Black&Copper - 33 Hot Rod #1028 [Archive] - Page 2

AJT '33

06-20-2019, 12:03 PM

Perfect, what is the edge trim if you don't mind me asking. I put the windshield in myself and the urethane did not squeeze out to the outside edge in a couple of places, should not be a problem for holding in windshield but the body being white and the urethane being black it just cosmetically doesn't look good. I have been searching for a trim the would cover that, thinking of running a bead of black silicone around the edge but that could be messy if I can smooth it out uniformly.

I will need to get back to you, the one that he described that I liked best was described as a round bulb with a tail, the tail would be glued in by the adhesive and the bulb would sit between the edge of the window and the hardtop (pressed into place at the right height by the installer). The other was about the same but lapped onto the windshield about a half inch which I thought might not look as good. I hope to have the window installed in the next month or so.

AJT '33

06-21-2019, 07:56 AM

Final primer applied and now to sand those areas and then everything to 600 grit dry prior to painting the base coats and clear top coats by the end of next week.
109332 109333 All ready to go
109334 109335 Primer applied and unmasked to dry. Love the foam edging to keep the painted edges soft and tapered.

duff33

06-21-2019, 08:01 AM

Thank You, I understand that, have seen edging like that from several vendors

Michael101

06-21-2019, 03:00 PM

You’ve got to be excited...the suspense is killin’ me and it isn’t even my car!

AJT '33

07-02-2019, 08:26 AM

Well my Canada Day weekend ended up being a Painting Day's Weekend! Once I got all of the parts primed, washed, cleaned and ready, we kept finding little things that needed to be addressed, mostly pinholes that were present mainly from punching through the Gelcoat but also because of not having an initially thick enough build of Polyester primer prior to the base sand down. Those two items would have alleviated a lot of headaches and would have shortened my finish sanding time substantially (note, all my sanding was done by hand using various longboards, no DA sanding was done after initial priming).

If I have a piece of advice for anyone starting to do body prep work: Get all your fiberglass parts installed on the car, prep all your mold joint lines first (basically get any air pocket out don't worry about hollows yet), don't worry about levelling and straightening out the parts yet either. Next, once that prep is done you then go and get a good layer of polyester primer over all the parts (I removed all my parts to do this to make the application easier then replaced all the parts on the body, made for good practice as well), 70-80% of that polyester primer will be sanded off removing the high spots, however it will also allow you to see all your hollows. You can then proceed to fill in those areas which are your hollows and get them faired to the rest of the body, this will save a LOT of time and headaches. Once that's done go ahead and get a good base coat of urethane primer on (in my case I am using House of Kolor products, others may vary but the baseline of primers and prep is the same, just the grit finishes may vary). Once the second primer is on you can concentrate on getting that panel to panel trueness needed for your car. Then everything can come off your frame and the final priming and sanding can be done, if I would have done it this way I would have cut my prep and sanding time in half and would most likely driving my car by now.

Well that's neither here nor there as my base paint is ALL DONE!!!! Well... there is more to do as in color sanding and then polishing but that's expected. Regardless the base paint finish out of my home made booth turned out better than expected, we learned real quick to keep the floor damp and not wet prior to painting the three base coats of color and also prior to the three clear coats of HOK Shimrin Show Klear. The one thing I am glad to have done is spent the extra money for the HOK paints, clear and primers, it made a huge difference in my eyes. The amount of post sanding and prep prior to buffing will be minimal. In reality I could leave it as is and be very happy, but since I am going to this level of detail and finish I might as well see it through. So here you go, these are a few pictures of the final result of our in house painting within my shop space, extremely pleased and can now get on to assembly. These are next day shots of the dried paint and not wet paint.

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109969 Had to move my chassis and some of the painted parts from day one and two to my house garage for space and protection!

All in all the amount of prep work and the final results surpassed what I wanted. I will however, be getting my detailer (who the person I had lay down the paint knows) in to have the inside of the doors color sanded (smoothing the clear really) and buffed prior to assembly. He will be doing all the areas that would no longer be easily accessible, or accessible, but visible, after assembly. Once all the parts are on the car, he will then go ahead and complete the color sanding as well as applying a ceramic coating called C.Quartz. The same detailer that my painter (who laid down the paint for me) knows is trained and authorized to do the application of this product, it takes approximately three days to complete the application on a regular car so mine may take a bit longer for mine. As he will be doing this after assembly any minor scuffs or scratches can be corrected prior to its application and completion. More to come as we now progress forward!!!!!

All in all it has been a "ride" but now we need to get the "Mistress" certified and done before the end of the summer!!

Michael101

07-02-2019, 07:26 PM

Man that looks fantastic. And I plan to take advantage of your advice for sure, not gonna pass on the opportunity to cut the bodywork time. Thanks for posting this info.

JOP33

07-03-2019, 06:11 AM

That is an awesome job and ya'll should be extremely proud!

duff33

07-03-2019, 07:39 AM

Beautiful !!!! That is a fantastic paint job

FF33rod

07-03-2019, 11:58 AM

That is darn impressive Andreas. A testament to your body prep and also to the friend who layed down the paint. Thanks for the tips on the body prep!
Steve

AJT '33

07-12-2019, 07:50 AM

Well, once all the paint was done and then I let it sit for a good week, sometimes in the morning sun only, it's time to once again start the "Sanding" process!!! I knew that there would be more sanding however I never thought it would be so detailed to get that close to perfect finish I have always wanted to have on my car. I started the sanding on some small parts to get the feel of how much I will need to sand off the surface to get that smooth finish and based on the current finish it is not much thankfully. However, my friend who is helping me along in the process told me we were not going to use a DA sander, were going to do it all by hand, old school, CRAP!!!

Regardless, since I am a glutton for punishment and also since my father was a Master Woodworker for sailboats, going old school and getting it done correctly really does not phase me, it just means there will be a lot of Advil in my life at night until it's all done, hopefully in a few weeks before I go on vacation!!

So here is what I will be doing to get that near show car finish I am hoping to achieve. I will be first sanding with 1200 grit wet paper with a good stiff block (nothing to flexible otherwise you will see the waves of those areas you pressed harder on that will show up as hollows) to knock down all the surface ruffles, nibs, minor orange peels or any surface irregularities. Using wet paper and a block will get your surface flat. I will then be following that with and even cut of 3M Trizact P1500 Hookit clear coat sanding discs and then an even cut of 2000, 3000 and then 5000 using the same 3M Trizact foam hook and loop discs with a hand disc adapter), all done by hand. Once the main cut to get the surface flat is complete, the others are only used to remove the previous grits cut marks only! I have three healthy coats of HOK clear so I expect to only get through one of the coats.

Here are a few pics of the current parts I have been working on:
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It does not look great in the pictures but you can see the shine underneath just waiting to brought out!!

It's going to be a process but I am told by everyone I know who has done this for their car, says it's worth it. I have done this for sailboats and other applications including furniture in my house I built (well maybe not to 5000 grit but to 1500) so I am hoping that it will turn out to my liking as well. Knowing what my father had done in the past and what I have done with him I am confident that it will work out well. I hope to make him proud even though he is no longer with us.

AJT '33

07-15-2019, 09:27 AM

Well more clear coat sanding and also getting all those miscellaneous parts setup and painted. The one part that I decided to do a little differently is the front grill. Decided to have it sent out and powder coated to a Copper color powder coat that was as close to what I have been painting my other parts. My wife received it today and I am anxious to see how it looks in real life. Right now the plan is to sand prep it so I can coat it with a base black color all over then take some 320 grit paper and very lightly sand off the black base to reveal the copper powder coat below. Once I have the graded look I want, I will be sealing the deal with multiple coats of clear. The grading will go from a solid black at the top to the "worn" looking copper at the bottom to give the impression that over time the black has been worn through.

Once I see the actual grill tonight I will be able to make final decisions on this. My powder coater sent me this picture as a teaser, I will take more tonight and post as well.
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UPDATE: SO after discussion with the "boss" we have decided that we will leave the grill portion the burnt copper and do the treatment to the frame around the grill pickets themselves. A bit more work taping off and sanding carefully, however we think this will look better in the end, we will see!

FF33rod

07-15-2019, 11:59 AM

Grill looks great as is but excited to see how it looks after you give it the "treatment"...

AJT '33

07-19-2019, 07:42 AM

Well everytime I move forward I discover a new little tool or product that helps in the progression of the build. Here is a small kit that I took a chance on and VERY glad I did. In building my own paint booth within the garage I have nibs on the top areas of the parts that were downwind of the initially painted parts. Not a big deal ($100CDN, worth the investment) however if you want that smooth look and you don't want to oversand any one area. This little kit allows you flatten those nibs and not create a hollow where the nib is in the clear or oversand around the nib or even small fish eye. It allows you to stay flat over the nib to knock it down. Works great for all those nuisance areas and allows you to have a uniform smooth surface when you go ahead and do your 1500 to smoothen the clear and then the subsequent 2000, 3000 and 5000 before the compounding and polishing. I did learn yesterday that I should not go any less than 1500 grit otherwise it takes more effort to blend it.
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It has a variety of grits from 1000 to 3000 which allows you to use it to touch up paint and blend it back once your on the road and need to do something during the winter months! :)
PS. Not promoting 3M products however in the case of this kit, and using the Trizact sanding discs, I can tell you its well worth the extra expense as it does produce a more consistent and even surface than the less expensive discs that are a third of the cost, in my opinion.

AJT '33

07-19-2019, 08:37 AM

Now that I am well into getting the clear sanded, I am looking forward to planning the assembly of various components, one of which is the installation of the door panels including the door arm rest/door pulls. There is nothing really on how these get affixed in the guide so I am at a bit of a loss as to how they get them installed so they dont pull on the panel which does not really have a good attachment to the door frame, only on the thin fiberglass shell. Will be posting on Facebook as well to see how others have handled this.

1932

07-19-2019, 01:56 PM

This is the way i did mine so that handles are in a workable place, and not on door panel110894.

AJT '33

07-23-2019, 07:42 AM

Continuing to multi task now, I have been sanding and prepping to polish as well as planning further assembly work.
Last night I got the hard top all sanded to 5000 and it looks great, at least I expect it will once polished.
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My friend who is helping with the paint came by last night and I told him that I was hoping that all the sanding work I have been doing over the last few weeks is going to pay off. What I didn't know is that he brought his cut and polishing equipment with him in advance of him doing the prep work before we ship it out to have a professional Ceramic Coating applied. So he took one of the first parts that i had sanded and proceeded to do a quick compound cut and a polish. Last night I got a glimpse into what the mistress will look like and all I can say is WOW!!!! Even though I can see a few areas that need attention, I was very pleasantly surprised and VERY HAPPY with the results. I never realized how hard it is to take a good picture of a shiny part. The following pictures really don't do it justice (and the dust bunnies love it!) as well the grainy look is the reflection of the screen from my window on the left!
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This now gives me that last drive to have all the rest of the parts sanded so we can get to buffing!!!

sethmark

07-23-2019, 09:26 AM

Lovely!

peterh226

07-23-2019, 09:14 PM

Your door alignment post is great. #205

This is really good advice. I needed help from a friend to hold the door in the right place while I tightened the bolts, but with a couple of washers and persuasion it aligned well. Just remove the hinge pins so you never need to do it again.

