Hart Kelley says, “Owning a Roadster has been a must have since it raced at the 12 hours of Sebring when I was in high school. A lot of years past, and a lot of miles in the air as an airline pilot, until I was able to retire and have my dream car.
The kit was ordered from FFR in January of 2021 and I signed up for and attended the Michigan build school in the February 2021 class. Can’t say enough good things and knowledge gained while there. The Kit arrived on July 5, 2021 and the serious work started. Being retired and having a nice work shop and great neighbors to lend an occasional helping hand, the build progressed pretty quickly. One set back was a month off for a left knee replacement and then back at it, rolling around the shop on a roller stool.
By November of 2021 had it to Go Kart stage and then got the body on and looking like a car by mid December. The biggest delay was waiting three months on my friend to get me into the paint and body shop. Spent the time driving and tweaking.
I wanted the color to be close to Merlot wine and Tom did his magic and mixed up a few samples until we were both happy. Seven weeks, 2 spray coats of gelcoat, 2 base coats, 4 color coats and 5 clear coats and the finished product put a gleam in my eye and a big smile on my face.
Back home after the paint, it took a month to put all the bling on and to stand back and admire my lifelong dream, finally a reality. The car is a dream to drive and hugs the road like it is attached with Velcro.
I flew Cobra helicopters in the Army and was able to get a Florida custom tag with the Army letter designation for the aircraft, AH-IG. Which was a finishing touch.
Thanks to all at FFR who answered my questions and guided me through the process. It has been well worth the time and effort.”
Congratulations Hart on graduating your dream car. Enjoy the miles and can’t wait to hear more!
If you are interested in learning more about Hart’s build timeline and specs, please read more below.
Build Timeline:
Mark IV Build Kit 147307 ordered January, 2021
Mott Community College Factory Five Build School Feb 26, 2021
Kit purchased Jan 15, 2021
Kit Delivered July 5, 2021
Go Kart Nov 15, 2021
First Drive Dec 15, 2021
Paint and Body Apr 27- June 25, 2022
Final Completed Assembly July 15- July 28, 2022
Complete Kit:
Powder-coated frame
Hyd clutch
Body cut outs
Black Leather Seats
Power Steering
IRS Kit
GPS Gauges
Polished Over-Riders
Wind Wings and Sun Visors
Dual Chrome Roll Bars
Side Louvers
Wilwood Brake upgrade
Extra Brake Reservoirs
Halibrand 17” Replica Wheels
Items Installed
Blue Print Engine 302/347
Holley Sniper
Tremec TKX-5 Speed
Gas-N Stainless Side Pipes
Aeromotive in tank fuel pump
Dark Water mirror bracket and Door trim
Forma Automotive Door latches
Herb Fraser Leather Door Pouches
Finishline Automotive front bushings and shoulder harness covers
Tubular Automotive Coolant hoses and connections
Performance Plus- Braided fuel lines and Hyd clutch lines
Hydraulic Supply- Power Steering Hoses
Second Skin sound and heat insulation
Summit racing- Cup holders
CJ Pony Car- Leather headrests
Discount Tires
Mike Franchuck- Stainless side pipe covers
Metco Motorsports- Drive shaft safety loop
Interstate M-51 battery
Jeff Miller- fiberglass hood scoop
Piggyback Customs Covers
Breeze Purchases:
Fan Shroud
Lower Radiator support
Dash Reinforcement
Forward Battery Box
LED Headlights and taillights
Custom Seat Mount
Russ Thompson Purchases:
Throttle pedal
Brake and Clutch pads
Turn Signal mod
Outside Support/Advice:
Henry’s Hotrods Punta Gorda Florida
Paint and Body Work:
Tom’s Kustoms Cape Coral, Florida