Papa_Jack
01-04-2017, 12:53 AM
I'm Jack from Paso Robles in California. My grand kids call me Papa Jack, hence my member name. Building a hot rod has been a dream and desire of mine for many, many years but a 28 year military career, raising a family, too many moves to count, and second career have kept me very busy. Several years ago I came across the Factory Five 33 Hot Rod kit and I was hooked. Now, with the blessing of my bride of more than 30 years, I have the go ahead to pursue this bucket list adventure.
Placed my order a couple of weeks ago for a March delivery and now I'm about as giddy as an eight-year old on Christmas eve. I've scoured through the forum and build pages and I'm very impressed, inspired and motivated by the exceptional skill and craftsmanship many have displayed in their builds. Kudos and respect to all in forging a path through many challenges that I know I will benefit from. My skills are pretty pedestrian and I think I know my limits but I'm not afraid to venture and learn by experience.
I've spent the last three weeks cleaning out the garage and inventoring and purchasing tools in preparation. My thanks to the recommended tool list in the build manual and to those who added supplemental tool requirements I found throughout the forum.
So, here is what I'm initially considering for my build. Let me say that FFR had a year end sale and I scored on items I wanted in my build saving me a boat load of money going in.
- Complete kit with;
- Powder coat frame
- 3 Link upgrade (year end sale - no charge)
- Rear exit exhaust system
- Sound insulation kit
- Chrome tilt steering column (year end sale - no charge)
- A/C kit
- Bike fender kit (year end sale - no charge)
- Electric power steering
- Standard 8.8 rear axle
- 11.65 rear bake set
- Engine and Transmission
- Chevy 383 ci w/Fuel Injection / 430HP from BluePrint Engine (with apologies to the Ford purist)
- 700R4 automatic transmission. Knees getting too old to slam gears.
- Wheels and Tires
- US Wheel smoothies. 8x15 front and 10x15 rear. I lean more toward "old school" look
- Mickey Thompson tires. Front - Sportsman S/R, LT 26x10R15; Rear - Sportsman S/R, LT 26x12R15. I'm pretty sure these will work.
- Also planned
- Boyd fuel tank
- QA1 shocks and springs
- Convertable top
- Whitby power brakes
- Body paint -- no decision just yet.
Building this hot rod will be about the coolest thing I've ever attempted. Looking forward to delivery, and the fun and challenges of building my bucket list hot rod.
My best to all,
Papa Jack
Placed my order a couple of weeks ago for a March delivery and now I'm about as giddy as an eight-year old on Christmas eve. I've scoured through the forum and build pages and I'm very impressed, inspired and motivated by the exceptional skill and craftsmanship many have displayed in their builds. Kudos and respect to all in forging a path through many challenges that I know I will benefit from. My skills are pretty pedestrian and I think I know my limits but I'm not afraid to venture and learn by experience.
I've spent the last three weeks cleaning out the garage and inventoring and purchasing tools in preparation. My thanks to the recommended tool list in the build manual and to those who added supplemental tool requirements I found throughout the forum.
So, here is what I'm initially considering for my build. Let me say that FFR had a year end sale and I scored on items I wanted in my build saving me a boat load of money going in.
- Complete kit with;
- Powder coat frame
- 3 Link upgrade (year end sale - no charge)
- Rear exit exhaust system
- Sound insulation kit
- Chrome tilt steering column (year end sale - no charge)
- A/C kit
- Bike fender kit (year end sale - no charge)
- Electric power steering
- Standard 8.8 rear axle
- 11.65 rear bake set
- Engine and Transmission
- Chevy 383 ci w/Fuel Injection / 430HP from BluePrint Engine (with apologies to the Ford purist)
- 700R4 automatic transmission. Knees getting too old to slam gears.
- Wheels and Tires
- US Wheel smoothies. 8x15 front and 10x15 rear. I lean more toward "old school" look
- Mickey Thompson tires. Front - Sportsman S/R, LT 26x10R15; Rear - Sportsman S/R, LT 26x12R15. I'm pretty sure these will work.
- Also planned
- Boyd fuel tank
- QA1 shocks and springs
- Convertable top
- Whitby power brakes
- Body paint -- no decision just yet.
Building this hot rod will be about the coolest thing I've ever attempted. Looking forward to delivery, and the fun and challenges of building my bucket list hot rod.
My best to all,
Papa Jack