edwardb
03-30-2015, 09:23 PM
OK, I know “No pictures, it didn’t happen…” but you’re going to have to trust me for a couple days. Very busy day today getting my Mk4 legal, and just enough time at the end of the day for my first drive. I’m a little stoked and want to share now. Eventful day, and this isn't a short story...
The day started by calling for a police inspection. This is the first step in the process for Michigan. Their job is to make sure all the numbers match and are accounted for – easy with a new build and no donor or salvage parts – and then the usual safety inspection, e.g. lights, horn, glass, wipers, bumpers, etc. An experienced officer and a trainee showed up. First question when he walked into my garage was “What engine in this thing?” I said a 347 stroker. He answered that he couldn’t sign it off unless it had a 427. I knew right there he was a car guy and it should go well. He did spend some time looking at the documentation. But then filled out all the papers. Never did actually look at the car. Said because it was a new build and I looked like I knew what I was doing (I guess looks can be deceiving…) he assumed everything was right and worked properly. I said they did. All signed off and first step complete.
Then went to the Secretary of State for the title, registration and license, and right away had a major issue. As some of you know from my build thread, I’m not the original purchaser of 7750. I bought if from a guy in New Hampshire that only had it a few months. The Certificate of Origin from Factory Five has his name on it, of course. Although I had a fully executed bill of sale, cancelled checks, etc. they wouldn’t take it as is. Even spent a bunch of time on the phone to Lansing confirming. There’s no place for the original owner to sign off as the signature blocks on a Certificate of Origin are only for dealers. They asked if I could get a new Certificate of Origin from Factory Five with my name on it. I’ve heard this question asked before on the forums, and recalled the answer was no. And, legally I understand Factory Five wouldn’t want to get into the position of confirming proper transfer of ownership. So the only solution was for me to get a Surety Bond, similar to what is done for a lost title. It’s for twice the purchased value for three years, and is an insurance policy protecting the state (and me I guess…) if somehow the original owner decided to contest the sale. Fortunately, I was able to go to my local insurance agent and in a couple hours the bond was issued and approved by their underwriter. And I was a bit poorer. But I had no choice.
Back to the Secretary of State, and I was out an hour later with a VIN, completed title request, and a 60 day temporary tag. Since this is when I had to pay sales tax on the car, was poorer once again. But that one I was planning for. Midwest Classic Insurance was awesome. I called from the SOS with the new VIN number, and they had a proof of insurance form back to the fax machine in just a few minutes.
Seems Michigan has changed their process for the VIN since when I did my Mk3 several years ago. The FFR number is no longer the VIN. They created an all new one. The year is a 2015 (my Mk3 was a 1965). The make is listed as a very glorious “Assembled.” Yep, that’s what they do now. The title and VIN tag will be reviewed and approved in Lansing, and they will make an appointment with me to hand over the title and place the VIN tag when they're ready. Then I can apply for the actual final license plate. Three years ago all this happened in one stop. They explained there has been a lot of fraud, and many new rules and steps implemented. Oh well. They were really friendly and helpful throughout the process. But good grief. Michigan used to be pretty friendly to these cars. Now not so much. I now have a little idea how some of you in other states feel. Still simpler than some I guess.
