MKIV9769 #19of25th Anniversary “Quarter-Past-Half Time Machine" Build: BAC2TheFuture [Archive]

ydousurf

11-02-2021, 12:20 AM

THIS IS A REALLY LONG READ, SO I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND AND JUST SKIP IT :p

Hello TFFForum Family! I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Just like a 19 year old kid (ME back in the day) never showing up on time, I still yearn back for those years gone by… Anyway, I know I’m late! This was actually somewhat kind of part of my plan, no really? Okay, yeah --- I’m really late! Better late than never as they say, but you know… I’ve had a lot going on and who doesn’t! Like all of you, it’s a matter of balancing time and money and then more time and even more money <repeat>… I figure I better get something out here, even though I’m not that far along, I’ve been taking pictures and will work on documenting my build, but it will be in spurts and not a traditional build log like so many others. I’m planning a 5 year build to get it on the road.

Breaking this into the following – WTLDR: WAY TOO LONG DIDN’T READ
> Background story and Thank You’s (A very long read but is necessary to tell)
> MKIV#9769: 19of25th Anniversary “Quarter-Past-Half Time Machine" Build…
> Build Expectations and Specifications
> Build Dedication

Background Story and Thank You
I obviously wanted to do a build thread for a few reasons… The main one, I too want to keep a record of my journey as another Factory Five MK4 Roadster that was “Built Not Bought”! My dream, my project for which I brought into reality just like so many others on here has done before me. I’m taking more pics and vids that will be shared, but it’s to completely document my build and have record of this special build, that and of course, to gain any feedback and I’m sure many of you do the same.

I’m not planning on trying to reinvent the wheel, as to say. I mean, lets face it, I stand in the shadow of giants that have come and sadly even gone before my time. And I'm just so honored, and I will proudly stand in the shadows of some of these absolute fantastic builds. I will do what just makes sense to me. I don’t want to regret anything that could make it my best, and pay homage; to my dream, this family community, the 25th Edition and of course, Factory Five Racing! To say, if a builder has done something that I really like, I’ll surely want to use it and of course will give credit to that member or name of that someone who inspired me or even them. However, I do hope to find ways to make my build a little different and move to the left or right of the shadow and add a twinkle to the countless wonderful ideas and implementations from so many other brilliant builds. Perhaps I’ll do something that others will like and can either copy or build on it, like I’m doing already on mine, from all of you and your excellent ideas. I can only hope this build will inspire someone else on their own build and perhaps avoid any pitfalls too. Since my goal is to be a good student and become a teacher once it’s done. Again, like so many of you have shared your knowledge.

Ever since I’ve joined The Factory Five Forum back only a short time ago (short of 2+ years) my only regret is/was not getting on the site much sooner! This really is a very cool community and to be a part of it is very special. There is so much talent and wonderful folks out here that have helped and are helping each and every day. For those of us who will no doubt need to tap the; knowledge, wisdom and sharing of the community, and utilize the expertise in order to accomplish or conquer a major problem(s) they are having. I know my turn will be coming soon, where I too will need to get over a hurdle and so, well, I want to give a prior “Thanks” for future help and guidance too. So, again, “Thanks” for having me too!

Anyway, I decided long ago that if I ever got the chance to build my dream project, I would try to document it with lots of pictures and even some video along the way. I think in the end, I’ll let the process help lead, guide and even set a pace too. I want to take-in each and every moment, and savor the time. I want to freeze every moment and capture every single piece of the process, and then I’ll have something that I’ll be able to look back on and relive all the excitement that I’m still feeling right now. Even as I type this all these years and months later, the joy and jubilation “F5 Spark” has not died and will only glow brighter and brighter until my days end! I’m only building this one dream, since for me, there really isn’t any other car I want to drive or build. This is the one! This one is special! I’m going to give it my all and build me the ultimate dream car, for me anyway!

I hope that my build journal will help or inspire at least one person with something that I do. If I can get a positive response, where they copy something I do, then all the better! But if nothing else, at least my build journal will contribute my small chapter in this vast library of memorable journey’s, and to be forever a part of all these special “Built Not Bought” book of stories. To have it here up on the digital shelf book, yeah, that truly really is the honor! To secure a place amongst all of you and to continue the legacy of dreams made real. These are real life adventures being played out, most likely from dreams and fantasies even. Each one brought to life, reaching a nirvana state with an ever-life-changing experience!

*NOTE: Much more of the background story can be found in my About Me and my very first post to Dave Smith and all of Factory Five Racing Community.
About Me: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/member.php?28123-ydousurf
Welcome and Introductions [POST #54]:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?69-Welcome-from-Dave-Smith-Factory-Five-Racing-President/page2

ydousurf

11-02-2021, 12:21 AM

MKIV#9769: 19of25th Anniversary “Quarter-Past-Half Time Machine" Build…
Let me begin with the title, for which is pretty self-explanatory and it’s an appropriate phrase that just seems to fit with everything that has culminated up to [this/that] point in my life. Specifically --- TIME! Over past 40+ years of first being awe struck as a child and frozen in the gaze of the cobra, so much time has gone bye. But I waited and waited for this moment in-time to arrive, so the real journey could finally begin.

With the 25th Anniversary of Factory Five Racing Company’s existence and me celebrating my 50th birthday back in 2019. Yep, back in 2019! Yeah, that year, the one when the “normal life” was kind of really taken for granted? As well all now know that. Anyway, that year I was finally able to put in motion the beginning of just then starting to make my dream a reality. I’ve had this dream and goal pretty much all my life. So, essentially with Factory Five Racing’s 25th year celebration of existence or “Quarter” Century for them and the “Past” from my youth, adding to that my 50th or “Half” Century Birthday and this is where the title is derived from. I know, it’s kind of silly and may not make sense to anyone, but that’s okay, it just fits the appropriate title. There’s even more strangeness that deliver date, the serial # and few other things that I found as I can only explain as fate?! And I’m cool with that! Whether someone believes in that sort of thing or not, in the end, the stars aligned magnificently for me and I couldn’t be more; humbled, proud, honored, lucky and just fortunate that it all worked out.

As I said, I have been planning for many, many, many years… Too many! And was absolutely very ready to purchase an MK4 Roadster Complete Kit in May of 2020! I’ll be totally honest, I had been monitoring closely for any upcoming announcements about the 25th Anniversary Roadster details and when it would be released for purchase. I definitely missed the 15th and just wasn’t quite ready for when the 20th Anniversary and they came and went. So, well, maybe, just maybe, I don’t know, possibly? I mean, I know it could be a long shot, but just maybe I could get one of the 24 that will be made? Since I figured they would have the Special Anniversary Editions for sale like they have in the past. Counting the past (x2 - 5 year) milestones, 15th and 20th respectively. And to think we are just a stone’s throw away from their 30th and my 55th! Time sure does fly bye…
I’m following Factory Five very closely over the past few years, and as we got closer and closer to that year, now mid-2019 and at that time I was thinking, I got another year still, per the pattern of “5 year increment” anniversary announcements? Right? We all should all be hearing something in early April or May or June of 2020? And, so, well, I’m thinking I still got time. I know, I mean, it’s a long shot for me (budget wise) and I know it, but it’s fun to dream, right?

So, when I caught the announcement (LIVE) as Dave was going through all the details and amazing improvements on what were to be offered with the FFR 25th Anniversary MK4 Roadster. I was awe struck! I had so many mixed emotions; I was happy and jazzed about the announcement with all the cool stuff that will be released as a complete kit. And whether or not I or someone else doesn’t get one of the 24 (with 01 being raffled at the London Cobra Show), but no doubt all future roadster owners will benefit from the improvements and some of the new accessories that will be released, which works for my future complete kit too, so I thought. Oh, but I was bummed too. Man was I bummed! Honestly, I was really bummed! I figured, well, hell, there went my chance at any kind of “timing” on the calendar, hoping that the stars would align I could have a chance at one of them? I was very hopeful and would’ve been ready had this announcement come in the beginning or mid-2020, but it totally caught me off guard and I guess sometimes things just don’t work out, or do they? Looking back on it now 2+ years later --- Damn, I am a very lucky person! I really am. And I will thank FFR here and now and in the words to follow…

It’s now early October 2019 and going on two months since the official announcement back in August 9th and I’m on the factoryfive.com (website) which has been part of my morning routine. And to be honest, I was on the site pretty much every day since the announcement – DREAMING! Anyway, I’m on the site and that special - LINK: {Click here to order now!} Here is what comes with each 25th Anniversary car. Well, that very special and limited to total of twenty four (24) count in purchase numbers, yep, the one where you begin to configure your kit and see what all is offered. Yeah, that’s the link. The special one! That very special link was still {ACTIVE} and I just knew it was going to be only a matter of days and all these kits would be purchased. I actually was very surprised. I figured the kits would be all gone in a matter of days. However, I took this as a good sign for me and that’s when I truly decided to crunch numbers and develop a plan…

So, with my wife’s support, I reached out to FFR and spoke with Dave B. in sales. I explained to him the time factor issue that I was facing, that and also not being fully prepared and ready to receive a kit, due to many out-of-state family travel & business plans that I had coming up. I mean, I was still thinking 8 months out for preparations to just be ready. We discussed a possible option for me to secure one of the only few that he said were left. And, so, with the Dave’s help and approval, I decided to jump, er, click and thanks to FFR (x5) - Thank You! --Thank You!! --- Thank You!!! ---- Thank You!!!! ----- Thank You!!!!! FFR worked with me and I was able to push my completion date to Dec 28th 2019 and I am and will be so forever grateful to them! And with that, I decided to commit to an absolute over-the-top kit (I clicked every option type-of-deal) and shifted all my budget dollars at this time, putting the engine/transmission/tires/paint/etc… ALL OF IT on hold and I will instead spend all my budget dollars on the 25th Anniversary Kit Options and extra’s.

And so it was, on October 7th, 2019 I took a giant {CLICK} and leap to making my life long goal and dream a reality! I was committed and put together the options and configuration that I wanted in my kit, plus I added in a few extra’s items too. Without further ado, this is my configured build list:

ydousurf

11-02-2021, 12:21 AM

Build Expectations and Specifications
MKIV Complete 25th Anniversary Kit Components:
- Bronze Chassis
- Satin black aluminum panels
- Anniversary GPS Gauges
- Anniversary Wilwood Brakes
- Exclusive bronze 18” wheels
- Anniversary leather seats
- Anniversary badges
- IRS w/front & rear swaybars
- KONI double adjustable shocks
- Assembled louvers
- Chrome drivers rollbar w/grommets
- Stainless steel exhaust & bumper kit
- Carbon fiber dash
- Sun visors & Wind wings
- All new body mold
-----
[Factory Five Racing Add-on’s]:
351W Stainless Headers w/Kit
Power Steering Complete w/Kit
31 Spline IRS 8.375” Driveshaft w/Kit
Oil Cooler
Wiper Kit
EFI In-Tank Fuel System
Chrome Passenger rollbar w/Grommets
Front Vents
x2 Hats and x2 Shirts
-----
[Purchases from vendors or forum members]
- Russ Thompson - Drop Trunk, Turn Signal & Throttle Pedal
- Breeze (Mark Reynolds) - Battery Box
- FFMetal - Firewall Forward Aluminum
- 520 SpeedWorks - Boltless Roll Bar Kit
- VRaptors Speedworks LLC - Wheel Well Liner Kit
- Brake Reservoir - (rbachman – Rich)
- Brake Reservoir – (bluse – Randy)
- Defroster vents and x25 Clecos - (nuhale)
- Power Steering Reservoir and Dash Support - (lgordon – Lance)
- Expansion Tank and Small Brake Reservoir – (Lowrod – Gene)
(I'm planning x3 reservoirs for separate front & rear brakes and going with hydraulic clutch and the matching power steering too. Many go for the triple CNC or other vendors, but I wanted the FFR one’s that are sold in the kits. So, another “Thank You” to all these people; the vendors, as well as those of who sold their unused parts to help me make my build the way I want It built.
-----
[Future Add-on’s]:
{TBA} Engine Builder - 351W:427c.i. EFI, Power Steering & AC, w/Tremec TKX
Factory Five Racing – 2nd Trunk Lid, Soft Top, Floor Mats, License Plate Frame and much, much more…
Breeze Automotive – Seat Kit x2, Radiator Support and Shroud and more…
Vintage Air - Gen II Compac (AC w/Heat & Defroster) or FFR #14616 (Heater/Defroster) Assembly
Brake duct (cool air) venting
Complete LED Lighting w/cockpit/trunk/under chassis lighting
USB & Charging - Remote Jump & Charging Station in the trunk
2nd set of high-back seats or I'll either modify the roadster seats and add a headrest
Seat Heaters
Gas-N Exhaust
Boig Cool Tubes
Car Cover
-----
[Bodywork & Paint]: This will be done by either (Jeff or Jeff) and I already have my color combination that I've decided on, but I'll await to announce the color when actually completed by either one of these Master Painters!
-----
[Tools Purchased]:
Delta Floor Drill Press
Delta Bench Grinder
Shop Vice
Shop Bench Press
Rivet tool
Rivnut tool
SAE & Metric Tap and Die Set
Digital Calipers
Milwaukee Cobalt Drill Bits

No doubt, I’ll be buying more parts and tools and even a welder here in the future. I took classes and know how to tig, mig and stick, but I just don't have one at home as of yet. I’m planning on getting one soon, and have been saving for that. I’ll definitely want to reinforce the lower part of the dash and have a solid grab handle below the glove box for the passenger to use, even strong enough to pull you out of the passenger seat when getting out of the car. Keep in mind I’ll be running AC with defrosters too. I’ll be shortening the glove box because it only needs to hold a few papers, say 1” deep or less even. I added the Breeze Cubby for my cockpit storage. So, I’ll cross each required tool bridge when I reach those phases, where I require a specialty tool or I want to upgrade a particular part.

Anyway, I’ll add in each phase with pictures and the progress that I’ve so far accomplished. I’ve got a few things that I don’t think others have done, which will be cool to add my ideas into the future decisions for other builders to perhaps incorporate.

ydousurf

11-02-2021, 12:22 AM

I’m dedicating this build to a few people:
> My Mom and Dad of course! I sure wish they could be here to see it come into existence, since I talked about it back in my youth of always wanting to build one. I miss you more than you know and would trade it all away to just see you both and talk to you one last time.
> I also dedicate it to my family; wife (Jill) son (Nicholas) daughter's (Carly and Joree) for without their support and just being in my life, this wouldn’t be nearly as complete. I can’t wait to take each of them for a ride and to also let them sit behind the wheel and just feel the exhilaration from being such a rock star getting to drive such a beautiful machine. With my children scattered all over the United States, it will be great to take the car from North to South and East to West and everywhere in between. Seeing the beautiful scenery of this glorious country we live in without a top.
> Lastly, I would like to also dedicate this build to Alan Kulwicki. Alan, he was one of my favorite drivers in NASCAR and his life was cut way, way too short. Alan had that special quality about him, and no doubt, a man of many, many talents and he showed it. He’s always been an inspiration to me. He did it his way! And, so, I’ll take that advice on how he lived and apply it on this build!

