Deathrulls build start

[deathrull]

Got delivery late Friday night 10/4/13 and Scott the delivery guy was awesome. Couldn't believe he pulled into my yard for drop off but it made it so much easier:) Burned the midnite oil and finished out the inventory. Woke up bright and early on Saturday to get it going. Got the body off and hoisted in the overhead out of the way. Installed the front suspension and brakes with no major issues. Started the rear suspension and with some consternation and a little blood shed managed to get it almost to the point of ready for install. Apparently one of the bolts had bad threads because it ate two nuts before figuring it out so stopped for the night. Started again Sunday morning after a trip to lowes to replace bolts and nuts destroyed the night before:( rear end ready to go no second body to help so started pulling aluminum to prep for powder coat etc.. Found some help and now have rear suspension complete minus coil overs as the springs are on back order. It took some doing but seems to be right:) I can definately tell it is going to slow down a lot from this point as I will be waiting powder coat after each step. Tomorrow start on pedal assembly I think. Soooo many panels to not lose track of. Haven't figured out how to post pictures yet sooooo guess that will come later. Work will be in the way so I will need to buy some lottery tickets to eliminate that distraction:) more to follow.

http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/deathrull/library/

[riptide motorsport]

Congrats!! Your speeding along.

[DaleG]

That's pretty quick!

[68GT500MAN]

Congratulations on the delivery. You are making great progress in the build.
Doug

[Avalanche325]

Congrats!!!!

[deathrull]

We'll it has been a couple of weeks now and haven't had much time to work on it. Need to resolve the whole working to pay for it dilemma:) have the pedal box installed including MC's and I went with the wildwood hyd clutch setup. Not sure how to adjust them yet. Power steering rack is in as well as the fuel tank. I also managed to get the heater/defroster box mounted but haven't riveted in the firewall panel yet because the 3/4" support tube looks really close and may have some routing issues with the vent tubing so have think about it some more. Looks like I have some time this weekend so it looks like the next section in book is starting interior panelling. Time to figure out the jigsaw puzzle:) just wish the back order parts would get here. I seem to be missing one component from each major assembly so far. I don't want to get to far along without finishing them up and losing easy access

[2bking]

Hi Deathrull,

I'm about a month ahead of you in the delivery and a month behind in assembly. I too have been held up waiting on back ordered parts which gave me time to think about the modifications I am planning/doing. I've been bending sheet metal for foot box and trunk and moving some of the small tubing in the frame.

My method that works on my computer for inserting pictures is as follows:
I save my pictures on the computer and compress them to document size using Microsoft Office as there is a max size per picture allowed. Place your cursor in the location of the reply where you want the picture to appear. In the top of the reply window is an icon that looks like a picture. Click on that and a small window will open. Click "basic up loader" in the bottom right corner if its showing and/or select the "from computer" tab. Then "browse" to the location and select the photo(s) and click "open" in the computer window which should return you to the original window. Click "up load file(s)" and the picture(s) will appear as a thumb nail in your post. At the bottom right of the reply window is a tab "Go Advanced" that you can select that will let you preview your reply so you can see the final results and edit as necessary. Sometimes it will not let me select multiple pictures so I have to load them one at a time.

Hope that helps.

[edwardb]

Pictures posted as 2bking describes certainly works. I don't know about this one, but typically forums have a relatively small amount of storage available for pics uploaded directly to the forum, so you could run out of space pretty quickly. What a lot of guys do, including me, is post pictures into a photo sharing site and link them into your thread. Many of us use Photobucket. The free account has enough space for hundreds of pictures. They're easy to upload by just dragging into the upload screen. You don't have to resize them. Then display the uploaded picture. On the RH side of the screen is the URL info needed to link into your thread. Open/edit your thread in one window. Open Photobucket with the pictures you want in the other. Cut/paste the links into your thread and you're done. Harder to describe than it is to do.

Good luck with your build! I'm about a year into a Mk4 build and you're catching up with me quickly. This is my build thread over on the other forum: http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/299597-mk4-7750-build-progress-update.html

[deathrull]

Ok thanks I will try those out:) I don't feel like I am moving that fast through the build. It more seems like 2 steps fwd one step back lol. The directions leave a lot to be desired. Like now after fitting the htr/defroster assembly and seeing the interference with 3/4" vertical tube I have decided to go with the firewall fwd kit to make a little more room. I have mostly finished the drilling of the passenger side cockpit aluminum and driver cockpit minus foot box. I have never used cleckos and those are a huge timesaver. I also have a buddy that works with which also makes it move quicker. But still have to wait on the powder coater. Not using a glove box but decided on the rear cubby mod. Fairly easy layout and easy to do ( so far:) would love to get the back order parts though they are really killing me. I have now been contemplating the fuel/brake lines. Thinking about upgrading to SS tubing. Just need to get off work early enough to call breeze and order. Also I don't think the kit came with the brake reservoir since I upgraded so have to order those as well. I will go through the boxes again but don't remember seeing them. This is getting long so better stop:)

