The race is on - Namrups 65 Daytona Coupe build

[Namrups]

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

Thanks David!

[marshallmosty]

Absolutely amazing, Scott. Beautiful build. I've used a BUNCH of your posts as guidance in my build.
Fantastic job!! Continued prayers for remission to be your "every day" so you can enjoy the car as long as YOU want to!

[Namrups]

Absolutely amazing, Scott. Beautiful build. I've used a BUNCH of your posts as guidance in my build.
Fantastic job!! Continued prayers for remission to be your "every day" so you can enjoy the car as long as YOU want to!

Marshall, Thanks for the support, the well wishes and the prayers! Glad my build was a help.

[Alan_C]

Late to the party as I just discovered your build thread this morning. Congrats on the car and the new garage. I can relate as I ordered my coupe a month ago just as I broke ground on a 24x44 addition to my existing garage. The added space will double my garage space to 2100 sq. ft. total, still does not seem like enough as my Mustang restomod is still in progress. My coupe is due sometime in late August depending on Stewart's Transportation schedule. My STEM walls are up but waiting on plumbers to move a propane gas line and rough in the toilet and sink before we can backfill and compact in prep for the slab.

[Namrups]

Just added links, in my signature, to my build picture galleries. Tons of information for anyone following my build. My bad... didn't realize they wern't there.

[Skuzzy]

Really impressed with how quick you got it done.

[Namrups]

Really impressed with how quick you got it done.

Being retired helps. I can work on it as often and as long as I like!

[Namrups]

Brief update

I have registered for the LCS! Hotels have been reserved. (sadly too late for the reduced show rate :() and I have accepted Jeff Kleiners request to display my coupe at the FF booth. Hope to meet everyone there!

[Namrups]

Inspection and final alignment done getting ready for the drive to the Ohio Cobra Show!
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=200308&d=1717521771

[JimStone]

Looking good!

[Namrups]

Looking good!

Thank you Sir! Looking forward to following your build.

[burchfieldb]

Scott,
Do you know how many gallons of paint you needed to paint your car?

[Namrups]

One gallon of the red and clear with one quart of the white. It all gets reduced when spraying.

[burchfieldb]

One gallon of the red and clear with one quart of the white. It all gets reduced when spraying.

Thanks! I tried to find info on the forum, but could easily find anything.

[Namrups]

Thanks! I tried to find info on the forum, but could easily find anything.

George Robitaille painted it. He is local to me and is a member of the Upstate Cobra Club. He is also on this forum. Speak up George. You can answer this better than I can.

[Namrups]

Just got home from the London Cobra Show. Had a great time. The coupe cruised at 75-80 all the way there and all the way back. The temp was 95+ every day. Thank god for the AC! Car never overheated even with the AC on. Ran into 2 heavy rain storms on the way home. The car is almost water tight. I now know where the minor leaks are. I did have the mounting lug on the drivers side sidepipe snap off and when a potential customer was trying the coupe on for size he slipped and broke the small lexan window behind the drivers door. Sad news .... They mentioned that next year may be the last year for the show unless they can get others to take over.

[jgray]

Hey Scott, Congrats on having an almost water tight car! This brings back memories of the old MGB I owned in the 80s in England - it was almost water tight, which isn't great in a country where it rains a lot! I am also glad to hear the AC works. Where I live near Sacramento it gets very hot in the summer so AC is important, and I was starting to wonder if it is worth the effort of installing the AC as I am expecting I will struggle with it. So it is good to hear that it is worthwhile

[Namrups]

Hey Scott, Congrats on having an almost water tight car! This brings back memories of the old MGB I owned in the 80s in England - it was almost water tight, which isn't great in a country where it rains a lot! I am also glad to hear the AC works. Where I live near Sacramento it gets very hot in the summer so AC is important, and I was starting to wonder if it is worth the effort of installing the AC as I am expecting I will struggle with it. So it is good to hear that it is worthwhile

IMO the coupe with side windows and no AC would be unbareable. There is no air flow and the rear window is a heat generator! The AC unit is not your DD unit. It is smaller and less powerful but it is IMO adequate. The key is to get all of the openings between the cabin and the engine bay sealed up. Getting the rear window tinted will also help. I had a quote of $600.00. I believe that was the "I don't want to touch it" quote.

[Arrowhead]

Thanks! I tried to find info on the forum, but could easily find anything. Yes, 1 gallon should do the trip - depending on the quality and how well it covers. Maybe had a half a quart left. The quart of white for stripes was just barely enough - although there were a couple of small "do overs" so that used up the last few ounces.

[Namrups]

Yes, 1 gallon should do the trip - depending on the quality and how well it covers. Maybe had a half a quart left. The quart of white for stripes was just barely enough - although there were a couple of small "do overs" so that used up the last few ounces.

Thanks for the response George!!

[burchfieldb]

Just got home from the London Cobra Show. Had a great time. The coupe cruised at 75-80 all the way there and all the way back. The temp was 95+ every day. Thank god for the AC! Car never overheated even with the AC on. Ran into 2 heavy rain storms on the way home. The car is almost water tight. I now know where the minor leaks are. I did have the mounting lug on the drivers side sidepipe snap off and when a potential customer was trying the coupe on for size he slipped and broke the small lexan window behind the drivers door. Sad news .... They mentioned that next year may be the last year for the show unless they can get others to take over.