Once again, I do apologize for not being more active and having my build journal out here sooner. I’ll work to get everything documented with my accompanied pictures and maybe some videos too and current as to my status. I'm taking this month to add to my story and will get my photo albums uploaded and add in the necessary links to them. I do want to share the joy that I have experienced from the very beginning... So, I guess Thanks! Thanks for having me here!

Dj or Doug or maybe just call me TheLateDude!:o

egchewy79

11-02-2021, 07:03 AM

Better late than never! Welcome and I'm looking forward to following along with your journey.

ydousurf

11-02-2021, 08:15 AM

Better late than never! Welcome and I'm looking forward to following along with your journey.

Thanks egchewy79! Yeah, I was just viewing old video's (while waiting in the airport for my late plane) that I took from the delivery day and I realized, I better get my build started since I AM long overdue! Again, my bad! I meant to publish sooner, but family needed me and work has me busy as well. So, my plan has always been that it would never take priority over my other commitments and I'm sticking with that. Anyway, I'm going to work on getting the build log updated and over these next days and week(s) I'll bring it current to where the build sits. I do appreciate the welcome!

Dj

ydousurf

11-02-2021, 07:35 PM

Apologizing now for additions, corrections, and keeping this at the top, just ignore it :cool: since I will be pushing a lot of content up over this coming month.

11.09.19 - I began building the Chassis Dolly and the Body Buck, which will take a couple weekends to complete. I got other items on the list, specifically a leaky rear differential no my 98 Ford Ranger and other winter prep items that I want to knock off the list. I was planning on hanging the body at first, but I’ve decided to put it on a body buck. I’ll plan to finish building the Buck completely once I have the body on site. That way I can fit it better and add the necessary support(s) to avoid any sagging or bending and to just keep the body straight as possible and perhaps do as others have done and build some shelving into it for storage and project staging. Since I have limited space with all my wood working tools, I’ll take all that I can for shelves. My Roadster body will be sitting for quite a few years and I’ll make sure to support it with additional angle bracing that extend forward and rearward as well.
***TIP: If you have limited garage space and plan on moving you chassis around, I highly recommend adding anchor points on each corner of the chassis dolly to use with tie-down straps. This only takes the four eyelet screws (heavy duty) types, but if you should have to unload the kit on a flatbed trailer, you’ll thank yourself even if you don’t use them.
And…
Having your chassis strapped solid to the dolly, you can avoid any slippage or possible damage when moving. Ask me, I know! Again, you will soon see that, that very thing happened exactly to me several months into the build. My left rear passenger wheel bearing, the weld(s) broke on one of my casters and if I hadn’t added the tie-downs, I would have no doubt damaged the IRS rear-end components on the passenger side. I’m so glad I went the extra mile, and it paid off massively!***

Chassis Dolly and Body Buck Construction Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=1656

Early December 2019, and I had already been in contact with Stewart Transport back on Oct 3rd 2019 regarding shipping costs. Yeah, I called them to factor in the transport cost $$$’s before I ordered my kit. So, I got everything finalized with FFR and was in contact with (Todd) at Stewart Transport and got my shipping date set. Shipping is like $1100.00 and I’m cool with that! Living here in Colorado, I’ve made the drive twice (so far) to Maryland and many more to come. I can't wait to travel north Wareham MA and visit FFR in person, someday. Plus, since it was winter time and I really didn't want to go pickup my kit, it just made sense to have it protected and shipped. My arrival date-window will be for the weekend of Jan 16th thru 18th 2020. The very first thing I do after getting off that call, put in time-away for my first days that I’ll take vacation for the 16th and 17th of 2020! Woohoo! One small step towards Delivery Day! It’s going to be a great year! <- Well, hell, we all know how that year turned out. 2020 was no doubt became a wild year and I'll think of it as two sided coin. Things were good one side, not so much on the other.

01.03.20 – I continue to get ready and days are counting down… But back in December 2019, my son (Nick) had told my wife (Jill) and I that he and his wife (Gianna) were coming to Colorado for a visit in February 2020. So, I decided after I hung up the phone that I would wait until he was here before doing anything with the car. I mean, I’ve waited all these years, what’s a little longer – PATIENCE! And since my son doesn’t live in Colorado; they have their own lives to live in AZ. Along with him, we miss our daughters a lot. So, to have my son help me get the build started with taking the body off the chassis and get it mounted on the body buck – PRICELESS!!!!! I wish I had more time, but I'll take what I can get - LIFE!

01.13.20 - I received some pics from FFR (Jay K.) and my Roadster Kit is on the truck – WOOHOO! It’s the first time I got to see my car and it was so cool and surreal. The dream state of fog is lifting and clarity is beginning to take the stage. I actually didn’t want to know the number until the last minute and I was totally fine with that. It was kind of like becoming a new father. I didn’t even know my sequence build ## until I got these photos. So, without further ado, let me introduce you to Factory Five Racing’s 25th Anniversary MK4 Roadster #19.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=120567&d=1579016421

01.16.20 – Oh boy, it’s the beginning of a special few days ahead. I am now in the window for delivery, but the target day is actually scheduled for tomorrow the 17th. For now, all I can do is patiently wait for Stewart Transport to deliver my roadster to my home. I’m waiting with all these emotions stirring inside with total jubilation and excitement. This is unbelievable, but believable and so awesome to feel and experience! Everyone really needs to build their dream, just to feel that exhilaration! Possibly 24 hours out before arrival, am I ready? I better get back to working on last minute items.

01.17.20 - The next day came and went, and still no Santa ;) HaHa. No, really, Todd with Stewart Transport said it could be between the 16th and 18th or whatever depending on the weather. Again, for now, I will wait until I see that lovely Stewart Transport 18 Wheeler with the Beautiful Factory Five Racing Billboard Banner on each side pull-up to my home. That in itself is very special. All I can do is keep busy and continue to be grateful - Thanks Factory Five Racing! Thanks Stewart Transport! Tick, Tick, Tick… goes the seconds!

01.18.20 - And, well, here we are on the 18th, deliver is now depending on the stormy weather across multiple states happening across a large swath of the Midwest and Easterly states. I’ve been monitoring the weather reports closely, since there is a high wind watch across all of eastern Colorado. That and along with the storm heading eastward, the driver is clearly heading directly into it – Bummer! I did get a call from Stewart Transport Driver (Kelly) and he is obviously dealing with some treacherous conditions and I told him to just take his time and if it takes days, then it will just have to take more time! All good - Mother Nature Always Wins! And I waited this long, what’s a few more days! Well, I got a call back mid-day from (Kelly) and he said he would be at my home tomorrow between 8-10am on the 19th. The 19th! Can you believe it? That is the number of my car. It just doesn’t get any cooler than that! I think back to when I was nineteen and that was probably my best year of my life! I remember back when I was wrenching on Ol’ Blue… <shakes head> - wake up – wake UP --- WAKE UP! <24hrs to go before delivery, you still got things that still need to be done!!!

01.19.20 - And then it was in the early morning of the calendar year of January 19, 2020 and I woke with the biggest smile on my face! I was up at 4am of course, like a giddy child on Christmas Day and so it was for me! I was all but as ready as I could be? I needed more time, but I crammed everything I could-in to getting ready, and so, I hope that I am? The biggest thing, hopefully my chassis dolly is built strong enough and will be easy to move in and out of the garage, since I don’t have a whole lot of extra space to work in there.
So, as the early morning rolled on… I was just getting everything set and trying to think of any issues that I might get resolved before it was go-time-show-time. Who would have thought I forgot not only to add window cleaner in my wife’s car, but I forgot to clean the back window. I didn’t even think about that ??? Well, I did forget and that what a bummer!!!
***TIP: Clean escort vehicle window and make sure you have washer fluid too, that is if you plan to do any escorting and I highly recommend it if you can. Nothing like leading that beautiful semi-truck and getting a “literal front row seat” and becoming a part of the story, not just waiting for your dream to arrive!***

01.19.20 @07:45AM MST - I get a call from Kelly and he was about to head my way, but was once again concerned about getting into my neighborhood as was I. Here’s some background; I live on a <no outlet> or “dead end” road and I too had some concerns from the go, as to whether or not Stewart Transport would be able to get their 18 wheeler into my neighborhood. I know that he will have to back down my street, but it’s quiet. I sure hope his rig can make it to my home.
Where was I, oh yeah, so I voiced my concerns earlier with Stewart Transport and (Todd) said it would be up to the driver to make any final call? Anyway, Kelly and I discussed the map over the phone and I advised that my only concern really for him was being able to make a right-hand turn into my main neighborhood. I told him I was prepared to enact a plan to where I could set a “pick” and allow his rig to be in the (left lane) while I put on my hazard lights in the (right lane) on one of our more busier avenues and this would gain him the extra distance to make the nice sweeping arc for a right turn. We agreed the plan!

ydousurf

11-02-2021, 07:35 PM

So, I jumped in my wife’s car and drove to meet him so I could guide him to my home and help make it as easy as possible for him to navigate. And this is when I wish I would have known to clean the window or have washer fluid at least. Who would have thought to add that to your list of preparations?! Add it if you may possibly escort the rig. I took some video, but again, the window was dirty and the wiper fluid was out, even – DOH!!! Anyway, I was so jazzed and pumped, huge smile, it was just a crazy feeling escorting in that beautiful moving billboard. We drove down 35th Ave (two lanes) and there is less traffic on an early Sunday morning where I live, so I had that in my favor, but there were 5-6 cars Anyway, I set the “pick” and the cars queued behind his rig – Plan worked perfect! You just got to appreciate and love when a good plan comes together! I hope for the same with my build!
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=120958&d=1579550635
Stewart Transport Delivery Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=1661

I want to take a quick moment and Thank (Kelly) from Stewart Transport. Kelly is one of the drivers they have and he did an awesome job! I mean, these drivers are not only delivering the goods, but they’re packing them and making sure we receive all our boxes and parts. As he was telling me about the hellacious conditions he was dealing and the reason for my postponed delivery date. All good! He even apologized that the trailer was dirty and usually gets it washed before dropping off the kits, I was cool with that. I’m just glad he made it safely, not only for his well-being, but carry all the precious cargo. I would use Stewart Transport and would do it time and time again! I mean, if you’re not going to directly make the pilgrimage to the Factory Five Racing Headquarters and pick up your kit in person, then I would suggest going with Stewart Transport. They have the expertise, equipment, training, knowledge and they’re just the best at what they do – Transporting Merchandise Safely. And don’t forget the best part of the delivery from ST, that is, the delivery adds to the excitement and experience. To see, live and feel that beautiful Factory Five Racing moving billboard roll up to your home with your dream inside. Neighbors are coming out and wondering WTH is going on – PRICELESS! I videoed and took many pictures of the beautiful semi-truck and loved every single minute of the delivery! Thanks Stewart Transport and Thanks to the driver (Kelly) for getting my kit delivered safely and securely!
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=155211&d=1635900762
OH, AND DON’T FORGET TO TIP THE DRIVER. HE BROUGHT YOUR DREAM TO YOU SAFELY - Thanks Kelly!
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=155210&d=1635900526
Delivery Day Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=120951&d=1579549041

ydousurf

11-02-2021, 08:03 PM

01.21.20 - As of this morning, I’m elbow deep in going through the inventory. I think I overestimated the complexity of this process and it’s pretty overwhelming. I guess it would be easier to inventory every part and be able to put them on a shelf and be ready to go, but that’s not going to happen. I’ll do what others advise and just make sure to document the part is in the box it came in. I took time opening the Assembly Manual and thumbed through that for quite a long while. I hadn’t really opened up any parts fully, but when I opened the box with the wood steering wheel, yeah, I had to make pretend and contemplate having it connected and just driving along – so, sooo cool!

Again, I’m in no hurry. I actually took a couple weeks to go through my inventory, even making a call to FFR 30+ days afterwards on some issues that I had discovered. I like many, had POL items, but I have no problems waiting a little longer; since I’m planning approximate 5 year build, and I just want to take my time and try and do the best I can and build a car that can match the significance of this anniversary edition and significance of the #19 that I have, which that meant so much in my youth. That is my main goal and priority! Build it with very few mistakes as possible and all the grace of being a show car, but it will be a daily (weather permitting) as possible. I do not want it to stay in the garage constantly or be a trailer queen, and it will encounter many a rain storms (hopefully no hail) in my future adventures. No snow, of course! Living in Colorado, this car will have to go into hibernation, but only when there is snow/ice on the road. If it’s just a cold day, it’s going to see the road rain or shine.

I want to take another moment and give praise to Factory Five Racing and their commitment to making things right for each builder. Please, don’t bad mouth this company here or anywhere, without contacting them and giving them some time to resolve the issue(s) you may be having. Even posting your displeasure out here on the site is not doing anyone any good. Dave Smith and everyone at FFR did an outstanding job addressing all concerns I had. FFR wants YOU to be satisfied and they will go out of their way to make it right! They go way beyond any other company that is in operation, seriously! Their level of customer service is 2nd to none! So, once again, a HUGE THANKS to all them for what they did for me, prior to my order, during my purchase, after receiving my kit and so far throughout this entire journey. You don’t get this level of customer satisfaction form just any company. Factory Five Racing stands on the podium alone when it comes to customer service. That’s not just fluff, but truth! I had some problems and issues with some parts and FFR corrected each of them. I am total proof that they have outstanding customer service! Give them a chance to make it right and they will!

Inventory Album: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=1994

ydousurf

11-02-2021, 08:56 PM

Okay, onward with the build…

January – February 2019 - Inventory continues and it was Christmas smiles :D for each and every box, bag, label and tag that I touched! I was just smiling and smiling with every item I could touch and feel, imagining mounting it or doing some kind of cut or modification to make it work. Even with many of the forum recommendation’s, which I’ll point out the ones I did for sure.

02.03.20 – Today is a special day and this is when it all really began. My son Nicholas (Nick) was here to help me with finally putting a wrench to the very first bolts. I let him take the lead and figure I would sit back and just absorb the significance of it all. I don’t get to see him but a couple times a year and to watch him as a man help me unbolt the quick-jack bolts to reveal this beautiful chassis for the first time, I think was pretty special for a father to experience. The one thing my Dad Willie had and I’ve got it from him – Patience. Good things, no GREAT THINGS come to those who wait! It’s been a joyful wait and I’m ready to finally lay eyes on and see the bronze powder coat up close and in the sunlight. He also helped me finish and strengthen the body buck with additional bracing as to keep the body completely straight as possible.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=155213&d=1635904244
Body Removal and placed on the Body Buck Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=1995
Oh, that is so purty!
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=155216&d=1635904244
NOTE: I used Jeff Kleiner's idea with the pvc poles on the side to remove the body. I didn't have larger diameter one's, which I'll get when it goes back on, but that worked slick with just the two of us. Thanks Jeff!

ydousurf

11-02-2021, 09:34 PM

03-06.20 – I pretty much focused on getting parts that I wanted to secure and some tools that I needed. I mean, let’s face it, that list of tools (above) didn’t appear overnight. I have to give some much needed focus to the house as well as other things helping my children when and where I can. And to be honest, I have to let the coffers build back up, since I spent well over my budget on the initial purchase. It was during these initial few months is when I was contacting vendors on this site and watching for community members garage sales for selective parts that I wanted to incorporate.
NOTE: See the Build Expectations and Specifications for a complete list of vendors and forum family member names that I've purchased parts from, I'm going to document them up there. But yeah, I'm on watch-and-hunt for the parts that I desire for this build.

