I Went To The Factory Five Build School - It Was Awesome!

[@kurtmayer9719]

Thanks for the insight. I’m seriously thinking of building this kit, I don’t understand why people give the thumbs down? If you don’t like the videos just carry on. Looking forward to watching all the vids. Cheers from Canada!

[@StreetRodJim]

Thanks Kurt. How you convert to an FFR builder.

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

i would love a white cobra with 351 windsor - out to 427 , side pipes , blue stripe , independant rear ! sure i could do it all in the garage !

[@ericworthington7299]

I also attended the Factory Five build school of the 33 HotRod in March of 2017, with a great group of guys, who i consider my friends. I really loved the knowledge that I gained from this experience, which was money well spent. They explained all the steps into almost a full complete build, but to build it in 3 days, alot of the components were already assembled but still needed to be installed on the frame. Everything except the "final finishing" the carpet, door panels, passenger seat, & paint wasn't installed. I also went the Roush museum afterwards, before my flight & it was pretty interesting, & a few cars in there I'd love to have in my stable.

[@StreetRodJim]

Very cool. I did another video on my excursions including Rouch. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKDPYZycmqaZgKc

[@markjmaxwell9819]

Just designed a new engine . A brand new LS2 block with a 402 stroker kit . The heads are new LS3 with a crane roller trunion kit and one piece pushrods with a camshaft of my design close to a 427 camshaft . Love the new factory five 35 truck ...

[@thasmydjay]

Will be doing this for my 30th birthday this year! Can’t wait!

[@StreetRodJim]

Awesome. Have fun. Bring questions and ideas of what you want to build if you get one. They will help you select things or at least show you the choices..

[@MegaScott]

Pretty cool video. I am building a MkIV roadster right now and I also have a 33 Hot Rod waiting in the wings. I retired last year and i've worn many hats over the years, Machinist, Mechanic, Electrical Engineer, Product Support Engineer...Etc. I moved to Thailand and both of my cars will be RHD and I've imported a couple of SBF's and all the parts and tools to finish both cars. I've built and raced circle track cars and even built a different brand Cobra kit in the past, so a little bit of fabrication to complete a Kit car is not a big thing for me. Build school? Nah. Though I can see that attending a build school would show a novice what they are getting into when building one of these cool cars. Nice job Jim!

[@StreetRodJim]

Thanks! Sounds like you have an interesting story going on there. Sounds like fun.

[@JKyle-ii1mz]

Thanks for making this video. You made some great points. I'd certainly go to the course before buying a kit as well. I look forward to seeing you put one together.

[@cdjhyoung]

Worked in Howell for 43 years, never knew this was in town.

[@TheSweettooth95]

Factory five racing is best kit car company! I only wish they would offer rear engine exo car!

[@silentstormstudios]

They do. It's the FFR GTM. And they have a new exotic coming out this year or next called the J9R. It's a front mid-engine design that looks very much like an Aston Martin Vulcan.

[@rockytalkndawoods3057]

I don't remember if they still do or not but if you took the class they would subtract your tuition from the purchase of the kit. Great video mate.

[@evalynmassey3711]

I don't know if they still offer a discount but I received a $500 off price on my FFR 33 after attending the build school.

[@williamgritton1912]

Yep you get a rebate for doing the class

[@robertmanning4882]

Going to Cobra build school in May, nice video

[@mattbetta6576]

How was your experience? Was it worth it?

[@jamesyoung5610]

@@mattbetta6576 prob cancelled due to covid restrictions

[@Robert8455]

Wow that was great. Thanks for sharing and it sounds like you had an action packed trip too.

[@StreetRodJim]

Absolutely

[@kitcarnut]

Good luck on your build Jim!! I have a MK4, love it!

[@StreetRodJim]

THX!

[@asahai2]

Quick question for people who have gone to the build up school: is it useful for the other car kits that are not being taught in the curriculum? I am thinking about buying a daytona coupe.

[@StreetRodJim]

I would say yes! Except for a few nuances, everything will be very similar and it gives you ideas of how to approach the whole project.

[@gregwarner3753]

Too much to do, too little time to do it. I gave up scheduling on any less than weekly. FF5 build school is on my buclet list. Build school is a great deal.

[@nman2563]

Awesome course and video. Thanks for sharing! I'm surprised the car could be put together in 3 days. At the end they should have installed the passenger seat too and given you guys a ride.

[@StreetRodJim]

There is legal issues with having passengers. There were somethings that were somewhat pre-assembled or pre-cut. For instance we were not going to cut holes in the fiberglass for the window. It was already there with the assembly inside. The other door did not have glass. But we explored all the issues with assembling the internals of the doors. This way people can see both designs. No carpet installed, no body work except installation and alignment of panels, only one seat and no painting.... etc... However, all that said, you can see from the pictures we covered a lot of ground.

[@jeffsweet27]

Thanks for sharing. I would like to go. Im interested in Coupe 65. They dont build it at Mott. WOuld a 818 be closer to a coupe than a roadster or hot rod i

[@StreetRodJim]

Since the 818 is recycled parts and the 33 is new parts and a harder build, I think it would be better to do the 33 to see what you are getting into. All the concepts apply across the board. Better to get more concepts than less of what you want to build.

