Wallace18's 65 Coupe build thread.

[wallace18]

Well I ordered my Gen-2,Type 65 yesterday. Saved a ton on the 50/50 sale. June 21 pickup date. I sold my 33 on Thursday and am just finishing my 818 final details. This will be my 3rd build in about 15 months. I am hoping to keep this one but I never say never. LOL. I am reading all the previous posts I can. Thanks to all that documented their builds. I am in the process of getting a donor car. Lots to chose from here in Florida. Several with low miles. I plan on a mild 5.0 build with a T-5. I do all the work myself except paint. This has been a good hobby since I have retired. I look forward to documenting my build as well as meet a new group of FFR forum folks. I have already met so many wonderful folks from the 33 and 818 forums. You can check out my 33 and 818 build threads if you care to. I hope everyone here is a s helpful as the other forums. I just want to say hello and welcome all helpful tips and such. Tom Wallace.

[Hankl]

Raise your right hand and say after me,

"I (State your name), do swear/affirm, that upon acceptance of this "Revered Coupe Jacket", will willingly subject myself to all manner of frustration and abrasion that my FFR Type 65 will provide. I further pledge that any and all fellow Coupe builders will have free reign in using the cash available in my wallet as they see fit to improve my build plan. I will not look down upon our fellow Roadster builders, but rather take pity on those not talented enough to build a race car with a roof, So Help Me God!"



It is my pleasure to present you with the "Revered Coupe Jacket", Here's your sign!!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/hankl_album/straight_jacket_backFS-1.jpg

[Tom Mauldin]

Congrats!

[wallace18]

I state my name accept the challenge. LOL. :p

[John Dol]

Congrats and welcome to the coupe forum! Post many pics.

John

[wallace18]

I decided to do something different for this build. On my 33 and 818 I bought complete donor cars and stripped out what I needed. This go round I bought an engine , trans and rear from Prestige Mustang out of Monroe, GA. Todd gave me a good price on low mileage 89 GT mustang guts. I went to his place to get everything. Nice facility and tons of mustangs. I will tear everything down and go completely through everything. I did this on my other builds as well. I enjoy this part of the build. I like making all the stuff like new. This way I can be sure it is done to my satisfaction. The trans was not up to my standards to rebuild so I bought a new Ford Racing T-5 from Summit. Here is some photos.

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[wallace18]

Well in the above post you can see the before pics. Here is the after pics. new T-5 trans, 8.8 with 3.27 gears and Summit axles and all new bearings. I rebuilt the lower end of the 5.0 with ARP main studs, new main & rod bearing, new oil pump, Ford racing oil pan. I added Trick Flow heads, cam, lifters, push rods, Comp cams roller rockers, Professional Products Crosswind intake and Powerjection III fuel system. Also I used March's newest Sport track A/C and alt. system as well. I have 90% of the donor stuff ready for my type 65 build. I go to pick the kit up in Wareham on the 17th. I should be at FFR by the 23 or 24th after visiting family in the NE. This is my 3rd Kit. It is always nice to meet the folks at FFR. I wish I could have gone to the open house but that is not possible this year due to prior commitments.

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[wallace18]

Well I am packed and ready to head to FFR. I should be there on Monday to pick up the Coupe. Going to visit family in the NE as well. Wish us safe travels and I'll post pics if I can along the way.

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[STLMARSHALL]

Nice rig! Have a safe trip.

[Garry Bopp]

Wallace,

Very nice way to travel and will deliver your coupe baby safely home to FL. When you get to FFR, tell Sally I said hello.
Safe and enjoyable travel wishes headed your way ... and a prayer as well.

Garry

[wallace18]

Spent last 2 days in NY,NY. Going to FFR early monday. Saw Jersey Boys on Broadway. Great show! Also saw FFR roadsters in Manhatten. They sounded great. Can't wait to get the coupe and head home. Was nice to visit family in the NE.

[Samiam1017]

Wow Wallace What you gonna do after you build all. Factory five models? Dave better hurry and get another in the work! Lol. Always a pleasure watching your threads.

[wallace18]

Wow Wallace What you gonna do after you build all. Factory five models? Dave better hurry and get another in the work! Lol. Always a pleasure watching your threads.

I would not bet against that. LOL.

[wallace18]

Picked up the coupe this morning. Dave gave Marsha and I a tour of the plant. Saw Tony and Dave C. Everyone there is so nice. I said hi to Sally for you Garry. Saw lots of new 818 stuff as well. I'll post pics when I get home on Wednesday. Staying in PA for the night. Traffic was bad on I 287 lost 3 hours there.

[wallace18]

Here is some pics from Monday. We got home today about 10:00 PM. Long drive but everyone and every thing safe and sound. Empty trailer this week. Start inventory this week also.

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[tango68ss]

Hey Tom,
Glad to hear you arrived safe and sound back home... I gather Marsha enjoyed the trip too! Now the big question is "How the heck you gonna get that coupe out of the trailer and into the shop?!?" Though I bet you already concocted some rig! BTW, I noticed that you didn't bring the 818 along... did the guy from the NE deal fall through??

TC
-just sitting here in Africa sweating!!

[wallace18]

Hey Tom,
Glad to hear you arrived safe and sound back home... I gather Marsha enjoyed the trip too! Now the big question is "How the heck you gonna get that coupe out of the trailer and into the shop?!?" Though I bet you already concocted some rig! BTW, I noticed that you didn't bring the 818 along... did the guy from the NE deal fall through??

TC
-just sitting here in Africa sweating!!

Yea I guess he changed his mind. I never heard from him since I got the title. I just jack up the coupe and put a furniture dolly under it and roll it out the door into the shop. Stay safe and thanks again for keeping us safe at home.

[wallace18]

I took all the boxes out of the trailer yesterday. Today I Mounted my flywheel, clutch and trans to the engine. Then I inventoried all 24 of the boxes. 44 items on back order and only 1 item missing. Still waiting on my wheels also. Hopefully Whitby will ship my P/B and Hyd clutch stuff soon. I guess I start powder coating some parts next week. I hope to get the body and chassis out of the trailer tomorrow. I am not going to go as fast with this build as I have with others. I am trying some new things so there will be a learning curve I am sure.

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[MRSQSL]

44?! That seems like a lot. I believe I only had three or four backorders when I got mine, but then that was well over a year ago. I hope it's nothing you need right at the start. Congrats on the car! I'm anxious to follow along with the build.

[wallace18]

I was able to get the coupe out of the trailer using 2 furniture dolly's. It rolled out so easy. Later I had some of my hot rod guys come by and we took off the body. There is a group of about 8-10 retired guys that meet for lunch on Fridays here in Alachua. All great car guys. They were a big help to me. Body removal was very easy when you have 6 guys. LOL. I started on a crude body buck to store the body while I work on the chassis. The fiberglass is not as good with this body compared to the 33 or 818 IMO. I see a lot of work in my future on the body. All part of the adventure.

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[wallace18]

I finished up my body buck and stored the body on the 4-post lift. I marked the aluminum and installed the front suspension and hubs.

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[wallace18]

I installed the 3-link rear today. Rear shock springs are on B/O. I painted some parts and will take others to powder coater this week. I am taking the side pipes out for ceramic coating tomorrow. I gave the Eastwood powder coater a try today. I had no luck. I guess I wasted that money. Oh well I do not really have room for all that, and my coater is very reasonable and does good work. I also added the extra bracket on the banana bar. Just good insurance IMO.

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[RM1SepEx]

I've been using the eastwood setup for years, what is the problem?

Clean, usually sandblast, clean, dry

ground part, hang off rack and spray powder. important to use a regulator and water separator, need 20 psi or so IIRC

preheat old lady's reject oven to temp as per individual powder, place part in for specified heat time to reflow

remove place rack to cool

[wallace18]

I've been using the eastwood setup for years, what is the problem?

Clean, usually sandblast, clean, dry

ground part, hang off rack and spray powder. important to use a regulator and water separator, need 20 psi or so IIRC

preheat old lady's reject oven to temp as per individual powder, place part in for specified heat time to reflow

remove place rack to cool
Even when I attached the ground to the part the powder would not stick to the entire part. . I did all the correct prep work. Maybe it is the high humidity down here.