From March thru May I found myself not doing much on the car. Remember as I said earlier in my story, my initial original plan was to actually begin building in June, so I’m moving along accordingly and slightly ahead, but I know that I will fall back and that’s okay. It’s all part of the long term plan. I am going to follow the manual where I see fit. I’m also scouring The Factory Five Forum (this place!) for ideas and helpful guidance in all the various builds that are available.

I mean, I could blame my delay on waiting on a POL item, but I’m honestly it's not. Sure I have some, but whatever it is that holds you back, you just switch gears and move onto something else. Make your build fluid and you can’t really be held up. I know I'm doing that. They say you build the car two or three or more times, yeah, I got no problem with that!

I’m planning to give each step a great deal of care and I can’t say it enough times. I just want the car to be built to the best of my abilities that I can. I’m actually undecided on a few things and so I’m going about this at a pace that will work for me to make some final decisions before proceeding forward. If necessary, I’ll take a step back to jump forward with maybe a different idea(s), part(s) or setup. It is about planning and not getting so far ahead that something that may need changed or undone, can't be or could possibly damage other parts in removal. I don’t want any regrets when I reach the end! I want to know that each phase was carefully thought out and the end result is a full blown over-the-top build that I’ll be satisfied with.

04.08.20 - I purchased a brake reservoir from a fellow vendor (rbachman). Thanks Rich! As stated in the Build Expectations and Specifications, I decided that I was going with as many Original FFR Parts where I want to stay more “true” to the build as possible. Month of April moved along and I was still in study and researching the various build threads out on TFFForum. There are so many to go through – Brilliant shout-out to all of you!

05.06.20 – Today I decided to take the first step prepping the F-Panels with clecos. I decided early on in my build, that the front slot vents, oil cooler and hood scope would all be very functional. I’m planning on utilizing the front brake vents for both foot boxes and something to the front brakes as well, if that is possible? I don’t think anyone has done something like this, splitting the vent? I’m probably wrong and I just haven’t found an example as of yet. I’ll most likely have to fabricate some venting parts if I can’t find them in aftermarket options.

05.15.20 - So, I would want to be able to remove the “elephant ears” or splash guards. And that is why I am going with Rivnuts and not rivets. With this idea (since I don’t think I’ve seen this done yet,) but I am adding in a total of only (x5) Rivnuts at ¼ diameter and ½” in length. You see it, don’t you? What, you don’t? Think of the title! For those who think I’m crazy, let me explain… The F-Panel w/x5 or F5 and ¼ or .25 and 1/2” or .50 length. F5-25-50 or F5 ¼ past ½ - pretty cool? Hah. Okay, it’s a stretch :p I am using ¼ Rivnuts where possible. Adding my little hidden touches throughout the entire build, just as Leonardo da Vinci or Vincent Van Gogh, a couple of my favs would do with their masterpieces. Bring whatever it is you’re creating into reality with more than just a purpose. Form Follows Function Follows F-Yeah!
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=155522&d=1636083077
My very first drilled hole in the chassis and I took the time to enjoy the moment:
F-Panel Installation Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2002

ydousurf

11-02-2021, 10:10 PM

05.15.20 – I next worked on getting the upper A-arms modified with the proper specifications as to be able to have a solid alignment as specified and even compensate accordingly if I ever want to track the car. Time to cut the aluminum sleeves and do that modification: {insert name of original person who inspired this mod? HERE}. I took my time and cut them with my band-saw and then did a final finish with a belt sander. I wanted to keep just a “hair” of the sleeve without going into the hex form of the turnbuckle. Measure once, twice and even three times before making the cut -or- cut a little, check? Cut a little more, check? And carefully dial it in for each part or step to avoid mistakes. Planning is key before doing!
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=155346&d=1635991792
A-Arms Modification and Front Suspension Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=1999

05.21.20 – I got some really awesome parts in the mail today. My (RT–Russ Thompson: DT-Drop trunk, TS-Turn Signal) and throttle pedal arrived. Man, these are parts sweet! Very fine and exquisite craftsmanship – Thanks Russ! I had spoken to Russ for over 30minutes on our initial phone call. Russ is an awesome person to talk at and I’m just so honored to have his parts in my build. I’m hoping to work with him on a dead pedal w/hi & low headlight switch that is incorporated into the top of it. I kicked around the idea to him on the phone and perhaps I can collaborate on a design I was thinking about. I really want my hi/low beam switch on the floor and not on the signal post or on the dash. I drove cars with the high low on the floor and it just seems to be the ideal location and that’s where mine will be. Anyway, I highly recommend that you purchase Russ’ parts to use in your own build. I can honestly promise you will not be disappointed! As said, I’ll be purchasing the dead pedal, clutch and brake pedals to match in the future...
Note: I’ll post later on the dead pedal/hi&low combo status, if that gets developed and or I’ll fabricate one.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=155219&d=1635908277

ydousurf

11-02-2021, 11:22 PM

06.03.20 – I went ahead and ordered the Moog tie rod ends that (edwardb – Paul) did on his build. When they arrived, one of the ball joint covers was damaged, so again, taking the advice from (Paul) I ordered the Energy Suspension covers and I love them. I decided to paint the parts while I was waiting for the covers to arrive.
I know that I might be going the extra mile, but some of these parts can’t be powder coated and I have the chance now to paint them, so I’m just taking my time on my ride! (My theme Song)
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=155221&d=1635910601
Moog Tie Rod Upgrade Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2001

07.03-04.20 – Time to assemble the front suspension and add-in the steering rack too.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=156058&d=1636680745
Power Steering Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2004

07.07.20 – I decided to work on the front hubs next. And thanks to a thread post that was in (toadster – Todd’s build) where forum member (CaddyDad) mentioned removing the tone rings from the hubs, for which he credited (edwardb – Paul’s) build thread. Hah – The things you see here in there in others builds and how others have used the ideas. Why reinvent the wheel? And so I decided to do just that. I used my dremel and took my time, carefully cutting down slowly. I got them 85% cut through, pushed in a screw driver as it was said the thread(s) and they just snapped as mentioned. The ring popped right off. All I can say is: TONE IT DOWN ALREADY! :D
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=156023&d=1636678982
Front Hubs Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2001

07.19.20 – I got the front suspension pretty much all set. I have most of it torque and thread locker added to pretty much everything and I’ll add in my witness marks before she is on the road. I’m kicking around some possible changes and maybe running my brake lines in such a way that I don’t puncture the frame needlessly and elevate them with the help of the power steering rack bolts? I’ll have to fabricate some brackets to make it happen, so I’m in a holding pattern for now, since I want to make sure what I do is “safe” but aesthetically pleasing and incorporate some other that I’m incorporating with the fuel and brake lines. So, I’m going to come back to these once I get all my aluminum panels drilled and clecoed, and I can then have a better idea how I can mount them on the aluminum and not on the frame. I am planning on running the rear brake line down and (inside) the driver’s side foot box as to protect it as much as possible, like others have done.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=156045&d=1636679628
Front Suspension Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2004

Next I began to assemble the rear suspension and all that goes together. I want to say right here and right now, the rear geometry with the IRS Suspension is a work of art! I found myself staring at it a very long time throughout the assembly process. So, hats off to the design team at FFR (Jim and Jesper and all that are involved) with the design and trigonometry. The beauty is something to just behold. Awesome work FFR! It was at this moment and phase is when I truly realized that having the chassis in the bronze color or a different color other than the traditional black was very cool. It allowed for other parts that are painted or powder coated black to shine on through, whereas they would normally just blend together not capturing your attention to stare at them longer. So, if you are considering powder coating your chassis a different color if that is within your budget and time frame as well, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Of course you can’t go wrong with traditional black chassis color.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=156169&d=1636681934
Rear End IRS, Shocks, CV Axles and Hubs Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2005

GoDadGo

11-03-2021, 05:49 AM

Try not to overthink, overanalyze, or over document your build.
Just schedule for a few hours each week and it will get done.
Will life and finances get in the way, likely they will.
From experience, the journey is worth it.

Good Luck, Keep Wrenching & Watch Your Pinkies!

PS:..It took me five (5) years to complete my car plus an additional six (6) months to get it titled and plated.

FFR #8,515
https://www.factoryfive.com/whats-new/customer-steve-l-graduates-his-mk4-roadster/

ydousurf

11-03-2021, 07:57 AM

Hey GoDadGo! Steve, I do appreciate the advice and of course any guidance too! I consider you and many other seasoned builders out here, those who take their time and share; knowledge and help guide new builders and not just being a Teacher, but actually reaching the Professor status. Of course, there are the Master Builders out here as well, and (edwardb - Paul) is no doubt one of them, along with many others. I've gone over your build and watched a bunch of your videos too, and it's very much appreciated and not just by me, as others have noted throughout the thread.

As for myself and my build, it's something I can't escape from :P My skills and technical roles (past and present) always seem to stay in the forefront of my brain pan. And though I try not to over think things, inevitably I do. I seem to strive for the most optimal and complete solution to problems that I encounter.

A really great friend of mine once said "Every time you do something you Sandinize it! I laughed! And thought... he was right! (RIP Scotty). As I explained it to him, then, I look at life in general and various problems for that matter like a diamond, for me an amethyst. If you just ever so gently twist it, the radiance and sheen and view changes just ever so slightly. Move it a little more and you'll see another view and gain another perspective. Move it some more and it changes again. I guess it's just how I operate and I've learned to use it. I call it finding the "Apollo 13" (my favorite # btw) moment! Discovering a solution that wasn't so apparent at the time to everyone, but it's the one that makes sense and just fits, but perhaps is not others would have done.

So, I chose to write my build this way, since my audience is not only directed at other builders, that is, if it helps anyone. But mostly for my children and grandson (hopefully) a few more in the future and other extended family members and friends and even myself. I also want to go back from time-to-time and re-read it and re-live each step and phase. So, I'm kind of writing it in 3rd person, I guess. I'm also playing catch-up since I got busy doing other things in my life that are for more important to me than even building my dream. I made a deal with GOD, that is, if I should confess to the fact and I'm okay with letting it never take priority in my life. I really am. I'm so blessed already in so many other areas and having this dream car, before was unbelievable, and now it's believable. I'm not really a social butterfly, and I don't play in certain social media's sandboxes, they're just not for me. But I figure I would let my hair down (what little I have left) and write my story to share here and only here.

See, I did it again just on this response to you - DOH!

Anyway, again, I do appreciate the words of advice and will try and stream-line and be more active out-here all together too.

Oh, and one last thing. I consider myself a dark-side follower! :cool: I guess if I can forgive all that use the newer motors, why not for other builders who use other brands that some consider "un-natural." Sorry, geeky Star Wars reference there! So, your power plant is of your choice and I'll respect that. However, I'm still working up to accepting an electric motor, which is inevitably the next-gen builds that I'm sure we'll all see in the future...

Dj

toadster

11-03-2021, 10:30 AM

glad to see the progress! Trust me - what GoDadGo (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/member.php?17319-GoDadGo) says is so true... 1/2 the stuff, ok maybe 80% of the stuff that you fret about only YOU will know about it once the body is on
nobody will know the details and pain you went through for those stainless nuts, or the extra powdercoat (or paint) - but do what works for you!

I've learned really well to walk away when frustrated, so Im thankful for this forum to teach me that... I'm not an expert builder and I post my successes AND failures, because they're bound to happen again so education is key!
keep it up! post more, chat more! We're all rootin for ya!

ydousurf

11-03-2021, 05:34 PM

Hey Toadster! Yeah, I know GoDadGo is correct! Trust me, I'm way over thinking this for sure. But there's no turning back now. :D

While you are here, I gotta give you a shout-out and say - Thanks! I've been following your thread here and on your (cobradreams) site. BTW Cool url! You're doing a great job and the ABS and it's really coming together. Nice work on that mod. I'll be watching what you do electrical wise. I also gotta thank you for the inspiration on the electric parking brakes too. it's a little pricey, but I also think it's the more optimal solution to totally remove the parking brake, and do completely away with the cables and having to do the pulley cable mod, which I would do if I kept them. I do like the hand brake as it provides more originality, but that passenger side cockpit is cramped enough. Plus, I think the Wilwood e-brake are a perfect compliment to the the rear brakes that are in the kit.

Anyway, thanks for the cheer! I'll have more time to post, which is why I'm more active as of late on the site. I'm trying to get my build story current, which is motivating me to be out here more.

Keep up the great work on your build, you're getting closer!

Dj

ydousurf

11-03-2021, 11:22 PM

08.03.20 – I decided when I started this build that my theme was 25 & 50 or Silver/Stainless/Chrome/Aluminum & Gold/Bronze/Brass accents. I’ve chosen brass since gold is not in the budget. Brass will work for what I want to do with it. I ordered some stock brass and have begun to make various brackets or parts that can play a specific role. I guess I want my build to be the elephant in the room (parking lot) that gets lots of attention. I decided to make some brass accents that can act as covers and add some bling throughout the car. I like how they came out and how the brass hardware will give it a wink and compliments the silver and black parts throughout the entire car.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=156227&d=1636683391
Kiss My Brass Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2006

08.13.20 and throughout August - I’m finally at a point where I want to spend some time on the (RT – Russ Thompson: Drop Trunk Mod) that I purchased way back in May. I’m actually waiting on some funding to proceed on some other items. I want to make some changes and I think I’ll upgrade the entire fuel sending system, but I’ll keep the FFR supplied gas tank. So, why not attempt the (Russ Thompson Drop Trunk) now and put my touch on it, that is, that I have a unique way I want to implement it. Again, since this chassis is a special run of bronze, my goal is to accentuate and show-it-off as much as possible, wherever possible. Now, most builders cut the supplied trunk aluminum from FFR, so that the chassis frame shows completely, but it exposes the frame to scratching and damaging from hauling “stuff” in the trunk. For those with a black chassis, it’s easy to touch up with paint, but this bronze, not so much. So, I decided that I would attempt to keep the aluminum in place (on top) like normal, but remove the rest around each bar. I also decided to go with the sharp angles, helping to accentuate the aluminum and frame together, instead of using small arcs in the corners. I’m also not planning on carpeting the entire trunk. I have my idea and I’ll show that later when I come back to the trunk in the future…
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=155441&d=1635998916
Russ Thompson Drop Trunk Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=1998
NOTEs:
1). I worked with Russ and he sent me a piece of aluminum (see parts photo) so I can add a cover on the top. I'm planning to use magnets and avoid a hinge setup.
2). And my rivet spacing got a little wonky here, but I was trying to get a balance and could've used a little more planning, but they will be covered with insulation and carpet.
3). I'm not going with full carpet throughout. I plan to have aluminum sides and carpet only on the "floor" of the trunk. I want to have some aluminum show as well, throughout the trunk.

