Action's MK4 Coyote - build thread - PNW

[ActionBa5tard]

Hey all! Just recently moved from San Francisco up to the Seattle area where a 2car garage is more affordable.
Made a purchase of a MK4 kit and its estimated time of arrival will be mid march. Super excited for it!
Going to start building a body buck soon and getting all of the required tools in order, and figured I might as well start a build thread for it. My plan is to stream most of the work done on the car live on twitch.tv , as its close to my line of work, so that aught to be interesting.
Any other MK4 builders up in my area?

LIVE

Stream at https://www.twitch.tv/actionba5tard
Current status: Got through 4 or so boxes. lots of confusion, stream tomorrow (thurs) 6pm PST

1) Tools arived, Toolbox broken, crappy shipping update (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?31287-Action-s-MK4-Coyote-build-thread-PNW&p=360623&viewfull=1#post360623)
2) Kit arrives!!! (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?31287-Action-s-MK4-Coyote-build-thread-PNW&p=360843&viewfull=1#post360843)
3) Streaming computer built and set up in garage, DD needs a headgasket (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?31287-Action-s-MK4-Coyote-build-thread-PNW&p=361293&viewfull=1#post361293)
4) The 0 progress update. DD Dead (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?31287-Action-s-MK4-Coyote-build-thread-PNW&p=362540&viewfull=1#post362540)
5) Still grounded and unable to build, at least I got frame dolly finished? (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?31287-Action-s-MK4-Coyote-build-thread-PNW&p=367275&viewfull=1#post367275)
Frame Dolly plans used: http://cobra.chrisarella.com/chassis-dolly/

[BadAsp427]

Welcome to the craziness.... Lots of great information to be had here. Enjoy the build... then the ride!!!

[cv2065]

Very cool watching it live! Look forward to it and welcome to the forum!

[ActionBa5tard]

Thanks guys! Super excited and i cant stop reading build threads. Hopefully I can find some friends in the area that will help me unload the delivery truck. Don't know too many people in my area yet though

[initiator]

There are several Mk 4 builders in the area, including me. You're welcome to swing by the garage and check out my build if you want. If I'm available, happy to help on unload day. It'll be fun to watch you lose your mind with excitement! Whereabouts in the Seattle area?

Are you having Stewart deliver? If so, delivery is pretty much painless. The driver hoisted the chassis/body onto a rolling dolly and helped roll it down our side street, up our gravel driveway, and into the garage. Then he helped lift it up so I could prop it on jack stands.

My 16 year-old son and I then loaded all the boxes into our van to ferry down the side street and into the garage. Each box isn't terribly large or heavy, there are just a lot of them. Took 2 trips with the minivan, but we didn't spend a lot of time packing to fit everything in - might have only taken 1 trip with careful packing.

[ActionBa5tard]

Id love to check out your build sometime! Sent you a pm.

I picked up a bunch of tools today to start on body buck and frame dolly. Gotta find a good place to get locking casters in the area, ACE had some pretty weak ones that wont hold much weight...

I am having Stewart deliver. Ill have to pick up a hand truck so i can move boxes fast and not take up too much of the delivery guys time.

[BadAsp427]

Id love to check out your build sometime! Sent you a pm.

I picked up a bunch of tools today to start on body buck and frame dolly. Gotta find a good place to get locking casters in the area, ACE had some pretty weak ones that wont hold much weight...

I am having Stewart deliver. Ill have to pick up a hand truck so i can move boxes fast and not take up too much of the delivery guys time.

Check out Northern Tool. Or if you have a Tractor Supply in your area, they are good for Casters as well. Expect to spend about $80-100. I ordered mine online at Northern Tool

[GoDadGo]

Welcome To The Family Action Jackson!

[ActionBa5tard]

Check out Northern Tool. Or if you have a Tractor Supply in your area, they are good for Casters as well. Expect to spend about $80-100. I ordered mine online at Northern Tool


Well, no northern tool but we have Tractor Supply! Ill go check them out today!



Welcome To The Family Action Jackson!


