Factory Five Cobra: Lessons learned

This video details the challenges I encountered when building a Factory Five Cobra Roadster. These challenges include:
* Tool recommendations
* Exhaust system alignment
* Primer recommendations
* Interior recommendations
* Cooling system challenges
* Emergency brake challenges
* Engine pulleys / serpentine belt challenges
Leave me a comment and let me know what you think and thanks for watching.

[@scottyb6765]

I'm too old to build this car. But I've always loved them and other toys always found their way into my barn and garage first. But I Bought one and I see from watching these videos just how much work went into the car I found. Thanks and drive safe

[@larryw.c.4544]

I was asked by a friend to give hima hand with his factory five kit car, because I had previously built a Shell Valley Cobra car. I was astonished at how much more work there was to do on the factory five car. Shell Valley's car required some work , but was cinch by comparison. The list of things you have to yourself on the FF5 car is mind boggling by comparison. There were some things I had to do on my car that I had not counted on, but were easily solved. One thing to be VERY careful of on any build is drive shaft alignment. The U-joints allow for misalignment either vertically or horizontally, but NEVER both. Terrible vibration will result.

[@joshualong7517]

@larryw.c.4544 thanks for the tip on Shell Valley. Just checked them out and they seem like a great option.

[@mitchlangseth8695]

Just day dreaming about a kit and I really enjoyed the direct point by point this video brought out . Especially when someone like me (very limited automotive repair/skill) is considering this as a project. Please keep producing this thread. Thanks. Wausau WI.

[@TeddyRumble]

The thing that bothers me are the modifications that need to be made. I would screw it up, and I would die.

[@1straightcut]

Thanks for the excellent comments on your build! That last scene with the farmhouse on the left looks just like my late aunt's home in White Bear Lake, MN!

[@dxm2dxm2]

Thank you for your thoughts on this. Someday, maybe in the next life, I would love to build one of these Factory Five kits.

[@todd5082]

You have the voice for a PBS documentary. Great build! Thanks for the tips. Keep them coming please!!

[@ciaranlowe5547]

Loved your comments during your video. Great tips very realistic and informative. I plan on building my own FFive roadster in a few years and I saved your videos to watch again. Thanks 👍

[@frankposterello1628]

Love your delivery and love the straight facts. Underrated video!

[@terrybuchanan1]

I EREALLY like your dashboard set-up, looks gorgeous and very unique. Never seen anything like it before!

[@ericmcginnis9413]

Awesome accomplishment, awesome car, awesome built!!! I hope to get there one day!

[@JamesDavis-cf4bb]

Building a couple now. Loved the video! Thanks for making it entertaining.

[@jeffreyevans8104]

Joe; I really liked your video. I am in the first third of my MK4 build, and seeing many of the challenges you saw. Your video is excellent...well done! Congrats on a beautiful car, and I so appreciate that you did your own body and paint work. I'm going to do mine as well. thanks for the reply comment you made to me 2 months ago when I first commented on this video. :)

[@TacoJoe]

Thanks Jeff! I appreciate your feedback as well and I’m glad to hear your build is coming along. If you have a build blog or post on one of the forums, I’d like to check it out / best regards-

[@kevinsullivan4076]

Excellent video, mixed in a little humor even.. Good job!

[@MrDaviddannunzio]

Well done - enjoyed this one. I’ve had mine on the road for 10 years and would add that I just replaced the corrugated cooling tubes with the welded ones and wish I would have done this originally.

[@mikelyon5595]

Thank you for sharing your experiences!

[@timgillette6692]

Great build. Thanks for making the video.

[@cardigankid1]

Thanks Joe - the trouble you took to make this video will save some other people a lot of grief and help them make the right decisions

[@BucketWheat]

Great dose of 'Reality'... much better to know ahead of time! Learning by someone ELSE's mistakes is always a plus... It does not discourage us from doing one ourselves. Just better prepared for the challenges. Glad you worked everything out for a completed project!! Go and ENJOY IT!

[@karljakober]

Awesome! I just had my kit delivered mid feb. Looking forward to learning just like you did!

[@TacoJoe]

Take your time and have fun - I think you’ll see it will go fast!

[@benhermes5954]

How is the build going?

[@GJCOrado]

Kit ordered and let the games begin. Great videos and thank you for sharing your experiences in your build.

[@TacoJoe]

Good luck with your build Greg! Make sure you take your time and enjoy the madness too / the build will go quicker than you think!