As I was working on the fabrication of Russ' DT Mod for the day, I earlier (back in January) had taken a peek at the wheels back when I was doing inventory. I decided to get two of them out and mounted them to get some motivation. Well, that and JD stopped by to celebrate, so I couldn't resist a few shots with Jack. I had to just take a moment to take it all in! Cheers!
Now, when Dave Smith announced the 25th Anniversary Roadster, I immediately fell in love with the wheel design. I'm so glad I have a set!
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=155399&d=1635998679

08.29.20 - Gas Tank Temporary Install. I planned to replace all black oxide bolt hardware with stainless steel. Again, trying to keep with my silver/gold them. So, I'll pull this out again and add-in some upgrades and changes to the fuel system (pump/filter/lines) etc...
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=156237&d=1636684473
Gas Tank Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2007

egchewy79

11-04-2021, 06:27 AM

looking good. just curious, why'd you keep the aluminum over the trunk supports in your drop trunk mod? most people just cut a large rectangle, exposing the diagonal braces, which makes the cutting a lot easier. If you're carpeting your trunk, you could always wrap the bars with carpet if it really bugs you having them exposed.

ydousurf

11-04-2021, 07:59 AM

Great question and thanks, egchewy79! Let me explain that... I'm planning on only putting sounds matting and carpet on the floor of the (RT-Drop Trunk) and on the rest of the "horizontal" surfaces only, except for the those two trunk supports. I'm going to use Velcro to attach the carpet to the sound matting and not glue it in. All vertical aluminum pieces will will be prepped with 220 grit sandpaper and then I'll add the SharkHide product to protect them, along with these two braces. My goal was to have the black carpet flooring, then the aluminum sidewalls and have this kind of altered stepping in the trunk. I'm striving for few things:
1). Mainly having the small strip of aluminum on top will add some protection for the bronze chassis supports. And should give a really cool effect once it's done.
2). Throughout this build, I'm trying to do a blend that represent my "time theme," which is: (silver for 25yrs = aluminum or chrome or stainless & gold for 50yrs = the bronze or brass). accents. You'll find that all my rivnuts will have a hex brass bolt to add a sprinkle and twinkle.
3). And I'm not to worried about full sound proofing in the trunk. I'm still not sure if I'll add a stereo and if I do, then I'll have race radios for driver and passenger to listen and communicate. I suspect as everyone says, that the engine and wind noise really won't be anymore louder if the trunk isn't full sound proofed. So, I'm focused more on the aesthetics of the trunk.

And to be completely honest, I'm standing in the shadow of everyone here, and it feels so cool! <pun intended>. However, I do want to put my own little twist on things. So, I'm trying to find ways where my build is just a little bit different. I'm also trying to test some of my fab skills where I can, along the way. I figured that if I could pull it off, in the end it will look really awesome when I have the trunk open. Having the black carpet and then some aluminum and bronze accents of the frame exposed here-n-there with the trunk supports and the rest of the chassis frame. It should look pretty sweet once it's done. I'm planning something very similar in the cockpit, that is, when I get to that stage.

I also knew going into making all the cuts, that if I wasn't able to pull-it-off, then I would just get rid of them by making the smaller cuts and then it would be like most others. So, Honestly, I was just testing my abilities with cutting and fab skills, since I got other things planned in the build. I actually hope that nobody has ever done this and perhaps this will be one-of-many things that I can offer for others to try and get a little bookmark in my build story to say that I pioneered the idea? I'm not sure if anyone has done it this way? I'm only trying to contribute to ideas that others can use and to use the appropriate phrase here - To think outside the box! <pun intended> Again. ;)

Dj

mosh1999

11-25-2021, 02:52 AM

Steering arms are reversed.

ydousurf

11-25-2021, 04:21 AM

Are they really? Hah! And here I was just following along on dbo-texas' build and was reading the comments and commented as well. And mine are backwards too, that's hilarious! ROOKIE! Me that is - DOH! I guess being green will fit nicely, since that is the color I am going with.

Anyway, thanks so much mosh1999 for pointing that out! This is exactly why I meant to get my build thread out here earlier for others to give me "eyes-on" advice and feedback.

I do hope to get to work on it this weekend and will correct the error. I'm sure this won't be my only one. Again, thanks for noticing my mistake, I really do appreciate it!

toadster

11-25-2021, 12:43 PM

FFR should REALLY work on their documentation! Would be a great intern project to learn and document!
I think it's a 50/50 chance that people install the steering arms on the wrong sides (I did it too!)

keep up the work! Like I keep telling myself, it's not gonna build itself! ;)

Ted G

11-25-2021, 02:03 PM

Doug,

I am really enjoying following your build! I love the attention to detail and your personalizations of it all. I may borrow a few on my build. You and a few others have convinced me to go with a bare frame and powder coat myself. I'm pretty sure I'm going with Ford Corporate Blue (mid blue) for my frame. Keep it up!!

ydousurf

11-25-2021, 03:03 PM

Thanks Todd! I keep telling myself the same, it's defiantly NOT going to build itself. I'm planning to try and bring my build thread current this weekend. And yeah, the manual could use some updates and clarification on certain steps. However, that's where this site comes in, and more importantly, all the seasoned builders caring and sharing their knowledge. I know it's been said before, but I too could not build my dream either without the help from of this site! And that compliment extends to all of you! So, again, thanks for all the help and feedback. I do plan to sell all my unused parts in the future and use those dollars to become a supportive member, just to give back to something that has given me so much.

Oh, and btw, my late night response (above) was due to picking up our daughter from the airport, who was able to get a last minute red-eye flight to come home for Thanksgiving, for which my wife and I are very thankful for. Otherwise, I'll try to limit my responses to the daylight hours ;)

ydousurf

11-25-2021, 05:18 PM

Hey Ted,

I tell you... You will not regret going with a different color for the frame! And you can't go wrong with blue, especially a Ford blue variant! I know it will be more work and $$$'s, but you will surely appreciate it in the long run. The contrast with all the black powder coated/painted parts adds such a great look, and brings the focus to those parts that otherwise go really unnoticed. Plus, you can clean up the weld spatter and fix any flaws to make it look slick! I know I'm nit-picking, but I guess that's just me.

And thanks for the compliments on details too. I said going into this build that it would not be a normal build like many do. That's not a shot at anyone or "attention to detail" persae, but more so, that I would be building it out of order. I blew my budget on the anniversary edition, and then realized, I now have no budget limit. I just need time to purchase and implement all the cool mods. And yes, please use any ideas that you want to incorporate in your own build. I'm obviously borrowing from others and trying to put my own spin on some of them. So, have at it my friend!

I hope to do some more, such as following:
> Folding down the cubby divider wall to have the entire trunk space open. I'm ordering the brass piano hinge this next week.
> I'm planning to make the cubby door slide on delrin or another "slippery" plastic and use a magnetic lock to keep it closed/locked. I decided that if I install a stereo, then any and all speakers will come from the dash/trans tunnel/doors and not from behind the seats. Not that, that's a bad idea, i just want the cubby door to slide open. If I can't pull-it-off, I'll then add a brass hinge and have it open into the trunk space.
> I'm adding a clock inside the glove box door. With air conditioning going in, I won't have much of a glove box for depth. I only need it for registration and insurance papers anyway. The clock, it's kind of a nod and throw-back to the 69 Mustang Fastback Cobra Jet version.
(The 67 & 69 are my fav mustangs of the yester-years gone bye. I had a chance to get a 69 428 CJ, but opted to get me a cobra replica instead.)

And hopefully a few other mods:
> Solid grab handle and lower dash support cage to hold the speakers.
> Raised panel heat shields on the foot boxes.
> Possibly dual venting for both the front brakes and the foot boxes too.
> LED lighting in the trunk, cockpit and hopefully underneath as well.
> And I'm hoping to work with both FFR and Russ Thompson to innovate a couple of things that they can then offer to others, I'm just about to begin to open that dialogue with each. If they're not interested, I'll make them on my own. I'm a mechanical/architectural engineer and my artist skills always leads me to design and innovate crazy ideas that I truly do love to bring into existence. My Christmas gifts are over the top!

Anyway, if you have any questions or anywhere I can help, just reach out anytime.

Jryasko

11-26-2021, 01:02 PM

ydousurf

11-26-2021, 02:29 PM

Hey Jryasko,

Thanks for the concern and point well taken! I'm only replacing the bolts for; sway bar mounts, foot pedal box bracket to firewall and the gas tank straps. The front ones in the kit were a tad smaller in length. I am using military grade and I believe I'll be okay for these areas. As for the brass accents, those are mostly for "bling" and in not so critical areas. The break/failure loads should well be within parameters in where they are, and most are there just for sparkle. I do a appreciate the feedback - Thanks!

ydousurf

11-28-2021, 12:38 AM

This page is reserved for Time-Warp Table of Contents. I’ll eventually build out the map for my build which can bring some clarity to the ever changing date & time continuum. I think this is what happens when you get caught in the flux capacitor? Anyway, these links will take you to the future, but for right now, it’s the present. So, buckle up Dorothy! Because your past dreams are going bye-bye and now only the REALality of it all awaits…

ydousurf

11-28-2021, 12:43 AM

Okay, officially giving this the TIME TITLE: Back2TheFuture…

I keep thinking I wish I had a time machine. And it would be a cobra replica and that would be just so damn cool! Oh well, I’m no Marty McFly or Doc Brown for that matter, but I sure feel like a little bit of both! Either way, I still got to get back to the future! I’m working on getting my pics uploaded and so I can get caught up in real-time updates. So, onward with the F5Log / Story / Journey…

Where was I, oh yeah -

08.31.20 – Time to change out the wheel studs. Eh, my big mistake! I tried to do them with just some washers and oil/grease/lube and that did not go so well at all! I spoke with (Dave C. @FFR) and order a 2nd set. He gave some advice to use the ABN Wheel Stud Installer bearing tool, which will make this process go smooth.

I took his advice, ordered the part for a few bucks. I decided to paint up the wheel hubs while I waited for the tool to arrive. Once I received the ABN bearing, I gave it a try and the studs went in like butter! I did have a problem where I used Grade 5 Nuts to pull the wheel studs into the hub and the nuts threads actually peeled out. The stud was fine, and the nut was sacrificed. The only thing I should’ve done different was to get a 2nd nut (backup) at the time of the initial purchase. I ran back to hardware store for another one. All ten studs went in just fine.
***TIP – Purchase the Wheel Stud Installer Bearing tool, it just makes it so much easier***
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=156020&d=1636678954

Wheel Stud Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2001

09.01.20 - I’m about to begin to move into holding pattern for the next couple of months. You see, I love woodworking! My other half of the garage is filled with my shop tools; table saw, band saw, sander, drill press, and the numerous hand tools. Anyway, I've created custom furniture and clocks and so many things from functional swings to just artwork. I just love always taking things to the next level! And I have always planned to do the same with my Roadster too.

Anyway, each year I build a Christmas gift for one of my family members. We draw names out of a hat. If you don't do this, try it! But allow for the entire 12months for everyone to have time to make something really neat. I believe everyone is talented; you just have to discover that inside yourself! We all have talents, so, this is something we only began a couple years back and it really have brought a whole level of creativity, love and fun for everyone. It adds a special touch to the already wonderful holiday and family time together.

The Christmas gift has and is always a priority for me. So my cycles of time are shifted to working on that. I try to spend a weekday or weekend here and there all throughout the year, in order to build the very thing I envision for that particular family member. I like to incorporate and use; various wood types, glass/acrylic/plexi-glass/mirror and lighting effects if necessary.

In 2018 I did the LOTR Fellowship of the Ring (characters) in silhouette from the film. I have the members in various types of wood and it lights up in both brilliant eleven white and orcs-are-about blue! It came out very cool and set the stage for many of the future gifts that I plan to build. And me being me, I always take it to the next level!

I followed that up last year in (2019) with a mountain glacier scene. This has hundreds of hours on the high end approaching a thousand, vs the LOTR gift which was a couple hundred hours. And this year (2020) the year of craziness, I had been working on next gift. I can add this, it’s the most difficult one I’ve done so far. This one actually took me 23 months to finish yeah, do the math; I missed the Christmas 24th deadline. It's the most intricate and difficult piece of work that I've ever created. I was able to show some of it on 12/25/20, but didn't get it totally completed and given as of just two weeks ago. I was forgiven of course, for missing the deadline and that's all that mattered.
And now this year in (2021) I've been working on the next one a little here and there and hopefully I can get it done. You will actually see the gap here coming up, where I totally shut down the build from May to mid-October. There was absolutely no work or pictures taken. I would rather get these gifts done and given to my children and family members who are so dear to me and take long breaks from the build. I'm cool with it!
>>>INSERT PURCHASE PIC or LINK HERE<<<

ydousurf

11-28-2021, 12:47 AM

09.01.20 – At this time, I’m going to be moving into somewhat of a holding pattern for the next few months. Not only due to the cold in Colorado and my garage only has a small heater that I use occasionally. It can get rather cold out there and I don’t have the luxury of extra space, so I find myself outside on the driveway most of the time. However, the main reason is that each year, I build a complex Christmas gift for one of my family members. It’s something we only began a couple years back. Anyway, that gift is always a priority for me and so my cycles of time will be shifted to working on that. I’ll do a few things here-n-there, but my build will most likely come to a halt and I’m okay with that!
September to November 2020 – I took a break away from the build to work on the Christmas gift I’m making…
11.29.20 – I received my right rear CV Axle (replacement) from FFR. The first one they sent in the kit, I could not get the splines to line up with the rear wheel hub and did everything I could to get it to go on what so ever. In the end, the splines are not matching up and there is just no way that this CV Axle going to work?

To catch you up with one of a couple of hiccups I had with my parts. So, back in October, I tried to get the CV Axles on the rear end and get it all squared away. I was working on the rear-end trying to get it wrapped up, but the right rear CV Axle that was shipped with the kit would not go on the hub what so ever. The driver side CV Axle would slide onto both hubs with no issues, but I could not get the passenger to slide on either of the hubs. The splines were not manufactured correctly. So… I spoke with FFR back in October and they sent me out a replacement and I tried it the first day I got it and it slid on with no issues at all.