Thanks ;)

[edwardb]

Do you have a Harbor Freight nearby? Hard to beat their prices on casters and I've found the quality adequate.

[ActionBa5tard]

gonna need 8, 4 for frame dolly, 4 for body buck. which do you recommend I put nicer ones on? Assuming frame dolly..

[BadAsp427]

gonna need 8, 4 for frame dolly, 4 for body buck. which do you recommend I put nicer ones on? Assuming frame dolly..

The ones for the body buck can be much smaller... In fact, if you get one of the $10 small furniture dollies from Harbor Freight (https://www.harborfreight.com/18-in-x-12-in-1000-lbs-capacity-hardwood-dolly-63095.html), the casters on it is just fine... and cheaper to buy them like that rather than individually.

CLICK HERE (https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200660371_200660371) are the ones I got for the chassis dolly...

102279

[ActionBa5tard]

saw those in your thread, unfortunately they are back ordered and will take quite a bit to arrive. No luck in harbor freight, all their locking ones are rated at 100lbs or less. Picked up a few extra tools and kneepads and stuff while I was there though..
Gonna give tractor supply co a run tomorrow, guy at harbor freight recommended McLendon hardware too, so Ill give that a shot as well.

[Mark Eaton]

These, from harbor freight, come in pretty handy

https://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-1500-lb-capacity-vehicle-dollies-67338.html

They go on sale every couple of months

[BadAsp427]

These, from harbor freight, come in pretty handy

https://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-1500-lb-capacity-vehicle-dollies-67338.html

They go on sale every couple of months

I used the same Harbor Freight furniture dollies (https://www.harborfreight.com/18-in-x-12-in-1000-lbs-capacity-hardwood-dolly-63095.html) for moving my roller around... Each one is rated at 1000lbs so combined, they had no problem and at half the price.

[ActionBa5tard]

Managed to snag some at Tractor Supply Co. Glad I checked online, because McLendon wanted twice as much for similar hardware.
https://i.imgur.com/M9TD87kl.jpg

[Paul2STL]

Welcome to the madness. I’m down in Tacoma just finished my build. There are quite a few builds in the area. Let me know if you need any help or advice on spending your money. I’m interested in what your plans are on the build.

[ActionBa5tard]

Suppose I probably should have typed that in the initial post! getting a Coyote crate engine, havent decided on transmission yet however. Havent decided on wheel size either, so ive waited to order both of these. Independent rear suspension, power steering, wilwood brakes front and rear.
Finalized order with FF today, as well as contacted Stewart about my kit completion date, and ordered a ........ ton of tools.

[ActionBa5tard]

Chaos. ive been ordering bits and pieces, still kinda getting settled into my new place up here.... Placed an order for some goodies and they arrived
Ordered engine hoist, quick jack, jack stands, and a nice huge tool cabinet, and probably most of the tools ill ever need in my life. heres some pics

https://i.imgur.com/CHs8Z6gl.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/CHs8Z6g.jpg)

https://i.imgur.com/9K2Iq5Al.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/9K2Iq5A.jpg)
Im happy except... well..............

the workbench got delivered with no keys, im sure they fell out of the crate.
after calling husky to order some new ones, and waiting a week, i got them this week and.... none of the locks work

https://imgur.com/gallery/BwT9Crm

I contacted husky support again, and apparently they couldnt get ahold of customer support.. i thought i was talking to them.
Not sure whats gonna happen to this. its a mess.

Also incredibly frustrated, as march 2nd was my finish date for the kit, holy crap. My wells fargo branch was completely incompetent and couldn't send a wire transfer, it got bounced, and I had to go in again, and it got sent in late. super sorry to the FF team for that one, but I also never heard from either FF or Stewart that my kit had been picked up, and its been radio silence. I called them today and heard 'YEAH ITS ALMOST THERE'.. ok, he failed to call me and give me any kind of alert that its supposed to arrive on Thursday this week. glad I called. Didn't receive any info from factory five that it had actually been picked up either? is this normal? wtf?