[wallace18]

Today I installed the front brakes and steering rack. I used Cleckos and mounted the passenger foot box. I then took it off to coat it with Lizard skin on the outside and thermocoustic on the inside.

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[John Dol]

Nice progress, great shop!!

John

[wallace18]

I mounted to passenger foot box. I also drilled and cleckoed both floors, drivers foot box and firewall. I put a coat of lizard skin sound deadener on all the mentioned tin. Tomorrow I will coat with the ceramic heat barrier and rivet it all in. Time to clean up and get ready for the 4th. Food and fireworks.

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[wallace18]

Today I finished up the ceramic heat barrier coating and mounted the floors and 80% of the drivers foot box. I am leaving the top off till I get my Power brake kit and mount the pedals and stuff. I also installed the steering shaft.

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[Tom Mauldin]

You're cruising right along! Keep up the good work!

[wallace18]

Only had a few hours today. I cleckoed the rear cockpit alum and mounted the gas tank. Tomorrow is more Lizard skin on the tins.

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[CJBergquist]

Looking good. I suggest you hold off on the two side pieces that go behind the seat. If you put them on now when you mount the body they will be partially covered.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6793679610_bfb61ca021.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/bmkog5)IMG_9279 (https://flic.kr/p/bmkog5) by cbergquist1 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

I pulled them off and made new ones to go on the outside.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8459/7967635000_f763f2baa7_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/d95dif)IMG_0078 (https://flic.kr/p/d95dif) by cbergquist1 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

[wallace18]

Thanks for the tip.

[wallace18]

Well I finally got 4 hours to work on the coupe. I have been busy lately . My wife Marsha got a Polaris Ranger 570EFI. I have been helping her add stuff to it lately. I had Jim Hastings drop by. He is building a roadster soon. I got the engine and trans in as well as some more interior alum.

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[Bob-STL]

Today I installed the front brakes and steering rack. I used Cleckos and mounted the passenger foot box. I then took it off to coat it with Lizard skin on the outside and thermocoustic on the inside.



You're using Lizard skin on the outside and thermocoustic on the inside. What thermocoustic are you using?

[wallace18]

Eastwood's. They run a sale on it from time to time. I have used it on 3 other builds with great success IMO.

[blueoval_bowtie_guy]

Great progress Tom!

[wallace18]

Well some of my B/O stuff showed up today. I was able to mount my rear springs. I then worked on my plug wires and filled the engine with oil and primed the engine with my drill. I got 75 PSI with a battery drill. Very happy with that. I mounted a few sensors and the drive shaft as well. Still 19 parts B/O. Also .still waiting on Whitby. He swears it is coming this week. Time will tell. :confused:

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[wallace18]

I have not posted in 4 days. Been busy with other stuff. I did finish up my radiator and shroud stuff. As well as cooling hoses. I drilled the trunk tins as well. Still waiting on stuff so I do not have to skip around so much. But I enjoy every minute I have to work on the car.

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[Russ Thompson]

Making great progress Tom, it's always fun seeing the pictures of a build! :-)

[wallace18]

Got some bad news today. My FFR wheels are B/O till Nov. I ended up canceling them and buying some F500 wheels and tires from American Muscle. I saw them in the new coupe book on one guys car. They looked good on it to me. Also saved a bunch of money. 1450.00 wheels, tires, lugs and locks. Free shipping too. I'll post pics when I get them in a few days, Still waiting on Whitby. I keep getting the same story the parts are coming soon. That was almost 2 months ago I ordered them. I guess God is testing my patience. LOL :confused:

[jim h]

Got some bad news today. My FFR wheels are B/O till Nov. I ended up canceling them and buying some F500 wheels and tires from American Muscle. I saw them in the new coupe book on one guys car. They looked good on it to me. Also saved a bunch of money. 1450.00 wheels, tires, lugs and locks. Free shipping too. I'll post pics when I get them in a few days, Still waiting on Whitby. I keep getting the same story the parts are coming soon. That was almost 2 months ago I ordered them. I guess God is testing my patience. LOL :confused:

Tom, Sorry to hear about the wheels. My roadster should be here the end of next week, and I'm probably going to be in the same situation. Your build thread has been very informative for me, and the pictures are great. Keep up the good work! Jim

[wallace18]

Well I got some great news as of late. I sold my 818S and am getting to build another 818S for a customer. Unfortunately this means as soon as I get my wheels and tires, my Coupe build goes on the back burner somewhat. The money from the sale will allow me to finish everything on the coupe to completion. I am happy to do a customer build though. It has been a dream of mine to do 2-3 customer builds a year in my retirement. I will still post occasionally though not as often as I had been. :cool:

[wallace18]

Got back today from selling my 818 in MA. Look what was waiting for me at home. I was very tired from the trip but had to put these on the coupe chassis. WOW! Now I can roll it around. I have a customer 818 build to do so the coupe will have to wait some and maybe get a little attention now and then.
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[Oldfart01]

Looks great Tom, glad to see things going smoothly for you. I'm very curious to see how your Daytona comes out. I'm bummed out it didn't work out for me to get down to see your 818 before it sold for you.

Bob

[Carlos C]

Hey Tom:

It's been a month since your last update. Any progress on the Coupe since then, or are you using all your time on the customer build?

Carlos

[wallace18]

Hey Tom:

It's been a month since your last update. Any progress on the Coupe since then, or are you using all your time on the customer build?

Carlos
Unfortunately working on the customer car but also still waiting on Whitby for my power brake kit. I really do not understand what is taking so long. I am waiting on parts for both cars right now and I am a little frustrated to tell the truth. If I get the P/B kit soon I am putting the 818 away till parts come in and go back to work on my Coupe.

[wallace18]

Well here is an update! Finally after several months Whitby is sending my P/B kit. The K818S build has come to a halt due to unforeseen parts delays. It is going to be put in storage till I have all the parts and my Coupe is in the paint shop. Both customer and I are on the same page with this. So here I am this day swapping out the kits so I can get back to my Coupe build. Look for post starting so on my progress on this build, I is nice to have such great customers as Mr. K. Thanks so much for being so understanding.

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[Fluge]

Looking great! I did the same with the fan shroud...it works really well.

[mjazzka]

Well here is an update! Finally after several months Whitby is sending my P/B kit. The K818S build has come to a halt due to unforeseen parts delays. It is going to be put in storage till I have all the parts and my Coupe is in the paint shop. Both customer and I are on the same page with this. So here I am this day swapping out the kits so I can get back to my Coupe build. Look for post starting so on my progress on this build, I is nice to have such great customers as Mr. K. Thanks so much for being so understanding.

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After reading every page of your 818 build, I am extremely excited to see this one back on track! (Sorry customer!)

[crabbdaddy]

subscribed! cant wait to see the build progress! hope to order a coupe one day!

[wallace18]

I was able to mount and run my A/C stuff today. After mounting the Evap.,Condenser and drier I ran hoses. I used some from the FFR kit as well as some I had left from a 33 kit I did. I made my own mounts for the Cond. I used bulkhead fittings for the lines. I ran the low side on the LS of the engine to the center of the car and the High side to the Pass. foot box. I am going to make my own switch panel for the console so I can have plenty of room for stuff. I like how the lines run and now have to get them crimped. Then I can install clamps and tidy every thing up. I am waiting on bulkhead fittings for the heater hoses. I must admit the 33 A/C is a much better unit IMO. I also clearance the dash and made sure the firewall was not hitting the Evap. unit. Will make a tight fit when all the air hoses are in though, LOL.

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[wallace18]

Today I made some heat shields for the foot boxes. Also finished up my E-Brk. Still waiting on Whitby stuff!! Arg!!!!!!!

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[mjazzka]

Today I made some heat shields for the foot boxes. Also finished up my E-Brk. Still waiting on Whitby stuff!! Arg!!!!!!!

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Those heat shields look great, and it makes everything look CLEAN (Third picture especially). Did you also sand in the pattern on them yourself?

Also, this might be a stupid question, but what does the sideways air cleaner do for you? Does it clear the hood better?

And finally, how much power do you think your 5.0 will be able to produce after everything you did to it?

[wallace18]

Those heat shields look great, and it makes everything look CLEAN (Third picture especially). Did you also sand in the pattern on them yourself?