SO, ONCE AGAIN IT MUST BE NOTED THAT HERE I WAS ALL THESE MONTHS LATER AND FACTORY FIVE STOOD BY THEIR WORD AND SOLVED THE ISSUE! LIKE ALWAYS, IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM – CALL FFR AND THEY’LL MAKE IT RIGHT! THANKS F5!!!!!
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=156882&d=1637710134
{The defective axle is the one that is painted. The new one is the replacement from FFR}.
CV Axles Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2005

12.27.20 – I was finally able to paint the CV Axle on this day when it was warmer outside. I’ll get it installed once the paint is dry and it’s a warmer day like this one. Again, with Colorado’s weather, I’ll most likely just take the next couple of months off and work on the next Christmas gift for 2021. I plan to work on the disk brakes and get those assembled with the security wires installed and secured. But that will wait for another day.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=156896&d=1637710238

ydousurf

11-28-2021, 01:05 AM

January 2021 – It’s now going on a year from when I received my kit. My original plan was a 3-5 year build. Well, I’m now looking at 5 years for sure! It’s all good. Money vs Time vs my Availability vs more Money <repeat>…

01.10.21 – I got around to finally installing the CV Axle. This was a decent winter warm sunny day, so I took advantage of it.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=156919&d=1637710377
CV Axles Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2016

01.20.21 – WOW! Another warm day in January – WTH?! Yeap, Climate Change – SUCKS! Oh well what do you do? Work on the build, I guess. Anyway, I ordered the Breeze Offset Rack Mounting Kit a while back. I decided to go this route while I still was not far along in the build and would be able to add it in fairly quickly. So, today is the day to install it!
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=156929&d=1637711183

Breeze Offset Rack Kit Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2017

02.06.21 – Okay, I figure it’s finally time to start getting traction back on the build. I decided I would focus on getting the disk brakes and platters all mated up and secure with the stainless safety wires. This is totally new to me, which is cool, but it’s a challenge that will be fun. I figure I I would just do the safety wire in “pairs” and not try and push my luck with daisy-chaining them all together. I have to admit that I had to do bunch of them over, I mean, just look at the pile of wire for each one in the pictures. I think what I was able to do will be just fine and safe. Hell, I’ll be putting my own life on the line with them, so I’m giving them a pass for quality control. I’ll install them as soon as the weather warms-up.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=157034&d=1637714442

02.27 & 28.21 – It’s a warmer day – YAY! Time to install my brakes
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=157056&d=1637714555
Disk Brakes and Safety Wires Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2018

ydousurf

11-28-2021, 01:08 AM

03.02.21 – Ahhh… YES! March! And the warmer weather is surely on the way – Woohoo! It’s still somewhat cold and we seem to get the most snow in this month, but at least winter is behind us for another year.  Or maybe I should say… “Winter might be behind us for years to come?”
Spent some time beginning to Loctite and Torque certain bolts that I know that I can call done. I’m going to add the witness-marks before any go carting of course.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=156976&d=1637714016
Rearend Loctite and Torqued Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2019

03.05.21 - I made a decision a while back to remove any black oxide coated bolts and replace them with stainless steel ones. Mainly for my silver/gold theme and there is nothing wrong with the black oxide bolts, it was preference. I will add that both bolt do and will rust, it just seems like the BO show more rust than the stainless, my opinion. It’s more $$$’s and I get it, but it’s what I had planned all along.
Essentially; the way bars, foot pedal supports and gas tank are the main three areas where I’ll do the swap.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=157084&d=1637715191
Stainless Steel Bolt Swap Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2020

04.03.21 – I’ve decided that I’m going to make April the month I push for ALL the aluminum skins and scales to be drilled and cleco’d. Now, my plan in the future is to clean, sand w/200grit and SharkHide both sides, unless it’s cockpit and trunk, I’ll only do the outside of them. I’m planning on the summer of 2022 to take a week and dial in the aluminum and will then be ready to rivet and proceed with adding the insulation mat as well. I’m a big fan of the aluminum being seen and visible and I really like to see that in these cars. So, I want to see if I can get the engine bay, cockpit and trunk all done this month. Let’s do this!
NOTE: I made a decision that I was going to try and hide all the aluminum “tabs” where they wouldn’t be readily seen, that is, depending what location on the car. Engine bay and cockpit mainly I was attempting to have all the tabs on the inside and will be under the insulation mat material. I mention this because the aluminum I don’t think wants to be assembled this way from FFR, but I wanted a really clean as possible skin throughout the chassis. If you attempt this, be forewarned that it takes some patience and planning to get them to line up nicely. And I’m still deciding on which brand of mat that I will use.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=157090&d=1637716777

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=157129&d=1637716945

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=157367&d=1637718903
Engine bay and Foot boxes Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2021

04.08.21 - I took the day to work on the NRG Removable Steering Wheel Adapter.
*NOTE: You DO NOT need the 3D-Printed alignment adapters that were circulating through various builders. I think they must have gotten lost in someone's garage(s), since the thread seem to die off with responses, even tho several individuals were inquiring about them? I decided that this is like any other mod, and you just need to plan for accuracy and then execute on it. All you need is a keen set of eyes, a mechanical pencil (preferred) and a accurate ruler using 1/16th's or 1-2millimeters (your choice) on the English or Metric side of thoughts. Anyway, don't be intimidated! Check out my album for more details in each photo.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=155642&d=1636091592
NRG Removable Steering Wheel Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=1997

04.11.21 – On this day I had a holy sh!t moment! Long story short, the shop cat (Smokey) – btw – He got the name in 2019 when the fires were dropping ash all over us in Colorado and the air was just filled and we’re just trying to help the small creatures, especially the one’s that got a stigma from some uneducated people blaming things on voodoo and stuff.
Anyway, we were under the chassis drilling and installing the lower skins in each of the foot boxes. Both for quite a long time, Smokes actually took a snooze in the shade. Anyway, it was a couple hours for me to get that all drilled and cleco’d up. I was moving in and out (up and down) between the driver and passenger sides being worked on, you all know this. So, I wrapped up what I was doing and I go to move the dolly to get ready to call it a day and ----- BOOM! The right rear dolly wheel broke. I mean so many thoughts went through my head…
1st - Was Princess Diana. No BS! I wasn’t going to sit there and take pictures, you respond and react! RIP Princess.
2nd - I immediately grabbed the floor jack in panic, but realized everything was going to be alright. And why do I say that? Because, it’s all about planning! Back when I built the chassis dolly, I made the decision to not only build it strong, but I spent a few more dollars and added the hold-down eye screws, that and some additional wood bracing that I was going to use as leverage and bumper protection for moving and hauling. See, I initially thought that I might have to unload my kit in a parking lot and move it to a flatbed trailer and so, I figured that I would have those measures in place, just in case. And I’m so glad that I did! Well, I didn’t have to do the parking lot dance, but decided why let them go to waste and I strapped the chassis down to the dolly for security and that paid of HUGE $$$$$!
3rd - I got the floor jack under the dolly and safely leveled it out.
4th - I did a full check and nothing was damaged, nothing moved! Except it falling on that corner the 2-4” drop or whatever that height, since the wheel broke and it helped buffer the impact as it landed on it.
5th - The last thing was to hunt down some new dolly wheels that can handle the weight and get them installed ASAP.

I guess I consider myself not only lucky, but a little smart too! Plan for the worst even if it doesn’t occur, because one day it might and it was my day! I located all steel wheels at my local farm supply, no they are not cheap! 900lb load capacity per each –vs- 300lbs for the others. Now, I thought I could get away with the other ones, and had done so, but this wheel just f’n broke!

FLASHBACK! Uuuuhhhh... I was just under that and it could’ve been a not-so pretty site. I surely could’ve easily been hurt and possibly maybe death? Not going to dwell on what-if’s anymore! Onward...

Now, let me say this right now. For all the naysayers and superstitious folks out there, nope, sorry. It wasn’t that my shop cat is black! I don’t subscribe to such silliness, and for some good solid advice - YOU SHOULDN'T EITHER! It was because the weight exceeded the wheels and or the manufacturing of the product was less than sub-standard? Possibly, but I'm thinking nope, wrong again. To be honest, I really believe it was because I went with swivel wheels and I should’ve not done that. I’m sure if I would’ve gone with just locked-in straight forward & backward only, they most likely would’ve held up just fine.

***TIP – This is just something to point out and share with others that it does pay to have your chassis and dolly strapped together, especially if you plan to be moving it around quite a bit***

Needless to say, I got the dolly fixed and called it a night and a week for that matter. I’ll get back on the horse next weekend.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=157156&d=1637717184
Chassis Dolly Wheel Breaks Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2022

ydousurf

11-28-2021, 01:27 AM

04.17.21 thru 04.26.21 – I built out the cockpit and worked on the trunk area as well. Like all the other skins, just take your time and do the planning and you can make it all come together nicely. I’m really happy how the skins are going together. Again, there are hidden caveats that show themselves when you try to keep the tabs on the inside and not assembling the normal way that you should.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=157383&d=1637718999
Cockpit and Trunk Skins Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2024

04.28.21 – Added in the Breeze Battery Box. There’s nothing special other than using brass bolts for accents. I plan to get some brass tubing to cover the long bolts and that should look sweet with the stainless tray (clear coated) and a black battery along with some brass twinkle. I’m just continuing my sliver & gold theme where I possibly can.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=157499&d=1637719889
Breeze Batter Box Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2026

04.29.21 – I decided to add in the Breeze Cubby in the rear wall. I know this will be handy to have access to some items: water, gloves, coat, etc… When stopped of course. I’d like to see the mod that allows you to get to it, let alone anything else when belted in? I’m still working on building a door of some kind, but I’m not sure if I’ll do sliding one, or just on a hinge. I’m still thinking about what I’ll do if anything?
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=157531&d=1637720129
Breeze Cockpit Storage Cubby Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2027

As said at the beginning of my build that I would try and support as many vendors that I could and represent the best that can be incorporated into one’s build. Breeze makes some incredible parts and I’m be adding so much more from them.

05.01.21 – So, I made a deal with myself that May 1st I would shut-down the build pretty much for a next few months. I need to get this Christmas gift, which is overdue now by about 5 months. Yeah, I missed the Christmas 12/25/20 deadline for my person and I am planning to dedicate ALL my free time to getting it completed.
MAY – BUILD ON HOLD NO PICS
JUN – BUILD ON HOLD NO PICS
JUL – BUILD ON HOLD NO PICS
AUG – BUILD ON HOLD NO PICS
SEP – BUILD ON HOLD NO PICS
OCT – BUILD ON HOLD NO PICS

I got my Christmas gift for 2020 done and presented in mid-October and have been caught up with Family needs and life's wants. Now, 2021’s Christmas gift is well underway and should be able to deliver that on-time, so…………………… IT’S TIME TO GET BACK TO THE BUILD!

11.01.21 – I officially kicked-off this build journal for starters. I know I’m late, but I’ve just been hammered with work and life in general. Anyway, my main goal is to get this MKIV#9769 documented and published out here. This is a record of the dedication I put into this FFRoadster. I hope Dave Smith and the rest of Factory Five is proud of the effort I gave. Again, I’m not really innovating, but where I can find some customization that nobody has ever done and hopefully others can incorporate them and continue to build on the Never Ending Dreams of Stories that are REALized…

11.09.21 - I decided to get the roll-bars fitted.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=157756&d=1638073807
Test fitting the roll-bars Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2030

11.19.21 - I began to build the paper templates for the raised heat panels that I'm going to incorporate.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=157764&d=1638073979
Foot Box Heat Protection Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2031

11.21.21 - I starting to begin getting the pedals all set with the Russ Thompson Throttle pedal. I'll most likely swap out the Willwood foot pads with what Russ offers.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=157816&d=1638074391
Foot Pedal Assembly Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2032

11.24.21 – As I update the next “chunk” of data and information, I’ve been working on getting my photos sorted and resized and into albums on this site these past weeks.
Over the winter, I plan to focus on the following:
> Complete the gas/brake/clutch pedals and add in the hydraulic clutch setup
> Work on having the Breeze Cubby aluminum (divider) fold down. I want the entire trunk available for a soft top, since I think it can fit in there if needed. I’m planning on putting that piece of aluminum that Breeze provides on a brass hinge. Again, looking to maximize all space and when form follows function, it’s a beautiful thing.
> Get the brake and fuel lines added
> Add the vent tubing and necessary hardware to run air from brake vent ducts to the foot boxes and hopefully to the front brakes as well
> Add raised aluminum panels to protect the foot boxes from direct heat off the headers
> Install Wilwood electronic emergency brakes
Plans for summer 2022:
> Sharkhide aluminum skins and install with sound/insulation mat and rivets
> Prep the underside of the body and get it off the body buck
> Get the car into a roller on shop tires or a complete second set of wheels for the carting stage
> Build-out the dash
> Begin wiring installation

As you can see, I've been jumping around and that is allowing me to be more thorough and precise in each step, which is allowing me the "time" to be more detailed and careful for that matter. I've 2nd guessed myself on a few things and have had to take a step back at times to make the necessary change before I was too far past to make it simple. I mean, I decided to add in the Breeze Offset Rack Kit, which wasn't a that big of a deal. Now I'm ordering the Wilwood emergency brakes at the end of the month. Sometimes you take a step back to go forward with a clear conscience and that's what I'm doing.

ydousurf

11-28-2021, 01:57 AM

11.27.21 - It's now the present. Damn, time flies! It sure does, especially if you have a time machine or any roadster will do.
Well, there you are and here I am! Feels kind-of-weird to be back in the present time frame, but it also feels great! This is where I'm currently at in my build. I'm going to try and stay up-to-date and current to my status. I had a lot of necessary family circumstances and work and everything else keeping me busy. Again, who doesn't? Priorities and Patience and it all can work itself out and come together - LITERALLY!

So what's next???

Well for starters, I took advantage of Eastwood's Black Friday deal and I purchased the; Eastwood Pro Brake Tubing Flaring Tool with 45 and 37 Degree Die Set. Once again, it's about making choices and I think I'll go ahead and put in Stainless Fuel and Brake lines over the winter.

I'm also going to ordering my Wilwood electric emergency brakes and Wilwood clutch in the next couple days. That and a bunch of McMaster parts and I'll be ordering from prdcrrct.com to get the cobra air vent kit for the foot boxes. Along with some aircraftspruce.com for the aluminum flanges for the ducting and high temp flexible ducting hose. And a whole bunch of other stuff, that is, as parts become available.

But first up, tomorrow (11.28.21) I plan to swap my steering arms that (Jryasko) noticed that were not correct, for which again - Thanks for noticing that Jryasko! The good thing, I didn't have the ball joints "castle nuts" even torqued yet. So, I'll correct those so any future pictures will show the correct orientation and to be honest, it's back to the 2021 Christmas gift and will pick the build up again after the gift is done or the beginning of 2022.

I'll work on the raised heat panel (templates) that I'm still kicking around ideas as to how I want to do them. I'm not going to make them as high as the paper templates, i just did a full reproduction to get a sense as to what I'll need material wise. I was going to do a single aluminum piece with either bends or welded seams but now, I think I'll divide them with a piece of 90* angle brass and again, play to my 1/4 past 1/2 time theme of sliver and brass and black too.

Anyway, if you're following along, I do appreciate any feedback or comments and concerns that you notice.

ydousurf

11-28-2021, 02:02 AM

Here's some ideas for my inspiration from some of the following Cobra's and Roadsters out there. I'm holding a few cards and paint samples back for now. I've already decided on the paint scheme and I'll incorporate four different colors in my theme:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=157833&d=1638075869

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=157842&d=1638075907

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=157828&d=1638075845

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=157829&d=1638075869

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=157824&d=1638075845
Inspiration & Ideas Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2033

Ted G

11-28-2021, 12:30 PM

Doug,

Really enjoying your build. I like the idea of the raised panels in the engine bay. I am considering that as wall. I was thinking of raising the panels about 1/4 to 1/2 inch with head protectant in between and keeping an air gap.

Love the RT and removable steering wheel mod. Quick question: does it feel solid and how many hours did it take you?

Ted

ydousurf

11-28-2021, 02:19 PM

Hey Ted,

Yeah, on the raised panels, I'm planning on using rivnuts and installing from the inside walls of the foot boxes. This way, there will be just that approx. <1/2" raised space or so between the foot boxes and the heat (aluminum) panels that will rest on the back-side of the rivnuts. Essentially, I'll be screwing the bolt to the rivnut, but I'll be going in from the backend and not the normal way a rivnut gets mounted. Hopefully that makes sense, or just look at my F-Panel for a visual explanation. It believe it should work just about perfect and create an "air gap" for which I have proof it works from my own wood stove. Sure, 1" would be ideal, but we don't have that real estate and I think the rivnut will work just fine. I know the engine install will be a tight rope walk, but I'm not to worried about it. I suspect soft blankets and patience will be all one needs. That, and a few tasty <insert favorite poison beverage here> to celebrate, but that won't happen til 2023.

