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new here - thinking of building a factory five

  • Thread starter Thread starter bcollida
  • Start date Start date
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bcollida

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Im looking for a new project.

Either restore a 65 Falcon or build a Factory five MK4

I've built a "special construction" motorcycle a few years back and have it titled in Missouri - went to Jeff City. so I know the drill

Couple of questions:
I registered on this site to see if there was a build forum, but didn't see one. Am I missing something. do i need to be a member to see more?

In Missouri, when you build a factor five replica, does Missouri title it in the year it is built? I believe so. With my special construction motorcycle build, i used a 1969 frame and engine. But it was titled as a 2007 special construction motorcycle. I am most interested in this with regards to emision testing. For new construction Factory five replicas in Missouri, do we need to pass an emisions test?

Believe it or not, one of the reasons I am most interested in restoring a 1965 Falcon versus building a factory five is because I will already have the title in hand and can pretty much do what ever I want to the engine because there is no emmision test required.

For me the downside of a restoration project is dealing with 45 years of rust and rot and searching for replacement parts
With the factory five, I like the idea of unboxing new parts in my garage and following a build sheet. I think my wife will deal with new construction better than she will with a rust bucket on jackstands

I'm guessing a base Factory Five MK4 will cost about $42,000 plus my labor to build. Does that sound like a reasonable budget
My estimate is:
Factory five kit $19,000
Engine $10,000
Transmision and
rearend 5,000
Paint tires and
misc stuff 7,000

Is there a pretty big builders community within the Gateway cobra club

I look forward to hearing your thoughts
 
Welcome.

Couple of quick answers. More can chime in.

Yes - more forum areas are available to club members.

There are about 45 members here. A majority have built their own car. I would consider them experts and artists. We also have a stable of shops that we enjoy working with.

You are in the right place to get support, information and help.

The titling process has changed recently, but the basics are the same.
Your car will be titled as a special construction - 1965 Tudor Ford Convertible - no matter which replica you choose. No emissions will be required.
Keep every receipt and duplicate and get it notarized.
Avoid used engine and transmission parts unless you have a title.

Your budget - pretty close. I will let others comment on that.
 
As Mark already said, my car is titled as a 1965 Ford Tudor. You got to love the personal property tax because of that too. We have many builders in the St. Louis area and anytime you feel like you'd like a litte help, a build party is easy to arrange.

I'm obviously biased, but you need to take a ride in one of these machines if you haven't. They demand your attention when driving, but they perform amazingly compared to almost any other car. That and the looks that you'll get where ever you go.

We have a local painter who is very well known in the FFR community and people send their cars to him from all over to be painted. We just have him in our back yard so to speak.

Depending on tires and rims though, you might be just a little tight there.
 
I'll be back in town the week of Thanksgiving. You are more than welcome to take a look at my build so far (it's been kinda on-hold lately due to out-of-the-country business). It's an FFR MK4 that was delivered in April of this year.

Here's my build plan, blog, and latest update:
Build Plan:
MPTech Build Plan - revision 9 (and counting)

Blog:
MPTech build log


latest build update:
Check-out my rear-end!


HTH, gimme a call or shoot me a PM if you'd like to drop by, take a look, and talk cars for awhile. Where are you located?
 
Hi, and welcome. You will find plenty of help and support. I too have a Mrk III still under construction. Depending on the engine wanted, you price maybe on the high end.
 
I did my FFR Coupe with no bodywork for under $30k. So budget is reasonable. I chose FFR for the same reason. I had a problem with pouring money into something with stage 4 cancer. In 2010 my FFR Coupe was registered as a 2007 which is the date on the MSO from FFR. Even so there are no emissions required regardless of engine choice.

Here are some pics to look at of my build sequence: http://s464.photobucket.com/albums/rr2/mmarshall01/Build sequence/?albumview=slideshow

And some videos for motivation: http://www.youtube.com/user/stlmarshall#p/u/8/iUYyTvt8yqY

Where do you live? One of us is probably close by.
 
I wouldn't go with a complete kit, there too many parts that are not of the best quality and you will end replacing a lot of those pieces, go base kit and source the pieces you would really like to have.
I am at $25000 with no body work and paint, budget depends on your taste for speed and how much of the work you can do yourself.
You are welcome to come see mine anytime in St. Charles.
 
Wow great response everyone

I live in the Wildwood area close to Master Tech Auto Service. I think Pat's a member. His guys have done all the work on my 89 corvette

I'd like to come by and see some builds and talk a little about the hickups you encountered.
I am usually free on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

I'll see if I can private message one or two of you to see about stopping by.

Thanks for the quick response. Its a really start in the right direction.

thanks
 
Others

You're welcome to view mine. Not a FFR, I chose to chase the period correct devil which will destroy your budget in a heartbeat.

Located in Manchester

Paul P
 
Welcome to the club. I live in Florissant, working on the go-cart and about to start bodywork and prime. Call and stop by any time.

Rick:)
 
bcollida,

Welcome! I built and proudly drive one of the misshapen Factory Five cars :rolleyes:. If you look at it from the right angle it still kind of resembles a Cobra. Your plan and budget look right on the money to me. The current Mark 4 cars from Factory Five have been reshaped for a more correct look and I wouldn't trade the Factory Five chassis for anything less than a Kirkham or an ERA. I live off of Kiefer Creek so we're close, we are home most evenings and you are welcome to stop by for a look at an older car that has served me very well for the last 9 years and 32,000 miles. Shoot me an e-mail at the office if you like and I will respond with my contact info.

Tom
 
I loved building mine, altough on the Illinois side, if you have any questions, we're all always here. I built mine for quite a bit less than you have allocated.
 
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Hi, I'm a fellow Wildwood resident. I've got a MK4 under construction. Suspension's on and I'm now Installing the alum panels. Brake and fuel lines are next. Your welcome to check it out anytime.
 
Welcome. We do have other forums available only to members, but many of our builders have build logs on FFCars or the Factory Five forum or on their own websites. Just ask, and you'll get many answers. The pic below is of (from l- r) Keith (itzdapig), Rich (Richgrsc), Paul (PaulProe), Gary (Gary O) and my car (Tim). All but Paul's car is a Factory 5, his is a Hurricane. We have monthly meetings where many drive their cars to the meetings and it would be a good chance to see all in person. Check out our calendar for locations (we haven't decided on most yet). As you can see above, everyone is more than willing to help and provide info.
IMG_4604.png
 
Keno50, I believe we spoke at the last meeting. Give me a call if you want to come over and check out my build.
Saturday is supposed to be 60*+ and I'll be home and probably working on it with the garage door open.
PM me and I'll send you my phone and address.
Anyone else is welcome to drive over on such a beautiful day and chat as well! :D
 
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