Also, this might be a stupid question, but what does the sideways air cleaner do for you? Does it clear the hood better?

And finally, how much power do you think your 5.0 will be able to produce after everything you did to it?

I just engine turned them on my drill press using a scuff pad. The air cleaner is just laying there for now. It will have to be modified later after hood is on. It will be turned 90 degrees then. I do not know how much but my best guess is north of 300 RWHP.

[loeffler1]

Pretty sharp heat shields. make mine look crappy. A couple hints you might like: 1) I placed some heat resistant material on the back sides of the shields and they do a pretty good job, I think I used Koolmat. 2) CJ Pony Parts sells a blank base for that air cleaner allowing you to mount it in a more forward position to clear the firewall lip. All you have to do is cut a new carb hole in the blank plate in the appropriate place and drill a new hole in the upper plate for the carb stud. A photo exists on FFR website under events entitled Bill L graduates coupe #421. You'll have to scroll down quite a bit, I think it's on the third page.

[mjazzka]

To form the heat shields, what did you use? Do you have a brake press? Also, after looking closely at your first picture there, it looks like there is a slight gap between the heat shield and the foot box. Did you put a spacer in between them?

[wallace18]

Pretty sharp heat shields. make mine look crappy. A couple hints you might like: 1) I placed some heat resistant material on the back sides of the shields and they do a pretty good job, I think I used Koolmat. 2) CJ Pony Parts sells a blank base for that air cleaner allowing you to mount it in a more forward position to clear the firewall lip. All you have to do is cut a new carb hole in the blank plate in the appropriate place and drill a new hole in the upper plate for the carb stud. A photo exists on FFR website under events entitled Bill L graduates coupe #421. You'll have to scroll down quite a bit, I think it's on the third page.

Thanks. I am going to cut the bottom so I can flip it around and reweld it to the proper place.

[wallace18]

To form the heat shields, what did you use? Do you have a brake press? Also, after looking closely at your first picture there, it looks like there is a slight gap between the heat shield and the foot box. Did you put a spacer in between them?

I bought a combo brake/shear/roller from HF. I also used 1/2" aluminum tube spacers I cut from stock piece I got from Lowes.

[kkcalm5]

Wallace
on the heat shield spacers how did you attach the shields? Can't tell from your pics
Thanks
Kevin

[wallace18]

Wallace
on the heat shield spacers how did you attach the shields? Can't tell from your pics
Thanks
Kevin

I used 1/4"-20 S/S bolts, washers and lock nuts.

[John Dol]

Great stuff!
Is that air filter on there sideways so that when you come drifting sideways at somebody they can read what took 'em down? LOL


John

[wallace18]

After a 4 month wait finally the Whitby's Power brake kit came UPS. I wish I could be as happy with it as some of you have said. I have had a very bad time with Jeff. The kit came missing several parts and no explanation for why they are missing. I was lied to on the phone repeatedly on the delivery of my parts. I can not in good conscious recommend this vendor to anyone. I am very disappointed. I can only hope no one else has this experience with Whitby's. I realize several forum members recently touted how great Whitby's was for them. Just did not come out that way for me. I was very understanding and patient with Jeff but ended up on the short end of the stick each time. I felt very strongly that I had to let everyone know my dealings here. Maybe future customers will have it better. I will not be a customer in the future of Whitby's. With all that being said I will move on with my build.

[Garry Bopp]

Wallace,

You have made your point very well without being a "trash mouth". That is much appreciated and is in line with what this forum believes in. I've had good luck with Whitby's but realize that no vendor is perfect. Thanks for your positive attitude "I will move on with my build."

I can't wait to see your finished coupe ... I know that it will be a beauty!

Garry

[wallace18]

I thought I would show how I installed the Whitby P/B kit. I have changed up a few things and also added a hydraulic clutch to the mix. I used my left over wilwood master and a wildwood pull slave I got from Whitby. It is not to hard to do but you must modify the hole where the master cylinder for the donor kit goes. I used the wilwood front aluminum and modified it for the p/b kit. You have to cut part of the frame and install a altered brace to clear the booster. The kit has you drill and install 5/16" bolts. I tapped the brace to 3/8" and bolted in that way. It was 10x stiffer this way IMO. I modified the push rod to the master cylinder for the p/b kit so no spacers were needed. You must also mount the steering shaft bearing opposite from the FFR directions to clear the p/b booster. I mounted my clutch stuff inside and will have a access door to get to the fill bottle for the clutch. Here is some pics. I still have to run lines and get a flex line for the clutch slave. But I feel now I am back in the build mode. LOL.

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[wallace18]

Today I goofed up and snapped off the fitting in one of the front brake hose fittings. It was my fault trying to over tighten. I e-mailed Joe Scott at FFR to see if I could buy new ones or tell me where I could get them. He is sending me new ones in the mail right away that he had in his desk drawer. This is why I will be a FFR customer for life. Great products, great people and super service after the sale. Sure sometimes things get B/O but for the most part I think they do a great job. I just wanted to thank Joe and FFR for helping out a builder who goofed up! LOL.

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[wallace18]

After completing my duties as a good husband and taking my lovely wife to St. Augustine for a few days for our anniversary, I finally got some work time in. I was able to finish up the front brake lines, crimp and install all the A/C lines, hook up the heater hoses, install the top firewall, battery and fuse panel. I highly suggest to install most of the A/C , heat stuff before installing the top firewall. It makes it so much easier IMO. I bought a A/C crimper from Tooltopia for a great price. Nice unit IMO. I also installed the gas pedal. I got all my pedals from Russ Thompson. He has some great stuff. I hope to get going on my rear brakes and wiring on Monday.

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[wallace18]

Here is pics of the pedals and crimper unit.
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[bbksv]

Very cool...Im taking the fam to St. Augustine in a week. I have to go down to the Naval Air Station to get laser eye surgery.

[Carlos C]

I was in St. Augustine a couple of months ago. A great city with a lot of history you can still physically see and enjoy.

Carlos

[wallace18]

I was able to work on the Coupe the last 2 days some. I finished up the rear brake lines, installed the battery, main cut off switch and most of the wiring harness. I also installed the rear aluminum and made a custom center console part to hide the A/C some and house the A/C controls and radio stuff. Still lots of wiring mods to be done. I did get the engine to crank, spark to plugs, fuel pump running and rad fan run with both A/C and temp switch. I used Ron F dual relay setup for the fan. I had great luck with it on other cars I built. Also started to run some A/C vent hoses.

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[loeffler1]

I like the placement of the cutoff switch close to the battery. I mounted my battery up front so my switch was also up front in the passenger footbox side. You are a better man than I getting that trunk floor in in one piece. I had to cut mine longitudinally in order to get it in!!

[wallace18]

I like the placement of the cutoff switch close to the battery. I mounted my battery up front so my switch was also up front in the passenger footbox side. You are a better man than I getting that trunk floor in in one piece. I had to cut mine longitudinally in order to get it in!!
I also made a small slice on the drivers side near the shock and roll bar. I should ask FFR how they do it without scratching the powder coat. LOL.

[John Dol]

Put a ratchet strap around the piece to bow it up. Then slide it in and release the strap. Did it several times and works great!

http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae46/jdcoupe1969/driverssidepanels007.jpg (http://s956.photobucket.com/user/jdcoupe1969/media/driverssidepanels007.jpg.html)

John

[Carlos C]

Or do what almost happened to me on my way home after I picked up my kit: Place your Coupe on a trailer, attach said trailer to your vehicle, tow aforementioned trailer with said vehicle on the highway at about 70 mph, and let mother nature do the work for you...

And mother nature didn't seem to care much that this seemingly tricky-to-remove panel was also secured with duct tape.

Carlos

[wallace18]

Put a ratchet strap around the piece to bow it up. Then slide it in and release the strap. Did it several times and works great!

http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae46/jdcoupe1969/driverssidepanels007.jpg (http://s956.photobucket.com/user/jdcoupe1969/media/driverssidepanels007.jpg.html)

John

Very interesting but sneaky. To quote an old laugh in show. LOL.