[@MarkJackson-ok2qm]

hey joe I like the standard rotation timming cover and water pumps. first cobra rep build i used the stock reverse crap. puled it and never looked back. nice build...

[@phibber]

Thanks Joe for a really useful video. Seems to be a lot of us on the fence here.Nice work on your car, well done, I salute you for your persistance,and courage,tenacity etc .etc. Thanks for sharing with us.Right now,I am glad i did not attempt this.

[@rwhunt99]

Finally someone who cam out and admitted, it didn't go butter smooth and no hiccups. So, thanks for sharing as there is a lot that can go wrong, but yours came out lookin great!

[@pyrrhus17]

Thanks for the info can't say I would ever do this. Congrats car looks 👍

[@jimf5160]

Good advice...congrats on finishing the build. I would be clearer on good ways to duct air to the radiator for more efficient cooling.

[@TBSWORLD77]

Love the enthusiasm!

[@nealskula3997]

Great job, thanks for sharing 👍

[@richardcasey7521]

Beautiful build!

[@76danno]

Good info - thanks for putting that out here!

[@jeffreyevans8104]

Great insight!. Thanks for this video. It's an encouragement for me to see your steps as I am building my MK4. I've taken on installing a Viper GEN 3 motor for my build, and, fully knowing i'd have to modify a lot to make this work, it honestly is much more involved then even I envisioned it wold be. With every accomplishment comes a lot of satisfaction. Great to see how others handled their issues. Have fun! Again, thanks for the video, nice job, great car!!

[@TacoJoe]

Hey - nice job on thinking big - AWESOME motor selection. Appreciate your nice comments too / you'll love the car - these are a joy to drive/nothing like it-

[@SnomanByBlake]

I've been looking at buying a FFR cobra. Thank you for your sharing your experience.

[@TacoJoe]

Go for it! The build is a life experience that has its ups and downs and in the end you’ll have a car/project you can be proud of!

[@armcchargues8623]

This video confirms my suspicions. I'll buy one already built and change what I don't like.

[@TeddyRumble]

My dream would be a roller from Kirkham (aluminum body made in Poland), and a 302 Coyote crate engine. But the roller is $250k, and the crate engine is $10k, and misc parts are another $20k, plus $10k for the paint. About $200k too much.

[@dst977]

Great presentation 👍

[@motorv8N]

Great insights - thanks! BTW - that dash cover solution looks terrific.

[@gmpower751]

I agree, love the dash!

[@robj2704]

I used the VVivid carbon-fiber-look wrap on my C-6 roof and halo. Been a couple years now and still looks great.

[@tigerseye73]

I've wanted to buy a MK4 kit for several years now, but hesitated because of how involved it could become. Your video is full of useful info about this build. Thanks for sharing.

[@FYMASMD]

Pick a new one buddy. Thats getting old.👎😜

[@johnrodebaugh7120]

Excellent Information! Thank You!

[@MuShinnen]

Appreciate the information. Always good to have sources like this before making a big decision. I plan on getting a gen 3 Daytona Coupe, and building it as a daily driver.

[@TacoJoe]

I think a daily driver goal is an excellent idea - so many of these builds have a lot of $$$ invested in perfect interiors/wheels/paint/etc. and that can take the fun out of driving because of concern road damage/scratches/rain/etc. I like your thinking. Me personally- if i were to take the daily driver route- fuel injection would be ideal - and - invest in some good insulation on the cockpit panels - and - consider one of those aftermarket AC compressors :)

[@MuShinnen]

@@TacoJoe I'm looking to go the 5.0 coyote route with mustang IRS, AC, and plenty of insulation. I'm in the south west so I know the heat would be an issue otherwise. I've been reading a lot on the forums, and watching videos like your for as much in depth info as I can get. Realistically I know it'll take a while to get the car just right, but that's what makes the project fun. It's not the end result, It's watching something you build take shape, and change over time.

[@johnmarshall4442]

Thanks for the tips , great looking car !!!!!!

[@JohnWilliams-oq3cv]

Let the purists enjoy their parched throats. Seriously though, its your money, your tools, build it to your liking. Appreciate you sharing the difficulties along the way.

