The race is on - Namrups 65 Daytona Coupe build

[Kbl7td]

For anyone reading in the future, if you want an absolutely perfect fit. Place some epoxy resin and cabosil in a ziploc bag. Place the bag in between the hinge and body. Then wait for cure. Remove from bag, trim the piece then epoxy to the nose.

[Namrups]

For anyone reading in the future, if you want an absolutely perfect fit. Place some epoxy resin and cabosil in a ziploc bag. Place the bag in between the hinge and body. Then wait for cure. Remove from bag, trim the piece then epoxy to the nose.

Great idea!

[Namrups]

Finished installing the hood struts today. like others have noted the struts put pressure on the hood when closed and forces the hood forward. I did add braces to the front that can be seen in the lower right of the picture. These did help a lot. I also raised the guide pins using washers which also brought the hood back where it belongs.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=181856&d=1679344399

I have not added the wheel guides yet. An issue I have right now is on the passengers side. If I try to raise the hood from the DS the u-clip will catch in the latch finger hole.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=181852&d=1679344399
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=181853&d=1679344399

In theory, a guide that spans this area should eliminate this issue. I fabbed a guide from a small piece of scrap steel and used JB Weld to attach it. Tomorrow should tell me if my theory is right.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=181854&d=1679344399
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=181855&d=1679344399

[Namrups]

I have upgraded to LED headlights. Started to assemble them today. The first issue I ran into is the LEDs have an electronic block in line. The headlight tub only has a small hole to run the wires thru.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=181857&d=1679344436

I drilled a hole in the back of the tub that would clear the box and used a rubber grommet to close the hole.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=181859&d=1679344436
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=181860&d=1679344436

Added the mounting ring to one of the headlights.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=181858&d=1679344436

The factory cut holes need to be opened up for the tubs to fit. That's where I will start tomorrow.

[Namrups]

Spent Wednesday in the emergency room dealing with a reoccurring UTI. Back in the garage today. Completed mounting the lights. Wired everything up and it all works!
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=181991&d=1679604874
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=181989&d=1679604874
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=181990&d=1679604874

Doors next!!

[Namrups]

Been working on the doors for the past couple of days and all I can say is I'm somewhat frustrated.

Decided to start on the PS door first because I had more room on that side the way the car was sitting in the garage. Installed the inner hinge brackets. Didn't know I could contort myself like that!! :p Went to the hardware store and bought a really long drill bit! Laid out and marked the hinge openings. Pressed in the brass bushings, greased and worked the hinge pins until everything fit smoothly. Installed the hinge and was stopped dead in my tracks. When I mounted the body I triple checked all of the measurements in the manual to make sure I had the body in the right location. Well the hinge would not open because it was hitting the body. I needed to move the body ~ 1/4" forward for the hinge to clear. After moving the body forward I needed to reposition the rear window. The hood also will need some minor gap work between the body and the hood. I think the hood actually fits a little better after the move. The hinge now clears the body. I then went to attach the latch to the door frame and found out that I have two left side (DS) latches!
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=182097&d=1679869540

I only received one latch with the kit. The other was POL. When I received the second latch I just threw it in the box with the first one. My bad! I never looked at both of them together until now. Sent an email to FF. Hope it doesn't delay things too much.

Switched over to the DS. Measured and cut the cutouts. Installed the hinge bracket and the hinges. Started to work on the inner door frame and latch release. Everything went together as described except for the release handle. My handle looks a little different that the manual picture. It actually looks like a better unit that the one in the manual. The issue is how the wire attaches to the handle. The wire end piece is a little too big to slip thru the opening. I had to feed it from the top with a pliers.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=182096&d=1679869540

I didn't think this was going to be an issue until I read further. The manual states that you have to disconnect the wire from the handle, install the handle and then reinstall the wire into the handle. I don't think there is going to be enough play to pull the wire thru the hole to reattach it to the handle and doing it blindly won't work.

On the other end the wire connects to the clevis and there is two locknuts that the manual says should be installed with blue thread locker after everything is lined up. Not being able to follow the manual on the handle side I think I can disconnect and reconnect from this end.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=182099&d=1679869540

This does create another issue for me. I wanted to use door poppers. They would attach to the open hole in the pic above. When I played around with this I noticed that when the popper would open the latch the wire would not move and the ball would pop out of the clevis. My initial thought was to put a tie strap around the clevis to keep the wire from coming out. I think that would have worked but now that I have to remove and reattach this wire by feel while its inside the door I don't see how I could position a tie strap properly.

Time to step away and start fresh tomorrow.

[Bob Brandle]

You might try closing the gap of the clevis and with the same action, the hole in the clevis should turn from circular to a pinched oval, thus preventing the ball end of the cable from popping out. Try minor pliers pressure for minor closures at first until the ball end just doesn't come out. It worked for me. The clevis is easy to bend open if you need to in the future.

Regarding solenoid door poppers. it's critical to have the solenoid and it's connecting end as upright as possible / as close to a 90 degree angle during action to that second latch tang hole. The secondary tang with hole rotates when pulled and the angle changes, changing the mechanical pull advantage. I actually changed my solenoid setup to actually attach a solid metal link (instead of the SS wire cable) to the large bolt that the clevis is attached with. Improved mechanical advantage. I should post a photo of that.

[Bob Brandle]

Here's the setup I described in my prior post. It represents just one way to rig up a door popper solenoid and not the usual setup.

If I could do it over again, I'd try to mount the solenoid more vertically and improve the downward retraction of the solenoid rod to the small tang, but, fabricating that mounting bracket was a chore and I didn't want to fab. new ones
.
The link is 1/8" alum. plate, attached at the top end to the existing clevis mounting bolt. There are nylon washers everywhere about the two attachment bolts & nuts to reduce friction. It does require drilling a hole in the solenoid's 3-hole attachment tab.
In my setup, the FFR mechanical door interior hand latch is still functional since that's how occupants will open the doors, but with that cable still in place, it does add extra resistance to the operation of the latch by the solenoid. I had to up the solenoid to a spec. of 100 lbs of retraction force.

Bob

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=182141&d=1679888362

[Namrups]

Thanks Bob. This info helps! Gives me something to work with.

[edwardb]

You did the right thing walking away and starting fresh the next day. Lots of those events for me too. Usually if I kept going I made things worse... You'll get there.

[Namrups]

You did the right thing walking away and starting fresh the next day. Lots of those events for me too. Usually if I kept going I made things worse... You'll get there.

Ya I've done that more than once. Thanks for the support!

[Namrups]

Jerry, from Upstate Cobra's, stopped by today and we worked on the DS door. After 3 hours we were satisfied enough with the fit and gaps until I get to bodywork and paint. Did not bother with the door poppers at this time. Left it for next winters project.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=182195&d=1680024755
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=182196&d=1680024755
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=182197&d=1680024755

Biggest issue is on the bottom rear. This area will need some more work. Thinking maybe some washers/spacers between the door and the door frame on the rear lower fastener.

Very short video:

https://youtu.be/iRqjeWiThnE
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=182198&d=1680024755

[Namrups]

Worked on the windshield wipers today. A lot of in and out to get everything to line up. Spent about ten hours total. The pic shows everything greased and assembled ready to mount.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=182276&d=1680222837

Here is a short vid showing them operate. This is slow speed. Also have high speed and park.

https://youtu.be/H8pY1Z9fSPE

[edwardb]

Congrats on getting the wipers working. Having installed that system on two builds now, it's quite a bit of trial and error (and messy) to get everything just right. But it's nice they're so adjustable and a solid setup. Having said that, I think you might have a little too much sweep there. With wiper arms installed, looks like you'll be going off the glass and onto the body on the LH side. Not something you want. Using tie wraps like that isn't super precise. I did the same thing. But I'd suggest you take a look at it.

[Namrups]

Congrats on getting the wipers working. Having installed that system on two builds now, it's quite a bit of trial and error (and messy) to get everything just right. But it's nice they're so adjustable and a solid setup. Having said that, I think you might have a little too much sweep there. With wiper arms installed, looks like you'll be going off the glass and onto the body on the LH side. Not something you want. Using tie wraps like that isn't super precise. I did the same thing. But I'd suggest you take a look at it.

I figured the same thing. I have wiper arms but no blades yet. Once I have the blades and the windshield in I will have to look at it again. Do you remember what degree you set yours at? This is at 140 degrees right now.

[edwardb]

I figured the same thing. I have wiper arms but no blades yet. Once I have the blades and the windshield in I will have to look at it again. Do you remember what degree you set yours at? This is at 140 degrees right now.

