Saved a Gen 1 GTM : DAY 65 Build Graduated 3/17/2022

[Erik W. Treves]

I AM BACK!!!.... lol....

After an almost 18 month break - I couldn't stand it any longer!!! I needed to build something.... so I was able to purchase this GEN 1 GTM which has been through 2 owners and is still not complete. So why not an 1100+ mile one day trip to go pick it up and get busy! Not like we can go to car shows or anything, since they were all cxl'd last year....

Inventory and complete tear down starts in a few hours - waiting for the coffee to kick in.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=141182&d=1611409726

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[65 Cobra Dude]

Looking forward to watching you create another awesome ride Chief!

Henry

[dlud]

Way to go Erik...this will be interesting!

[GoDadGo]

Erik,

All I can say is I wish I had your skills and enthusiasm to take on such a daunting task.
I would say good luck, but when you have your kind of skills, you need very little luck.
Okay, what the heck; Good Luck Anyway!

Steve

[Robodent]

Erik Awesome, if anyone can finish it and turn it into a thing of beauty you can !
My truck I purchased second hand but never touched by the previous owner however here in Illinois because I bought it out of state I had to go with a bonded title. It took a bit longer to get done because of covid and Illinois closing down last spring but I got it done last October. I can’t wait to watch your progress. Rob

[edwardb]

You're a brave man Erik. I'm sure it will turn out great.

[beeman]

Awesome, was that the one in North Carolina?

[Erik W. Treves]

No this one was in North Columbus OH

[Erik W. Treves]

Could not have asked for a better day to do this - 50 degrees and sunny.

Full inventory completed, pressure washed the entire car and transaxle...removed the OEM wire harness and got it into the garage to start disassembly. I did a complete video of the experience - kinda long but funny in spots of what I found...

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=141289&d=1611444699

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ah_GiChaAEo

[Straversi]

I can hear the “oh crap, what have I gotten myself into” in your voice. Looks like a fun project. Can’t wait to see what you do with it.
-Steve

[Erik W. Treves]

First day of disassembly...

Right off the bat ran into trouble trying to wheels off...lol... LOCKNUTS! The key was not in the inventory... soooo... looked at it for a little bit, went inside and grabbed a cup of coffee... lots of answers I found in and around the activity of making coffee.... as soon as it was done... I went out and grabbed the welder and welded some nuts on top of the locknuts.... done!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=141405&d=1611584427

Anyway - only got about 4-5 hours on the car on Sunday as I had somebody stop in needing help with their 65 mustang.

Anyway - the front is stripped down as far as it needs to go I think - kept going until I found a tight bolt or a clean spot... body will come off today...also need to sand down the aluminum I took off and drop off for powder coat..

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=141404&d=1611584169

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

Congrats! At least it looks like the body is in fairly "virgin" condition. On most of the "multiple owner" GTM's we get in here, the previous owners have already done multiple "body mods"....that we normally have to try to "un-do".....

Good luck on the build!

[Erik W. Treves]

Hey Shane.... yeah there is a "make it fit" mod on the driver side striker area that will need fiberglass put back :) I am trying to decide this go around to remove the vette overflow tank and put the canton one in the back... have you done any this way?

[Shoeless]

Hey Erik,

Welcome to the madness, although it looks like you are very familiar FFR builder. Wishing you the best of luck and I'll be following along with the progress.

BTW that was a fancy fire suppression system you found there, should be able to get top dollar for that LOL.

[crash]

Hey Shane.... yeah there is a "make it fit" mod on the driver side striker area that will need fiberglass put back :) I am trying to decide this go around to remove the vette overflow tank and put the canton one in the back... have you done any this way?

He has. There are two versions of the rear mounted tank. The one I sell, and the one Shane sells. The MRS one is a little cheaper IIRC and is a bit more "universal" in where it can be mounted, whereas the VRaptor one tucks in nicely but, as far as I know, only goes in one location in the engine compartment. Both work well and fix the cooling system flaw of the forward low mounted tank.

[Erik W. Treves]

So no issue with removing that tank and losing a little volume as I understand your response. - I have several Canton Tanks laying around ... thanks!

And in looking at Shane's - it looks like I can just go to the big tank in the back .... thanks!

[Erik W. Treves]

Took an hour after work and took a few more parts off the car and also dropped off all the front aluminum off at the coater and will pick that up on Friday to start reassembly this weekend.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=141438&d=1611621503

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=141439&d=1611621513

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

As Crash mentioned....yes, you can mount the Canton tank or just use the OEM coolant reservoir and put in in the same place above the LH fuel tank. That is what we normally do since we already have the OEM reservoir and it connects to the engine/cooling system the same as in the 'Vette. I have a weld-on bracket already designed for this....thought I already had that on my website, but guess not......I'll have to add that.

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

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[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

http://vraptorspeedworks.com/vette-coolant-tank-relocate-bracket/

[Erik W. Treves]

That works... I sent you a PM and email

[beeman]

Shane that's a great option for the coolant expansion tank. I did the same thing on the water pump side of the engine, but had to modify the hatch hinge to make it work.

https://s17.directupload.net/images/190902/om2syhkd.jpg

[Erik W. Treves]

looks good... I am trying to not do a lot of fab work on this build .... for once :)

[beeman]

I get it- if there's a GTM 2.0 for me, it's going to be fairly by-the-book!

[Erik W. Treves]

lol... exactly.

[crash]

looks good... I am trying to not do a lot of fab work on this build .... for once :)

If you use Shane's brackets and a stock tank it probably is even cheaper than the MRS setup. The only ones I recalled seeing from VRaptor/Shane previously used an aluminum tank that I am guessing is something like a Canton Vette replacement tank? It does make the engine bay look a little "cleaner" with the aluminum tank versus the stock tank.

[Shoeless]

See Post #580 for pics of my aluminum Canton tank that is the same shape of the OEM and using Shane's bracket

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?26227-Shoeless-GTM-501-Here-we-go!!!/page15

[Erik W. Treves]

THanks guys - I ordered Shane's bracket for the OEM tank.

[dlud]

fast work!

