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My Build Thread: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...ter-Build-9754
(Most viewed Roadster build thread on this forum!)
Delivered: 6/17/2017
First Start: 12/30/2017
Completed: 12/7/2019
Legal: 1/30/2020
Member of the Mile-Hi Cobra Club
Dave's Cobra YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbk...npK1UZHj4R-bYQ
Agora 1:8 Scale Cobra Build: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...l-Build-Thread
I'm not a great engineer (much better at operations), but I sure seem to be making this more far more complex than it needed to be.
Jack
289 Roadster complete kit ordered 8/2/21. Delivered 3/14/2022. Chassis #10306. 17"x9" Halibrands, 3.55 IRS, PS, Wilwood brakes, BPE 306 with EFI and close ratio TKX. First start 7/20/2023. First Movement 9/24/2023. First go-kart 9/25/2023.
Build thread - https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...rida-289-Build
Pilots perspective: Appearance- yeah it's shiny with a few scratches
Functionality- what do you mean it takes 4 switches flipped on in sequence just to turn a light on?
Performance- You say it will do 0-60 in the sub 4 second range? YES Let's go try it, and even if it doesn't by the time we get done telling the story at the bar at the end of the day everyone will believe we
went that fast.
I would like to add committed. Having focus, drive, patience etc is great when you are working on the project. But committing time to do it in the first place amongst a busy life can be just as much of a challenge for people on these kits as the other attributes.
Another one is ensuring you adhere to the KISS (Keep it simple Stupid/student) method. If you find your self fabricating some crazy bracket system for a simple problem that a bolt will fix. Step back for a minute and reassess what you are doing. Remind yourself if that crazy complex bracket fails your the one that has to fix it (usually on the side of the road).
Other then that, like others said this is great thread.
My Build Thread: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...ter-Build-9754
(Most viewed Roadster build thread on this forum!)
Delivered: 6/17/2017
First Start: 12/30/2017
Completed: 12/7/2019
Legal: 1/30/2020
Member of the Mile-Hi Cobra Club
Dave's Cobra YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbk...npK1UZHj4R-bYQ
Agora 1:8 Scale Cobra Build: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...l-Build-Thread
True story about one that came to me from an engineer...one splash panel had rivnuts and machine screws, another had the self tapping TEK screws that FFR temporarily attaches panels with, the third splash panel had 1/8" rivets and the last had 3/16" rivets. Maybe it was a science experiment to determine which he liked best???
Jeff
Interestingly enough, my dads oldest friend is a doctor and built over a half dozen airplanes over his life. He is very meticulous, the attention to detail was spectacular. Flew every one of them.
Fun story when I was 10 he had his first plane operational (a front/back 2 seater open air bi plane), he took me up and after a little while let me "steer". It was just the best day
Build 1 MK4 #10008 - Delivered 03/03/21, Graduated 7/20/22 - Sold 6/6/24
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...been-delivered
Build 2 MK4 - Ordered 6/5/24
Well, there are all kinds of engineers. I am guessing he was not a structural or mechanical engineer. Maybe he was a civil engineer?
I could see that, but we in the engineering community do not consider I.T. people to be engineers. As a network/electrical engineer it really irritated me when people would comment, "Oh, you work in I.T.".
Last edited by Skuzzy; 06-01-2023 at 05:09 PM.
My Type 65 Coupe: Ordered May 27, 2021. Arrived November 19, 2021.
I would like to treat my gas pedal as a binary operator. It would be nice to get the cooperation of everyone in front of me.
My guess (as a degreed engineer) is that it was a "frugal" Mechanical Engineer, using whatever was on hand to avoid ANOTHER McMaster-Carr order. Also, was it possible that the builder was trying to make some of the panels removeable for maintenance / repair access (not familiar with roadsters / coupes myself)?
IMHO a Civil Engineer would have installed the panels with a concrete footing and welded rebar, or at least 1/2" lag bolts into lead anchors.
Keith HR #894
An unlimited budget or at least the ability to spend more than you anticipated when you first planned your dream. Perhaps this falls under flexibility but everyone, especially those of us who are first time builders, undertaking one of these builds should understand that the claims of a sub $30k build are unrealistic unless you're using a cheap donor car and donor parts. Adding everything in for cars like those built and displayed by many on this forum and you're well north of $50k. If you want to buy tools that make the job actually easier, the actual money invested can be double or even more - ask me how I know (my wife keeps a detailed spreadsheet of every penny spent). Every time i read a build thread from some of the incredible builders on this forum, my mind starts spinning and looking for a fix of Summit, Amazon, Ford Performance, Breeze, Forte, Levy and many other suppliers of FFR candy. In the end, it's not what you spend, it's the fun, enjoyment and satisfaction of successfully accomplishing a challenge never thought possible. Priceless!!
David....
Last edited by DIBaledo; 06-02-2023 at 03:18 AM.
MK4 Roadster Delivered 11/28/2022
Ford Racing Aluminator A52XS; T56 Magnum
IRS; Billet IFS; QA1 Double Adjustable Shocks; Wilwood Big Brakes from Gordon Levy
Slowly building my dream
I'm not sure if being wealthy is a character trait, more likely a character flaw, LOL.
No matter one's financial situation I think the appropriate character trait that applies is pragmaticism and being realistic about what you can afford and how long its going to take you to afford it.
Earl
1st Speedstar in Canada 31 March 2023.
Built by me 302 engine, AOD trans, 3.55 IRS.
As a character trait, I'll add to "Know what you don't know." Basically, accept that you don't know everything and then get "educated" on things. Read, research, ask questions, learn, etc..
FFR MKIV ordered 12 July 2019. IRS, Wilwood Brakes, 18" Wheels w/MT tires, power steering, EFI, Heat. 347 Dart w/TKO-600 by Mike Forte, Holley FI, MSD coil and CD box. All new, no donor build.
Perseverance!