[edwardb]

...but I also never heard from either FF or Stewart that my kit had been picked up, and its been radio silence. I called them today and heard 'YEAH ITS ALMOST THERE'.. ok, he failed to call me and give me any kind of alert that its supposed to arrive on Thursday this week. glad I called. Didn't receive any info from factory five that it had actually been picked up either? is this normal? wtf?

Once your kit is complete and on the rack ready to ship, and Stewart is designated as the carrier, it's between you and Stewart. Factory Five isn't going to contact you with updates. If Stewart isn't contacting you, you need to contact them. The delivery contract is between you and Stewart. Factory Five is out at that point. I've only done one Stewart delivery, and it went pretty OK. The driver kept in good contact with me. So I knew when he picked it up, when he was planning to be at my place, etc. But I've also heard about multiple challenges with them. Too bad, because that reflects badly on Factory Five even though they are separate companies.

For your tool cabinet, anyone suggested calling a locksmith? Those things aren't exactly Fort Knox and would be easy to open. Husky is Home Depot, right? Seems they should be involved and help to resolve.

Good luck with your delivery and start of your build. It's a great experience but you will have challenges ahead. It's the nature of it. Expect it and be ready to deal with it.

[Paul2STL]

I wouldn't say that is normal communications with Stewart. But its not a big deal, don't let that get to you. I see you are planning a Coyote I just finish up mine and if you need any advice or labor I would be clad to cruise up north sometime to help out. It would be a good excuse for a long cruise. Did you ever decide on what transmission you are going with?

103616

[q4stix]

Congrats on it almost being here. Did I miss where you said you lived? I'm in Marysville

[ActionBa5tard]

Congrats on it almost being here. Did I miss where you said you lived? I'm in Marysville

Factoria area!

Gorgeous set up Paul! you will have to come visit for sure.
After doing some research online, im likely to go with the T-56

[ActionBa5tard]

It showed up this morning! The driver was ahead of schedule and it pulled up at like 9am.

https://i.imgur.com/04fjMl4l.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/04fjMl4.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/cxSI71Bl.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/cxSI71B.jpg)
He had a plane in there!!

https://i.imgur.com/gqocPD0l.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/gqocPD0.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/2L77V6jl.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/2L77V6j.jpg)
Obligatory shot of me holding the body. Damn it makes me look short, that truck is just massive!

https://i.imgur.com/nZl7NJcl.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/nZl7NJc.jpg)
All settled in the garage

[BadAsp427]

Congratulations.... The fun really begins....

[Higgybulin]

You probably got over the trivial little things when the truck showed up, eh?! Good luck with the build!
Higgy

[ActionBa5tard]

Home depot is replacing the workbench thankfully. Wish it was dealt with a little more timely but it is what it is,

I'm going to be building a streaming computer for the garage, mounting my monitor and getting it all set up tomorrow!

[Desert Snake]

Congrats!!

[ActionBa5tard]

Got the streaming machine set up in the garage

https://i.imgur.com/SAYXaY1l.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/SAYXaY1.jpg)

Built the computer live on twitch, vod available here, but its probably not that entertaining or interesting :)
https://www.twitch.tv/videos/396719791

I have a mirrorless DSLR on the way and I can start streaming at least the inventory.
The plan is to go through the boxes and move them to my living room so that half of the garage can be freed up, as my DD (89 bmw 325is) needs a new headgasket. so I have to pull the head, do valve seals and get it skimmed which might take a few days where my garage is going to be full.

After that job is complete ill rent a uhaul and grab the lumber needed for the body buck and frame dolly

New (replacement) tool cabinet is being delivered this Thursday so it will be nice to have all my tools at hand rather than in bags!

[ActionBa5tard]

Did a stream of inventory today, first time using this setup so its pretty scuffed. but it was fun! link: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/398697048
Lots of confusion on which part is which but part of the fun is figuring that out. Im only missing a few bits and pieces so far but i only managed to get through 4 boxes as i had to work late today.
Hope to get a bunch more done tomorrow, and finish on Friday so I can work on my E30 this weekend.