[Erik W. Treves]

Day 2 of disassembly - All the major pieces are off and ready to be inspected, cleaned or replaced... all aluminum that needs to be coated has been removed - the chassis powder coat is showing its age - so I am going to base/clear the front and back half of the chassis and make it presentable (this weekend) - should start going back together next week hopefully. I still have to rip out the rest of the brake lines now that I think about it - not bad. Clean and scrub - rinse repeat

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=141497&d=1611715152

[Shoeless]

Hey Erik,

Did I pick up in the video you are going with an standalone aftermarket ECU? What are you planning on running?

[Erik W. Treves]

I am going to run stock ECU with aftermarket harness and AIM STRADA dash.

[Erik W. Treves]

Day 3 - Clean, Clean, Clean - lot and lots of loose hardware!!

This is the Right Rear - the left was just as bad...

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=141539&d=1611794392

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=141540&d=1611794400

After some TLC and disassembly and CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN - brakes had almost no lube on them either

here is the Left Rear - only started here because it was closest to the door...lol...

all epoxy paint

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=141541&d=1611794409

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didn't take pics of the rest of the car but it got another wash and vacuum today as well - 3 more corners to go....

[Erik W. Treves]

Work was pretty busy this week so other than picking up a few parts and cleaning up the work space and prep'ing for the weekend not some much - but on Saturday got up and rode 22 miles on the indoor trainer and just looked at the build at the same time and went over the next few steps...

Started back about 11 with a plan.... THe Chassis coating as I mentioned earlier was pretty beat up and when you walk up to these cars and open the hood, seeing the chassis all scratched up isn't great. I took MOST of the aluminum off, but I have often wondered that in the build process if you could just put the raw aluminum panels on and then just spray basecoat / clear coat over the chassis and everything.... Tony Zullo did this on our HotRod during the Car Warriors build - I installed the hot rod firewall and then scuffed the front half of the chassis and he painted it.... it looked really good... I just hadn't thought to do it on one of my builds. The Powder Coat guy here in town also says that the powder coat can be used as a "primer". So with nothing to lose... painted the front and back half of the chassis in Audi Gloss Black, along with all the aluminum that you will see....I setup the mix for a fast cure and went on my way.. Stopped a little while later to let it flash (beer time) - and then started hanging panels and such... today should be pretty good as well as long I don't hit a snag. I receive some bracket from Mr Shane as well - so one of those will be going on - will have pics of that. Anyway here are some pics.... enjoy...we are now BUILDING!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=141739&d=1612096362

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[Erik W. Treves]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=141746&d=1612096434

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[Erik W. Treves]

Got started a little later than I wanted today... but made decent progress - all the suspension is painted now and I actually hung a corner. The other side will go on tomorrow night. Waiting on 2 rear panels so I can get the rear back on. I also go some parts from Shane so I now have my overflow in the rear. I also decided to toss the donor radiator and condenser - they were quite nasty... so laid these in as well... all in all a pretty productive day.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=141785&d=1612132220

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[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

Lookin' Good! Very nice progress!

[Erik W. Treves]

Day 6... Couldn't stand looking at the suspension sitting all pretty on the floor... So hung all 4 corners... could throw the wheel on and make a roller - but it's cold :)

ordered a ton of parts today to include the new Crate LS3 from "the house of power" aka VeryCoolParts.com - thanks Wayne.

also ordered the Stance Air Lift system for the front - the earlier thread was very timely and a "cleaner" option than the hydraulic lift - which is good since me and fluids is real problem....

the reflection off the painted panels in the rear is pretty cool

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=141853&d=1612228892

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=141852&d=1612228885

[edwardb]

Man, you're moving fast. I'd still be sitting there staring at a pile of rusty and dirty parts... Looking great. Just remember, you bought this because you were bored and needed something to work on. Don't be getting it done too fast. You'll just get bored again. :rolleyes:

[Jeff Kleiner]

Man, you're moving fast. I'd still be sitting there staring at a pile of rusty and dirty parts... Looking great. Just remember, you bought this because you were bored and needed something to work on. Don't be getting it done too fast. You'll just get bored again. :rolleyes:

And he hasn't even cracked open a Red Bull yet ;)

Jeff

[Erik W. Treves]

You guys crack me up....

[Erik W. Treves]

Work was pretty busy this week... today I was supposed be off and that didn't work out too well... managed to get the wire harness all laid out, the rest of the powder coated aluminum hung, the steering wheel completely wire, AC wired, ECU hung on the Shane's bracket and then started to fit the firewall (since the engine should be here soon. Brake line and flare tool showed up so should make some pretty good progress tomorrow I hope. The front harness is all done - I cant lay in the rear until I get the brakes and coolant tubes back in the tunnel. The engine bay is starting to look pretty good I think.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=142080&d=1612569561

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[Shoeless]

Not sure about a Gen 1, but the Gen 2 instructions are backwards on what coolant tube to put on the passenger/driver side of the tunnel.

[Erik W. Treves]

so smaller tube on pass side?

[Shoeless]

so smaller tube on pass side?

The smaller tube goes on the drivers side. Here's a pic of my setup. It has to do with how you route the cooling hoses to the water pump. You don't want the hoses to cross each other. The top port is smaller than the thermostat housing. BTW if you would like to ditch the corrugated crap hose, here are the coolant hoses you can pick up and are a perfect fit.

AC Delco 26030x 26022x or Gates 20893 20827

https://i.imgur.com/oofqGk8.jpg

[Erik W. Treves]

Thanks for that! Perfect timing as the tubes will go on today.

[Shoeless]

Thanks for that! Perfect timing as the tubes will go on today.

Glad I can help!!! Its nice to actually be able to give back after being the guy asking all the questions and trying to use the crap search function on this site :cool:

[Erik W. Treves]

Got quite a bit done today... cleaned the car up a bit, finished up the clutch lines and the front coolant lines and well as the AC lines up front - I need to buy a new dryer before I can hook it all up final. Engine should be here soon so I started cleaning this transmission - right now I am not sure why but I only have R and 1st and 2nd - from the neutral position it doesn't seem to want to go into the other gears... I tried to rotate the input shaft but it just want to let the gear engage... anyway I cleaned the case some more cause it was really nasty... gave the garage a good cleaning too since the chassis was such a mess.....good day all in all....