[wallace18]

I have all the A/C, ignition and fan wiring working. I started to put in the Thermocoustic on the inside. I am going to get my dash cut in 2 so it will be easy to access wiring.
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[wallace18]

I am mostly done with my thermocoustic on the interior. I did make the dash 2 piece and it will be easy to wire and work on for sure. I had to order some special stuff for my turn signals. I am doing something a little different and a shave door kit as well. I am using a motorcycle type turn signal module with a momentary 3 position toggle switch. here is some pics of what I got done so far. I will work hard on wiring this week.

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[wallace18]

Well I got it to start today!!! Still a lot of tuning to be done on the Proinjection III. But no leaks and no over heat. Good O/P and all is well. Sounds great IMO. I look forward to getting ready to go cart next week.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKabeiMHFWI&feature=youtu.be

[blueoval_bowtie_guy]

Great progress Tom!

[Carlos C]

Sounds sweet!

Carlos

[wallace18]

Got some stuff done the last few days. I covered the console and dash with marine vinyl. I was able to wire my radio, A/C controls, Fog light switch and indicator light in the console. I am waiting on the correct wiper switch to go in the hole left in the console. I wired up the gauges, indicator lights, ignition switch, headlight switch, aux. fan switch, high /low beam switch and L/R turn signal switches. I am using the back off unit I got from Speedway. You can use just 2 small momentary switches for turn signal and 4-way functions. If both turn signal switches are pressed at the same time the 4-way blinks. Touch both again and the 4-way shuts off. If you touch either the left or right switch 1 sec the Turn signal flashes for 7 sec. If you hold it down 2 sec they flash 20 sec. If you hold down 4 sec. they flash 70 sec. No need for any flasher relays. It makes for an easy install and you do not have to cancel the Turn signal yourself after a turn. I should get my clutch master cylinder tomorrow afternoon. Maybe go cart by Friday or Saturday.

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[Garry Bopp]

I like the self canceling turn signal ... very cool. Good work on the dash and console.

Garry

[wallace18]

Well I did my front alignment and took it out for a spin. No leaks and fast as H***. Very easy to spin the tires. LOL. Now on the mounting the body. I hope to have it to the paint shop by mid Nov.

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[wallace18]

After a lot of cutting underneath out back to clear the fuel tank I was able to get the body on. I have several fitment issues to deal with. If I bolt up the rear the windshield bracket is off a fair amount. Also the headers do not line up with the body cut outs. I now understand the straight jacket deal. LOL. Lots of fun next week for me.

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[wallace18]

I have been working on the body as well as mounting my side pipes. I had to mount them due to that I already had my headers on and they were hitting the body causing problems in the front. I had to cut 3/4" from the front of the drivers side pipe for it to fit like the passenger side. Also had to go to a muffler shop to have a hydraulic pipe machine open up the side pipes so they would slip on the headers. Special thanks to my neighbor Jerry Ryan for his help with the side pipes. I could not have done them by myself. I highly suggest you fit these before ceramic coating the pipes. I ended up scratching mine a little bit. Live and learn I say. I drilled for my tail lights, cut out for the mesh, license plate holder and light. I am centering the plate. I am not painting half the back one color on one side vs. the other. No numbers or meatballs. I had to cut the body near the back of the doors. It would not lay down on the tube in the back. My body man agreed with a buddy of mine where to make the cut. We will glass it in later. I hope to finish up the dash and windshield mounts today and start on the front end tomorrow. Thanks to all for their help. It is very much appreciated.

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[wallace18]

Today I mounted the front end. I used my electric winch and it made it a easy one man job. I just got done with the front heim joints and have much trimming and aligning to do. For some reason the u-shaped bolts that the latches go to are fine on the passenger side but a mile to far in on the drivers side. I'll hope I can bend the bracket to get it to work out. Here is some pics. I had to remove my radiator shroud side parts. I should not have mounted them before the front end was on. That is what I get for trying to get ahead of the game. LOL. The car is started to look the part. My painter and I are getting very excited.

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[wallace18]

I have been working on the front end for the last 3 days. I finally am done with what I will do and the rest is up to my body/paint guy Chris. It opens and closes fine and stays up when open now with the shocks installed. I trimmed and mounted my spoiler with Cleckos. I also started on the doors. I hope to get them done by next week. Here is some pics.

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[Fluge]

Looks great. Excellent progress. For what it's worth, I had read somewhere to add a plate to the front hood shock mount in order to add strength to the "wafer board". I sandwiched it between two 4"x 4" plates. Mine are eventually hidden by the aluminum bucket covers that I made.

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss56/DDOVERDT/th_2011121256.jpg (http://s561.photobucket.com/user/DDOVERDT/media/2011121256.jpg.html)

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss56/DDOVERDT/th_2013120138.jpg (http://s561.photobucket.com/user/DDOVERDT/media/2013120138.jpg.html)

[wallace18]

That sounds like a great idea on both parts. I think I will add the plate on the wood for sure. I like the headlight panels as well.

[wallace18]

Today I worked on the doors. I was able to get the frame, latch, door handle and solenoid all mounted. Lots of room inside the door made the work easy IMO. I am not sure if I will pay to have FFR cut the holes in the body before pick up again. Not one was in the right spot or right size. I would have been better off with no cut outs. Just my 2 cents. I think who ever did the cutting was not familiar with the coupe. The hinge cut outs are supposed to be 1.6" wide. they are .75" wide and in the wrong spots. Oh well that is what fiberglass resin and cloth is for right? LOL. Here is a few pics. I used the Spal door openers from Speedway. I have had good luck with them on 3 builds so far.

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[loeffler1]

Ditto on the foam reinforcement, I used a piece of aluminum about 6" x 12" approx and bent nit in a "U" shape to fit over the foam. Works great. I can't believe FFR used a crappy piece of foam instead of a piece of 1/2" plywood, would have been so much stronger in a critical area. Solenoid idea is a good one, used one from Summit on mine on the driver's door only.

[wallace18]

I got the drivers door fitted yesterday. Closes like a new car. I had to take a break to watch the Florida /Georgia game. I could not believe the Gators won. I am a Florida fan and did not see that coming. Maybe I'll fit the passenger door next Saturday for good luck. LOL.

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[wallace18]

I finished up the passenger door. I drilled the inside aluminum for the door area. Just mocked it up with Cleckos. I made a plate for the pontoon area as well as mocked up the splash guard. Both of these tighten up the pontoon IMO. I also made aluminum plates for the tilt front end. Thanks Fluge and Loeffler1 for the idea. Still have to work on the drivers side pontoon. I still may add a brace of some sort to the pontoon.

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[wallace18]

Well the last few days have been spent working on the door window frames and rear window. The rear window mocked up very easy. Nice fit too IMO. The door window frames are a totally different animal. Mine came nowhere close to fitting right. I ended up cutting the front of the frame and rewelding it. On the drivers side I only had to cut and weld the front of the frame. The passenger side was way off and had to cut front and back as well as the lower part as well. I still need to clean up the welds and then get them powder coated but they fit great now. It is a shame that FFR does not put a little more work into these parts. I can see the fiberglass cutting and shaping but the frames should fit IMO. I was able to use 10-24 riv-nuts and have the brackets bolt close to the door. Then I did what I had to make the frame fit the opening and seal well. I am ordering the opening and closing 1/4 window from Russ. He is a great guy and well worth your time to look at his website. Many goodies that are first rate IMO. You can see in the pics where I made the cut and how I held it in place to the body then tack welded it in place for a good fit. I am playing with the idea of making the door windows one piece poly carb tinted and then tint the rear window. I am not too happy with the sliding Lexan widows. JMO.

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[wallace18]

I went to the big Moutrie Ga. swap meet today. Great event for car guys IMO. I was able to buy these 2 great things for my coupe IMO. 1st is a LED tail light that is so close to the kits lights but 10 to 25 times brighter. The photo shows it in the t/s, brk light bright mode. The 2nd thing is a H4 halogen head light with built in T/S and parking led. This way I can fill the kits holes in the head light area. I did not care for the original style parking , T/S lights. I know they are most likely period correct in the kit but I wanted some more modern lighting on my Coupe.

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[jkrueger]

I went to the big Moutrie Ga. swap meet today. Great event for car guys IMO. I was able to buy these 2 great things for my coupe IMO. 1st is a LED tail light that is so close to the kits lights but 10 to 25 times brighter. The photo shows it in the t/s, brk light bright mode. The 2nd thing is a H4 halogen head light with built in T/S and parking led. This way I can fill the kits holes in the head light area. I did not car for the original style parking , T/S lights. I know they are most likely period correct in the kit but I wanted some more modern lighting on my Coupe.