Scott,
Do you know what they need people to take over? Just wondering what the commitment would be, since I live in Columbus.

[blackbart]

Scott,
Do you know what they need people to take over? Just wondering what the commitment would be, since I live in Columbus.

Received this email from the LCS this morning, hope this helps. Gary
Thank you for attending the 2024 London Cobra Show.

We hope (know) you all had a terrific time. We are glad you attended and look forward to seeing you June 22, 2025.

So much goes into the planning of the show, it is a revolving door; we are wrapping up 2024 successes and simultaneously beginning preparations for 2025.

During the Saturday evenings Gala our Vice President, Pam Beck shared a message about the future of the OCC/LCS. Both Pam and I are reducing our responsibilities and duties in 2025. It is also stated that the BOD and many volunteers can not continue the capacity of the workload it takes to put on the LCS and a sweepstakes car. Pam stated that at this time we are not saying the LCS is coming to an end, but we need new officers and volunteers to step up, take on leadership, put time, work, effort and energy into the club and show.

The potential that the show will continue is by getting new blood, energy, motivation, and hard workers. Several of you came up to us and shared your interest in helping to go forward. We have spoken to a few of you only because we know who you are, several offers were made by those who we are not that familiar with. Could you please send an email to info@ohiocobraclub.com with your name, phone number, email, address, and area of interest? Website Manager has been taken.

Here is a partial list of my responsibilities that need to be distributed amongst people who are willing to step up and work:

Manage two websites: design & provide content.

Ticket design Program design Holiday party organize

Communication with hotel: registration, banquet, parking needs.

First Data Big commerce

Emails Exhibitors

Coordinate with City of London, Madison County Sheriff & MC Engineers office.

Tracking tickets Online ticket reporting

Taxes Banking statements

Invoices Membership records

Registration spreadsheets Ticket calculations

Coordinate all aspects of the sweepstakes car: purchase/build/shipping

LCS guest speakers Insurance/club & show



Here is a partial list of Pam’s responsibilities:

Registration: name badges, registration items for pick up, be present all hours.

Volunteer coordinator, find and place people

Find, secure and coordinate food trucks and band.

Prepare agenda for BOD and general meetings. Send out notices.

Write copy for email blasts & other communications Organize cruises.

Other responsibilities done by BOD and Volunteers:

Constant Contact Facebook

Car show registration, logistics getting sweepstakes car to show, set up, volunteers.

Manage storage trailer and tow trailer. Transport sweepstakes car to car shows and throughout LCS weekend.

Monthly BOD meetings by Zoom. 2nd Wednesday of the month.



We are a Family of Cobra Friends!

It started with Cobras and ended in Friendships!

Be safe, drive safe!



Dave Beck, Treasurer

Ohio Cobra Club/London Cobra Show 6/30/2024

[burchfieldb]

Worked on a couple of the PS footbox panels I want to install permanently before I drop the engine in. Inside the footbox I am applying a layer of Dynamat sound deadener covered by a layer of Dynaliner for the heat. It will all be covered with carpet in the end. The exterior is sanded with 220 grit sandpaper using a random orbital sander followed by a coating of Shark Hide.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=172375&d=1663021644
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=172376&d=1663021644

Hi Scott,
How did the Dynamat and Dynaliner do for controlling the noise and the heat?

[rhk118]

Scott - I'm late to the party but doing some catching up today. Congratulations! Your build has helped me immensely and thanks so much for documenting it here for us all. The red looks fabulous, and I honestly couldn't imagine your car in any other color having met you (and it) in gelcoat! I am hoping that this thread now gets transitioned to a photobook of the epic adventures you have with it!

[Namrups]

Scott - I'm late to the party but doing some catching up today. Congratulations! Your build has helped me immensely and thanks so much for documenting it here for us all. The red looks fabulous, and I honestly couldn't imagine your car in any other color having met you (and it) in gelcoat! I am hoping that this thread now gets transitioned to a photobook of the epic adventures you have with it!

Thank you Sir!

[jgray]

Hi Scott,

I echo Hank's remarks. Your thread has helped me tremendously. I copied your brake/clutch reservoir setup among other things. I am continuously looking at your thread and photo albums for guidance as I move forward. Red was not a color I was thinking of, but it looks really good. You are an inspiration to all of us following along.

[Namrups]

Hi Scott,

I echo Hank's remarks. Your thread has helped me tremendously. I copied your brake/clutch reservoir setup among other things. I am continuously looking at your thread and photo albums for guidance as I move forward. Red was not a color I was thinking of, but it looks really good. You are an inspiration to all of us following along.

I appreciate your kind words! I am also glad that my thread has been a help to others. I know I would not have been able to attempt this build without the help of other build threads. One of the ways I have paid it forward.

[Namrups]

Hi Scott,
How did the Dynamat and Dynaliner do for controlling the noise and the heat?