Checked my notes. Can't believe I recorded it. Sweep set for 110 degrees. I don't have them going any further than that because with the 15 inch blades I used, any further went off the top outside edge on the DS. They've only been on for real a couple times, but they work fine.

[Namrups]

Checked my notes. Can't believe I recorded it. Sweep set for 110 degrees. I don't have them going any further than that because with the 15 inch blades I used, any further went off the top outside edge on the DS. They've only been on for real a couple times, but they work fine.

Great information! Thanks Paul!

[Blitzboy54]

This is so great Scott! See you Monday!

[Namrups]

This is so great Scott! See you Monday!

looking forward to it

[Skuzzy]

Awesome!

[Namrups]

Awesome!

Thanks Skuzzy! Feels like we are in the home stretch to getting it drivable. Not complete but drivable!

[Namrups]

Jesse (Blitzboy54) stopped by today and we mounted the PS door.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=182487&d=1680552399

We also mounted the mirrors from Peter Brock Racing Enterprises.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=182486&d=1680552399

The PS mirror looking forward.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=182488&d=1680552399

The PS mirror looking rearward.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=182489&d=1680552399

[Namrups]

I am close to submitting the states required paperwork so that I can register and drive the coupe. It will not be complete by a long shot but it will be drivable!

I wasn't real keen on the position of the seats. They sat flat on the floor. I was looking at Breeze's web site and saw a sloped steel base for the roadster standard seats. I purchased a set to see if I could mod them to work with my seats. Luckily I was able to make them work. They now sit at an angle that is more comfortable. The sliders are still operational. I'm pleased.

Seats installed. 4 point harness installed
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=182832&d=1681255129

Padded sun visors installed.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=182836&d=1681255129

Auto-Vox T-9 rear view camera mirror installed.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=182835&d=1681255129
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=182833&d=1681255129
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=182834&d=1681255129

Tomorrow I have to install bumpers and then I am ready to take pictures and submit the paperwork. Very excited.

[Blitzboy54]

Scott!!! The rear view looks awesome!

I can’t wait, I’m excited at your progress. Let me know if there is anything you need to get over the finish line.

[Namrups]

Scott!!! The rear view looks awesome!

I can’t wait, I’m excited at your progress. Let me know if there is anything you need to get over the finish line.

Thanks Jesse! I will keep you posted.

[Skuzzy]

I am using the Breeze seat mounts as well. I like the seating position better too. Nice work Namrups!

I am using a Garmin head (looks like it is permanently installed, but removeable) for the two backup cameras (mounted low). I also have the rear view mirror cam, but mounted it high (in the third taillight) and use it for all my rear views (on all the time the car is running).

[Namrups]

NYS required bumpers. I hope these pass muster. They don't have to be functional, just there.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=182886&d=1681333981
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=182884&d=1681333981

Neatness counts .... right?
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=182885&d=1681333981

[Glen Davis]

If they don't like your bumpers you could add a pipe attaching to the slots.

[Namrups]

If they don't like your bumpers you could add a pipe attaching to the slots.

My plan "B" exactly.

[smithtlw]

I like your bumper plan. If they pass for a roadster they should be OK for the coupe. I was thinking much more elaborate...

[Namrups]

Had the car weighed today. 1/4 tank of fuel. No carpet. No Lizard skin on the interior. No Raptor undercoating on the body or hood. Those will be added later. 2580 lbs.

[Namrups]

I like your bumper plan. If they pass for a roadster they should be OK for the coupe. I was thinking much more elaborate...

I revised the bumpers this morning. Shouldn't be an issue now.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=182952&d=1681488170
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=182953&d=1681488170
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=182954&d=1681488170
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=182955&d=1681488170

[Namrups]

I posted that I had the car weighed. Found out that NY needed a certified certificate. The location I had it weighed at did not offer that so I need to get it reweighed. Scheduled for Monday morning. That will be the last piece of information I need to start the registration process.

In the mean time I bought alignment tools so that I could learn the fine art of alignment.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=183626&d=1682622783
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=183627&d=1682622783

After working on it for three days all I can say is I'm glad I don't do alignments for a living.

[Skuzzy]

Four wheel alignments are a lot of fun. Well,....if you are a masochist they are. :D

Not my favorite part of any build either.

[David Williamson]

It would be interesting to know what the car weight is, please share if you don't mind
thanks
David W

[Namrups]

It would be interesting to know what the car weight is, please share if you don't mind
thanks
David W

Initially I had it weighed at 2580 lbs but the state won't accept that locations paperwork. I need to get it reweighed. The initial was with 1/4 tank of gas. I will post the reweight early next week.

[Namrups]

Day 312

The Coupe is not done yet but it is to a point where I can license it. I plan of driving it for a season before "finishing" it this off season. Sent off all the required paperwork to the state today. Hopefully things go quick. I expect 6 weeks or less.

[GT_Rich]

It would be interesting to know what the car weight is, please share if you don't mind
thanks
David W
I just finished up my Coupe R. It's also a Dart block 427 with a TKX. Mine is a 3 link with full aero, fire suppression system, handheld extinguisher, oil cooler, power steering cooler...typical track add ons. It weighs 2720 lb with a half tank of fuel.

[Namrups]

I added 5 gallons of gas to the coupe to bring it to 1/2 tank and had it reweighed at 2600 lbs.

[Namrups]

Day 315

Three days after sending the paperwork to the state I received a call from DMV Safety Technical Services letting me know that they have approved my Coupe for registration based on the forms submitted and the pictures! First step completed! Next step is for Field Investigation to notify me when and where I need to bring the car to verify no parts are stolen.

[Joel Hauser]

great news about registration. My experience with Field Investigation was positive and uneventful. Bring all your receipts, for everything you bought, and you should be fine. The officers/investigators - they really are officers, with guns on their belts - were great. They were very careful with the, moreso than I am. In my case, they thoroughly examined the receipts. I don't know if they checked the engine VIN; I was never able to find a VIN on my engine, so I just used the VIN from my donor. They never mentioned that it was a problem. Bring something to do while you're waiting there. It was a long long wait. I think most of the cars they inspect are salvage vehicles, and those take a lot longer than our cars. the field investigation station I went to is in colonie, around the corner from Harbor Freight and Kohls.

[Blitzboy54]

Can't wait. let me know when you get your appointment. I will meet you down there if I can.


Big day my friend!

[Namrups]

Received my letter from Field Investigation today. My exam, for stolen parts, is scheduled for May 30th at 8:30am. The VIN number will also be assigned at that time. After that is the safety inspection.

[Kbl7td]

Florida may not be the best on some issues, but nothing like New York when it comes to cars! I think I can have my car titled/registered/plates before it even gets off the Stewart truck ��.

[Namrups]

Florida may not be the best on some issues, but nothing like New York when it comes to cars! I think I can have my car titled/registered/plates before it even gets off the Stewart truck ��.

I wish!!

Had to trailer it to get it weighed. Have to trailer it for this inspection. Have to trailer it for the safety inspection. When all that paperwork is completed have to take all the paperwork and proof of insurance to DMV for registration and plates.

[Namrups]

During the wait for Field Investigation I have been completing items .

Finished installing the windshield washers.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=184470&d=1684014867
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=184471&d=1684014867
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=184472&d=1684014867
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=184473&d=1684014900

Only paid $20.00 for the setup. It works. I'm happy with it.

[Namrups]

Emergency brake boot installed and bought a new shifter ball.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=184474&d=1684014900

Hood guide rollers installed.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=184475&d=1684014900

Also bought the spinner clamps from Dave. Very nice pieces. Spinners installed.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=184468&d=1684014867
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=184469&d=1684014867

Knowing how close I am to being able to legally drive this car makes the wait even worse than the wait for the delivery.

[burchfieldb]

During the wait for Field Investigation I have been completing items .

Finished installing the windshield washers.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=184470&d=1684014867
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=184471&d=1684014867
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=184472&d=1684014867
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=184473&d=1684014900

Only paid $20.00 for the setup. It works. I'm happy with it.

Scott,
What did you use for your wiper setup and where did you get it?

[Namrups]

Day 325 walkaround video


https://youtu.be/vmv4jiQjp2M

[Namrups]

Scott,
What did you use for your wiper setup and where did you get it?

I used Specialty Power Windows WWK-2 Universal wiper kit from Speedway Motors. After three tries I ended up with Wexco "J" type wiper arms from Amazon and 15" Anco wiper blades from Walmart.

[460.465USMC]

Great progress, Scott. Thanks for posting the video. I really enjoyed it. You're almost on the road. Congrats.