[ActionBa5tard]

What are these bits?

https://i.imgur.com/k2scZ0ql.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/k2scZ0q.jpg)

Im assuming the large container is coolant overflow, smaller is brake res.

The other pieces are likely pedalbox top support, pedalbox mount, pedalbox rear mount, but the rest? nothing else on my sheet to check off..

[Cruzzz]

Small mushroom shaped pieces (2) go with the pedal box. You are correct on the others.

[BadAsp427]

Small mushroom shaped pieces (2) go with the pedal box. You are correct on the others.

Those are for your brake and clutch switches.

The small square aluminum piece is for the hole in the side of your trans tunnel on the drivers side.

[ActionBa5tard]

thank you! thought it was odd they weren't on the parts list. ive got a few other extra odds and ends but i want to finish the rest of the pages before i post any more 'what are these' questions

[ActionBa5tard]

Quick update, Got through all the inventory, few missing pieces, few duplicates (like headlights)
Still have to send the list off to factory five.
Got my new workbench / toolchest, keys came with it this time, and the locks work! Happy!!

I figured my DD had a bad headgasket as it was making a terrible milkshake. I take the head off, pressure tested, sure enough its cracked. Need to source a new one and get this thing back out of the garage, not only so I can get around but so I can clear enough room in my garage to start building the body buck. Wish me luck!
https://i.imgur.com/7MBkaIul.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/7MBkaIu.jpg)

[ActionBa5tard]

Been awhile, pretty bummed ive been off the road for so long.
got a head shipped in from a good source in new jersey. took it apart and got it to the shop, they pressure tested, did my valve seals, skimmed the head and glass beaded. did a great job! I got the head back on the engine and after testing spark and fuel, it just turned over. low combustion in all cyl, 90 psi was cyl 1, rest were 65-70 psi. Took the head of and back to the shop and some of the valves arent seating properly. he thinks its due to the compound he used when putting the valves back in.

I dont think that's the sole reason for low compression, i neglected (forgot) to drain the bolt holes on the block of coolant and i think that may have prevented me from getting proper torque on the head bolts.

I took the liberty 2 weeks ago of buying all the lumber i need for the body, and frame dolly, and this weekend i got the frame dolly made. Took longer than expected and i just powered through it as quick as possible.
also holy crap the IRS frame is so rear heavy! Im expecting the weight distribution in this to be pretty nice once the engine is in.

Cool tip for this specific frame dolly, Home depot has square carpet samples behind their rotating carpet thingies. they let you take them for free! I ran out with 8 and 2 per slot was pretty close to perfect for the whole job!

https://i.imgur.com/wMyj7Mkl.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/wMyj7Mk.jpg)

https://i.imgur.com/sOsVWm2l.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/sOsVWm2.jpg)

[Dthquazi]

I just finished up mine for the most part. I'm out in Ravensdale, just a bit south of you. I pmd you my number. Shoot me a text and we can chat about the build.

107682

[Megascott]

Managed to snag some at Tractor Supply Co. Glad I checked online, because McLendon wanted twice as much for similar hardware.
https://i.imgur.com/M9TD87kl.jpg

I like McLendons, they have a very nice assortment of Screws and Bolts. Some items like the castors and wheels are much cheaper bought at Harbor Fright or Tractor Supply.

Now that I've moved to Thailand from Seattle, there are many small hardware stores here that carry cheap stuff from China due to proximity, but I miss the convenience of McLendons, which seemed to carry almost anything.

BTW - Twitch is working, I can view your saved videos, I'll have to skip most of the live show due to time differences...Nice work!

S.

[ActionBa5tard]

I just finished up mine for the most part. I'm out in Ravensdale, just a bit south of you. I pmd you my number. Shoot me a text and we can chat about the build.

Awesome! Ill shoot you a text, theres a few people in the area that have pmed me, id love to come visit and check out the builds as soon as my car is running properly.

[SSNK4US]

Just started following your build.... Congrats!!! Looking forward to following along.

