06 my kids were younger. I didn't have much time. My goal was forward progress every week, whether the car got worked on or not. So I used lists to track different work tasks, and where I was in the task. It may be days or weeks before I got back to the car. Research and planning is forward progress and happened when I couldn't get out to the car. Detailed List allowed multiple areas to be in progress at one time. When problems require more research, stop on that list and move to another as garage time is used to it's fullest. As time goes on and items are cked off it's very motivating all that you ck off as done! Good Luck and have fun with it.

[NiceGuyEddie]

If you have a turnkey crate engine and wiring harness specifically designed for the car, the hardest part is going to be committing to a paint color.

Unless, of course, you hit a weld in the frame when drilling the holes for the pop rivets.

[Murd]

My hardest part was not driving it until it had plates on it.