[Joel Hauser]

Great video. Everything looks perfect, just as you planned it. Congratulations!

[Namrups]

Great video. Everything looks perfect, just as you planned it. Congratulations!

Thanks Joel! Stop by and see it up close!!

[Namrups]

Still undecided on if I am going with a solid color or stripes and roundels. Bought some static cling roundels. Figured I'd get feedback during this season to help me decide. Any thoughts?
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=184936&d=1685116819

[drewr]

Looks good! You are a few steps ahead of me in your build. I'm trying to make the same choice about how "racy" to make the final paint. I'm considering stripes but not painting the rondels. The static cling rondels are practical and perhaps more versatile. Throw 'em on for a meet up or car show, peal 'em off for around town.

Did you mount your windshield, or is it just sitting there? I may be a ways from paint myself, and I'm trying to figure out what to mount and what to wait on. Did mounting the hood latches help with hood fitment?
Thanks!

[Namrups]

Looks good! You are a few steps ahead of me in your build. I'm trying to make the same choice about how "racy" to make the final paint. I'm considering stripes but not painting the rondels. The static cling rondels are practical and perhaps more versatile. Throw 'em on for a meet up or car show, peal 'em off for around town.

Did you mount your windshield, or is it just sitting there? I may be a ways from paint myself, and I'm trying to figure out what to mount and what to wait on. Did mounting the hood latches help with hood fitment?
Thanks!

For the windshield I used a combination of foam weatherstripping and short sections of sealant. I want to be able to remove it at paint time. This was the best way I could come up with.

[Namrups]

Holy **** Grab Straps

I grabbed some roll bar grab straps that I found online for the passenger side roll bars. They are Jeep accessories and needed to be jury rigged but I would rather have my passenger grab these then the e-brake handle. They may also help in getting in and out. The diameter of the center roll bar is so small that I had to use a pool noodle to allow the strap to tighten.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=184975&d=1685198309
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=184974&d=1685198309

[Shakey]

Those grab handles are a good idea. I think the roundels look good. Are you gonna try and do the same thing with static cling or vinyl stripes?

Shakey

[Namrups]

Those grab handles are a good idea. I think the roundels look good. Are you gonna try and do the same thing with static cling or vinyl stripes?

Shakey

At this point, no plan on using temp stripes.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Did you mount your windshield, or is it just sitting there? I may be a ways from paint myself, and I'm trying to figure out what to mount and what to wait on. Did mounting the hood latches help with hood fitment?
Thanks!

Duct tape works fine for the windshield (red of course ;)).

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=184983&d=1685210800

Latches and their adjustment can be a big help with the hood fit.

Jeff

[Rian_Colorado]

What size roundels did you go with? I just ordered a bunch of decal stuff from Raceline - but didn't do the roundels since my car is still with Mr. Pike in Cali and I can't get a measurement!

RR

[Namrups]

What size roundels did you go with? I just ordered a bunch of decal stuff from Raceline - but didn't do the roundels since my car is still with Mr. Pike in Cali and I can't get a measurement!

RR

Rian, These were 19".

[Namrups]

Trailered the car in to NYS Field Investigation today. State Police looking for stolen goods. Grins all around. Even drew the office staff out to the garage area. Everyone lit up when I started it. It took about an hour for them to complete the inspection. Passed as I knew it would. I asked the inspector if they have seen many coupes and he said no and then apologized for taking so long. He said that because they didn't see many coupes he wanted to make sure they did everything right. Now have a legal VIN number. The paperwork now has to be sent to Vehicle Safety Technical Services who will issue form VS-103 which I need to get the safety inspection. The instructions says to fax or mail a copy of the VIN number form. I don't have access to a fax machine and didn't want to wait for mail so I called and asked if I could scan it and email it to them. They agreed! Saved a couple of days there. Now waiting for them to respond.

[Jacob McCrea]

Congratulations on hitting this milestone. If your experience was anything like mine, it was a really good feeling.

[Namrups]

Congratulations on hitting this milestone. If your experience was anything like mine, it was a really good feeling.

Jacob, it's a great feeling. Waiting on a form from DMV now.

[Blitzboy54]

It's all down hill from here!!

[smithtlw]

Awesome news on the VIN! Car looks fantastic

[Namrups]

Awesome news on the VIN! Car looks fantastic

Thank you Sir!

[Skuzzy]

Congratulations Namrups!

[Namrups]

Thanks Skuzzy!

[Namrups]

Received the "Notice of Registration Acceptability" today. Now I need to arrange to have it towed to an inspection station to get the safety inspection.

[Namrups]

The Race is Over

I ordered my Daytona Coupe and started my build thread on 11/16/2021. I titled it “The Race is On” because I have cancer and the race was to see if I could drive my dream before the cancer took me.

I received my kit on 6/22/2022. Today is 350 days. The car is not complete. I still have bodywork/paint/interior work to finish but it is at a point where it is drivable.

I can proudly report that the race is over!! This morning I had the car safety inspected. It passed! I then took all of the paperwork to the nearest DMV and without too much drama was able to get the car registered and plated. It is now street legal!!!!
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185518&d=1686251104
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185518&d=1686251104

The following video is the first legal drive. At the 10 minute mark I stopped for gas. Back on the road at the 17 minute mark. Stopped video at 20 minutes. I need a better stand for my phone or maybe break down and buy a GoPro!

https://youtu.be/lGJx2xV-oh8

Put a total of 17 miles on the car before giving in to the rain. I now have a permanent smile on my face that will never go away!!

[David Williamson]

very cool and now you won't be able to stop driving it for paint until the Winter.
David W

[Skuzzy]

Awesome Namrup! It is funny. I got my kit 3 days after you placed your order and I am still about 800 man hours away from having it driveable. I only have about 1100 man hours in it, so far. To be far, a lot of that time has involved putting on the body and taking it off.

Congratulations! Really happy for you.

[Namrups]

very cool and now you won't be able to stop driving it for paint until the Winter.
David W

That's the plan David! The fun factor is way more than I had imagined.

[Namrups]

Awesome Namrup! It is funny. I got my kit 3 days after you placed your order and I am still about 800 man hours away from having it driveable. I only have about 1100 man hours in it, so far. To be far, a lot of that time has involved putting on the body and taking it off.

Congratulations! Really happy for you.

Thanks Skuzzy. I have to admit my situation was a little different than most.

[Joel Hauser]

sounds great!!!! Congratulations. No burn outs until you've broken in the motor, right?

[edwardb]

Congratulations on a huge milestone and getting this far with your build! Your title scared me a bit. But then saw what it was referring to. Enjoy it. Don't get tired of driving ours.

[Namrups]

sounds great!!!! Congratulations. No burn outs until you've broken in the motor, right?

Right!!!

[Namrups]

Congratulations on a huge milestone and getting this far with your build! Your title scared me a bit. But then saw what it was referring to. Enjoy it. Don't get tired of driving ours.

Thanks Paul. A special thanks to you for all of your help and guidance. It is both a blast and scary to drive. Will take some getting used to and a lot of respect.

[Bob-STL]

Congratulations!
Well done!
This has been great to follow.

[Namrups]

Congratulations!
Well done!
This has been great to follow.

Thanks. I will continue to do updates as I finish (are they ever done??).

[Fman]

Way to go! Congratulations and hope you get a lot of miles behind the wheel. Looking forward to see what your plan is with body and paint.

[460.465USMC]

Congrats, Scott! So glad you won the race. I hope you get many, many miles of enjoyment and fun for all your labors. Boy, it sounds like one mean machine. I love it.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Wow, I'm late to the party but that doesn't mean that I'm not thrilled for you Scott! Congratulations! You've done a great job, now get out there and enjoy it for many years to come :cool:

Jeff

[Namrups]

Congrats, Scott! So glad you won the race. I hope you get many, many miles of enjoyment and fun for all your labors. Boy, it sounds like one mean machine. I love it.

Thank you sir! I will enjoy every minute!

[Namrups]

Wow, I'm late to the party but that doesn't mean that I'm not thrilled for you Scott! Congratulations! You've done a great job, now get out there and enjoy it for many years to come :cool:

Jeff

Thanks Jeff! I'll be knocking on your door when it comes to the bodywork/painting. In the mean time I'm going to drive the pXss out of it.

[Namrups]

Went to my first car show today. 300-400 cars! Won top 25!! Totally unexpected!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185664&d=1686511523
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185665&d=1686511523
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185666&d=1686511523

[edwardb]

Congratulations. Get used to it. The Daytona gets a lot of attention everywhere it goes.