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=142224&d=1612741737

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[RR46]

While you have it at that stage, plumbing coolant pipes on the outside of the cockpit is doable.

PLEASE NOTE: This is an early photo, the OEM reservoir was deleted shortly, only running a rear reservoir.
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[Erik W. Treves]

Thanks - too much fabrication at this point - :) I did manage to throw in my air lift system or at least the pucks... which I thought was going to be more of a problem than it was.... but not so much.... it actually fit.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=142310&d=1612835245

[beeman]

I 2nd RR46. Many if not most builders say that if they could go back, they would run the coolant lines outside the cockpit. FFR addressed this for the 818. They tuck in nicely under the rocker panels with p-clamps. I ran the lines to and from the water pump in sheet aluminum insulated channels on the cockpit floor along the firewall, rather than up and over like RR46. So I have a couple feet of coolant lines in the cockpit. But this is very different from running them in the backbone tunnel - the tunnel receives pressurized air from the front of the car (preheated by the radiator to some degree) which forces the hot air into the cockpit. My short cockpit lines are in stagnant air and insulated.

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[Slow and Slightly Angry]

Hey Erik,
Following the build and excited to see what craziness will come out of it. A few questions about your suspension.
What brand of cups did you go with, stanceparts?
What size tank are you going with?
Thanks.

[Erik W. Treves]

I am using stanceparts - I am not running the tank right now.... I wanted to see how slow it was without it first since the tank is pretty large.

[Erik W. Treves]

So I had a long day at work and had only intended to mount the air pump for the air lift - that task actually went a bit better that I had expected, since I repurposed the battery tray to support the pump..... since..... I move the radiator overflow tank to the back......so..... it opened up a space to mount the battery in better location..lol.... so once I mounted the pump I went ahead and mounted the valve and tee and then it was just a matter of cutting the plastic feed lines and push/click it all together.... I sat there and looked at it for a second and said to myself.... ya know.... I could just run it hot to the battery (since it's right there) and I could see it lift..... I have to say I much prefer this system over the hydraulic system. Both in operation and PRICE!! well worth it!!!!

here are the pics and video - pretty neat.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=142387&d=1612926761

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=142386&d=1612926751


https://youtu.be/aL2FSlZbd0E

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

Yeah...that looks like it works pretty slick.....and definitely fast enough with just the pump and no tank......quicker than hydraulic.

[RR46]

This is a pump only lift (Stance).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJ2ONMN1NiY&feature=youtu.be

[johnnybgoode]

I am using stanceparts - I am not running the tank right now.... I wanted to see how slow it was without it first since the tank is pretty large.

Nice! Looks like a Viair 400C? I replaced the pump in my 37 with a Viair 400C last year and it fills the 2 gal. tank in less than a minute, twice as fast as the old Ridetech pump. You probably won't need the tank with that pump and will save you running more lines that tend to leak. Scott
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[Erik W. Treves]

Been a few good days - kinda been working on a lot of things while I am waiting for the Crate Motor to show and a call from the transmission shop. I ended up having to pull the pass side tank due to low fuel flow during my system check.. while trying to pull the fuel pump out of the holster the plastic cup shattered.... so I moved on from that and attacked the door that had been destroyed by the first owner... had to rebuild the the rear of the door latch area.... I finished up the rest of the wiring , I have a few odds and ends to finish (one of which is to run the battery cable to the engine compartment...... I mounted the windshield washer reservoir, mounted the wiper and motor (waiting on pigtail for that); installed the new DBW pedal; completely wired up the air lift system with the lit button; and then started to work on the interior dash and AC hoses...oh and connected all the heater lines (with proper bypass)... all that is left is to hook up the degas tank to the water pump and then to the heater valve and it should work. Tomorrow I will hook up the flashers and start building up the doors so I throw the body back on and start fitting everything.... not too bad I think. Here is where we are today...

Door with the "modification"

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=142698&d=1613348484

after rebuilding - I may need to shape it more.... we'll see.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=142699&d=1613348498

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=142700&d=1613348509

Still need to clean up the engine bay - but it's ready to install

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=142701&d=1613348525

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[Erik W. Treves]

So I was looking over the car thinking to myself - ya know I could probably start hanging the doors---- went out to the garage and I must have done this in my sleep last night....lol.... guess we are working on the doors tonight

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=142847&d=1613594892

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[Erik W. Treves]

Well....I decided to start fitting the doors and was honestly figuring I could rough them in and hang them last night so I could spend the weekend gapping them and installing windows...... well...... eek! The Gen 2 Doors are different and good lord...lol....

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=142968&d=1613742221

was looking like we were in business - so let's throw in the window and see what needs to be tweaked...

well.... I wanted to know....

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=142969&d=1613742234

so - looks like we are going to put the bodywork clothes on and we are going to have to get the fiberglass out..... I am going to cut off that triangle and bond it to the body like the Gen 2... lol.... I wanted a project...

this should be fun ... wish me luck!

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

I would not do that....maybe I'm too late? IMO, moving that triangle from the door to the body is the worst mistake FFR made on the Gen II. What you have pictured there is the way it is supposed to be. Moving the triangle to the door makes it virtually impossible to create any sort of seal where the door meets the triangle. We do end up tracking the windows in all the way around, and it's much easier doing that on the Gen I doors than the Gen II doors, but even not tracking them in, I would still choose Gen I doors over Gen II any day of the week. The window is not supposed to overlap that triangle like the rest of the body. You are supposed to press a piece of bulb seal onto that flange on the triangle for the leading edge of the window to seal up against.

[Presto51]

FWIW: One of the main problems with fitting the doors, is that the window opening flange, is not the correct shape as the window itself, especially the rear post.

Look into making a mold from the windows, and making the correct shaped flange. Then cut and graft in that new shape.

