Not sure on which manufacturer to go with

aks801 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-19-2003, 10:49 PM

I'm starting to waffle a bit on which manufacturer I should go with, and I'd like you good folks to weigh in on this. Here's where I'm coming from: plan has been to go with FFR. I like their price, the light weight, original style frame, and the donor concept. Plus, tons of builder experience out there! Here's where the waffling comes in: the more I plan it, the less donor parts I want to use. Want to use an old 351W and put Weber carbs on it, want to get a Lincoln Versailles rear end because of the disk brakes, want new steering rack, new gauges... you get the picture. Does it still make sense at that point to go with FFR? Possibly, but would like some input. By the way, I also don't like the FFR "perky butt", but could live with it (have seen a few posts of people re-shaping that area, even).

Cost is a definite factor. Is B&B a candidate for this project? Or Midstates? I think Unique is out of the price range, and pretty sure ERA is!

Thanks in advance!
alan

Tinker51 · #2 (**permalink**) 04-20-2003, 06:27 PM

Well here is my .02 worth. I had all the exact same thoughts. I liked the concept of the FFR and had the skills and knowledge to build one but like you I wanted a mostly non-donor build. I got to talking to some folks who had done high end non-donor build FFR's and a couple of pro builders about costs. What I learned was a high end non-donor FFR was this close (holding thumb and index finger very close to each other) to the cost of a used SPF which is a body shape I liked better anyway (not a big fan of the perky butt). So I spent some time and energy and found a very well cared for two year old SPF. Zero regrets. Good luck.

PSB · #3 (**permalink**) 04-20-2003, 08:23 PM

You might check out Hunter Kit Cars. Corvette suspension, no perky butt, and can be built for under $25K.

Pete

grumpy · #4 (**permalink**) 04-21-2003, 09:05 AM

ak,

you will find that 75% of the "DONOR PARTS" are worthless since you and friends will want "new" parts over spending time on used/worn-out parts as most fox items are at this late date, unless you count each nut, washer, and bolt as separate items. also, why would you want a 302 that will limit your HP to 320 or so carbed when a sorted out 351 carbed can get you 400 or so hp.

the perky butt!, just cut and lower the rear support section of the body supports and lower approximately 1 5/8", and dump the pointy trunk shell for a more correct one. the FFR is not the lowest in build cost out there. so,
it all comes down to the $$$$ and how close in appearance to a CSX are you striving for.

just a few cents on this side.

grumpy