[Namrups]

Congratulations. Get used to it. The Daytona gets a lot of attention everywhere it goes.

Thanks Paul!

[Blitzboy54]

Couldn't be happier for you buddy. I'm bummed I couldn't make the car show. Looking forward to MANY YEARS of driving to come!!

[q4stix]

Congrats on the street legal milestone and the first of many trophies!

[Namrups]

Couldn't be happier for you buddy. I'm bummed I couldn't make the car show. Looking forward to MANY YEARS of driving to come!!

Thanks Jessie! Waiting to give you your ride!!

[Namrups]

Congrats on the street legal milestone and the first of many trophies!

Thank you sir!!

[Namrups]

Shake down issues

I am driving my coupe in gel coat this season to work out any issues before bodywork and paint.

In the area of the door hinges there is a plate that gets installed on the engine bay side to close off that area.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185808&d=1686750802

I decided not to install these because they would have to be removed to take the body off anyway. How bad could it be! :D Well, the heat that blows thru from the engine bay into the cabin is unbearable! (understatement!) I needed to do something. I had seen where the roadster guys used foam to help seal between body and frame. I went to a local fabric store and bought 2" thick foam pads.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185809&d=1686750802
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185810&d=1686750802

I used the panels as a template and cut them about 1" larger. The foam is stiff enough that they stay in place without any type of fastening.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185811&d=1686750802

What a difference! Doesn't feel like your sitting in a blast furnace anymore. Makes it very comfortable. I am actually thinking about keeping this as a backing when I do install the panels.

[Indy Shu]

Looking good.
I'm thinking the manual shows to install those panels with self tapper tek screws. You could do that at least until paint is done. I've been studying up since I am about ready to set the body back on for the first time.

[Namrups]

Just tried to order a gallon of Rage Gold from Summit Racing and was told that they can not ship it to NY State!

[Blitzboy54]

Just tried to order a gallon of Rage Gold from Summit Racing and was told that they can not ship it to NY State!

Because it has the word RAGE in it.


Potential hate crime

[Namrups]

because it has the word rage in it.


Potential hate crime

lol!!;)

[Jeff Kleiner]

Develop a relationship with a local paint supplier and buy it there. You’re going to need LOTS of other materials and supplies.

Jeff

[David Williamson]

I made the block off plates removable because if you ever need to access the hinges they have to come off.
David W

[Namrups]

Develop a relationship with a local paint supplier and buy it there. You’re going to need LOTS of other materials and supplies.

Jeff

Will do Jeff! Thanks.

[Namrups]

I made the block off plates removable because if you ever need to access the hinges they have to come off.
David W

Great tip! Thanks David.

[Namrups]

Shakedown continues

The local Cobra club has a "Fun Run" scheduled for early July. I want to attend so I have been taking shakedown runs every day. I go out and come back. If there are no issues I make the next run a little longer. My last run was about 60 miles. I have been using back roads so I could "vary" the run a little. I have not taken the car on any interstate type roads at a sustained 70 mph run so I decided to do that today. I planned to run back roads to exit 13 of our Northway then run the Northway south until exit 8. Stop for lunch and then back roads home. It is only 14.5 miles between exit 8 and exit 13 but that's 14.5 miles at 70 plus that the car has not seen yet.

On the way to the Northway I had to sit and idle for 3 - 4 minutes because of road work. Temp held steady at 182 degrees the whole time. Outside temp was 76. Coming down the Northway I held the speed to between 70 and 75. Traffic was doing 80. With my setup 70 was 2600 rpm. 75 was 2800 rpm. She purred like a kitten .. wait .. make that LION! Stopped for lunch at a local car hop and of course drew a crowd. Back home with no issues, no leaks, no problems. Fun Run here I come.

[LateApex]

Shake down issues

I am driving my coupe in gel coat this season to work out any issues before bodywork and paint.

In the area of the door hinges there is a plate that gets installed on the engine bay side to close off that area.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185808&d=1686750802

I decided not to install these because they would have to be removed to take the body off anyway. How bad could it be! :D Well, the heat that blows thru from the engine bay into the cabin is unbearable! (understatement!) I needed to do something. I had seen where the roadster guys used foam to help seal between body and frame. I went to a local fabric store and bought 2" thick foam pads.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185809&d=1686750802
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185810&d=1686750802

I used the panels as a template and cut them about 1" larger. The foam is stiff enough that they stay in place without any type of fastening.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185811&d=1686750802

What a difference! Doesn't feel like your sitting in a blast furnace anymore. Makes it very comfortable. I am actually thinking about keeping this as a backing when I do install the panels.

Installing these panels, such that they may be removed to adjust door alignment, is indeed a bit of work. I added "Zero Clearance" insulation to the engine-bay side, and used rivnuts to secure the panels. They need to be "massaged" into place :-)

Add to this the bulb seal, and one has a nice little puzzle to solve - Hah!

[Namrups]

500 mile update

Couldn't be more pleased nor more proud of my accomplishment! The car runs great. Charged the air conditioner and that works also! I'm proud of being a first time builder and after 500 miles of driving there has not been a drip/leak of anything. Everything works as it should and I'm having a blast driving it. The local cobra club had a "fun run" on Saturday. We met in Lake George and spent the day driving the back road twisties. 15 car were there including 3 coupes! What a blast. It was in the mid eighties but with the cool air blowing on me it was very comfortable.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=187041&d=1688994060

[Jeff Kleiner]

That's great to hear Scott!

Jeff

[Skuzzy]

Awesome!

[Namrups]

Brake Bias

I checked out my brake bias today. I had no issues with the brakes but I had not had a panic stop either. I found a deserted, 4 lane wide road and from 40 mph panic stopped. The fronts did lock up first and the car slid to a stop nice and straight. Pleased!

https://youtu.be/ogBqDJG3gbU

[Alvaz]

If you (1) cut the shorter brown wire from the fuel pump fuse to the relay, (2) attached the Sniper blue wire to the brown wire from the relay (not the one from the fuse), and (3) used the RF fuel pump wire to the back of the car and plugged onto the in-tank fuel pump, the RF inertia switch is functional. It means the actual +12V to run the fuel pump is coming from your Sniper harness but routed through the RF wire to the back. With +12V on the red wire to the RF relay from the panel, and the relay ground going through the inertia switch, as long as the inertia switch is closed the relay will be energized (e.g. closed) and complete the circuit to the fuel pump. Easy enough to test. Shake or bump the inertia switch so that the button pops up. Your fuel pump shouldn't run with the key on until you push the button back down. Assuming it works properly, the inertia switch needs to be mounted where you can reasonably access it with the button up.

BTW, I'm a little breaking my own rules here. I haven't installed a Holley Sniper system. So giving this response only by looking at the Holly instructions. Seems straightforward, but no hands-on experience. The Sniper system is popular enough that hopefully others will chime in and either confirm or correct what I'm saying.


Thanks to edwardb for the detailed suggestion. I ran into the exact same question/problem as Namrups today. I would like to keep the inertia switch and use the FFR harness to power the fuel pump. However, if I understand edwardb's suggestion correctly by connecting the blue wire of Sniper to the cut tan wire to the relay, I would be "double relaying" the fuel pump since the blue Sniper wire going in is also relayed separately before. (1) Isn't that bad practice? (2) If so, does it make sense to remove the fuel pump relay and bridge the red and the blue cable? In this way only the fuel pump relay in the fuse box will be in use.
Thanks

[Namrups]

Thanks to edwardb for the detailed suggestion. I ran into the exact same question/problem as Namrups today. I would like to keep the inertia switch and use the FFR harness to power the fuel pump. However, if I understand edwardb's suggestion correctly by connecting the blue wire of Sniper to the cut tan wire to the relay, I would be "double relaying" the fuel pump since the blue Sniper wire going in is also relayed separately before. (1) Isn't that bad practice? (2) If so, does it make sense to remove the fuel pump relay and bridge the red and the blue cable? In this way only the fuel pump relay in the fuse box will be in use.
Thanks

I'll let Paul (Edwardb) answer this as I wired it as suggested and it works.....

[LateApex]

In my implementation, which uses a Holley TerminatorX for an ECU, I ignored the "Optional" Fuel Pump power lead from the Terminator (or Sniper in this case) and wired the circuit (including the inertia switch) exactly as in the RF harness schematic. There may be an advantage to having your ECU manage power to the fuel pump, but I don't know what that might be. My belief is that the wire is provided for folks who are replacing a carb with EFI, and who need to install a pump in their tank, and therefore need a fused power source.

