DamnYankee Build Thread

[DamnYankee]

My truck kit was delivered today. Will be open wheeled. I have the crate LS3 6.2 with a T-56 manual. Moser rear. Wilwood brakes.
Haven't decided on wheels yet, but soon I hope.
Inventory tomorrow :-)

Ron

102017102018102019102020102021102022

[herb fraser]

Looking Good !

[wallace18]

Congrats! Looks like Christmas in Feb. LOL.

[DamnYankee]

Finally making some progress on my build. Either I was out of town, or I had company.
Brakes plumbed, suspension and steering installed.
I had firewall hydro-dipped with a carbon fiber pattern. Hard to see in pics, but it does look cool.
Painted the engine and now installed with transmission. Using LS376/480 with a T-56 Super Magnum.

When I installed the electric power steering motor it was hitting the LS oil pan, so it needed to be clocked down to clear the pan, but this made it the lowest thing hanging under the chassis, which I didn't like. So I ordered 2 oil pans from Summit to see which would work. The first one I opened was the GM 12628771, and this fit the power steering motor perfectly. The motor is 3/4 inch below the pan, but still 3/4 inch above the chassis. I also had to use oil pickup 12558251, and windage tray 12558253. The original dipstick worked fine. The other pan was Holley 302-3, and I never opened the box, just returned it to Summit.

Took me a while to find wheels that I liked, and fit. I liked the looks of these Milanni Kapri, but they were discontinued. The 20s were still available, but not the 18s. I saw a set of used 18s on eBay but seller wouldn't sell me only 2. So in late March I was in Los Angeles visiting my son and discovered that the wheel distributor with the used set was in East LA. So I drove over there and measured the back of the wheel to be sure my Wilwood calipers would clear, and they did. They still wouldn't sell me 2, so I bought all 4. Then 2 days later they sent me an email saying 2 of the wheels got damaged in the warehouse preparing for shipment, so they refunded half my money and I got the 2 that I wanted to begin with. And was able to get the 20s on clearance somewhere else. Winning !

Next on to fuel system.

[wallace18]

Looking good!

[bnelson]

What size tires did you go with. Look good :)

[DamnYankee]

Rears are 315/35-20.
Fronts are 255/35-18.

[DamnYankee]

Fuel system completed. I prefer to use aluminum hard fuel line because its much easier to bend and route. Used braided PTFE for all the connections.

106568106569106570106571106572106573

Completed the floor with the foam cores. A little messy but worked out well.

106574106575106576106577

[bnelson]

That looks like a great idea on the floor pan. Can you explain a little on what you did there?

[DamnYankee]

The foam sandwich floor is part of the kit now. Has a bottom piece of aluminum underneath, then the rigid foam, then top piece of aluminum. Acts as a heat barrier and sound deadener.

[bnelson]

Good to hear. I have a completion date of the 18th so should be included. Thanks!

[DamnYankee]

Mounted my LS fly-by-wire gas pedal. I cut up the bracket which came with the pedal, then welded it to the side of the pedal box. Because of this I'll have to move the fuse box mount about 2 inches to the right.

106884 106885 106889

Got my tunnel fitted. Plenty of footbox room around the pedals.

106887 106890

Not sure why the 2 thumbnails are here.

[DamnYankee]

Making progress:

Used LS Serpentine System from EddieMotorsports. Worked out real well.

108927 108928

Mounted radiator and AC condenser. Used 33 Hot Rod fan shroud from Mike Everson, did a little trimming to make it fit.

108931

Miles of wiring between the FFR wiring and the LS wiring. Used Dakota Digital dash which eliminated a good bit of wiring.

108932 108933 108934 108935 108936 108937 108938

[DamnYankee]

Test fit of cab.

108939 108940

[DamnYankee]

First start was tonight 6/15/19.
First time I've had an LS, love it. No timing to set, no carb to set. Just add fuel and crank, and it idles!!

Actual first start:
https://youtu.be/CTpB2j8u24w

Second start:
https://youtu.be/h_NQPBSGb9M

Third start:
https://youtu.be/r036Fw_EbHQ

[wallace18]

Congrats!