They are a considerable help with the heat. Making sure any holes are filled/covered is also a must. IMO they help with the noise to a degree. They help eliminate squeeks, rattles and vibrations that you have with bare panels. The car "feels" tighter and more solid. As far as the noise from the sidepipes .... not so much. The driverside pipes dump right below your ear. The windows help but are just plastic. I may make some enemies here but I just don't understand complaints about noise. One of the first things that people notice about these cars is the sound when they drive up. That is the first "wow" moment. Then they build a car and it's "this is way to loud"! I can understand aftermarket pipes that give a different tone or soften the harshness of the FF pipes but the bottom line is no matter who's pipes are used these cars are loud and ear protection is a must. I have found that the Apple Airpod pro's with sound deadening work great. They will muffle the sound by 80%. I use them with my android phone so that I can hear directions. I'm not stating this to start a debate, just stating my opinion.

[jgray]

Great point around liking the car because it's noisy and then complaining about the noise. I have Air Pod pros with noise cancellation - I use them on flights when I have screaming babies near me! I will be sure to buy a set for my wife as I don't think she will like the car very much and maybe this will help.

[Smiley]

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.

Don’t know if this would apply or not.

I owned and flew a Beech A36 Bonanza for 10 years and 500 or so hours. The big bore Continental IO-550 was notorious for being difficult to “hot start”.

Some very smart people studied the issue and determined that it was due to vapor lock. The fuel in the mechanical fuel pump and in the lines close to the engine would get hot and “boil” in the line (for lack of a better description) causing vapor lock and difficult starting, many times draining batteries.

The solution was found to be running the electric fuel pump for +/- a minute with the mixture control in “idle cut-off” before attempting a “hot start” in an effort to circulate cool fuel through the lines and getting liquid fuel as close the the injector spider as possible before startup. After that it was like a normal cold start.

It worked on my Bo.

I am not familiar with the Holley Sniper injection system enough to know where the return line is located in the system, or whether a similar procedure could be used on the coupe.

Good luck,

Steve

[Namrups]

Don’t know if this would apply or not.

I owned and flew a Beech A36 Bonanza for 10 years and 500 or so hours. The big bore Continental IO-550 was notorious for being difficult to “hot start”.

Some very smart people studied the issue and determined that it was due to vapor lock. The fuel in the mechanical fuel pump and in the lines close to the engine would get hot and “boil” in the line (for lack of a better description) causing vapor lock and difficult starting, many times draining batteries.

The solution was found to be running the electric fuel pump for +/- a minute with the mixture control in “idle cut-off” before attempting a “hot start” in an effort to circulate cool fuel through the lines and getting liquid fuel as close the the injector spider as possible before startup. After that it was like a normal cold start.

It worked on my Bo.

I am not familiar with the Holley Sniper injection system enough to know where the return line is located in the system, or whether a similar procedure could be used on the coupe.

Good luck,

Steve

On my Sniper setup I have an intank electric fuel pump. On start the fuel pump starts and after a 7 second delay the engine turns over. There is a return line from the sniper to the fuel tank. It's doing what you describe. I thank you for your suggestion. At this point I will listen to any suggestions given. My thoughts are 1: a timing issue. 2: A starter issue. It has never not started but I really want to do something to address it.

[Namrups]

Top 30 trophy at the Sherman Park Car Show in Caroga lake yesterday.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=202228&d=1722165635
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=202229&d=1722165635

[ydousurf]

And the cylinderella story continues… Congrats Scott!

Doug

[Namrups]

And the cylinderella story continues… Congrats Scott!

Doug

Thanks Doug! Still taking one day at a time and doing the things that make me happy. No one knows when the pills will stop working. Just give thanks for every day that they do.

[460.465USMC]

Congrats, Scott, on winning the F5 Picture of the Month! Well done!

[Namrups]

Congrats, Scott, on winning the F5 Picture of the Month! Well done!

Thank you sir!! It's not the typical blue/white but it is a head turner!

[jrsweet]

Your car looks great. 1. What type of material (vinyl) did you use for the dash; and where did you buy it? 2. What was the purpose of the foam on the dash?

[Namrups]

Your car looks great. 1. What type of material (vinyl) did you use for the dash; and where did you buy it? 2. What was the purpose of the foam on the dash?

NY state requires a padded dash. The marine vinyl alone would have satisfied the state. I added the foam just for more "protection" in an accident. If I did it over (and I might) I would just use the vinyl. The vinyl is Marine vinyl that I purchased at a local "Joann" fabric store.

[Namrups]

After driving down to NY city yesterday I took the car in to have it inspected for an upcoming track day. Passed ... all is good!
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=202638&d=1723134741

[Jacob McCrea]

I don't think I could overstate how good that looks, although I am pretty biased. Is that Ford Vermillion Red and GM Arctic White?

[Skuzzy]

Looking good there Namrups and congrats on passing inspection for tracking!

[Namrups]

My painter asked what color I wanted and I said red and white. He showed me a couple of red swatches and I picked one. For the white I told him pick one. I have no idea what the exact colors are called. To me they are "red and white".

[Namrups]

Looking good there Namrups and congrats on passing inspection for tracking!

Thanks Skuzzy. Excited about taking it on the track.