AJT '33

07-29-2019, 11:11 AM

So everything is sanded to 5000, trunk lid is sanded and fared to 800 grit to allow me to apply spot touch ups to the base and re-clear the deck lid completely. Will be assessing the body to see if we can somehow do the same however try and blend the clear. Hopefully the paint and clear being so fresh can possibly blend well, if not a complete re-clear of the body will be necessary and a complete re-sand thereafter! (and that would take 3-4 evenings!!
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These are the two spots on the body (kinda frustrating and mad at myself!)
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And the rework for the trunk lid
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FF33rod

07-29-2019, 11:57 AM

Hang in there, it's too bad it burned through but not the end of the world, just more work unfortunately.

AJT '33

08-20-2019, 07:48 AM

Well back from 3 weeks vacation in Europe, now I am very anxious to get this baby buffed and assembled so I can go ahead and get to that magic place of being able to bring it to our local DMV for inspection! I know I have a few months left to get there (need to work and travel to pay the bills!!) however I am now even more stoked to get her done!!

Started sanding the perimeter of the radiator grill to get it painted black and "aged" a bit before getting it remounted and putting the front end together to have the engine started once again.

AJT '33

08-22-2019, 07:31 AM

Well finally got back into the shop last night did some cleaning and organizing as well as a little work on sanding the grill contour.
112806 Unfortunately I forgot to take some from last, will update the post tomorrow.

Also reviewed the changes that my son made to the wiring, after getting frustrated with the way it was setup in the wiring harness versus how we setup the cars dash panel and components he bit the bullet and pulled off all the coverings and re-routed the wiring such that it sat better and could be placed in a much cleaner layout. Even though the pictures don't do it justice, the end result under the dash makes life easier to layout and even later expand.
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Once its all done I will post additional pics, unless I forget to take some!!

AJT '33

08-22-2019, 12:57 PM

Tonight, amongst finishing the prep work on the grill I will be setting up my existing chromed headlight enclosures for paint as well. Anyone have experience in the preparation of the chrome to ensure good adhesion for the paint? I am planning to sandblast the chrome smooth to eliminate all the shine, then use an etching primer like I had used for the aluminum parts (which worked great... so far) then go ahead and smoothen, re-prime then do the normal base coats and clear coats. Any feedback from those with experience doing that is appreciated.

AJT '33

08-26-2019, 07:25 AM

Got all the grill sanding done, cleaned up and taped off, anxious to see the final result of all that minutia sanding between the grills. Crossing my fingers that I have all the existing powder coated grills taped off and sealed to not get any overspray or blow back. Needed to be patient to make sure that each grill rod was taped off properly.
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Was also able to get most of the misc. parts painted along with the faux gears I 3D printed for setup on the shifter arm. Will need to sand thema bit and reclear to get the better finish but the initial paint looks good.
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Also my wife spoke with a friend and an opportunity on a 1930 Model A, went and took a look and ended up buying it! Now I have my next project in a couple years to cleanup, repaint and have fun with. Polar opposite of this build!
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Needs a lot of TLC on the interior and a lot of cleanup, but that's OK.

PS. If you need to rotate a picture, change the name of the pic by changing the last letter or number and it will look properly when posted.

Straversi

08-26-2019, 08:53 AM

Looking good. congrats on the new/ next project. That’s awesome.
-Steve

AJT '33

08-30-2019, 03:35 PM

Well the attempt to fix the burn through went, well OK. One of the two blends turned out fine and with some sanding and buffing should be fine. The other one ended up sagging as my painter put too much blender on the clear and it dissolved it too much. Lesson learned, if you need to do a blend only put a dusting on.
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This how it looked when it was polished before touching up and blending
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AJT '33

09-09-2019, 10:26 AM

Well polishing has officially started after my screw ups in sanding were corrected. The results are turning out just fine and now the fun started to get the polishing underway and complete so assembly can be started with the body, then the doors along with all the stuff that gets connected to them. Here's a few shots that I took which shows the depth of the black once polished. Will be very interesting to see it all down to this level and then sealed with a Ceramic coating.
114015 114017 This shows the reflection of the wall in the top of the dash as its hard to see it in a picture without it as to its depth of color.
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Now back to working all those detail parts as well!

FF33rod

09-09-2019, 12:16 PM

It's looking so good even I'm getting anxious for you to finish it :)

duff33

09-10-2019, 08:29 AM

That is fantastic!!!!!!!

AJT '33

09-18-2019, 08:07 AM

And we continue to polish however my son is doing a bang up job in cleaning up the wiring!! Unfortunately due to the delays he is struggling to remember some of the schematics that we did not write down so its taking a bit longer to button up.
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Will be starting to re-assemble this weekend and get the grill and radiator back on so we can do a restart of the car, its been way too long since we had her running!! Looking forward to seeing the grill on the car all nicely painted up! Its hard to see the color contrast between the burnt copper grills and the Jet Black contour.
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AJT '33

09-23-2019, 08:24 AM

Details, details, details, mock up, look at it, decide if it's what I want, try again, make a final decision then start the cleaning and painting process. I thought fairing the body panels was tough, deciding on what the finishes are are tougher!!
Welded up the details for the stick shift, added the brackets I put for the gears in and welded them on. Ground the welds and placed a layer of primer. Now need to cut off the top threaded portion and weld on a socket cap bolt so the custom shifter ball I bought a year ago fits and looks best. Will also be modifying the base so I can screw it in, lock it and slip it on and off of the shifter boot. 3 of the 7 gears were installed to keep its shape.
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114743 My son welding in flip flops!!! :rolleyes:
Next up this week, copper cover plates for the door striker, door hinge cover and body hinge slots, as well as starter key backer.

AJT '33

09-24-2019, 03:26 PM

Started loading up my polishing guy with parts that are sanded and it's hard to resist not posting pics when he sends pics like this!
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AJT '33

09-30-2019, 10:03 AM

Had a slow weekend, found out on Friday that our little puppy girl of 14 years had generalized cancer and we needed to put her down as she was suffering, hit me hard as she was always there for me when things got tough in life, will be missing her an enormous amount!! Damn Cancer!!!
115196 We will miss our Maggie Mae!!

Having the car to change my mind and keep my sanity as well as cranking up the tunes was great, I at least got my stick shift, primed, painted, and assembled, looks as good as I was hoping it would!! I may add our dogs names to the arm as a momento to her.
115198 115199 115200 115201 (and yes the interior gears do turn!)

Also started assembling items now that the areas where the polishing was done, here I added the louvers for the heater which are required by our local authorities.
115202 115203 115204 Painted burnt copper and affixed with brass bolts.

FF33rod

09-30-2019, 12:32 PM

Looking fantastic Andreas! Sorry to hear about your dog, they're one of the family and is just as tough when losing them....

sethmark

09-30-2019, 12:44 PM

Truly sorry to hear about your dog. I lost two in the last couple of years, both of whom we had for nearly 15 years. Each of them died laying in my lap and still upsets me to this day. I’m not sure you ever fill the hole, you just get used to having it.

AJT '33

10-02-2019, 09:07 AM

It's nice to see some items come together now that all the work my son and I have done gets added to the various areas of the build. Things start to get exciting now on the various areas of the car!

Dash Panel is in, now for the gauges!!
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Pictures don't do it justice!!

Taz Rules

10-02-2019, 12:47 PM

Hey Andreas.
Really sorry about your dog. I've had dogs my whole life, and the one thing I can tell you is that they give you some of the best days of your life... and the one worst. I'm truly sorry.

AJT '33

10-07-2019, 08:25 AM

So the work continues, Getting the finish work completed on the door hinge covers in copper. This helps cleanup the look where the slot was overcut a bit and there are not so clean edges. I had made a cardboard template for the body side however I placed in a safe place which now I cannot find!!
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We also got the grill back on and started reconnecting the hoses and electrical to get to the point of being able to restart the engine and get fluids back in.
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Hopefully the weather will cooperate we can get it started and running this weekend and go for a go-kart ride again!!

wallace18

10-07-2019, 09:51 AM

Looking good! Sorry to hear about your dog. They are a great example of unconditional love.

AJT '33

11-11-2019, 08:49 AM

It's all in the details!!

Not much to show in the lats little while, work and life has kept me/us busy lately!

Finally was able to get back to doing the detail work like sand blasting and detailing the chromed headlights and applying an epoxy based primer so I can start the process of prepping and painting it the same black as the rest of the car. Trying to figure out a good process to get the light hardware either painted, or copper plated to match some of the other details I am putting into the car.
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I have a issue however with the person that is doing the buffing, polishing and CQuartz, he unfortunately has not been putting the effort in lately and I will most likely be pulling the parts out of his shop this week as I can no longer wait on him to get them done, I need to get this baby completed and registered!! I will either have to learn how to polish or find someone else who can do a good job that has experience doing so, unfortunately in my area its very difficult to find someone!

progmgr1

11-11-2019, 03:47 PM

Sorry, but I haven't been following your build in enough detail to understand your polishing issues. However, I found a good primer called "An Introduction to Buffing and Polishing", published by Caswell Electroplating. http://www.caswellplating.com The booklet covers everything you need to know to polish parts yourself, should you be so inclined. HTH Keith

AJT '33

11-25-2019, 02:05 PM

So have not been posting that often as work comes before play and the bills need to be paid so I can keep this going!!

Regardless the buffing and polishing is finally moving forward once again! After a delay and some prodding my parts are finally coming out the way I wanted/expected them to be. Here are some pics of the final products (no comments on the bedding please as its my kids old room and now my grandkids rooms). Since they are now polished and sealed with CQuartz nano ceramic coating I am keeping them in the house and not in the shop to keep them clean and out of the way of harm. The four fenders and trunk lid is next, then the inside of the doors (before they get mounted) and we move on to finishing the interior along with final assembly!!!
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Looking forward to the final product now!!

AJT '33

12-02-2019, 10:47 AM

Well, had a productive week/weekend. Now that work trade shows are done I feel like I can move forward once again. Started to button up those PIA portions of the build that have been sitting there and staring at me like they're taunting me! Got to working on completing closing in the trans tunnel top, once done I will be able to lock it in place and then get the two part glands to seal around the cables. We can then button up the last of the electrical for under the dash and leave the tails dangling until we need to plug them in when the body goes on.
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While I was working on all the miscellaneous crap my son made headway in getting all the gauges moved from the jig onto the Dash Panel, you can start seeing it come together now that the various parts that took a while to do are coming to life. We also added in the three LED's for the turn signals and the high beam indicator (those are the three dots you should be able to see).
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AJT '33

12-10-2019, 09:01 AM

Well finally the last major portion of my build is painted! I had decided that the headlight housings needed to be black instead of the chrome as previously posted, well they're done and look fantastic. They're going to be cooked and then will let sit for the next month while I proceed to button up the final interior assembly and then get the body on. At that point things should go well as most everything from here will be assembly work with minimal fabrication.
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As well, I expect to start the Mistress up this weekend to ensure that everything is still working properly as my son has basically completed the wiring rework (for the third and final time). Also got time to add some southern decorations to complete the outside of the shop!!
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AJT '33

12-17-2019, 09:02 AM

Well I am not sure if this will post well as I see the blog site seems to be funky right now. Continuing work on the last item that needs completion being the trans tunnel cover, will have that done this weekend.
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Then its time to start the mistress again, get the anti-freeze back in and ensuring there's no leaks and then setup for the installation of all the interior works which covers up and starts making it look like a finished car. The last of the hard to Polish areas continues and some of the small little dimples in the paint are showing up, will need to prep and dab some clear in them to "fill" them (they are very small and I'm probably being too picky) so they can cure then I can sand them smooth to allow us to assemble the car parts.
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As well looking at the different areas in which we will need to modify or setup differently, the intent is to have the car substantially assembled during the Christmas holidays which would be my Christmas present!!

sread

12-17-2019, 11:04 AM

AJT '33

12-17-2019, 02:41 PM

Just a suggestion, but while looking at your console pics I see that you have quite a number of splices and connections/elbows, etc for your heater hose. My experience has been that using worm clamps in the smaller sizes like that often results in leaks after some time due to the rubber hose compressing and the clamp no longer provides sufficient clamping force. You might want to consider reducing the number of connections (possible leaks) inside the car like that. And also, isn't that area where you are penetrating the firewall right where a passengers feet will reside?

