Mk IV Roadster or Type 65 Coupe?

Gray0313 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-12-2013, 11:47 AM

Hi all,

I live in Arizona and plan on purchasing a Factory Five kit in the next few months. The thing is, as I stated before I live in Phoenix, AZ where temperatures easily reach 110 degrees in the summer. I need advice from people who live in places with weather conditions. Budget is also not that big of a deal, mainly practicality of driving in Arizona. I am a fan of both models so I just need input from you guys.

Thanks,
G

Gofastoldguy · #2 (**permalink**) 12-12-2013, 11:56 AM

Gray…depends on how you will be driving. Come to our get-together on Tuesday nights, around 1630 hrs at the 5 n Diner on 75th Ave and Bell Road. You will get all the opinions you can handle. See 'ya
Bill B

Maricopa · #3 (**permalink**) 12-12-2013, 12:02 PM

Unless you're short and/or skinny and/or flexible the Coupes are a PITA to get in and out of and while undeniably cool you lose the open top experience that is so much of what I love about these cars. Get a Roadster and add a hard or soft top and AC if you intend to drive it much in the summer.

mikiec · #4 (**permalink**) 12-12-2013, 03:23 PM

What Mike said.

I have driven when it's snowing out and when it is over 115. I have a roadster. 14 years here and drive it all the time.

LMH · #5 (**permalink**) 12-12-2013, 04:06 PM

The coupe gets even harder to get in/out of if you use comp seats. Some builders use AC (the wimpy ones) though and that makes it a little more comfortable.
Larry

Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB · #6 (**permalink**) 12-12-2013, 04:47 PM

Buy Fitz's car. Roadster with A/C, Top, Stereo and a smokin motor. He'll see this.

AZ Bob

Maricopa · #7 (**permalink**) 12-12-2013, 04:50 PM

Why would he want a motor that smokes Bob?

4into4 · #8 (**permalink**) 12-12-2013, 05:03 PM

Look at and ride in both. I don't know if David S. is still around in Phoenix with his Coupe. If you're ever down in Tucson, you're welcome to look at and ride in my FFR Coupe. There are plenty of Roadsters around. I had a FFR Roadster for about six years and did around 15,000 miles in it, all types of weather. I have about 3000 miles in the Coupe. It's true that they're very difficult to get in and out of, but you get used to that. One of the biggest things I like about the Coupe is that I don't get sunburned on longer trips, and wind buffeting is non-existant, even though I've never put the side curtains in. I also like the uniqueness of it. Unlike the Roadster which I ordered from Factory Five as a kit, I bought my Coupe partially built (never do that again!) and among a few hundred other things that needed to be redone/rebuilt, took the AC and heater out. Personally, I think if you're trying to make it comfy and cozy, you should think seriously about a Corvette, Viper, etc. but that's just my opinion. You really won't go wrong with a Coupe or a Roadster from Factory Five.

Karl Bebout · #9 (**permalink**) 12-12-2013, 07:29 PM

"Why would he want a motor that smokes Bob?"

At least this one has lasted a few years rather than a few days.

BTW, Last weekend I heard that Dave S. had passed away, some time ago. Don't know about the status of his coupe.

Maricopa · #10 (**permalink**) 12-12-2013, 08:13 PM

Oh I hadn't heard that Karl! That really sucks.

Gofastoldguy · #11 (**permalink**) 12-12-2013, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gray0313

Hi all,

I live in Arizona and plan on purchasing a Factory Five kit in the next few months. The thing is, as I stated before I live in Phoenix, AZ where temperatures easily reach 110 degrees in the summer. I need advice from people who live in places with weather conditions. Budget is also not that big of a deal, mainly practicality of driving in Arizona. I am a fan of both models so I just need input from you guys.

Thanks,
G

I believe Andrew Rosales will be at Yarnell on Jan 1st. I'm sure he would give you a ride in his beautiful Coupe.

Fitz · #12 (**permalink**) 12-13-2013, 05:18 PM

Best dam fun car I have ever had even better thrills then the boats including the super fast Donzi! I spend too much on stuff for the car but I never want to be stuck somewhere because a part was suppose to last 100 years. My advise is to alway anticipate issues and never wait. Change the battery every two-3 years; change the hoses; do a bolt and nut check before and after long ass trips and before playing hard; tires every 15,000 miles and fuel system gets checked all the time. Only thing I have had go wrong on this car is few oil spots and that was a bad seal/plug from Mobil 1 idiot. My 408 stage 5.5 is strong and I drive it like a old old man ( getting old but not as old as Karl). I may even keep that hard top off until Summer

well I did just put in new Ron Davis radiator and new Bridgestones! What can I say. Now those stone chips on front end needs attention ....from driving. No trailer queen here

Fitz · #13 (**permalink**) 12-13-2013, 05:19 PM

And Bob is right- it is always for sale.....

Mike Brasfield · #14 (**permalink**) 12-18-2013, 06:02 AM

You could enjoy AC if you go with a removable hard top for the summer driving in the roadster. I have a friend with both the coupe and roadster. He drives the roadster all the time and the coupe just "sometimes". He is still working out the bugs in the coupe after 13 years. Contact him for his advice. He is a vender on Factory Five website, Russ Thompson. My personal opinion is roadster with AC.

289fia_cobra · #15 (**permalink**) 12-18-2013, 07:15 AM

IMO, I would do what Russ Thompson did: build both!!!!

Seriously, my perspective after owning a Mk3.5 build: had I been in my 20's, I would have went directly to a Roadster. In my 30's and early 40's, a Daytona; but the reality was, I was 46 when I built mine because I had a suspicion that in my 50's, I my body would not have liked building it despite the wishes of my brain so I had to choose... the morning I ordered, I was VERY tempted to click on the "Coupe" but having never owned a topless car in all my years on this earth, I had to choose Roadster.

Having driven over 20,000 miles in the past 6 years, there's a part of me that regrets not clicking on Coupe. In a drive with so many Roadsters, having a Coupe breaks up some of the monotony. It's why I envy owners like Russ who has the luxury of driving one or the other.

Just lending my perspective. Let's be clear. I still love my Mk3 despite some of the issues that have cropped up. But as others have said, try to get a ride or drive both - streets and freeway speeds so there's no surprises.

Gordon Levy · #16 (**permalink**) 12-23-2013, 11:21 AM

Currently building a coupe fully loaded with AC. Done quite a few and I would be happy to answer any questions.

John-Tucson · #17 (**permalink**) 12-24-2013, 08:15 PM

Gray, How tall are you ? How much of a beer belly do you have? Do you have any physical disabilities now ? How old are you ? What do you plan to use the car for ? How often will you drive it ? Are you thinking of a daily driver ?

There are a lot of questions that need to be considered. The Phoenix guys are always willing to give advice and rides in their cars. Take advantage of their knowledge before you make any decisions.