[@TacoJoe]

Thanks John - I couldn’t agree more / it’s hard to put a value on the cup holders :)

[@blkft]

Yup, when I hear the Purist or the damned Rivet Counters grumble and complain. I always start to sing the song by Frank Sinatra,,,, "I Did It My Way,,,,,,". ;)) Beautiful build, beautiful car, and a great video. And yes, I've lost many a points with the Wife too! I've always wanted to do a 356 but gonna have to wait,,, kids and college $$$. :(

[@dodgeplow]

If this were an original Cobra, I'd agree with the purists, but this is not. This is a custom build. In fact, looking at his console, I would add 2 more cup holders behind the 2 small ones for larger containers.

[@chinadean4]

​@@TacoJoe😊l 23rd wa q

[@tinnedanger]

Joe...the factory five is like a model car....all the bits are there. I wish I bought one of them. I manufactured most of my Cobra myself... Modified the chassis to lower the engine and drive train to get better geometry. Built the side pipes and the headers. to suit. Made my own fan shroud and modified a radiator to fit. Yep put the engine and gearbox in by myself. take it slow and no scratches on the body. I don't have cup holders but I do have a round transmission tunnel . I'm glad you finished it . Enjoy ! my dash was cut out of a road sign ... ha ha ha

[@TacoJoe]

Road sign! I love it! Was it a speed limit? lol :)

[@tinnedanger]

@@TacoJoe it read "Barbeque Area" ha ha ha

[@h001139]

Thank you for posting!

[@christphorwise3495]

A lot of hard work but now you got a badass ride

[@JamesSmith-op7yc]

Excellent work. I put together a Cobra kit over twenty years ago and the "learning curve" is steep! You fabricate parts/fittings/mounts and and don't stop until you're ready hit the road. It's worth it and "too much fun"!

[@TacoJoe]

Thanks James / love driving mine and hope to put some miles on it this week!

[@willy5242]

I appreciated everything you have shown and mentioned on here. I have been dreaming about having a AC Cobra for the last 29 yrs, in 8 more years I retire, and so this is going to be a present to myself and build my dream car. I have been taking notes from everyone such as yourself who have walked the walk. I want to learn and benefit from those who have gone before me, and create the car of my dreams. Currently slowly buying engine parts for a 302 roller, going old school with dual quad, have even made my own turkey pan for the carbs and made a special heat plate to separate as much engine heat from carbs as possible. Thank you for posting and keep it coming...I will mention I am going to build a gentleman's cobra, no side pipes, and I need to find a rag top for the car too...I have time :)

[@TacoJoe]

A 302/289/5.0 windsor block / 3" stroke is almost perfect for a cobra (in my opinion) It doesn't build big power -but- the cars are very light -and- you can rev to 6k all day ----and- they just sound excellent (over square bore). The ford roller design is good too. Before my purchase, I gathered a lot of information too and if you decide to take the plunge, i'll advise there is no right or wrong way to build your kit so don't get to hung up on anyones opinion and when you make decisions, go with your gut. Dual quads/turkey pan full exhaust and ragtop - LOVE IT - a configuration like that will get a lot of attention at the car shows and perhaps the most important decision for that configuration- what color? :)

[@willy5242]

Have been looking at colors for a while too, but currently I like a real nice metallic light blue, or a metallic grey with a tint of blue in it....but I will keep looking so many colors to pick from, and than you for your kind words. I know I am going to love it , and when I leave this world, I will have left my mark in a classic car..@@TacoJoe

[@wearemilesfromnowhere4630]

Honestly, I didn't know about these kits. They look good overall. Thanks for the feedback on it. I built my first one in 1982 from the ground up. It was featured in Kit Car magazine. Having a great body makes a big difference. I used an Australian made 351C with a top loader 4 speed. So true about the radio. 👍

[@TacoJoe]

Overall, the FFR design is solid and it all starts with the frame. FFR has designed the traditional Ford Windsor powertrain into their architecture and if you add 300-400hp, you will absolutely smoke an original 427 Cobra around the track. This is NO knock on the original -advancement with FEA based design / suspension have only made race cars faster and the MK4 is no exception :)

[@farewell_to_normalcy9352]

Great video! Lots of good info

[@georgenelson9662]

I owned an original Shelby AC Cobra (#CSX 2331 -- a '65 289) 1968-1978. I got my money's worth of enjoyment out of it in the first 3 months I owned it. I never bent it, and turned a rather large profit when I sold it. At age 82, I doubt I'd undertake a Factory 5 -- or any other -- build, but I wouldn't mind owning one again!

[@TacoJoe]

Thanks for the comment George / Having an original in the garage would be awesome! I can only imagine what it would be worth today!

[@georgenelson9662]

@@TacoJoe As the old saying goes, TJ, my two happiest days were the day I bought it and the day I sold it.

