Favorite accessories

[nucjd19]

Hello all. Noob here.
I am about to place my order for a MK4 ( complete kit)
Short ( important bits ) list:
Halibrand 17x9 and 17x10.5" wheel and tire combo
Mosier 3 link 3.55 with brake kit
Power steering upgrade
Assorted other accessories including chrome side pipes passenger roll bar, vintage seats cause I am 6'3", final dash with glove box

I have already purchased a Blueprint 347 engine ( carb) mated to TKO 600 with the power steering pump option.

I plan on adding upgrades and accessories along the way with the build knowing my personality and OCD nature. My question to you brothers of the Asp is..... what are your favorite accessories you have installed and more importantly where in the heck did you get them. I look forward to learning a lot in this quest and please forgive any stupid questions I post :)

[jrcuz]

If you haven't done it yet you will need to "Dial Indicate" the bell housing to the engine. if this isn't done and you have problems in the future with the trans bearings Tremec will not honor the warranty. There are numerous videos on youtube on how to do it. I went to American Powertrain channel and went by their video, very helpful. if your eng/trans came from Blueprint assembled check with them to see if it was dial indicated. Congrats on your upcoming build.
JR

[davekp]

Think about power brakes.

[GoDadGo]

Dual roll bars were a must as were the stainless side pipes, leather seats, rear bumper and overriders.

Porsche 356 Areo Mirrors:
https://sierramadrecollection.com/Aero-Mirror-Flat-356-356A-356B-T5-p20310.html

Infinity Marine Stereo:
https://www.rocktheboatmarinestereo.com/html/62503.html

Stainless Cup Holder:
https://www.amazon.com/Amarine-made-Stainless-Steel-Double-Holder/dp/B00H4NGB0Y

Custom Grill:
https://www.customcargrills.com/proddetail.asp?prod=Perf_GT

Custom Spohn Lower Rear Control Arms which allowed me to shorten the wheelbase was by 7/8".
https://www.spohn.net/shop/Custom-Parts-Services/Custom-Built-Control-Arms-Panhard-Bars-and-Torque-Arms/Custom-Tubular-Control-Arm-Poly-Poly-Ends-Fixed-Length.html

Spohn also makes a super nice set of adjustable lower control arms that I may purchase down the road:
https://www.spohn.net/shop/Factory-Five-Racing-MK3-MK4-Roadster/Adjustable-Rear-Lower-Control-Arms-with-Del-Sphere-Pivot-Joints.html

SFI Approved Quick Release Steering Wheel Mount:
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/60722/10002/-1

Grant Steering Wheel:
https://www.jegs.com/i/Grant/470/692/10002/-1

Breeze Fan Shroud:
https://www.breezeautomotive.com/shop/radiator-fan-shroud/

Flat Spotted Louvers which made them quite stronger and sturdy.
https://youtu.be/QyMN73IW6I8

Graduation Video Walk Around Video Of All Of The Go Dad Goodies!"
https://youtu.be/9WEe6-wdNtA

What Ever Stuff You Do I'm Sure You'll Be Happy Because You Are Building Your Dream To Your Specifications!

[Railroad]

Space is a premium in the roadster. I use my Cubby hole storage to the max.

[GTBradley]

I did lots of upgrades, but my favorite is just as Railroad said "Cubby (https://www.breezeautomotive.com/shop/cockpit-storage-cubby-kit-for-mk4-roadster/)" from Breeze Automotive. I don't know what I'd do without it now.

[toadster]

Now i'm looking at the cubby too! Primarily, it eases access to that storage area versus stretching deep into the trunk...

[Jeff Kleiner]

Now i'm looking at the cubby too! Primarily, it eases access to that storage area versus stretching deep into the trunk...

I thought you were putting an air conditioner in the trunk.

Jeff

[cnutting]

Breeze radiator mounts, fan shroud and their lower control arms for the 3-link. Driveshaft safety loop from Metco motorsports. Boig cool tubes and 289 Quiet-er pipes.

[JohnK]

Russ Thompson drop trunk mod.

Breeze upper and lower radiator mounts and fan shroud.

Metco safety loop.

Lots and lots (and LOTS) of other little items are available based on personal preference and what your vision is for your car, but IMO these are useful mods for many (most?) people. Your best best is to read through as many build threads as you can and see what other folks are doing. It's much easier to incorporate mods into your build before you get to that stage, rather than trying to go back and redo stuff afterwards.

[CFranks]

Just buy everything that breeze and replicaparts sells and just end it early. You’ll own it all eventually anyway so no need to fight it.

