FFR Body

[cj428]

I like the idea of building my own car, and I like the FFR kit with the aluminum panels and all. I know this isn't the most exact body available, but something that really bothers me is the look of the back fenders. Something just looks very different than say a SPF or ERA. I know these are completely different cars and in a different category, but can anyone tell me what it is that looks so different on the FFR rear fenders ?

Thanks for your help, Bill

[Tongue Pirate]

They are known for being a little perky Meaning the A$$ end is pointed upward a little more.

[Maricopa]

The rear fenders aren't quite as 'bulbous' as the ERAs/Kirkhams. FFR's are more like the narrow hip cars than the wide hipped ones. That combined with the perky thing (which can be fixed BTW) bugs me a bit, but not enough to overlook all the good points of the FFR. I also find that I don't really notice minor body differences in person as much as in photographs.

[FFR428]

Yup it's the perky butt. I kinda like it myself. FFR had to make some compensations to use the stang donor parts. If they had thought to make the rear a little wider you could use a wider tire without having it stick out from the fender lip. You can also do two things......first using the original FFR body you can drop the butt 1-2 inches. This is know as the Fun Ford drop butt mod. This gives the car a more original stance and look but you still have the narrow hips. Do a search on the FF forum www.ffcobra.com for the "drop butt modification". There are before and after pics to see. Secondly Mike Mac from Tri-States Motorsport has an aftermarket body for the FFR. Wider more original rear= wider rubber. Finished underhood and trunk. And READ: NO SEAMS. For $3295 take a look he's a vendor here. A stunning body for sure! As FFR will only credit you $800 if you delete the body some guys are selling them on the forum and ebay and getting $2000-2500 and buying Mike's body. So there are options......G.

[ALLEN ENGLISH]

This is a picture of the Kirkham and an Factory Five parked side by side when I was at the Spring Fling last year. You can clearly see the differences between them here. I chose a FFR because I liked the suspension and the fact I could use a Tremic 5spd. They really can be very nice cars when done right.

[FFR428]

Alen, nice picture!G.

[Tongue Pirate]

Wow! I didn't know about the TriState FFR body. That really makes the FFR a more accurate looking car to me. They addressed all of the things that I really didn't like about the FFR body. Cool

[ALLEN ENGLISH]

I had a Kirkham body for my FFR, but the expense of making it work with the FFR was not worth it. The TriStates body is a great compromise though. Another thing - if you plan on going the non donor route than I would suggest just steping up to the $40,000.00 Kirkham Cobra and be done with it the right way. I have well over that in my non donor ffr build. Don't get me wrong I like my car and it is done up very nice. My build cost though was way more than I ever thought it would be in the beginning.

Bottom line is the Kirkham Cobra is the way to go bar non if you are a purest. The FFR is a great kit, but can cost big bucks and be alot of work like anything else out there. They still look great! There are some great kits like the Superformance or Shelby car for example that won't require a lot of work yet yeild a awesome car. So for my .02 worth I say go for the Kirkham

[RACERAL]

Do they make different grades of the Tri States body.. I have seen one... and....well... umm.. uh..

[n559br]

You know they're right. A camera does add 10 pounds.


But, then again I've been told I'm not allowed an opinion on this site since I don't post much.

That's my FFR on the right.

ben

[cj428]

Thanks for all the great information, I thought maybe it was just me. Anyway I guess I have more researching to do. Thanks again, Bill

[Ozona]

Well, this isn't the best perspective, and the car isn't finished.

Here's the "buns" of the tristate body.



It's 3" wider through the rear fender wells than the FFR offering.

My body (pictured) is currently at Ken Pike's shop in Yuba City, CA.

The weatherstripping is not installed so the trunk lid is sitting "in" just a tad.

Hope this helps. The full monte once it's painted.

Regards,

Bill

[Turk]

That was no Kirkham. That is CSX4148 and and has TKO II 5 speed.

Of course we all know that is a body made by Kirkhams, before folks come out screaming. that was my car

TURK

[ToyCollector]

Turk, didn't yours have stripes? Standby. I am grabbing some more chew.

[computerworks]

TC..his car pre-dated the popular ghost-stripes..

Where he had his car sanded, they...errr...ummm..don't like to do...uhhh...stripes.

[Maricopa]

I knew it was Turk's car because of the bullet holes.

Mike

[ALLEN ENGLISH]

Sorry Turk I'm an FFR owner and these cars all look alike to me you know! Really though, I haven't seen to many real Cobras or replicas I didn't like. Sorry to misrepresent your car.

Here is my FFR, though I haven't been shot at.

[Jamo]

Maricopa

My Kirkham...the one with the stripes...also had bullet holes.

I think Allen's right, for all the trouble of trying to adapt a Kirkham-built body to a chassis, it's probably easier (and cheaper) to go with a Kirkham roller.

However...the Kirkhams WERE finishing up putting one of their bodies on a custom chassis during the Kirkham Summit in January, so it's not unheard of.

[shaps]

Jamo wrote:

However...the Kirkhams WERE finishing up putting one of their bodies on a custom chassis during the Kirkham Summit in January, so it's not unheard of.

My understanding was that the "Custom fabrication" job was very, VERY CO$TLY!!

Shaps