Can you post more info on the tail lights. I have been looking for a bright LED replacement and have not found anything yet.

JC

[wallace18]

I got the lights from WWW.Rodworx.com. The taillight part # is CTL-1939-FM. They use 2 studs to mount them in the back. They come with a 1157 type connector so it possibly could plug into your existing socket. They are almost exactly the same diameter as the kits lights, maybe 1/8" larger in diameter.

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[wallace18]

Today I mocked up the head lights, driving lights, tail lights and rs door panel. I am really happy with the lights. Very bright and look good IMO. Door panel from Levy Racing is a nice touch to the inner door IMO as well. I need to knock out a few things before I take it to Huegenics for paint on 12/1/14.

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[wallace18]

I fitted the front head light covers and mounted the mirrors. I drilled the cover brackets for 8-32 screws and installed riv nuts 10-24 for the mirrors. All I have left to do is mock up the Russ Thompson 1/4 windows and the front part of my dash. Then it off to paint on Dec. 1st. Yea!!!

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[flynntuna]

Great build Tom, I've watched all three of your builds. You do great work. Got a question, how would you rank the difficulty between the three?

[wallace18]

Great build Tom, I've watched all three of your builds. You do great work. Got a question, how would you rank the difficulty between the three?
Without a doubt the Coupe is the most work. The 33 next and the 818 is the easiest. The body work is so easy on the 818 due to the panels being so good. Also there is no seams to sand on the 818.

[wallace18]

I finished up my Russ Thompson 1/4 windows. They fit great and look better than the scoops IMO. A must for a/c and or heat IMO. Now I will get the car ready for the paint shop on 12/3/14.

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[mjazzka]

What color scheme are you going to go with? Can't wait to see this one after your amazing 818

[wallace18]

What color scheme are you going to go with? Can't wait to see this one after your amazing 818

It is a brand new color PPG came out with. I am not sure of its name. In the shade or out of direct light it looks like a metallic gray when sun or direct light hits it the paint changes to a brilliant silver metallic color. Gloss black stripes. No meatballs or #'s. I am sort of looking for the GT street look. This one will surpass the other 2 cars I built as far as paint. We are putting a ton of work into making it look just right. Stay tuned. LOL.

[wallace18]

Well today I loaded my Coupe to go out for paint. My wife has my truck till Tuesday afternoon so then I will hook up and go. My painter is about 25 miles away. car loaded easy as pie.

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[John Dol]

You make it look so easy. Here I am 7 yrs later, close but still no paint!
Great job, paint choice sounds really cool.

John

[blueoval_bowtie_guy]

Looking great Tom!

[Mick40]

Tom, your build looks great. Could you tell me or better yet show me a pic of where you placed your oxygen sensor for the PJ system?

Thanks,
Mick

[wallace18]

Tom, your build looks great. Could you tell me or better yet show me a pic of where you placed your oxygen sensor for the PJ system?

Thanks,
Mick

I put it hidden on the drivers side rear cylinder pipe. I realize that is not the preferred place but it is where I wanted it out of sight.

[Mick40]

Thanks!!!

Mick

[wallace18]

Almost a month since I dropped off the coupe at Huegenics. Unfortunately for me they have not had a lot of time on the car till the last week or so. They have done some fiberglass work on the doors, hood and various holes that needed closing up. Hopefully the body will come off soon in Jan. Spray outs for the paint color are supposed to be ready on Friday. I can't wait. I never rush these guys because they always surpass all my expectations with the final product.

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[wallace18]

Today we took the body off the chassis for further fiberglass work then paint. Huegenics did a fantastic job making all the gaps a perfect 3/16". Also fixed the hood. The right rear comer was way off and took a ton of work to make it right. They will always paint my car their workmanship is incredible IMO. They also modified my air cleaner to fit my car. I used a HEI distributer and they made everything fit great and still retain the cool look IMO. Here is some shots.

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[blueoval_bowtie_guy]

Great progress Tom!

[John Dol]

great stuff! Can't wait till I see the color.

John

[wallace18]

Here is a picture of a mailbox my painter used to show the paint that will be used on my coupe. He uses the mailboxes for displays at car shows. The photo is not a good one. My bad. But you sorta get an idea of what it will look like. In the sun the grey really pops!

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[John Dol]

looks like a gun metal grey from the picture. Very cool, that 'll look good on the car I think.

John

[Jacob McCrea]

That really looks nice; the FR500 wheels compliment the car perfectly.

[Kalstar]

Here is a picture of a mailbox my painter used to show the paint that will be used on my coupe. He uses the mailboxes for displays at car shows. The photo is not a good one. My bad. But you sorta get an idea of what it will look like. In the sun the grey really pops!

37466

Love it!!!

[wallace18]

Stopped by Huegenics today. The Coupe is in the first stage of primer. Wow! they sure did make it smooth. Still lots of work to go though. We are hoping for March 1st for the paint to be done.

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[John Dol]

26 more days of torture!

John

[Mitch Wright]

Tom,

I watch your builds and it makes me look forward to retirement that much more.

[wallace18]

Tom,

I watch your builds and it makes me look forward to retirement that much more.

It is the next best thing since sliced bread! LOL.

[loeffler1]

Kinda brings me back a few years.

[wallace18]

I am back working on my coupe now. The 818S I am building for a customer has run into more parts delays. So I am going to stay on my coupe till it is done. I brought the chassis back from the body shop and I pressure washed it to get rid of all the fiberglass dust and such. I mounted my quick release steering wheel kit from Breeze automotive. What a great kit! They even included the drill and tap. Now that is being thorough IMO. It allowed me to move the steering wheel away from the dash some and no doubt will make entry and exit easier IMO. I have a punch list of stuff to get done before taken it back to Huegenics. Paint should be done by March 1st or so. The body is in final stage of primer now.

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[H R Lucky]

Your coupe is looking good Tom.
Looks like it won't be long now, good job.

[wallace18]

I have been busy knocking out my punch list, A/C is charged and working nice. Horns installed and working. I started on some carpet and installed speakers for the radio. Also mounted my Russ Thompson front radiator shroud. Huegenics is going to lay down the Black starting next week then the pearl and finally the clear coat. Then the wet sanding and buffing out. I am getting close to having the chassis ready. Still a few items to do and some additional cleaning of stuff.

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[John Dol]

looks great Tom!

John

[mjazzka]

Quickly and surely, it's definitely coming along!! Lookin' great.

Maybe I just am not very observant, but where are you mounting your speakers at?

[wallace18]

Quickly and surely, it's definitely coming along!! Lookin' great.

Maybe I just am not very observant, but where are you mounting your speakers at?

You cannot see them in these photos. They are mounted on the corners of the dash facing down at the floor, right below the A/C vents. 4.25 coaxial units. They sound great IMO. There was just enough room for them. I was going to mount then in the rear. But if I ever install a Plexiglas shield behind the seats I would not have good sound. So for me this worked out great.

[wallace18]

Well I found out that the paint will not be done till March 17th. I have been working on getting the chassis ready for the body to go back on. I wired up a remote battery charging port, Cell phone charging outlet and made a custom small console. Inside is my battery kill switch as well as cell charger port. I have sealed up all areas of need with silicone. Now all I have to do is wait. I may go back to my customer 818 build since the seats are supposed to be on the way for it. Here is some pics.

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[wallace18]

Well I put my Coupe up on my 4-post lift and covered it up. My painter has painted the underside of the body and hood with Stone Guard called SKS from Wurth. Then 2 coats of black urethane. Now he is going to get going on the outside. My frame is all ready to go. Hopefully I can get by to get some pics soon. I am going to get back to my customer 818S build for at least 2 weeks. Hopefully get close to done with it.

[wallace18]

Stopped by Huegenics today. Made some decisions on the stripes. They are doing the final wet sanding of the primer. Getting ready to paint on Wednesday. I chose the stripe on the left of the hood. I like it the best. On the back it will not roll under as well. I wanted something a little different than the normal for this car. Here is some pics.

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[John Dol]

Exciting!!!