[AtlantaCobra]

Dual roll bars were a must as were the stainless side pipes, leather seats, rear bumper and overriders.

Porsche 356 Areo Mirrors:
https://sierramadrecollection.com/Aero-Mirror-Flat-356-356A-356B-T5-p20310.html

Infinity Marine Stereo:
https://www.rocktheboatmarinestereo.com/html/62503.html

Stainless Cup Holder:
https://www.amazon.com/Amarine-made-Stainless-Steel-Double-Holder/dp/B00H4NGB0Y

Custom Grill:
https://www.customcargrills.com/proddetail.asp?prod=Perf_GT

Custom Spohn Lower Rear Control Arms which allowed me to shorten the wheelbase was by 7/8".
https://www.spohn.net/shop/Custom-Parts-Services/Custom-Built-Control-Arms-Panhard-Bars-and-Torque-Arms/Custom-Tubular-Control-Arm-Poly-Poly-Ends-Fixed-Length.html

Spohn also makes a super nice set of adjustable lower control arms that I may purchase down the road:
https://www.spohn.net/shop/Factory-Five-Racing-MK3-MK4-Roadster/Adjustable-Rear-Lower-Control-Arms-with-Del-Sphere-Pivot-Joints.html

SFI Approved Quick Release Steering Wheel Mount:
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/60722/10002/-1

Grant Steering Wheel:
https://www.jegs.com/i/Grant/470/692/10002/-1

Breeze Fan Shroud:
https://www.breezeautomotive.com/shop/radiator-fan-shroud/

Flat Spotted Louvers which made them quite stronger and sturdy.
https://youtu.be/QyMN73IW6I8

Graduation Video Walk Around Video Of All Of The Go Dad Goodies!"
https://youtu.be/9WEe6-wdNtA

What Ever Stuff You Do I'm Sure You'll Be Happy Because You Are Building Your Dream To Your Specifications!

Hey Steve. Questions for you on the custom grill.....did you go with black or silver? What size did you order? What did you use to cut to size? And what did you use to mount?
-Greg

[toadster]

I thought you were putting an air conditioner in the trunk.
Jeff

you have a great memory! :)


btw - here's my running list of 'extra' parts! :eek:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FpEApz3NWGMQ2CXqUVNh6Jb8u0ksuT_tVp6Zl0dF6RE/edit?usp=sharing

[Badfish]

Two functional things that come to mind are Russ Thompson turn signal and ********** brackets for the side mirrors. Also Breeze radiator upper and lower mounts, and Everson’s radiator inlet shroud. There are many more!

[Sdonnel]

Everything from Russ Thompson. Metco loop. Seat Heaters. All the cool tubes from Boig and Breeze. Steering Wheel quick disconnect (makes it so much easier to get out when your door sticks closed). Patience. A lot of patience.

Scott

[nucjd19]

I will definitely do that! Thank you for the info jrcuz!

[nucjd19]

I have kicked power brakes around davekp. Where is the weakness for non power brakes? Modulation? a huge foot to wrangle it in? Thank you for the response!

[nucjd19]

Oh wow! Thank you GoDadGo! I appreciate the info and links!

[nucjd19]

CFranks. I have been on there sites and have been enamored with there products!

[nucjd19]

Thank you for the tips Badfish!

[nucjd19]

Thank you Sdonnel! I appreciate any and all vendors you guys like and trust. I am new to this type of build vs my Fj40 Landcruiser and porsche builds so I am trying to get my head around vendors that have worked out well fo you guys.

[davekp]

I have kicked power brakes around davekp. Where is the weakness for non power brakes? Modulation? a huge foot to wrangle it in? Thank you for the response!

I have not driven a roadster without power brakes so I can't compare.
Maybe others can offer opinions.

[GTBradley]

I have not driven a roadster without power brakes so I can't compare.
Maybe others can offer opinions.
From experience I can tell you that with Wilwood brakes you absolutely do not need power brakes.

[nucjd19]

Very interesting about the brakes. I was going to go standard brakes on the complete kit front and rear without a brake booster, but if it makes a really big difference by all means I will look into that option. Thank you guys!

[Jetfuel]

A well stocked refrigerator ....not an accessory....
...and all the other stuff the guys are pointing out....

Jet

[1965daytona]

A fire extinguisher. Hopefully, you won't need it...Good luck with your build.

[Itchief]

Heat shields for the side pipes

[nucjd19]

I was working with one of my partners today who is about to pull the trigger on a GTM build. He is so stoked to help me. So definitely need a mini fridge in the garage.

