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View Full Version : PB and son MK4 build thread by wallace18



wallace18
01-29-2019, 07:43 AM
We are going to be starting a MK4 build in March. PB and his son will be coming up to my shop on days they can to help in the build of their MK4. The kit and drivetrain was ordered yesterday. I really look forward to helping a Dad and his son live out a dream of building a car together. I will be doing some of the work, but also helping them in the hands on build process. We hope to have the car go out for paint somewhere near June. Below is a list of what we are starting with.

MK4 complete kit , powder coated chassis, 351 headers, body cut outs, leather seat upgrade, P/S, 3-link, 8.8 -3:55 Moser rear end, vintage GPS gauges, 17x9/10.5 halibrand replica wheels, S/S over-riders, S/S side pipes, wind wings, sun visors, vinyl dash with glovebox, floor mats, EFI fuel system, chrome driver and passenger roll bars with grommets, 11.65 rear brakes, trunk gas support, assembled side louvers, drivers seat track and center dash support.

Engine and transmission will come from Blue Print and will be a 427 FI with alt, P/S and TKO 600 package. A really nice combo picked out by PB.

We will be getting some additional parts from the following FFR forum vendors. I will be ordering this stuff below today so as many of the parts we need will be here when the kit arrives. Only the POL parts will be holding us up. Hopefully not many of those.

From Replicaparts
seat belt trim plates, steering hole trim plate, radiator shroud and weather stripping package.

From Breeze Automotive
Upper and lower radiator mount kits

From Finish Line
side pipe heat shields

From Whitby Motorcars
Power brake package

From Boig Motorsports
Upper and lower coolant pipes

All this and a few parts I give as part of my build will really make for a very nice MK4.

All 3 of us are very excited. Stay tuned for updates down the road. As always I will post every day we work on the car. :cool:

wallace18
01-31-2019, 01:08 PM
Parts from FFR forum vendors starting to trickle in. Today the Breeze upper and lower radiator supports came in. Really nice stuff that will allow for angle adjustment as well as keep the radiator from cracking down the road.

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wallace18
02-11-2019, 12:43 PM
After coming home from a weeks trip up north to visit family in PA and NC some parts came in. Lizard Skin, self canceling turn signal module from Speedway. Fan shroud, seat belt trim rings, steering shaft trim ring and weather strip package all from Replicaparts.
http://replicaparts.com

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wallace18
02-12-2019, 01:06 PM
Door panels from Herb came in. I always get a set of these and give them as a bonus gift to my customers. They really finish off the inside of the door so nice, IMO.

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wallace18
02-20-2019, 07:38 AM
Finish-line goodies came in yesterday. Front grommets, emblems and side pipe heat shields. Still waiting on Whitby Power brake deal. Then all that will be left is kit and Blue print stuff.

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wallace18
03-04-2019, 11:09 AM
Power Brake kit from Whitby came last Friday. Going to paint the booster and bracket black today. We now have all our outside vendor parts. Kit should be done at FFR and waiting on Stewart to deliver here soon, I hope!

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wallace18
03-08-2019, 01:02 PM
A present from Moser came today via UPS.

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Boydster
03-10-2019, 07:41 AM
A present from Moser came today via UPS.

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That box is something else to get into, aint it?!?!

wallace18
03-11-2019, 01:59 PM
Jim from Stewart came today with the Brizi MK4. What a great guy Jim is! I had Marsha, Jerry, Dave, Art and myself help with everything. All went smooth as silk.

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wallace18
03-11-2019, 02:01 PM
Here it is safe and sound in my shop on the lift.

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DS9941
03-11-2019, 06:37 PM
Looks like your getting ready to have a lot of fun. I built a 33 hot rod, I would like to build a Mk4 someday

wallace18
03-12-2019, 10:37 AM
Took body off of chassis this morning with help from Art and Jerry. On body buck and safe on top of my 4-post lift.