Kurt

[ActionBa5tard]

Thanks all for the support! Got a bit of work done today, using up the lumber thats been sitting under my kit. almost finished with the body buck. I still need to put in the cross braces and need to put flat 2x4"s between the stilts and the castors. it barely doesnt clear the body... probably by less than half an inch unfortunately. I think its because i used different plans for the frame dolly than the person did that made the plans for the body buck, and im not smart enough to measure height ahead of time.. oh well, easy fix! My e30 will be out of the garage soon and at a shop as im sick of it and I want to work on my mk4, so hopefully things get rolling again nicely, still gotta put the shelving system / wood in too, dont trust the estimate of 2 hours!
https://i.imgur.com/TMJvCmOl.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/TMJvCmO.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/zP9ZoIzl.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/zP9ZoIz.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/v41sniul.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/v41sniu.jpg)
https://i.imgur.com/V74i4yXl.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/V74i4yX.jpg)

[ActionBa5tard]

Thanks to some friends Ive got a bit of work done
Am I supposed to be using these washers? Got the uppers and lowers on but have 9-10 extra washers here. None of the pictures have washers in the instruction manual. just want to make sure I dont miss anything!
Also, should I face the double adjustable konis to the front or rear? Would it even make a difference in terms of adjusting?
Instructions indicated greasing a washer for the adjuster of the konis but my set doesnt have that, so I didnt bother. I hope thats ok. (not too late to take them back apart though)

I now need to do some research on which panels i want to powdercoat find someone to do it.

https://i.imgur.com/seYYt92l.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/seYYt92.jpg)

https://i.imgur.com/RywxsDsl.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/RywxsDs.jpg)

https://i.imgur.com/aRX8fR5l.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/aRX8fR5.jpg)

https://i.imgur.com/2enFWDal.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/2enFWDa.jpg)

https://i.imgur.com/r4vTHpml.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/r4vTHpm.jpg)

https://i.imgur.com/mBCBLCdl.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/mBCBLCd.jpg)

[ActionBa5tard]

So I got the spindles installed today.
I went back and added washers to the bolt and nut sides of the shocks on both sides. I still have 2 spares.
I also have 2 really large washers that came with the hardware for the spindles but im really not sure where they are supposed to go, can someone offer me guidance?

I also need advice on my steering rack.. the hardware doesn't seem to fit. The rack came with some bushings and sleeves already installed in it... however the bolt provided is way too small, and the sleeves provided wont fit inside the sleeves in the rack to make up for the difference. Did I receive some wrong parts? Or am i overlooking something somewhere?

I wanted to get the steering rack installed so i would have an easier time torquing down the wheel hub nuts

https://i.imgur.com/pofMLWWl.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/pofMLWW.jpg)

https://i.imgur.com/uGbyBF2l.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/uGbyBF2.jpg)

https://i.imgur.com/1Yykmqml.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/1Yykmqm.jpg)

https://i.imgur.com/Hc6uKDDl.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/Hc6uKDD.jpg)

https://i.imgur.com/i6FWKLml.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/i6FWKLm.jpg)

[edwardb]

You need to push the stock sleeve and bushings out of the steering rack. Then install the newly supplied poly bushings and sleeves. The instruction manual shows the new parts, plus they're on your parts inventory. But doesn't specifically say to push out the stock parts first.

[ActionBa5tard]

Awesome! easy answer.. When I did inventory I just assumed that the parts were on the rack already, but I guess they were back ordered and arrived in the most recent box that showed up from FF!

Would you be able to advise on the washers?

[edwardb]

Would you be able to advise on the washers?

My guess, just by looking, is those are the washers that optionally may need to go in the lower control arms where they attach to the chassis. Either the front or back tabs (don't remember, sorry) are wider to accommodate donor LCA's, and the instructions say to use the large washers if needed to fill the extra space when using the FF LCA's. But there is some variation in the tabs. You may or may not need them. You also may not need them on both sides. If that's not what they are, I don't know. Sorry.