[DamnYankee]

Wipers installed -
I know many people decided not to install wipers, but my plan for the truck was to make it an all-weather vehicle. I installed wipers in my Cobra when I built it. So I wanted wipers from the truck one way or another.
I looked at a few different styles including the simple motor units like Speedway sells or Mighty Wiper. But the motors were too big to not interfere with the dashboard.
I ended up with the Universal Wiper Kit WWK-2 from Specialty Power Windows which arrived today via UPS and I installed it in about half a day or so. It uses the tube and cable system same as the Cobra uses. The transmissions are small and fit where I wanted.
So for those interested I'll outline what I did below. Total cost with arms and blades was $368.

First step is to determine where to drill the holes for transmission shafts and how to space them. I kinda copied the way they were spaced on my Cobra.
Driver's side shaft is 9 3/4" from edge of windshield. Passenger side shaft is 15" past the driver's side shaft.
Drilled 3/8" holes located 1/2" above the cowl. I wanted the transmissions to be as low as possible to not interfere with dashboard.
Did not use any bezels, not needed

109127 109128

I ran the jam nut on the shaft down tight against the transmission body, put a 3/8"flat washed on, and slid into the hole from the inside. Cable channel is on the bottom. Top of the transmission will be at the bottom of the fiberglass lip for the windshield.
From there follow the instructions to shorten the shafts.

109129

I mounted the motor where the passenger side kick panel would be. I made 2 brackets to bolt it in.

109134

Then cut and flared the tubing and installed the cable.

109131

Whole project went better than I expected.

109132


And with the truck's removable dash I don't see any reason why this couldn't be retrofitted to a completed build.

Disclaimer: My windshield is not yet installed so I couldn't test the sweep. But I'm pretty confident it will be functional.

109133

[bnelson]

Thanks so much for sharing this! Ive been digging and digging trying to figure out a way to go. please post an evaluation after glass install.

[Robodent]

Thanks for the post. I’ve been comptinplating on weather or not to go with wipers but I might have to here in Illinois to get through inspection. I’m at the crossroads right now with body work and removing the cab for paint so now would be the time to do it . However I’m at somewhat of a standstill due to too much work and going up to Canada fishing so my build is on hold for a month and a half or so. Thanks. Rob

[dan04mcs]

Thanks for sharing.
Less thinking I have to do now!

[35 Ford Hoonatruck]

Thank you for this post!!! my DMV requires wipers and I have been waiting for someone to figure this out.....I already ordered this setup. Which wiper arms did you order?

[DamnYankee]

Got their straight stainless arms and flat blades.

[FLFrank35]

Thanks for posting this!! I live in FL too and would like to install wipers since it's easy to get caught in the rain.

[CoreyGp]

I was wondering what Rear End Gear Ratio you used for your build and what your first and final gear ratios in your tranny were? The T-56 seems to come in may different sizes.

[wallace18]

Super job on the wipers! :cool:

[DamnYankee]

I was wondering what Rear End Gear Ratio you used for your build and what your first and final gear ratios in your tranny were? The T-56 seems to come in may different sizes.

Rear is 3.55
Trans gears are:
2.66
1.76
1.30
1.0
.80
.63

[DamnYankee]

Mechanical and electrical done.

In full bodywork mode now. I can build or fix anything, but I am not a body guy. However I am doing this myself with tips from the forums and coaching from my buddy who is a 30+ year body/paint man.
Doors are fitted, hood and radiator cowl fitted. Bed is drilled for mounting. Currently doing the cab seams. This is worse than sanding drywall spackle, which I also hate !

112780 112781 112782 112783 112784 112785 112786 112787 112788

[bnelson]

Mechanical and electrical done.

In full bodywork mode now. I can build or fix anything, but I am not a body guy. However I am doing this myself with tips from the forums and coaching from my buddy who is a 30+ year body/paint man.
Doors are fitted, hood and radiator cowl fitted. Bed is drilled for mounting. Currently doing the cab seams. This is worse than sanding drywall spackle, which I also hate !

112780 112781 112782 112783 112784 112785 112786 112787 112788

Looks great. What are you going to do with your grill? I cant make up my mind :(

[DamnYankee]

Looks great. What are you going to do with your grill? I cant make up my mind :(

Either black it out, or body color which will be dark gray or silver.

[sperger72]

Look great. Wish I was that far along.

[AJT '33]

Mechanical and electrical done.

In full bodywork mode now. I can build or fix anything, but I am not a body guy. However I am doing this myself with tips from the forums and coaching from my buddy who is a 30+ year body/paint man.
Doors are fitted, hood and radiator cowl fitted. Bed is drilled for mounting. Currently doing the cab seams. This is worse than sanding drywall spackle, which I also hate !

