new guy saying hello!

[GrumpyBadger]

hey all,

I'm Pat and I'm in Kingman, Az.

I didn't notice a "welcome" thread or board, so I figured I'd post here. I've been looking into a car to build/restore and I have to say, this group has definitely pushed me towards a definite Shelby.

I've been perusing the forums for about a month now, and I signed up to see the pictures and such a couple days ago. Then I realized there was this "like" option and I started to use it, maybe even too much.

I thought I better post a "hi" before people start to wonder

anyways... I'm still a couple years out, give or take. Gotta get the house built, and all that, then I can get going on the Shelby. I just always like to plan ahead and figure things out. That way, when the time comes, I just order the stuff required, and the build goes smoothly (ish).

right now, I'm leaning towards a Factory Five car.

main things going for it are
1) the chassis
2) I get to build it all myself
3) the forums look like a good bunch over there, and over here there isn't a "it isn't a CSX__" type of serious stigma.
4) price, I'll be honest here.

I love the original cars. I'd love to own one. But even the new CSX cars, I wouldn't drive them the way I plan to drive the FFR car. I'm serious in that if combined with racing and driving I don't do about 5-7000 miles a year, I'll be shocked.

and in that... here's what I'm leaning towards:
289 FIA mk4 (I love they finally came out with a "smallmouth")
or
Type 65 Coupe

I love the coupe. And I've been around the block, and I still, still have never seen one in person. I've been "out of the world" the past decade though, and didn't get to get out and go to shows much. But yeah, ever since I first learned about them in a video game and my Uncle going bonkers, I love them.

I'm just worried about the "practicality" (if there can even be such a thing in a Shelby) of a Coupe in Arizona. The roadster would be no issue. At least there's wind lol and the soft top for the rain.

either that or "only live once" and I go FE blocked Mk4 with 5-link... yep. That ups the "budget."

on that note, I don't really have one. Yeah, I'd love to get driving ASAP. But I enjoy building too, and it's been a LONG TIME since I got to, and finally, it's my own I'm building. I basically have an easy $500/month that can go to the car, I'm really fortunate in that regard.

basically I kind of want to do the "donor" Mk4 car build, and as a challenge for myself, set the budget at $18,000 total, just because... or go full out with a solid roller 289FIA or Coupe.. or even a FE SC.

hence, why I'm "lurking." I've got plenty of time to peruse... unfortunately.

but yeah, long-winded "hi!"

[mikiec]

Welcome to the madness.

There is a group of Cobra owners in Kingman. They show up at Mr. D's. periodically, and most car shows.

Mikiec.

[GrumpyBadger]

You know, that's how I know I need to get out more... I've lived in Kingman for about 18 months now... and had no idea there was a group of Cobra owners that go to D's! I do know they have amazing root beer though lol.

Thanks for the heads up! I'm hoping this month, with the "international Route 66" thingamabob I've heard about, I'll be able to see a couple.

[Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB]

Pat, welcome to the madness. Not familiar with your Kingman Festival. There is bound to be some cobras there, probably local. We attend the Route 66 Fun Run as a group the first weekend in May. Take as long as you feel comfortable to buy your dream car. I took 2 years. The whole time my budget kept getting bigger. Worked out well. FFR are great build cars and great cars to buy used since us car guys take such good care of them. Keep your options open. Look everywhere, gather information. The entire country is your shopping place. Don't limit yourself too severely on color, engine or manufacturer. When you find "the one" you will know it.

AZ Bob

[mikiec]

Pat,

What is the date for this route66 festival? I knew it was coming up soon but did not have a date.

[mikiec]

Pat,

What is the date for this route66 festival? I knew it was coming up soon but did not have a date.

[Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB]

Welcome to Kingman, Arizona: Home of the 2014 Int'l Route 66 Festival Weekend after this. Aug 14-17.

AZ Bob

[Short Cake]

I was in Kingman with my Cobra not long ago and saw a car show with several Cobra's. Also, roadster vs. coupe. There is a guy named Russ Thompson that has a vendor site on Factory Five Forum. He owns both. He is a good source for parts for both cars and can tell you that the coupe is a much harder build and requires a lot of patience and mods. Look him up under "Russ' Garage". Welcome to AZ.

[ffr 1137]

Welcome Grumpybadger.

Something tells me you're a Cheesehead. Just a guess. My gal is too. She's got
family in Kingman so we'll probably do the '66 Fest, depending on whether the
dogs say it's OK or not.

Mike

[Karl Bebout]

Grumpster, I had been thinking about a coupe for additional creature comforts and something different from the "can't-swing-a-dead-cat-without-hitting-a-Cobra-roadster" style. I'd thought I'd want to keep my roadster anyway but fortunately, I got the chance to TRY to get my 66 year old, 6'2", 210# lard arse into one. Granted, I've lost a lot of flexibility but I had a really hard time so decided I'd forgo the AC and continue to suffer through, as I have the last 20 years. Don't know your size or shape or age. Just saying, a coupe is a lot harder, for me, at least, to get into.

[mikiec]

Karl, Just cut about 8 inches off your legs. You will fit fine. Keep the Mick Fleetwood pony tail.

[DWRAT]

Welcome GrumpyBadger.
Ya there hard to get into, but once your in there's nothing like it.

[mikiec]

What he said. Like the first time, well never mind.