Ron

[Erik W. Treves]

Shane... lol.... yeah I am moving pretty quick...would have been interested how you are able to get what I had to work out... the issue I had was that triangle was not allowing the door to close correctly.... I spent 2 hours on it last night and had enough.... my Gen 2 with some seal I found from a dodge truck which are like rubber channels worked really good to seal the window and keep it for sucking open at speed.... anyway.... here it is now - the door opens and closes easily and the latch has no stress on it... I made the window opening a little on the tight side ... so I will have to sand to fit when when the door seals show... I have to add the lip to the triangle to accept the seal as well... I am pleased with the alignment now... will hang the window in the morning...and start on the other side.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=143005&d=1613782156

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[Erik W. Treves]

Well I am pretty itchy - I guess I got spoiled on the Gen2 GTM body.... the rear window doesn't fit in the hole - so that was fun... the nose is wider than the body or something on the driver's side... so that will need some attention...just part of it... I am still missing a bracket for the driver's door so I am sorta at a stand still on that... I could bond the "triangle" in but I was honestly needing a day off from the fiberglass resin :) Also the rear deck latch is non-starter for me as well as the rear shock struts - so I will email Shane again!.... anyway - with all of that - we did make quite a bit of progress - the garage is a wreck from all the grinding.. but getting closer to getting off to paint so I can finish up the chassis.... the motor is stuck in a snow storm somewhere in Chicago - the tranny inspection didn't go that well and it is needing parts shipped from Germany - but good news is that it has an LSD in it. I decided to get all the synchros changed out as well.... should be a nice piece when it's all done...

anyway pretty happy on how it going - should be a nice ride when it's all done- if I can get beyond this bodywork prep.... :)

Here is the token window video - still have to make a few adjustments - but the window moves well - I also still need to add some fiberglass for the lip that holds the seal - but that is easily done later...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDYZo73dXro&feature=youtu.be

and here we are as of the today...

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=143197&d=1613952672

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[Erik W. Treves]

Token Engine arrival picture - Nice infusion of VeryCoolParts today! LS3 should work very nice and with a warranty to boot.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=143466&d=1614350294

[Erik W. Treves]

Missed yesterday's post - but basically yesterday and today were about the driver's door and the both windows.... there is something wonky with the driver's side - it caused me some issue with the door and gaps - the pass side went so much better - but there driver's side needed some serious attention - basically took me all day yesterday to get it hung and closing - today went a bit better - got the driver's side window moving up and down with the seal in it and door closes pretty well - some tweaking to do but it's in the ballpark... I liked the fit so much I went back and started adjusting the passenger's side - I need to rework the window tracks on this side since the driver's side is so much better - I remeasured and the tracks are not parallel so I will tweak this tomorrow probably.... anyway the fit with the door closed looks pretty good....still have to put the rear seal in but this main seal is the one that keeps the windows from pulling out at speed.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=143538&d=1614559656

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=143537&d=1614559642

[Erik W. Treves]

So it seems like the I have been working on the Doors and Windows for months now... I spend another hour or so on both doors last night - in speaking with Shane - the "storage" of body has really messed up the shape of a lot of the pieces - they have taken a set that is just off enough to make it really hard to get the fit that this car requires. The GEN 2 I did the doors and windows were not bad at all in comparison. I was unable to resolve the driver's side door gap issue at the bottom rear edge. The B-pillar was completely parallel and all the lines around the "bump out" by the door handle were all straight and clean - so twisting the door would make it a mess of all that. The Window goes up and down and the door cleanly shuts into the door lip seal so it seemed that there was only one path to take - I was very reluctant but after taking input from a few people (pros and cons) - I ultimately broke out the 90* angle grinder and cut the skin from the door from the door latch to the bottom edge (about 1/3 of the way) and placed a few wedges in there to bring the door into alignment with the body - took all of about 15 minutes to get the look I worked all weekend to get with the window still functional.... so now I need to take the door off and finish glassing in slice I made.... but at least we are getting closer now and there is no stress in the door skin and it relaxes right in the hole.... should make reassembly after paint a much easier path..... Hopefully should be finishing the body fit this weekend now that the doors are finally "close".... oh and I did have to cut the door frames to get the windows to work - so at least that is consistent with the GEN 2 :)

[Erik W. Treves]

Starting to feel like I am making progress - I finally have the hood looking good - rear hatch is looking better - still kinda of odd line up on the GEN 1's at the back - will need some love... the front window of course doesn't fit in the hole so I will need to massage it some tomorrow - but pushed it outside and blew it off and cleaned the garage - about 2 weeks left to get it to paint - I think I am in good shape... I think it will come out pretty nice when all done... I oversized the side vents to give it a little more aggressive look... anyway - here it is out in the sun.... just a GTM - but it is coming back from the dead! - oh! and I got my transmission back from rebuild - all new synchros, seals and shifter rod... should be ready to go!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=143867&d=1615069331

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=143866&d=1615069304

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=143865&d=1615069283

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=143862&d=1615069243

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=143864&d=1615069265

[beeman]

You are flying right along.
Love the Daytona too.

[Erik W. Treves]

High-Five! Thanks

[Shoeless]

Good lord man, you are moving right along :cool: I must have a different GTM as its taking me much longer for some reason LOL.

BTW thanks for demoing the front air lift system. I'm leaning towards getting the same setup now. Funny thing is my wife was the one that asked if there was such a system out there.

[DSR-3]

Great thread (and progress!), thanks for posting.
I was told that the yellow shocks are not OK to install body-up on my 818. 'Hoping "they were wrong"...

[Erik W. Treves]

oh that's ok - I have a set of reds if it comes down to it...with as dirty as the car will get at the body shop I am happy to leave these guys on there for now :)

[Erik W. Treves]

Didn't really work on the car today - but got another infusion of parts from Shane! - I think I like this better than the glass and it actually fits in the hole - which is a PLUS! nice piece !

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=144177&d=1615510666

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=144176&d=1615510655

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

Glad you like it! It is the exact same size as the glass, but much easier to trim the aluminum to fit the body than to modify the body to fit the glass!!

[beeman]

Not to mention lighter and lets all of that heat out of the engine compartment. Great product and I plan to do the same thing with my car.