[@idiot-983]

Excellent video !

[@TrojanHorse1959]

Looks great!

[@ABeans07]

great video thanks for sharing.

[@mr.mondesir7449]

Super cool video, Taco Joe...good humor too. I've been thinking of a FFR build for over 10 years. Perhaps the mk 65. Then again, it looks like such a difficult job.

[@TacoJoe]

You can do it / not hard-just takes patience and planning / thanks for the comment!

[@carrcohol]

Omg the roomba! Me too. Don't know how much that old Tony is aware of you

[@ricr171]

I lost it with the engine help bit 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@yuriyodarchuk9960]

Awesome video

[@koutros100]

Also your car looks awesome Great work

[@TacoJoe]

Thank you for the kinda words / appreciate it-

[@grobertaguilar6023]

Looks great

[@40mick]

As you mentioned every build is different depending on the choices you make. Excellent video for those thinking about Factory Five, don't let this scare you. There is a lot of help on the forum to guide you. Agree about the manual, never reference it, forum first! :) Nice job!!!!

[@TacoJoe]

Fully and completely agree / the FFR blogs have been a great help to me too! Thanks for the comment / feedback!

[@MrGoldcoastflyer]

just ordered the coupe, believe its the first gen 3 in Australia and have learnt a lot from watching your vids so thanks mate

[@TacoJoe]

Hey thanks buddy - congrats on your order too! If you track your build progress somewhere, send me a link - it would be great to see how it goes! Take your time and good luck!

[@3ducs]

Your channel is very rational with this subject. Many want to go with huge power. The car is light, 500 hp is beyond what most can handle, as you say 300hp makes a lot of sense, the original AC Bristol did well with a lot less power. At 76 I'm too old to seriously consider one of these, though I was really hot for a Contemporary Classics in the late 1980s. These days I'd consider a FFC with a BOP 215ci V8 or Rover 3.5 V8, those were sweet engines.

[@TacoJoe]

I'd like to pick up a Rover 3.5 someday and tear it down/rebuild for a project. Great motor and there are some applications where the size/light weight make it a good choice and it delivers decent power levels too. Thanks for the comment!

[@0598980568]

I was an automotive technician for 30 years and wanted to build a Factory Five Type 65. A couple of things changed my mom no. After working on cars 10 hours a day I couldn't bring my self to to work on one all night to. Second I wanted a LS LS motor ( I'm a GM tech) . The extra work of modifying the mounts was more than I was interested in. I went to the Factory Five factory and was very impressed. Your car looks great congratulations and enjoy.

[@TacoJoe]

I can understand how seeing cars all day would take away from working on them at night. I'm 100% certain you can do LS mounts in the car without too much trouble - i think the hardest part will be getting the engine/transmission in right position (front to rear) - and - getting your exhaust to exit in the right spot. Full transparency- you will have SERIOUS traction issues with an LS2/LS3/LS7 - these cars can only put down 350-400HP with 295-305 radials before you need slicks/etc.- what i'm getting at -- a mild daily driver 5.3 LS would be a great match to this car

[@MRBACKHAND]

i like your dash,, the CF wrap looks alright!

[@alant5757]

Thanks for all the great tips someday I hope to be able to purchase a factory five Cobra Kit and that will be my retirement project.

[@TacoJoe]

Go for it! It’s been a life experience for me / no regrets. While I learned a lot along the way, if I could go back in time I wouldn’t change a thing - very happy with how my build went and of course the results :)

[@tlh357]

Good job on the video! You definitely hit the highlights of the unforseen challenges of a "kit" build. Best tip, forget the radio, your explanation is spot on. Also, anyone contemplating building or buying a Cobra replica, stick with a SBF, Easy to get 300 plus hp, and that in a 2200 lb car is still a hand full to hang on to. A lot of big blocks for sale on eBay and at the popular auctions, they are there for a reason.

[@TacoJoe]

Your comments on a SBF- well said my friend / couldn’t agree more

[@dieselyeti]

Everybody likes the look of a 427 side-oiler in these cars but I think the small block cars are better in terms of balance, drivability and (not least) cost. When 5 liter crate motors are making over 400hp how much more do you need to have a fun car?

[@TacoJoe]

Well said dieselyeti / couldn't agree more. I've read with this specific configuration (eg- FFR MK4), traction becomes a real issue once you get over 350-400HP. I LOVE the sound when you wind up a SBF too / over square bores are the ideal bore-stroke IMHO!

