Buidling the Chaddilac

[Chadillac]

The Chaddilac build begins! I've been wanting to build a Factory Five for several years and today was a dream come true. My base MkIV was delivered by Stewart Transport. I've heard a lot of good things about Stewart Transport, but I was not expecting just how good they really are. Definitely 5 stars!

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(Our family loves to do silly photos)

I did sign up for the build school on July 17th, but it was canceled. I may or may not try and attend later. We will see.

I have the worst time trying to make up my mind, but this is the build plan as of today:

-T5/306 combo from Forte (Great value IMO, all the power I need/want, and I'd really like my wife and kids (when they're older) to be able to drive it)
-3-link rear suspension (Would have gone IRS but I really want pin drive wheels)
-15" pin drive wheels
-Avon tires with "Goodyear Eagle" tire stickers
-Kirkey low back seats
-Power steering
-Manual stock brakes with Hawk HP pads
-Drop truck mod
-Front battery
-Classic guardsman blue with wimbledon white stripes

Besides the pin drive wheels and few minor mods I'm trying to keep this as simple as possible. KISS.

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First day got the car in the shop and did inventory. Lots of parts on back order. I did go with the base kit so I also have a lot of parts left to order, but I'm planning on "paying as I go". Not planning on using any used parts.

First step I think is to figure out how I want to do the aluminum. Right now I'm thinking of powder coating all of the aluminum that can be seen in the wheel wells black (to match the frame powder coat), including the F-panels. For the footboxes and firewall I'm thinking of polishing the aluminum and then applying sharkhide.

Located in Tri-Cities, Washington

[Straversi]

Congratulations. Sounds like a solid build plan. You and your family are in for some good times.
I struggled with the IRS/pin drive decision too. I went with IRS but man, those pin drive wheels look good.
Look forward to following along with your build.
-Steve

[Just puttering]

Congrats!!! Keep the build pics coming so we can come along on the ride!!

Although its been a while (a LONG while), I like the Tri-Cities, I used to go up for the Hydroplane races!!

Build school: Who knows when they will get to do them again?? By the time they do get back to it, you may have gone past a lot of the value that the school would offer?!

[KDubU]

Congrats! Exciting times ahead.

Great family pic by the way, hilarious.

[Chadillac]

I have not been able to find any build threads of MkIVs with pin drive wheels. I've seen a couple 289 builds with pin drive, but from what I can gather the 289 must have a different front suspension set up. I'm pretty sure I've seen 289s with FFR spindles, but Factory Five has told me that the FFR spindles won't work on the MkIV with pin drive and I need to use SN95 spindles. I've also read that the SAI mod was designed for 17" wheels.

I am really interested to see how other people have set up their front pin drive suspension on the MkIV.

I already have a set of SN95 spindles and the pin drive adapters, but I won't be able to mock up the front suspension until the back ordered front lower control arms arrive.

[Railroad]

Nice shop. Great plans.

[JB in NOVA]

Congrats! Looks like you've got a nice space for the build. I look forward to your progress.