So, back home, slapped on the temporary tag and buckled in for my first real drive. The 2.6 miles to date on the odometer were mainly on jack stands and a few up and down the street in my sub as a go-kart and then once before paint. I’ll cut to the chase. The car is absolutely awesome. I ended up doing 13.8 miles, and home just in time for dinner. Had the GPS to have actual speed since my speedo isn’t calibrated yet. I’ll do the calibration, but it’s probably within 1 or 2 mph already. Max speed during my drive was 64 mph according to the GPS. Don’t remember that… All the gauges during the drive were perfect. Water and oil temp, oil pressure, voltage. Even lowered the gas gauge slightly. No surprise. The steering wheel is maybe 1/4 inch off center. I’ll tweak at it, but that’s close. The power steering is fantastic. I will not stop recommending this as a huge improvement to the driving experience. Brakes felt OK. I need to bed them in per the Wilwood procedure. I’m sure that will make them better, but they’re pretty good now. Modulation with the hydroboost power felt fine. The hydraulic clutch and mechanical throttle worked precisely and smooth as I hoped. The TKO600, as upgraded by Liberty’s, shifts perfectly and easily. Not quite like the well used T-5 in my Mk3, but it’s brand new. I tried 5th a couple times, and like it. I chose the .82 final drive along with the 3.27 rear gears. It’s very comfortable at 50 and up in 5th. And I really like the closer spacing between 4th and 5th. The DART stroker feels VERY STRONG. I didn’t push it hard at all, but clearly it’s going to be more than enough. Stuck my foot in it pretty good once in 2nd. Just spun the tires, so didn't learn much. Can’t tell too much about the 5-link yet, except that it feels great. Went around a few twisties and it’s rock solid. Ride is firm but not harsh. I like it. Probably what I liked the best was the feel of the steering and the absolute absence of any bump steer. The new FFR spindles are amazing. The wheel never moves a bit when going over bumps. My Mk3 was never bad with the SN95 spindles, but you did feel bumps in the wheel. Never enough to move the car, but they were there. This is smooth like a DD. Very cool. The car itself is smooth and quiet. Not a single rattle, squeak, whatever. It’s exactly what I was hoping for. A tribute to a classic that drives like a modern sports car.
Back in the garage and checked everything over. All looked good except a small puddle of green antifreeze. Ugh. Looked closer and it had puked a little fluid out the overflow tank drain. Nothing else. Once it was cooled off, checked and the coolant was at the top under the filler cap. The overflow tank still had a little in the bottom. So I’m just going to leave it and see what happens. Probably I had a little too much fluid in the overflow tank “cold” position. My other open task is tuning the Quick Fuel carb. I’ve done some basic things, but still more to do. Out of the box, it’s running really well. But I think still too rich at idle. Response at all speeds is instant. But I’ll watch the plugs (and gas gauge…) and see what that shows me. Thinking about picking up an AFR gauge and getting more scientific about it. But we’ll see.
For all you builders out there, trust me this is the day you’re aiming for and nothing feels better than that first ride in your new build. Weather looks good for a more extended drive on Wednesday. I’ll shoot a video or two and post them.
The day started by calling for a police inspection. This is the first step in the process for Michigan. Their job is to make sure all the numbers match and are accounted for – easy with a new build and no donor or salvage parts – and then the usual safety inspection, e.g. lights, horn, glass, wipers, bumpers, etc. An experienced officer and a trainee showed up. First question when he walked into my garage was “What engine in this thing?” I said a 347 stroker. He answered that he couldn’t sign it off unless it had a 427. I knew right there he was a car guy and it should go well. He did spend some time looking at the documentation. But then filled out all the papers. Never did actually look at the car. Said because it was a new build and I looked like I knew what I was doing (I guess looks can be deceiving…) he assumed everything was right and worked properly. I said they did. All signed off and first step complete.
Then went to the Secretary of State for the title, registration and license, and right away had a major issue. As some of you know from my build thread, I’m not the original purchaser of 7750. I bought if from a guy in New Hampshire that only had it a few months. The Certificate of Origin from Factory Five has his name on it, of course. Although I had a fully executed bill of sale, cancelled checks, etc. they wouldn’t take it as is. Even spent a bunch of time on the phone to Lansing confirming. There’s no place for the original owner to sign off as the signature blocks on a Certificate of Origin are only for dealers. They asked if I could get a new Certificate of Origin from Factory Five with my name on it. I’ve heard this question asked before on the forums, and recalled the answer was no. And, legally I understand Factory Five wouldn’t want to get into the position of confirming proper transfer of ownership. So the only solution was for me to get a Surety Bond, similar to what is done for a lost title. It’s for twice the purchased value for three years, and is an insurance policy protecting the state (and me I guess…) if somehow the original owner decided to contest the sale. Fortunately, I was able to go to my local insurance agent and in a couple hours the bond was issued and approved by their underwriter. And I was a bit poorer. But I had no choice.