[@randywilliams4325]

Nice build quality . Every 1 of these cars ends up being a little different .A suggestion on cup holders - a marine gauge company called Livorsi makes nice billet cup holders that are a little bigger .

[@koutros100]

Your videos will be a great help very soon😀

[@TacoJoe]

Great to hear / make sure you take time to enjoy your build because it will go fast!

[@johnspencer2382]

I'm a painter. Usually stick to fine detail airbrush work but have taken in large projects. I've used the $250-$500 spray guns. My buddy wanted to get some stuff to paint his car but didn't have the money for the expensive stuff so we went to Harbor Freight. He spent a total of $85 and got a few guns. They worked perfectly for painting a car. So save some money. If you're not doing it professionally go to harbor freight. Don't be cheap with paint. Certainly make sure your clear-coat is good. Cheap rattle can clears will only serve to frustrate you. Some rattle can paints are awesome and there's 1 rattle can clear (spraymax 2k)that is awesome as well. ALWAYS USE A RESPIRATOR WHEN SPRAYING CLEAR COATS!!! This was a great video. Thanks for sharing the tips . One day I'll want to do this with my son

[@TacoJoe]

Hey John - agree with everything you said / nice comment. Recently I started spraying Rustoleum Farm Implement on non-body parts (pulleys / brackets / frame / etc) - and - I SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS YEARS AGO! I've likely spent hundreds of dollars on rattle cans over the years that only gave me so-so results and the 8$ quart of Rustoleum sprayed through the harbor freight gun gives an EXCELLENT finish/coverage. Totally agree with you on the purple gun- I actually bought a couple extras that are still new in the box ready to shoot after my current one wears out. 10$/ea - incredible. I filmed a bunch more painting content over the past few weeks that I'll be publishing on this channel soon and you can see how well things turned out / thanks for the comment!

[@johnspencer2382]

@@TacoJoe fantastic. I'd like to see the results

[@poweradders4316]

nice build

[@BanginGearsGarage]

Great, Great Video...... I didn't build mine, so I can't talk BUT I'm super jealous of the cup holders.

[@TacoJoe]

As crazy as it sounds, the cup holder retrofit mod is low investment-high return on any project car - I say go for it/ you’ll have no regrets! :)

[@TrangDB9]

@@TacoJoe are any of those cars available purely mechanical? With no electronic parts in the engine?

[@GJCOrado]

@@TrangDB9 yes, you can choose a carbureted engine, no power steering, no a/c or heat. If that is what you are asking?

[@BEARivrman81356]

I hated driving around with my hood opened to the safety latch on my Sunbeam Tiger, but because as you say these cars need airflow it was necessary to keep it cool!

[@19Clutch69]

Great video

[@TacoJoe]

Thanks!

[@colehara]

I am close to finishing my build so I can certainly relate to your experience. Mine is a 34 Ford Coupe. Some things I thought would be straightforward were not. Others that had me concerned went fairly well. You've done a great job on yours Enjoy!

[@TacoJoe]

The 34 Ford coupe is a sweet kit too / I like how that one is designed- which motor did you put in?

[@colehara]

@@TacoJoe Probably the most boring combination imaginable. Small Block Chevy (I already had it) Turbo 350 by TCI and a 9" Ford diff. As this is my first build I've tried to keep it simple. It will really never be "finished" since there will always be things I'll want to upgrade or change.

[@TacoJoe]

Nah - that sounds great! I actually have (2) 350 Chevys on engine stands waiting for their future home- did you need to reweld the engine mounts or did you create some sort of adapter?

[@colehara]

@@TacoJoe Mine is not from Factory Five. It's from Antique & Collectable in Buffalo, NY. They asked what engine I would be using and supplied the chassis with the correct mounts installed. I was torn between the 34 Ford, the 41 Willys and the Cobra which are all available from A & C. I've been second guessing myself ever since as I really like them all. Yours looks great and I'm sure it runs even better. It's a lot of work but in the end it's so different than the "off the rack" cars we see everyday.

[@TacoJoe]

Don't second guess yourself, rather it might be time to add another one to the collection :)

[@cliffjamerson3107]

Thanks I’m working on 1

[@tango1zero22]

Good video. Im dreaming of a Cobra or a Daytona Coupe. Right now I have my garage cluttered with other projects.

[@annphilbeck5174]

We are selling a Daytona Coupe. Its an awesome car!