112780 112781 112782 112783 112784 112785 112786 112787 112788

The key is to not cheap out on the body filler, use premium quality products like Evercoat Rage, Rage Ultra or Rage Gold, they sand MUCH better and self seal as well. It will save you time and money in the long run. As well make sure you borrow your buddies long sanding board to get that flat smooth surface. Once you get the bodywork out of the way the rest is a breeze!!

Good Luck!!

[wallace18]

Now you see why I do not sand or paint my builds. I farm that out. Not my idea of fun either Ron.

[sperger72]

How did you get the side engine covers in place? There has to be a secret!

[DamnYankee]

How did you get the side engine covers in place? There has to be a secret!

I cut the side covers:

115027 115028

[sperger72]

Thanks. Just glassed the metal strips in place?

[DamnYankee]

Thanks. Just glassed the metal strips in place?

yes with DuraGlass

[sperger72]

Thanks

[DamnYankee]

Started primer this week.

115123

[wallace18]

Looking Good!

[DamnYankee]

I finished the bodywork and primer. Going for final paint in 2 weeks.

116687

116688

116689

[wallace18]

You are getting really close for sure. :cool:

[VIRGIN MIKE]

I got to see this truck first hand last week - Wow, I am inspired, what a good looking build with lots of nifty custom touches
Congrats. And thanks for your generous hospatality

[DamnYankee]

Got my Florida title and tag yesterday, and had first drive today. Just a few minor bugs to work out then we're finished.
How I got titled in Florida:
I went to my local tax assessor's office and followed DMV procedure TL-48. https://www3.flhsmv.gov/dmv/Proc/tl/tl-48.pdf
Register it as a REPLICA, not a Kit Car. Very important. No inspection is required. Only documents you need are the Certificate of Origin from Factory Five, DMV Form 82040, Insurance Card, and an invoice to pay sales tax on. Nothing else. They will use the Factory Five VIN that's listed on the COO. They even listed my weight as 1000 lb. I was in and out in 20 minutes. One note: "Factory Five Racing" is not in their database, but "FFR" is. BE sure to tell them if they can't find it.

I forgot one thing: you need form 82042 and have a police officer come to you house to verify the VIN before you go to get title.
https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/82042.pdf

[DamnYankee]

First drive today.
Took kit delivery 2/10/19.
Titled and tagged 12/16/19.
Color is Matte Gray.
Power is 495hp LS3 with T-56 6-speed manual.
Drives arrow straight, and much smoother than my Cobra.
Dakota Digital dash cluster, Electric door poppers, wipers, electric E-Brake, Wilwood brakes, flush taillights, Heat/AC.
Aluminum bed by Smokeys Rod Shop: https://www.smokeyroadrodshop.com/
Front wheels 18x8.5
Rear wheels 20x10.5

BTW, I did all the bodywork and primer. First time I've done that, can't say it was enjoyable. My buddy shot the final color and matte clear.


119072 119073 119074 119075 119076 119077
119078 119079 119080 119081

[KenWilkinson]

Which invoice was required? Kit or everything?

[Robodent]

Nice job . Congrats. It looks great thanks for sharing the pics.

[McGuyver]

Very impressive! Wipers are nicely done and I like those taillights.

[DamnYankee]

Which invoice was required? Kit or everything?

I used just the kit invoice.

[Straversi]

Congratulations. That truck bed is a show stopper. Love it.
-Steve

[rponfick]

Where did you get the wipers? Happy with them.
Ralph

[DamnYankee]

Where did you get the wipers? Happy with them.
Ralph

See here: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?31284-DamnYankee-Build-Thread&p=371373&viewfull=1#post371373
They work fine in the garage, haven't been in rain yet but I'm sure they'll do the job.

[rponfick]

Yankee, thanks. I apologize for asking when I could have looked at your build thread, and seen your excellent description.

Just curious as to the wiper blades choices that Speciality offers. Straight vs curved, pros and cons? Not sure which way I would go.

Great build. Ralph

[DamnYankee]

Yankee, thanks. I apologize for asking when I could have looked at your build thread, and seen your excellent description.

Just curious as to the wiper blades choices that Speciality offers. Straight vs curved, pros and cons? Not sure which way I would go.

Great build. Ralph

I went with the straight stainless arms. These make the wipers park horizontal to the shaft, so they rest on the fiberglass below the windshield. I'm guessing the angled arms would let the wipers rest on the glass, which may be ok too. Depends what look you want I suppose.