[Namrups]

Bad news.... an exhaust valve broke in my engine. Spent the morning removing the engine:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=204549&d=1727543719

Will be taking it back to Mike Forte for repair.

[edwardb]

Not nice. :( At least it was toward the end of the season.

[Skuzzy]

Well that is a bummer.

[Blitzboy54]

Holy cow! You got it out quick.

I stopped by and helped get the hood off, you guys made quick work. I hope Mike is able to help you out. Engine shouldn't implode in 6500 miles.

[JimStone]

That stinks! Hope you're up and running soon!

[Namrups]

Not nice. :( At least it was toward the end of the season.

On the bright side I now get to do some changes in the engine bay! :p

[Namrups]

Well that is a bummer.

Ya wasn't in the plan!

[Namrups]

Holy cow! You got it out quick.

I stopped by and helped get the hood off, you guys made quick work. I hope Mike is able to help you out. Engine shouldn't implode in 6500 miles.

Came out a lot easier than I had hoped!

[LateApex]

Could you talk a bit about how or when the failure occurred ? Was this at the track?

This is the second valve train hard failure / issue I have heard about recently, in Coupes, with Mike's engines. Just curious ... $h!t happens - yes ...

[Namrups]

I was on NY rt 10 about 4.2 miles south of I-88. It's a 2 lane road that winds thru the mountains. Great road for driving. I was doing 55 - 60 mph when all of a sudden the motor started missing badly. Before I could find a safe area to pull off the road I heard what sounded like a coffee can filled with bolts being shaken. I immdiately hit the clutch, the engine died and I rolled off the side of the road on to what little shoulder there was. The tow truck showed up 6 hours later.

[Namrups]

After getting the car home we removed the valve covers to look for damage. Didnt see any. We then removed the spark plugs to try to turn the engine over by hand. We could not get the plug for cylinder #3 out. We tried to turn the moter over by hand but it would only turn so far and come to a hard stop in both directions. After taking the header off we scoped the 3rd cylinder and found the exhaust valve had broken off.

[PNWTim]

That's a bummer. Interesting to note though - nice to have access to all the bellhousing bolts. That's a somewhat rare treat.

[luey2011]

so sorry to hear that. you will be back on the road in no time

[Namrups]

Took the engine to Mike Forte's today. As he said he would, he brought it right in and started to tear it down to see if we could find out what happened. The valve cover was removed and nothing looked bent or broken. The head was removed and this is what we found:

That's the valve sitting in front of the head! The rest of the head looked ok. Rocker arms, push rods and springs all ok.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=205323&d=1728947205

The piston has been beat up and the cylinder wall looked "repairable" with just a very minor score mark. None of the other pistons were damaged. No sign of detonation. At this point it looks like the valve just busted off.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=205325&d=1728947205

At this point we left the engine there and started back home. Mike will continue to tear it down.

On the way home I received a text from Mike showing the lifter for that valve. It would not come out without pounding on it. It shows score marks. Looks like the lifter froze in the open position and allowed the valve to hit the piston and cause the damage. I don't know if the block can be repaired or not. Mike is still looking into it. Also don't know what would have caused the lifter to freeze in place. Watch this space....
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=205324&d=1728947205

[burchfieldb]

Ouch! Sorry to see this Scott, that is not good. I feel like this is par for the course when you get a bunch of non-OEM parts to make an engine run, made by different manufactures. I blue printed my engine build, came across quite a few things that were not in spec and had to make modifications. They are not quite the same as the original engineered parts since they are reversed engineered a lot of times. I hope I do not run into this down the road as well, mine has only been running on the engine stand for the last 2-3 years.

[Namrups]

Ouch! Sorry to see this Scott, that is not good. I feel like this is par for the course when you get a bunch of non-OEM parts to make an engine run, made by different manufactures. I blue printed my engine build, came across quite a few things that were not in spec and had to make modifications. They are not quite the same as the original engineered parts since they are reversed engineered a lot of times. I hope I do not run into this down the road as well, mine has only been running on the engine stand for the last 2-3 years.

Mike Forte has been building and selling engines for 40 years. This seems like a freak thing. Mike said he has never seen a lifter fail like that before. I'm sure we will solve the issue and get the engine rebuilt.

[David Ferguson]

There's an old expression that engine builders have only two responses -- "They all do that" and "I've never seen that before".

Sorry for your loss.

[Namrups]

The failed lifter was part of the Ford supplied short block package so I can't blame the builder. Nothing he did wrong. Just a bad part.

[David Williamson]

Wow. At least it is the end of the driving season and hopefully the repairs are covered by Ford.
David W

[Blitzboy54]

Listen, if your going to break something, break the S*** out of it.

[Namrups]

I do not have a glove box in my dash. I have been thinking about how I can use the hollow inside of the doors to hold misc. small items and my reg/insu papers. I use that space now but when it rains the water can get in there and the stuff slides around a lot. I have come up with an idea. I have designed and am in the process of 3D printing an insert that I can slip in and face mount to the existing edge. As my 3D printer is small I have to print the insert in two pieces that will be glued together. Then the face frame will be glued to that. The process of printing the two inserts is estimated to take 53 hours on my printer (for just one door). Might be time to invest in a bigget/faster printer.:rolleyes: I will update as I progress.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=206676&d=1732393544

[LateApex]

Wow. Nice 3D printing!

