Building a FFR Roadster kit

lvhdude · #1 (**permalink**) 02-24-2013, 10:09 AM

I would like to hear from people that have assembled a FFR kit. Mine is a MK IV complete kit useing an 8.8 IRS setup. Mine came from a Lincoln MK VIII. I am just getting started, have found a couple of minor sheet metal issues, and I think I will jump around some from the sequence printed in the manual. But I'd like to hear about others problems, or observations about the process. Things that might help me do a better job building my first "kit car". Thanks in advance, I'm looking forward to learning from your experience. Joe.

JoeT · #2 (**permalink**) 02-24-2013, 10:23 AM

congrats on your purchase....I have a MK3.

While clubcobra is an awesome forum for things cobra, if you haven't already, may I suggest you reach out and visit

FFCars.com : Factory Five Racing Discussion Forum
and
Factory Five Forums - The Front Page

they are factory five specific and you will have months of reading material to make your build easier, and to spend extra money

dallas_ · #3 (**permalink**) 02-24-2013, 11:08 AM

Well, that's a pretty open ended question.

You can certainly "jump around" to a degree on your build. You don't have to follow the exact timeline of the manual. Some of the cockpit aluminum pieces can be a little tricky to fit together.

Like Joe said, the FFCars website has multiple threads on pretty much any issue you can come across.

I recommend reading a couple of really good build threads:

Gregs '65 Shelby AC Cobra Build (FFR) by GREG M on Worldisround

Build Manual Home Page [FFR Roadster]

There are lots of other good ones too. You will find there are many different ways to build and/or modify your car to suit your own tastes.

It just depends on what you want to do with your car when you are finished, and your budget of course.

In any event, enjoy the process and try not to put a timeline on it. Overall, it's really rewarding.

buildone · #4 (**permalink**) 02-25-2013, 04:44 PM

The advice to join FFCars is good advice. And put a computer of some kind in your garage/shop. You'll find that you can either search on your question, or many times get a response within minutes while you do something else.

As to the aluminum, use clecos! The rivets aren't that difficult to drill out, but the more access you have to everything the better until you're really ready to button it all up.

I really miss the building........

Have fun!

Wbulk · #5 (**permalink**) 02-25-2013, 06:17 PM

This is a good Mark IV build thread over on the FFR forum.
Indy14 Build Thread - FFCars.com : Factory Five Racing Discussion Forum

lvhdude · #6 (**permalink**) 02-25-2013, 06:18 PM

Thanks, I have massaged a couple of the aluminum pieces, and FFR is sending a replacement for one. Yesterday I cut a piece out of a 3/4 tube brace to clear the fuel filler inlet pipe. Welded in a piece cut from round tube to close in what I cut out. The fuel filler sits halfway up into the brace.

The clecos are great, I'm holding off on rivets till I'm sure of the fit and done with items like fuel, brake lines and wireing along the frame tubes. Easier to see, fit and attach while the sheet metal is out.

Anyone else concerned about the filter being before the pump? Notice the filter won't mount where the book shows for the shock mount being on the inside of the frame? Or the fuel fittings coming out of the tank only haveing a 1/4" passage through them? Maybe less? How much flow is needed for a BBF? I know an electric pump likes to be as low as possible, where have you guys decided to mount yours?

Just a few questions that pop into mind. I'm sure most of these have been asked a milloin times, but one can spend more time doing searches than actually building the car. Thanks again for your time.

dallas_ · #7 (**permalink**) 02-25-2013, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lvhdude

Anyone else concerned about the filter being before the pump? Notice the filter won't mount where the book shows for the shock mount being on the inside of the frame? Or the fuel fittings coming out of the tank only haveing a 1/4" passage through them? Maybe less? How much flow is needed for a BBF? I know an electric pump likes to be as low as possible, where have you guys decided to mount yours?

These cars are designed to let you do pretty much anything you want for stuff like that. If you use the stock tank, since you have a BB, maybe get a Granatelli pickup with larger outlet and return line sizes. Then upsize your supply and return lines to match.

I used a Fuel Safe cell and have a 100 micron filter before the pump and a 10 micron filter after the pump. I used an electric pump and mounted it near the bottom of the tank on the passenger side.

So there are lots of options. Do what works best for you.