[hwoods864]

I had had Shane make mine with with the middle section open. Integrated it with the hatch and then painted it to match the body.144330

[Erik W. Treves]

Can you post pictures of the rest of the car ? I was actually thinking about that look initially. - or can you send the pics to eriktreves@comcast.net.... thanks

[Erik W. Treves]

So day 22 ... Pretty good day yesterday - reset the rear wing mounting and gapping, installed Shane's rear hatch props - another nice piece btw. .. Had to cut the Driver's Side door frame to get the window to go down. I had to split the driver's door skin from door to get the gap correct - this made enough room for the window now go almost all the way down - the pass side one does have some interference still but I think I see where the issue is - so I can address that while the body is at paint. It still won't be able to go all the way down like the driver's side so I will limit the driver's to match the pass. I did double verify that the window will power up and down with the seals in them and that doors will open and close cleanly with windows up and that window falls into the "rain seal" which keeps the windows from sucking out at speed....so at least I know when I get it back from paint it is possible that the windows will all fit....lol... the paint guy always takes my doors COMPLETELY apart-- so all the fit work is lost when I get the door skins back....lol.... anyway! All done for paint... All electrical checked out... Everything pre-gapped for the body guy.... Loaded up and in the trailer... Waiting on the call to come down in 2 weeks... gonna start prep'ing the motor today since the garage got a nice wash down and is now free of fiberglass dust!!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=144380&d=1615725017

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=144381&d=1615725031

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=144382&d=1615725045

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=144383&d=1615725066

[Erik W. Treves]

Well - not a lot to report since I am without the car as it sits at paint. I decided to move on to the motor and get it ready to drop in - needed some attention to ensure it looked the part.....looks pretty good I think

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=145584&d=1617494296

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=145585&d=1617494304

[wallace18]

Looking Good!:cool:

[Shoeless]

There is a good chance you will need to trim that plenum cover to clear the rear firewall. Nice thing will be that you can likely trim it even painted and you won't be able to tell the difference. At least I needed to trim my LS3 cover on my Gen2 GTM.

[beeman]

Yeah I ditched the plenum "beauty cover" (what guy at GM came up with that name?) completely, it contacted the firewall.

[Erik W. Treves]

Still here - making slow progress at the body shop - but still moving forward - I am busy with the F9 so not effecting much right now, but I am also getting excited to start putting this one in final assembly

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=149549&d=1623854179

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=149550&d=1623854179

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=149551&d=1623854179

[beeman]

No F9 pics? :cool:

[Erik W. Treves]

No F9 pics? :cool:

ha - nice try - It is looking very good though :)

[beeman]

Are you doing a carbon bodied F9 or fiberglass? Sorry to divert the thread, do you have a build thread for the F9? Will it be a street car or track car?

[Erik W. Treves]

CHeck the F9 forum :)

[Erik W. Treves]

Took a couple days off after the F9 left - back on the GTM now... took a couple days and put the Engine and Tranny in, wired the engine up - had to flip all the wires to the front - now you wont see any wires from back. Got the exhaust installed for first start...The probe cable shift arrangement seems like it will work.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=152589&d=1629809929

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=152588&d=1629808316

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=152587&d=1629808316

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=152586&d=1629808316

[Shoeless]

I didn't think you take any time off, let alone stop building to sleep at night :cool:

[beeman]

That Daytona looks familiar. Did I see you giving rides for charity in that Daytona at London a few years ago? When that roadster took out a tree?

[egchewy79]

That Daytona looks familiar. Did I see you giving rides for charity in that Daytona at London a few years ago? When that roadster took out a tree?

Beeman, that WAS the military themed 65 that was smoking it's tires during the charity rides...just before the tree went down.

[Erik W. Treves]

Yes Sir... that was me.... smoking the tires.... not hitting the tree :)

[Erik W. Treves]

good day today -- been working an hour a night this week to this point - a good 5 hours today trying to figure out why my DBW was dead - car started but no throttle at all..... setup is a remanufactured E38 ECU out of a 2008 GTO, ebay LS Harness and 2010 GM Throttle pedal - with a GM crate motor (throttle body) - was getting a "out of sync" code out of HP tuners.... drove me absolutely nuts.... burned Wayne's phone down - ended up buying 2 tunes and modifying one of them - then I found a thread that someone had the exact same issue - ended up needing to reverse 2 pins in the throttle harness ---- and VROOM!!!!!!!!! sounds nasty!!! gonna be a nice piece when it's done - makes all the right noises - the break between the F9 and the GTM was a little hard to figure out where I stopped - but I think we are back on track....so Day 28 (1 hour each day this week +today) is success- going away for a week - but go cart is soooo close... hopefully - still need to bleed the brakes and the clutch - but making progress on this Gen 1 - bringing it back to life and to a completed state, very cool - crushes me that that this car was never gonna be finished....


https://youtu.be/0jOTVlwLv1k

[Erik W. Treves]

Worked on the car an hour or so each day this week and hammered hard today - looks like rain tomorrow and I really wanted to at least drive it.... still needs an alignment - but it is officially on the road to recovery from not being finished.


https://youtu.be/_h0BhoJqiHo

[GoDadGo]

Nice Seat You Have There Sir Erik!

.........Bravo, Bravo, Bravo!

[Erik W. Treves]

well looks like I might have hit my first official snag in the build - was wrapping up the systems yesterday and started on the interior. One of the last things was to finalize the controls around shifter and plug in the and verify that at least the AC controls work.....CRAP... well the Vintage Air Blower isn't working... the controls lit up initially but the blower motor isn't moving any air..... after a little but of messing around I was able to get the blower working .... and all sorts of junk came out of the unit and all the hoses.... like a mouse had built up shop in the unit.... so right now it blows heat but the doors inside are not moving....I am guessing I need to take all the hoses off and take a good look inside of the unit... I am not looking forward to having to remove and replace the unit - this blows....lol

[Erik W. Treves]

Got up this morning and started pulling pieces off (not the right direction!) I was able to remove enough aluminum to get to the Vintage Air and take a good look inside. Here is the second load I pulled out:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=153534&d=1632091021

So I decided I should take a really good look at the unit since I think it has been in the car since 2009.... I took all the door resolvers off and lubed all the doors to make sure they were free and easy to move... I then checked the voltage from the controller - it seemed ok - I biggest thing that stuck out was that the driver voltage from the ECU to the resolvers for defrost and vents was steady at 12 volts and didn't drive the doors - the only one that seemed to work was the MODE resolver for AC or Heat.... so I plugged the other 2 resolvers into the one working slot and confirmed that they do in fact work and they can open and close the doors..... so I think the ECU is all done.... pretty frustrating but at least I found it now!