Hey sread, yup I hated it too but had no choice, needed to add in elbows, did not have them before but the bend was too sharp and I ended up with a kink.
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Regardless I ended up with better worm clamps that are not only wider but also thicker which allows them to be tightened better. As well, if you noticed, I placed all the clamps in such a manner that IF I needed to tighten them, they are all pointed out so they are all accessible (did check when the body was fitted).

As to the foot placement, I will be making a removable cover/shield that will protect that foot area and also act as a shield should that, for whatever reason, one of the hoses let go it will protect the passengers feet and limit the spray.

AJT '33

12-18-2019, 08:31 AM

It’s nice to have the polishing done and having various portions setup and ready to go. Last night I started fitting and setting up for installation of the various door components such as the rear hinge covers and the wiring guide for the door electrical. Hope to keep the progress moving forward as I slowly re-install the various components and see what I am missing to paint before being installed!
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This weekend will be interesting, will spend a morning helping a friend form our local car club, who's battling cancer, get his project car started, after he got most of it done then fell ill and needed chemo treatments and couldn't get completed his engine transplant among other things. Will be a nice Christmas present if my son and I can pull it off and get it started for him! He needs to hear the life come back into his car for sure!!

tony

12-18-2019, 08:58 AM

What did you use to cover up the door hinge holes? I plan on covering mine up too. Was thinking 22 gauge sheetmetal or something along those lines.

AJT '33

12-18-2019, 09:43 AM

What did you use to cover up the door hinge holes? I plan on covering mine up too. Was thinking 22 gauge sheet metal or something along those lines.

I actually used 0.032" copper sheet, I made a cardboard template to get the fit and look I wanted then simply transferred it to the copper and carefully cut it out (copper is a PIA to drill and cut!!). I have done other stuff in 0.032 aluminum and then primed and painted it to match some of the burnt copper details I have on the car like some of the bolt heads etc... The trick is to make it with a thin stiff cardboard, cake boxes or poster cardboard works great and is cheap. A Dremel with a disc for metal is best to cut out the slots or openings in the middle, I used some double sided tape to hold it on a piece of plywood to keep it from moving around, just be careful removing it so you don't bend the metal. Hope this helps.

I did the same for the body side as well as the striker pin for the door.

AJT '33

12-20-2019, 01:38 PM

Well I did say its all in the details, last night I sandblasted, primed and painted the fasteners for the cover plates amongst others. Turned out nicely so far, more tonight!
119252 Template drilled with fasteners installed
119253 Fasteners sandblasted, flipped over template to have clean surface
119254 Cleaned, primed and then painted to the Burnt Copper color, now they need only dry for a few days then I'll bake them to harden them

Now its fun again because I now know this baby is going together now!!

AJT '33

12-21-2019, 12:29 PM

Well body is setup, frame is waiting on some last changes and additions so we can get that body on!
119279

AJT '33

12-23-2019, 08:35 AM

Merry Christmas and a prosperous and Happy New Year to everyone!!
119370

wallace18

12-23-2019, 09:19 AM

Merry Christmas and a prosperous and Happy New Year to everyone!!
119370

Same back at you! Enjoy the build in 2020!:cool:

JimLev

12-23-2019, 02:38 PM

Merry Christmas and a prosperous and Happy New Year to everyone!!
119370

Same back to you and all the others.
Isn't that the same pic I posted last year, lol?

Almost the same, I edited the license plate.

119435

AJT '33

01-21-2020, 01:40 PM

So winter has officially arrived to my neck of the woods and its evident when you need to take your wife's car that has a 1/2" or more of ice on it, and put it in the shop to "thaw" so you don't have chunks flying off into other drivers windshields!!
121040 121041

Now the weather should stabilize to a point so I can get back to assembling the interior and getting the body on!!

AJT '33

01-21-2020, 04:52 PM

Tonight I will be working on a totally different concept for a secondary door safety latch/pin. I am looking into a completely different approach to this secondary device to secure the door in case of a failure of the bear claw latch. I am sourcing right now a micro linear actuator (if anyone has access to these please say so, Amazon has them, they may not be strong enough, but I am looking at a local supplier first) that can be mounted on the the body side that would have enough of a stroke to engage the door (roughly 75mm). There are various types which can be used however the ones I have found so far you need to manually engage and disengage the pin with a switch. What I am trying to do is have it setup such that if the actuator loses power or the power is removed it retracts. When powered by a switch it would engage into the door, I don't want it to engage automatically, I want it set to a switch to engage it and then when I either turn off the engine it disengages or when I override it with the switch, it disengages. This is the stumbling block that I have now however I may have found a controller that could do the trick. I expect to have it worked out in the next week or two as I need to have it installed possibly before the body goes on (will make it easier to setup).
Here is an example of one of these linear actuators.
121058

shmelty

01-21-2020, 04:57 PM

HVACMAN

01-22-2020, 11:31 AM

https://www.autoloc.com/catalog/Suicide-Hinge-Safety-Systems/Automatic-Suicide-Hinge-Safety-Systems/AUTDL2550/Autoloc-Deadloc-Deluxe-Automatic-Door-Safety-System-(Pair)

You don't need a switch. Just run it on ignition powered circuit.

See here:
https://sep.yimg.com/ay/spideraccessories/dl2500-wiring-1.gif121059

If I'm looking at your diagram correctly it still needs power on the unlock relay to retract instead of defaulting to unlock when power is removed. In case of battery failure.

FF33rod

01-22-2020, 12:10 PM

AJT '33

01-22-2020, 01:36 PM

A couple of comments
1. I would be concerned about the ignition activated feature. Seems like one way or another you're going to destroy paint as sooner or later someone on the passenger side is going to have the door open when the car starts and tries to shut it with the pin deployed
2. If you want the pin to retract when power is removed or the power dies then I don't think you want a linear actuator as they tend to need power to go either way. Sounds like you want a spring loaded assembly of some kind that activates with power and then returns to a resting position when there's no power. But I'm wondering how the situation could occur where the latch is engaged and power dies. The only time the latch is engaged is when you're in the car and likely the engine is running - lots of power. The battery is likely to die when the car has been sitting for ages and the battery runs down - but then the latch won't be engaged anyway. What am I missing?

Steve

Hey Steve, the way I was going to set it up was similar to what you explained with some differences, here is the way it will work if I can find the correct model/type of linear actuator that has the features I want based on the description

Scenario 1 - Car is turned off (no power) the actuator is retracted
Scenario 2 - Car is turned on the actuator is still retracted, however if the door is closed and I want to engage it I would press a button and it would extend to lock the door and a red LED under my dash would go out
Scenario 3 - Car is turned on and actuator is engaged, if I press the button again, it would disengage a red LED under my dash would go back on
Scenario 4 - Car is running and I turn it off, the linear actuator retracts automatically

Currently the more robust linear actuators I have found so far all require power to engage and disengage (for the larger models I am looking at). I have also found very small ones that are used in the cabinetry industry that require power to disengage, otherwise they would be always engaged due to a magnet built into it, they also have a small shaft (1/8" dia.) and a small stroke (10mm) which would not cut it.

So what i am looking for is a linear actuator that has a force of at least 10-20 pounds and has a 1/4" shaft, disengages or retracts automatically if there is no power and engages with the press of a button (closing the circuit) that allows power to go to it until that power is removed by pressing the button again (opening the circuit). If anyone knows of a supplier that may have this please send me their contact info!! Thank you all!!

shmelty

01-22-2020, 02:36 PM

JOP33 installed some. They are spring loaded. See post 702

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?23292-Star-Mobile-1-Build&p=392883&viewfull=1#post392883121153

cob427sc

01-22-2020, 07:49 PM

How about installing the old style light switch in the rear door jamb and wired into the circuit so that the pin only engages when power is on and the door is shut. If power is on, the latch is spring loaded and stays open, shut the door and if power is on (engine running) safety pin engages. You could also wire in an overide switch and a indicator light if necessary. I guess the overide would be mandatory if you want to exit the car while its running. Just a few thoughts.

AJT '33

01-27-2020, 08:39 AM

So work continues on all the items that require wiring that is outside of the base assembly. My son and I worked on various areas, one being the stereo and the sub-woofer. My son did the final cuts for the radio housing in the trunk, since my radio is Bluetooth enabled I did not need it in the main cabin so I created an inset box where I could mount the radio and amplifier. Here my son is doing the final cut on the hole to allow for the mounting of the box underneath.
121434 cutting the opening
121435 after the box was mounted (previously fit and built) and radio/amp pre-fit
121436 final fit and base mounted
The radio and amp will be covered with a black polycarbonate cover that will sit about a 1/2" above the carpet and have an opening on the top to access the top of the radio and an opening on the face to see the Focal name on the amp.

As he was completing that I mocked up, in stiff cardboard, the box that will cover the sub-woofer, getting the correct volume is critical for the best sound. As well trying to fabricate the box so it slips in is a trick in itself.
121437 this was the base template before it was cut out, then once fitted, trimmed, modified a half dozen times and checking volume, I will unfold it and lay it on a sheet of aluminum, mark it and refold it in aluminum with assembly tabs etc...
121528Template after trimming and before marking on a sheet of 0.032" aluminum.

AJT '33

01-28-2020, 08:31 AM

Oh those little details and things that keep everything else from being assembled!! Had the car up on the lift and my son and I were sitting on our reclining shop chairs (old office chairs:)), looking up at the underside of the engine at the control module for the engine and I had an idea on how to protect it and the wiring from road crap. I again made a trusty cardboard template and then transferred it to a sheet of aluminum, bent it up and made a cover that's removable for any servicing. Using 1" coated clamps, I was able to make a shield that would clamp to the underside tubing so I don't drill into them and also allows the removal of the shield if necessary.

121522 Exposed Control Module
121521 Template on the tin, used a 1" pipe to roll the portions that were wrapping the tubing of the frame
121523 Fitted shield, wish I had a small aluminum welder to clean up the seams and not use the rivets
121524
121525 View on top of shield, will be adding a thin rubber pad to alleviate any tin impact sounds
121526 Coated hose clamp view

Will be coating the entire assembly with black gravel guard so it blends in. You can't see it when looking from the side as its about the same level of the front lip when installed.

progmgr1

01-28-2020, 02:04 PM

As he was completing that I mocked up, in stiff cardboard, the box that will cover the sub-woofer, getting the correct volume is critical for the best sound. As well trying to fabricate the box so it slips in is a trick in itself.

FWIW, I'm also building subwoofer enclosures that fit into the chassis. One tradeoff I had was between box rigidity and volume, since I'm fitting into a restricted area. I spoke with a tech at Crutchfield and he strongly recommended that any speaker enclosure be built from plywood, MDF or similar material. (This advice is consistent with my years of experience as an audio system hobbyist.) These materials offer both stiffness and internal damping, so the inherent resonances will have less impact on the overall sound quality. The problem with aluminum or fiberglass enclosures is that they have very sharp resonances that amplify some frequencies and mute others - giving a very uneven sound output. The downside is that wooden enclosure walls are much thicker than aluminum, so if your overall box size is constrained you lose internal volume - impacting sound quality. However, you can mitigate this problem by filling the enclosure with polyester fiber stuffing.