[ActionBa5tard]

Got it, yeah that makes sense. I had to use one per side, i guess the extras are a 'just in case'
Thanks as always.

[ActionBa5tard]

Ok long time no see. Ive been slacking on the build, as well as keeping you guys updated on it.
First things first, i had to take apart lots of my front suspension, as it turns out I put the tie rod connectors on the front wheel hubs backwards, so they would only mount top to bottom rather than the correct bottom to top.
You cant get these bolts out without either 1) removing the spindle, or 2) disconnecting the lower control arm, and dropping the bottom of the shock. I opted for 2. also those lower control arm ball joints really get in there and required heat and a pickle fork requiring me to replace the grease boots. so that was good fun!

Then it turns out in order to drill and rivet the front F panels, I had to disconnect the upper control arms. Holy moly factory five makes those rear nuts hard to grip, you cant fit a socket on it, and can barely fit a wrench on it, especially when the f panel is installed and you cant get to them from the back. I went in the front with a normal 3/4 wrenchd and puuuuushed while i torqued them back down.

This was my first trip to the powdercoaters. Its going to turn out pretty expensive, but I guess for my location I cant get a better price without going much further away. I went with Evo Grey powder, and it matches the frame pretty closely. I didn't want black, and definitely not gloss, so I think these guys turned out pretty well!

https://i.imgur.com/7LCMJN0l.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/7LCMJN0.jpg)

In the mean time, i wired up all 4 wilwood rotors, got pretty good at it! It didnt end up "perfect" but more than enough for this build!

https://i.imgur.com/Wi9jB0Ol.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/Wi9jB0O.jpg)

and got the front ones installed with the calipers

https://i.imgur.com/ZUU3lHFl.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/ZUU3lHF.jpg)

This big boy showed up from Forte

https://i.imgur.com/Onw7WzYl.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/Onw7WzY.jpg)

https://i.imgur.com/4zONKF0l.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/4zONKF0.jpg)

I know everyone says this, but its huge!!! It definitely kicked my *** into line, and is giving me more motivation to get out in the garage and work on this thing!
I ordered the T56 with it, but didnt know it was going to come in a magnum case (?) I asked on facebook, and lots of people had differing opinions on fitment. Some people said it would not work at all, some people said it worked fine, and others said it fit with modification to the center brace and ebrake handle. I guess we will have to wait and see until i try a test fit... Maybe you guys can offer me some advice here. I think I will for sure need to get a different driveshaft then the one sent by Factory Five. Guess i should have made up my mind on the trans sooner.

https://i.imgur.com/Bvt1QSLl.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/Bvt1QSL.jpg)

I did a bit of drilling and fitting panels together and took these bits and pieces to the powder coater, they only got about half done before they ran out of powder (I told them it was gonna be like 40 pieces so im kinda bummed about this) But I made sure they ordered enough powder for next time. I should get these back on friday and installed by Saturday.

Next up is cutting the spindles. and installing the IRS Diff

https://i.imgur.com/12xkgSQl.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/12xkgSQ.jpg)

[ActionBa5tard]

https://i.imgur.com/jtcg2vtl.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/jtcg2vt.jpg)

Does anyone know if these things come with oil in them? The rear cover is sealed, and it looks like the bolts on the back of it are red locktited in. It also came shipped in a plastic bag.

[edwardb]

Does anyone know if these things come with oil in them? The rear cover is sealed, and it looks like the bolts on the back of it are red locktited in. It also came shipped in a plastic bag.

General consensus is they come from Ford Performance already filled. But don't assume anything. Those plugs have thread sealant, not Loctite. Easy enough to get the top one out and check the fluid level. Should be just below the top port with the diff level.

[ActionBa5tard]

Confirmed with mike forte, if he ships it freight it should come full, if he ships fedex, he drains it. Im going to check it but im going to mount it first. Thanks!

[initiator]

Where did you go for powder coating? i was also surprised by the high price when I shopped my parts around.

[ActionBa5tard]

Unsure if im allowed to post the name of a shop, so im going to DM you!