So I basically walked around the car for an hour being pissed off...... finally decided to do something else since there was no fixing it now..... although I really didn't have too much left I had planned on closing everything up....crap...

anyway figured I would go ahead and start carpeting and insulation... also got my push button keyless setup wired in as well as the USB charger ports... still not what I wanted to work on today but it was gonna have to be done at some point anyway...



Firewall and rear glass in - Seatbelts in ... but in the theme of today the passenger side is damaged and will need to be replaced......

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=153535&d=1632091021


Driver's side foot box all done - that was a PIA - couldn't do the pass cause the frickin AC unit needs work...rrrrrr

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=153536&d=1632091021


Here is the shifter plate and push button start (the red button is the fuel pump on/off cut off - still need to find a home for it.)

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=153533&d=1632091021

[beeman]

Those mice are a pain. Had one climb up the exhaust manifold on an ls6 that was sitting in my shop for 6 months. I pulled off the manifold prior to installing it, and found granola and strips of fiberglass cloth sitting on a couple of the exhaust valves. Pulled the plugs and got out the bore scope, luckily nothing got into the cylinders...I'll be better about blocking access to tunnels in the future.

153590

153591

[egchewy79]

Those mice are a pain. Had one climb up the exhaust manifold on an ls6 that was sitting in my shop for 6 months. I pulled off the manifold prior to installing it, and found granola and strips of fiberglass cloth sitting on a couple of the exhaust valves. Pulled the plugs and got out the bore scope, luckily nothing got into the cylinders...I'll be better about blocking access to tunnels in the future.

153590

153591

Beeman,
with all the animals you guys own, you're telling me you don't have a barn cat?

[beeman]

Beeman,
with all the animals you guys own, you're telling me you don't have a barn cat?

Ha! Good point. No cats in the shop. Or in the house for that matter. A few years ago a stray cat snuck in the shop when I had the overhead door open for a few hours. It was probably 3-4 days before I was out there again. There were paw prints over every single square foot of horizontal surface in the shop. The only thing he found to eat was a tanned coyote hide that was on a shelf, chewed it up and ruined it. The only liquid he found to drink was motor oil in a drain pan. So the whole shop smelled like motor-oil-cat-sh!t. I live trapped him, kids said let him loose, I figured he learned his lesson and wasn't coming back.

[Erik W. Treves]

Pretty productive weekend... started a little rough with getting the tires mounted and then trying to get the rims on the car... the wheels wouldn't fit over the hubs! not sure how that happened - i honestly just threw the rims on to make sure the bolt pattern was good but didn't bolt them up.... anyway about 3.5 hours later they are now on! - Finished up the driver's side cockpit, addressed 2 leaks that showed up after the go-cart (coolant leak at degas tank and transmission fluid from drain plug)... glad I found both of these now! Finished up the alignment (car rolls so much easier now). Powered the reverse switch so we will have backup lights, extended OBD2 cable, ran oil pressure sensor for the AIM gauge. Finished up the Air Intake Tubes and put the air filter on - while it looks like there are 2 tubes - the right tube is fake and plugged. I also installed USB and USB-C port as well as redundant ignition switch (in case the push button switch fails); Ran a 0-gauge ground wire from the battery to the starter. Also installed the hood release cables, Painted all 4 brake disk hubs (so they wont rust anymore).....

Still waiting on the last part (hopefully) to fix the AC - I got the new ECU for the VA, which fixed the blend doors; but then the fan speed controller died.....

Interior pieces are still be recovered -

that's about it - it seems like I have about 452 small 5 minute jobs to finish up - but it's these details that will make it so much nicer and so much easier to do now! THe painter sent me pictures of the nose and now I can't wait!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=153824&d=1632748724

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=153825&d=1632748749

[wallace18]

Looking Good!:cool:

[Erik W. Treves]

Pretty good weekend - had to crank it up a bit after being at the car show all day yesterday - lots of wiring going on today - had to swap out to a larger battery as well... all in all got a lot of the hard stuff done today so this week I can deal with the simple stuff -


https://youtu.be/0NpfThC1hSo

[Erik W. Treves]

Well - we actually have paint!!! should have it back on the Chassis next week!

in the booth....

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=158637&d=1639577182

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=158638&d=1639577182

nicer outside!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=158636&d=1639577182

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=153825&d=1632748749

[FFinisher]

I love a nice clan spray booth. :confused:

[Erik W. Treves]

Lol... it works for him - every car I have had has been painted there - minus my Mark1 and 818 - and in this case it "will" buff out :) - but I get it....

[Erik W. Treves]

I would like to say the body install went smooth - but I think we are finally getting back on track - all back home and ready for the final details and fitment... this is what will make the car... the paint is really "in your face blue" and I think the black really works well....

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159099&d=1640274213

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159100&d=1640274213

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159101&d=1640274213

[wallace18]

Looking great!:cool:

[Erik W. Treves]

Still managed to get out to the garage for a few hours today - I think I figured out the hood not quite being centered - I can at least keep my OCD at peace now :) Looks so much better now!! I then had to address the "modified cable shift" that was on this car - the lateral cable was using the spot where the exhaust went... so I had to come up with something else... also the gate was so narrow that I was not happy with the geometry of what I was handed.... so, break out the old welder and then moved the pick-up point slightly inboard - also SOOO much better... Threw on the taillights - having lights installed just makes it look like a car :) I will wire them up tomorrow (hopefully) - but I really need to clean the garage - what a mess!! all the Christmas stuff and trash is all over - and my wife has started a new "hobby" - furniture restoration - so there are some pretty big pieces in these.... course I have no room to say anything ....lol..... so I will live with the mess for a minute or two longer....

the rear hatch is all down for good as well - and the latch all works - I like the way I finished the rear of the GEN 1 Hatch - definitely makes the rear of the car look better - I have to give credit to the other forum on the solution :)

seems like it is coming along now!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159269&d=1640561578

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159268&d=1640561578

[frankeeski]

Adapt and overcome. Good job my friend!