FWIW

[DesertSn8ke]

Scott, you replied to a question I posted on Rich's 427 Coupe R thread about his brake bias adjuster. I'm surprised the Tilton adapter didn't fit, but maybe its bigger than it looks. Did you still end up running a bias adjuster, or just forgo it? I've skimmed through your build thread, and didn't see anything about it, but I may have just missed it.

[Namrups]

Scott, you replied to a question I posted on Rich's 427 Coupe R thread about his brake bias adjuster. I'm surprised the Tilton adapter didn't fit, but maybe its bigger than it looks. Did you still end up running a bias adjuster, or just forgo it? I've skimmed through your build thread, and didn't see anything about it, but I may have just missed it.

The only way I could figure out how to apply it, without the 90 degree adapter, was on the passenger side as I believe Rich did. I didn't like that solution because it required cutting into the footbox bracing for clearance and required a slot in the side panel that I felt would let too much hot air into the footbox. In my case there just was not enough room between the brake and the clutch to do it either. I bought the 90 degree adapter because I thought it might solve the issue. In my case it didn't for the same reasons.

[Namrups]

1000 miles!

During my drive yesterday I crossed the 1000 miles driven mark! Not bad for 53 days of legal driving. So far the only issue has been a very slight vibration (Pinion angle?) that I am going to try to adjust tomorrow and a leaking AC hose fitting. Plan on taking the drive to FF on the 19th. That will be the longest drive so far.

[Skuzzy]

You done good! Two months and only a couple of things to deal with is pretty dang good! Congrats!

[Namrups]

You done good! Two months and only a couple of things to deal with is pretty dang good! Congrats!

Thanks Skuzzy. Every time I take the car out I'm waiting for the shoe to drop, but having gone this far I'm gaining more and more confidence. At this point I really have no hesitation on taking the 2+ hour one way drive to FF for the mini open house on the 19th.

[Skuzzy]

Sounds like you have done your due diligence, now it is time to go for it!

[Namrups]

I have over 1100 miles on the car now. A nut fell off of the rear glass hinge. Had to realign it as it did move. Adjusted the shoulder harness to make it easier to tighten. Have a leak in the HP A/C line. Ordered new fittings and will redo the line. Have been chasing misc vibrations. Passenger door closed a tad loose. Repositioned the latch pin to tighten the fit. Added another 1/4" spacer to the transmission mount to bring pinion angle closer. (Total of 1/2" now) I hate to admit the next item but a lesson was learned .... I was going thru notes on my phone and had a note that said "torque engine mounts". I had no memory of doing this so I checked and all four bolts holding the mounts to the engine were not tight nor were they marked. They weren't fall out loose but loose enough to cause vibration. Tightened down and marked. Took the car out for a short run and vibration taken care of.

[460.465USMC]

Every time I take the car out I'm waiting for the shoe to drop, but having gone this far I'm gaining more and more confidence. At this point I really have no hesitation on taking the 2+ hour one way drive to FF for the mini open house on the 19th.

Congrats on hitting 1,000 miles. I'm at almost 500 miles, and can very much relate to this.

The F5 open house sounds like a great trip, Scott. I went to last year's event and really enjoyed it.

[Namrups]

Our local Shelby Mustang club held their 31st Annual Dealer Day Car Show at a local Ford dealers. They had 4 classes. Club Mustangs, Other Mustangs, Other Fords and Others. They put me in Other Fords. I won Dealers Pick Best-of-Show! One of only 2 Best-of-Show plaques!
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=188704&d=1691870609
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=188703&d=1691870609

Looking forward to the FF open house next week.

[Namrups]

Drove the coupe down to FF for their mini open house today. 3 hrs down and 4 hrs back (due to a backup!) Highway driving 95% of the way averaging 75 - 80 mph. Car preformed great. Had a great conversation with Nicole Smith and her dad! Also met a couple of other coupe builders that have been following my build. What a great feeling to not only put a face to a name but to also hear how my posts have helped others. It was great meeting and talking with them.

[Windsor]

Drove the coupe down to FF for their mini open house today. 3 hrs down and 4 hrs back (due to a backup!) Highway driving 95% of the way averaging 75 - 80 mph. Car preformed great. Had a great conversation with Nicole Smith and her dad! Also met a couple of other coupe builders that have been following my build. What a great feeling to not only put a face to a name but to also hear how my posts have helped others. It was great meeting and talking with them.

Saw your car in the F5R "walkaround" video that was posted on PotatoBook.

[rhk118]

Great to meet you Scott! Loved seeing the car and talking about the process. Seriously appreciate your build thread and going over your car today. It really looks great, glad you made the trip, thank you for all your help.

[Namrups]

Great to meet you Scott! Loved seeing the car and talking about the process. Seriously appreciate your build thread and going over your car today. It really looks great, glad you made the trip, thank you for all your help.

It was a pleasure to meet you! Hope to see yours at the next open house!!

[Peter Ross]

Scott,
I made it a point to attend the Open House (Lite) specifically to meet you and shake your hand. Fantastic achievement. Patch of grass to completed car driven back to Factory Five to share with the Smith family.
Thanks for the inspiration.

[Namrups]

Scott,
I made it a point to attend the Open House (Lite) specifically to meet you and shake your hand. Fantastic achievement. Patch of grass to completed car driven back to Factory Five to share with the Smith family.
Thanks for the inspiration.

I thank you Peter! When I started my build thread I had hoped it would aid others just as the ones I read helped me. Having met you and a few others, Saturday, just confirmed it was the right thing to do!

[edwardb]

Scott -- Seems like yesterday we met at the 2022 Factory Five Open House and you checked out my Coupe and told me about your build plans. Congratulations on getting yours this far along and being there one year later. Great work and excellent build thread to inspire others.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Misc%20Pics/.highres/burning%20rubber_zpsurneon46.jpg?width=180&height=180&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Misc%20Pics/.highres/burning%20rubber_zpsurneon46.jpg?width=180&height=180&fit=bounds)

[Namrups]

Scott -- Seems like yesterday we met at the 2022 Factory Five Open House and you checked out my Coupe and told me about your build plans. Congratulations on getting yours this far along and being there one year later. Great work and excellent build thread to inspire others.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Misc%20Pics/.highres/burning%20rubber_zpsurneon46.jpg?width=180&height=180&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Misc%20Pics/.highres/burning%20rubber_zpsurneon46.jpg?width=180&height=180&fit=bounds)

You were my inspiration Paul! Thank you for all of your help and guidance. I'm not sure I would have gotten to this point without it! I will always be grateful for your openness and willingness to help others.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Spotted your car on the "walkaround" video! Love the fact that you're getting out and driving it :) I'll be looking forward to seeing you again at the "Real" 2024 Open House!

Jeff

[Namrups]

Spotted your car on the "walkaround" video! Love the fact that you're getting out and driving it :) I'll be looking forward to seeing you again at the "Real" 2024 Open House!

Jeff

Looking forward to seeing you also!!

[Namrups]

Since attaching the plates on June 6th I have put 2300 miles on the coupe. The goal was to drive it this season to work the bugs out. I am pleased to say that there were very few bugs! In this area of NY you can find a cruise in, car show, fun run, gathering of some kind every night of the week and multiple on the weekends. I received two top 25 trophies and one best of show trophy with an unfinished car. Now is the time to put the beast to bed for the winter and finish all of the items still waiting to be completed and then look at bodywork and paint. It was in the upper 70's today and will be again tomorrow and Saturday. It's hard to convince myself to put her to bed.

I had the following issues during the season.

My Sniper started acting up. The RPM would hang between shifts when I pushed the clutch in. I adjusted the IAC per the Sniper manual but it didn't clear up. Thru another club member I was introduced to a tuner and took the car to him last night. He did his thing and tweeked a few things and the car is now running great.

When my engine is hot and I shut it off (at a gas station for example) it works real hard to start up again. I have covered the starter with a heat blanket without much help. My tuner, who is also a big time drag racer, suggested a group 65 battery (Turbo Start s12v3465 is what he uses) and to switch to a Power Master high torque starter. He also suggested Rev Limiter. Three things added to my winter list...

I found out that I am not a very good at upholstry as some of mine has lifted and will have to be redone.

My voltage gauge backlight has gone out. Hopfully it's just a loose wire.

