Text From Live Chat With
David Smith from Factory Five Racing
April 11, 2002
| admin |
Welcome to FFCobra Chat
|
| Bill |
Welcome to the FFCobra Live Chat
with David Smith! Thanks David!
|
| Lancair
IV |
hey guys. Is this working?
|
| fljmarz |
just testing to see if this works
|
| Lancair
IV |
Seems to be! This is awsome!
|
| Bill |
Hi Carl! Glad you could make it!
|
| Bill |
How many people do you guys think we
will have?
|
| Bill |
That would be very cool if we got
40!
|
| Lancair
IV |
give or take 25
|
| Lancair
IV |
this is a great set up. Nice job!
|
| CobRat |
Nice piece of software
|
| Bill |
Galt did all the work to get this
going
|
| CobRat |
Builds cars, builds servers. What's
next?
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Bill asked me to be here today to
answer questions about FFR. I am happy to do this and I figure
you guys deserve as much information as we can provide.
|
| David
Douglas |
hey bill, is David already on? what
will his username be so we can ID his responses?
|
| Robrph |
i think people will pop in and out
actually... I know im at work right now, heading home! How is
everyone!
|
| sbrookeinmd |
is this moderated in some way?
|
| RacingRob |
To see the latest questions do we
just send empty mesg ?
|
| CobRat |
Is the SuperCoupe the replacement
for the 275?
|
| Robrph |
strange the text doesnt keep
rolling???
|
| Lancair
IV |
What is the status of the 289 FIA?
|
| MikeS |
Hows the midengine car coming?
|
| fljmarz |
Hi Dave, this live chat is a great
idea!
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Let me just get my sea legs under me
and figure out how this all works.
|
| Robrph |
Gordon.... thank you from everyone
for all your help!
|
| CobRat |
It's like riding a bike
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Gordo, didn't I just finish with you
on the phone? Alright. Lets start with the mid engine car
|
| MikeS |
take your time... we just want the
skinny on the mid-egine car!
|
| Richard
Oben |
Maybe and opening statement is in
order. Just a litte update on the status of FFR
|
| Robrph |
Hey Bill we should have a live chat
on the forum too! just an idea!
|
| Bill
Lardner |
Good afternoon David
|
| Gordon
Levy |
Your Welcome, So when do I get all
this bear I have been promised
|
| Richard
Oben |
Gordo I want Beer no BeAr. HE HE
|
| Robrph |
Gordon hope you mean BEER~! HEE HEE
|
| sbrookeinmd |
gordon: got a thing for Bears?
|
| Bill |
Mid engine pictures?
|
| Gordon
Levy |
Dave, Small world isn't it? I look
forward to finishing our conversation.
|
| Rick
Young |
David, I just joined and have not
yet seen any messages, so I will start with one. I have FFR 3243
and paid the price increase but didn't get all of the attributes
that the MK-II cars are shoen to have. How do I get the rest of
the MK-II items?
|
| CobRat |
Baer. No stop that!
|
| Gordon
Levy |
I never said I could spell
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Thanks to Bill for inviting me here.
Thanks to all you guys for feeding my car habit. A few quick
notes on the mid engine car to start. It has a mid endgine
platform.
|
| Richard
Oben |
Tough crowd, Dave are you wearing
your thick skin.
|
| John
MacKechnie |
Dave, Is it possible to set up a
spec racer without the shoulder high bars, but leave the door
bars in place. I really like that idea. Could the doors be
opened if that was done.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
On the mark II upgrades I'll give
you what I can (welded backbone is tough) but let's do that
off-line on the phone.
|
| MikeS |
Give David the floor and let him
tell us what he wants, and wait for him to open the floor for
questions. please
|
| Gordon
Levy |
John, We have done a few cars with
door bars that allow for the door to work. Give me call.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Custom mods can alwyas be done (spec
racer sans bars or with IRS) however the margins we run at
(lean) mean that custom stuff always costs more than we really
charge. Custom questions on frame can go right to Jim in
engineering. We can do just about anything, should we do it is
what makes the difference between a good year and going bust.
|
| Rick
Young |
I must be doing something wrong,
when I posted my question I then got the data up to that point
but nothing since!!
|
| michael
everson |
Mike Everson is present
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
No problem, if I miss a question
just keep after me but maybe we should try to stick to subjects
first like ME Supercar questions or the like. I'm sure we'll get
better at this as time goes by.
|
| Robrph |
Keep hitting return and the text
will refresh!
|
| CobRat |
Rick. Press {F5} or REFRESH
|
| Lancair
IV |
What is the status of the 289 FIA?
|
| Bill |
David - Please tell all about the
mid-engine car and future fun stuff
|
| RacingRob |
If you hit the send button with no
msg in it. The page will refresh and you'll see new posts.
|
| Galt |
Rick, you may have an older browser.
To refresh the screen you can hit the "Send" with
nothing in the Message box.
|
| Robrph |
see guys named rob think alike!
|
| Rick
Young |
OK, it seems to be updating now maby
I just had to wear a rut
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
This is really cool. Now I know why
people use these dang things.
|
| Rick
Young |
Where is the photo of the new car?
|
| Robrph |
UT oh bewtter NOT get dave hooked on
chat forums.. we want car parts! Hee Hee
|
| michael
everson |
Dave whats the scoop on the new
super car
|
| CobRat |
Back to Bill's Q. What powertrains
are you targeting?
|
| Eric
427 Shelby |
I finished my physics lab quickly,
just to get here!!!
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
We have had molds from the old
contemporary company for a few years. The small block version
car with the petty bar and gas cap in the middle.. We have that
car in development for the last few years. Not much wsas
|
| Robrph |
lets all shush and let dave tell ua
about the new SUPERCAR..... Go for it dave... ALL INFO were
reading!