As for the NRG mod. I actually broke my tap and instead of getting a lesser quailty new-one, I chose to get one from McMaster's and so it went on hold for a week or so waiting on that to arrive. Anyway, it can easily be done in a weekend, perhaps just a full day 4-8 hours. I usually spend a few hours on a step and then I'm multi-tasking on other "to-do's" that need cycles too. The only thing I highly recommend is a drill press. I for one can't drill an exact straight hole in metal with a hand drill, over and over again. Maybe a couple times, but not consistently. Now, maybe if you buy a couple cheap bubble levels (the actual bubble) and attach those to the hand drill or if yours has those built in, then maybe. But I would find someone with a drill press and a good vise too and go that route if you don't have one. And... You DO NOT need those alignment spacers - FYI. I just carefully planned and measuered it out. See my the album for details under each pic

Oh, one last thing and maybe others will chime in that have the NRG adapter already. When I finished it, I felt a small amount of play, just a tiny small "tick-click-movement" and I'm not sure if I could deal with that while driving each time I turned the wheel. Essentially the play between the two connecting plates or surfaces was bothering me. That's why I added the set-screw on the right side. And be warned to be very careful planning that out. I'm actaully not fully done with the mod. I still need to build a small 90* bracket that will mount down inside the recessed part of the steering hub, the aluminum part that the sterring wheel attaches to. I'll mount the bracket to the steering shaft when I bolt it on at final assembly, and then the set screw, that will screw into that bracket and tie it all together tight. Of course the set screw has to be removed in order to separate the sterring wheel. I'm okay with carring a small hex head tool on my key ring just for this purpose.

I also plan to use the switch on the end of the turn signal shaft/post and that will become my horn. Many use it for the hi-low beam and if you do, go find i.e.427's vid on youtube where he talks about getting adding in the type of "click-on and click-off" replacement. I didn't write down the part #, but it's fairly a recent vid of his and he does great work.

Sorry, long explanation, but wanted to explain this a little further. Any other questions, just ask!

Ted G

11-28-2021, 04:30 PM

Thanks Doug! Great idea on the rivnuts going in backwards. Brilliant!

I may tackle that steering wheel mod, you have some good documentation on that. Yes, I saw 427's mod for the headlight, good stuff. I'll be following you along, my kit comes in March.

ydousurf

11-29-2021, 09:42 PM

Hey Ted, Yeah the steering wheel mod is doable and is obviously not my idea, so all credit goes to those individuals who innovated and improved the mod (frd2, karlos and others) in the following thread:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?34975-Quick-Release-Russ-Thompson-turn-signal

All the best on your build journey and enjoy every step and hurdle, for which makes it that much more fun to push the envelope and just believe in yourself as you move along!

ydousurf

11-29-2021, 10:46 PM

11.28.21 - On Sunday, I decided to spend a couple hours and fix my mistake that mosh1999 noticed and I'm very grateful for that - Thanks mosh!

Also to note on page 47 of the manual it's clear as day that I put them on wrong. Documentation is fine! Chalked up to "user error" on my part. Anyway, I'm glad mosh caught it and that I only had those x4 bolts torqued. I had to get-out the breaker bar, but was able to make the switch fairly quickly. I'll replace the nuts with fresh one's. And I'll try and take it as a lesson learned and try to be even more careful in the future.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=158033&d=1638238227
Steering Arms Corrected Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2034

11.29.21 - Tonight, I took a few minutes to begin to make the template(s) that I'll use to figure out exact amount of aluminum I can get away with. I made a 2nd blank cardboard just in case I need a backup. I took this picture and was so stoked! I'm planning on LED's in the trunk and cockpit will no doubt be going with green. And it go me thinking... Maybe I should spray the aluminum skins with a translucent green to create the effect similar to this picture. Hmmm... I'm going to have to make some samples and see if this possible?
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=158050&d=1638238781
Breeze Cubby Hinged Wall Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2035

Okay, well, I got the Trunk Wall mod and the Raised Heat shields templates that I'll refine and get the aluminum purchased and cut accordingly. Those items are my next steps to be taken, that and along with the list I posted above #34 to focus on over the winter. I'm planning on buying a bunch of parts in the next few days as well. I can't wait to build out the vented foot boxes with purchasing from site vendor(s):
https://prdcrrct.com/product/air-vent-kit/
https://www.breezeautomotive.com/
and some others

However, it's time to get back on the 2021 Christmas gift and get that wrapped up. I sure don't want to miss this years deadline and can still make that happen, so the build will go on-hold again. At least for a few weeks/month while I give that my time cycles. I guess once the upcoming holiday's are over, I'll have to take my time machine and get Back2TheFuture, again! I'll try to have some new content to share. Until then ----- When this baby hits 88mph, you're going to see some serious blurs&bleeps
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=157826&d=1638075845

mosh1999

11-30-2021, 02:33 PM

Just wanted to say you are doing a great job documenting.

ydousurf

11-30-2021, 03:38 PM

Thanks mosh! I'm just learning from the best that who've already told their wonderful stories that are out here! My build is some what strange in my approach, that I know. I figure 5 years to registration. And getting started late, didn't help, but now plays into the whole theme. I'm gonna work on getting the picture explanations updated to follow along in each step or category for complete details and information, along with some silliness too.

But yeah, I'm just hoping to give something back to the TFFF Community now that my life is not as hectic. Been a rough few years and being pulled in many directions and we all experience the heartbreaks of LIFE? Sadly. Eventually.

However, add it up..... Factory Five + The Factory Five Forum + This Community = BEAUTIFUL! And you can spell LIFE in that word :) It can definitely make one smile.

I mean, this journey is one that everyone should take <Insert Favorite F5 Kit Here!> and live your dream! That's what I'm doing to the fullest!

Again, I can't say thanks enough for catching that error! I owe ya drink!

460.465USMC

12-03-2021, 05:28 PM

Here's some ideas for my inspiration from some of the following Cobra's and Roadsters out there. I'm holding a few cards and paint samples back for now. I've already decided on the paint scheme and I'll incorporate four different colors in my theme

Hello DJ/Doug/TheLateDude,

I like the dark green paint options you posted. Will be curious to see what you eventually decide upon.

ydousurf

12-03-2021, 10:25 PM

Hello DJ/Doug/TheLateDude,

I like the dark green paint options you posted. Will be curious to see what you eventually decide upon.

Thanks 460.465USMC! Chris,

Let me first begin with my utmost condolences to you and your family and loved one's regarding your son Benjamin. I lost my Mom and two wonderful friends in a very short amount of time just a short few years ago, and that pain still falls well short of your loss. I hope you feel Ben's spirit every single day, and maybe you can do something really cool in your build to always honor & carry him with you in all your travels! I'm adding a clock for those who I dedicated my build to. So, please, excuse my lateness in regards to saying, I'm so, so sorry, and I'm sending you all positive vibes!

As for the color, yeah, the bronze wheels immediately drove me in the direction of a green variant. I've always been a fan of highland green (think 68 Mustang GT 500 KR) or British Racing, Ford, etc... along those lines and I'll do something in that realm for sure. I'll be adding white stripes as well with some black and bronze highlights for the striping. I now just need to still decide if I want to go with meatballs with the #19? I might do something really racy and thats the direction I'm kind of leaning. I'm still a few years out for paint, since I do want to drive in gel coat for the first 500-1000miles or so. I think that will give me time to dial-in the full paint scheme I want. Anyway, I think it should look really sweet, just like so many others out here! And I can can't wait to see what you do with yours?

ydousurf

12-03-2021, 10:31 PM

So, I figure I would make a dedicated vendor page to give a shoutout to the supported vendors on this site, and the one's I specifically used on this build. I'll make it more fancy, but for now here are some highlights~

12.03.21 I made an expensive decision tonight. I was saving for a welder and was going to get it next, but decided to hold-off and by more vendor goodies.

Period Correct
https://prdcrrct.com/
I ordered the duct vents and controls. These were not cheap, but I like the "flip-flapper" style and decided to give them some dollars and recognition. These will work perfect!
https://prdcrrct.com/product/air-vent-kit/
-----
I spent more $$$'s at Breeze Automotive.
https://www.breezeautomotive.com/
They manufacture/sell so many great products and even have so many things you wouldn't think to check them first!
Roadster Seat Kit
Aero Fuel Locking Cap
Rack Limiters
3/4" Plastic Caps

I previously bought these items from Breeze:
Aluminum fan shroud
Lower radiator support
Battery box
Cubby
-----
I decided to add these from Wilwood:
Electrical emergency brakes
Brake bias control
-----
And I spent a bunch more on some other vendor's parts and specialty tools.

So, much for the welder? Eh, I'll start the savings clock now (again)... I'll get one this coming summer. I want to build a dash support structure underneath and the welder will be handy for that framework. That and a future greenhouse I want to build. Along with possibly a future mountain home using shipping containers. I can think of a lot of uses for it after the build.

I'm excited to get the venting going. I'm planning to vent the brakes from more parts from Period Correct in the future when I'm doing the radiator part. I'll buy this from ReplicaParts~http://www.replicaparts.com/Roadster%20aluminum%20panel%20page.htm

I need to add more info and all the vendors and I will soon. But for now, it's a waiting game on parts and trying to get this years Christmas gift done. I still have time on my side, afterall, I'm in this time machine! :)

JeffP

12-04-2021, 08:31 AM

I'll be interested in your experience with the Wilwood Electrical e-brake. I'm thinking I want to go this route too.

ydousurf

12-04-2021, 10:17 AM

I'll be interested in your experience with the Wilwood Electrical e-brake. I'm thinking I want to go this route too.

Hey Jeff, I'll let you know and I'm sure it will work out great. The big question for me is... Do I leave the original e- brake bracing (in the tranny tunnel) in place or remove it? I'm leaning towards just leaving it in place and then just covering the hole. I also had the thought of modifying the manual brake to be electric from the manual lever and making the button a switch and going that route. However, my main thought was to open some room on the passenger side since that is cramped quarters as it is. And that's why I wanted to remove it all together.

Take a look at Toadster's build, that is, if you haven't already. I got the idea from him adding it and just felt it was the right choice for me too. It's an expensive one, that's for sure, but I think I'll be happy going this direction.

I'll be watching for your story and all the best in your build journey...

ydousurf

01-24-2022, 01:06 AM

01.23.22 - And I’m back and late as usual! Yeah, what can I say? Nothing! You just got to get used to it. :o Anyway, I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday Time; Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza and those who celebrate other holidays or not and of course the New Year as well. I do hope that 2022 would be a much better one for everyone. Anyway, Happy New Year to you and yours! c[CHEERS!] ----- Stay safe, happy and humble with your focus on health, happiness and cherished moments made. Make your dreams come true!

I for one had a great and magical Christmas for 2021 and it will be a long while before we can match it. We got many chances to see and be with my family throughout the month of December. I got to see our children and even our grandson too. It just doesn’t get any better than that. The best gift one could possibly ask for; to have your loved ones near and celebrate with much cheer!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=161203&d=1643001101
As for material gifts perspective, I guess I was one of the following:
A – Wrote a long letter to Santa asking for all kinds of cool car stuff and explained that I was a good boy this year and ate my vegetables
B – I have an inside contact and was able to get a bunch of extra To: Doug <tags> with my name on them and had them stuff the sleigh with some extra goodies
C – I decided to take the welding budget and spent it on these extra’s that I wanted. I’m saving, again.
D – I actually have met Santa and he’s a good fellow with a beard and, well, the stories he can tell you…
E – I’m actually the Big Guy and only never run late on that special night as to stay undercover
F – For Real! ALL THE ABOVE

NOTE: I had the brake reservoir from an earlier purchase from a TFFF Member and I just added it due to being so, so excited to get busy on it as soon as this photo was taken. I've been wanting to get building my triple hydraulic reservoir manifold and all the other stuff I need to get doing too. I wanted to give the pic some silver and gold shimmer and was stoked to see them together.

Anyway, as I said, when I began my build, I had so many things in mind that I was going to do and integrate. One of them was support the many vendors on this site, specifically. As those who will read, look and see, I do have many, many parts from all these respectable vendors. I once again want to thank each of them for the phone call discussions and helpful support given, to the honest service and deep satisfaction and caring for their clients – (us, you and I) who purchase the various “extra special parts” that make each of these builds unique. Thank You TFFF Vendors!

So, In keeping with my 25/50 year theme, I’m adding touches of brass here-and-there as accents to complement the aluminum, black and bronze frame and colored parts that are throughout. And since the reservoirs are polished aluminum, I figured I would go with a brass backer for support and keep the shimmer and twinkle going throughout the car.

I decided I can’t wait for warm weather to arrive. I’ll have cold hard evenings and weekends, and hands for that matter too! And it will be dark nights with the cold air, but all smiles and warmth of future fun with this machine is always the motivation to keep me warm and to press onward.
The month of January will be spent working on getting the following items installed:
> Fold-Down Trunk Wall
> Triple Hydraulic Manifold Built and Mounted
> Driver and Passenger Side Foot Box Venting Valves Mounted
> Front Elephant Ears Flanges Prepped for the Foot Box Venting. Final mounting done w/body fitting

01.08.22 thru 01.16.22 – I believe I left off with making the templates to build a fold-down rear wall from the Breeze Cubby Kit, back in November of 2021. Come to think of it… I was just talking to Mark Reynolds the other day. This was about my other recent order and parts that were not shown in the tree photo. I just purchased the 2”x3” plastic cover caps to close-in the opening at the rear of the car and I ordered the upper (piano hinge) radiator support as well, that and along with many other things I’ve got from him. Anyway, I thought about using a brass hinge as I did with the trunk, but since it’s going to be pretty much hidden and I feel that a simple stainless steel would provide more strength in this area for a solid hold. Now, with the recent discussions about radiators failing possibly due to minimal support or possibly improper installation, defective part, whichever it is, I decided to go with the Breeze kit. I already had the bottom rod part from an earlier purchase.

Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah. I was explaining to Mark the modification of the wall that I made to his cubby kit to make it fold down and I think he just might offer that up as an possible option in the future? I don’t think he even heard of anyone doing this prior? Again, I’m not sure if anyone has made their wall fold-down flat as to utilize the entire trunk when necessary? I think I’m the first and if not, then I apologize to that builder and I can even edit out this entire sentence if necessary. I just have not come across whoever build as of yet? But If I’m the first to do this, then cool! Again, this is what I wanted to bring to this community, possibly some new ideas and to move outside the shadow of some of the GOAT’s out here and leave my mark too! I think this might be a few new ideas on my build that others can use on theirs. And please, feel free to copy and or even improve on the idea. Cheers!
I spent a good few days planning this out and then committing to implementing it only after testing with the roll-bars put back on as well.
NOTE: I haven’t drilled the roll-bars as of yet. I plan to do that this summer when I’m prepping the aluminum “skins” and doing the SharkHide dance on the cockpit and the entire rear trunk.
There is still much more to do on dialing in this wall completely in and calling it done, but you’ll get the picture “literally” from the pics. I hope to just grow each progressive steps photo album and let the pics tell more in-depth information for each phase. As said, and I’ll stop repeating this, but I’m carrying the Aluminum & Brass theme throughout the build in various places. The brass is not cheap and is adding a lot of extra bux$ to this build. However, you only live once and I’m only doing one build.

