View Full Version : Gonna be a crazy five weeks!
fact5racer
09-05-2013, 09:43 PM
Picking up my painted. mounted body this Saturday morning so that gives me around 5 weeks to finish it for SEMA. Seeing I can only work on it nights and weekends, it's gonna get pretty crazy around here.
Picking up main body on Saturday morning along with the hatch so as to get the new engine cover fabricated and the rear hatch installed and mount it's lexan rear hatch glass. Monday I'll be picking up the hood and doors. Sparky is coming over Tuesday night to help me tie in the wiring in the lights and dash. Another guy is coming over later in the week to wire in the control module for the rear wing and start testing it's operation. Going in for upholstery on the 23rh which should take a week. Hoping to get my VIN on the 7th of October. Going to need to register an old junk 84 S10 blazer that went to the salvage yard (I kept the title) so as to get the vanity plate that I need made so that I have it in time for SEMA. That way once I get my VIN I'll just transfer the registration over to my GTM.
David Hodgkins
09-05-2013, 11:58 PM
Gary, are we going to get a few sneek peeks along the way? Looking forward to seeing what you come up with this time!
:)
68GT500MAN
09-06-2013, 10:29 AM
Yea, no photo's - it didn't happen!
fact5racer
09-06-2013, 04:40 PM
With five weeks to finish it, do you really want pictures now? Wouldn't you rather see the finished product?
The Stig
09-06-2013, 09:03 PM
We've all seen the previous three GTM's that you've produced. So we can't help but be a bit impatient to see this next one debut! :)
fact5racer
09-09-2013, 09:58 PM
rear Lexan hatch done with holes drilled, modified engine cover completed, both rear wheel wells done with screens for cross through venting of my oil cooler and supercharger's intercooler. Diffuser installed, gas cap and hose installed, front electrical plug setup installed for when removing nose. Tomorrow going to start tackling interior wiring.
fact5racer
09-19-2013, 10:08 PM
21641
rev2xs
09-20-2013, 01:36 AM
I seriously cant wait for the finished product :)
How is it going by the way? Are you still on schedule?
21641
fact5racer
09-20-2013, 05:00 AM
12 days ahead
Kalstar
09-20-2013, 06:38 AM
12 days ahead
You big tease. What does the wing do again?
fact5racer
09-20-2013, 08:43 AM
You big tease. What does the wing do again?
Helps with aero dynamics
David Hodgkins
09-20-2013, 09:27 AM
That shot deserves to be full size!
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=21641&d=1379646474
SUPERCHARGED, BABY!
:)
kabacj
09-20-2013, 04:52 PM
Looks great Gary!
PLENTY of time!
Look at the bright side. You will get months of work done per day. I wish I could help.
John
fact5racer
09-21-2013, 11:27 AM
http://s1172.photobucket.com/user/fact5racer/media/wing1.mp4.html
FFR-ADV
09-21-2013, 01:28 PM
Hi Gary,
Looks great! Are you going to add fixed links forward of the pivot so that the attack angle is adjusted as the wing is raised and lowered?
Cheers!
fact5racer
09-21-2013, 06:13 PM
No, it's took a lot of time, and money designing this set up as is. It is controlled either manually or it can be switched into automatic mode. Right now it is configured to raise at 45mph and lower down at 20 mph.
FFR-ADV
09-21-2013, 06:19 PM
I hope I get to see your final car. Very nice work!
Kalstar
09-21-2013, 06:28 PM
No, it's took a lot of time, and money designing this set up as is. It is controlled either manually or it can be switched into automatic mode. Right now it is configured to raise at 45mph and lower down at 20 mph.
I thought it was a self righting mechanism.
carbon fiber
09-22-2013, 08:10 AM
gary, you're supposed to take the Viagra, not give it to the car!:p
LCD Gauges
09-22-2013, 10:19 AM
We have the same tape measure, can we be friends?
Cool idea with the spoiler actuators. Can't wait to see the entire car.
Looks great, I can't wait to see it in person!
Fraser D
09-22-2013, 06:55 PM
Looking good Gary. It looks like I am one of a long line of folks that would love to see what you end up driving out of your workshop.
Edgeman
09-22-2013, 07:20 PM
Gary,
Did you make the grille around the mufflers and what is it made of? Can't wait to see the finished product.
fact5racer
09-22-2013, 07:58 PM
Yes, It is billet aluminum and I also have one being machined for the gen2 front opening also Car is now at the upholstery shop for 4-5 days
The Stig
09-24-2013, 09:14 PM
Ok. Roughly 1/2 way into the 5 weeks. You've got another cool GTM to spring on everyone, and you've got us all on pins and needles waiting to see what's coming. How are you feeling about it?