Things I need to do this winter before bodywork and paint:

Hood vent screens need to be mocked up.
Headlight covers need to be mocked up.
Fog lights need to be mocked up and wired.
Lizardskin heat and sound material needs to be applied to interior panels.
Side windows need to be mocked up.
Door pockets need to be designed and mocked up.
Door panels need to designed and mocked up.
Ride height needs to be reset.
Shock settings need to be verified.
Alignment needs to be checked.
Wiring should be tidied up.
Hood needs final alignment/adjustment.
Fluid changes.
Possible dash redesign.
Raptor applied to underside of body.
Remove windshield.
Install carpet.

I'm sure I will add to this list.

[burchfieldb]

That is fantastic! I am still in the building stages and hope to be driving sometime next year. Like you, I plan on shaking it down for a while before paint.

[JimStone]

That's a pretty good list to keep you busy over the winter. I'm glad you were able to enjoy the driving season and you got the Sniper problem worked out.

[Namrups]

That is fantastic! I am still in the building stages and hope to be driving sometime next year. Like you, I plan on shaking it down for a while before paint.

I have had so much fun driving this that at times I have found myself thinking "Who needs paint!" Another local coupe owner told me that a build such as mine "deserves" a decent paint job. He's right.

[Namrups]

That's a pretty good list to keep you busy over the winter. I'm glad you were able to enjoy the driving season and you got the Sniper problem worked out.

I'm glad I did it this way. Luckly I didn't have a situation where I needed to do something that would have damaged the paint but it was always a possibility. I have the confidence now that everything is working as it should and I can move forward.

[Namrups]

Hood vents

The vent screen didn't fit real well as furnished. It is a very pliable material so bending it to make it fit was no big deal.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=191747&d=1698700129
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=191748&d=1698700129

I used Rotaloc bonding fasteners and HSRF to attach the screens to the hood.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=191749&d=1698700129
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=191750&d=1698700129

[Namrups]

Popsicle sticks were used to hod the screen in place while the HSRF cured.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=191751&d=1698700129
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=191752&d=1698700201

[Namrups]

I checked out Modeltoycars.com and found a 1/18th scale coupe in red. I will use it as a display at car shows. I am looking at this for a final paint job also.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=191754&d=1698700201

I also found 1/64th scale coupes in the blue livery. I bought 10 of them to give out to kids at shows. It makes their day.

[Skuzzy]

Very nice Namrups!

[Namrups]

Putting the coupe up for the winter. Have a Sta-bil question. The label states "effective in all ethanol blended fuels". I use non-ethanol premium fuel. Should I still use the Sat-bil or is it not required when using non-ethanol fuel?

[David Williamson]

probably not required with the gas you have but it can't hurt. We get premium gas with no ethanol here in Alberta as well and most years I use some Sta-bil. I think EFI systems are more forgiving... but why not use it.
David W

[Namrups]

Finally convinced myself that I needed to put the coupe up for the season and start the process of completing it. In the process of mocking up anything that I ignored, removing everything that needs to be removed for bodywork and paint and starting the bodywork process.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=192851&d=1701572854

[Namrups]

Finished body work.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=194958&d=1706225576
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=194959&d=1706225576
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=194960&d=1706225576

Next step is to remove the hood and apply the Raptor bed coat to the underside.

[Joel Hauser]

Your lines and gaps look great! and your shop is still clean.

[JimStone]

Are you planning to do the paint yourself or do you have someone in mind? Still thinking red with white stripes?

[burchfieldb]

Scott,
How did you temporally hold in your windshield?

[Namrups]

Thanks Joel! A closer look will show a lot of dust on everything. Tried to keep the dust in check with the vaccuum.

[Namrups]

I'm working with on of our Upstate Cobra members for paint. Yes, still looking at red with white stripes.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=191754&d=1698700201

[Namrups]

I used actual windshield sealant in 6" sections. One on each edge and three along the top. The rest was filled in with a 1" wide foam weatherstrip tape that was adheared to the body only. I only peeled approx 1" sections of the tape off the foam to get it to stay in place until I set the windshield on top of it. I also added a 2" strip of black on the windshield to "hide" it all. It worked like a charm except when it rained. The water did find it's way thru because it was not a perfect seal. Also the wind had started to penetrate and created a thin film of dust on the dash. I think it was actually wearing the foam away. It served it's purpose.

[burchfieldb]

Scott,
Your body looks in better shape then mine. I have a lot of air pockets. How long did it take you to do the body work?

[Namrups]

Scott,
Your body looks in better shape then mine. I have a lot of air pockets. How long did it take you to do the body work?

I started the last week of November. Any time the weather was above 32 I would try to spend 2 - 3 hours in the garage. Lost all of last week because of the cold. I feel my body is one of the better ones which is good because doing bodywork is also a first for me. I got lucky when one of the club members gave me all of his left over bodywork supplies. Saved me a lot of money.

I'm working with another club member that has agreed to paint the car after I apply the Raptor bed liner. We have been trying to figure out how to make sure the stripes line up. Right now I have the car sitting on jack stands. I have marked spots on the body cowl and the hood that will be our alignment marks. I also plan to build body bucks that mimic how the car is sitting right now height wise. We should be able to bring the two halves together just like it sits now and line up the marks to lay out the stripes. Fingers crossed.

[rhk118]

That is a lot of work, but looks great Scott!

[Namrups]

That is a lot of work, but looks great Scott!

Thank you Sir! Portland Maine might be a nice weekend getaway this summer!! Put some miles on the coupe.

[rhk118]

Thank you Sir! Portland Maine might be a nice weekend getaway this summer!! Put some miles on the coupe.

Happy to have you here if you decide to make the trip!

[Namrups]

Finished applying the Raptor bed liner on the hood today.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=195270&d=1706995132

[Skuzzy]

Did you do something to create the inner liner for the hood? My hood does not have any inner panels and looks pretty dreadful.

[Namrups]

That is the black inner liner that came already glued to the hood. If yours doesn't have one I would call FF.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=181003&d=1677787313

[drewr]

Looks good1 Did you spray or roll it on?

[Namrups]

Looks good1 Did you spray or roll it on?

I used the cheapest disposable paint brush I could find to apply it where I knew a roller would not reach. Then used a small 4" roller (fine mat, not the course that comes with the kit). Finished up with a sponge on the brushed areas to match the roller look. I didn't have the room nor the weather to spray. Many do. I am very pleased with the result.

[Skuzzy]

That is the black inner liner that came already glued to the hood. If yours doesn't have one I would call FF.

No, mine did not come with any type of inner liner. I cannot get FF to respond to issues with my body/hood. I just thought they stopped putting the liner, but your kit came after mine. Maybe I can buy the inner liner from them.

[lewma]

No, mine did not come with any type of inner liner. I cannot get FF to respond to issues with my body/hood. I just thought they stopped putting the liner, but your kit came after mine. Maybe I can buy the inner liner from them.

I would definitely press FF to address this. I may be wrong but that inner liner adds to the rigidity of the hood overall, unless FF changed the process of how the hoods are made and the liner is no longer required.

Its a shame that FF don't improve on their customer service either.

mark

[Kbl7td]

Just got mine a few weeks ago, I have the liner.

[Namrups]

It needs the liner. The gas struts that hold the hood open attach to it.

[Skuzzy]

It needs the liner. The gas struts that hold the hood open attach to it.

I am going to be doing an electric hood lift, instead of using the gas struts. I had already planned on installing a metal support for that lift mechanism. I already bought the foam, matt, and roving to correct how ugly the hood looks on the interior.

The hood is still under cover, in the backyard. It has been there for over two years now, while I have been addressing the issues with the body. I am not looking forward to working on that hood. Not a big fan of working this much with fiberglass. Finally getting to the last layer of matt on the body and that should take care of all the structural issues.

The hood is another ball game. Not looking forward to that. Then again, if the hood had an inner liner I would not have known about the spotty lack of matt in the resin. It is like a patchwork quilt.


I would definitely press FF to address this. I may be wrong but that inner liner adds to the rigidity of the hood overall, unless FF changed the process of how the hoods are made and the liner is no longer required.

Its a shame that FF don't improve on their customer service either.

Short of lawyering up, I am not sure there is much one can do to press a company to acknowledge they screwed up. I am not going to waste time, money, and energy on it. It is what it is. I just have to figure out how to make it work.

I know the guys in the Cobra Club here who have shown an interest are no longer interested in building one. My Wife did want me to build her the 35 truck, but has since threatened divorce if I buy another kit from FF.

Anyway, I'll reach out to FF and see if they will sell me the inner liner for the hood. Hopefully they will respond to that. That should help save some time. Thanks guys.

[burchfieldb]

Scott,
How much product did you use to coat the hood?

Brent

[Namrups]

Scott,
How much product did you use to coat the hood?