I hope that my #19 from the 25 that were made will rank as a special tribute to not only Factory Five, but for my dream and talent, and to my children and the legacy I leave behind in the future. To know that I have been given this amazing opportunity to build this wonderful time machine is still the coolest thing I’ve been able to dream, build, and live ----- It’s PRICELESS! I know that once it’s all together, it will really sparkle and should be very unique too. It will be a very special MKIV Roadster for me and the legacy of #19.

I still have to dial in the sides with the addition of aluminum for the internal side walls. Even the wall itself; adding the rubber seal and making it all shiny and $hit. I’ll add the channeled rubber insulation/bumper seal only after I get an accurate measurement of the wall’s height. Since I’m sure I’ll have to cut the aluminum and the brass support down a little further. I’ll plan to dial that in once I’m fitting the body on. I still have to add the magnetic latches to keep it vertical. And I’m possibly planning on adding locks, but I’ll come back to this after further thought and further materials research.
I’m also not done with the cubby door either. Actually, I haven’t even started designing and testing on it. I plan to make it slide and I’m still researching the materials for that. The door will be made from brass and possibly try mount a fire extinguisher there as well.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160972&d=1642994500
Fold Down Trunk Wall Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2035

ydousurf

01-24-2022, 01:07 AM

01.08.22 thru 01.16.22 – So, moving on from the trunk area, I desperately needto install the foot controls; brakes, reservoirs, brake and fuel lines ran, etc... I wanted to get the simple but effective design I came up with for my triple front & rear brakes, along with the clutch reservoirs attached and installed. I had a chance to get a CNC triple res setup before they stopped selling them, but I wanted to keep as many of the Factory Five “Original Parts” that come in the build. However, I just wanted to add two more and split the front and rear brakes, along with a hydraulic clutch to give it a racecar look and feel.
As I always do, let the (whatever it is you’re doing, speak to you). Just don’t answer back! Hahahah. All fooling aside, what I meant is that I made changes to my layout and was glad I did so. I’m not sure I’ve seen anyone stair-step the reservoirs? I likened it to a podium finish of 1st, 2nd and 3rd and I think it came out alright. I decided early on that any fabrications that I do will have sharp (literally sharp) angles and sides. If you were to run your finger down these brass parts, you would draw blood. Honestly, the car will bite you, burn you and I’m sure it will try to kill you. It must be respected at all times and in all areas. Sure, I could make them rounded and smooth, but that’s not what I wanted. I want this Cobra to strike and sting, so no disrespect – EVER!!!!! And I still have to fine-sand and polish the brass, but that will be in final fitting. I’m still in pre-fab construction and I’ll dial-it all in all the prettiness, that is, once I begin my final assembly.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=161054&d=1642995808
Triple Hydraulic Reservoir Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2076

01.16.22 - Moving along… It’s a fairly warm low 40’s expected for this Sunday ahead. I decided that I really want to get these Period Correct vent valves mounted. I want to check this first of three parts in this step and begin getting the foot box air venting situated. It’s relatively straight forward and many use the slide-gates for the vent closures which really are a smarter buy cost wise and are just effective if not actually more effective with cutting the air? Anyway, I decided to $pend the BIG bux$ and get the Period Correct Vents from https://prdcrrct.com/
specifically these vents: https://prdcrrct.com/product/air-vent-kit/
I know they are super expensive and the slide gates would work just fine and all. However, I just want it to have the cool stuff and some originality replications in the build as well. In the end, it’s all about “what you want in your car” and how you can support the various vendors that can help bring it to reality.
Passenger side was a minor challenge to get it to fit in the spot chosen. I think I’ve seen others go with the inner side of the footbox, but I plan to leave that open for either some kind of badging spot or possibly for the ignition box, since my firewall will be full-up with the AC unit and wiper motor.
I got the vent installed and was satisfied, that is, until I ended up doing the driver side. Once I had the PS vent bolted on. I called it a night and will work on the driver side the next day.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=161098&d=1642997329
Passenger Side Foot Box Vent Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2077

01.17.22 – I had the Martin Luther King Jr. (Holiday) off and so I figure I would spend some cycles trying to get the driver side vent designed, cut and installed. With the normal problem of getting the driver foot box aluminum to fit over the frame, factory five had little choice to either cut the slot in the aluminum so it could slide-over the ¾” tube for the frame, or they would have had to make it in two pieces that match up and leave no slot/gap. I decided that it made sense to take advantage of the slot “hole” and cover it with a brass plate and use that to attach the vent. I got the vent mounted and the slot sealed up. Using the brass, it provided a solid “patch” to cover the gap.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=161130&d=1642998987
Driver Side Foot Box Vent Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2078

I'm actually not too happy how this came out.:( This was extra from the 4" wide piece of brass that I used for the hydraulic reservoirs and I think I'll get a 6" wide piece and redo this in the future. I know it's nit-picking, but it's about if your happy or not and I think an extra inch or more would give me some more real-estate to work with and make it so that upper washer doesn't hang off the edge. I can also tie it in better with the pillow block flange too.

ydousurf

01-24-2022, 01:07 AM

01.22.22 - I still have more work to do for the venting and it’s time to get out the front elephant ears and get the 3” hole cut in both of them. I ordered some aluminum flanges from Aircraft Spruce to complement my design. I know everyone had their own way to implement the venting and I just want it nice and taunt so that I can achieve the most optimal flow, all the while being able to service and clean out the vent tubes if necessary. As with everything, the more complex you make something the more it will cost. I’m cool <pun intended> with spending the extra bux$!

The only thing to add was I purchased the Diablo Hole Saw Kit and that has already paid for itself with being able to cut a 3” hole nice and clean. I know this thing is going to be sweet to have when it comes time to cutting the various holes for the gauges in the dash. I actually feared this task and with this kit and my new Dremel I bought, it should be no more than making sure everything is nice and level and spaced accordingly. I guess I’m now looking forward to doing the dash. 

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=161200&d=1643000958
Front Elephant Ears Album:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2079

Well, I guess that's about it for this update and that gets me caught back-up. I'm going to continue to work on the foot pedal box and get that all dialed-in. I'll be ordering some aluminum sheets very soon as to build the raised heat panels for the engine bay, that and I want to add internal panels in the upper trunk portion as well. I have my list (above) that I'm working through to completion for the coming year. I'm actually getting excited to do the brake and fuel lines. I decided to go with Notchead - DSR Fasteners product to attach my fuel and brake lines with their patented "snap-in" clips and I think they'll work just perfect. I like the fact that the lines will be raised-off of the chassis 4" tubes where they connect to the frame. The black plastic clips hide the screw/bolt and with the stainless fuel/brake lines they'll work just perfect with my theme.

Oh, one other thing. With all the discussion of this fun thread:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?41820-Is-the-%91AC-Cobra%92-considered-an-American-car-or-a-British-car
I feel that it seems appropriate to change the word "Back" in my title to: BAC = BritishAmericanCar or just BadA$$Car

Anyway, I'll catch up with you all in the future, when I'll surely be late again. Until then... Just remember that if do not have a Time Machine and your messing around, then you better keep the wheels on the ground! That and don't forget to smile :)

HGs_notes

02-03-2022, 08:49 PM

I'm curious about the wheels. I love the design. Were they cast or a forging? Any indication on them of the manufacturer?

ydousurf

02-04-2022, 08:42 AM

Hey HGs_notes,

Thanks for enquiring about the wheels. These are a 3-piece design that Factory Five had exclusively made for the 25th Anniversary Edition. I believe they are a cast aluminum and cleaned up with CNC machining. Essentially, they're a modern take on the classic Halibrand Sunburst Wheel design. It was one of the main reasons I purchased one of the anniversary kits. And I really do love the wheels!

Now, I know of the initial 26 sets (one set for Dave Smith's prototype) a couple or few sets were never ordered with the kit(s), some chose to get the regular Halibrand wheels which then were sold to various owners on this forum or to those in the FFR family. I believe Hacksaw84 purchased a set and his build is sweet!

At the time that it was announced as with the carbon dash, they were going to get in more sets to sell as an add-on part(s) and I believe they did, but I'm not sure how many additional sets were sold outside of the original 26 sets?

Anyway, it was recently announced a while back that FFR stopped producing the wheels :( So, the lucky few (me included) have these in our possession. I don't know the specific details as to the vendor who made them. Perhaps, reachout to FFR and see if they have info and can grant a blessing to have another set made? I'm not sure if that is even possible, but worth a call to them if you're interested in a set.

I know I am planning on a 2nd set of wheels and tires as to preserve these and to keep them for special occasions and have been searching for the Original Halibrand Sunburst wheels, but I don't think I can get them in a 17" or 18" size, let alone finding an original 15" set. I would be happy with a 15", but I don't think that those would fit, or clear the rotor/brake caliper setup?

That's about all I have, maybe someone else has more info and you can help locate a set.

Also, if anyone knows where I can buy a set of the vintage or aftermarket (non pin drive) sunburst wheels, please by all means chime in.

Blitzboy54

02-04-2022, 10:34 AM

HGs_notes

02-04-2022, 11:13 AM

Is this what you're looking for? Only come in 15"
https://www.summitracing.com/search/brand/rocket-racing-wheels/part-type/wheels?fr=part-type&SortBy=BestKeywordMatch&SortOrder=Ascending&keyword=r106

HGs_notes

02-04-2022, 11:20 AM

Also found this on another forum...
161769

Billet wheels, so there goes your budget. Again.

ydousurf

02-04-2022, 11:28 AM

Your build is coming along beautifully. Really good stuff.

In your second photo of green options I have been thinking about fender stripes in red. I think I am going to paint the center instead but you never know.

Keep up the good work

Thanks Jesse! Yeah, I'm planning side stripes on both passenger and driver sides. I planning green, bronze, black and white for color scheme. I want to do something similar to the main stripes, just smaller versions, but I might just run them in bronze like the red in that photo. Anyway, I've been following your build and look forward to seeing yours completed. You're so close to the ********** now! All the best with the paint and final assembly process.

ydousurf

02-04-2022, 11:37 AM

Is this what you're looking for? Only come in 15"
https://www.summitracing.com/search/brand/rocket-racing-wheels/part-type/wheels?fr=part-type&SortBy=BestKeywordMatch&SortOrder=Ascending&keyword=r106

Those are them, HGs_notes - Thanks! I didn't think to look at Summit, I was focused on specific cobra sites. I will definitely look into these, since I still love seeing these cars with the 15" wheels and would be just fine having them on my ride. I mean, I have a Jeep and with my 33's they give the "squishy feeling' and I'm okay with that movement. Plus, having the goodyear billboards on the tire side wall is just so cool looking. Thanks again for the link!

ydousurf

02-25-2023, 10:05 PM

WOW! What can I say, or should I say, for that matter. Yep. Late again! I know, I know. I can try an explain, not that I have too, But... Well, let's see, I believe I got caught in a time warp type of thingy? Not totally, but it's been a blur for sure! I must of gone way past 88mph and I think the flux capacitor stopped flux'n? Well, something kind of like that. Actually, the latter part of 2021 and pretty much all of 2022 was full of lots of changes and challenges.

I helped move two of our children across this great country of ours, and help them get setup in different states and situated in their new homes and lives. I promised my wife that I would get working on the deck & pergola, which I had put-off for far, far too long. I also had the Christmas gifts to make, those always take priority. And even my main computer blue screened (the flux broke) and I couldn't get that to boot. I had all my build pics and so many other valuable photos on this machine and hadn't backed up in a long time - dumb! However, the FAT table didn't get corrupted and I was able to recover the files, for which I'm very grateful for. That was very foolish! I have since copied everything on to two new hard drives and will not get myself in that pickle again!

No, really, the main reason I've been gone, was due to the health of our 12yr old Bernese Mountain Dog. Kodiak Bear was his name. He began to show signs of his age finally catching up to him. Like any living creature, the body starts to fail and longevity brought on other health issues in latter part of 2021. So, I made a conscious choice to spend as much time with him as I could. I had a lot on my plate and I just chose to shelve the build. It went from a top 3 item to much lower down on the list. I did work on it a few times throughout the year, just to finish the brake and fuel lines, but pretty much put everything else, I just put on hold. I'm behind, there's no doubt, but I wanted to spend as much time with my best friend and give him the best of the final months that I/we could.

Kodiak Bear
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=180706&d=1677345157

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=180705&d=1677345157

I was very grateful for the extra time my wife, myself, and even our children, who flew-in to spend some last moments of time with him. Kodiak is and was our focus. He mattered to all of us, and at the time, it just felt right to give him all of our attention. Listen, these vehicles are our dreams, and I'm grateful to live mine, but like all of us, we do it on our time and on our own terms! It was a small delay for me to be at peace with my decision and I don't regret a single second of sacrifice.

I know that life goes on and it's one hell of a ride! You can get off, if you choose, or you can stay on the Go-LIFE-Bus and just go! Nobody knows where the final stop is, which is probably very good for all of us? But for now, I'm gonna get back on and enjoy the rest of this journey...

It's funny, I kind of lost exactly where I was at and I used The Factory Five Forum along with other builders stories to help guide me back on track for my own build. I had completed the brake and fuel lines in 22, but those pics were locked on the hard drive when my computer crashed. I only worked on the recovery over the Christmas & New Year Holidays. I'm so glad I was able to recover all these files and pictures. So, so very grateful!

Anyway, back to the build! I want to try and always do something a little different from what everyone else has done out here. Offering new ideas and concepts that can be shared. So, when it came to the brake lines, I wanted to try and fill those holes in the chassis that are used for donor front-end parts. I figure I would route the front brake lines and plug the holes while doing so. Two birds, er, holes with one brake line! ;)

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=180687&d=1677344010
Brake Lines Album: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2269

As for the fuel lines, I want to give a shout-out to Mark Reynolds at Breeze Automotive. Mark got me all set and hooked me up with the parts that I needed. Mark is such a great guy and I really appreciate the help he provides me and all his customers. Check-out his products! I'm planning EFI, but always willing to go back to an old school carburetor if necessary, as to why I decided on a return line.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=180643&d=1677343669
Fuel Lines Album: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2268

I finally pulled my car out on February 7th 2023 and just needed to re-group and figure out where I left off? And then it hit me! Yeah, I now know where I was? One of the steps in the build journey that I have been dreading, and it's now the next thing I have to do. I'm a fan of the brushed aluminum look, and I plan to show a lot of it and much less carpet. But I tell ya, I've not been looking forward to doing it. I also know that this step has been keeping me from advancing on my build. I gotta get to adding some skins to this snake!

