JD's 818C Build - Maple Valley, WA

[SnyderJD]

Figured I would get this post started now... Thanks to my dad Ralph Button, I caught the FFR bug along time ago. Although, I always thought I would build a Mk x Roadster, I fell in love the 818C the minute I saw it. So on to the build...

Thanks to Wayne at VCP, I should have Donor Parts and his shifter early next week. I want to thank in advance many of the local friends who have offered help and want to be a part of the project. Thanks to Dan for offering dock space while I finish up the garage in preparation. I think this is going to cost me a lot of beer... but will be well worth it!

Most importantly, thanks to my wife for letting me follow my dreams with a new born on the way in the next few weeks.

I will be posting plenty of photos...

What do people feel is the best solution for getting the frame on rollers to move around the garage with easy? I've been looking at a combination on moving dollys and jack stands.

[AZPete]

Wow, Ralph Button's son! I'm impressed that you have such a famous father and helper (?) for the 818C build. Regarding something to hold your frame, I built a wooden dolly that worked well because it held it high enough to work on and sturdy enough that I could climb all over it. After the engine was running, wiring done, and ready to go-kart, I added wheels and took the chassis dolly apart to use the parts elsewhere. Here's a thread about it:
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?11458-Chassis-Dolly&highlight=Dolly
But, other guys have used Harbor Freight furniture dollys and jack stands. Whatever you do, make sure it's stable so you don't get squashed.
I should say "Welcome to the Madness" but you already know that.

[SnyderJD]

Thanks Pete... I am looking forward to the madness. I'm sure it wont compare to the new born. I'm sure that he will help with some wrench time when visiting their new grandchild. Thanks for the link to your build regarding your chassis dolly.

[Kurk818]

Nice to see you started a thread. I still have to meet up with you this summer and show you my build. Looking forward to the photo overload :)

[wleehendrick]

What do people feel is the best solution for getting the frame on rollers to move around the garage with easy? I've been looking at a combination on moving dollys and jack stands.

Welcome!

If you have a tight space and need to move it around, several people ave posted plans for dollies that have worked for them, but I found that wasn't necessary.... I used Stewart Transportation's dolly to bring it in to the garage, put it right on 4 high jackstands where it stayed put until it was a roller.

[SnyderJD]

@ Kurk, Yes Im looking forward to meeting up and seeing your build for sure. Are you doing any autocross with yours?

@ wleehendrick, MY garage is supposed to be a two car garage by description, however, it's more of 1 1/2 car garage. and with workbenches, tool chests, a motorcycle and any given carpentry project my wife has me doing for the house, it can feel small. So far I am liking he dolly that AZPete has shown me.

[R. Button]

he's gone to the dark side :) ... I thought I trained him to consider Detroit muscle over the other stuff! But I suspect all those years in Maine where every one seem to have a Subie may have infected him!

[SnyderJD]

he's gone to the dark side :) ... I thought I trained him to consider Detroit muscle over the other stuff! But I suspect all those years in Maine where every one seem to have a Subie may have infected him!

Ha... there is will be a roadster in the stable some day... just later rather than sooner.

[Kurk818]

No, no autocross in the near future. Too busy with work and life. Itd would be great to do a track day together sometime. It would be quite interesting i think.

[mxcobra]

Your dads a FFR legend .. Cant wait to see your build !!

[SnyderJD]

mxcobra, I can't wait either. It will be an exciting journey and big shoes to follow.

[SnyderJD]

Sorry for the teaser only photo... Donor Parts, '03 WRX. I have not been able to get over to my buddies warehouse to open. It's like Christmas.

Thank you Wayne.

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/snyderjasond/VCP_zpssndbivm1.jpg (http://s963.photobucket.com/user/snyderjasond/media/VCP_zpssndbivm1.jpg.html)

[Hindsight]

Congrats! Let the cleaning begin!!

My favorite part of donor prep (aside from cutting the shell of the car into 10 pieces with a recip-saw) was dissolving rust with electrolysis:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Electrolytic-Rust-Removal-aka-Magic/

[TouchStone]

When is the kit due for delivery? I'm interested in seeing pictures of a just delivered 818C.

[SnyderJD]

When is the kit due for delivery? I'm interested in seeing pictures of a just delivered 818C.

Not sure yet... Still waiting for a go live production date.

