Jim and Cecily T. Graduate Their Mk4 Roadster!
Congratulations to Jim. and Cecily T. from Heathsville, VA on graduating their Factory Five Mk4 Roadster build! They received their kit in April 2024. “I was in no rush since I planned on enjoying the build just as much as cruising in it,” said Jim. “Goes back to my old drag racing days in the 70’s. Tinkering on that car was as much fun as racing it.”
Jim’s plan for his Roadster build also included building up a 427 stroker engine as well as doing the paint as he saw it as an additional part of the build that he would enjoy greaetly.
In addition to the 427 stroker, Jim built his Mk4 with a Tremec TKX transmission, IRS, stainless steel side exhaust, and Halibrand wheels. Jim also did his own custom wood dash and center console with a lifelong background in commercial wood woorking.
“My wife Cecily suggested the American Eagle veneer inlay to make it extra special,” Jim wrote. “I used Quartered Figured Eucalyptus veneer for the dash due to the nice crossfire look of it in the light. Of course, the alum. dash panel had to be made into a rigid curve at both ends for this to work. I got the door panels from Herb Fraser in Newton, NJ. He sent me the wood inserts ahead of time so I could veneer them to match my dashboard and tie the door panels into my finish scheme nicely. I trimmed the dash bottom edge and sides of the console with solid brass angles. Forming them for the dash curves took some time. I did that to tie it into the brass ring in the steering wheel.”
Jim and his friend Ed C. did all of the body work and paint for his Roadster. “Ed was the very best at coaching me through every stage of it, setting up the spray guns, fixing my screw ups, letting me know when really good was actually really good if you know what I mean. We shot 4 coats each of color and a grand total of 7 clear coats before blocking and buffing quite a bit of it off. Could not be more pleased with the results of the finish, the fenders are absolutely perfect (at least to me). Could not have done this level of finish without Ed’s expertise. He is a master at the craft no doubt about it.”
“On the road with it now and could not be more pleased with the process and end product we were able to build. I do however miss the building process,” said Jim. “Thanks also to the Factory Five Technical support team for helping with any questions I had during the build.”