[RuffShod]

Well done!!!

[DamnYankee]

Covered storage space is lacking in my truck. So picked up this toolbox from Lowes and installed in the bed. https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-48-in-x-11-5-in-x-11-in-Matte-Black-Aluminum-Compact-Truck-Tool-Box/1000615251

Gives me storage for 2 chairs and a soft cooler for a car show. Or can fit 2 gym bags with clothes for overnight trips. Not huge, but fits in the bed perfectly. And watertight. $209. Also available in bright aluminum.

120713 120712 120711 120710 120709 120708
120707

[wallace18]

Ron, you did a fantastic job with your truck!:cool:

[FLFrank35]

Congrats! Great job! Love the bed:cool:

[DamnYankee]

Just turned 1000 miles on my truck. I've done a few tweaks to make it more comfortable since the first drive:

I'm only 5'6" but I'm still kinda tight in the cab and my knees are bent up a little when on the pedals. So I adjusted the pedals down closer to the floor to get more leg room. For brake pedal was simply turning the MC shaft. For clutch I had to go to a bigger MC (7/8") to get a shorter throw, then adjust the shaft. For gas pedal I had to cut and weld the arm at the pedal to get it lower.

I had an AC leak somewhere and had to run a dye test. Pulled dashboard out and found that one of the hoses to the evaporator was crimped wrong at NAPA and split a fitting. So I replaced both hoses. And AC is ice cold now.

While I had the dash out decided to add cruise control. Since I had drive-by-wire throttle this was supposed to be plug and play. Well 4 days later I finally got it working, and its great.

Added cup holder and phone holder on the trans tunnel.

Added buttons on door jambs so interior lights come on when doors open up. Subtle but nice feature.

I will be driving the truck from south Florida to the FFR Open House in June with several stops along the way and back.
Cheers !

123754 123755

[DamnYankee]

Car show season in full bore in Florida. Having fun..

123757 123761 123758 123762 123759 123756 123763
123760

[wallace18]

Wow! that is some pretty big time folks you met. Congrats!:cool:

[McGuyver]

Impressive! When you have time, please post details on that cruise control install.

[RuffShod]

Nice! Cool trophies!!!

[DamnYankee]

Impressive! When you have time, please post details on that cruise control install.

I purchased this Cruise Control unit: https://www.thecruisecontrolstore.com/250-1881-cruise-control-for-gm-ls-drive-by-wire-etc-engines/

This unit is made by Rostra, which is the same unit that Dakota Digital puts their name on. Tech support from Michael was needed, and great.
I mounted the module behind the dash. There are connections to the clutch and brake switches so the cruise will disengage when pedals are depressed. With the LED taillights I needed to add a relay off the brake switch to the module.
There's a VSS connection to get the speedometer pulses. This got tricky for me because of my setup. I'm using a Dakota Digital gauge cluster with a BIM module that allows the cluster to plug into the OBD connector to talk to all the engine sensors. Because of the BIM module the VSS output from the gauge module is disabled. With my T-56 transmission I'm using the harness from Bowler Transmissions which provides outputs for the speedometer and reverse lockout relay. And another unused output can be used for a cruise control VSS signal. The transmission module is Bluetooth programmable to change the pulse counts. I had to set the pulse count to 2 for the cruise control and it worked perfect.
I can provide more details if you decide to install it.

[rponfick]

I didn't notice before that you ran your tailgate inside the bed side panels. Interesting concept. Mine will be in-operable also, but still have it outside the sides.
Looking good.
Ralph

[McGuyver]

Thanks for posting that on the cruise control. I have seen that unit but the install was a bit of a mystery. Glad to know that they have a satisfied customer. My only decision will be to tackle it on the initial build or add it later.

[House Money]

Ron, congrats on getting your build finished and racking up the miles! Can I ask you about the oil pan you used on your LS? Based on what you posted I ordered the same parts, the pan I received is missing one attach point hole being drilled and I wanted to see if your pan was also missing the same hole. The second mounting point forward of the oil filter mount is not drilled, yet the gasket has a provision for a hole as does the engine block.

Thanks in advance, Gary

[DamnYankee]

I seem to remember that one hole was missing in mine too. No leaks, works fine.
If you do a Google search on it, you'll see that some people say to drill a hole in the pan, and some say not to drill it. I did not.

[DamnYankee]

Finally got my license plate, only took 10 weeks. Factory Five sells the carbon fiber frame.