And good luck with that OCD thing................ I've yet to find a happy place with mine.

[Erik W. Treves]

Moved into the interior today - center console is all done - missing defrost vents to be done this the dash - I really like the blue thread trim and custom dash wrap - THe double DIN has both front and rear cameras...

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159331&d=1640730677

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159332&d=1640730677

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159333&d=1640730677

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159334&d=1640730677

[wallace18]

Blue thread is a nice touch!:cool:

[michael everson]

Did you ever figure out the A/C problem? If no call Vintage. I had a similar problem and there is a reset procedure for the control and computer. Fixed all my issues.
Mike

[Erik W. Treves]

Happy Holidays Mike!

I did actually figure it out - I called Vintage Air - Really Great Customer support by the way - The ECU was bad - so they sent me another one - had an issue with that one and they walked me through some more troubleshooting - I actually had 2 problems - 1. bad ECU and the controller was shorting against the bezel... once we addressed both of those - works like a champ!

[Erik W. Treves]

DAY 45 - been at it pretty heavy over the last week - got the wiper rod and mount installed, covered the halo cover and A-pillar covers - came out pretty clean.... I didn't do my normal New Years Day drive - but I did install the dash and powered the whole car and did one last function check on everything - all switches and AC - just don't want to get the windshield in and doors and have to work around all of that.... not much to show as far as exterior pictures - we are all about the small details right now to give the car the little "extra" fit and finish... overall I think it will present pretty well....still some details to get done (speakers {tweeters in the dash}, mount the hood release, and will probably hang the passenger side door tomorrow). I also ordered a steering wheel which I think will finish off the interior presentation - there are some GTM's out there that have some really NICE interiors - but this is the best I could do since I am not an "interior" fabricator.... hopefully this meets the mark...

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159565&d=1641078153

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159564&d=1641078153

[wallace18]

Looking Good!:cool:

[Erik W. Treves]

Day 46 - put the door off long enough - definitely not the part of the build that I was looking forward to and it didn't disappoint ... got the door hung and it wouldn't close - hit the seat and the dash - it hit the dash because I had to modify the door to get the door glass to work - never went back and checked the dash.... seat was too far forward.... so had to backtrack a little - I didn't want to mess with the window frame (although I think I will need to in the end after I try and install the door card) - I cut about an inch out of the end of the dash and folded the vinyl back... looks good for an in car modification - the blue stitching is off a bit now but you couldn't see it really well before since it was on the end and under the A-Pillar. Door gaps and everything else look great and door opens and closes well! on to the driver's side....Joy.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159616&d=1641217235

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159617&d=1641217235

[crash]

Just for clarification, I see that when you picked this car up it had the body and doors mounted on the frame. Are you saying that you did not finish fit the doors until after paint? Or are you just saying that now that the interior is in place there are some interferences with those added components?

[Erik W. Treves]

When I picked up the car - the doors were NOT mounted and body was loose on the frame. I fit the doors prior to paint - and they fit fine. I am saying now that the dash is in - the right door metal frame is hitting the dash. I had to do the "standard" door frame mod to get the window track to work correctly - I must have moved the bar out too far toward the "inside" so it was crashing with the dash - which wasn't installed when I prefit the doors and windows....

on post #68 - here is the subject door completely pre-fit to include window

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=143864&d=1615069265

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

The dash always interferes with the doors. We cut down both sides of the dash on every GTM we build, and a lot of times it's tough to get enough cut off of the dash to keep it from crashing into the doors. On many cars, we've had to both cut the dash pods back as far as we can (without getting into the vent opening) AND modify the door panels so that the doors will close.

[Erik W. Treves]

shane - yes that's looking like what I will need to do - My Gen 2 wasn't bad - but geez this one is pretty bad on the pass side - I have it cut it back on the dash side some - I will have to go back and get a little more aggressive - I am not quite to the vent yet so I have a little more room to go. I got the door to close without the door card now - so I am close... I decided to take a break since frustration and having a cut off wheel in my hand always ends badly :)

[cob427sc]

Frustrated and having the cutoff wheel in hand -- yup leads to disasterous results that I can attest too!

[Erik W. Treves]

Well only worked on it a little during the week... I gave myself about an hour each day to go out and see if I could get the passenger door figured out - if I couldn't do it or see it after an hour I just went inside.... I saw something on Wednesday - checked it out of Thursday - and low and behold on Friday... I got the door to shut all the way with the door card installed!! I also got my steering wheel in minus the quick release hub - but threw it on there anyway I really like the color match with all the other blue

So I am going to call this Day 49

FU Door! - I ended cutting about 3/4 of in off the outboard end of the dash ... and about an inch on the inboard bottom... door car is in (taped in position)...

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159946&d=1641768259

Driver's side door went on without issues

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159944&d=1641768259

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159945&d=1641768259

Steering wheel

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159947&d=1641768259

[Erik W. Treves]

Day 49 continued today with the Wing and diffuser - came out pretty good I think.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159939&d=1641768197

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159940&d=1641768197

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159941&d=1641768197

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159942&d=1641768197

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159943&d=1641768197

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

Looks like it's coming together nicely! Glad you got the door/dash figured out.....always one of my least favorite things to do....cut the end of the dash off and then try to make the upholstery look nice.....

[Erik W. Treves]

Thanks Shane - yeah I was very depressed when I needed to cut the freshly covered dash :( But it's part of the process. Thanks for all the parts BTW...