Where is the water in the doors coming from? The hinge area? I have not experienced that yet, but then we don't get as much rain in CO :-)

I placed a couple of rectangular pieces of sound insulation in my doors. Then I fabricated door cards from plywood, which I then covered with leather. A couple of small leather tabs, and some velcro tape, and I have door cards that stay in place. I am not using those spaces for anything constructive, like car paperwork or sunglasses. Instead I have a nice heavy cloth bag that hangs from the PS seat belt shoulder straps to catch odds and ends.

Once upon a time I was considering weep holes in the foot boxes (and now maybe also in the door cavities) But as long as I am a fair weather driver, I'll postpone that exercise.

Sounds like you have spare time on your hands :-) I am coming into Winter here, and suspect I'll also address my list of little tweaks and improvements as soon as the the snow flies !

[Namrups]

Wow. Nice 3D printing!

Where is the water in the doors coming from? The hinge area? I have not experienced that yet, but then we don't get as much rain in CO :-)

I placed a couple of rectangular pieces of sound insulation in my doors. Then I fabricated door cards from plywood, which I then covered with leather. A couple of small leather tabs, and some velcro tape, and I have door cards that stay in place. I am not using those spaces for anything constructive, like car paperwork or sunglasses. Instead I have a nice heavy cloth bag that hangs from the PS seat belt shoulder straps to catch odds and ends.

Once upon a time I was considering weep holes in the foot boxes (and now maybe also in the door cavities) But as long as I am a fair weather driver, I'll postpone that exercise.

Sounds like you have spare time on your hands :-) I am coming into Winter here, and suspect I'll also address my list of little tweaks and improvements as soon as the the snow flies !

The seal around my doors is not the best. When going thru heavy rain (which I have done a number of times) the water gets into the door thru the hinge cutout. Not a lot but enough to get anything in there damp. Not good for paperwork. At 72 years old and retired, I do have a lot of spare time on my hands. Time to use doing the things that I bypassed to get the car on the road. Door cards are still an option. Have not decided yet.

[Namrups]

Just a short update on my door inserts:

https://youtu.be/NB-Wjik0v4o

[Namrups]

Got a chance to work on the door inserts between 3d printing of christmas gifts and wrapping!!

Glued/welded the two sides together after completing the flocking.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207358&d=1733792091

Here's a pic of the "welded" joint. Used an old soldering iron. It was just hot enough to melt the two sides of the joint together.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207354&d=1733785546

The two pieces of the frame will be glued/welded together.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207355&d=1733785546

You can see how I added corner fill pieces and where I marked the corner for the 2" radius. I used my Dremel tool to form these corners to fit the cars opening.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207356&d=1733785546
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207357&d=1733785546
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207360&d=1733792936

I have some stick on carbon fiber vinyl that I am going to play with to see if it will stick to the frames. I think it would look good on the doors. Will update what I findout.

[PNWTim]

That's pretty cool that you flocked the inside. That's a little bit of art on it's own. Looking forward to see how it looks/works once installed.

[Namrups]

That's pretty cool that you flocked the inside. That's a little bit of art on it's own. Looking forward to see how it looks/works once installed.

I wanted to cover the inside so that it didn't look cheesy. The easiest solution I could come up with was the flocking. Makes it look like felt and should help to reduce any rattling of any items stored there.

[burchfieldb]

Looking good Scott. Sadly, I am way far behind on my build. Life happens and too many small projects on the car. My new goal is spring of 2026 to get it on the road.

[lewma]

Looks great Scott!

[Namrups]

Looking good Scott. Sadly, I am way far behind on my build. Life happens and too many small projects on the car. My new goal is spring of 2026 to get it on the road.

Stay positive and you'll get there!

[Namrups]

Looks great Scott!

Thank you sir!

[Namrups]

Just another short video showing my attempt at covering the frame with vinyl.
https://youtu.be/P9QBBmkTZzM

[lewma]

Scott
I've used that same vinyl in multiple places on my build. Seems to hold well. I also hit it lightly with the heat gun to get it to form better around curves. Not sure if you already did that or not.

mark

[Jeff Kleiner]

Well done Scott!

Jeff

[Namrups]

Did try the heat gun.... disapointing results.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207423&d=1733931958
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207422&d=1733931958

[Namrups]

I think I have a solution!
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207431&d=1734024106
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207432&d=1734024106

[Kbl7td]

Honestly I would sand it semi smooth and then hydro dip it, easy to do at home. Then clear it.

[Namrups]

Honestly I would sand it semi smooth and then hydro dip it, easy to do at home. Then clear it.

Never thought about that. I have no clue how to do hydro dipping. Interesting idea though.

[Namrups]

This is the glued and "welded" seam.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207434&d=1734032314

The completed unit ready to install.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207435&d=1734032314

And what it will look like once installed in car.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207436&d=1734032314

[Blitzboy54]

Solid upgrade. Nice to have things where you can find them.