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Right now the 64 roadster CE
(Champions Edition) is being built. I have molds done for body,
doors, hood and trunk (yes with nipple). The MK II frame is
being changed to adapt to that body but right now it's not
available. There is a FFR customer doing the work. The 64
roadster CE will be sold if it passes muster after being built.
|
| Rick
Young |
If you are shooting for a Mustang
donor, are you going to use the newer platform and save a lot of
extra assembly work, and cost?
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
I'm still talking about the 64
roadster CE and the plan is for the same platform (ala 65
roadster) same running gear and obviously folks would use an old
HI-PO 289 motor.
|
| BBC71Nova |
Is there any chance that FFR could
offer a special time promo that would allow current owners to
get a discount on options/upgrades? This would help us upgrade
and get new Mark II stuff, 3-link, adj upper CAs, etc. I think
that would be great since us with older kits missed out on the
new upgrades and fixes to problems like wheel-hop. Other
companies do similar things and I think it does great things for
customer satisfaction which will definatly spread the good word
for FFR.
|
| Richard
Oben |
Good Now mrmustang will leave us
alone. He He
|
| Eric
427 Shelby |
First off, thanks for comming and
talking with us, I know this question has come up before, but i
don't think it was ever anwered, can you tell us the supplier
for the leather you use in the cars, I can not find a match to
it anywhere.
|
| Eric
427 Shelby |
I like Ricks idea!!!
|
| Lancair
IV |
Will it be avialable this year?
|
| Rick
Young |
I'm not familiar with the '64 CE
car.
|
| Bill |
David: Will the CE be a retro body
or will it be a new kti?
|
| Advil |
admin, you need to do this moderated
next time.  too busy for this
format.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Even though the upgrades are
significant, we got a huge deal due to volume. I have to look at
a case by case basis on parts but if you guys want to upgrade to
newer parts I think we can do it at our costs or just above.
Things like the new upper control arms are easy. The rear
brackets for the frame you would have to weld on (that elims any
wheel hop issues cause they are hieght adjusrtable) seats (easy)
the backbone is tougher since the mods require a narrower trans
tunnel if i sent you the steel alone to be welded in
|
| Rick
Young |
Is that the Small Block body that I
have heard you are working on? To be different than the FIA?
|
| Rick
Young |
These messages are not getting in in
time.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
I agreed not to use that term and
we'll sell our car as an ORIGINAL DESIGN FACTORY FIVE CAR. The
64 roadster CE would have to be a separate kit really tough to
retrofit.
|
| Robrph |
Hey Eric hope you taking notes... By
all.. im heading homr... ROB
|
| fljmarz |
I know it’s not the current topic,
but I’m going to have to log off soon & I’m not sure
if/when I’ll be able to log back on. All my questions are
about the California 250gt: Is this still an active project? If
so: What is the projected release date? Will it be a 5.0-based
car? Will you be bringing it to Carlisle? Will it have an IRS
option? Will it have a carbon fiber body option? Will it have an
optional soft top? Thanks Dave!
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
It's a kit that should make Mr
Mustang happy. You don't think I missed all those posts did you?
|
| BBC71Nova |
David, that would be awesome.
Specifically I was thinking about the rear CA mounts and front
adj. upper CAs. That is better than spending dough on Autowelds
and widgets. Maybe we can get a post going here later to check
the interest.
|
| Rick
Young |
Is there any reason I can't weld in
a 'back bone' and make it fit to the aluminum I now have?
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Here are the R&D projects
underway.
|
| Tim
S |
Dave, We just started to find out
about F5 and Miller. Can you tell us about how it happened and
what it entails.
|
| Eric
427 Shelby |
another suggestion, can you make the
dialog box for the conversation larger, like up to the header
for the ffcobra line?
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
ME Supercar, GTV8- Italian inspired
roadster with Jag V-12, 64 roadster CE, Musttang aftermarket
parts line incl IRS and three link for 5.0 guys, let me think,
The black convertible (no name yet) is getting a new arse end,..
|
| CobraEEARL |
what happened to the R & D list?
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Dave borden welded in his own
backbone. i can get you our pre-cut parts but like I said the
aluminum has evolved.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
I'm going as fast as I can, please
excuse typois
|
| Bill |
What engine for the supercar?
|
| Bill |
no problem... type away. I'll
correct the spelling before saving everything to a web page.
|
| Gordon
Levy |
You spell as bad as me
|
| CobRat |
Consider this creative & not
corrected. We'll understand
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Miller beer and Mark weber came
together one night. I yelled over at Webs and he says he's got a
HUGE shipment of posters and the like (no live supermodels 
|
| TOYOKOGYO12ATURBO |
CORRCET THIS: GRIEJEUC
|
| Bill |
OK< where's my posters?
|
| Gordon
Levy |
We will take some posters anyway.
|
| Eric
427 Shelby |
.....um....there
was a car in that picture?
|
| Tim
S |
I know that MANY of us would LOVE to
get our hands on soem posters. Is there any way that we could
get some?
|
| mikiec |
Gordon if you get the posters I want
one...OK
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
This is part of a truly huge
national ad vcampaign. i think a miller exec had a car and
tought it would be a good way to attract beer drinkers. We
thought beer drinkers would be a good way to attract car
builders
|
| RacingRob |
WE NEED POSTERS!!!
|
| Tim
S |
Maybe even buy them off your
website?
|
| CobRat |
Works for me! Any pilsner in a
storm.
|
| Gordon
Levy |
An you think you deserve one how?
|
| Lancair
IV |
Everyone participating in this
should get one!!!!!!
|
| Tim
S |
Normally beer and cars are a bad
mix, but this seems to work.
|
| Richard
Oben |
With proceeds to Team Jenny. Miller
will pay for the poster for charity.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
We'll have plenty of posters and the
like, no charge. The car war ours the guy was Dave
"Hollywood" Z. a welder at FFR
|
| BBC71Nova |
Being that, like the Mustang, there
are tons of LT1 and LS1 F-body Chevys hitting the boneyards,
what about a roadster that uses that as a donor? The 89-93
Stangs will eventually run out and some people just like Chevy.