[@craigkeller]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@travelingjayman]

Friggin AWESOME video, thank you Jim! I want to build my fav car, the 427, but also get some experience/tools for the GTM :) I'll definitely do this school before I put any money in to one, thanks again!

[@travelingjayman]

side note, I also want to restore a 50's Ford or Chevy truck. My garage one day shall runneth over!!!!

[@StreetRodJim]

Awesome. Dig in!

[@MrSirlulzalot]

Cool!

[@LeeePowers]

How much knowledge is needed to put it together? Are the instructions clear for newbies? I ask because my background is mostly construction/home improvement vs actual auto mechanic experience. The idea of assembling a kit car sounds straightforward,but I'm wondering how much more there is to it?

[@StreetRodJim]

If you have good common sense and the ability to research and understand new things, then you will learn the knowledge as you go. It is not always easy, mainly due to the lack of certain skills or knowledge at the time of the wall you are trying to hurdle. However, if I did a second car. I would be all over it like it was nothing now. So I have learned a lot. On this topic, I would view all my "Kit Car Talk with SRJ" videos. It might give you some emotional incite to the build. The manual is sometimes step by step, sometimes points you in the right direction and sometimes, it is not even mentioned. I could not have done this project without it, but it is not super explicit at all times. I would highly suggest hitting my video tab, and looking at the thumbnails, and titles to really get a sense of where hit walls. Watch those. If you feel confident after that, go to the build school. Keep in mind seeing my videos helps you avoid what I ran into also....

[@robertkaraba447]

Hello Jim. Just started watching your video series on your 33 hot rod build and am seriously contemplating going to that 3 day class that Factory Five offers. In your opinion can someone with mild auto skills build this car? I love the look of this rod and love the idea of building it myself, but also am somewhat hesitant because it is such a large undertaking.

[@StreetRodJim]

I think the class will answer all your questions. Even though it is an individual choice, I started with the same skill set, took the class, and decided I could do it. Keep in mind you can always hire out stuff you do not want to do.

[@soaresg]

Jim, can someone with no auto mechanics or engineering background build one of this? How does the build school can finish the car in 3 days when allegedly it takes 300 hours to complete a kit from start to finish? What parts of the build do they skip? Like the suspension and wheel types, do they have the different engine options displayed? Sorry for all the questions

[@StreetRodJim]

If you are good with your hands and can learn to use tools to do some cutting and modification, then it is build-able. Time is compressed at school. No Paint, No body work, A duplicate part like front Left arm is pre-assembled, but we assembled the right to understand it. However it is very informative and is an excellent experience to decide if you can do it. At the end of the day if you choose not to, you just helped build one anyways. 2000+ hours to build. (does not include research) They do not have multiple engines since that is not something that is FFR sells. However, if you go to Blue Print engines they have all the Ford and LS engines available. On facebook, Dave did a shoot out on why to pick what engine and they also start each one up so you can hear it. It was a great video and I will watch it again when I choose another engine.

[@chrisreed255]

Man u know there's some bullshit behind it all alittle white lie bcuz even this guys bulid didn't go as smoov as they said but thats kool but dont blow smoke up my ass an pocket book bcuz all the videos I've seen about the build have never finished in 3 days well the give away CAr and one where they have a full 10 man team with every an any tool u would need plus all the parts

[@adambennett7348]

Is this something where you can build your own car with their help, and leave there with your car? Or is it just a class fir you to learn and then you build your own car at home?

[@StreetRodJim]

Just a class. Build at home.

[@MikeyB_1972]

Hi, Jim. Thanks for making the video. I have lived in Brighton for seven or eight years which is right next door to Howell and I did not know this class existed at Mott. I have been wanting to build a cobra forever. I think I’m going to buy myself the school class for Christmas. Did they give you the instruction book as part of the class cost? I was wondering how you obtained the book. Maybe you have already built a kit. Would be nice to have the instructions to read through it before I begin my build. Thanks!!

[@StreetRodJim]

Hi Mike. Yes the did give a full manual. However, when you buy your kit, you will want to use that one since it is updated for that specific version in time.

[@stephenparker6294]

For anyone who’s taken that class, do you recommend having any prior experience or is it still worthwhile for a total Newbie that just wants to learn the basics

[@StreetRodJim]

I had no experience and it is was awesome. Highly recommend.

[@stephenparker6294]

@@StreetRodJim awesome thanks Jim! I’m not too far from there but I’ve been looking into these builds for the past couple of years. Would you recommend taking the class before ordering everything?

[@StreetRodJim]

@@stephenparker6294 Yes, because you get to see many of the options before you order them. You get to sit in a car with the hard top or without. You get to see all the rear end designs, wheels, fenders and such and you get to hear about what is difficult to do or not. If those things won't change your mind on your build because you are only going to do it if it is a certain way (which is possible) then you might skip. But for me if was a great investment.

[@frecklemouth6791]

This was such a cool video!! Regardless of whether or not I’m going to buy one, this is the ultimate fantasy camp!!! But I kinda want a Cobra. Badly. At 20:00... rear tires are on backward

[@StreetRodJim]

They probably do this on purpose to evenly wear the tires for every build burnout.