[PNWTim]

Looks really nice. I am sure you will be able to lose all kinds of stuff in those (I know I would).

[Namrups]

I 3D printed a new shifter knob:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207607&d=1734384163
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207608&d=1734384163
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207609&d=1734384163
Some post touchup required and then the decision to have it facing forward or backward.

[Peter Ross]

I 3D printed a new shifter knob:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207607&d=1734384163
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207608&d=1734384163
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207609&d=1734384163
Some post touchup required and then the decision to have it facing forward or backward.

Facing backwards.

[Namrups]

I haven't decided yet. May depend on how it feels under my hand once mounted.

So far:
Forward: 0
Backward: 1
Undecided: 1

[Blitzboy54]

I'm on team forward. Also need to wire in red LED eyes. Looks awesome.

[Peter Ross]

LED eyes are a must
Inspired by Scott
https://photos.app.goo.gl/7ybaF2VxgpxV6dDL6

[Namrups]

Tied at 1 forward, 1 backward and 1 undecided! Peter, how are you going to attach to the shift lever? Jesse, your the wiring wiz.. I will leave the eyes up to you.

[Peter Ross]

Scott, I'm going to embed a long tube 10m 1.5 coupling nut
Maybe make those eyes light up at certain shift points?

[Skuzzy]

Given the shape of it I would face it towards the driver. I think it would feel more natural in the palm of your shift hand.

What filament did you use?

[Namrups]

scott, i'm going to embed a long tube 10m 1.5 coupling nut
maybe make those eyes light up at certain shift points?

following!!!!

[Namrups]

Given the shape of it I would face it towards the driver. I think it would feel more natural in the palm of your shift hand.

What filament did you use?
The filament was PLA.

[Namrups]

Snake Eyes!
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207673&d=1734535668

[Namrups]

This 3d snake print did not have any threads printed for the shifter lever to attach to. The threads on the Forte lever I have are 1/2" x 13. I found these on McMaster-Carrs site. Part# 90611A500 1/2" x 13 .594" dia x 3/8" high Screw-mount nuts. The only problem with M-C is I couldn't buy just one. They came in a package of 10. I printed the snake with an infill of 80% which is almost a solid print. The screw-nut was both glued and screwed to the base of the snake. Feels very solid. Time will tell.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207748&d=1734640610
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207749&d=1734640610
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=207750&d=1734640610

[Namrups]

Just a brief health update. I had an appointment with my cancer doctor last week. All of my blood work is stable. Still in remission!!! I know that some day that will not be the case, but when I started this dream build I did not know if I would even make it to the end to be able to drive it. This summer will be the third season! This medication is a miracle. Good to go for another 6 months!

[JimStone]

Just a brief health update. I had an appointment with my cancer doctor last week. All of my blood work is stable. Still in remission!!! I know that some day that will not be the case, but when I started this dream build I did not know if I would even make it to the end to be able to drive it. This summer will be the third season! This medication is a miracle. Good to go for another 6 months!

Great to hear that news Scott! Happy Holidays!

[Skuzzy]

Just a brief health update. I had an appointment with my cancer doctor last week. All of my blood work is stable. Still in remission!!! I know that some day that will not be the case, but when I started this dream build I did not know if I would even make it to the end to be able to drive it. This summer will be the third season! This medication is a miracle. Good to go for another 6 months!

That is awesome news! Each time my Wife comes home with a clean checkup we take a knee.

[Nigel Allen]

Awesome news mate.

[edwardb]

Just a brief health update. I had an appointment with my cancer doctor last week. All of my blood work is stable. Still in remission!!! I know that some day that will not be the case, but when I started this dream build I did not know if I would even make it to the end to be able to drive it. This summer will be the third season! This medication is a miracle. Good to go for another 6 months!

Great news! Interesting shift knob. Regarding facing front or back, I don't have an opinion. If I were to put that in my Coupe I can guarantee my wife wouldn't ride with me. :p

[Blitzboy54]

Great news Scott.


Cheers

[TTimmy]

Hey Scott, I’ve been meaning to ask this question for some time. How stable are your custom roller-jackstands?

I see them in your photos and one part of me gets really nervous for you; another part of me says, “Boy that would be super convenient and probably plenty safe!”

Also wondering how your engine rebuild is going. Hope to see you back on the road come springtime!

[Namrups]

Hey Scott, I’ve been meaning to ask this question for some time. How stable are your custom roller-jackstands?

I see them in your photos and one part of me gets really nervous for you; another part of me says, “Boy that would be super convenient and probably plenty safe!”

Also wondering how your engine rebuild is going. Hope to see you back on the road come springtime!

I found the stands to be extreamly stable. I have to say that my garage floor is new/flat and without any cracks or holes. The jack stands are secured to the rollers with tie-down turnbuckles but the final answer is how safe do you feel under the car this way. I'm ok with it but I know a lot of others are not.

As far as the engine, I've been waiting until after the first to check on Mikes progress. No need to push up till now. I know Ford was able to supply one replacement piston/rod assembly instead of making Mike buy a complete set. As soon as I get to talk to Mike I will give a better update.