Painless makes the harnesses so I doubt it would be too much
trouble.
|
| TOYOKOGYO12ATURBO |
Even though I'm only 18, I'm gonna
start drinkin' tonite
|
| Bill |
pleeeaaaase give us Mid-engine
supercar details!
|
| BBC71Nova |
POSTERS: What about setting up a
paypal and using the money for Team Jenny? There are enough
computer geeks here that we could get it lined up.
|
| Rick
Young |
I can follow Dave Bordens' idea ok,
I just need the critical locations for the connections and some
rough dimensions along with a recommendation of material. You
know, the basic idea to get started and not end up doing
somethning that has to be redone due to unforseen interferences
with existing structure and panels.
|
| Olli |
Yes, mid engine car details please.
|
| Richard
Oben |
Bow ties are for little boys dare to
be different.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
We have thought a ton about the bow
tie crowd. There is a future with the 350 chevy and the newer
motors/drivetarains, nothing in development right now though
(outside of pure R&D)
|
| CobraEEARL |
toyokogyo12, i bet you drink
already. fess up
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Supercar stuff?
|
| CobRat |
I just wish FoMoCo was as aggressive
in Crate engines and HP EFI setups for their BBs
|
| Tim
S |
I'd just like to say thanks to Bill
and Dave for setting this up today.
|
| TOYOKOGYO12ATURBO |
only on school days 
|
| mikiec |
Gordon, If I don't get one I'll come
by the shop every day and pester you and the gang...
|
| Gordon
Levy |
Bow Tie? what's that?
|
| Bill |
YES! Supercar! Focus everyone! 
|
| BBC71Nova |
Richard: I don't have a Chevy in my
FFR. However, in business, a sale is a sale and diversification
always helps . That LS1 is SWEET!
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
This'll take some typing so have
some patience please.
|
| Gatorac |
Yes. We need supercar info.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Huge thanks to Bill for setting this
up. Let me give you the things I can go into on the su[percar.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
We're not building a GT-40 replica.
Hold on my daughter's school is on the line.
|
| mikiec |
Dave, My car is done but what is
being done to address the back order situation others have?
|
| Bill |
you're welcome, but we ALL think
you! And we want supercar info!
|
| Eric
427 Shelby |
Bill, ya know what, i
"think" you too!
|
| CobRat |
Wouldn't it be nice if Ford had a BB
EFI motor to compete w/the GM 502 Ramjet
|
| Richard
Oben |
Building a GT40 would be suicide
with Ford coming out with one.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
let me go through backorders next
and finish on the supercar.
|
| Rick
Young |
The best thing about 'bow ties' is
that they give a novice something to practice with until they
are ready for some real power.
|
| CobRat |
Filler while waiting for Dave's
return
|
| CobraEEARL |
I had zero backorder problems.
everything came in before i needed it. Only one item never
showed...and FFr made that good on simple request, the weather
strip under the door. No back order problems HERE. Now about
that super car
|
| Gordon
Levy |
The Ford version isn't any
competition for a well built Replica.
|
| TOYOKOGYO12ATURBO |
How 'bout rotaries?
don't hurt me.
|
| CobraEEARL |
Dave, what grade did you make in
TYPING in High school??
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
We started out by baselining all of
the world's best mid engine cars. We looked hard at the GT-40,
the McClaren, the diablo and the lotus all for different
reasons. The GT 40 was just too small
|
| CobraEEARL |
Hope the call from the school was
not serious.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
The opportunity came to a head when
I was at the SEMA show. We were studying the Saleen S-7 on
display. FFR customer Cheney was crying cause he couldn't have
the car (S7)
|
| CobraEEARL |
Must be a lot to say about this car.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
No problem at school.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Back to the GTM-200
|
| CobraEEARL |
and, and, and, ??
|
| Eric
427 Shelby |
Hey Bill, anyway we can make the
dialog box for this conversation larger?
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
The concept (drives the project from
start to end) was alot like the first FFR roadster
|
| Olli |
Earl, let the man talk..
|
| Gordon
Levy |
Dave, When I go to register the GTM,
what does it look like so I can get it titled as a 65?
|
| Bill |
Eric: yes, next time. We don't want
to change anything right now.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
The roadster concept was "can
we build a car for guys like us with the engineering of a high
end replica but price it where we could afford it ourselves. The
Mustang donor concept was born and the rest was execution and
history. That is the power of a solid concept. We needed the
same powerful cioncept for the supercar.
|
| Tim
S |
Bill, you said that this will be
posted? Sadly I have to leave soon.
|
| Bill |
how many years will it take to make
this happen?
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
The concept is to deliver a real
world class supercar kit that can be built for less than $35K
total with modern handling aerodynamics and ergos. Here's where
we are now.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
The deadline for a working prototype
is July 1. Production is 100% unpredictable. We have to evaluate
the prototype and force it through the remainder of our new
product development flowchart. perhaps more rigidly than ever
before owing to the importance of this kit.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Ford small block 289, 302, 351
powered
|
| CobRat |
How do you avoid "The Osborne
Effect" where you freeze everyone's ordering while they
wait to see the new car?