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wallace18
03-12-2019, 05:19 PM
Pablo gave me the go ahead to do inventory and start on the build. He is not sure when or how many times he and his son will be able to come up to work on the MK4. So they feel part of the process I am taking more photos of everything I do. Today was a busy day, After removing the body as posted above. I did inventory with my buddy Jerry helping. We go everything but the wheel boxes done. I also drilled the front splash plates and will cover them with bed liner tomorrow. I also painted a few parts. It seems that now a lot of the brackets are S/S. Wow that is great, no painting needed if you don't want to. Here is a ton of pics in the next few posts. LOL.:cool:

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wallace18
03-12-2019, 05:21 PM
More inventory boxes.

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wallace18
03-12-2019, 05:30 PM
Last of boxes for today, LOL.:p Unfortunately 37 items are POL or back ordered as I like to say. Hopefully they will be shipped to me soon. Still plenty of stuff to stay busy. Engine/transmission coming soon also from Blueprint.

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wallace18
03-13-2019, 06:13 PM
Unpacked the wheels today. Boy are they nice! Painted some bare metal stuff today. Coated front engine aluminum with bed liner and installed on frame. Assembled emergency brake handle assembly. Also mocked up drivers for box, firewall and modified drivers side for power brake booster. Hope to mock up Passenger side foot box tomorrow.

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Cruzzz
03-13-2019, 06:49 PM
Not planning to install a brake booster but noticed you cut part of the frame to install. Will you end up tying that part back together?

wallace18
03-14-2019, 06:06 AM
Not planning to install a brake booster but noticed you cut part of the frame to install. Will you end up tying that part back together?

Yes that part comes with power brake kit from Whitby. You will see in a later post.

wallace18
03-14-2019, 04:27 PM
Mocked up passenger foot box, floors and cockpit side aluminum. Made firewall brace. Scuffed and acetone cleaned parts to be coated. Coated firewall and foot boxes with Lizard Skin. painted front calipers and assembled them. Plus I took off from 12-3 to watch Gator Basketball game!:cool:

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wallace18
03-15-2019, 02:39 PM
Only had 2 hours to work on MK4 today. Spent morning helping my painter put roofing tin up on his new shop and watch my Gator B-Ball team beat LSU!. I did mock up rear cockpit aluminum and tires showed up today.

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WIS89
03-15-2019, 03:50 PM
Tom-

Making short work of things, as always! You always seem to have a speed to your builds that I just cannot emulate, but I really do admire!

What tires did PB select; they look nice.

Oh, and I didn't realize that the Gators had a basketball team. ;-o) They beat a really good LSU team, too!

I look forward to following along on this build too Tom, and I really appreciate your posts.

Regards,

Steve

wallace18
03-15-2019, 04:39 PM
Tom-

Making short work of things, as always! You always seem to have a speed to your builds that I just cannot emulate, but I really do admire!

What tires did PB select; they look nice.

Oh, and I didn't realize that the Gators had a basketball team. ;-o) They beat a really good LSU team, too!

I look forward to following along on this build too Tom, and I really appreciate your posts.

Regards,

Steve

Thanks Steve. They are NITTO 555 G2's. 245/45R17 front and 315/35R17 rears. I have used these on 4 MK4's so far.

wallace18
03-16-2019, 11:18 AM
Spent a couple hours this morning due to missing yesterday AM. Mocked up transmission tunnel top and all of trunk aluminum. Installed fire walls and front of drivers foot box.
Taking rest of weekend off. Watching B-Ball.:cool:

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wallace18
03-18-2019, 04:13 PM
Today I scuffed, cleaned with acetone and coated the drilled aluminum with bed liner in key areas. Also installed Power Brake booster, master cylinder and Wilwood pedal box. Installed the pillow block and steering shaft flange bearing as well as 2 rear most steering shafts and u-joint.

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wallace18
03-19-2019, 03:08 PM
Today I painted some of the rear disc brake parts. I also had the tires mounted and balanced on the rims by Discount tire who Pablo bought the tires online from. I was not at all happy with how the brake pin on the Whitby Power brake kit pedal was lining up with the booster rod. It was low, made the pedal real low and binding was occurring on depressing the pedal. I ground off the weld to the pin. Then i let everything fall into place and used some anti-seize to mark new location. Drilled and welded pin into new location. Now it lines up perfect and operates smoothly. If you go the Whitby Power Brake kit way be prepared to do some mods. IMO it is very much worth it. Mounted gas pedal, throttle cable and clutch cable as well and made sure of proper smooth operation. Tweaking is necessary, LOL.