[@khalidkhansrunix]

Its been almost 2 years since you went to the FF Build school. Do you still feel that it was worth it? Watching the video; i get so excited and want to build one. I am wondering if I have the skills to do this. I don't think i can do all that engine work. Looks very complicated. I want to do this.. but having second thoughts if I will be able to finish it. Thanks for all the video.

[@StreetRodJim]

Yes, and it will answer those exact questions you have. Any part of the build you do not feel you can do yourself, you can hire out. You can buy an engine ready to go and drop in. Make less wiring work buy not putting in EFI, or going with Carburetor looking EFI. Make it a roadster and open engine compartment and you got rid of most of your body work. Tons of ways to make it easier. I highly recommend the class.

[@khalidkhansrunix]

@@StreetRodJim Thank you for the reply.

[@problemslayer3538]

Hi Jim thanks for the video. I'm in the uk and have been looking into getting something from the factory five guys. Did you get a cost from them to build your unit for you, including fitting the engine, trans, suspension etc ?

[@StreetRodJim]

They do not offer that service. Some people in the community do. However, the point of this project was to build it myself.

[@RecoveringUGrad]

Is there much of a difference in building the Truck vs the coupe? What about the mk4 and the coupe 65?

[@StreetRodJim]

Difficulty level wise? Cobra is the easiest. I believe truck/33, and then Coup 65. GTM is the hardest of them all.

[@brentvenneman6710]

Any problems that you notice? I would like to go through the classes first and then go forward of the build Can I buy one part at a time?

[@StreetRodJim]

You can buy 1/2 at a time if you like. Then it is double the shipping unless you pick it up. Since you are customizing a car, there is always walls you will hit and have to figure out, but in general the best kit company out there.

[@calvincooley1074]

Kool!

[@amoney11]

Can you have someone like a mechanic or a shop build the kit for you?

[@StreetRodJim]

There are a few people in the FFR forums that will build for people. I would go poke around and see what you come up with.

[@overbuiltlimited]

Be aware that EVERY person that talks to you about the car is going to ask if you built it and how long it took. Do you really want to have to tell them you had it built for you?

[@glenngammon4215]

I wonder if you can drive in snow, rain, put air conditioning in, sound deadening stuff, ........

[@StreetRodJim]

Sure, just need to build it correctly.

[@abe2223]

great video!

[@chrisreed255]

So if u buy a kit is the class for free ??

[@StreetRodJim]

No, I do not know the current price. ~$750 + travel, but they usually give you some back as a discount if you buy the kit. It is worth every penny.

[@evalynmassey3711]

Did you buy a 33 hot rod? I went to the school also and I'm currently building my 33.

[@senortaco5049]

How fun is it?

[@colehara]

I'm nearly finished a 34 Ford Coupe from a different manufacturer. Nice feeling when you realize you're almost there.

[@senortaco5049]

@@colehara oh nice

[@tcasoccer13]

do they let you guys take it for a quick spin?

[@StreetRodJim]

No, against insurance rules as you can imagine.

[@tcasoccer13]

Street Rod Jim thanks for the quick reply. I’m working my way through your videos on this build now. Definitely going to look into taking the class thanks to you

[@paulbowler7775]

Is there schools in canada

[@StreetRodJim]

Not that I know of

[@donotwantahandle1111]

Could assembling these FF kits be a viable business?

[@ModernCobra]

There are several already. Usually charge about $5k as a baseline for labor only, and it goes up from there depending on options. Paint & body work not included. There is also a guy Mark D who is called the travelling builder. He gets commissioned to go all over the US helping others build their FFR kits. I'm trying to schedule him to come to me now.

[@StreetRodJim]

There are many people that can do builds and help out with builds, but given you are going to spend up to 2000 hrs X $10-25 per hour. It would be costly.

[@ModernCobra]

@@StreetRodJim not sure what they told you at Mott, but the real investment isn't the time it takes to build but the majority falls into the research and planning category. I easily have 2k hours into time on the forums alone. lol. And I wish the hourly rate was that low. I was quoted $800/day with an aggressive timeline of 3-days to get a car go-cart. As you saw at Mott, you can get very far in a short amount of time with knowledge and proper planning. It will also take about 100 hours in labor for body & paint (give or take) depending on if you want good-enough- or a concourse-result. HTH & G/L with your build ;-)

[@StreetRodJim]

@@ModernCobra That is aggressive alright, but doable. For that speed, it really is not a bad price and a fraction of the cost of the build in general.

[@MrHeepspo]

Anyone can buy a kit, document EVERYTHING during the entire build, then put it up for sale. Am I missing something?

[@Thewarhorse47]

They build a kit seven times and then it's "warn out". wow

[@StreetRodJim]

Mainly because you keep drilling into the frame. They replace just the parts needed, unless a new version is available.

[@MrHeepspo]

Nice video... but... I'd rather see bigger pictures than your face, just sayin'. There's no reason for us to watch your face that much is there?

[@StreetRodJim]

Actually there is. Statistically people feel more connected with face on screen.