Also, I really like your ECM shield. I'm definitely stealing that idea! Thanks for sharing your build. Keith

AJT '33

01-31-2020, 09:55 AM

FWIW, I'm also building subwoofer enclosures that fit into the chassis. One tradeoff I had was between box rigidity and volume, since I'm fitting into a restricted area. I spoke with a tech at Crutchfield and he strongly recommended that any speaker enclosure be built from plywood, MDF or similar material. (This advice is consistent with my years of experience as an audio system hobbyist.) These materials offer both stiffness and internal damping, so the inherent resonances will have less impact on the overall sound quality. The problem with aluminum or fiberglass enclosures is that they have very sharp resonances that amplify some frequencies and mute others - giving a very uneven sound output. The downside is that wooden enclosure walls are much thicker than aluminum, so if your overall box size is constrained you lose internal volume - impacting sound quality. However, you can mitigate this problem by filling the enclosure with polyester fiber stuffing.

Also, I really like your ECM shield. I'm definitely stealing that idea! Thanks for sharing your build. Keith

Appreciate the input, will be going to my audio specialist here (or he may end up coming to my shop at home) to make sure I can get the best out of the sub-woofer. Mentioned the poly fill and he agreed, he also told me to add sound dampening to the inside which will help mimic the rigidity of a solid box (as the exterior of the enclosure will be exposed to the elements). Next challenge is the door speakers, adding sound dampening to the door skin and seeing how I will 3D print a mount for the speaker to add it to the door skin (might make it generic sop I can make a Fiberglass mold and use it it either side). All kinds of fun assembling this thing!!

PS. I intend to digitize the ECM Shield template so if someone wants to use the template I can send it to them if they/you like and they can just print it on paper most likely an 11x17 sheet.

progmgr1

01-31-2020, 05:35 PM

Yes, I'd like a copy of your ECM shield drawing. I'll PM you with my email address. Thanks for sharing your design. Keith HR#894

AJT '33

02-02-2020, 03:19 PM

WELL... its time to do all the point to point checks for every run of wire. Doing this to ensure all is good for each, will be pulling all the fuses etc... then once the checks are done, going to put the fuses back, add back the antifreeze and see if she wants to show life again!!

AJT '33

02-03-2020, 08:31 AM

Well all the checks and balances are done, all the wiring seems to be in order and we taped off anything that were bare wires, turned on the ignition and heard a huge squeal and then POP! Both my son and jumped and he turned the ignition off, looked around thought we blew something, looked at the belt then each other to realize that in all the wiring checks we had done we forgot to take the tape off the intake!!! Nitwits! Scared F out of us! You can see the blue tape in the front of the intake on this shot.
121903

After settling down, had a beer to cool our nerves, we re-installed the intake and the air filter and she started up like a champ after 8 months of waiting on us.
https://youtu.be/mxadz9q10eo
https://youtu.be/DnMscA1ziGk

Now to get to buttoning up[ the heat shields as well as the sound insulation, then carpeting. Unfortunately I think with the changes I have made to the transmission tunnel cover, I will need to source and buy some new carpet for the interior as most of it does not fit well anymore.
121904

Also got the windshield washer bottle mounted, now before you all go and say there is no access, I will be placing a fill line that goes into the bottle that I can squeeze some fluid in. Mind you at this point I don't expect to use it that often if at all but I do need it to pass inspection. You see it on the right side.
121905

UPDATE: Additional Information on the intake
Intake assembly is from Western Motorsports, "https://www.wmsracing.com/wmsweb/wms-high-velocity-intake-coyote-swap-kit-details.html".

TxMike64

02-03-2020, 11:44 AM

Congrats on the start!

Also got the windshield washer bottle mounted ... but I do need it to pass inspection...
121905

Are you kidding? I thought Texas was ridiculous for requiring a permanent mounted wiper system! But to require washers?!?!? Wow!!! Kudos on the gumption to implement it....

AJT '33

02-03-2020, 02:28 PM

Congrats on the start!

Are you kidding? I thought Texas was ridiculous for requiring a permanent mounted wiper system! But to require washers?!?!? Wow!!! Kudos on the gumption to implement it....

Not only one wiper but two!
121919

JimLev

02-04-2020, 12:08 AM

Sounds good. Even though we have different engines they both sound the same.
Was it that COLD in your shop? That was a lot of exhaust vapor.
Don't feel bad about the taped up intake. Many months ago I had put the plastic covering back on the K&N filter and forgot to remove it.
It started and stalled....3 times. I got my butt out of the seat to see what was wrong only to fine the filter collapsed.

JOP33

02-04-2020, 05:45 AM

That sounds awesome! Ya'll are doing a great job and the car looks outstanding!

AJT '33

02-11-2020, 09:32 AM

So the assembly continues along with progress being seen and the reality of this thing being finally done is setting in. Completed the trans tunnel, then added the heat/sound shielding and the balance of the additional sound insulation.
122375 122376

Once that was done and I added a sealant in the corners to ensure that there is no air/water that can get in any gaps I proceeded to start the carpet installation. Since I had created a custom trans cover not all the carpeting worked so I ended up by a few yards of a very similar black marine carpet which worked out very well. Got all the carpet in and I must say it is starting to look good!
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Also got the rear tins in with my hidden storage box where I will have a jack and misc crap in it (or we use it as a cooler for a few drinks and sandwiches!)
122381

Next step is to template and cut the copper top to the trans tunnel and adhering in place then adding a 3/4" tall trim all around to hold the edge of the copper and the carpet on the side. Will make a custom piece for the rear near the shifter as I could not stretch the carpet around it without cutting reliefs, not a biggie since it will tie in the console/arm rest which has all the switches on it. That's will be next weeks work as I head off to a business trip. If all goes well the body and front end fiberglass will be on in 2 weeks, then it gets VERY real!!!

TxMike64

02-11-2020, 10:36 AM

What insulation are you using (the diamond shapes shiny stuff)?

AJT '33

02-11-2020, 11:02 AM

What insulation are you using (the diamond shapes shiny stuff)?

The diamond shaped stuff is from FFR, I bought similar stuff from Design & Engineering Floor & Tunnel Shield II, I placed it under the floor between the muffler and the floor, adhered to the floor.
122402 122403

So I effectively have a sandwich of heat and sound shielding.

AJT '33

02-18-2020, 09:25 AM

Well yesterday was a holiday and after being on a business trip all last week it felt good to get a full day in the shop to continue on the assembly and detail work. Concentrated on the arm rest console, drilled the holes for the push buttons, removed the marking tape and went to town on the smoothing, sanding and polishing of the copper.
122735 122736 122737
122738 Final fit up
122739 Final polish

Now waiting for the frame sections to dry and will be able to assemble and install them in the car. At least got one of the painted hardware bolts in on the nose of the console. Happy with the outcome so far, looking forward to getting the interior done then the body on this weekend, that will be a HUGE step and a major dose of reality!!

AJT '33

02-19-2020, 09:07 AM

More progress last night, completed the polishing and the frames were dry from painting on Monday. Needed to paint the frames as they would react with the copper and oxidize, assembled the bottom frame to the body and added in the painted hardware, was going to have them black but after doing a test with one of them I decided that the burnt copper color used elsewhere on the car was a better choice and would blend better rather than sticking out more.
122770 122771

As well I added in all the buttons that will reside on the console as well, turned out nice so far and will need to add in the top arm rest and small drop in dish in copper to complete it all after I mount it in the car
122772 122773 122774

JOP33

02-19-2020, 11:05 AM

Nice work! Looks amazing!

AJT '33

02-24-2020, 09:18 AM

Well more work again today, finished up all the interior carpeting, my son also got the connector piece for the shifter fabricated and welded up, its fit and painted now. The shifter will have a bit of a rat rod look to it however we will be fabricating a version that is shorter should my son want to take it to the track.
123148 Center console is ready but I am most likely going to have it re-covered/redone as the material is already peeling from the aluminum bottom.
123149 Took the rear chrome rings of the tail lights off, sandblasted, primed and painted them satin black. They will blend in and help break up a bit of the gloss black of the car.
123150 123151 Trans Tunnel cover mocked up with the copper cover, was a PIA to get right and will still be a PIA to install so its done once and not have to redo again, carpet on the front portion took a couple hours to fit, refit until I could glue it down in place
123154 My son completed all the wiring in the rears so we are ready there to get the body on then complete the back end.
123155 Safety first when grinding and welding galvanized parts for the shifter connector
123156 123157 Thought I had better shots of the shifter mock in, painted the chrome ring satin black as well, will let that cure for a couple days then get the shifter in.

A lot of small details, rear tins in, radio in, seals on for when the body drops on. We have a few more details then a bunch of checks and balances to go over but if we get lucky we should be able to get the body on by next Sunday!

wallace18

02-24-2020, 05:40 PM

Super Job!

sethmark

02-24-2020, 06:01 PM

Jeez!. That’s awesome

AJT '33

02-25-2020, 08:45 AM

Well, have been under the weather fighting a sinus cold the last few days (my semi-annual flu, one in the spring and one in the fall), did not go to my Kickboxing session (have restarted kickboxing twice a week to start after a 5 year absence, feels phenomenal to be back doing that) last night so I spent a few hours pre-fitting the center console and getting the tranny cover mocked in. Like the look but will definitely be redoing the console cover, need to have it a bit bigger and a little more even as the glue between the aluminum below and the edge does not hold anyway. Plus I may go with a copper colored cover, my wife will make that call, she has better taste than me.
123196 Added the trim edge to the tranny cover
123197 Placed the rear console in and dumped the wires inside.
A few more views
123198 123199 123200
Will be working on more final preps tonight, have a local city Constable coming tomorrow morning to review the car, he inspects it for stolen parts which in my case is only the engine of which he previously checked out, so this is more of a formality as all the other equipment is new. He then provides me with a form that I send into the province with a cheque for $32 to obtain my official VIN number which gets placed on the car, once it passes the provincial inspection (have been working with an engineer from the province to have my stuff pre-approved). Once I have that I get my plates, get it evaluated for insurance, then I can have fun driving it with my dear wife!!! If all goes well, possibly by the end of next month.

Its REALLY starting to feel real now!! The next month will have dramatic changes as long as all goes well.

AJT '33

02-26-2020, 09:59 AM

Evert day brings a different look and we can finally see things come together. Last night did final fit and assembly of the center console, trans tunnel cover and stick shift. Was happy with the final results, now need to lock in the boot cover and i will be able to glue down the copper after a bit of touching up, then get the black trim and the fasteners around the edge prepped and painted black. After curing for a few days it will go in for the last time.
123256 123257

Also took a look at the rear trunk opener since we had no handle on the outside we fabricated a hidden secondary cable that will allow us to pop the trunk to gain access to the battery in case we lose power. That way we can put the power pack on the battery to gain access to the car.
123258

This morning I was also able to have our local constable come by and I received the first of three steps in getting my plates approved!!

AJT '33

03-06-2020, 11:18 AM

Good progress last weekend but have been to busy travelling for business (need to pay those bills!!)

Well, the body is on and let the final assembling begin!!
123687 123688

123689 My neighbors, wife, neighbors wife and a friend responded to my call for help to safely return the body onto the car!!

Added the modified rear tail lights and will be locking down a lot more items this coming weekend. I fully expect as big chunks go back on that the car will really start to transform very fast!
123690 123691 123692

Once everything is assembled its off to final inspections!! With the paperwork sent for my Provincial VIN, the build is getting real. Get the entire car assembled, photos taken, dossier then submitted to the Provinces Engineer, get approval from him, get a call from the inspection center, have it all checked out, then I can send the car over to get the final detailing, polishing and surface application of the ceramic coating on everything that's exposed.