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Body is a combination of old school
and new school. Engineers are at the shapers today to approve
the completed body shape. Everyone who has seen this car has had
their brains melt and started sobbing and begging for us to
build it.
|
| Tim
S |
Does anyone else feel like a kid in
a candy store?
|
| Eric
427 Shelby |
us to! but we are sobbing and
begging for just picture too...
|
| CobraEEARL |
I see this unit as appealing to a
different set of folks...I will bet the average buyer has
already built another kit. so I doubt mr Osborne will get
involved
|
| KARTMAN |
Is FFR sending a rep down to FL for
the Phoenix Project?
|
| Gordon
Levy |
Yah, But they won't tell you what
the candy is.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Obsorn effect doesn't take into
consideration the I don't care cause I'm building cool race cars
for a living effect. This was clearly established by Mark Smith
in 1994 after quitting his job and lying to me about starting a
race car company that the whole world agreed would be financial
suicide. Just kidding. I don't know.
|
| sbrookeinmd |
yea...how about a picture?
|
| CobRat |
The risk is that the cash flow stops
while we're waiting for info on the new car.
|
| deane
boothe |
Will the build be based on a donor
car?
|
| CobRat |
I do like the passion though
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Is the phoenix project John
Phillips?
|
| CobRat |
That and the builder community is
what got me hooked on FFR
|
| KARTMAN |
Yes, John Phillips!
|
| Gary
Evans |
I don't want to change the topic but
want to echo BBC71NOVA It would be sweet to get some of the new
upgrades near cost, I would be particularily interested in the
brackets I could weld on to get rid of the wheelhop. Could be a
cheap easy fix.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Hell our cash flow is just great
without legal bills. I think though that the mid engine car is a
whole different animal than the hot rod roadster
|
| Advil |
Argh I hate to change the subject
also, but which holes on those new brackes are really best to
use? The bottom or middle?
|
| Eric
427 Shelby |
can you tell us some of the future
upgrades planned for the roadster?
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Let me have weber draw up costs of
ALL Mk II upgrades for you guys. They will cost less than you
think.
|
| Lancair
IV |
have a great evening guys. Gota go.
Thanks Dave.
|
| KARTMAN |
Why has FFR not pursued power brakes
on the roadster?
|
| CobRat |
But as you can see from this dialoge,
us animals are the same. We live for the next build.
|
| Richard
Oben |
Post some pics of the Mid engine car
on the FFR site and let us know when they are up. Even if they
are just artists sketches.
|
| bbSantaCruz |
yes, and if updates are planned for
the spec car...
|
| CobraEEARL |
Lets all give a cheer for POSITVE
CASH FLOW. wish i could say that about Confidential Recruiters..
|
| richsnake |
please bring a drawing of the "supercar"
to Carlisle..Thank You!!
|
| Bill |
David could you email me a picture
of the supercar so I can post it?
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
ahhhhhh too much information... must
not overload.
|
| deane
boothe |
What transaxle has the MESC been
designed around?
|
| fljmarz |
I’ve got to sign off now; PLEASE
don’t forget to answer the questions on the California 250gt.
Thanks Dave!
|
| Bill |
What performance targets do you have
in mind for the supercar?
|
| Richard
Oben |
Dave jost relax and speak your mind.
|
| Bill |
Calm down David, have a beer
and tell us more...
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Let me finish on the GTM-200. No
changes to the roadster god no it's perfect. On the rear
brackets start at the top (for street) that is the original spot
which is awesome for roll center, work your way down if you meet
mr. wheel hop. Don't assume you'll have wheel hop it's tires and
motor/trans dependant
|
| Tim
S |
Better yet, have a MIller...maybe
you could win a car.
|
| Richard
Oben |
Kartman, Power brakes are not
needed.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
SPEC racer is done done done (except
maybe allowing gear changes and bigger brakes and diff tires in
the series but that is a rule change and not kit related) The
car is just right for me.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Where is that Miller guy when you
need him
|
| cobra7 |
Dave, have you ever thought about
financing half of the kit cost at a reasonable rate of interest
and helping the younger generation get into the FFR Roadster?
|
| Richard
Oben |
Leave the spec car alone make them
learn to easy on the brakes.
|
| David
Santi |
Hi David, just popped in to say hi
and give you a thumbs up on the Shelby thing.
|
| CobRat |
You could do a tie-in w/someone like
GE Capital or MBNA
|
| Eric
427 Shelby |
hey i am young (18) and I have one
in my garage now, (i love you dad!)
|
| bbSantaCruz |
thanks Dave. i'm planning on
ordering the spec soon.
|
| Richard
Oben |
The problem is how do you colaterize
a pile of paarts.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Back to the GTM-200. The name says
it's target speed. We're talking a HUGE amount of engineering at
that level. We've farmed out alot of work. We have wind tunnel
testing to do. Keep in mind the goals. We keep sacred our
mission to delivering the roadsters at a reasonable price. The
supercar is no different. It is a holy mission to deliver a
Saleen S7 type vehicle at a cost a regular guy like me can
afford.
|
| dwharper |
Dave (sorry if this was covered
already) I'm still a gearhead wanna-be but learning. The build
manual for people like me, well, stinks. Are there any plans to
significantly improve it? PLEASE??
|
| Gordon
Levy |
Eric, Is Dad Adopting anyone else?