[nucjd19]

Excellent point 1965daytona. I was definitely going to do an extinguisher as I run one on my 1978 fj40 land cruiser rock crawler. I have had to use them in the past. I am also planing on installing a fire suppression system under the hood as I am pretty sure the body would not do well.

[nucjd19]

Thanks Itchief! I was thinking about that as well. DO you have a vendor you recommend?

[Mark K]

I'm glad I went with all the accessories in my signature line, but this was my favorite accessory this weekend during a Tahoe thunderstorm.

133570

[Itchief]

Thanks Itchief! I was thinking about that as well. DO you have a vendor you recommend?

It’s been five years since I purchased the shields so I don’t remember the vendor but if you are going with stainless steel side pipes I would get the chrome shields
I purchased the ceramic coated they look good but I would have been better off with the chrome finish
Cobrastuff.com has them but other folks may have a better recommendation

Rick

[nucjd19]

Mark your rig is stunning!

[nucjd19]

Thanks for the advice Rick. I was planning on the SS side pipes.

[NiceGuyEddie]

There are very few people that don't use the windwings. They are designed to the optimum shape to help with wind buffeting.

If you are 6'-3" you will need the visors, otherwise you'll lose your baseball cap or cowboy hat (even with your seats that sit lower)

Modern times - be sure you have somewhere to plug in a USB charger.

[Al_C]

My suggested priority is the Metco safety hoop. And an explosion-proof bell housing. Second roll bar if your significant other wants to ride with you, as in "what? I don't get my own roll bar?"

RT turn signal makes life much easier. As does power steering. With the Wilwoods, as noted above, you really don't need power brakes. They just complicate matters (in my opinion). Wind wings and visors are definitely worthwhile. The drop trunk will allow you to carry an entire case of wine in the trunk. (if you drink wine...) Otherwise, you are out of luck. Here's one I didn't see: get a backup light! The TKO has a place to plug in the sender unit, then it's pretty straightforward.

[Duster]

I really like the Boig cool tubes. Really makes the engine compartment look good.
I also did the Breeze upper and lower rad mounts along with the shroud. First class.
Also added the cubby from breeze. My wife loves it so it important to me too (or else!)
The Thompson drop trunk. Adds a lot of storage in a very small compartment.
Holley in tank fuel pump with a built in regulator. Won't affect you with a carb but with fuel injection (went with the Holley Sniper, very easy and very pleased) you do not need a fuel regulator nor fuel return line.
I did not add power brakes. Drove one with PB and one without and I thought the brakes were very good without.
Also did the Blueprint 347 with the TKO 600 and that baby flies!

Good luck with your build and refer to the forum often for help, wisdom and ideas.

[Duster]

By the way if you haven't placed your order yet, or even if you have, go through complete build threads for people like PaPa, EdwardB etc. etc. and you will get a ton of ideas that you may want to integrate into your build. A lot of small things will pop up along the way that you can get through Amazon or Grainger etc. that will keep you looking for the UPS man. Many guys will show tools that they have purchased along the way (and isn't that truly the real reason we do this?) that make certain jobs easier. The build threads will help you work smarter, not harder.

[rsbrillhart]

I have the same set up (347 Blueprint Carb with TKO600). Two significant upgrade items I'd add that I didn't see mentioned - both from Mike Forte (Fortesparts.com). By significant, I mean performance and cost.

Hydraulic Clutch
https://fortesparts.com/product/fortes-tko-600-hydraulic-clutch-kit/


Mechanical Throttle Linkage
https://fortesparts.com/product/mechanical-throttle-linkage-kit/


Good luck!

[Duster]

Sorry, just thought of another. The Breeze front battery box. Relocates the battery out of the trunk area and puts it in front of the engine and behind the X frame. It feels very natural there.

[nucjd19]

AWESOME recommendations NiceGuyEddie!!! Thank you!

[nucjd19]

Great suggestions AI_C! I planned on a safety hoop and a second roll bar too. I like the isdea of a backup light! I was not planning on a drop trunk but dang you brought up a good point!

[nucjd19]

Great suggestions Duster! I am also really glad you like the engine transmission combo. I went back and forth on engine options and decided this was gonna be a weekend driver that I can turn over to my wife to drive ( She loves manual boxes and sports cars ). The 427 just seemed like it was begging to put me and my wife in a bad predicament.

[nucjd19]

Thanks for the recommendation rsbrillhart! my build is coming with a hydraulic clutch from Blueprint luckily. I was wondering about the linkage. That seals the deal for me!