Back to the Secretary of State, and I was out an hour later with a VIN, completed title request, and a 60 day temporary tag. Since this is when I had to pay sales tax on the car, was poorer once again. But that one I was planning for. Midwest Classic Insurance was awesome. I called from the SOS with the new VIN number, and they had a proof of insurance form back to the fax machine in just a few minutes.
Seems Michigan has changed their process for the VIN since when I did my Mk3 several years ago. The FFR number is no longer the VIN. They created an all new one. The year is a 2015 (my Mk3 was a 1965). The make is listed as a very glorious “Assembled.” Yep, that’s what they do now. The title and VIN tag will be reviewed and approved in Lansing, and they will make an appointment with me to hand over the title and place the VIN tag when they're ready. Then I can apply for the actual final license plate. Three years ago all this happened in one stop. They explained there has been a lot of fraud, and many new rules and steps implemented. Oh well. They were really friendly and helpful throughout the process. But good grief. Michigan used to be pretty friendly to these cars. Now not so much. I now have a little idea how some of you in other states feel. Still simpler than some I guess.
So, back home, slapped on the temporary tag and buckled in for my first real drive. The 2.6 miles to date on the odometer were mainly on jack stands and a few up and down the street in my sub as a go-kart and then once before paint. I’ll cut to the chase. The car is absolutely awesome. I ended up doing 13.8 miles, and home just in time for dinner. Had the GPS to have actual speed since my speedo isn’t calibrated yet. I’ll do the calibration, but it’s probably within 1 or 2 mph already. Max speed during my drive was 64 mph according to the GPS. Don’t remember that… All the gauges during the drive were perfect. Water and oil temp, oil pressure, voltage. Even lowered the gas gauge slightly. No surprise. The steering wheel is maybe 1/4 inch off center. I’ll tweak at it, but that’s close. The power steering is fantastic. I will not stop recommending this as a huge improvement to the driving experience. Brakes felt OK. I need to bed them in per the Wilwood procedure. I’m sure that will make them better, but they’re pretty good now. Modulation with the hydroboost power felt fine. The hydraulic clutch and mechanical throttle worked precisely and smooth as I hoped. The TKO600, as upgraded by Liberty’s, shifts perfectly and easily. Not quite like the well used T-5 in my Mk3, but it’s brand new. I tried 5th a couple times, and like it. I chose the .82 final drive along with the 3.27 rear gears. It’s very comfortable at 50 and up in 5th. And I really like the closer spacing between 4th and 5th. The DART stroker feels VERY STRONG. I didn’t push it hard at all, but clearly it’s going to be more than enough. Stuck my foot in it pretty good once in 2nd. Just spun the tires, so didn't learn much. Can’t tell too much about the 5-link yet, except that it feels great. Went around a few twisties and it’s rock solid. Ride is firm but not harsh. I like it. Probably what I liked the best was the feel of the steering and the absolute absence of any bump steer. The new FFR spindles are amazing. The wheel never moves a bit when going over bumps. My Mk3 was never bad with the SN95 spindles, but you did feel bumps in the wheel. Never enough to move the car, but they were there. This is smooth like a DD. Very cool. The car itself is smooth and quiet. Not a single rattle, squeak, whatever. It’s exactly what I was hoping for. A tribute to a classic that drives like a modern sports car.
Back in the garage and checked everything over. All looked good except a small puddle of green antifreeze. Ugh. Looked closer and it had puked a little fluid out the overflow tank drain. Nothing else. Once it was cooled off, checked and the coolant was at the top under the filler cap. The overflow tank still had a little in the bottom. So I’m just going to leave it and see what happens. Probably I had a little too much fluid in the overflow tank “cold” position. My other open task is tuning the Quick Fuel carb. I’ve done some basic things, but still more to do. Out of the box, it’s running really well. But I think still too rich at idle. Response at all speeds is instant. But I’ll watch the plugs (and gas gauge…) and see what that shows me. Thinking about picking up an AFR gauge and getting more scientific about it. But we’ll see.
For all you builders out there, trust me this is the day you’re aiming for and nothing feels better than that first ride in your new build. Weather looks good for a more extended drive on Wednesday. I’ll shoot a video or two and post them.