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sturigus83
03-20-2019, 03:58 AM
Tom thanks for the link I always enjoy reading your builds because there is always something to learn. Tom did they fix the Moser rear end where you didn't have to modify things or is still the same way. I know at one time everyone that had one was having problems trying to install them. I am glade your on another build what number of build is this for you I know you have don't a lot of them. Have a good day Tom.

wallace18
03-20-2019, 06:18 AM
Tom thanks for the link I always enjoy reading your builds because there is always something to learn. Tom did they fix the Moser rear end where you didn't have to modify things or is still the same way. I know at one time everyone that had one was having problems trying to install them. I am glade your on another build what number of build is this for you I know you have don't a lot of them. Have a good day Tom.

The last 2 I installed I had no problems. You always have to drill the LCA holes to 1/2" if you have a Moser or OEM.

wallace18
03-20-2019, 02:59 PM
Today I installed the brake lines and plumbed the master to the reservoir. I also installed the drivers floor so I could route the rear brake line. I am taking the next 2 days off. Pablo coming up on Sunday to do some work on his MK4. I am trying to do the dirty and tedious stuff. Leave the fun stuff for him and his son.

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sturigus83
03-21-2019, 08:01 PM
Hi Tom I was wondering what is the brand name of that lift you have in your shop and have you had any problems with it ? I am looking to put one in my shop and have been reading about them for awhile. I put six inches in the floor when we poured it so I am not worried about that part I have a 12 foot ceiling and I mean 12 ft. I have no room to play with there. Any information would be good because I am just looking right now but I will have one before I build my 33.

wallace18
03-21-2019, 08:22 PM
It is from Direct lift. I would not buy another from them. I have a 2-post and a 4-post from them. In 7 yearsI had to repair the 2-post hydraulic cylinders 3 times and the 4-post once. I would look for an American made lift not a made in china if I was you. Just my 2-cents worth.

sturigus83
03-22-2019, 08:15 AM
Tom thanks for the information on the lift and that is the second time I have been told to stay American which I was planning on anyway. Sorry to hear your having such problems on your lift. If it was in a shop being used everyday all day it wouldn't make it. Your build is coming along as they always do and I know it has to be a pain to be working on something and your waiting on parts at the same time. From what I have read from all the builds is that FF seems to be good about replacing or fixing a issue that comes up with parts. That is good to know. That's again for your information. My name is Tom as well and I live in Southeast Ga east of Brunswick if you ever been to Golden Isles Speedway a 1/4 mile race track then your two miles from my place. Have a good day.

wallace18
03-24-2019, 06:06 AM
Keep Pablo in your prayers. He and his son were to come up today to work on their MK4. Unfortunately Pablo is in the hospital with Gall bladder issues. The MK4 is on hold till he can get well. Maybe all the POL stuff will be here by the time he is better.

wallace18
03-29-2019, 08:30 AM
Good News! Pablo made it out of surgery OK. He will be in a recovery mode for 6 weeks or so. He wants me to go ahead with the build, but hopes to bring his son up to help me do some stuff on the MK4. Engine/trans should be here on Wednesday next week. I will at least get engine bay ready for that. 2 boxes of parts from FFR are due here today. Keep Pablo in your prayers. TW.

wallace18
03-30-2019, 02:16 PM
Pablo and his son Nico came up today. Pablo was fresh out of surgery so he was the supervisor. Niko had never worked on a car before, but he learned so fast and was a natural mechanic. He installed all the front suspension, hubs, brakes all the way to installing the front tires and wheels. After lunch he and I installed the entire 3-link rear end and installed the rear wheels and tires as well. Not bad for 4 hours of work! :cool: It was a pleasure to meet both of them. Nico is a top tier soccor player when he and Pablo can come up they will help with whatever we need to do that day. Otherwise I will get going at my usual pace in the mean time. Left to right is Pablo, me and Nico.

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wallace18
04-01-2019, 02:33 PM
Today I installed the steering rack, shafts and tie rods. Also installed passenger foot box, drivers inside foot box, top trunk, trunk sides and all interior aluminum.