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Hey Santi, hope I see you at Knotts.
|
| CobRat |
Collateral would probably come from
the adult co-signer.
|
| CobraEEARL |
Gordon, beat me to it.
|
| CobRat |
As adult as you can be playing with
these things
|
| Haywood |
Dave, is the supercar ina coupe
configuration, as opposed to roadster?
|
| David
Santi |
Thanks Dave, I'll try, kinda hard
with a 16 month old girl and another on the way.
|
| Eric
427 Shelby |
hey, maybe he will adopt a new FFR
Supercar!!
|
| deane
boothe |
Dwharper, use these forums which are
an always current build manual and more !
|
| Richard
Oben |
dwharper, all the help you need is
on the forums. If you can't build by with the manual which is
not perfect but not bad. Then maybe you should consider having
it built or finding someone local to help you.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
The build manual is fine for now. I
might have wanted it updated except for the fact that the forums
are so strong in support. I know it could be better but it won't
get the attention against the backdrop of all the other
priorities right now.
|
| deane
boothe |
Haywood, 200 mph in an open top car?
Yikes !
|
| Bill |
Is the Supercar open?
|
| Richard
Oben |
200 in anything is a little scary!
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
The GTM is a coupe with a 41"
height and 98" wheelbase. It is designed to use three
different transaxles, an Audi (350 hp) a custom (450-500 hp) and
of course the "sell your wife and kids" ZF
|
| Gordon
Levy |
Life begins at 200mph
|
| Haywood |
Audi, Panoz, Caddy, et al.
|
| deane
boothe |
Well said Richard !
|
| Richard
Oben |
SB Ford with a transaxle 5 speed
with AC I see my wife in a new driver already. Sort of hissss
and hers.
|
| deane
boothe |
WSC cars? Come on, this is a street
car, too
|
| CobRat |
200 w/98" WB Yikes!
|
| Haywood |
So would you say it's closer in
scale to the Saleen S7 or the Ultima? Or is a retro body style?
Something like Jim Hall would have?
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Depending on the report from the
engineers tonight, I'll post body and frame photos on our
website before the end of May. As an enticement I'll have them
brought to any FFR event from now till then. Knotts will have
them there
|
| deane
boothe |
[I should mention this is Mike
Braddock on Dino's computer as Dino is at Karate right now]
|
| Richard
Oben |
Dave I understand someone, from FFR,
is coming to the Mid America Challenge in Topeks KS in July, Is
this true.
|
| Haywood |
Deano, at 200 mph a WSC isn't too
far off the mark.
|
| deane
boothe |
If Knott's will have them, we must
have them. Or it'll be anarchy I tell ya .
ANARCHY!!
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Let's make this clear. 200 mph is
where big planes take off. Can Am cars killed people at those
speeds and this was only said to give you guys an idea of the
seriousness and commitment we have made to this project. I'm
confident that the wheelbase combined with the entire package
will meet the design goals and do so in a safe fashion. There
really is no such thing as a safe race car though.
|
| toyokogyo12aturbo |
Do you need any test driver's. I'm
young and stupid?
|
| Gordon
Levy |
Is that why your wife won't let you
ride with me?
|
| David
Santi |
I've gotta check out for now, I'll
try to come back later. Maybe I'll see you at Knott, Dave
|
| Haywood |
Dave, run snowmobile engines and
ducted fans, that would suck them to the ground!
|
| CobraEEARL |
Mike, You been hanging around Deane
Boothee TOOOOOOO long. Anarchy my arsh. That Deane after 2.5
beers.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
If you want to understand the ME
project (we call it the GTM) just ask yourself how many times
have you picked up a Car and Driver magazine, gotten all worked
up about a cover car, then after reading the article found only
one problemn with the car. $345,000 . The goal is to close that
loop for the first time. Body is not too different that the
Ultima but with some vintage cues.
|
| Ray |
I just joined the disscusion and
this may have been answered already, but I have several items
that are back ordered. What if anything is being done about the
back log of parts to builders?
|
| Olli |
Ultima GTR or CanAm??? Please say
CanAm..
|
| Haywood |
Thanks dave, I've been seriously
looking at an Ultima, but I have a new ZF6speeder, your package
would be top of the list, if I could use that transaxle.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
This is a real challenge for us as a
company. We wanted to do this a few years back and both Mark
Smith and I agreed we weren't ready. We have operational issues,
MIS issues, real growth challenges but in the face of all those
things we knew the company needed organizational maturity to
embark successfully on such an endeavor. keep in mind how few
companies do ALL the engineering (Saleen didn't, etc).
|
| deane
boothe |
Haywood, what was your address again
? Haha!
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Let's talk about backorders and
current orders for a while.
|
| CobRat |
Why do it all? Today you can
partner.
|
| CobraEEARL |
Always a hot topic.
|
| CobRat |
Buy keeping everythin in-house,
you'll hit "terminal velocity" faster.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
We have built over 2500 kits of our
65 roadster. The parts challenge has gotten more attention than
any other single problem. Let me give you some background but
first let's make a few things clear. Anyone who is not happy
with any part or delivery can call me directly. I have hired a
full time position to work on demand to answerr any questions
about parts delivery. New paragraph
|
| RacingRob |
I gotta take off. Let me leave you
with this, we need some nice FFR emblems for the nose and trunk,
and I need one of those Miller beer posters!
|
| Tim
S |
Well, I have to finally go. Thanks
again Bill and Dave. I can't wait to see the GTM! PLEASE let me
(us) know how we can get some Miller posters!!
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Here's where we stand.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Badges are being made as we speak, I
don't have costing info but they are side badges only and no
nose (I like the nose clear)
|
| dpittman |
Are you going to offer FFR badges
anytime soon?
|
| MikeD |
Dave, what's a "custom"
trans? reworked Porsche?
|
| kellerscobra |
When we receive an incorrect part,
why do we have to pay for the return shipping?
|
| kellerscobra |
When we receive an incorrect part,
why do we have to pay for the return shipping?