[deathrull]

Well figured out how to link the all list just not the individual pictures guess I will do that later. Gotta get some work done on the car now:)

[deathrull]

Got a load back from the powder coater:) so I now have the passenger side interior done and the driver side mocked up and drilled. Still need to modify the clutch pedal for the clearance and get the rest of the interior over to PC. Gonna start on the trunk tomorrow. Opted for the firewall forward kit to alleviate the heater box issue so that piece will need to be redone now. Good news is I have an awesome template for it. Hope to get the fuel lines and brake lines started this weekend as well. Finally ordered the engine. Was going with a 351 based Windsor but after talking to the engine builder for the same money I can get a stroker 427:) 351 dart block stroked and poked so all dimensions work with what I have ordered. May be a bit of overkill but only time will tell. When all the dust settles I suspect close to 600 HP. I have determined that the instruction manual is more like a reference:) and the aluminum panels are a real sweet jigsaw puzzle. I may need to get more rivets:)
http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a627/deathrull/DSCF7011_zpsbfd83fbd.jpg (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/deathrull/media/DSCF7011_zpsbfd83fbd.jpg.html)

[deathrull]

Oh yeah and there is cruise in tomorrow downtown the I will have to go to and hope that an FF5 shows up to so I can see one up close and personal to see where I am going next:)

[deathrull]

Unfortunately no FActory Fives at the cruisin downtown to glean info from:( Managed to get a little more done. Brake lines are plumbed with the exception of the reservoirs. Upgraded to 3/8" fuel line and using the 5/16" for return based on some of the discussions here. But they are bent and mostly installed need a few fittings yet but the hard part is done. Most of the interior panelling is done as well. Stuck until I get the firewall fwd kit and get it installed. The trunk pieces are ready to go in but I am holding off until get the wiring harness installed based on some of the other build threads. Looks like I am awe fully close to ready spray in the lizard skin on the interior. Been really fun so far. Hope to be ready to install the motor and tranny by the end of November. That might be ambitious though hehe. By the way running the back brake inside the driver side foot box is NOT an easy task. More like bend and hope:)
http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a627/deathrull/GOPR0169_zps5066ea7f.jpg (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/deathrull/media/GOPR0169_zps5066ea7f.jpg.html)
http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a627/deathrull/DSCF7013_zps9c3a7759.jpg (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/deathrull/media/DSCF7013_zps9c3a7759.jpg.html)
http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a627/deathrull/DSCF7014_zps4a6519a5.jpg (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/deathrull/media/DSCF7014_zps4a6519a5.jpg.html)

[deathrull]

I almost forgot. Any body put a front sway bar in? If so which did you get get? I have seen the high dollar 16 way adjustable one but not the average everyday joe one. Also which size would you use? 3/4",7/8" and 1" are the sizes mostly available I have seen. I just don't know what would fit or if it is even necessary. I can't imagine it wouldn't though.

[edwardb]

Your build looks great. Sway bars? I think the answer is depends on how you're going to use your car. If street driving/cruising and even drag launches then not really required. For Auto-X and track use, I think many use them. There are some guys with specific experience that can give more details for this use. It would be easy enough to complete your build, drive it and see if you think really required, and add later. I've got just over 3,000 miles on my Mk3 and handles great for street driving with no sway bars.

For pictures, I posted earlier about using PhotoBucket. See you've got your pictures there but only posting the library link. Easy to post individual pictures now that you're this far. When in the library, click on an individual picture. It will expand and fill the window. Over on the RH side, there are the words "Link to share this photo." Underneath are boxes is labeled "IMG" and "IMG thumb." Either will work. Click on the "IMG" button. The box will flash "Copied." The IMG link is now copied into your Windows cut/paste buffer. Go to your thread and put the cursor where you want the picture to appear. Right click your mouse, and left click on the "Paste" option. Or you can just use the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl-V" The link will paste into your thread and display the picture when previewed and/or saved. If you use the "IMG thumb" choice everything is the same, just puts a thumbnail into your thread that requires clicking to expand. Hope all this makes sense. It really is much easier to do than to explain.

Keep the build and thread going!

[chopthebass]

Good progress!
I am at the planning stage so constantly think of build questions!

I am considering powder coating the aluminum panels. Whats the best way to identify them after powder coating? If they are left raw they can easily be labelled. I suspect every panel is cut to fit one location only.