[Namrups]

Door pocket installation

Now that the weather has warmed up a little I can catch up on a couple of items that need attention. Last year at the London Cobra Show I had the coupe in the FF display. I was letting folks get in if they wanted to. One gentleman lost his balance and in trying to catch it snapped the acrylic window on the drivers side. I replaced it with a piece of Lexan.

I also installed the door pockets. This is what I used:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=212974&d=1745502880

I pop rivetted clips to the inside of the doors and marked their location:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=212975&d=1745502880

I had to trim the corners of the opening to allow the insert to fit:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=212976&d=1745502880

Then drilled thru the insert and into the clip. Secured with a screw. Totally removable if required:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=212977&d=1745502880

Love the result!
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=212978&d=1745503752

[8secDuster]

Those came out nice!

[Skuzzy]

Nice touch Namrups!

[Namrups]

Anyone that has read my thread knows that last October I ended up on the side of the road with engine issues. I took the engine back to Mike Forte to have it "repaired". Upon teardown we found that one of the lifters had seized in the open position and caused the exhaust valve to hit the piston and break off. It made a mess of that piston and the head. Well after 7 1/2 months and $3000.00 in new parts, I was able to pick up the rebuilt engine from Mike today and was able to at least get it back into the car bolted to the engine mounts. The rest of the reinstallation and the "first start for the second time" to follow.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=214375&d=1748390342

[Namrups]

The drive line and an upgraded safety hoop have been installed.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=214428&d=1748552053
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=214429&d=1748552053

[lewma]

Scott, do you have a part number for that safety hoop ? How difficult is it to install ?

thanks
mark

[JimStone]

Were you not satisfied with the Summit one? That's what I have, but haven't installed yet

[burchfieldb]

I believe that is the same one that I have: Stifflers Suspension Driveshaft Safety Loops DSL-M02. It is a quality part. It bolts right to the two bolts on the transmission.

[Namrups]

It is the Stifflers Suspension Driveshaft Safety Loop DSL-M02. Purchased from Summit. It bolts between the transmission and the rubber transmission mount. I just didn't like the generic one I had. It worked fine. Just a personal preference thing. Easier to mount than the generic one.

[Namrups]

Todays accomplishments:
Back-up wires reconnected to transmission
Clutch slave cylinder reattached
Transmission refilled with oil
New starter installed and wired
Radiator hoses reattached
Overflow remounted
System filled with antifreeze
Alternator wire reattached
Power steering lines reattached and system refilled
Headers reattached
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=214475&d=1748654690
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=214476&d=1748654690

Looks like a first start for the second time might be in the cards for tomorrow. If successful I may be able to make the open house! Fingers crossed!

[Skuzzy]

Good luck! Looks good.

[Namrups]

Well, it started but did not run well. Very ruff. Would not idle, just died. Running really rich. Jesse is going to stop in the morning and hook a computer up to the Sniper.

[PNWTim]

Well, it's a start none the less. I am sure the two of you will get it squared away in short order.

[Power Surge]

Hey Scott! I just read your entire build thread here. Such great info and pictures! I have my Gen3 on order right now. Your build thread answered a ton of questions I had in my mind.

I am curious about your coupe windows. Are those the FFR optioned ones? Can you take some pics of them installed in your doors?

I hope you are doing well and got your car back up and running!

Sal

[Namrups]

Hey Scott! I just read your entire build thread here. Such great info and pictures! I have my Gen3 on order right now. Your build thread answered a ton of questions I had in my mind.

I am curious about your coupe windows. Are those the FFR optioned ones? Can you take some pics of them installed in your doors?

I hope you are doing well and got your car back up and running!

Sal

Yes, my windows are the FF ones. I removed them at a track day last season. I will replace them later this week when I get the AC recharged. Here is a pic at a show last year. AC is a must if you want to use these. Car is running good and I am doing well. I will post additional pics after reinstalling them.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=202228&d=1722165635

[Namrups]

Windows reinstalled

FF window takeaways:
They are a must if your running AC.
They are not a mirror image of each other. Mine were slightly different side to side.
They mute the exhaust noise only slightly.
Sliding window is not big enough for drive thru's!
Mostly water tight.
My biggest mistake was not thinking ahead when I mounted my door openers. I streached them out so that the wire was not bent. When I went to install the windows I found out that the front mount for the windows was right down the center of the dooe openers! I had to cut off the front mount on the windows and reweld it further towards the rear to clear.
Can easily be removed/remounted. Only 4 bolts.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=215655&d=1751200699
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=215656&d=1751200699
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=215657&d=1751200699
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=215658&d=1751200699
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=215659&d=1751200699

[Namrups]

Just a quick 1 min vid on the way to a local C&C today.

https://youtu.be/A3iBJfoRhMs

[Power Surge]

Thanks for the window pics Scott. Are the black outside frames metal?

[Namrups]

Thanks for the window pics Scott. Are the black outside frames metal?

Yes, the frames are metal.