John

[wallace18]

Stopped By Huegenics today. They are almost done with the body. Still have to cut and buff the paint out. Car came out just as I hoped for. Pictures do not do the paint justice. It has green, blue, gold and silver flecks in the flake part of the paint. Pollen is real bad down here now. Temperature in the mid 80's. Can't keep anything clean for 5 minutes. Due to some family stuff I won't be able to put the body on the chassis and bring it home till April. Here are some pics. By the way 120 Model T's showed up at Huegenics today. They are on a all Florida ride this month. So many cool ones. Some even have Wilwood rear disc brakes, LOL.

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[John Dol]

Tom,

That looks great. I see you painted the light pods black too. I'm planning on that also. Did you do the fog light buckets also?

John

[wallace18]

Tom,

That looks great. I see you painted the light pods black too. I'm planning on that also. Did you do the fog light buckets also?

John
No they are the same color. That is what is so cool about this new PPG paint. Depending on the light it can look several different colors and shades.

[tango68ss]

Tom,

this Coupe looks awesome! Are you planning on keeping this one or selling it too? I know you still need to do a roadster and GTM! ;)

TC

[wallace18]

Tom,

this Coupe looks awesome! Are you planning on keeping this one or selling it too? I know you still need to do a roadster and GTM! ;)

TC

I hope to keep it but if the right amount of money is thrown at me I could be persuaded. LOL

[Fluge]

Great Color and paint choice! In the last three photos it looks like a completely different coupe...must be the way the light is hitting it :)

I like it a lot.

Marc

[bbksv]

Looking pretty sweet

[Kalstar]

I hope to keep it but if the right amount of money is thrown at me I could be persuaded. LOL

How bad do you want the orange 818 back? :D

[wallace18]

How bad do you want the orange 818 back? :D
Only if I hit the lottery, LOL.

[neswes]

Nice to see it out of the booth. Looks great Tom

[wallace18]

I had only yesterday to go to Huegenics and mount the body, doors, spoiler and hood. They still have to finish the stripes on the cowl and finish buffing it all out. Unfortunately the lighting I had this morning does no justice to the car. But some pics are better than none, right? LOL. I wish I could stay to finish but I must pack and leave for the NE till April first. I have to help my brother move and deliver an 818S I built for Kalstar. So stay tuned in April for the finish line so to speak. The car is fantastic in person.

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[MRSQSL]

That looks amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[John Dol]

Looks great!

[mjazzka]

Great looking paint job, Tom!!! I REALLY like how the stripes come together at the front. It gets rid of the awkward stripe portion on the lower air intake. Hopefully you won't mind if I copy it :)

[wallace18]

Great looking paint job, Tom!!! I REALLY like how the stripes come together at the front. It gets rid of the awkward stripe portion on the lower air intake. Hopefully you won't mind if I copy it :)

Be my guest!

[wallace18]

This morning I made tinted side windows for the coupe. I bought tinted Lexan from McMaster-Carr. They will match my tinted rear window I had done today as well. You can see the difference in the pic.

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[wallace18]

This afternoon at 1:00 P.M. I got my coupe from Huegenics. Wow! pictures do no justice to this car. Marsha helped me unload it. I will start to finish it up. I am registered for the Good Guys show in Kissimmee later next month. It will be some nighttime work to get it done but I can wait to see it completed.

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[John Dol]

Neither can we Tom! Keep at it, the paint looks great.

John

[Tom Mauldin]

Looking good!

[Fluge]

Looks great!! Exciting time....wait until you drive it!!

Marc

[wallace18]

Looks great!! Exciting time....wait until you drive it!!

Marc

Well about a mile down the road from my painter is a certified scales for Agriculture. I drove the coupe there before I trailered it home to weigh it for the title process here in FL. I ran it through the first 4 gears and blew my hat off out the back hatch area. LOL. The car is very fast and sounded great with those open headers. It weighed 2260 as is. I am sure a few more 100 pounds will be added yet.

[neswes]

way to go Tom. Car looks great. Can't wait to get down there later this month to pick up my hood---Wes

[wallace18]

Well the last 3 days I have been busy working on the coupe. I have all the interior done except for the seats and belts. I mounted the tail lights, license frame, splash guards front and back, side pipes, covers, headlights, rear window, side mirrors, side screens and rear screens. Also the gas cap and hoses to it and carbon canister. I really like how the car is coming along. I hope to take it on the 13th for the front windshield install. I mounted the tinted rear glass as well as the tinted side 1/4 windows. Still lots to do. Here is a few pics.

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[loeffler1]

I particularly like how you shielded the inner headlight area just like I did. Sure keeps a lot of junk off that area. I really like the crazy yellow pinstripe on the tail area. LOL

[wallace18]

I particularly like how you shielded the inner headlight area just like I did. Sure keeps a lot of junk off that area. I really like the crazy yellow pinstripe on the tail area. LOL

Yes I did copy some stuff I saw in the coupe book from previous builders. The pinstripe disappears when I put my air hose away. LOL>

[wallace18]

While I was busy sealing up gaps from the body to the interior, and there is a ton of them. I could not help but notice this large opening in the rear wheel well area on both sides. The kit gives a splash shield for the rear but not the front. Go figure? So I filled with foam them used black flex-seal and fabricated up a splash plate to seal this IMO critical area. For those building their Coupe pay attention to gaps all over . Since this is a race car replica the sealing and weather proofing was left up to the builder for the most part. Mine may never see a track day but will be driving a lot on the street. In Florida we get thunderstorms all the time. So I am spending extra effort in the sealing area of the build.

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[wallace18]

Took the car out for photos to send in paper work for title and insurance. Ended up taking my wife Marsha for a ride in the neighborhood.

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[RM1SepEx]

So you are going to keep this one Tom?

[wallace18]

So you are going to keep this one Tom? I hope so, but anything but my wife and dog is for sale if the price is right. LOL.

[wallace18]

Getting closer to done. I finished up the side windows, rear view mirror and front headlight covers. The RF one was distorted in manufacturing some how. FFR is on the spot with a replacement on the way. I made some more little covers on the interior. Taking it to get windshield on the 13th installed. then final polishing by Huegenics. Then inspection and to the Good Guys National in Kissimmee on the 25th. If you are in Florida look me up there on the 25th. I will have a FFR display and info as well.

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[RM1SepEx]

I hope so, but anything but my wife and dog is for sale if the price is right. LOL.

I can relate :rolleyes:

[Carlos C]

Tom:

Do you have an address and schedule of events? I live about 1 1/2 hours from Kissimee, and would love see your car in person.

Carlos

[wallace18]

Tom:

Do you have an address and schedule of events? I live about 1 1/2 hours from Kissimee, and would love see your car in person.

Carlos

The show is at
Osceola Heritage Park
1875 Silver Spur Lane
Kissimmee, FL 34744

Saturday 7AM to 3PM

I will try to be there by 8AM if I can. If it is a rain out I will not go.

[wallace18]

Drove the coupe to Mauldin's Auto Glass shop on Friday afternoon. It was fun driving it with no front windshield. Got tons of looks and people taking cell phone pics at every intersection. I was able to tune it some on Friday and it seems to run pretty close to perfect now. The sound from those pipes is amazing IMO. Power is every where in the RPM range. I hope the windshield will keep out that radiator heat. LOL. Hope to get it out of the glass shop on Wednesday and get it titled and tagged on Thursday. Then a final polish by Huegenics. Maybe a small local car show on Saturday then the Good Guys national in Kissimmee on the 25th. Can not wait to see it fully done and give it a proper drive.

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[jkrueger]

Looks nice!

[tango68ss]

Drove the coupe to Mauldin's Auto Glass shop on Friday afternoon. It was fun driving it with no front windshield. Got tons of looks and people taking cell phone pics at every intersection. I was able to tune it some on Friday and it seems to run pretty close to perfect now. The sound from those pipes is amazing IMO. Power is every where in the RPM range. I hope the windshield will keep out that radiator heat. LOL. Hope to get it out of the glass shop on Wednesday and get it titled and tagged on Thursday. Then a final polish by Huegenics. Maybe a small local car show on Saturday then the Good Guys national in Kissimmee on the 25th. Can not wait to see it fully done and give it a proper drive.

40586

Tom,

She's gorgeous! You do great work! I hope to see you at GG in Kissimmee if I can get out of work....

