I visited ERA and FFR factories last week. Fun!

[Tallguy]

Business had me in Philadelphia last week, so I extended the trip and drove to ERA and Factory Five for a tour. Had a great time and learned a lot.

I was very fortunate, as there was a completed 427 ERA (solid gray with black side pipes and a chrome roll bar) that was set up for a guy who they said was 6'5 or 6'6. I actually "fit" in this car. The pedals had been set forward, the steering column higher with a 14" wheel, and it had standard seats on tracks. It was tight in the footbox with my normal shoes, but in socks, I could work the pedals fine. My leg was fully extended pushing the clutch, and my knees did not touch the dash. My head was 3"+ over the rollbar, but I could easily gain this by removing the seat tracks, seat padding, and/or making the roll bar a little taller.

Widening the footbox looked impossible with an FE, as clearances were very tight.

As for FFR, they just had standard cars, so really did not fit at all, but I have seen several mods that make the FFR very comfortable for a tall person.

I was impressed by both facilities, for different reasons. ERA for the small scale, but obvious attention to detail, and FRR for their high production (20+ cars/week) and automated processes. Two different strategies, manufacturing a car that on the surface are very similar.

I am still undecided on kit choice, but each day I get closer....

Mark

[Godfather]

I also visited ERA last March and made the decision to get on their list. I am in production now and still think that if you can be patient it will be worth the wait.

[Tallguy]

Originally Posted by Godfather

I also visited ERA last March and made the decision to get on their list. I am in production now and still think that if you can be patient it will be worth the wait.

Yes, the ERA wait is longer than some, but I agree, it would be worth it.

I am still deciding how faithful to the "original" my build will be. I don't want to spend extra for an ERA or Kirkham, and then destroy the look/value by adding and second roll bar (which my car will have). I also have not decided on the engine. Small block would be "best" for me, but I can't do it....the 427Cobra is a big block. I will most likely put in a 428 FE, which ironically, is 427 CI (okay, 426.5), while the side oiler is 425 CI. The side oiler cost is just too high for me to justify using it. The 428 is still authentic anyways....

Mark

[WarrenG]

If you don't want to "destroy" the look with dual roll bars, consider a single bar all the way across to cover both the driver and the passenger. There is precedent in the originals for this set up in both the 289 and 427 cars.

[Tallguy]

Originally Posted by WarrenG

If you don't want to "destroy" the look with dual roll bars, consider a single bar all the way across to cover both the driver and the passenger. There is precedent in the originals for this set up in both the 289 and 427 cars.

I did not know that. Thanks.

I actually like the look with two hoops. Kind of balanced. When I said destroy, I really was meaning for re-sale, as I have heard it's not the best option, same as a double wide bar. I really don't plan on selling, so I guess it's not a big deal.

The picture of Dave Smith's rolled FFR makes me cringe if I had a passenger with no 2nd rollbar.....Driver lives, passenger would have been in big trouble....I know for street people say its overkill, but I love the wife more than the look.

Mark