[@tomwelch5302]

love your vids. I like to know more specifics on your engine build. I'll be ordering my kit over the summer and would like to know if there is a way to contact you to get more info on your process /parts used/machining you did to your engine. Starting with an explore engine is a lot cheaper from the junk yard.

[@TacoJoe]

Hey Tom - check out the Factory Five Forums (FFRCars or the official FFR forum) - tons of good info including engine build plans / etc. Send me a note/message on one of the forums and we can chat (I am TacoJoe here too)

[@2gj906]

you have a good voice for Jack Daniel's ad!

[@milspec_tube]

Thanks for doing this. I've been wanting to get the Daytona kit for some time now. If I do, I'm going for the complete kit and will save for the 427 Windsor/Speed Master Stack injection EFI with a Tremec 600. The only thing I don't think I will try is the body work and paint. That's something I've never done before and it's the first thing people will notice. I at least want that done right.

[@TacoJoe]

Body work isn't bad- you just need to have a lot of patience and plan plan plan. 427 to a Tremec 600 sounds like a great combo / one thing to note - the shifter is in a different location on the TKOs - they fit, but i'm not sure of all the ergonomics/etc. - check out some of the forums and i bet they can give you some good advise on the configurations - thanks for the comment!

[@jacobadcock851]

I just wrapped up about 2 1/2 years doing my build, could’ve done it in about half the time. Agree with your points. I’d add that using info learned on the FF forums is usually far better than what you’ll learn from the build manual!

[@TacoJoe]

Agree- the forums were very useful to me too / spent many of hours perusing as i problem solved - did you build an MK4?

[@jacobadcock851]

Yes Joe, mk4, started sept 2016, haven’t driven except in go cart, hope to get registered and insured in the next week.

[@TacoJoe]

i'll never forget my first day out on the road with my license - a mix of nerves and pure joy - my wife came along and we stopped for ice cream and i parked as far from anyone in the lot as possible. You'll also see when you gas it up, it almost always turns into a mini car show - lots of questions/pictures - people love the car

[@jacobadcock851]

Yea, I have a 37 Ford and each gas stop is a photo session or tons of questions, but I enjoy it!

[@BKMDano17]

Yes I had my problems as well but I would never trade the experience! BTW nice country road where is that?

[@SethDaughters]

Thanks for sharing! Ive been thinking about doing a ff 33' build but i just can't pull the trigger on that idea. Maybe i never will.

[@TacoJoe]

A kit is a big project but if you put in the time/effort I think you’ll be very happy with the results. Full transparency: I almost enjoy working on/building cars more than I do driving them!

[@greggv8]

Some years ago dad and I built an Austin Healey Sebring 5000 kit car. Opted for the fully assembled frame kit with steel floor and transmission tunnel. Made the mistake of getting a custom built thick core, all aluminum racing radiator. Even with a really powerful electric fan it would run hot sitting still and at lower speeds. The problem is those radiators aren't made to be used at an angle nor are they made for sitting still. What we should have gone with was a 'feed truck' core that has a much more open fin design that's made to not get clogged by debris when used on trucks harvesting crops. Small bits of chaff can get sucked through by the fan and larger pieces will fall off when the engine is shut off. What you could try is one of the dual fan setups used on various Fords. Some have two fans the same size, some have two different sized fans. I mounted one with same size fans on a 1998 Mountaineer. It fit in vertically and after putting the bottom of the radiator back into proper position had no clearance problems to the threaded water pump snout. I built a two speed fan controller, inspired by a setup used on some Peugeot with dual fans. At low temps it connects the fans in series to run each at 6 volts. Then when the AC is turned on or if the temp ever gets hot enough (never did) it uses relays to switch the fan connection to parallel to run them at 12 volts. It has a pair of multi turn pots to adjust the high and low switching temps. Setting them was simple, pot of water on the stove with a dial gauge thermometerr. Put the temp sensor in the water, connected it, the controller, and fans to a battery charger then turned on the stove. When the thermometer got to the temp I wanted I adjusted the low pot until the fans switched on, then turned the stove up to the high temp to set the high speed. My 1965 Kelvinator (built by American Motors) stove has one burner with precision temp control so I was able to dial in the fan controller settings. If you want the controller schematic I can send it. I built mine on a piece of plain PCB perfboard with point to point wiring for the relays and a Radio Shack prototype board on standoffs for the electronics. Extra difficulty was caused by Radio Shack having replaced all their classic line of project boxes without updating their PCBs to fit the new boxes. (Just one of the many reasons the company is defunct.) The way the circuit is designed, half the IC isn't used. There's a chip that's the same as 1/2 this chip, or the other half of the chip could be used to run a second copy of the rest of the circuit for operating two more relay controlled devices based on temperature inputs. Perhaps a pair of exhaust fans behind the side louvers?