124296 124297

Also, found a car cover that fits well. Its for a Subaru Brat !! https://www.carcover.com/gold-shield-5l-car-cover-for-subaru-brat-1980-regular-cab-pickup-2-door-long-bed.html


124298

[bnelson]

Finally got my license plate, only took 10 weeks. Factory Five sells the carbon fiber frame.

124296 124297

Also, found a car cover that fits well. Its for a Subaru Brat !! https://www.carcover.com/gold-shield-5l-car-cover-for-subaru-brat-1980-regular-cab-pickup-2-door-long-bed.html


124298

Thanks for the cover tip :) Was thinking I'd have to have it made.

[House Money]

Ron, thanks for putting my mind at ease about the missing hole on the oil pan. I have to ask: how the heck to you figure out that a Subaru Brat cover would fit our trucks?

Gary

[DamnYankee]

Just compared dimensions of small vehicles till I found something close.

[FLFrank35]

Congrat's on finishing and reaching 1000 miles, and congrat's on the trophie!
Nice job...bed is really cool :cool:

[chuck35truck]

I am struggling with my fuel lines. I am starting to follow the path your on. Did you fabricate all this braided hoses? If you bought them, from whom? If fabricated where did you get the parts and whose tool did you use to crimp the fittings to the hoses?

[DamnYankee]

Chuck,
Got all my parts from Summit. Made up the braided hoses myself.
I'm running an LS motor, so used external fuel pump and combination filter/regulator mounted over the gas tank. This type regulator allows for short return line back to the tank. If you are running a carburetor it's not needed.
I used flexible aluminum tubing for the fuel line: SUM-G2538
Used these tube adapters, 1 at each end of the aluminum tube: EAR-AT165006ERL
Used 1 push on fitting: RUS-641303
Used 1 quick connect fitting: RUS-644123
Used this braided hose: SUM-220984
Used 1 90 degree fitting: SUM-250687
Used 9 straight fittings: SUM-250690

There's no crimping of fittings. They basically screw together using normal tools. Here's a good video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vYpIaf75UI

To cut the braided line I bought a big snip at Harbor Freight.

[DamnYankee]

Made an overhead console to mount the speakers. I originally had the speakers mounted behind the seats but sounded too muffled. Much better now.
Console is screwed to the underside of the rollbar hoop.
Sprayed with Flock.

124981 124982 124983 124984 124985

[wallace18]

Very Nice addtion!:cool:

[DamnYankee]

Picked up 49 Chevy this week.
I'm ready for when we go Mad Max mode in a another week or two !!

127440

[RuffShod]

Nice collection!!!

[boatguy]

Nice collection. What did you use for a frame on your bug?

[DamnYankee]

Nice collection. What did you use for a frame on your bug?

I made the frame from 2x3 tubing. Front has straight axle with transverse leaf (from a T-Bucket), rear has coil overs with Ford 8.8 rear.
Chevy 350 with TH-350.

127615 127616 127617 127618 127619

[McGuyver]

Cool photos!

[sperger72]

Where did you get the factory five sign for the show?

Zach

[DamnYankee]

Where did you get the factory five sign for the show?

Zach


You mean the sign in front of the truck? Just made it with Microsoft Word and had it mounted on foamboard at OfficeMax

[GoDadGo]

Love Your Collection, Especially The Off Beet Beetle!

It is totally wrong which is what is so right about it!

[sperger72]

Yes, Sir. Sweet.

[sperger72]

DamnYankee,

What did you do to closeout the air coming under the cab into the cab? Some people are using foam.

[DamnYankee]

Shoved in some pipe insulation that I had in the garage (I hear pool noodles work too), then sprayed expandable foam around it.

[sperger72]

Good idea.

[RuffShod]

Seen this and thought of your Bug.

132643

[DamnYankee]

Haha nice !

[DamnYankee]

My 35 Truck is for sale in the classified section: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?37084-35-Hot-Rod-Truck-with-LS3-in-Florida

Ready for next project !!

[FLFrank35]

Wipers installed -
I know many people decided not to install wipers, but my plan for the truck was to make it an all-weather vehicle...

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/images/icons/icon14.png Regarding post #17, thank you for such a great post! I ordered the same kit as you however I got the kit with the intermittent option (WWK-21). I plan to use your post to supplement the their instructions.

[House Money]

Got their straight stainless arms and flat blades.

Ron, any chance you might have the P/N's for the arms and blades?

Thanks, Gary