| 5 Years Later - How is the Rodster Doing? |
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| Well, I've had my Rodster completed for about 5 years. I thought I'd make this new page so you would know how I feel about it, and how well it's holding up. I still feel great about doing this project, and I still love my Rodster. Overall, It's still holding together remarkably well. The only thing that has fallen off has been the radiator overflow bottle cap. Not the Rodster's fault. It still turns heads, and still is a blast to drive. The quality of the body is now showing through. No cracks, fractures, or any other problems that happen with fiberglass bodies. Everything is still just holding together. Since I've gone through and made sure every nut and bolt is tight, everything is still where is is supposed to be. This was prompted by the wheels almost falling off. Don't forget to check those lug nuts on the custom wheels! I finally found LED tail lights for the Rodster. The supplied rear lighting could NOT be seen during the day. These LED lamps replace the rear lenses and have an 1157 base attached for easy installation. Some grinding was necessary on the surrounding bezels, but all it took was about 15 minutes of work. Very much worth the $60 for the parts. I don't remember where I got them, just do a search on the Net for 39 Ford LED lamps. Don't get the replacement LED bulbs since LEDs have to point directly rearward, or they can't be seen. I've driven it about 5K miles since completion, and the gas MPG is bad, but I think thar's because I can't keep my foot out of it. Also, I wish this had been built on something that has hop up parts available. There are virtually NO performance parts available for the 4.3l V6. Not that performance is a really big issue, just that street rods are supposed to go like stink. Hardly any chrome dress up available (valve covers) I guess that my single biggest complaint is how flexable this thing is. Between having too much spring in the back, creating a really harsh ride (I've actually had the rear wheels off the ground on big bumps) and having to move out the doors to align with the body, there are lots of squeaks, creaks, bumps and general noise. Also, I'd like to get the doors from moving in two planes. I've actually gotten nicks in the paint from the doors moving. A 6 point roll cage would correct most of these problems. Maybe door poppers to hold the in and out movement. I also put in KYB high pressure gas shocks, maybe not a good choice. Finding insurance for this thing was also a big problem. I just found a new company to insure the Rodster, after looking for 5 years. I'm now going with Parish Heacock (800 678-5173) I'm saving $75 a year, and it's better coverage. No deductable, and coverage if you're not with the car. I was suprised that there was no insurance if I wasn't behind the wheel! |
| So, overall, I'm a really happy camper. I don't regret 1 minute of owning this vehicle. It still makes me smile every time I drive it. Having about $16K total in this and having such a unique car is a great deal. The Miracle paint is still as good as new, also a great deal at $2K and change. I've really not had to spend much on keeping it running, although the new cruise control switch stoped working shortly after install. So, thinking of building a Rodster? Go for it, you'll never regret the investment! |
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