TC

[wallace18]

Just brought back the Coupe from Mauldin's Auto Glass. They did a fantastic job, IMO. They had to grind a 1/4" from the center top and bottom of the windshield to get a proper fit with the molding. They also blacked out a surround all the way around the inside for a OEM look to it. I take it tomorrow at 10AM to get titled and tagged. Woo Hoo!

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[jayguy]

Looks great!

[JOE A]

Tom, I too, would love to see the car in Kissimmee. I live in the Jupiter area and its a good drive but if the weather cooperates I will take a road trip. Are you going to be displaying in a special area? I think this is a pretty large show.

[wallace18]

Tom, I too, would love to see the car in Kissimmee. I live in the Jupiter area and its a good drive but if the weather cooperates I will take a road trip. Are you going to be displaying in a special area? I think this is a pretty large show.


I do not think it will be in a special are. Just where ever they tell me to park it among the other cars. It will not be in the car corral though.

[wallace18]

Well I passed inspection and I am titled, tagged and insured. The car drove great on the 140 mile round trip to Ocala and back. Got lots of stares and cell photos taken on the road and interstate. Even a Florida Highway patrol guy took cell photos going down I-75 at 70 mph, LOL. Thanks again to Factory five for such a great kit and help, Forum members for their help and kind words, my wife, Marsha for her help and understanding. Also Huegenics for awesome paint and body work, Mauldin's auto glass for a super install of the front windshield, Jerry, Terry and all the local hot rod guys for their help as well. This has been a fun but difficult build. The car came out so much better than I hoped for. Don't forget I can build a FFR car for you if you can't yourself.

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[CraigS]

Your car is really nice. I especially like the install by the auto glass company. They are a far cry from typical.

[John Dol]

Tom,

Great job! Has to be nice to be tearing up the roads now.

John

[flynntuna]

Congrats Tom, beautiful job.

[Garry Bopp]

Very nice, Tom! More pics, please. These coupes always draw lots of attention ... as it should be!

Garry

[wallace18]

Well a few things have happened the last few days. One the new wilwood pull-type slave cylinder started to leak after only 150 miles. Also the pinion bearing failed on my rear end. A call to Mike Forte had a push type slave cylinder on my way to fix the leak. I made a bonsai run to Prestige Mustang in Monroe, GA to get a good 3:27 rear end from a Mustang GT on Friday. I installed all yesterday and all went well. Here is the before and after pics of the stuff. I highly recommend Mike's clutch slave set up for the T-5. Very nice kit, IMO.

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[wallace18]

Had a great time at the Good Guys show today. I met 3 other FFR coupe builders there. Joe A., Carlos C, and I forgot the other guys name. ( sorry about that) . Had a ton of interest in the car. Lots of photos taken and questions of what is it, did you build it, etc.. etc. I had on my FFR swag and display. I handed out lots of FFR info. I think I may have sold at least 3 folks on buying a 33 kit. I hope maybe 1or 2 customer builds possible also. Great weather and a good time. I t is so much fun talking cars to car people. Mine was the only Coupe there so it got lots of attention all day. Here is a few photos. One is 3 of us FFR coupe builders together all from Florida. Carlos I forgot to get a picture with you. Please forgive an old guy for being forgetful, LOL.

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[Carlos C]

Hey Tom:

It was great to finally meet you in person. It took me a couple of hours to find you, but it was worth it. I did meet another FFR owner, who had just finished building a beautiful '33 Hot Rod.

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Don't worry about not getting a picture together. I was going to do it once we got done talking, but then people kept coming up to you while you were trying to pack up to leave, so I figured not to bother you with it. I did take one of your beautiful car though.
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I'm sure we'll catch up again. Congrats on a beautiful car. I'm hoping that after the next couple of spinal procedures, I'll be able to get back in the garage and continue on my Coupe build. Looking forward following your next one...

Carlos

[wallace18]

Thanks Carlos, My prayers are for a successful recovery for you. It was great meeting you in person.

[wallace18]

Went to a great car show in Lake City about 40 miles away today. Super weather and a great place for the show by a lake. We even had a fly over for the National Anthem. Lots of interest in the car. Most do not know what it is. LOL.

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[wallace18]

At the Good Guys show in Kissimmee a photo was taken of my coupe. The background was an ugly chain link fence and brick building. The photo folks digitally cut it out and added it to this background. I had to take a picture of a picture to show here. So the quality is not as good as in person. But I liked how I could ad the Huegenics to the photo to give my painter a little gift. I like how it came out for the most part. It feels weird not working on building a car. But I am enjoying driving the coupe. I seem to have all the bugs worked out for now. I hope to go to a show at Don Garlits museum on the 25th of this month. It is a Salute to our heroes Car show. It is about a 35 minute drive from my home.

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[John Dol]

Tom,

If you get the itch you can come over and help me out! LOL
Cool looking pic. Seems like your car is getting some well deserved attention.

John

[wallace18]

Yesterday and Today was a good day for sure. My step daughter Lauren got released from the hospital, after a scooter accident had her air lifted from Key West to Miami Kendall hospital. She is going to be OK. Just going to be sore for a few months. I came home on Friday from Miami and went to the Tri-County Cruisers June Classic Car Show today. I was fortunate to win best of show. Also won $100.00 but gave it back to the Disabled Veterans charity of the show. What started out as a bad week turn good. God has a way of doing that for us, IMO.

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[Mitch Wright]

Tom,
Your Coupe looks great.

[H R Lucky]

Great job building your coupe Tom!
Good on you for winning best of show.

Nevin

[wallace18]

After putting on about 800 miles on my coupe, I decided to install electric P/S. I had the FFR electric unit on my 33 build and I loved it. The straight shaft along the frame support rail got me thinking about it for my coupe. I am not a fan of hydraulic P/S. Most new cars have gone to electric P/S. I was fortunate to get a unit from Mike Everson at a good reduced price. I am also documenting this in another thread called (Seriously thinking of adding P/S to my coupe). I am posting in both for future forum folks who may read one vs. another. Here is some pics. First is the shaft I plan on cutting. Then the components I am using from Unisteer. I cut the shaft about 9" from the weld at the u-joint near the foot box. Then welded the couplers to the shafts after carefully measuring so I can remove the unit if needed in the future. If I was doing this from scratch I would have used D-shaped tube instead of the 3/4" round that came with the kit. Since this is an after thought I am using what I got. The motor plate from Unisteer came right next to my frame support tube. I am going to fab up bolt on mounts to the car and weld them to the motor plate. Here is what I got done yesterday.

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[Carlos C]

Tom:

Please post plenty of photos and details on this electric pump installation. The blower and the rest of the accesories I have planned for my engine, prevent me from using a belt-driven unit, so I'll be following your progress closely.

Question: Did you go with a manual rack, or did you do the specified surgery to convert the P/S rack to a manual? How will any of this now affect the addition of P/S? Will you have to change to a power rack? Thanks.

[wallace18]

Tom:

Please post plenty of photos and details on this electric pump installation. The blower and the rest of the accesories I have planned for my engine, prevent me from using a belt-driven unit, so I'll be following your progress closely.

Question: Did you go with a manual rack, or did you do the specified surgery to convert the P/S rack to a manual? How will any of this now affect the addition of P/S? Will you have to change to a power rack? Thanks.

Carlos, I hope you are doing better. I am using the manual rack that came with my complete kit. The unit is all electric. It has a torque sensor that reads input from the steering wheel and adds power assist with the electric motor. No hoses, fluid or pump. This is the best way IMO to go. All I am doing is basically putting the unit inline with the steering shaft. Then fab some brackets. Finally I will mount the ECU and finish up the wiring. You can go to Unisteer and check out the unit as well as instruction from their website.

[wallace18]

I finished up my mounting bracket and mounted the ecu and hooked up all the wires. I hope to finish up the unit today. I made a mount for the ecu and cut a hole in it to allow air to go around the heat sink fins. It is mounted a fair distance from the engine so hopefully no heat problems. My ecu on my 33 was closer to the exhaust and did not have any problems. My bracket is a bolt on deal. The unit could be made with a weld on the frame bracket. You would just need to loosen the 2 large bolts that hold the rack on the allow clearance to install the u-joints and collars. I may go that route down the road if this bolt on deal does not work out. Here is a few pics.