AJT '33

03-09-2020, 04:18 PM

Every day it seems that the car is really transforming into how I see it in my head, its crazy how just a few key parts added or simply carpeting installed with the trunk seal can change the look of the car!!

123848 123849 123850 123851 123852 123853

One thing I realized is that if I do this again, I will make sure that I place the trunk seal and the rear top expanding seal on such that I don't panic on fit of the trunk once installed. If I would have done it prior then I would not have had to work as hard to get it all lined up. Regardless they turned out well.
123854123855

Next weekend will be a big one as most everything will get installed. And for those who are wondering, the reason there are shiny parts and satin parts, my guy who is doing the polishing and ceramic coating told me to leave those areas unfinished such that if they get marred, scuffed then he will be able to restore it. Once the car is fully assembled, I have my VIN installed, and its plated he is going to have it for a week for polishing, cleaning and application of CQuartz Ceramic coating to protect the paint, as I do intend to be driving it all summer long!!.

shmelty

03-09-2020, 05:10 PM

Beautiful job!! I love the whole package. What wheels are those? Size?

Thanks,

Sean

wallace18

03-10-2020, 07:07 AM

Coming along very nice!:cool:

AJT '33

03-11-2020, 08:06 AM

Beautiful job!! I love the whole package. What wheels are those? Size?

Thanks,

Sean

Hey Sean, the rims are an end of line from PHat Fux, 18x10 in the rear and 18x9 in the front. Tires are from Nitto NT555 G2, 245/40ZR18 in front and 295/40ZR18 in the rear. I did install a 20mm spacer (if I remember correctly) in the rear as well, I got those from www.wheelspacers.ca, they are very well made. This was mostly due to the rim and its backspace, I am thinking to get a slightly thicker one to move the tire oput another 10-20mm possibly, will need to investigate that further.
123930

Papa

03-11-2020, 08:17 AM

AJT '33

03-11-2020, 09:53 AM

The car is looking great! I've used wheel spacers similar to what you have on a Jeep, but looking at the studs that the spacer is mounted with, it looks like the wheel will rest on the studs and not flat against the spacer. Am I imagining that?

Dave

Hey Dave, the rim has recesses in the back which actually accommodates them so no interference's.

Andreas

AJT '33

03-16-2020, 07:09 AM

Another great weekend, a lot of "behind the scenes" work before panels go on and access is limited or impossible. Finally got the front lip on and partially mounted as well. Will need to see how the entire setup has changed due to the paint thicknesses to ensure good gaps and alignments.
124118 124119

Regardless its starting to look like the final product. Wheels are now sealed with CQuartz ceramic coating and they are silky smooth, amazing the difference in the feel of the surface and how it literally sheds dust.
124120 124121

By next weekend we should have the front windshield adjusted and installed along with the rear windshield as well, this should signify a major change once again.

AJT '33

03-17-2020, 07:52 AM

Will be working on the car every night this week as my kickboxing gym is on lock down until this virus thing goes away. All that does is allow me to get more done as I received a call form my local inspection center to tell me that my VIN plate has arrived and I now have 30 days to come down and have the car verified and inspected so it can get mounted. HOLY CRAP THE PRESSURE IS ON NOW!!!

Regardless, progress is good and the headlights are ready to go with the new lights from Tony at FFR are now mounted in the painted housings.
124202 124203 124204

As well after we got the front lip and side covers mounted we realized that the new shocks that FFR sent me have the wheels sit inboard more than previously, soooo.... I need to have new wheel adapters made to help push them outboard an extra 18mm. Now I know this does not sound like a lot, but a picture say it all, the difference when you look at her *** is significant! We shimmed out the right tire and you can really see the difference in her stance and positioning of the tire relative to the fender from behind (where most people will be!!).
124205 124206 124207 124208 124209

FF33rod

03-17-2020, 09:37 AM

Lookin oh so good!

AJT '33

03-19-2020, 07:03 AM

Continuing assembly even if its only adding brackets and discussing strategy with my son.
124312 124313

Work will continue on assembling so that I can possibly be close to completion by the end of this upcoming weekend.

AJT '33

03-19-2020, 01:09 PM

Got a surprise today when my glass guys called and said he had finished adjusting the windshield and was ready to make sure it fits and install it.
124330 124331 124332 124333

Nice surprise and again changes the look of the car!
PS. No the bike fender is not installed just sitting on the tire. ;)

AJT '33

03-20-2020, 08:10 AM

More work done last night, buttoned up the front end and now will be able to get the headlights installed this weekend.
124381 124382

I decided not to touch the front or back windows until tonight or tomorrow morning to allow the adhesive to set and cure properly, not in any rush. Happy with the final result of the installation.
124383 124384
124385 124386

We also refilled the coolant system after changing a fitting and realized that we had a clamp that was loose so we will be doing a complete front to back check on all fasteners, clamps etc.... before we go ahead and start the car again we will get the entire electrical installed and completed to allow us to check all systems. Don't expect to take a drive on Sunday but that would actually be very cool if possible!!
124387

Further updates to come early next week!

Michael101

03-20-2020, 01:54 PM

That grille looks great. Mine is powder coated all black but after looking at yours a dozen or so times I know I’ll end up re-doing mine to be two tone.

Really liking all of the small details too, like the copper around the ignition switch. Car is looking fantastic.

AJT '33

03-23-2020, 07:45 AM

More work done this weekend, its actually more tiring thinking of what needs to be checked (adding it to the list on the wall), locked in before you assemble the next portion of the build or close off access to an area. An example is that I forgot to make the headlight shims to go between the sidewall and the light base. A simple 7.5 degree shim (made it 1mm thick on the thin end) will allow me to not cut into the housing connection and have a proper adjustment. Got the shim painted last night but will need to give it 24 hours and will install it tonight.

124624 For those who have these type of lights, they need to be set with the "fangs" down on the lower half of the light to ensure the proper orientation

124625 Also got the hood mounted and will be adjusting it slightly as the paint has had an effect on the alignment. At least with the alignment pins I installed the adjustments will be minor.

124626 Trunk also installed and started its re-alignment to the hole however it is fighting me. I did not put any pins in this one and it will take me most likely take a complete evening to get this aligned properly.

Next up is the doors and getting the sound dampening installed and re-assembly of the power windows, power door locks, mirror etc...
124627

AJT '33

03-26-2020, 10:28 AM

More work done to get the car finished, the doors now have additional soundproofing where possible, this should hep a bit on road noise and help as it pertains radio and speakers once installed.
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Added the heater controls and will be moving them back as they stick out like a sore thumb. One of the upgrades I will be doing will be changing these out for better looking ones later.
124871

JOP33

03-26-2020, 10:34 AM

FF33rod

03-26-2020, 10:47 AM

Darn Andreas, the pic of the dash gives just a glimpse of amazing your build is turning out. You have to be pleased not to mention anxious!

AJT '33

03-27-2020, 02:35 PM

So previously got the hood on and added in the Gas lift cylinders, I didn't like the distance the hood was setback from the firewall. Was looking for a new cylinder and was discouraged that I could not find an 11" extended cylinder with a 24# lift. Was sitting last night looking at it and then gave up.
124940

Got into the shop today and looked at the cylinder and realized I'm an idiot. The simplest solution is always sometimes the easiest and usually in your face.
124941 Ended up drilling a new hole 1" lower which ended doing the same job. (will use it as a clip holder and put in a bolt)
124942 Strut in place in new hole

Now the hood sits more on the top of the firewall area and is still good 2" back from the lock pin hole, way more than enough.
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This weekend will be used to button up the hard top body wiring plate, get the two rear side DRL light wires switched (flip the wires as they are LED and we wired them normally versus like a trailer light so they don't light up, did the fronts already). Also need to get the trunk adjusted and then finish the doors. Expect to get that all done by Sunday. Crossing the fingers all else goes well. Need to get this registered so I can get plates ASAP!!

AJT '33

03-29-2020, 02:57 PM

Well it took a little while (like all afternoon) but the hood is finally fit onto the car with all the gaps right. Ended up having to set in the pins I placed so I could tweak it into the right final location. Its better than starting from scratch for sure.
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Trunk is adjusted and now I need to get a smaller diameter strike pin as the one supplied is too big a diameter and does not push the strike plate enough to engage it.

Also got the fart pipes finished and installed.
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Next is to clean up the rest of the wiring stragglers then get onto reassembling the doors and electric windows. Once that's done I can remount them so they can get wired up. Once the doors are wired, I can get the last of the plates in, the waterfall, then the roll bar and re-installing the hard top.

JOP33

03-29-2020, 05:53 PM

sethmark

03-29-2020, 06:27 PM

Car is super sharp!

AJT '33

04-06-2020, 10:46 AM

Each weekend brings us closer to being complete, this weekend all the electrical on the base car was buttoned up and we can now get the removable hard top completed and installed. Once that's done we can then finish with the doors and their electric windows and door poppers. When those are done we can then start buttoning up the last details and we will be ready for the provincial inspections once those facilities will be open, never expected that i would be waiting on them at this time.
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125743 125745 125749
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Its actually feeling a bit weird being so close to the end and then not reporting the days or the weeks progress!!

To everyone, be safe, be careful, stay healthy!!

Andreas

shmelty

04-06-2020, 11:03 AM

My word that car beautiful!! Bravo!

Ken_B

04-08-2020, 09:34 PM

Great build! I know you are proud, and you should be.

Did you paint the headlight buckets or powder coat them? TIA

AJT '33

04-09-2020, 07:24 AM

Great build! I know you are proud, and you should be.

Did you paint the headlight buckets or powder coat them? TIA

I Scuffed them with a 2" rotary scuff pad, then sandblasted them, Epoxy primed, sanded, primed then painted them to match the car with HOK Jet Black. As they were chromed i did not want to take a chance in them peeling. If I could have found a place that could do good copper plating I would have plated them in copper. Happy with the look regardless.

wallace18

04-09-2020, 07:42 AM

Super Job!:cool:

AJT '33

04-13-2020, 12:51 PM

Well, more work this past weekend as I am working from home during the day. Progressing well, was going to buy a pre-made gland for the roll bar and my wife convinced me to make them out of copper in place of painting the purchased one, she was right (don't tell her though!!)
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126343 126344

My son is working on buttoning up the doors so we can mount and realign them hopefully today or tomorrow. Even though it may be substantially completed by this coming weekend, I still won't be able to get the initial inspection done... oh well I will just need to get those last details done!

AJT '33

04-21-2020, 09:54 AM

AJT '33

04-24-2020, 08:07 AM

Just found out last night that my son Xavier won one of the Snap-on/Traxxas '33 Hot Rod Radio controlled cars!!!

One like this one: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=642627843136501&id=100021678742773

Looks like we'll have additional fun possibly this weekend!!!

AJT '33

04-27-2020, 08:48 AM

Well doors on and the seals applied, got really lucky and they all lined up well. Buttoned up the door to body wiring and then took a nice drive around the block with my son, he worked hard on the car with me and it was fantastic!
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My soon then took a drive around the block as well, car is running a bit rich and the idle speed needs to be adjusted but that will be done on the Dyno later on.

Will be buttoning up the door and then the stereo system, getting the last bits and pieces done and then on to the last big nut, the front bumper. If the Certification Center is not open, then off to get the final polishing and ceramic coating added as it still looks half finished!

JimLev

04-27-2020, 10:59 AM

AJT '33

04-27-2020, 12:47 PM

Looks good AJT. Will be watching to see what you come up with for bumpers.
Question, what will you be doing for an antenna for the stereo? I've been thinking that a wire up thru the A pillar and then inside the roof above the windshield may work OK.