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wallace18
04-04-2019, 01:39 PM
Between FedEx delaying the drive train shipment and me getting my 35 Hot Rod P/U titled and tagged I have not had a lot of time for the MK4 as of late. Finally the Blueprint drivetrain came today. I did manage to install the fuel tank and filter for the MK4 while I was waiting on FedEx. Boy! that 427 combo is sure pretty awesome to look at for sure. Hope to install it in a week or so. Here is some pics. I will be busy going to the NSRA show in Tampa for the next few days.

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wallace18
04-05-2019, 03:14 PM
Today I installed the EFI fuel lines to the front-end the carbon canister. Also installed the wiring harness, rear trunk aluminum and fuse panel. Taking weekend off for good behavior, LOL.:cool:

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wallace18
04-08-2019, 03:41 PM
Busy day today! I installed battery , shut off switch and wiring. Also installed engine/transmission. Motor mounts fought me, but I won the war, LOL.:cool:

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wallace18
04-09-2019, 03:20 PM
Spent all day hooking up hoses and wiring to engine and Sniper EFI. Then made sure all is out of the way and strapped down to frame. Hooked up P/S hoses as well. Installed and wired all engine sensors except O2 sensor. Waiting on headers. Installed top of transmission tunnel.

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wallace18
04-10-2019, 02:45 PM
Today I mounted radiator, shroud, fan, hoses, front wire harness and horns. Boig hoses and coolant pipes really dress up the engine bay, IMO. I set radiator at 51 degrees. I also engine turn radiator shroud. 2 boxes of POL parts due to come in later this week. :cool:

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SerpantFL
04-10-2019, 03:42 PM
Hi Tom, have been following your thread and after today's entry wondered since you, and almost everyone else, cant the radiators at +/- 51 degrees, would it be more efficient to have the radiators made with the vanes to sit horizontal after the installation? I obviously have too much time since I am not building yet. But is that a crazy thought? I understand the angle is to fit the body, but does anyone need that extra fractional cooling? Thanks, Anthony

wallace18
04-10-2019, 04:48 PM
Hi Tom, have been following your thread and after today's entry wondered since you, and almost everyone else, cant the radiators at +/- 51 degrees, would it be more efficient to have the radiators made with the vanes to sit horizontal after the installation? I obviously have too much time since I am not building yet. But is that a crazy thought? I understand the angle is to fit the body, but does anyone need that extra fractional cooling? Thanks, Anthony

With the radiator shroud I had zero issues even with A/C in a MK4 in HOT Florida weather. I really think it is not an issue at all.

wallace18
04-11-2019, 03:13 PM
Today I filled all engine, transmission and rear end fluids.I installed seat sliders on drivers seat and mounted both seats in cockpit. I also mocked up roll bar mounts and drilled all holes. Padded dash came in today but had a blemish. We are hoping FFR will replace it.

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Higgybulin
04-12-2019, 06:59 AM
Today I filled all engine, transmission and rear end fluids.I installed seat sliders on drivers seat and mounted both seats in cockpit. I also mocked up roll bar mounts and drilled all holes. Padded dash came in today but had a blemish. We are hoping FFR will replace it.

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My dash pad had a blemish as well, FF is sending a new piece. Question, do you put sealer between the panels and frame/panels, or just seal it up after its all together?

wallace18
04-12-2019, 09:16 AM
My dash pad had a blemish as well, FF is sending a new piece. Question, do you put sealer between the panels and frame/panels, or just seal it up after its all together?

Both. The GE silicone II is a great adhesive as well as a sealer. There are always gaps that need sealing after aluminum panels are in place.

wallace18
04-16-2019, 01:47 PM
Finished up drilling and installing drivers side roll bar bolts. Also installed new trunk arms for gas struts and mounted them as well. I also installed the F.A.S.T. cable bracket for the throttle cable. If you have Sniper EFI get this bracket it is made for it. Replacement dash came a day early. This one is perfect, no faults. I installed glove box door and epoxy the door, hinges and inside aluminum. I engine turned inside aluminum as per my wife Marsha. It does look better than plain aluminum. 24 hour cure time so no dash install till Thursday.