[Erik W. Treves]

Well - the build has been dragging on a bit - for me anyway - we are in the part of the build that there are like 1000 - 10 minute tasks that need to get done - garage is a bit cold - so rather than step away from it - I blew it off gave it a quick wipe down and fired it up and pushed it outside to finally see it outside in the sun and from farther away than 5 feet - must have been good cause I took it for a drive around the block after.... I fell better now - I will get back at it tomorrow - have to wire up the side mirrors - i figure the motors work - I might as well take 5 minutes and wire them up... then I will start closing up the passenger side door and get the speakers in - just have to knock the list down - seems like we are getting closer every day. Anyway the blue really pops in the sun - keep in mind the paint isn't final buffed and it is still somewhat dusty... but geez - it's a loud blue!


https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160773&d=1642891752

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160774&d=1642891752

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160777&d=1642892227

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160776&d=1642891752

[frankeeski]

Said it over on fb already Erik, but that looks fantastic!

[Jeff Kleiner]

That blue really comes to life in the sun! :cool:

Jeff

[jbs72697]

I have an 818S that I’ll be building. I thought I had settled on painting it red, but after seeing this blue now I’m rethinking it
Looks awesome!!

[wallace18]

Looks Super!:cool:

[Erik W. Treves]

Closing in on the finish line - still a few small things to finish up - the list just is sooooo long on all these finishing touches.... sat in the car and chilled a bit...


https://youtu.be/RdmokVb1n-E

[cob427sc]

Looking great! When I built my GTM back in 2006 (?) #82 it seemed like the punchlist went on forever. The door issue you just completed was a scary process although I don't remember mine being quite as involved but there was an issue with getting the window to seal at the front. If I remember I built a small triangle onto the door to make it work. Power windows were another big headache. I'm curious in what you have done with the cooling tubes running through the tunnel. I heavily insulated the tubes but it was still unbearable in the cockpit. I removed the bottom closure panel and that helped a lot. I always thought if I built another GTM I would look at running them through the rocker panel/door sill similar to some Porsches.

[crash]

I always thought if I built another GTM I would look at running them through the rocker panel/door sill similar to some Porsches.

Exactly what we did on the FFR PDG GTM race car. Dropped the interior temperature considerably.

[cob427sc]

Before removing the lower tunnel pan you could not keep your hand on the tunnel. It cooled down considerably with the pan removed but still stayed warm and transferred a lot of heat into the cabin. I really think, especially for a street car, insulating and running them through the rocker would be the way to go. I thought about doing this then filling the rocker with foam.

[Erik W. Treves]

Well - 65 days of actual wrench time - I gonna call it done ... not graduated though as I am still waiting for the VIN process to complete so that I can get plates and insurance. I still have to put door seals in around the perimeter of the forward, bottom and rear of doors... I will need to drive it around a bit to do a full shakedown to make sure the fit and finish is good then put up for sale.... I think. All I have done thus far is drive up and down the street - seems good thus far.... Anyway - here is the 3-piece Suit (mostly buffed out) next to the Combat Gear....

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162917&d=1645467004

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162918&d=1645467004

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162919&d=1645467004

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162920&d=1645467004

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162921&d=1645467004

[Erik W. Treves]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162926&d=1645467031

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162925&d=1645467031

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162924&d=1645467031

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162923&d=1645467031

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162922&d=1645467031

[Erik W. Treves]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162930&d=1645467056

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162929&d=1645467056

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162928&d=1645467056

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162927&d=1645467056

[FF33rod]

Looks fabulous Eric, a lot of work in that puppy!

Steve

[edwardb]

Looks great Erik. Now that's BLUE.

[wallace18]

Your usual super job! Well done.:cool:

[beeman]

Congrats, beautiful car.

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

Very Nice!! How did you attach the plexi to the hatch opening?

[Erik W. Treves]

Thanks Shane (and guys) -

When we bonded your rear hatch piece we left the "lip" at the top where the glass would lay in; we left it open.... so the Lexan slips in there perfectly.... as you know the hatch has a natural "bow" to it... the Lexan being flat and a little flexible, I installed a metal clip on the bottom/rear edge which naturally "bowed" the Lexan up tight in the rear corners - the only thing left after that were the sides - I then scuffed the Lexan with 80 grit - 1 1/4 all around the perimeter and just used glass urethane (fast dry) and clamped it all for 24 hours.... seems like it's holding really well - but I havent had it at speed yet.... but it should be drawing it tighter at speed as it tries to "suck out"... If I need to post a pic of the bracket under the hatch I can certainly do that for the group for later reference if you think it would be useful?

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

That all makes sense. Sounds like a great solution!

[Erik W. Treves]

A non-build related up date but very important step to get on on the road: I was happy to see that my documentation was all approved! In-car video soon hopefully,

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163732&d=1646942672

[mburger]

Been following your progress. It looks awesome! Another great build. Congrats!

[cgundermann]

Par for course, another stunning build Erik! Love that blue...

Chris

[Erik W. Treves]

All done and done - now to go do some break-in miles before it goes up for sale.... so the wife says :D

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=164092&d=1647531869

[markm]

Great car Erik, and I enjoyed reading through this build thread. I am thinking the Stanceparts lift cups is going to be a must for my Gen2 as well. You switched out the front KONI blacks and replaced them with the yellows that can be inverted to work with the cups on the bottom, where they fit. Do you know the model of the yellow shock you used? That would be a starting point for me to find replacements for mine so I can do the same thing. I am sure others might like to go that route as well.

[crash]

I think I have 3 yellow shocks in the shop. Stripped down to just shock bodies, but left over from a build that went with after market shocks. $50 plus shipping if you want them.

[markm]

Thanks Crash. PM sent.

[Erik W. Treves]

Markm - The yellows came with the kit from FFR.

[markm]

Right. My mistake. I also have an idea for keeping crap out of the bottom mounted cup, but will post something after I prove it works.

[crash]

Right. My mistake. I also have an idea for keeping crap out of the bottom mounted cup, but will post something after I prove it works.

Just for clarity, IIRC the early kits came with black Koni shocks, and then, at some point, FFR switched over to yellows. It is said the blacks can only be run in one direction, while the yellows can be run in either direction.