Take care Buddy!
fact5racer
09-24-2013, 10:09 PM
Looks like if things keep going as planned I will be done 2 weeks ahead of my deadline. Dave wants to unveil it at FFR ont he 26th of October. It's at the upholstery shop having the carpet installed. Glass to be installed on either Friday or Saturday. Shooting for registering it Oct 7th, then full buffing after that and then the last thing is graphics. It's really wild!
f7ben
09-24-2013, 10:50 PM
Looks like if things keep going as planned I will be done 2 weeks ahead of my deadline. Dave wants to unveil it at FFR ont he 26th of October. It's at the upholstery shop having the carpet installed. Glass to be installed on either Friday or Saturday. Shooting for registering it Oct 7th, then full buffing after that and then the last thing is graphics. It's really wild!
How long will it be at FFR and its looking awesome....cant wait to see it gully unveiled
VD2021
09-24-2013, 10:55 PM
Gary,
When do you plan to put it on the dyno. I'm eager to see the curve and total HP and Tq.
fact5racer
09-29-2013, 09:23 PM
It's only gonna be at the factory for that Saturday. Then it's headed in the transporter with Honeybadger the next day for her vegas vacation :-). It got it's initial tune but they wanted me, and I agreed, to put a couple hundred miles on it to break it in before it's final tune on the dyno. Soundproofing and carpet is done. Windshield and 1/4 windows installed. Hatch reinstalled. center "batwing" installed along with driver's dash pod. Brake bias adjuster installed in the driver's ac port. Just realized tonight that the Shroth harnesses have the wrong ends on them so I get to take advantage of living so close to their warehouse so on the way home tomorrow I hope to get them swapped over from eyelets to hooks seeing I have their eyelets mounted into the car everywhere. This week is wiring, finish up the doors, have it ready for it's trip to the DMV next Monday for her VIN #.
fact5racer
10-09-2013, 05:09 PM
Wiring is 100% done, doors hung and installed, dash all installed and working fine. Car was all buffed out today. Going in tomorrow for graphics. Wiring didn't get done in time for Monday's VIN inspection so she won't see her VIN numbers and registration until the 21st. Sent the wheels out for new powdercoating to perfectly match the stripe. Install seats and harnesses this weekend.
fact5racer
10-15-2013, 10:00 PM
Well, she's about done. Going in Saturday for final alignment and corner scaling. Then with luck I will get my VIN number on Monday. Do some test driving, then on the 23rd more testing on the wing's operation before final mounting of the wing. I got some great news in regards to it's placement at SEMA but it's still in confidential mode but it's gonna look outstanding at the show for sure! Pictures will be shot and posted at it's unveiling on the 26th at FFR
Fraser D
10-16-2013, 05:00 AM
I can't wait to see how it all turned out.!
WIS89
10-16-2013, 11:27 AM
Dude-
What a crazy tease you hung out there...
Can't wait to see the final unveiling! It is going to be awesome.
Any more pics you can share?
Regards,
Steve
fact5racer
10-19-2013, 04:58 PM
Well, its now aligned and corner scaled. Going for VIN on Monday. Sad part is with shipping to SEMA just a few days away I'm scared to drive it at all, so I think the testing of the wing at speed will have to wait until after the show. The wing will be mounted, and I can remotely move the wing up and down but I think to be safe, this close to SEMA, that I'm going to wait till later for serious road testing. Of course the worst part of living in New England is that by the time it gets back here to my house it may be too late for that. Sounds like a trip down south this winter may be in order. But the bright side is that the car looks incredible and so far everything seems perfect. Only one person so far likes the look of the KONI car better, everyone else likes this one more.
fact5racer
10-21-2013, 06:20 PM
VIN rcieved, now registered. Went for my first ride around the block.
fastthings
10-21-2013, 06:38 PM
VIN rcieved, now registered. Went for my first ride around the block.
Sideways? LOL
The Stig
10-21-2013, 07:36 PM
Bring it down to Charlotte. I'm sure we can figure out something to do with them...
fact5racer
10-23-2013, 11:21 PM
Well, she's all done except for detailing. The wing is working sweet! All that's left is cleaning and delivering to Factory Five on Saturday, then heading to Vegas on Sunday
The Stig
10-24-2013, 08:49 AM
Way to go Gary! I knew you would pull it off again. Have fun at SEMA.
Kempo
10-24-2013, 09:44 AM
Congrats Gary. Can't wait to see this one.
johngeorge
10-24-2013, 10:20 AM
Great job Gary!
kabacj
10-24-2013, 04:49 PM
Great job getting the build done ahead of time Gary. A trip down South sounds like fun. You can burn off a few sets of those free toyo tires.