TY. Will be posting as soon as I have it done, I only need a front bumper as a requirement of the province.

At this point, I am not going to use an antenna as I am using a Bluetooth connection between my phone and the radio to stream directly from the phone to the radio. As well if I do want to have music from a radio station, I will be connecting my Ipod Mini via Bluetooth and stream its connection to the radio and the speakers.

AJT '33

05-08-2020, 12:57 PM

Little victory last night, plugged in the last of the sound system components and turned it on to hear for the first time the potential sound that I will have and was pleasantly surprised to what I heard and the level of Bass I was hoping to have. Now need to button up the door panels, get the speakers permanently installed and then get to work on the front bumper!

johnnybgoode

05-08-2020, 04:39 PM

Here's a link to the audio upgrade I did on the 37 a few years ago. Made speaker rings out of 1/4" hardboard and glued them in with PL Premium. Scott
https://www.ffcars.com/threads/37-ford-audio-upgrade.582553/#post-5522193

AJT '33

05-11-2020, 01:48 PM

Had a bad surprise today, went to open the passenger door using my remote door opener from Autoloc and it literally fell apart! The barrel and spring came right out of the body. Will be calling them ASAP to see how they will fix this!
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For the price we pay for this stuff you would think it would last, haven't been able to enjoy it at all yet!!

johnnybgoode

05-11-2020, 03:26 PM

The door solenoid usually has a rubber bellows that holds the plunger in the coil?

This is what mine look like but yours look like a different design.

https://www.a1electric.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AEOS&Product_Code=SIL40K&Category_Code=

Did some searches and mine are Spal the rubber boot basically holds the plunger in the coil. I've taken them out to crimp the cable after mounting the coil in the door. Simple but it seems to work. Not sure what holds the Autolocs together?

Scott

AJT '33

05-12-2020, 07:33 AM

AJT '33

05-19-2020, 07:33 AM

So the days keep getting more interesting as I move forward to my completion. Trying to stay inspired and keep some sort of momentum in this COVID environment and add in the beautiful weather that we are now having definitely slows things down. Regardless, I submitted the last two request for approvals to the provincial engineer and I am hoping that they will come back accepted so I can button this up and get the car out to the certification center for its first inspection and the application of the VIN plate.

So we worked on a bunch of buttoning up of things with the rework of the front "bumperettes" as the requirement was to have bumpers that protect the front wheels as there are no fenders that cover the front of the wheel. I initially came up with a concept that had a full bumper but that ended up being too much work and effort so my some and I came up with another solution that would still protect the front wheel and also turn with the wheel as well.
128581
128582 This shows how we will extend it to cover the edge of the tire.
128583 As well need to add this turn signal which is also a requirement of the province.
128584

One other item that we will need to add are security cables that will act as a secondary latch in case the bear claw releases while driving. I had looked into the suicide pin however there is no real planned location to install it that works well. The province has accepted the latch cable however needs also a security indicator light that ensure that the door is closed properly, we will add a compression switch installed that if the bear claw only latches to the first click, a red light will stay lit. As soon as it latches to the second click, the switch will release its contact and the interior light will turn off. One light on the drivers side and one on the passenger side will be necessary. I will be waiting to hear if that it is acceptable to the province.
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Hope everyone stays safe, be careful and stays healthy!!

JimLev

05-19-2020, 08:02 AM

Even with the headlights having the turn signals built into them you still need to have additional turn signals?
Excellent build, I always enjoy reading your posts.

FF33rod

05-19-2020, 08:57 AM

+1 on what Jim said, seems strange. Also wonder what the rationale is on protecting the front of the tire - the hazards for front tires are down low where fenders or bumpers have no protection. I've tried to get a sense of how the inspection is going to go here in BC and so far can only gather that for this type of car the requirements are very much at the discretion of the inspector.

AJT '33

05-19-2020, 01:45 PM

Even with the headlights having the turn signals built into them you still need to have additional turn signals?
Excellent build, I always enjoy reading your posts.

I sent the engineer videos of the turn signals and a similar 2020 vehicle and the engineer said the one I presented was not bright enough and also did not have the markings required. He said it also did not meet the 22 sq. cm requirement for area.

AJT '33

05-21-2020, 09:51 AM

Finally got some time to get started on the window guides/seals using the 1" aluminum angles. Got one of them mocked up and I am actually quite happy with the results to be honest. Will be continuing to get the other door done and then the inside portions completed, then I will prep them for primer, paint and clear so I can get them installed on the car.
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We also got the approval for the Bumperettes and the additional turn signals from the Provincial Engineer, so now my son can complete the welding and fabrication of them so I can have them setup for paint. I might actually look to have a more "sexy" looking version made so I can share with others that may need some on their 33 with bike fenders.
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The last challenge that i have is the door ajar light/indicator that he is now requiring to have as an image, even though this pissed me off, I proposed taking his making a small plate mounted just under the dash near the speedometer and then in the middle add a red LED light. If he accepts that then I believe I have everything that he is requiring to obtain my approvals, crossing my fingers!
128772

wrp

05-29-2020, 04:35 PM

I love the way that dash cluster panel turned out

AJT '33

06-01-2020, 08:29 AM

So after a bunch of negotiations with the inspector came to an agreement on the door ajar light and will be getting it installed. So I needed to add in the switches such when the door is not fully engaged, the light will stay on in the indicator mounted under the dash. We used switches that come in some models of remote starters, one for each door and punted on the door hinge in a place that will be protected and does not need a hole in the door or body, just a few extra feet of wire that we've hidden.
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sread

06-01-2020, 09:26 AM

don't you just love being held hostage by imbeciles with authority?

AJT '33

06-01-2020, 01:57 PM

don't you just love being held hostage by imbeciles with authority?

Its when they try and apply today's standards to cars that were never built that way. The day they require air bags is the day I give up.

cob427sc

06-01-2020, 06:40 PM

well, at least you can talk with someone from the DMV. I've been waiting over 2 months just for them to set up an appointment as my vehicle is deemed non-essential during the covid work slow down.

AJT '33

06-03-2020, 10:19 AM

Thinking that things may go faster since working from home is now becoming a myth. Work has been even more busy as we try and make sure that everything from a corporate standpoint stay afloat.

Regardless, we still need to keep things moving forward and buttoning up the waterfall is one of them. Last night we refitted it and its ready to be locked in, with the addition of a few fasteners later today, that one will be in for the long haul (or at least if we need to remove it for some reason!)
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Now to button up a few more things and we can start getting it ready for its first appearance at the DMV (SAAQ for us here in Quebec!).

As well, last weekend I went with my wife and picked up a new 16' V-Nosed trailer to carry "The Mistress" in for the approvals and any longer hauls to shows, well at least whenever that will happen once again!!
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JOP33

06-03-2020, 10:23 AM

Really is one beautiful build! You should be extremely proud.

fostia

06-03-2020, 12:20 PM

After numerous attempts to make the door window seals work as supplied, I finally have given up. I ended up chopping up one of the seals so it holds the window for now at least.
126847 126848 126849

The good & bad news is that I had at least had an alternative plan in place should I not be able to get them to work the way I wanted.

I ended up using a combination of Tim Collin's frame design along with how WRP (Bill) had done. I will be using a simple 3/4" aluminum angle with a pair of window felts affixed to them and set to the correct pressure to hold the windows and help align them to the hard top. I will be ordering a couple lengths of felt from Spaenaur, #C-9, and affix them to the aluminum angle (final method to be decided) which will allow me some lateral adjustment relative to the windows and the gaps in the doors. this will allow me to pre-fit and install the felts on the angles and then shape the angle to the top of the door. It will be similar to the current FFR frame, but I hope it will be a little more lean in its look and very functional.

Having the body all painted this will take a few days to complete then take apart to paint to match the car so it disappears on the door top. As soon as I have it mocked up I will take pictures and share with everyone. I am trying to keep it simple so others can benefit from this should they wish to do the same.

Everyone, Stay Safe, Be Careful, Stay Healthy!

Looking good! Nice setup with the new truck, trailer and garage. I'm in San Diego and only wish I could have the space for all that at my small abode.

If you ever have the time, I'd be interested in seeing any additional pictures on how you did your power windows. I'm about at that point and am not looking forward to it. I have the Tim Collins schematics but it would be helpful to see a bunch of pictures of it installed in the door for reference. His post only has fairly limited images of it installed. Also, I'm very curious, how much clearance is there between the window and outside panel near the top front for a exterior door handle? Thanks!!

AJT '33

06-08-2020, 08:30 AM

More great progress this weekend. After getting miscellaneous items buttoned up I was able to work on finishing the bumperettes that I need to pass inspection completed and painted.
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As well since the waterfall is installed I was also able to install the roll bar, it does change the overall look of that area of the car.
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Looking forward to installing the bumpers so that my son can get the required turn signals for the provincial approvals. Will be getting the last details of the window felts done and painted today such that i can get the hard top back on and get those installed as well. Once that's done we button up the door panels and we go through the last checklist before we bring the car to have the VIN plate installed.

Getting anxious as I really would like to have everything buttoned up and approved by the province by the end of this month.

AJT '33

06-12-2020, 09:21 AM

Well after painting the window guides once and hating the result, I sanded them down and reapplied a new base and coated them with HOK clear and they turned out good. Set them up outside in the sun so they can get cured and then left to cool inside for a couple days. Added the felt/brush guides to the face of the angle with Super adhesive 3M super strength molding tape. Happy with the end result.

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Once I line up the windows with the hard top on, then I will drill the three holes and placed 10-24 cap head bolts, that are Painted burnt copper, in them to affix it to the door itself. Now to fit and add the copper door sill plates then the front bumperettes, door panels and handle to release the latch, a safety cable then were ready for the initial inspection and the VIN plate!

FF33rod

06-12-2020, 09:58 AM

Looking oh so good Andreas. So the window trim that you've crafted is fairly similar to the FFR Gen 2 pieces. When they sent me gen 2 doors I got them to sent those as well. however, it looks like the "felt" they provided is exactly the same as that which is put around the hardtop window frame area - very large and bulky. It's going to result in a very large cutout. Hoping you can provide some info on the felt you're using. Thanks.

Steve

AJT '33

06-13-2020, 10:03 AM

AJT '33

06-17-2020, 01:34 PM

Well the saga continues, details to finish the car keep being installed. Recently got the door sill plate covers installed.
130107 130108 Bend, prep, sand and clear coat on each of them.
130105 130106 Final copper covers installed
130109 130110 Door strike pin covers installed
130111 130112 Front bumperettes installed along with the additional turn signals that the province requires.

Next step is getting the Passenger door solenoid fixed as the replacement is taking a dogs breath to get here from Autoloc and I need this this for the first inspection this week. Once the repaired solenoid is installed I can get the door panel covers on, the custom door pin openers installed and then the copper cover for the radio and amp installed in the back trunk of the car.

The last items to install will be the trunk and hood props, then final checks. I really hope I can load it up on the trailer by Friday to be able to get my VIN plate installed.

tony

06-17-2020, 02:10 PM

Those sill plates look great! How'd you bend them up without wrecking them?

AJT '33

06-17-2020, 02:24 PM

Those sill plates look great! How'd you bend them up without wrecking them?

Very carefully! I made a form out of plywood that matched the shape of the sill, then I took 1/32" thick copper and had the edges bent 90 degrees to cover the carpet and lip down the outside a 1/4". Then using a flat pieces of wood, I carefully rolled the ends heating it with a torch when necessary so its more pliable. I held the flat portion with clamps and plywood to make sure they didn't distort. Each took about an hour of shaping and bending slowly. If I had an English wheel with a flat curve it may have gone easier but you need to work with what you have at hand.