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wallace18
04-17-2019, 02:35 PM
Had to spend the morning helping out my buddy Jerry with his 33. After lunch I was able to install coolant reservoir tank only to find out it had a bad weld on the bottom and leaks. For will send a replacement. All part of the fun, LOL. I did manage to put together the new S/S hood hinges and the sun visors and wind wings. I leave the paper on till final install to minimize scratches. Still waiting on epoxy to dry for glove box.

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Higgybulin
04-17-2019, 06:39 PM
Had to spend the morning helping out my buddy Jerry with his 33. After lunch I was able to install coolant reservoir tank only to find out it had a bad weld on the bottom and leaks. For will send a replacement. All part of the fun, LOL. I did manage to put together the new S/S hood hinges and the sun visors and wind wings. I leave the paper on till final install to minimize scratches. Still waiting on epoxy to dry for glove box.

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Love the rad shroud!!

wallace18
04-18-2019, 01:37 PM
Glove box door epoxy finally dry. Still missing lock tab to close and lock door. FFR has one on the way. I was able to install gauges and switches. The dash only comes with holes for 7 gauges and 3 switches. I needed to add Hi/Lo beam switch, emergency rad fan switch, clock reset button, trip meter reset button, L&R self cancelling turn signal buttons and gauge dimmer knob. Still not sure why there is only one reset buttoned cord in Vintage gauge kit. You need 2 so you can reset tripmeter and clock once car is finished. I buy about 6 a year from Speedhut so my cars are easy to operate. I had to modify Replicaparts steering hole trim ring for padded dash. Really makes that hole look so much better, IMO. I am waiting on headers, rear calipers and lock tab. I have PB and NB coming up on the 28th for a work day. So I am holding off on some things so they can do some things when they come up. Bad weather due here tomorrow and I have a car show in Alachua on Sunday. So no MK4 work till next week.

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Higgybulin
04-19-2019, 04:45 PM
Quick question, we got these kits about the same time. Your accelerator pedal install...my bracket already has like 4 holes in it, did you use the top left hole and still have to drill a hole to line it up vertically? I cant get a good look at it in your pic.

wallace18
04-19-2019, 04:46 PM
Quick question, we got these kits about the same time. Your accelerator pedal install...my bracket already has like 4 holes in it, did you use the top left hole and still have to drill a hole to line it up vertically? I cant get a good look at it in your pic.

Yes I did. It is normal to have to drill your own holes sometimes.

sturigus83
04-22-2019, 10:46 PM
Good to see you busy on another build Tom. I was wondering what you were doing now because I enjoy reading your builds you always find a way to make things work out right. I do the same thing but I don't have as good of luck as you do mine don't always work out and I have to end up doing something else. The build is looking good and I am like you that 427 motor sure looks good that and the transmission. That is a nice package from Blueprint but cost some bucks I have been looking at the same one. Have a good day Tom and good to read from you again. I think you like your Gator Basketball as much as I like my Bulldog Football

wallace18
04-23-2019, 11:01 AM
Glove box lock tab came Friday. This allowed me to mount the dash. I used industrial velcro this time on 90 degree brackets I installed on the dash hoop. It made for a clean look to the dash, IMO. Installed dash support also. Will spend rest of week on dash wiring. I have another car show Saturday and PB& CB will be here Sunday. I still tap the ends with a 1/4-20 tap and screw them to the frame. Steering wheel is just a mock up wheel I use during build. I wait till car is done for the kit wheel.

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wallace18
04-24-2019, 02:14 PM
Wired up every thing on the dash today. All works and no smoke, LOL. Also installed x-mat on drivers foot box area. I really like the self cancelling Turn signals. Also how now indicator lights in speedo vs separate lights as in the past. Sniper EFI all wired up as well.

