[mikeinatlanta]

Originally Posted by Maricopa

While I haven't spoken with FFR about it, I assume they use the pads for the same reason I left mine in place during body mods, it just looks better with them. I think they have reached a pretty good balance on the current body.

Whether they look 'better' or not is beside the point, they are 'different' than the originals and that's what I was addressing.
I have a MK II that I 'de-perked' along with getting rid of the side bolts and trunk hinges. I was all set to pack the signal bumps full of 'glass and grind 'em off but at that point was sick of bodywork so I left them. I also left the trunk as-is since without stripes the point isn't as noticeable, although it still bugs me.

Not discounting your point, just saying they went to trouble to add them. It's easier to build a body without them. I was considering removing mine but after looking at both ways I like the look and left them.

Originally Posted by SunDude

Is this verifiable fact, or legend...?

Fact. As per FFR:
"The body shape of the Factory Five Mk4 is extremely accurate benefitting from, and a direct descendent of two original cars, CSX 3042 and the late Dick Smith’s famous #198, CSX 3035."