Mad I tell ya --- Just MAD! I now know... That anyone attempting this must be a little (mad) crazy to try and do this! The scratches that appear and though you try and remove them, mysteriously come back! It's like where did those come from? Not to mention the scratches that are far too deep to remove, It's all in the technique, I guess? One that I am not very good at. And, so, well, don't look too closely. :p

I'm breaking this step down to four different phases and started in the rear of the car moving forward. I'm doing the rear-end first, then the rear of the cockpit and floors, the trans tunnel and front pieces of the cockpit and finally anything left in the engine bay, like the firewall forward. I kind of broke that flow and went ahead and did the radiator surround shroud from Mike Everson at Replicaparts.com. Mike too is great guy and offers great parts and advice. This is such a cool piece! I think this really compliments the mouth opening and the theme that I'm working to achieve. I'm planning on adding side-venting that will lead to the front brakes, and adding in the two additional fans in front of the radiator, I really dig that look!

Now, after doing a few of the alumi-skins, damn! I tell ya --- Nothing but MAD, MAD RESPECT, for those that go this route! I thought the stainless fuel & brake lines were challenging. I keep telling myself that all these hard tasks and steps in this journey are just preparing me for adding in the (AC - Air Conditioning) for which, I know that is going to be a challenge for sure.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=180724&d=1677353267
Aluminum and Brass Album: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2270

So, my plan this coming year is to just work on by build, when and where I can. I mean, the skins I'm working on right now (today 2/25/23) we have high 40's and snow still on the ground. I'm just gonna try and put more time in the car in this year, when and where I can. I got a busy year coming up!

Again, LIFE throws us all curve balls and gives each of us difficult situations to experience. At times it's not easy, for any of us! 2022 was a difficult year, but one that each challenge was met, head-on. I did the best I could and will just keep moving forward on the build and my journey in life too.

My next steps will be to create my raised foot-box heat shields. Once the those are done, I'll order the air conditioning unit and work on that, as to get that out of the way. I can then get started on the dash and begin the electrical too. I felt so lost in time and it's really good to be back!

mladen

02-25-2023, 11:04 PM

That's some nice looking hardliner routing. What are the retainer clips you're using for fuel and brakes?

Gizmosrcool

02-25-2023, 11:09 PM

Welcome back Dj. Sorry to hear about Bear. Good call on giving him your time and attention. You will remember that and overtime it will bring you smiles.

Your brake lines look terrific. What are those black holders called? Very slick.

Look forward to your build getting back on track.

Tom

ydousurf

02-26-2023, 11:27 AM

That's some nice looking hardliner routing. What are the retainer clips you're using for fuel and brakes?

Welcome back Dj. Sorry to hear about Bear. Good call on giving him your time and attention. You will remember that and overtime it will bring you smiles.

Your brake lines look terrific. What are those black holders called? Very slick.

Look forward to your build getting back on track.

Tom

Hey Tom, thanks for the kind words & thoughts... Yeah, KB was very dear and a very, very special member to our family! He helped bridge the gap between having our children at home and moving into a "empty nest" scenario for my wife and I. It was such a joy to come home each day from an exhausting or bad day at work and be greeted with his unconditional kindness and love. He always cheered me up and made us all smile. I miss that the most!

Anyway guys, thanks for the positive comments on the lines and layout. As for the fuel/brake line clamps? I was actually gonna have a friend create some clam-shell types from either being 3D printed, or using a CNC and making them from aluminum. After searching all the options I could on the interwebs, I discovered (Tim) Divers Street Rods that makes these. They are patented which makes them very expensive. However, I really like the look and was able to continue my Silver/Gold/Black theme from front-to-back on this build. I plan to use them for my electrical as well. If you search for: NOTCHEAD you'll find their web page.

Again, thanks for the inspirational words and it's good to be back at it!

toadster

02-26-2023, 10:26 PM

Great to see you back at it DJ! Great to see one of my brothers in bronze back at it! :)

ydousurf

05-28-2023, 01:13 AM

Well, once again, late to the show! I know. I know. I figure I better get back to updating where I'm at in the build. As mentioned prior, like all of us, there's only so much time and difficult choices have to be made too.

It was no doubt terribly saddening to hear of Russ Thompson's passing. I am full-on in the phase of working with getting my dash set correctly and having to interact with his signature piece (RTTS - Russ Thompson Turn Signal) made me stop and just realize his contribution to so many builders. Russ helped me with some initial guidance and I'm very thankful for his knowledge that he gave me. Our conversations made me realize that I would go more "custom" on my build, instead of just leaving it "stock" to say. And that all started with his drop trunk. Russ, again, these pieces are works of art. Form and function in full harmony. I'm very proud to have your parts on this build! You will be so dearly missed... Godspeed Russ!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185113&d=1685255205

So, when I decided on building my dream, I always said I would push myself on what I wanted to incorporate in my build and how I would go about doing it. I mean, I love to live between Apollo 13 and McGuiver! It's about being innovative and finding a solution to the problems. And with that, I always wanted AC, no, not Auto Carriers, though I would take an Original, I mean AC - Air Conditioning. I plan to take this car to many places where it is hot, and it has to have a few luxuries that I desire in this dream of mine and if we are going to dream, then DREAM BIG!

Anyway, I've been in the phase of labrication-fabrication world and trying to solve several things I wanted to add into my build:
> Air Conditioning
> Additional Heat Shield Protection Driver/Passenger
> Upper Trunk Aluminum Vertical Sides
> Dash Design Drilling and Hoping I don't jack up the Carbon-Fiber!
> Lower Kick-Out Panel (under dash for stereo and venting)
> Wrapping Rear Chassis Around Gas Tank (using up excess aluminum)

I began the audacious task of adding the AC into the build. There is so much that has to occur for this to work, and it's down to 16ths and 32nds of measurements. I did see another build thread where they put in AC in their car and wanted to do the same. I know there are actually several vendors that are possible to pull this off. I felt this version would allow me to find a balance and hopefully will have AC & Wipers, it's gonna be close. There's no amount of planning that can makeup for the fact that each part will always be different. I ordered the mock-up model, but it was off. Hence the x3 templates I had to make to find the perfect fit and hopefully get this all packed together to function accordingly. This will be the hardest part of my build, there is no doubt! It's conjunction junction what's the malfunction!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185030&d=1685248662
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2323

So, I had this idea to create a raised heat-barrier to help reduce the foot box heat build-up that everyone seems to mention. I believe I came up with this idea to use riv or nutserts and I shared that prior. I already see builders are using it - cool! I feel like I contributed something new back to the community. Anyway, I started with the passenger side foot box and I was able to make that in a single piece! I had to pat myself on the back for that one! I purchased a 4x8 sheet of aluminum and if all goes to plan, I'll only have a few scraps left.

I then did the same with the driver side. I was very proud of myself, until I realized that I forgot that this side will have to be in two pieces - doh! Oh well, I was happy with the results and decided to just cut it and I'll rivet the outer piece on after I do the inner panel to close it up.

When I began this idea, I told myself if I could pull it off, then I would perhaps spend the buxs and wrap it in the DEI Gold Insulation barrier glass-fabric which can withstand 1400 degrees. I'm still on the fence on that, or just going with the aluminum brushed look. Hmmm... Decisions, decisions!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185048&d=1685248786
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2323

I worked on the upper trunk aluminum. I really didn't want to cover the sides up with aluminum and I really wanted to expose more of the chassis, but my theme is to mainly have carpet on the horizontal surfaces and the brushed aluminum on the vertical ones. So, I plan to insulate in-between the two aluminum sides to help with sound proofing and keeping any moisture out. Anyone who's attempted this knows you cannot put a single piece of aluminum up top? Not happening! So, I chose to cut it at a 45 degree or so and blend it in with the angle of the roll bar. It somewhat hard to see, but it should really setup better once the foam is sandwiched between the inner and outer pieces. It should look pretty cool once done.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185072&d=1685249905
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2324

And of course, now onto the most important part of the build, at least I think so! It's not deciding on a paint color or whatever options you want to add, it's what are you going to do with your dash layout? I initially wanted the 427 layout, but realized that even sometimes your plans change. With the additional gauges I am adding-in, I decided to dedicate my dash layout to all the family pet members we've had over years and the genuine honest love and the desire to provide us with happiness. I'm sure you can see the "paw" in the gauge layout? Oh, and I wanted my speedometer in the dead center of the dash. I know the 427 layout is over just a bit, but I wanted it centered.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185102&d=1685250459
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2325

I made a decision early on that I wanted to expand the gauge set and add a fuel pressure gauge and a clock to my dash. A clock? I gotta have a clock! I mean, all Time Machines have to have a clock! Right? Nah, in all seriousness, this is double dedication to the 69 Fastback Mach 1 428 that I should've bought back in high school! I was such a fool! Just kidding. No really, I should've bought that car when I had the chance. However, it's really for my parents and all those we love and I believe that each one of us wish we would have had more time with our loved ones. I so wish I could travel in time to see them again. The clock will always be a reminder that the most important thing we have in our lives really is ----- Time. To you Mom & Dad and those I love!

So, I ordered them from Speedhut and added in the 019/025 text to match the originals. 4-6 week wait for those. It will be worth it. The clock of course will be mounted in the glove box door. Hopefully another first? Not sure if anyone has done that? Looking forward to the challenge to make a swivel wire setup that will last the test of time. <pun intended>. :P

As I'm writing this, we recently lost our cat (my shop inspector) and I must pay tribute to our Smokey and the joy that he and Kodiak both brought to our lives each day. I can only say that I am so ever grateful to have had them in my life and was the honor was all mine. Being able to take care of each while they were here on the earth. I miss both of you dearly!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185110&d=1685251229

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185111&d=1685251229

Well, with that all said, the lower (under dash) kick-out and the (under-side rear-end) wrap around I've not started as of yet, it's on the list! I'm planning to be in the fab-lab all summer long. I'm hoping to strive to have most of the main electrical to be ran and all my skins in place and secure by this fall.

There's a lot to do and so little time. I still have my other list of stuff needing done:
> I've got the Deck/Pergola to finish.
> I also need to pull my transmission and rear differential out of my jeep and get working on that. I blew out both on the way back from a trip to the Grand Tetons. So, so glad it happened where it did. I was still many, many miles from home, but limped back. Jeeps are awesome! In the past I've had the transmission rebuilt, but I'm just going to get new one. And I think it's time for new axles and gears in the rear too. I'm going with some new upgrades since I know I put this jeep through a bunch of years rock crawling, trail riding and several jeep trips over the years.
> And I need to give this years Christmas gift some time-cycles too.
> Not to mention all the other stuff that one has to fix & repair and accomplish.

Anyway, stay safe while on the roads! There's been some recent crashes and sadness with the loss of some beautiful individuals too. Stay alert and drive safe! Enjoy the summer everyone...

ydousurf

04-04-2024, 10:11 PM

Well, late as hell as always and behind too! I know. I know. I know. Not much to say or even add for that matter, but just a few things. It was an extremely busy 2023 for me and even 2024 already has lots of changes and challenges too. Doors open and close and open... I just wish it was my car, but my doors are not even close to being hung. Life's doors takes priority over the build and sometimes we lose focus on other things or have to make difficult choices. Oh life! Gotta love it! Hopefully this Summer 2024 I’ll make more progress. I'm striving for final skins install and getting to roller stage with the engine installed this fall. One can hope!

Let see….. Where was I? Oh yeah, working on more customization in the cockpit. I keep adding more custom elements to my dream build, which has me in the flux of choices to be made. I always wanted a stereo even if it’s muffled by the exhaust. Well, mine won't be! ;) I’ve been working on the lower dash kick-out that I envisioned when I bought the F5 lower dash brace. Yeah, I knew that it wouldn’t fit with the carbon fiber dash. That’s okay, “I’ll make it fit!” And that is what I did! I spent quite a few weeks building this unit, since it required some additional planning and modifications with more fine tuning.

Cockpit enhancements:

Lower Dash Kick-out
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=197840&d=1712314948
Album: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2477

I also took advantage of sales deals for the Black-Friday savings in Nov. 2023 and spent some buxs on a 4-channel system. I had an Alpine in my mustang years ago, but decided on Pioneer and went with the “Transformer” stereo system: AVH 3500 Nex w/7” screen. It’s not removable, but I’m designing it so I can take it out. This took a bunch of weeks...

Stereo Components:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=197794&d=1712285037
Album: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2483

Now, the main thing I focused on in my build was to have it so that whatever is built/added/modified, I would have complete access to perform maintenance on that part.
So, with the lower kick-out, I decided to cut the transmission tunnel cover in order to keep the upper portion permanently mounted, while still being able to access the transmission if necessary. I’m also planning to put a final carbon-fiber skin piece on the top of it. I think that will go nicely with the dash. *Note: I purchased the FFMetal Transmission Tunnel Top and "sandwiched" it between the one that came with the kit. I'll be able to mount this entire until solid and I'll place a piece of carbon fiber to top it all off. That will be removable via some velcro. I love it when you have a plan and it all comes together nicely!

Transmission Cover:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=197843&d=1712314948
Album: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2478

I am adding an additional 2nd dash plate to hide some of the controls. I used the "left-over" cut-out that was from the FFMetal Firewall Forward piece when I cut it to add in the air conditioning unit. The thicker aluminum will work perfect.

Inner Dash:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=197749&d=1712281130
Album: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2478

Lower Driver Inner-Side Wall Support:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=197765&d=1712282152
Album: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2479

ydousurf

04-04-2024, 10:17 PM

Driver & Passenger Side Walls:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=197806&d=1712311906
Album: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2480

Rear Cockpit Wall:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=197773&d=1712283148
Album: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2481

I also spent a lot of time creating a custom 427 badge and added my own twist on the cobra snake emblem. I wanted to give it a little more intimidation and add a wicked factor to emphasize the power of this beautiful machine that I am building.

427 Super Sneaky Snake Badge:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=197781&d=1712283520
Album: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2482

Anyway, I’m slowly slithering along <: )~~~~~ on my build! I’m still working in the pre-fab constrictor construction phase. I've started on routing the wiring harness and working to get that all dialed-in. Once that is done and optional wiring added for the; remote battery charger posts in the trunk, sound system wires, backup camera, under chassis lighting, etc… I'll then work to seal and rivet the skins on. I'm getting excited that I am almost ready to actually assemble and really build the car. Progress should really start to go much quicker.

Wiring Begins...
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=197837&d=1712313869
Album: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=2484]

I’ll then work to get the tires and wheels on for a roller stage. And then it will be time to order the engine. I'm still up in the air on the power plant builder and now I’m not even sure I’ll do a EFI Sniper with all the headaches everyone is having? I'm thinking I might just go back to carburetor, but still contemplating that. I have the funds for a wicked power plant, I just need to reach that phase before ordering it. My plan has always been to order the engine, have it delivered and drop-it-in the very next day. However, that is still a few steps out in the build for me.

I’ll try to post more as this is the year as I plan to make major progress in trying to get this car on the road in 2025. I was always planning a 3-5 year build, but I'll need to add an additional year due to other priorities that came out of now where. I also want to finish my deck & pergola project by May, I just need to add the TREX boards and then I'll give the build full attention throughout the year.

But 1st, I'm off to chase Totality! I took in the awesome show (Solar Eclipse and experienced Totality in Guernsey WY.) that was in 2017 and now we are heading to the Lone Star State to catch the 2024 show. I just hope the weather cooperates so my wife and daughters can see it. Fingers X'd. It is definitely a bucket list item that I recommend to anyone. I just with it was my job to chase em all around the planet. That would be so cool.

So, until I see you all again here, keep on building with a smile on your face! I know I am! :)