John
fact5racer
10-24-2013, 10:07 PM
Well. all that's left is loading her up for her virgin trip to her homeland and get the pleasure of seeing the look on Dave's face.
http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r567/fact5racer/IMG_06451.jpg (http://s1172.photobucket.com/user/fact5racer/media/IMG_06451.jpg.html)
65 Cobra Dude
10-25-2013, 11:28 AM
Looks awesome as usual Gary. Can't wait to see her in person.
Henry
fact5racer
10-27-2013, 03:33 PM
http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r567/fact5racer/IMG_06511.jpg (http://s1172.photobucket.com/user/fact5racer/media/IMG_06511.jpg.html)
WIS89
10-27-2013, 05:15 PM
That is an incredibly fine looking machine! She is stunning! Congratulations on a wonderful build.
Thank you also for sharing. I have really enjoyed watching her come along.
Regards,
Steve
longislandwrx
10-28-2013, 08:07 AM
Unbelievable in 5 weeks. Nice work.
SoulsofBlack
10-28-2013, 08:20 AM
damn!!! Looks good... kill em at SEMA
Fraser D
10-29-2013, 05:44 AM
Nice one Gary!
fact5racer
10-29-2013, 07:01 AM
Nice one Gary!
Dave, I'm actually gonna be in Houston on saturday
Fraser D
10-29-2013, 08:53 AM
Dave, I'm actually gonna be in Houston on saturday
Sounds like a good excuse for a beer :-)
PM with contact details sent.
The Stig
10-30-2013, 11:21 PM
http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r567/fact5racer/IMG_06511.jpg (http://s1172.photobucket.com/user/fact5racer/media/IMG_06511.jpg.html)
Very nice Gary. When do you guys leave for SEMA?
silas1234
11-01-2013, 07:40 AM
Great looking car
The Stig
11-16-2013, 10:34 PM
Congrats Gary.
You've built another awesome GTM. Toyo got some great publicity thanks to you and your efforts. Factory Five got some very nice first impressions (as usual) as people streamed into the convention center. Everyone who came in had to have been floored by the Cool GTM on a 45 degree angle display. They may not have immediately known the name of the builder, but all of us here on the FFR related forums sure do.
How many people can say that they have built 14 cars in their garage. Hell, how many people can say that they have built 1? Not only have you built an unbelievable number of cars, but most of them have gained incredible accolades, awards, and overall awesome press. Your cars have been on the covers of various magazines. They have been used in print advertisements. They have been used to great effect in furthering the awareness of Factory Five Racing in so many ways. You've even had a GTM digitalized for the Sony "GT" video Games.
So many people, beyond this forum have seen your work in these cars and admire it. They recognize the cars that you build imediately. You've made impressions on people that you'll never even meet. However, they may not know the name of the guy who built the cars that they have admired. But all of us here on the FFR related forums do.
What you've accomplished in the course of all of your builds is incredible. I'm sure that I am not the only person who has been impressed by your acheivements. You should be very proud of the work you've done in your garage over the years.
Again, Congratulations Gary!
Mike Baskin
Charlotte, NC
fact5racer
11-16-2013, 11:35 PM
Thanks for the kind words Mike, As you personally know, even before this years SEMA, that this was to be my last build and I feel it's the best one I have done to date. Test driving it today I can tell it is sick fast. On it's virgin drive today I stopped for gas. In the time it took for me to walk inside to pay for my fuel......I returned to three cars parked around it with them taking pictures of it!
I do plan on keeping this one for at least a year and if the economy stays good and I start getting back on my feet financially after having put over $70,000 into this car over these past 9 months, then I hope to do some open track events with it just so as to stretch it's legs. As you know, I did buy a donor to build a 818R so as to drive something a bit more "disposable" on the track but I think it's time I step away from building FFRs and going to SEMA for a while and concentrate back on business and racing my KTM. I figure at 57 years old I won't be young enough to race off road much longer. I don't know if I can fit my Depends under my riding pants.
The Stig
11-17-2013, 11:49 AM
Thanks for the kind words Mike, As you personally know, even before this years SEMA, that this was to be my last build and I feel it's the best one I have done to date. As you know, I did buy a donor to build a 818R so as to drive something a bit more "disposable" on the track but I think it's time I step away from building FFRs and going to SEMA for a while and concentrate back on business and racing my KTM. I figure at 57 years old I won't be young enough to race off road much longer. I don't know if I can fit my Depends under my riding pants.
Hopefully you won't be stepping away completely. Take care Buddy.
fact5racer
11-17-2013, 12:24 PM
Hopefully you won't be stepping away completely. Take care Buddy.
Of course not! I'm just going to go from "building" to "enjoying" for a change of pace.
sk7500
11-17-2013, 06:07 PM
PM sent.
BTW your car looked awesome @ SEMA and it was great to finally get to meet you.
Steve