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
On parts delivery I have implemented
changes that were posted to the forum some eight months ago. The
biggest problem is the nature of the cottage auto industry and
the nature of the supplier relationships at our volume. You may
think that 500 units per year is impressive but the large laser
cutters and fab shops laugh at such orders.
|
| Ray |
repost: I just joined the disscusion
and this may have been answered already, but I have several
items that are back ordered. What if anything is
|
| CobraEEARL |
I like a nose badge. In fact, mine
has a funny looking snake on it.
|
| Ray |
...being done about the back log of
parts to builders
|
| DragonSnake |
My impression is that the problem is
not with the fact that parts are being backordered, but with the
way the paperwork and communcation is being handled
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
If you get an incorrect part you
shouldn't have to pay for return shipping. If the part is in
question we usually ask for it back to verify. you'd be
surprised how many times folks think they have the wrong part
when they have it upside down or are looking and desribining
different things.
|
| DragonSnake |
I have been waiting on a pair of
seats and a headlight for almost 6 months. Not because the parts
weren't there, but because my paperwork got lost in the system
somewhere.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
I think the biggest change will come
from our new addition (+12,000 sq feet) already under
construction and our new CNC machines that will bring parts
in-house that we currently wait weeks/months for.
|
| Richard
Oben |
Back orders are always a Probelem.
Better now than before but Like Dave said it is part of the
industry. Although we try and understand it is hard. If we
complain and say I wont pay for parts unless I get them it adds
to the problem as now you would have to have some that does
nothing but deal with credits etc. And Yes even us
dealer/builders wait on parts that are back ordered.
|
| Richard
Oben |
On another note very rarely does it
slow the build down much. We turn cars over in weeks or a few
months and very rarely do we have a problem with waiting on
parts.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
If you notice the office has been
cut 100% out of the picture. When you call there is no longer
any "paperwork" forwarded to the office, it all stays
in packaging. Seats have been lagging behind in production for
two years. That is one of the reasons we started carrying
different seat styles. headlamps... the lucas tooling was broken
and they just don't move very fast. Some folks might be able to
get a part or two from someone, problem is we ship THREE kits
per DAY. Out of 2500 kits we have never had anyone not get their
parts. NO-ONE wants you to get your stuff more than me.
|
| Bill |
OK, only 25 minutes left. We have
about 85 people watching, so can we open this up for general
questions?
|
| Richard
Oben |
That is a point that no one
realizes. If Dave had no backoreder problems he would have few
other problems as the labor involved in backorders is huge as is
the UPS bill.
|
| Gordon
Levy |
Dave, How about a challenge between
you and me in spec racers?
|
| DragonSnake |
To be fair, I should point out that
I haven't started my build yet. If I had, I would have gotten my
parts by now. I just don't like being the squeaky wheel. BTW, I
am very impressed with the quick responses I have been getting
to my emails lately.
|
| Eric
427 Shelby |
how about my leather question, i
can't match the FFR leather to anything and i need some...where
can i get it???
|
| Mick40 |
Dave, I have not purchased a kit
yet...but, because of fourms like this and there support I will!
Not to mention FF5 makes a great product! Thanks for taking the
time today.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
I have a question for you guys. You
have made everything possible for me, my family and the people
who work here. Technology allows this form of communication, I
will be happy to do this on a regular basis if you want. I think
it can have some drawbacks in time commitment but I can't think
of a better way of getting a straight answer. What do you guys
think?
|
| Eric
427 Shelby |
i like the Dave vs. Gordon idea!!
that would be great!
|
| larry |
I am not sure what to ask, but i
will say that i hope i dont have to many back ordered parts.
reason being, sometime in july or august my company is holding a
open house and just about all of the Atuomotive OEM,s and Tier 1
auto suppliers will view the car. I am sure the FFR will be the
center of attention.
|
| carbon |
dave, I sent you and mark an e-mail
about badges today. did you have time to review it?
|
| Ray |
Dave, is your e-mail up and running?
I have some questins I would like to ask yu but don't want to
tie up the Chat room with them. (mcedward@pacbell.net)
|
| Sleekcraft
Steve |
How about another "scratch
& dent" auction at this year's open house. I wish you
had dont that last year.
|
| Eric
427 Shelby |
love the idea Dave
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
On the leather, call Alicia
(materials manager) I'll instruct her to get you what you need
gratis for your nice participation here today.
|
| Sleekcraft
Steve |
Sorry that should have read
"done one last year"
|
| Eric
427 Shelby |
thank you so much!
|
| oldguy668 |
Dave, I think it's a great idea if
you could find the time to come and chat with us once every now
and then. I think you'll get sick of it alot sooner than we
will. I haven't said much today, because I thyought I'd let all
the kids get at you first.
|
| Richard
Oben |
Regular sessions what a good idea.
Remember we (forum guys) are not a majority of the buyers. We
are however the most vocal and informed ( I hope)
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Do you think i would risk my life
against Cowboy gordo... Well maybe. I heard there's a May 18
NASA event at PIR in Phoenix. Please don't email me. I get about
40 emails a day. A letter is better seriously or give me a call.
|
| COBRAaEarl |
Yeah, if you did it at nite, it
would not take our/your work time....at least once per month....
|
| oldguy668 |
Richard...we may very well represent
a majority of current buyers...
|
| Eric
427 Shelby |
Dave, if i have further questions
and want to direct them to you, do you read your e-mail on a
regular basis?
|
| bbSantaCruz |
great idea dave. gotta run, thanks
so much for being here. hey, if you ever need an electrical
engineer, i'm looking for work!
|
| Richard
Oben |
Oldguy do the math. There are 2500
owners and about 600 registered forum guys.
|
| Eric
427 Shelby |
hey while your here, i am in school
now for Mechanical Engineering, would you consider an intership
oppertunity for me over the summer, or a future summer?