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wallace18
04-25-2019, 02:16 PM
Installed 2 lower dash braces. Also installed the tops of the drivers foot box. I pulled out the spark plugs and turned engine over till I got oil pressure. I then put 7.5 gallons of gas in fuel tank. Ran fuel pump from Sniper and checked for leaks. None to be found. Tested impact sensor and hooked all back up. Turned the key and the engine fired right up with 60 PSI oil pressure. I only ran it for 8 seconds due to no headers and no O2 sensor yet. Nice to know it runs. Nothing else to do till PB and Cb come up on Sunday. We will install x-mat and some parts on hood. Maybe trunk also. :cool:

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wallace18
04-28-2019, 12:22 PM
Pablo and Nico could only come up for 3 hours today. They installed the X-Mat in the cockpit today. They decided on Chris Dobbs to do the paint and bodywork. So I will finish the MK4 and then deliver to Chris when all the parts come in and I am done. We will paint with the body on the car this time. We did start the engine for 8 seconds so they could hear it run and see the blue flames, LOL:cool:

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https://youtu.be/EnjGjYwBCrk

sturigus83
04-30-2019, 12:07 AM
Tom the build is looking great and moving along good. You cranked the car up but there was no sound at all and I bet that 427 sounds good too. Keep up the good work.

wallace18
04-30-2019, 05:44 AM
Tom the build is looking great and moving along good. You cranked the car up but there was no sound at all and I bet that 427 sounds good too. Keep up the good work.

Not sure what you mean. I hear the sound on the video every time.

wallace18
04-30-2019, 03:25 PM
Yesterday was my lovely wife Marsha's Birthday, so no car work. Today I started on carpet. The new trunk carpet fit really well. I got the 2 front center carpet parts in as well. Hope to finish all the carpet up tomorrow. Also installed the bulb seal on the chassis.

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wallace18
05-01-2019, 02:42 PM
Finished up carpet. Installed seats, seat belts, trim rings, shifter boot and E-brake boot. Going out of town till Monday. Still waiting on parts from FFR.

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wallace18
05-08-2019, 02:20 PM
Well the headers showed up late yesterday. The box was damaged but the contents was fine, Whew! Today I installed the headers. I like to use Remflex header gaskets. You torque them once and you are done. Then I install Stage-8 bolts and locks. 11 V-8 builds this way and no header leaks around the heads after many miles.I had to go buy some ignition wire socks so the ends would not get burned by the headers. I like to use ceramic ends myself but these wires came with the Blueprint engine. I also installed the hood hinge parts as well as the handles. Also cut off for hood scoop. I have to drive church bus all day tomorrow so I will get back at it on Friday. Still waiting on those rear brake calipers.

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wallace18
05-10-2019, 03:30 PM
Spent the whole morning getting rear brake calipers for this build. With the help from Jay at FFR I got 2 coming in tomorrow from AutoZone. I did get to undercoat the body with truck bedliner today. It not only protects the fiberglass but makes for a better looking car IMO. Will TIG weld O2 bung on Monday and get brakes done so I can go-cart. Then install body. Hope to get it out for paint and body work by June 1st.

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wallace18
05-13-2019, 06:11 PM
Installed modified 88 T-Bird Turbo Coupe rear calipers and Marsha helped bleed brakes. Chris came by and TIG welded o2 bung in drivers side pipe. Mounted side pipes and ran engine till t-Stat opened and fans came on. Engine ran at a steady 185 degree and has good throttle response. Idle is not real good and starter is not working as well as it should. Also engine shuts off when air cleaner is installed. I called BluePrint and they sent me some info and are looking into my idle and starter problems. Hopefully all we be well by end of the week and I can go-cart.

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wallace18
05-15-2019, 02:36 PM
Spent most of the morning trying to get engine stuff figured out. Must wait on some parts. I did do the front end alignment using laser off the rear tires. Got a perfect -0.5 Camber and 7 degrees of caster with 1/6" toe. Steering wheel centered great as well. I worked on mounting the hood scoop, trunk light and latch. Staying busy till parts come in. :cool:

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wallace18
05-16-2019, 05:54 PM
While waiting on some parts to come in around noon, I went and drilled the holes for the fuel filler cap and installed the sun visor clips on the windshield. Note* to first time builders do not install these sun visor tabs without removing the windshield frame first. It only takes 4 screws to remove frame with the help of some window cleaner. Then tap the holes and install the tabs. As you can see in the photo the screw protrude enough they would crack the windshield. I trim the screws flush with mu dremel tool. The after applying liberal amount of windex like stuff the frame just slides on the rubber, no cracks! the windex dries and everything is nice and tight. Noon I picked up a 600HP FiTech unit and replaced the troublesome Sniper unit. Viola, the engine cranked right up and in 5 minutes of tuning ran and started perfect even with the air cleaner on. Blueprint as well as myself have no idea why the Sniper would shut off when you install the air cleaner base plate. Evidently they are really susceptible to RF interference unlike the FiTech which could care less. All I know is Pablo has a great running engine now. Video and go--cart slated for tomorrow.