[@TacoJoe]

GreggV8 - lots of very good info / you have some valuable knowledge/experience with the Austin Healey and I might follow your lead with a similar modification - thank you very much for sharing- i'll reference this in the future!

[@robbyvenetian]

Congratulation for the project. I like how you did it. For myself...I wouldn't do it. The money spent for a Cobra replica are insane and it's still a replica.

[@TacoJoe]

I agree with you Roberto / there are a lot of cars out there that cost less and have tons of fun factor (for me, C6-C7 have a special place in my heart) -however - I still love my cobra too/ thanks for the comment!

[@robbyvenetian]

@@TacoJoe, I totally respect your choice. :)

[@gregormiller4037]

...clicked for the great info, stayed for the Rocky Mountain coolers:)

[@TacoJoe]

Glad you stuck around - remember, they must be blue before you enjoy :)

[@gregormiller4037]

@@TacoJoe…I really like(d) your build, I hope to do this with my son one day....although he had twins about two years ago:)...My heart is in dirt bikes, but I do enjoy your posts, as well as stuff from the IOM. Hope ya don't mind, but here's a post of one of my favorite Guys...Hope ya don't mind. It's said that, if you can become comfortable and competent at high speed, one becomes more away at the lower speeds. Link below, hope ya like:)

[@gregormiller4037]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZ6xiXaAqZx-abM

[@TacoJoe]

That’s in intense video / those isle guys are a rare breed / it’s crazy to see them well into 3 digits and hit the rev limiter at the top of a hill when the bike comes off the ground! I do miss my SV650- maybe a bike can be my next project- thanks for sharing :)

[@brianforder4471]

Awesome build, congrats. Personally I don't think it looks as good without the hood scoop. To each their own tho. Well done, enjoy it.

[@claudiaholt4120]

Great video - thanks. I am seriously considering taking the plunge and doing a build. I am not nearly as mechanically adept as you and the thought of having to re-do the side pipe brackets and drive shaft angle is seriously daunting. I was wondering if you think I could avoid these issues if I bought one of the Blueprint engine/transmission packages recommended by Factory Five. Also, really like the look of your car without the hood scoop - but sounds like that may cause some issues as well. Thanks again for the great video!

[@TacoJoe]

Thanks for the comment - regarding my exhaust fit: Everything on the motor landed right where it was suppose to (the energy suspension engine mounts were right and the block was an OEM Ford Windsor) - I think the issue was the headers - nothing more/nothing less (the flanges may have been slightly off a few degrees). Had I used the j-pipes I think everything would have bolted up right where it was suppose to be (I still have those in a box somewhere) - because - you gain a lot of adjustment and an extra pivot point. I liked the idea of the 4X4 headers because you eliminate that extra pivot point / etc. to come loose. I think the Blueprint packages will put the exhaust ports in exactly the same place as any other OEM build. The only difference you should see is the slight difference in head gasket thickness. Don't let an exhaust fit challenge deter you - these are obstacles you can overcome and when you look at the big picture they are only small bumps in the road.

[@vex123]

Great video and thanks for sharing your experience.

[@jdmrestor]

Thought about FF but opted for a Superformance. Best move I ever made ! My friend did a self build FF and spent more than I did on my MK III ! All my parts are new and his came from a junk yard !

[@5thGenNativeTexan]

Guess it depends if you want an assembled, painted roller (SPF), or you want to roll up your sleeves and build it yourself (FF). You'll certainly be driving sooner with an SPF. But many like the appeal of having built their own machine.

[@maddoctor99]

Great build and video - congratulations! Could you tell us which drill press/bench you have and perhaps explain in a little more detail what you mean when you say you need to fix the driveshaft alignment at some point? Thanks

[@TacoJoe]

Because the headers weren't aligned with the body cutouts and I didn't want to cut huge holes for them, I chose to slightly angle the transmission and as a result the driveshaft is not at the correct angle. Because the driveshaft is so small / light on this car, any imbalance is difficult to feel-assess. Google it and I'm sure a bunch of videos will explain it better than I can. Bottom line: you can get a lot of weird vibration if you driveshaft is misaligned. As for my mill / precision Matthews - I also have a cheap harbor freight drill press for the non-precision stuff. Thanks for the comment-

[@BradThePitts]

2:50 Times sure have changed. My 2004 MK3 came with common steel exhaust brackets. They are powdercoated in the rear, sandblasted from road pebbles in the front.