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Open House. Last year I read some
posts that some folks were bummed out about the event. I posted
something like "I had fun..." Truth is I told Weber to
make sure this years' event blows people away. I have a
segregated attic full opf parts for charity auction, painted
carbon body, aluminum stuff, lot's of rejected and RGA Chrome,
all of it will be available for the charity auction on JUNE 8
|
| COBRAaEarl |
How about an industrial
engineer/manufacturing engineer. I think I know where a
semi-retired IE/Headhunter is available. will work for cobra
parts
|
| Sleekcraft
Steve |
Any way to print out this chat onto
the forum so others can read the entire chat?
|
| COBRAaEarl |
and beer, forgot about the beer!!
|
| BBCNova |
David, I think this is awesome and
would be great as a regular thing. Also, what about a newsletter
that gets distributed by email? Should be relatively inexpensive
and a way for us to keep up with FFR happenings as well as major
events throughout the country. I think the surveys were great as
well. Just too bad I didn't win something
|
| Richard
Oben |
June 8 I will come up and pay pay to
play with cool toys. No band right!
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Send internship stuff to Jim or
Jesper in Engineering. Eric, call me off-line I'll make it a
point to get to you.
|
| oldguy668 |
See..I'll just shut up
|
| robrph |
Cobra Earl thats BEAR... per Gorden!
hee hee
|
| Sleekcraft
Steve |
Excellent!! I will make sure Lisa
takes the Cherokee so I can fill it full of parts. Good time to
try out the roofracks!
|
| COBRAaEarl |
we are not done yet, are we?? I
seriously like the idea of getting update parts for about
cost.....THese low back seats have always worried me a lot.
|
| CobRat |
Imaginary Engineers on this forum?
|
| Eric
427 Shelby |
copy and paste the whole thing in a
word document, (ctr a, ctr c, then in word ctr v)
|
| Eric
427 Shelby |
thank you so much!
|
| Eric
427 Shelby |
thank you so much!
|
| DragonSnake |
Thanks for chatting Dave. I'm proud
to support a company who cares about its customers!!
|
| Chick
FFR Racer |
Is Dave still in the house?
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Open house will have a band, a dyno
(or someone has to play launch pad for the big block car)
|
| Bill |
DAVID: Before you leave, thank you
very much for joining our FFCobra live chat. This was the first,
so it will only get better in the future! Anyway, thanks again!
|
| toyokogyo12aturbo |
tank yee!!
|
| David
Borden |
Yeah... is Dave still in the House
???
|
| COBRAaEarl |
Bill this a super idea. !!!!! Pretty
damned smart for a Texan.
|
| CobRat |
Dave: Hope you appreciate how
infectous it is when we encounter a Maniac on a Mission.
|
| Sleekcraft
Steve |
Dave, if you need assistance for the
food for the open house, have Mark Weber give me a call or email
(cobra1476@hotmail.com) I could probably get one of our drivers
to drop some stuff there in the morning. I think we deliver down
there on Saturday mornings.
|
| David
Borden |
Yeah... is Dave still in the House
???
|
| Richard
Oben |
Bill said he would edit for spelling
and post it for all of us to look at later. Oldguy, I think the
forums are great but FFR has to see the whole market and
although we are a good bellweather we may not be everything they
need us to be. Oh yea Dave thanks for being here. I had fun. Wow
2 hours went by in a hurry.r
|
| COBRAaEarl |
Bill this a super idea. !!!!! Pretty
damned smart for a Texan.
|
| deane
boothe |
Well said DragonSnake. Thanks a lot
Dave. Good luck with your current projects and keep up the good
work!
|
| COBRAaEarl |
Bill this a super idea. !!!!! Pretty
darned smart for a Texan.
|
| BBCNova |
You mentioned earlier that FFR has
MIS issues. What about us helping with that? Nothing better than
joining career with hoddy ;-0. A few of us here are in MIS. Lots
of opportunities there.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
You guys have it all backwards. I
work for you. Anyone who says that owning a company means not
having a boss is wrong. I work for you guys. My biggest job is
teaching everyone we work with that there is only one boss. I
owe you guys a debt I could never repay. Team Jenny has raised
over $500,000 in two years. That's beyond words
|
| deane
boothe |
And thank you too Bill...and
everyone else responsible for setting up this discussion. It
really worked well.
|
| Eric
427 Shelby |
that is great news
|
| robrph |
Wait till the Spring FLing!
|
| robrph |
Wait till the Spring FLing!
|
| CobRat |
Will code for parts!
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
I have about a week left before
we're done with our next newsletter. It is a monster. Has to be
cut down from book size. I think we'll post e copues on our
website but still do a mailing
|
| BBCNova |
Thanks Dave and Bill! Now I got to
go home and SAND ;-(
|
| Chick
FFR Racer |
Hi Dave, Mary Borden just popping in
for a visit.
|
| Jim
Gunther |
Great Chat - Thanks Dave and Bill
|
| Chick
FFR Racer |
Hi Dave, Mary Borden just popping in
for a visit.
|
| Jim
Gunther |
Great Chat - Thanks Dave and Bill
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
e coupes means electronic copies in
too-fast-type
|
| CobRat |
You don't have to cut down the Web
version
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Mary Borden. Have I told you what a
lucky guy Dave is lately?
|
| Bill |
you're welcome, thank you all for
coming and not scaring off David. Thanks Galt for getting the
software working.