FF33rod

06-17-2020, 06:02 PM

Damn you do good work Andreas, door sills are amazing!

JOP33

06-18-2020, 05:05 AM

Those sill plates are awesome AJT! I will caution you about the screw heads though...your door will vibrate and you will unavoidably get marring against the inside lower panel of the door. I just had .032" stainless there (with no screws) and was starting to see a witness line on the door. You may want to c'snk those heads a bit.

AJT '33

06-20-2020, 11:12 AM

Its kind of strange now that I'm getting closer to the point where I can start the registration process of my '33. Weird feeling, hard to explain.

Regardless, got the stereo system cover in and in doing so was able to figure out a way to install and attach the trunk prop rod.
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Now I will get the passenger door popper solenoid working then reinstall the hard top, align the windows, then secure the window felts. Once thats done I can close up the doors then.....

RoadRacer

06-20-2020, 12:57 PM

Its kind of strange now that I'm getting closer to the point where I can start the registration process of my '33. Weird feeling, hard to explain.

a little sad that the build is coming to a close? it's definitely a transition going from building to driving. I've never done a real-nice polished car like yours - how much driving are you planning? I'd hope you'd enter some shows looking as good as it does.

AJT '33

06-22-2020, 07:39 AM

130339 This is the time it took to get my build basically done!

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I am definitely not a good photographer but once she gets her plate, she will be polished up and then I will get those classic "Black cars look better in the shade" shots!

A few details to be done along with pictures for the inspectors, then off on Thursday or Friday for the VIN plate and then another appointment the following week for the mechanical inspection, then we wait. While waiting I will most likely get the car all polished up as I cant see what else I will need to have added other than a sun visor that they may require (based on info from a fellow Quebec builder who had to add that as well).

All in all its now exciting to be at this point and I hope that i will not need to jump through more hoops to get approvals.

sethmark

06-22-2020, 08:26 AM

Your details are gorgeous. Nice.

JOP33

06-22-2020, 09:33 AM

Just an absolute awesome job!

RoadRacer

06-22-2020, 11:27 AM

One of the best looking ones ever, no doubt. Congrats!

JimLev

06-22-2020, 12:35 PM

Awesome built Andreas. You and your son did a fabulous job.

j33ptj

06-23-2020, 06:00 AM

What does it sound like??? It is gorgeous!!

AJT '33

06-23-2020, 01:26 PM

What does it sound like??? It is gorgeous!!

Its great but computer speakers don't do it justice!

j33ptj

06-24-2020, 05:26 AM

Its great but computer speakers don't do it justice!

yeah, I'll bet, but you are a bit too far away to come and visit!! hahaha

Roger Pugh

06-24-2020, 08:21 PM

Looks fantastic!!

AJT '33

06-24-2020, 08:59 PM

Exciting day tomorrow morning, VIN plate gets affixed to the car!

Sunday afternoon drop it off for final polishing and ceramic coating. That will be a weeks worth of work. Will feel strange to have an empty shop!

When she gets back I'll get the insurance adjuster in to do an evaluation for insurance coverage.

July 9th bringing it for mechanical inspection then on pins and needles for final approval and receipt of paperwork.

Michael101

06-25-2020, 07:05 AM

Beautiful!

AJT '33

06-25-2020, 09:29 AM

So got to the Certification center first thing at 8am and went in, the owner was great and got the smallest guy in the shop to install the VIN plate so I did not even need to unload the car from the trailer!
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VIN is installed and now I clean her up and bring her for a Spa date on Sunday evening for a week to get all real pretty!!
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As well got her weighed with a full tank of gas, and the weight is......
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Anxious days ahead to see her all pretty and then mechanical inspection, then the wait to see if I get my approval and papers to go and get my plates!!!

Stay Tuned!!!! :D:p

FF33rod

06-25-2020, 12:13 PM

Kinda surreal? sad that the project is over? (not that ever really is over?

AJT '33

06-30-2020, 07:24 AM

Sitting and waiting for the guys to start the spit and shine!!
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j33ptj

06-30-2020, 08:46 AM

Please please post a video clip of a fly by,... i mean a drive by!!

AJT '33

07-01-2020, 03:51 PM

Okay, so I cheated and went to see the progress, I know I shouldn't but I did.
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You can start to see the mirror effect I was looking to achieve!

AJT '33

07-09-2020, 10:26 AM

So today is the big day for me/us, going for my mechanical inspection at 2PM. Had to pull the car from my polisher so its partially done unfortunately but that will not affect the inspection. Will be bringing it back there once I am done and right now should have her home by mid to end of next week. Hopefully by then i will have received news from the Provincial Engineer if the car is approved or not. I hate this waiting game and inspections, even more nerve racking then anything so far!!

PS. Had to add a sun visor for the drivers side as well... went to the local scrap yard and finagled it together and stuck it to the hard top. We will see if that works with them. Also needed to have the side covers on the car for pics to be sent t the Engineer, got that done but leaving them off for now and can add them if its required when there.
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At least she's getting the shine she needs!!

FF33rod

07-09-2020, 10:44 AM

Good luck Andreas!

tony

07-09-2020, 11:42 AM

inspectors
can be a pain. Sometimes they just nitpick just to justify their position sometimes. I bet these cars are safer than a lot of delipitated cars on the road. Good luck!

AJT '33

07-10-2020, 07:54 AM

So a VERY eventful day in one way and uneventful in another. On the uneventful side, the mechanic doing my inspection was excellent and understanding as well as curious how the car was built. The best thing I did was having included the Provincial Engineer right out of the gate. Yes, frustrating at times and he made me add a bunch of stuff that were either required federally or provincially, however when the call came from him to the inspecting mechanic, the call lasted all of 5 minutes which ended up being a really good sign! End result, after 2-1/2 hours of checking and lists, the call with the engineer, and the car passed the base inspection, the mechanical inspection and the safety inspection! So that said, I have my papers from the certification center and now I wait to receive my papers from the engineer, once received I can then go ahead and get my plates, another week of waiting on pins and needles until I get the email from the engineer and hopefully it has good news and I can get my plates. The last thing is to make her pretty and get the evaluator in to get some insurance in it so my wife, son and I can start enjoy it.

131523 She just fits over their inspection pit!
131524
131525

So on the eventful side, right in the middle of my inspection, my door popper decided to jam on and started to smoke and heat up (and I mean it was cooking hot like an induction plate!!(as its a magnetic solenoid) The guys at the center quickly brought out a fire extinguisher and allen keys so I could remove my door panel and I could disconnect the power wire from the solenoid!! Close call, nearly had a heart attack and with the help of the guys there we were able to avoid a disaster. Luckily the mechanic understood and did not make it an issue for me, he let it go knowing it will get fixed, I was lucky when it happened there and not in the shop or the trailer and ignite.

So this is the second Autoloc solenoid that broke! (Right now they are black listed!!) The first one the slide pulled out and it needed to be replaced and now this one which nearly caught fire and could have been tragic. As of now these type of door popper solenoids are OUT!! I will be calling Autoloc and will try and keep my temper and find out why these both F'd up and nearly destroyed 34 months of work! I will be leaving my windows down, and using the manual door openers until this winter and then we will address this. I will also be looking for a better quality product that I can rely on and that may be installing the door handles! I will also be adding a hidden emergency cable to open the latch should I lose all power to the car so I can open at least one door.

If anyone out there have any ideas for alternative reliable and safe door unlocks, please pass them along. Looking at mechanical options now.

So after all that, she goes back to the polisher so he can finally finish his work, get the ceramic coating on it and then I can have her back here in the comfort of her shop!!!

j33ptj

07-10-2020, 09:26 AM

Didn't it say, "Made in China" on the box? May be an idicator... :confused:

FF33rod

07-10-2020, 12:33 PM

Congrats Andreas!! fantastic that you're essentially on the road.... Bummer about AutoLoc, I have 2 of those as well, I'll have to keep a close eye on them!

Steve

AJT '33

07-10-2020, 12:37 PM

Didn't it say, "Made in China" on the box? May be an indicator... :confused:

Unfortunately yes, will be calling Autoloc this afternoon to get their take on this. :mad:

JOP33

07-10-2020, 01:34 PM

JimLev

07-10-2020, 03:04 PM

I’ll have dig out my solenoids and check them, think they are 80 lb pulls.
I assume you have a relay that powers the solenoids? Did the relay contacts fuse together? If so a diode in parallel (correct direction) with the solenoid will absorb the back EMF when power is removed from the solenoid, this should save the relay contacts from arcing.

Too bad they made you add all those side marker lights and a sun visor.

AJT '33

07-10-2020, 03:21 PM

We used Carolina Customs Poppers (15lb)...

http://www.carolinacustom.com/pages/product_pages/solenoids_and_remotes/solenoids_and_remotes_page.jsp

What I will tell you is that on more than one occasion I have gone out to the shop in the morning and one or both doors have been ajar:confused:. When I first finished the car, I would only ride with the safety pin engaged on the Passenger Side, I now make sure both are engaged. I also have a manual release for one of the doors, however if you have the safety pin engaged, it doesn't help - don't ask me how I know! :mad:

We will be installing a manual release that's hidden as well to ensure that even if I lose all power I cans still open the door. We also have a hidden trunk release as well so I can gain access to the battery to either jump or add power enough to get in. Call it triple coverage but you need to make sure your never locked out.

As to driving, we have manual latches that we can hook onto the doors such that if the bear claw does let go the door is restricted in the amount it opens.

AJT '33

07-10-2020, 03:26 PM

AJT '33

07-16-2020, 06:52 PM

Well while I'm waiting on my car to get its polishing and ceramic work done (hopefully tomorrow) I ended up stumbling on a great deal for a 10' steel work bench. So since I'm cleaning the shop for her return I jumped on it and will get it installed tomorrow.
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Soo I'll get organized, clean and make space for The Mistress to come home!!

AJT '33

07-20-2020, 10:06 AM

Received the last piece of the inspection puzzle, went to the Licence Bureau and picked up my plates and they are now installed, major hurdle completed!

Had the evaluator come by and he took all the pictures and whatever he needed to make his assessment and provide an insurance value for our car. Bets are made on the evaluation between my wife, son and myself to see where it will end up.

Regardless, the polishing and ceramic coating has been completed, my polisher had a professional photographer come out and take a slew of pictures of which he will be providing me copies of all of them, looking forward to seeing how they turn out and will be sharing them in here.

He did provide this teaser...
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Here are a couple I took, the sun was crazy strong on Friday
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Looking forward to getting it on the road and starting to slowly shake down the car!

AJT '33

07-24-2020, 08:29 AM

Got the evaluation back and I am happy with it, also received a tentative quote for insurance that would include complete loss and recovery, this basically means that if the car, god help me, gets totaled or damaged to a point of no return, I would get the full insurance value of the car and will be able to recover the entire car for parts. This would keep my costs down should I decide to rebuild the car again.

Right now she is sitting at the door waiting to be able to stretch her legs.
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On a side note, we will be loading her up and going to get it tuned on the Dyno tonight such that she will really be ready for her first run!