[@TacoJoe]

To fix my driveshaft angle, i expect i'm going to have to move the engine again -thus- fabricate some new brackets. When the time comes, I'll likely follow suit and make some hot rolled steel brackets (like your MK3) - thanks for the comment!

[@TacoJoe]

Hey Brad- regarding no blocking the radiator / every build is going to be different here. For instance, my headers add a lot of heat / just wrapping these would definitely help. Something like a Coyote likely wouldn't have these problems at all. My issue is: The intake is also getting hot and hot air is trapped near the top of the engine bay. By not blocking the top of the radiator, some of the airflow through the front "flushes" this air out through hood cracks or pushes it out under the car (and carb stays cooler). If you had a vents, or a hood scoop, i don't think you would have these problems at all. Good luck!

[@MrCarpediempilot]

Thank you

[@revolutionday1]

I've been wanting to do one of these for years, but I don't think so now.

[@leonzupan5509]

Great and informative video. Where did you find your cup holders and did you just glue them in place?

[@TacoJoe]

I found them on amazon / stainless - I think they are marine application. To hold them in, i actually used two of those "live strong" rubber wrist bands and was careful to cut the hole to size. Works great / holds them solid and you can easily take them out if you want to also-

[@yiannishayabusaofficial]

Perfect Amazing Fantastic Exelent Magical The Best 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪

[@molinelligarage1004]

Do you have a return line on your fuel system ... On my foxbody build that cured all vapor lock issues I had .. may work for you too?? Beautiful car btw

[@Vidal2021]

VD2021 1 second ago Outstanding! ..and You built it from kit to finished driver. I personally believe that, if you didn't do the body and paint on a FFR, you should caveat the "I built it" statement. oh...Every builder's tool collection should include a set of "Calecos". Come in handy when you want to do some old school console gaming, too.

[@joeracer302]

VD2021 it’s always interesting to see people gatekeeping in the wild

[@ericeverson5956]

Race car or Cobra.........always order radio delete:) Love the vid, great advice.

[@petew.1418]

"It can kill you." HILARIOUS!!

[@jaymorris3468]

Bobs burgers, lol but great video, extremely helpful. Thank you.

[@kevinwells768]

So, encouraged by your videos, I have just been through the painting of a hardtop for my cobra, watching and re-watching your vids - great content! I see you burned through the paint when buffing and sanding (@3:55) and had to add more paint. Did you paint the whole car/wing or just the patch where you burnt through to undercoat. Wondering if I need to spray the whole thing all over again or how difficult is it for a beginner to blend in paint over the bare patches. I have used single stage black paint, been through sanding grades and buffed with the same products you used, but not added any wax polish.

[@TacoJoe]

winged it and just spot painted and did my best to blend it /etc. I think what is key is using the same lacquer thinner type (ie- they are matched to spray temp) - that way it cures at the same rate as the already dried paint. I've "read" that accelerated cure time or slow cure times with different lacquer thinners can lead to slightly different shades. In the end: I cannot tell I repainted these areas -and- once you wet sand/buff, it helps clear up differences too. If you do things "by the book' though, you would respray the whole car. Big picture: If I could go back in time, I would have sprayed another gallon of paint then the risk of burn through would have been zero / thanks for the comment and good luck with your build!

[@kevinwells768]

@@TacoJoe Thanks for that. I finally buffed the top, having done the back and sides as a test, and have now burned through on a few new places last w/e :( .... so guess I'll re-spray the whole thing over Easter when temps increase here in the UK. Good to know spot repairs are possible for the home set-up. Cheers!

[@donschlegel1972]

Great Thanks. I am concidering building one. I need the leg room is there a place to put your left foot after clutching? Did you look at other kits like hurricane kit. Good job Regards Don

[@TacoJoe]

Hi Don- I did not look at the hurricane kit / I'm a hair over 6ft and the FFR fits me OK / not a Cadillac, but just fine around town / etc. Check for Cobra meetups in your area and I bet some of the owners would let you sit in theirs so you can get a feel from room/etc. As for my left foot: there is 5-6" of space just left of the clutch / next to the frame rail so on the long drives you have a place to stretch your leg out- thanks for the comment!