[deathrull]

Instead of marking them I mounted them then drilled them just like I was installing. This made a unique it only fits in one place hole alignment. I then took the panels in groups to the powder coater. For example passenger side interior first then did driver side interior then trunk pieces. I thought about round metal marker medallions attached by wire per piece but in the end didn't use them. I have not done the panel stuff before never heard of cleckos. They are definately your friend when doing this stuff. The cleckos have a tool to install them (looks like a set of pliers) by the way:) I didn't know that hehe. The panels are a big puzzle for sure. I also left them installed as long as possible before I un mounted them. I still had to look at others build threads at times to see exactly where it fits. Oh yeah I still have quite a few pieces left that I have no idea where it goes that are in the misc panel box. Hopefully somewhere in the instructions I will eventually know where to put them:) I made a few block off plates then found them after the fact in that magic misc box. I guess now I have spares:) The pieces pretty much only fit in one spot but the hard part is does it fit under or over its adjacent pieces that is also pretty important for fitment.

[chopthebass]

Thanks!
What colour powder coating are you doing? And will you use the standard metal coloured rivets?



Instead of marking them I mounted them then drilled them just like I was installing. This made a unique it only fits in one place hole alignment. I then took the panels in groups to the powder coater. For example passenger side interior first then did driver side interior then trunk pieces. I thought about round metal marker medallions attached by wire per piece but in the end didn't use them. I have not done the panel stuff before never heard of cleckos. They are definately your friend when doing this stuff. The cleckos have a tool to install them (looks like a set of pliers) by the way:) I didn't know that hehe. The panels are a big puzzle for sure. I also left them installed as long as possible before I un mounted them. I still had to look at others build threads at times to see exactly where it fits. Oh yeah I still have quite a few pieces left that I have no idea where it goes that are in the misc panel box. Hopefully somewhere in the instructions I will eventually know where to put them:) I made a few block off plates then found them after the fact in that magic misc box. I guess now I have spares:) The pieces pretty much only fit in one spot but the hard part is does it fit under or over its adjacent pieces that is also pretty important for fitment.

[deathrull]

I went with satin black for all the aluminum. I figured it would be easier to keep clean looking that way. The gloss black definately looks great but any dust stands out on it. The heavier metal pieces like the hinges etc I went gloss just because they are high visibility items and easy to wipe off. I am just using the standard rivets that came in the kit. I waffled back and forth on it but kinda like the stitched together look of aluminum rivet on the black background:)

[deathrull]

Ok back in business:) finally received the firewall forward kit and it had excellent fitment right out of the box. Got it prepped and powder coated and installed. Very happy I waited and did this. I am now working on spraying in the lizard skin and it is not that hard a job. Definately has made a difference already. Working on the last couple of coats of the ceramic coating now and then it is on to the wiring harness. Should also get the engine this week or next so I can start mocking all that up also. If you do the LS SPRAY I would definately recommend the tyvek suit with a hoody.
http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a627/deathrull/DSCF7018_zpsfb6c19c5.jpg (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/deathrull/media/DSCF7018_zpsfb6c19c5.jpg.html)

[TNcoupe]

Told ya it was messy.....Any leaks on the MC reservoirs?

[CraigS]

I can't enjoy this thread w/o pictures. Also can you add some details in your signature about your FFR. Kind of hard to comment on swaybars when I don't know what rear suspension you are using. In general I like the Forte bars and have the 7/8 on mine.

[deathrull]

Figured out the picture thing.
http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a627/deathrull/DSCF7022_zpsbeb5b352.jpg (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/deathrull/media/DSCF7022_zpsbeb5b352.jpg.html)
Firewall forward
http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a627/deathrull/DSCF7023_zpsde8dcf16.jpg (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/deathrull/media/DSCF7023_zpsde8dcf16.jpg.html)
http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a627/deathrull/DSCF7024_zpsd45e2c32.jpg (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/deathrull/media/DSCF7024_zpsd45e2c32.jpg.html)

[deathrull]

Lizard skin application
http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a627/deathrull/DSCF7026_zps932cc27c.jpg (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/deathrull/media/DSCF7026_zps932cc27c.jpg.html)
http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a627/deathrull/DSCF7035_zpse394c0b8.jpg (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/deathrull/media/DSCF7035_zpse394c0b8.jpg.html)
http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a627/deathrull/DSCF7029_zps679f5510.jpg (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/deathrull/media/DSCF7029_zps679f5510.jpg.html)

http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a627/deathrull/DSCF7030_zpsf6cf0dc9.jpg (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/deathrull/media/DSCF7030_zpsf6cf0dc9.jpg.html)

I adjusted the air pressure to the middle of the recommended band for each product and it seems to have worked well. Sound goes on first then the ceramic over the top of that. Took about a day and a half because the dry times were extended due to it raining. Have not unmasked it yet because I am working nights this week but will do that this weekend and post pics of the aftermath.

[edwardb]

Oops. You may have wanted to unmask it while the material was still wet. It's pretty tough stuff. You will need to score it before pulling the tape anywhere you have Lizard Skin next to the masking. Otherwise it will likely lift.

[deathrull]

Thanks for the heads up. I couldn't figure out how to do that since it gets put on in layers and drys between them. And it is definately some tuff stuff. Hopefully I can get the tape off still:) will find out this weekend

[2FAST4U]

Love the black panels. Excellent job!