|
| CobRat |
E-mail PDF versions and cut down
your mailing costs. (Same goes for the build manual)
|
| Eric
427 Shelby |
Hey Bill, can we have this chat room
up all the time, you would get instant answers to all yuor
questions form whoever is on it!
|
| Bill |
We will leave this software in
place, www.ffrog.com/chat
|
| Richard
Oben |
I don't know if you can but email
those you can and send the rest. It dropped our costs by about a
third.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
You guys have plenty of time to beat
me up still
|
| fiveliter8 |
Howdy all from sunny St. Louie!!!
|
| fiveliter8 |
Howdy all from sunny St. Louie!!!
|
| Richard
Oben |
Back to work. Cheers Richard.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
Bill, Great job, maybe it would be
easier for our guys to keep a line open all the time.
|
| CobRat |
I'll trade you an up-to-date build
manual for a PDF version on CD
|
| COBRAaEarl |
You gonna make it to SOUTH CAROLINA
next weekend for the spec racer series??
|
| David
Borden |
Well.. I am a lucky guy... but this
chats about you Brother
|
| sbrookeinmd |
what kind of presence will you guys
have at carlisle?
|
| Chick
FFR Racer |
Thanks Dave
I think your wife and family are pretty lucky too!
|
| COBRAaEarl |
You really should put a Build manual
on a CD...
|
| Galt |
We've had well over 100 vistors
today with 85 users currently on line!
|
| Chick
FFR Racer |
Dave, if you need any IS help let me
know. David and I are both computer geeks and I have 12 years
system management under my belt.
|
| CobRat |
If you were going to be happy w/~40
are you happy now?
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
We'll be at Carlisle same as ever.
Weber is trying to get an FFR customer corall for all FFR cars
at the show. Call him up with Q's. I'll have three cars at the
SC event and Art Totten will be there with an FFR rolling
chassis. My flight plans have to get changed since I'm flying
out fri PM (no good)
|
| COBRAaEarl |
Actually, would it be good to offer
an ONLINE manual??
|
| fiveliter8 |
Agh, the main chat window isn't
refreshing.
|
| CobRat |
True. A lot of us Gear Heads are
Wire Heads too. Cars give us something tangible to work on.
|
| CobRat |
I was going to provide an HTML index
if Dave took me up on the PDF CD offer
|
| eladner |
I agree with the online build
manual. It could be updated/downloaded more frequently than a
printed manual.
|
| COBRAaEarl |
is it 5;00 yet
|
| Galt |
fiveliter8, you may have an older
browser. If you hit the Send key with nothing in the Message
box, your screen with refresh. I tried to resolve this problem
until about 4:00 am last night, but no success. I will try to
resolve it by the next chat.
|
| sbrookeinmd |
the capital area cobra club will be
there in force but it's not all FFR's
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
I think we better talk about this
idea of yours on the phone. Excuse me Mr. Smith I have a Mr. Cob
Rat on the phone...
|
| David
Borden |
If you have the manual in Word
Format I would be happy to convert it to PDF. I have Version 5
here at work and could turn it around in just a few minutes.
|
| CobRat |
I'll have my people call your people
|
| Trav |
It would be really great if we had
an on-line build manual that user could update... Oh wait,
that's what this forum is
|
| Go
Hard or Go Home |
Hey Dave, will there be any more
tweaking to the MK II frame? Like for a power brake booster?
Hood hinge? Small things like that?
|
| Chick
FFR Racer |
Dave, PDF format rocks. Anyone can
download Acrobat Reader for free and view your manual. Easy to
update and republish too.
|
| Chick
FFR Racer |
Dave, PDF format rocks. Anyone can
download Acrobat Reader for free and view your manual. Easy to
update and republish too.
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
The more the better from my
perspective. Do you want to merge one big area or keep separate.
We'll go either way, don't want to exclude anyone anytime no
matter what. How else are we going to brain wash them, make them
sell their cars, buy FFR's etc. "Step right over here mr.
Johnson and we'll try on your nice new brown shirt"...
|
| CobRat |
I have Acrobat 5 as well and was
thinking of putting an HTML wrapper on it so that you could do
direct access to the individual sections/pages with a browser.
|
| Eric
L |
Well, tecnically we don't have the
rights to duplicate the build manual since it's copyright FFR.
That's the idea though, Trav
|
| CobRat |
Back to the cars...
|
| FACTORYFIVERACING |
The Mark II is done for a long
while. Funny that you mentioned the hood hinge, but no I need to
re-direct some resources to new projects. The Mark II and Spec
racer are set set set. I've got to sign off here. Just wanted to
thank you guys for the hospitality and tell Bill the first
session was a good learning experience. Thanks to all.
|
| Trav |
I still like the idea of a build
video. A picture is worth a thousand words...
|
| Galt |
Hey Dave, if we create a forum for
"Ask Factory Five" like Ask Engineer Ed, would you
have someone from FFR respond to posts?
|
| Richard
Oben |
Dave LOL on the brown shirt. I mean
Rolling. Alain and I almost made them for the Mid am and thought
it would be bad taste.
|
| Eric
427 Shelby |
i heard that the new hood hinge has
a sping mechanism as the method to hold the hood open....is that
true?
|
| Advil |
Personal issue, I got one of the
last sets of GOLD rear coil overs, and am missing parts. Your
people said they were going out. True or no? I
|
| Chick
FFR Racer |
By Dave! Great job Bill.
|
| Advil |
oh no prob dave. bye and thanks.
|
| fiveliter8 |
Thanks, galt. That works.
I thought work might be trying to block me
|
| Chick
FFR Racer |
Hey, I see Mark Smith on the user
list. Mark are you lurking?
|
| Bill |
OK, I'm going to copy the posts and
put them on a web page. This will be the last post.
|
|