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wallace18
05-17-2019, 08:20 AM
Here is video of the engine now running with FiTech and air cleaner on.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTBB85ReqsM&feature=youtu.be

wallace18
05-17-2019, 08:24 AM
Here is video of go-cart up my driveway. I drove car around neighborhood it is scary fast and powerful. Breaks tires loose in any gear with just a slight tap of the throttle. Hope to put body on today after lunch with some help from my hot rod buddies.


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

FF33rod
05-17-2019, 01:40 PM
That sounds SOOOOOO darn good....

wallace18
05-17-2019, 04:26 PM
I had 4 of my buddies come over after lunch and we set the body on the chassis. Seems to fit real nice. I only had time to bolt it down with the rear bumpers today. Try to do a little this weekend, though I normally take the weekend off. That Sniper held me up a few days, LOL.

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wallace18
05-18-2019, 10:08 AM
Had a few hours to work on the MK4 this morning. I finished up the front body mounting. Installed front and rear lights.

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wallace18
05-20-2019, 02:50 PM
Got a lot done today. I mounted the hood, windshield, center rear view mirror and doors. Chris wants to do all the gaping this time so I just made them fit for now. Chris is also going to modify the doors for extra elbow room like Mine and Bill's MK4's. I always buy door panels from Herb for my customers, They make the inside of the door look so much better plus give you a place for your cell phone, ETC.

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SerpantFL
05-20-2019, 04:18 PM
Nice work, Tom. That car sounds fierce. Would like to see a longer go-kart video. PB and son are going to be pleased as punch.

WIS89
05-21-2019, 06:58 AM
Tom-

Another great looking build! I always enjoy following along with your builds. Of course, it makes me feel quite inadequate as I am still building, and you are making short work of things.

I don't recall reading about color choice. Have they selected a color for Chris to lay down?

Keep up the good work Tom!!

Regards,

Steve

wallace18
05-21-2019, 08:08 AM
Tom-

Another great looking build! I always enjoy following along with your builds. Of course, it makes me feel quite inadequate as I am still building, and you are making short work of things.

I don't recall reading about color choice. Have they selected a color for Chris to lay down?



Keep up the good work Tom!!

Regards,

Steve


No final choice yet. Though it will be some sort of blue with white stripes.

wallace18
05-21-2019, 03:32 PM
Today I mounted trunk lid. The new FFR gas strut kit is really fantastic, no strain on the lid when closed as aftermarket ones used to bow up trunk lid. I clearance the body for the roll bars and drilled for the grommets. I wired up the front lights and tail lights. I also clearance for the side pipes and installed heat shields. Coming along very nice.

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Blue Viking
05-22-2019, 09:48 AM
I have ordered the 16590 gas strut kit for the trunk. Do you have any pictures of it installed? Can't really se it well in the last post.

wallace18
05-22-2019, 02:57 PM
I have ordered the 16590 gas strut kit for the trunk. Do you have any pictures of it installed? Can't really se it well in the last post.

Kinda hard to get a good photo for you with body and belts in place. Here is the best I can do for you. Hope it helps.

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wallace18
05-22-2019, 03:00 PM
Today I had Marsha help me locate the side mirrors. Then I mocked up splash shields and radiator aluminum. I will coat all of this with black bedliner material. Got awful close to 100 in the shop this afternoon. Way too hot for May in FL. :p

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Blue Viking
05-22-2019, 04:47 PM
Kinda hard to get a good photo for you with body and belts in place. Here is the best I can do for you. Hope it helps.

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Perfect! Looks good, thank you very much. Feels good to see this stuff. Gonna be a while before I see the kit in person for me. It should be finished first week of July, then they will hold it three to five weeks to minimize back order parts due to it being an export case, then another month or so in shipping. Gonna be a looong summer....

wallace18
05-24-2019, 12:06 PM
Getting closer to taking car to painter. I installed the fuel filler, hoses, clamps and ground wire. I also filled in gaps at front of rear wheel weld opening. Not sure why FFR left this part out of their manual. I start off with expanding foam tape, then some black silicone then a aluminum plate I make up covered in truck bed liner. Seals up that area very nice. I also engine turned a aluminum panel for the top of the radiator to keep air going thru the radiator instead of over top of it. I removed seats, lights, roll bars, ETC for painter.