AJT '33

07-26-2020, 12:42 PM

Maiden voyage complete and completed it by going to a friend and Car Club member who is his terminal phase of fighting cancer. He appreciated the visit and also appreciated seeing the finished car. Last fall my son and I (really mostly my son) went over and cleaned up his garage and got his newly installed engine setup so he could get it started and running. This helped him get through the winter to be able to do a nice burnout at the end of his driveway. Why is it always the nicest most compassionate people get this crap... Regardless we help brighten his day and when he feels up to it, we will go for a run before he can't anymore.
This ones for you Gilles!
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AJT '33

07-27-2020, 08:28 AM

Before our Maiden run, my son and I brought the 33 into town and got our Dyno runs in. For our car I did not want to go crazy with the engine, however I still wanted to make sure I had the power in it making for a fun economical ride. That said here is the base specs on our '33:

- Engine: Base 2013 5L Ford F-150 engine, no mods
- Transmission: Tremec TKO 600 5 speed
- Diff: 2015 Mustang IRS (from FFR)
- Fuel: Standard Premium 91 Octane
- Air Temperature at air filter was running between 95-110F (very hot and humid day)

So based on this we started with a baseline run which generated 315 PkTq @ 4300 rpm, 255 PkHP @ 5300 rpm. After my tuner was comfortable with the car and did not feel any vibrations at all he started to tune it. After a few runs he was able to get it to 347 PkTq @4700, 338 PkHP @5600. Again he kept dialing it on and we settled on 380 PkTq and 360 PkHP knowing very well that when the level of humidity and temperature was better we could grab a bit more HP.

After driving her around yesterday I am more than satisfied that we have a great driving car and if necessary we will have the power behind it. Looking forward to presenting it to my Car Club tomorrow night after 32 months of working on it.
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132535 Wally my tuner
132536 One of the runs results

Lots of fun and the MOST nerve wracking and satisfying time of the entire build!!

AJT '33

08-10-2020, 01:19 PM

Just had to drop a quick note to say there have been a few nice moments cruising with our Car Clubs members and Friends. Here is a picture one of them took of our run to a local restaurant this past Saturday for lunch.
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One of the members wives is great taking these types of pictures with her phone, very retro, one for the wall for sure! PS. can you guess which is mine! :)

AJT '33

09-18-2020, 08:18 AM

Well its been a while since I last had posted anything as I have been enjoying being able to actually get out and drive around. As well its been a bit frustrating where I have had issues with the overflow tank and trying to get the level of coolant set correctly in the rad such that the tank doesn't spit out the top and create a huge mess. That was solved by removing some coolant out of the rad (about 1" lower than the bottom of the neck), then making sure the overflow had no more than 1" of coolant in it when cold. I also increased the hole size in the vent from the 1/32" to 1/16" which allows a better venting when it starts to expand into the overflow tank.
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However, now the coolant issue has moved to the fittings on the top of my engine, they are the Dorman compatible fittings which slip on and clip into place, what I am finding is that if they don't sit virtually perfect on the top of the engine they leak! And here I am cleaning the engine bay and below again from coolant! So I ended up biting the bullet and bought AN fittings from MMR, http://www.modularmotorsportsracing.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=26_27&products_id=549, (they only sell them in kits and not individually), ouch they are expensive but will look great. Again, HOWEVER, even though they specify they will work on my engine, the drivers side fitting is different on my engine that comes with their kit! DAMN!!! Will be speaking with MMR t see what can be done and go from there.
135198 The two fittings that are circled in red

On a side note I buckled to my son and changed the battery as well (had a few close calls of not starting without my booster pack I keep in the car), I think I could have killed the original Odyssey PC925 battery that FFR recommends by keeping it constantly charging and recharging, lesson learned is don't buy the permanent battery until its time be able to run the car or you'll kill it. We ended up getting a "OPTIMA YELLOWTOP® 34/78 Battery, 750 CCA" battery and the car can go for a couple weeks sitting there before you should put the tender on it.

j33ptj

09-21-2020, 01:54 AM

On a side note I buckled to my son and changed the battery as well (had a few close calls of not starting without my booster pack I keep in the car), I think I could have killed the original Odyssey PC925 battery that FFR recommends by keeping it constantly charging and recharging, lesson learned is don't buy the permanent battery until its time be able to run the car or you'll kill it. We ended up getting a "OPTIMA YELLOWTOP® 34/78 Battery, 750 CCA" battery and the car can go for a couple weeks sitting there before you should put the tender on it.

Did you consider a Lithium Iron battery? They are much smaller and lighter, and hold the charge better too (you will need to also buy a tender that is suitable for LiFe Batteries)

AJT '33

09-22-2020, 08:27 AM

This past weekend was really interesting, I was asked if I could allow a first time model use my car in her photo shoot, of course I said yes. Was interesting how they setup some of the shots and how they turned out for her. She did the shoot as a birthday present for herself, and encouraged by her daughter. Some of the shots were great and here is a sample of a few.
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After experiencing this first photo shoot, I think may more of a Steampunk style model would match the car better.

1932

09-22-2020, 09:53 PM

That is good for first time, but she needs to learn how to play back to camera. I have done a little photo and takes time and practice.

AJT '33

09-23-2020, 07:51 AM

That is good for first time, but she needs to learn how to play back to camera. I have done a little photo and takes time and practice.

Agreed, this was her first ever photo shoot and I don't think the guy who was taking the pictures ever directed her properly. A better photographer would have better pics. I am sure she will learn over time.

AJT '33

09-28-2020, 08:58 AM

Well, another first! Yesterday was our first full drive, this was not just down to the local weekly car meet but a REAL drive of over 100 KM (about 60 miles). I was VERY nervous (to the point of feeling sick!) as I had not done a real good drive and with a top fitting on the coolant system having a pesky leak (drip) and buttering the engine I was unsure. Regardless we bit the bullet and dropped some fuel in the car and would you know it, I over filled it!! :mad:

We went ahead and decided since its a long run I will be sucking down the fuel anyhow and it would go away, in the end all good. (My son was on call in case I needed a pick up!!:rolleyes:)

Had a great run with our good car club friends and "The Mistress" ran excellent maintaining a 195F temperature, Charging at around 12.5 volts while cruising and maintaining around 35-40psi oil pressure when cruising along. All in all a great run, was able to get around without issue and I am gaining confidence driving this beast. One thing I do notice every time I park with my friends is how small this car is relative to their beasts, however its also the first car that everyone migrates to!

Nice weather not too hot and with the leaves changing color it was a nice sight to see!
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FF33rod

09-28-2020, 09:53 AM

Congrats, that is a milestone! I don't blame you being nervous, I'm going to be too!

sread

09-28-2020, 10:25 AM

Hey, not trying to be downer but you might want to verify your charging system output. If it is truly only putting out 12.5 v , you have problems. Minimum should be a little over 13 but normal is around 14.5 or so. 12.5 is just your battery voltage and it is probably only a matter of time till you are stuck somewhere.

FF33rod

09-28-2020, 11:36 AM

Agreed 12.5 is low but I've noticed the dash voltmeter reads low, putting a voltmeter on the batter shows significantly more on my build. Maybe double check at the battery first Andreas.

Steve

AJT '33

09-28-2020, 01:46 PM

Agreed 12.5 is low but I've noticed the dash voltmeter reads low, putting a voltmeter on the batter shows significantly more on my build. Maybe double check at the battery first Andreas.

Steve

Not worried, its estimated based on where the needle sits, was steady as a rock there and no start issues anymore since I put a real battery in it. When it runs initially its closer to 13.

e36m3

09-29-2020, 12:11 PM

Beautiful car, I hope my car turns out half as well as your has!

ken33

09-29-2020, 03:07 PM

I hope in the next year i get to be nervous as well . it was fun watching your build. great job!

AJT '33

11-10-2020, 08:04 AM

VERY PLEASANT Surprise this morning going through the various forums... received the Picture of the Month for November in the Factory Five Forum!!!

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Here is the link: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?37806-November-2020-POM-WINNER!

This after being chosen to be in the 2021 FFR Calendar as well! Crazy happy right now!!!

1932

11-10-2020, 09:40 PM

Good to see a 33 on pom!!

j33ptj

11-11-2020, 04:33 AM

You were also on LinkedIn and IG!!

johnnybgoode

11-11-2020, 10:48 AM

Your 33 looks fantastic. Congrats! Scott

Taz Rules

11-12-2020, 04:01 PM

AJT '33

11-13-2020, 01:21 PM

AND the cover of the calendar in addition to your month inside!
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Hey Ash, THANK YOU!!!!!

AJT '33

11-26-2020, 09:43 AM

Stored away in the corner of my shop and waiting for spring to come and the roads to get cleaned next year!!!
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Will be starting to clean up and restore my wife's 1930 Model A this winter!

1932

11-26-2020, 08:41 PM

Good to see RESTORE on that model A.

j33ptj

11-27-2020, 03:49 AM

Totally love the Shell sign!!! (being a Shell employee)

I am so jealous of the size of the garages in the US....

RJ

AJT '33

12-10-2020, 08:42 AM

Early Christmas present... I have the privilege to have our '33 Hot Rod in the 2021 House of Kolor calendar! Submitted my entry about 3 months back and found out last week that our '33 is one of the vehicles featured in the HOK 2021 calendar, just received my complimentary copies, HUGE honor to be included in this prestigious calendar!!
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wrp

12-10-2020, 11:34 AM

Revisiting the Battery and charging issue briefely. I went out two nights ago and noticed my sniper display said the battery charging voltage was downto 11.5. I turned to head back to the house but before I got there it had dropped to 6.5 and at 6.5 everything shut down. I had to push the damned car nearly a mile back to the house. Only time in the last 25 years I have not minded living in Texas. So I took the battery down to have it tested. It was an Optima from April 2016. Battery was fine. I took the alternator down to have it tested. It was charging. That was puzzling until I looked at the power leads going into the alternator. They were charred and brittle (yes, I am stupid). There was a lot of corrosion on the alternator post. I cleaned that off and replaced the wires. Started the car up and it was charging 14.1-14.6. Cool. Let it sit 24 hours and started it, 14.1-14.6, cool. Then I decided to drive it. I looked away and when I looked back it was 13.1-13.6. I turned around and came home immediately. Checked the wires and the nut holding the wires to the alternator had become loose. The end connection was hot. Friend told me that when the connection becomes loose that allows sparking between the terminal and the wires leading to corrosion, heat and all the fun. So I recleaned the terminal post and reinstalled the wires using a second locking nut to hold everything in plance. Moral of the story is a slight looseness in the wire connection to the Alternator can lower the charging significantly.

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FF33rod

12-10-2020, 02:29 PM

AJT '33

01-04-2021, 08:50 AM

A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!! Wishes of health and happiness to everyone.

Well got the calendars up on the wall and will be looking forward to both May and June as that is where they will be spotlighted in each of the calendars!

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Since June is my birthday month it will be even more special...

Stay safe, stay healthy so you can enjoy your rides this summer!!

AJT '33

03-05-2021, 11:26 AM

It may be snowy outside but man am I ever looking forward to this spring!!!
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AJT '33

03-05-2021, 11:51 AM

Hey everyone, looking forward to spring and I want to replace my outside door mirrors (they are flat 4" diameter mirrors from FFR) with new mirrors that are 4" but are slightly convex. Last year I could not see all the road beside the car and to my right so I bought stick on 3-1/2" mirrors and stuck them to the flat ones and it did the trick. HOWEVER, they are too convex and "objects in the mirror are further than they appear"!! I want to keep the stand offs from the original mirror and just unscrew the originals and screw on the new ones. I don't care if they are not chrome as I will be getting them all copper plated (I have a local person that silver plates and can "candy copper" plate them for me, https://www.facebook.com/mikeart.seguin) to match the car eventually.

If any of you have or have seen convex mirrors that could fit the original screw stand off I would appreciate it. TY!
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