Brent

1 1/2 bottles. Two complete coats and a third coat in the wheel wells.

[cunfewzed]

Hey Scott. Just wanted to let you know that I read through your entire build thread over the last few days and I'm so happy that you've gotten to do this build how you wanted. Here is to your continued good health. Feel like I made a friend! Will keep watching.

[Namrups]

Hey Scott. Just wanted to let you know that I read through your entire build thread over the last few days and I'm so happy that you've gotten to do this build how you wanted. Here is to your continued good health. Feel like I made a friend! Will keep watching.

I thank you for your post! I have been lucky that my health has held! The cancer is still in remission. The pills are still doing their job and grants from the Leukemia Society have helped pay the $156,000.00 yearly out of pocket expense. Goal now is to "finish" the car by early summer and then enjoy it for as long as I can.

[rhk118]

No, mine did not come with any type of inner liner. I cannot get FF to respond to issues with my body/hood. I just thought they stopped putting the liner, but your kit came after mine. Maybe I can buy the inner liner from them.

Sorry to hijack your thread Scott --- but Scuzzy keep trying to get in touch with FFR. I found that there are times they are more responsive than others (and they are pretty busy there). Once you get someone they have taken care any issue I've ever had, its the getting someone that can be frustrating. I'd call/leave a message (not once have they picked up) and email once a week to every 2 weeks. I think our kits arrived on a similar timeline, mine has the liner as well.

LOL on the "My Wife did want me to build her the 35 truck, but has since threatened divorce if I buy another kit from FF." :D ...The coupe is involved in retrospect, I'm completely impressed by Namrups build and timeline, but have to admit find myself looking at the roadster builds and planning myself, anything to get out of wiring haha...

Scott that liner turned out great! Are you going to liner the aluminum parts around the wheel wells also? Do folks recommend doing some of the initial prep work on the body BEFORE doing the spray liner?

[Namrups]

RHK118 - Yes I am going to liner the wheel well panel pieces. I did all my prep/bodywork before the liner. To do the liner first might cause issues later IMO. Although I believe Paul did it that way without issues. Keep in mind that I built mine to the point where I could drive it for a season before completeing it.

[Namrups]

Need some upholstery help!

During the past year my upholstery has delaminated. I used marine grade vinyl with foam padding and 3M 77 and 99 spray adhesive. The foam has sticked like gangbusters but the vinyl has pulled up. The part that has delaminated is a sticky gooey mess. I will need to redo it but I need to figure out what I did wrong first. Did I use the wrong vinyl? The wrong adhesive? Did I wait to long for the glue or not long enough? Should I have used a heat gun to soften the vinyl around the edges?

Any suggestions are welcome!!

[Kbl7td]

I’ve never had luck with spray stuff. Anything two part or from a can is going to be better. Short of having a professional spray set up. Lot of different outdoor carpet adhesives like weldwood.

[Namrups]

60 degrees at the end of Feb. in the northeast! Who would have thought??

Finished coating the underside of the body over the weekend in this great weather! Next step is to build a body buck for painting and mask off the undercaoting.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=196425&d=1709565624

[Kbl7td]

Any reason not to put it on the car and mask off? I think many have painted that way.

[Namrups]

Any reason not to put it on the car and mask off? I think many have painted that way.

My painter wanted to paint it off the chassis.

[rhk118]

I love that you've tackled this yourself Scott. Looks great!

[Namrups]

I love that you've tackled this yourself Scott. Looks great!

I was going to paint it also but after discussions with my painter I decided to let him do it. My garage just isn't set up properly nor do I have the proper compressor, spray guns, etc.

[dstelter]

yep. mine was painted off the chassis as well.

196450

Doug

[Namrups]

Body and body bucks ready for painting!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=196648&d=1710105815

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=196651&d=1710105815

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=196649&d=1710105815

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=196650&d=1710105815

[Namrups]

Started the process of getting the coupe painted. I did most of the bodywork and a member of the upstate cobra club, who lives near me, is doing the painting. Here is a link to the picture gallery.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/G5ZnxB5DFXBLcewr9

[burchfieldb]

Looking good!

[Namrups]

A coat of primer/sealer was applied and all of the pin holes were filled with a glaze filler and sanded. The high build primer has been applied.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=197727&d=1712268572
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=197726&d=1712268572

[Jeff Kleiner]

Ah, Evercoat Optix. Dries pink, sands to gray. I used it once.

Jeff

[Namrups]

Ah, Evercoat Optix. Dries pink, sands to gray. I used it once.

Jeff

My 18 year old daughter "voted" to leave it that color..... OVER-RULED!:p

Scott

[Rsnake]

I like it. The Mary Kay type 65!

[Namrups]

I like it. The Mary Kay type 65!

You know about Mary Kay??? My "X" was a Mary Kay Director. I enjoyed a couple of trips to Dallas for their convention.

Scott

[Rsnake]

All I know about Mary Kay is they had pink Cadillacs that looked identical in color to your car.
Great job on the build.

[Namrups]

All I know about Mary Kay is they had pink Cadillacs that looked identical in color to your car.
Great job on the build.

Your correct. When a Director build her team to a certian level they were given a "company car". There were different levels of cars available with the top level being the pink caddy.

Thanks for the positive feedback on my build. Have watched your videos and would love to see your some day.

[Jeff Kleiner]

When I used it I posted some pics without explanation and figured it would get some reactions. The comments from forum members did not disappoint :D

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?38658-Just-sprayed-this-one-today&highlight=evercoat

It's looking really good Scott!

Jeff

[Rsnake]

Scott, a type 65 meetup in the middle of the country, i like it. Kansas City for some BBQ?
Let's start planning

[Namrups]

Scott, a type 65 meetup in the middle of the country, i like it. Kansas City for some BBQ?
Let's start planning

That would be wild!!

[Namrups]

While the body is off being painted I have been working on a few things on the chassis.

I was not happy with the battery I had. My first one ended up with a bad cell halfway thru the season last year. I replaced it with the same and just was not happy with it. Cold starts were ok but hot starts scared me. Others have used this same battery without issue but I was not happy. I chose to replace it with a much larger battery which required a new battery box also. This battery has 1150 CCA so it should do a lot better with hot starting.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=197979&d=1712614665

I also decided to add remote battery terminals. Will make it a lot easier if I need to jump.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=197980&d=1712614665

[Namrups]

Spent the day with my painter today. Here's a teaser of our accomplishments....

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=198225&d=1713046966
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=198224&d=1713046966

[Namrups]

THE REVEAL

Still needs clear coats, sanding and buffing.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=198229&d=1713060192
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=198227&d=1713060192
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=198228&d=1713060192

[JimStone]

Wow! Looks great. Can't go wrong with a red sports car

[Rsnake]

Beautiful. I love red with white stripes!

[Namrups]

Wow! Looks great. Can't go wrong with a red sports car

Thanks Jim!

[Namrups]

Beautiful. I love red with white stripes!

Thank you Sir! Appreciate the support. Coming out better than I had imagined.

[edwardb]

Did someone say red? I've heard of using that color. Looks great.

[Alan_C]

Did someone say red? I've heard of using that color. Looks great.

Sarcasm noted.
I saw a new Tahoe today with one of the most awesome medium dark metallic reds I have every seen. I will being trying to replicate that color on my coupe. I used House of Kolor products and their semi-candy Apple Red is amazing by itself but it is a bit lighter in color. I think painting the apple red over a black or dark red base should get me close.

[Namrups]

Did someone say red? I've heard of using that color. Looks great.

Ya I got that inspiration from somewhere?? Pleased with how the stripes came out.

[Namrups]

Sarcasm noted.
I saw a new Tahoe today with one of the most awesome medium dark metallic reds I have every seen. I will being trying to replicate that color on my coupe. I used House of Kolor products and their semi-candy Apple Red is amazing by itself but it is a bit lighter in color. I think painting the apple red over a black or dark red base should get me close.

That should look awesome.

[Skuzzy]

Looks great!

[Namrups]

Looks great!

Thanks Skuzzy!

[Namrups]

Applied two coats of the Lizardskin SC today. The Lizardskin CI will be applied tomorrow.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=198274&d=1713211461
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=198275&d=1713211461
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=198276&d=1713211461

[Jeff Kleiner]

Looking great Scott!

Jeff

[edwardb]

Nice work! That wasn't so hard, was it? :)

[Namrups]

Looking great Scott!

Jeff

Thanks Jeff!