[SnyderJD]

Well the time is getting closer. As of this morning, I have a production date! :) I'm now working out the final details of the options I want to add through FFR. Certainly excited, this will be a big year... In my last year of my masters, new born baby, and soon to be new baby 818C showing up! I may be a bit of a zombie for the next year...

Good news is the custom aquarium stand I have been building is almost complete, meaning my garage will once again be clean and clear of the arrival of the car.

[Kurk818]

Awesome. Look forward to getting more regular updates from you!

[SnyderJD]

Last week was the final stretch... the garage and overhead storage were cleaned out.. more like a massive purge to make room for delivery day.

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/snyderjasond/818C/DC697436-0097-4BCA-983C-F7DEE72B1F22_zpsyn6bbbnw.jpg (http://s963.photobucket.com/user/snyderjasond/media/818C/DC697436-0097-4BCA-983C-F7DEE72B1F22_zpsyn6bbbnw.jpg.html)

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/snyderjasond/818C/02DF7E4F-F8D7-4D37-8DA6-A64463EC4C86_zpsthei57yk.jpg (http://s963.photobucket.com/user/snyderjasond/media/818C/02DF7E4F-F8D7-4D37-8DA6-A64463EC4C86_zpsthei57yk.jpg.html)

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/snyderjasond/818C/2C684F87-ECEE-4406-9FE6-C6E5539DB9EC_zpshftrapu6.jpg (http://s963.photobucket.com/user/snyderjasond/media/818C/2C684F87-ECEE-4406-9FE6-C6E5539DB9EC_zpshftrapu6.jpg.html)

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/snyderjasond/818C/AE38111C-A8EC-45F7-86B6-D8738D7F7E5C_zpslhcymkqy.jpg (http://s963.photobucket.com/user/snyderjasond/media/818C/AE38111C-A8EC-45F7-86B6-D8738D7F7E5C_zpslhcymkqy.jpg.html)

Wednesday will be inventory day as I am buried in classwork right now.

[Terry]

JD,
While looking up stuff for my 65 Coupe build, I just happened to notice your thread. So, thought I would let you know that I am also in Maple Valley. Even though we aren't building the same kit, still happy to compare notes.

Terry

[SnyderJD]

Terry. That would be great.... Shoot me a pm and we can check out each other's projects in person. If you ever need a hand I'm available

[Kurk818]

Awesome. Glad you received it. Ill have to drive mine down and have a look at yours on a dry day.

[SnyderJD]

@Kurk... a dry day for sure... although I dont see one of those anytime soon.

[SnyderJD]

question to all of you guys who have completed cars... what was the most efficient method for identifying parts that are custom to the 818? right now I flip back and forth through the manual to try to identify some of the parts?

[AZPete]

I think it would be best to post pictures of parts that you can't identify and we can probably tell you right away. Plus, it might help others. I'm up for some "what's this?" contests!
Pete

[SnyderJD]

I am actually contemplating photo cataloging all of the parts to not only help me in the future if I have to replace something but to help others

[SnyderJD]

Its been a little while since I last posted. Needless to say this build wont be setting any speed records. Inventory is finished though. Compelted building a fram to reuse- my old Jeep hardtop hoist points. So now I have my hardtop swinging from the ceiling.

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/snyderjasond/818C/6276D699-B9B0-43C7-AE6B-57BC210BDB0F_zps2gn4eite.jpg (http://s963.photobucket.com/user/snyderjasond/media/818C/6276D699-B9B0-43C7-AE6B-57BC210BDB0F_zps2gn4eite.jpg.html)

[SnyderJD]

Seats? Has anyone used the OMP WRC seats in their 818? If so thoughts or feedback?

[SnyderJD]

So after sitting my garage for far too long... I have finished my masters and can spend more time working the car finally... spent most of the day with a buddy working on wiring yesterday. I want to give the diet ago before I throw the wrench in for a premade harness... waiting on rust bullet to show up today so I can paint bare metal and brake components to get them mounted up... all of the front suspension ahs been mocked up and fitted... feel good to move the needle forward after sitting in the garage for so long.

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/snyderjasond/wiring1_zps7vwvcbzc.jpg (http://s963.photobucket.com/user/snyderjasond/media/wiring1_zps7vwvcbzc.jpg.html)

[redfogo]

Looking good ;) Keep us updated!

[07FIREBLADE]

I wish you luck on the wire diet if you do decided to get a premade one you wont be disappointed. I've been in your exact shoes with the little cesars and dr pepper too. But if you do decide to send in the harness to be remade for you. Please don't butcher it while trying to diet it.