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[wallace18]

I finished up the unit today. All I can say is Wow! What a huge difference. The car is so much easier to drive around at slow speed. Plus I really do not notice any loss of feel driving at speed. I am really glad I did this. Total work time to install was about 10 hours. I spent about 680 dollars on the whole deal. All I can say is if you are thinking about adding P/S to a coupe without all the pulley, hose and fluid stuff of a conventional unit this is the way to go, IMO. I am sure someone could make an even nicer bracket setup than mine, but I am happy with it. I hope this will help someone else. Pics include the yellow LED for the unit I put behind the wheel.

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[RogerB]

Nice build.. Congrats!! How did the air conditioning work out? From the pictures it looked like a nice compressor.

[wallace18]

Nice build.. Congrats!! How did the air conditioning work out? From the pictures it looked like a nice compressor.

A/C blows very nice cold air. Very welcome here in Florida. I installed the March Sport Track system. Very happy with the outcome.

[wallace18]

Here is a poor video of me driving my Coupe. Forgive me I suck at this sort of thing. LOL. Don't laugh too hard at the end watching me try to turn off the camera, LOL.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnIt44NOSpA&feature=em-upload_owner

[daveb_vt]

Thanks for sharing the video, that looks and sounds incredible

[John Dol]

Pretty cool Tom!! looks like you need a remote for the GoPro!LOL

John

[wallace18]

Pretty cool Tom!! looks like you need a remote for the GoPro!LOL

John

Yea I could use one for sure,LOL.

[mjazzka]

Great video, the sound in that thing is incredible! Great job. Any problems reading the gauges behind the steering wheel?

I quite enjoyed the end of the video, lol! A remote is definitely in order.

[wallace18]

Great video, the sound in that thing is incredible! Great job. Any problems reading the gauges behind the steering wheel?

I quite enjoyed the end of the video, lol! A remote is definitely in order.

No I can read them pretty good 95% of the time. Though it does take a little bit to get used to, IMO. Yea I need a remote, us old guys are not as limber as we used to be, LOL.

[wallace18]

This Coupe is now for sale. See for sale forum for details.

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[John Dol]

I noticed that, so you must have another build in mind.
What's next ?

John

[wallace18]

I noticed that, so you must have another build in mind.
What's next ?

John

Could be a MK4????

[wallace18]

Sold my Coupe to a nice fellow from OK. He is allowing me to deliver the coupe on the 27th of this month. This will allow me to make one long trip FL to OK to MA to FL. I will be picking up my new MK4 kit after delivering the coupe. It was bitter sweet loading up for the last time. I know the new owner will be blown away when I roll it out of the trailer on the 27th. Thanks to all that helped and posted to this thread. I really appreciated every one. TW

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[John Dol]

Congrats on the sale and the new addition Tom!!
One question, how the heck do you get in and out of the car in the trailer?

John

[wallace18]

Congrats on the sale and the new addition Tom!!
One question, how the heck do you get in and out of the car in the trailer?

John

It is called an electric winch. LOL.

[Carlos C]

Tom:

Congrats on the sale, although I'm actually sad you're selling it, after seeing that work of art in person. I'm glad to hear that you're embarking on an MK4 build.

So, since you're already building an 818 for a customer, will this be a personal build? Are you planning to build both at the same time, or finish the 818 first?

Carlos

[wallace18]

Tom:

Congrats on the sale, although I'm actually sad you're selling it, after seeing that work of art in person. I'm glad to hear that you're embarking on an MK4 build.

So, since you're already building an 818 for a customer, will this be a personal build? Are you planning to build both at the same time, or finish the 818 first?

Carlos
I am still waiting on motors, batteries and controllers for the 818E. I may do some stuff on the MK4 till parts come in for 818E. Once that happens I will concentrate on the 818E till finished.

[Carlos C]

By the way Tom, I watched the video you posted, in which you were driving your Coupe. It was very nice; and yes, it was funny watching you trying to turn off the camera. Not sure if you have this capability, but if you need help editing videos, let me know. I could do quick and simple editing, such as cutting out your struggle with the camera.... or adding graphics, effects, and text, at no charge for you.

Carlos

[wallace18]

By the way Tom, I watched the video you posted, in which you were driving your Coupe. It was very nice; and yes, it was funny watching you trying to turn off the camera. Not sure if you have this capability, but if you need help editing videos, let me know. I could do quick and simple editing, such as cutting out your struggle with the camera.... or adding graphics, effects, and text, at no charge for you.

Carlos

Yes I sure could use your help. But the comedy has value too! LOL. I will let you know in the future for sure. Thanks. I hope your back is doing better.

[Carlos C]

My spine is still messed up, but thanks for asking. Now, hurry up and start the Roadster build, so I can subscribe to it...

Carlos

[wallace18]

My spine is still messed up, but thanks for asking. Now, hurry up and start the Roadster build, so I can subscribe to it...

Carlos
Already did start one. Check out the roadster build threads. LOL.

[wallace18]

Well I am all loaded up and ready to leave early tomorrow morning to deliver the Coupe to its new owner in Grove, OK. Weather much better there than the east coast for sure.

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[wallace18]

I delivered the coupe to its new owners in Grove,OK. about 9AM thier time. Joe was very happy to see the car in person and was a very happy man! His lovely wife helped us get the car out of the trailer and he drove it into his garage. A work crew working on a new home next door all came over to look at the car. I took some pics, but like the forgetful guy I am I left the cable at home to download the pics to the computer, LOL. It was sad to see it go but to see how Joe was just so happy with the car I built made it heart warming. He was surprized that that car fit him like a glove. He could get in and out of it with ease. My hat is off to him at 70 to do that. He told me this was his holy grail car. So nice to make someones dreams come true. Joe you are now part of the FFR family. Do not forget we are always here to help and share. I hope the car brings you lots of joy and fun times. It sure did for me.

[wallace18]

Here is me and Joe next to his coupe. Great guy and lovely wife he has as well. He said this was his holy grail car. Glad I could make it come true for him. I hope he has many great times ahead for them with it.

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[mjazzka]

Wow, you are truly a class act, Tom. You can see it in the new owner's face! As we all plod on in our own builds, I am sure everyone is looking forward to seeing yet another of yours! I'll especially be looking at your 818E, my dad might be interested in something like that once I'm done with mine.

[Ron J]

Getting closer to done. I finished up the side windows, rear view mirror and front headlight covers. The RF one was distorted in manufacturing some how. FFR is on the spot with a replacement on the way. I made some more little covers on the interior. Taking it to get windshield on the 13th installed. then final polishing by Huegenics. Then inspection and to the Good Guys National in Kissimmee on the 25th. If you are in Florida look me up there on the 25th. I will have a FFR display and info as well.

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Hi Wallace,
Your car looks great, I am curious about the seal material you used between the side window frame and door. It looks professional. Can you share a make and part number?

[wallace18]

It was just some black door moulding I got from a local auto part store. I think it was Pep Boys.

[Ron J]

It was just some black door moulding I got from a local auto part store. I think it was Pep Boys.

Hi Wallace, thank you for your response. Another question, it looks like you didn't install the quarter window scoops, is this correct. I cracked one of mine and after reading a post by Peter Brock, I am thinking of leaving mine off as well. What are your thoughts?

[wallace18]

Hi Wallace, thank you for your response. Another question, it looks like you didn't install the quarter window scoops, is this correct. I cracked one of mine and after reading a post by Peter Brock, I am thinking of leaving mine off as well. What are your thoughts?

I installed rear 1/4 windows from Russ's. I used tinted plastic as I did for all plexiglass windows.

http://www.norcal-cobras.com/store/russ_garage/russ_garage.htm

[Ron J]

Thanks Wallace, I visited Russ and saw his coupe. He had the 1/4 Windows to seal off the cabin and still used the scoops. I was just wondering if you used the scoops as well.

[wallace18]

Thanks Wallace, I visited Russ and saw his coupe. He had the 1/4 Windows to seal off the cabin and still used the scoops. I was just wondering if you used the scoops as well.

No I did not. In fact if you look close at the body you can see we molded out the scoop dent.

[Ron J]

I see that detail now. Thank you for pointing it out. Looks great.