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wallace18
05-28-2019, 03:10 PM
I sealed up body to frame with foam strips, pool noodle and flex seal. I change out wheels and tires so the FFR ones do not get damaged during body work and paint. Stripped off everything not needed for paint and body work. Loaded up in trailer to get to painter. I will be out of town till June 30th visiting my brother in Pa.

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wallace18
06-25-2019, 05:14 PM
I am up at Bellefonte, PA. KOA and spending time visiting my brother Curt. Chris is busy working on the MK4. He has gapped and aligned the hood and trunk so far. He is doing the usual great work he is known for.

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wallace18
07-09-2019, 05:58 PM
Getting close to primer time!

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wallace18
07-14-2019, 05:19 AM
Chris has everything ready to prime. Should have photos of all of it primed in the following days.

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wallace18
07-27-2019, 12:08 PM
I have been out of town for a week. Chris has the MK4 in primer. Nice detail added to side pipe location as well as door mod for more shoulder room.

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wallace18
08-05-2019, 07:17 AM
Chris had MK4 all bagged up ready for color. Should be sprayed in next 24 hours.

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wallace18
08-14-2019, 06:06 AM
I am currently in State College, PA helping out my brother Curt. Chris has been busy with the MK4. Here are some pics.

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wallace18
08-18-2019, 05:28 PM
Chris has the MK4 back together as I took it to him. Don't worry those are not the wheels and tires. Just spare one for taking to paint shop. I hope to be home by the end of the month to finish up the car and deliver it to Pablo.

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wallace18
08-30-2019, 10:53 AM
I just got back on Wednesday from a 3 week trip in PA. I picked up the MK4 and have it 98% done. I moved it to my home garage due the impending storm coming to Florida. Looking good though.

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wallace18
09-06-2019, 04:03 PM
Finished up the MK4 100% today. Chris came by to do final detail job on the car also. I had him drive the car around the neighborhood while I fine tuned the F.I. Installed the wind wings, sun visors, door sill guards, Cobra shift Knob and steering wheel emblem. Also the 427 side emblems. Car runs fantastic. All loaded up waiting on a appointment to get titled.

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wallace18
10-03-2019, 01:51 PM
Delivered the MK4 to Pablo Today. First we went to Tampa DMV and got Titled. Unfortunately they did it as a 2019 made from parts, Go figure? Then I took it to his home. We took it for a couple laps around neighborhood. Pablo got it going really good down a side street for a great 1-2 shift with wheel spin, Woo Hoo! Pablo and son where great customers. I hope they enjoy this MK4 for many years down the road.

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Robodent
10-03-2019, 07:06 PM
Congrats. Great job Tom

Aircontroller
10-08-2019, 04:45 PM
Howdy Tom, is this the exact part number for that F.A.S.T. bracket?

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fst-304147


Finished up drilling and installing drivers side roll bar bolts. Also installed new trunk arms for gas struts and mounted them as well. I also installed the F.A.S.T. cable bracket for the throttle cable. If you have Sniper EFI get this bracket it is made for it. Replacement dash came a day early. This one is perfect, no faults. I installed glove box door and epoxy the door, hinges and inside aluminum. I engine turned inside aluminum as per my wife Marsha. It does look better than plain aluminum. 24 hour cure time so no dash install till Thursday.

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PrestonT23
10-11-2019, 08:20 PM
Stunning color, looks great!

wallace18
10-12-2019, 06:06 AM
Howdy Tom, is this the exact part number for that F.A.S.T. bracket?

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fst-304147

Yes.

WIS89
10-12-2019, 04:10 PM
Tom-

Another great looking build; well done!

You do very nice work, and I know Pablo will be very happy with a beautiful machine!

I admire the pace at which you work, as well as the quality that is the result. Thanks for sharing your work with us.

Regards,

Steve

tt400
10-19-2019, 06:44 PM
Great color and nice build.