[SnyderJD]

Milestone moment today...after a ton of troubleshooting, engine turned over and fired up... expected dies dies immediately... need to get all the vacuum lines, inrercooler etc installed to run right. But she fired up. No major leaks other than the oil line to the turbo is mangled and leaked so will need to replace that.... all in all was a good day!

[Canadian818]

Awesome! Congrats and the start up, now for the tedious stuff.

[Kurk818]

Awesome moment. Still looking to come over on my 818 and check out your progress. Keep it up.

[SnyderJD]

And its alive.... still have some vacuum lines to sort out... no exhaust on yet... but it starts and runs ;)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdENLE-82fs

[Shawn818c]

congrats! You're making a lot of progress

[R. Button]

Finally the years of "training osmosis" has paid off! :) You have done well! That first start up is a huge milestone!

[SnyderJD]

Big day today... Was able to gokart the 818 today.... had a bit of a Toe-in issue that was pretty aggressive, but after an adjustment, the car seems to track pretty well. Need to try to make some adjustments to Waynes VCP Shifter, seems a little tough to find some gears still seem to have a small oil drip, i need to track down. Parking brake is the next big issue to tackle. Cant seem to get any tension on the e-brake. I think I need to move it about 3/4" forward

[SnyderJD]

3100 Miles, Snow and sleet in Montana, Biblical rain storms in North Dakota and more storms in upstate new York.... but 3.5 days later I made it from the Seattle area to southern New Hampshire.
Tried to get this booked on an enclosed car carrier, but at the last minute, the route was never picked up and had to make last minute plans to tow open...

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/965/28103835918_be3fbcee8c_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JPrvi9)


https://farm1.staticflickr.com/909/28103836308_73898fee16_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JPrvpS)

[STiPWRD]

Which part of NH? I lived in Nashua for 2 years. Did anything get ruined in the rain?

[SnyderJD]

Currently, until we find a house, Nashua... With that being said, we will most likely end up in Nashua, Merrimack, Hudson area. I grew up in region and went to college out here. AS far as damages... Body panels seem fine, glass is fine. no shortage of dirt and road grime to be cleaned.

[mistasherm]

Any damage to the radiator or did you wrap it? Getting ready to do an open tow of my 818S kit to PA and we are at about the same spot in our builds - thanks!

[SnyderJD]

no damage that I can tell... but in hindsight, a layer of 1/4 plywood in front of it might not have been a bad idea. It was very last minute change in plans to tow...

[SnyderJD]

Update on the build... it has been a while since I last posted. The car has traveled more unbuilt than maybe any other car. I started building the car before the birth of my daughter in Maple Valley, WA, moved to New Hampshire, kept working on the car. As a result of taking a new job on the west coast, moved back to Maple Valley, WA. From my calculations, the car has traveled 12,000 + miles over the course of its life between coasts. I have had my ups and downs with the build. In the end, I have loved the experience of the entire process, including the struggles. With that being said, I came across a project that I could not pass up and decided to sell my 818C in an unfinished state. I made it to the body work portion of the project before ultimately letting it go to a startup company in the Bay area working on a designing a product for the EV market. I am really excited to see what they do with the car. In the days to come, I will be posting some parts I have for sale that others may be interested in to complete their projects. I want to thank this amazing community for the help they have provided along the way as well as the entire staff at factory five for providing the community with amazing cars we can build in our backyards.

When the time is right, my next FactoryFive car will be a roadster so that I can follow in my dad's footsteps, although I doubt, I will earn the title, "The traveler" as he has.

Oh yeah, that project I could not pass up... the first car I ever worked on with my dad was a Porsche Kit car based on a VW chassis. So, it seems a bit fitting that with the limited assistance of my 6-year-old daughter, I am now working on bringing back to a life a 1967 Porsche 912. If you want to follow that journey, PM me and I will drop a link to that forum.

Again, Factory Five, thank you for the product you make and the dreams you help bring to reality.

[SnyderJD]

Some priceless memories along the journey...

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160499&d=1642573862

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160505&d=1642573951

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https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160506&d=1642573951

[SnyderJD]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160500&d=1642573951

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160501&d=1642573951

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160508&d=1642573951

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[SnyderJD]

On to the next chapter with my daughter....

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160512&d=1642574994