[Namrups]

Nice work! That wasn't so hard, was it? :)

I was really concerned about doing this and have been putting it off. Because I will be getting the painted body back in a week or two I needed to man up and give it a shot but as you said it wasn't so hard at all! Was easier than anticipated and came out better than I expected. CI tomorrow and then on to the other project I have not been looking forward to .... carpet!

[Blitzboy54]

lizard skin looks great Scott! Good luck with the carpet. I found it it be a very satisfying part of the build.

It's really coming together.

[Namrups]

lizard skin looks great Scott! Good luck with the carpet. I found it it be a very satisfying part of the build.

It's really coming together.

What are you doing this weekend?? Could use some guidence!!:p

[Namrups]

Completed the Lizardskin CI today. Next up carpet....

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=198311&d=1713302898

[Blitzboy54]

What are you doing this weekend?? Could use some guidence!!:p

I’m sure I can find my way out there.

[Namrups]

Getting excited! George is doing a fantastic job!
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=198509&d=1713733375

[Bob-STL]

Getting excited! George is doing a fantastic job!
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=198509&d=1713733375

I’m getting excited about this one, too!
It looks fantastic!

[burchfieldb]

That is looking really nice Scott! I am a long way from that.

[neilkuy]

Looks great Scott! these pictures are great motivation.

[Namrups]

Looks great Scott! these pictures are great motivation.

Thank you Sir!!

[Namrups]

Carpet installation complete!!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=198612&d=1714078019
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=198611&d=1714078019
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=198610&d=1714078019

One tool that made the carpet install a lot easier was a carpet knife. The drawback to this knife is that it will slice you worse than a single edge razor blade!! It slices cardboard as easy as a razor blade slices paper. I used a Roberts SN10/215.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=198613&d=1714078019

I also stopped at JoAnns Fabric store and bought a piece of 1" thick seat cushion foam. Seat cushion foam is heat and fire resistant. I used it help reduce the sound between the outer panel and the body near the sidepipes.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=198614&d=1714078019

[Namrups]

Installed the headliner today and remounted body to chassis.

[Namrups]

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=198971&d=1714686396
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=198970&d=1714686396

[JimStone]

What a beauty! Looks amazing. Congratulations!

[Namrups]

What a beauty! Looks amazing. Congratulations!

Thanks Jim!!

[460.465USMC]

Wahoo! Congrats, Scott. Seems like you made pretty quick work of getting it all back together again. You're going to be turning heads with that great-looking paint job. Enjoy!

[Rsnake]

Car looks amazing! My favorite color combination. You did a fabulous job and should be proud.

[Namrups]

Wahoo! Congrats, Scott. Seems like you made pretty quick work of getting it all back together again. You're going to be turning heads with that great-looking paint job. Enjoy!

Putting it together the second time was a piece of cake. I knew where everythng went!! Thanks for the shoutout!

[Namrups]

Car looks amazing! My favorite color combination. You did a fabulous job and should be proud.

Thank you Sir! Almost as proud as the day my daughter was born! Time to drive the hell out if it!!

[edwardb]

Paint looks great. Congratulations. You maybe could lower the ride height slightly and have a little less space above the tires in the openings. Not a criticism. Just something to consider. At least for mine, required me to be lower than the ride height measurement in the manual.

[Namrups]

The race is won!

I started my build log on November 16th 2021. I explained that the race was getting to drive my dream before the cancer took it away from me. I received enormous support from the local cobra owners and the forum members. The Factory Five family is truly unique and am humbled to be a part of it. I can now say that the race has been won. I have a few minor items to do on the car but I'm calling it complete. (They never are. I'm already thinking about changes! :p) I have been extreamly lucky that the Leukemia has been, so far, held at stage zero. I want to thank all of the forum members who encouraged me, supported me and answered all of my questions. A special thanks to Paul B. for all of the help and guidence he gave me. An extra special thanks to Nicole Smith for highlighting my story on the website and to Dave Smith for the great conversations we had and for developing a business and a product unlike any other.

I'm not going anywhere and will continue to post and follow other build threads. I just wanted to thank everyone for helping me cross this finish line!

[ydousurf]

Scott, we’re all in the virtual winners circle with you celebrating, clapping, high-fiving and getting champagne all over that new paint job. I think we’re gonna need some towels! We’re all so proud of you and glad you crossed the finish line. Now go drive the hell out of it. Maybe keep the tickets to a minimum or get them for your favorite band! ;) All the best and may safe roads always find you!

Doug

[Jeff Kleiner]

It turned out fantastic Scott! I’m super excited and happy for you and look forward to meeting you again somewhere down the road. Here’s a thought—-why don’t you make a trip to the London Cobra Show in a few weeks? :)

Jeff

[DW66]

Jeff, I was thinking the same thing. Scott there will be a group of us heading through New York on the 19th. We are spending the night in Buffalo and headed to London the morning of the 20th. There are 3-of us from Massachusetts driving, 1-from New Hampshire driving and 1-from New Hampshire trailering. We are already picking up two others in New York. 1-driving and one driving if the weather is good. If not he will trailer. You are more than welcome to hook up with us. The more the merrier. We did this last year and had a blast. If you have any interest feel free to call or text me.

Dave. 781-953-0358.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Scott,
When I made the suggestion I was thinking that you might be able to join in with Dave and the group coming from the northeast.

Dave Smith has once again charged me with organizing several cars to feature in the Factory Five display during the Saturday show—-if you come we’d love for your Coupe to be one of those! :cool:

Really hope you’ll join us for a fun weekend!

Jeff

[burchfieldb]

Looks amazing Scott congrats. It would be great to see you in London if you come.

[Namrups]

Scott, we’re all in the virtual winners circle with you celebrating, clapping, high-fiving and getting champagne all over that new paint job. I think we’re gonna need some towels! We’re all so proud of you and glad you crossed the finish line. Now go drive the hell out of it. Maybe keep the tickets to a minimum or get them for your favorite band! ;) All the best and may safe roads always find you!

Doug

Thanks Doug! Appreciate the support.

[Namrups]

The London Cobra Show ...... Always wanted to go. Now you guys have got me thinking. Dave I will contact you in the next couple of days. Jeff, If I do go, I would be honored to be a display car.

[DW66]

Sounds good Scott call anytime. Certainly take Jeff up on the offer. I was in the booth last year and was honored as well. If you know anyone else from your area that wants to join in they are more than welcome.

Dave

[lewma]

The race is won!

I'm not going anywhere and will continue to post and follow other build threads. I just wanted to thank everyone for helping me cross this finish line!

Awesome Scott!!!! That's a great car you've built!

[Namrups]

Awesome Scott!!!! That's a great car you've built!

Thank you Sir! Truly a labor of love.

[Joel Hauser]

It really looks great. I love that color combination. Congratulations. I can't wait to come up to your place to see and hear it live, in person, and loud.
Joel

[Skuzzy]

Congratulations! Beautiful car. Well done sir, well done.

[Namrups]

It really looks great. I love that color combination. Congratulations. I can't wait to come up to your place to see and hear it live, in person, and loud.
Joel

Thanks Joel! Looking forward to giving you a ride.

[Bob-STL]

Your car looks great!
Well done!
Congratulations!

[Namrups]

Your car looks great!
Well done!
Congratulations!

Thanks Bob!

[Cutter 54]

Scott, we’re all in the virtual winners circle with you celebrating, clapping, high-fiving and getting champagne all over that new paint job. I think we’re gonna need some towels! We’re all so proud of you and glad you crossed the finish line. Now go drive the hell out of it. Maybe keep the tickets to a minimum or get them for your favorite band! ;) All the best and may safe roads always find you!

Doug

I second these thoughts and words. Well said.
Scott you are an inspiration to all in your determination, grit and humility. Thank you for sharing such a personal journey with us, your fellow hot rudders and Earthlings. All the best and drive with plenty of caution and GUSTO! Ed K, Long Island.

[Namrups]

I second these thoughts and words. Well said.
Scott you are an inspiration to all in your determination, grit and humility. Thank you for sharing such a personal journey with us, your fellow hot rudders and Earthlings. All the best and drive with plenty of caution and GUSTO! Ed K, Long Island.

Appreciate your support Ed!

[Shakey]

Congratulations! Car looks awesome! It's crazy how much work you get done in between me checking your build thread. Thanks for all the motivation!

V/R

Shakey

[Namrups]

Congratulations! Car looks awesome! It's crazy how much work you get done in between me checking your build thread. Thanks for all the motivation!

V/R

Shakey

Thanks for the support Shakey!

[David Williamson]

Another RED one... love it and it looks amazing, way to go. Now enjoy driving it.
David W