[Namrups]

Upstate Cobras had their Fun Run yesterday. Great time had by all!
https://youtu.be/ZVgkaPgVq98

[Namrups]

Went to the Quick Response car show today. 202 registered cars in the show. Top 25 and best of show were chosen by the participents. Didn't win any of those. Quick Response picked their best of show...... Nailed it!!
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=216304&d=1752435327

[Skuzzy]

WOOHOO! Congrats!

[Namrups]

WOOHOO! Congrats!

Thank you Sir!

[Namrups]

Health Update
Yesterday was my 73rd birthday! In Nov. of 2021, when I started this build thread, I did not know if I was going to live long enough to actually drive my car. None of my doctors could tell me how the fight against my Leukemia would end. I have been lucky! As of today I am still at stage zero thanks to the miracle drugs I am taking. The down side of this is that the drugs could stop working at any time if the Leukemia mutates. There are no guarantees. I also have high blood pressure and heart disease both of which are being treated. I thank the universe every morning when I wake up. I get to spend another day experiencing everything the day has to offer. That includes driving my coupe. People ask if I drive it much. I tell them that if I need a loaf of bread I will use it to go to the store! At this stage of my life I control the things I can and stopped fretting about the things I can't. I will go to bed tonight thankful for what I've experienced today and with the prayer that I can do it all over again tomorrow.

[Skuzzy]

Each day my feet hit the floor, I look up and say, "Thank you". I am only 71, but so many of my family and friends have dropped away, I figure I best show my gratitude for each day given.

Awesome post Namrups.

[Namrups]

Each day my feet hit the floor, I look up and say, "Thank you". I am only 71, but so many of my family and friends have dropped away, I figure I best show my gratitude for each day given.

Awesome post Namrups.

It would have been nice to come to this conclusion about life sooner.....

[cfriedman67]

Very eloquently said.

[Skuzzy]

It would have been nice to come to this conclusion about life sooner.....


Life lessons come when they come. Some learn and some never do. Let me see,..how many more cliches can I toss at this? Oh,...Better late then never. :)

[Blitzboy54]

Health Update
Yesterday was my 73rd birthday! In Nov. of 2021, when I started this build thread, I did not know if I was going to live long enough to actually drive my car. None of my doctors could tell me how the fight against my Leukemia would end. I have been lucky! As of today I am still at stage zero thanks to the miracle drugs I am taking. The down side of this is that the drugs could stop working at any time if the Leukemia mutates. There are no guarantees. I also have high blood pressure and heart disease both of which are being treated. I thank the universe every morning when I wake up. I get to spend another day experiencing everything the day has to offer. That includes driving my coupe. People ask if I drive it much. I tell them that if I need a loaf of bread I will use it to go to the store! At this stage of my life I control the things I can and stopped fretting about the things I can't. I will go to bed tonight thankful for what I've experienced today and with the prayer that I can do it all over again tomorrow.

I am happy your car is back on the road. I am very happy to read this. I am also happy to call you my friend.

Keep up the good work Scott!

[Lugnut Mark]

congratulations on best of show.

[Namrups]

I am happy your car is back on the road. I am very happy to read this. I am also happy to call you my friend.

Keep up the good work Scott!

Thanks Jesse! The friendships we build while assembling these awsome cars is amazing.

[Namrups]

congratulations on best of show.

Thanks Mark!

[460.465USMC]

Health Update
Yesterday was my 73rd birthday! In Nov. of 2021, when I started this build thread, I did not know if I was going to live long enough to actually drive my car. None of my doctors could tell me how the fight against my Leukemia would end. I have been lucky! As of today I am still at stage zero thanks to the miracle drugs I am taking. The down side of this is that the drugs could stop working at any time if the Leukemia mutates. There are no guarantees. I also have high blood pressure and heart disease both of which are being treated. I thank the universe every morning when I wake up. I get to spend another day experiencing everything the day has to offer. That includes driving my coupe. People ask if I drive it much. I tell them that if I need a loaf of bread I will use it to go to the store! At this stage of my life I control the things I can and stopped fretting about the things I can't. I will go to bed tonight thankful for what I've experienced today and with the prayer that I can do it all over again tomorrow.

Fantastic news about keeping Leukemia at bay, Scott! You are an inspiration! I couldn't agree more on your sentiments about being in control (NOT!) and gratitude.

Also, congrats on yet another car show win. A testament to your build. Thanks for posting these updates.

[Namrups]

Fantastic news about keeping Leukemia at bay, Scott! You are an inspiration! I couldn't agree more on your sentiments about being in control (NOT!) and gratitude.

Also, congrats on yet another car show win. A testament to your build. Thanks for posting these updates.

Thanks for the kind words and support!

Scott

[burchfieldb]

Congrats on your health, that is great news! I have been going through breast cancer with my wife for the last year and a half, now in remission, but her out look on life has also changed. She doesn't worry about the small stuff anymore unless it affects the kids. Life is too short!

[Namrups]

Congrats on your health, that is great news! I have been going through breast cancer with my wife for the last year and a half, now in remission, but her out look on life has also changed. She doesn't worry about the small stuff anymore unless it affects the kids. Life is too short!

I think it's sad at times that it takes something like cancer to change the way we see life. Great news that she is in remission! Tell her I will keep her in my prayers. Good luck to you both!

[JTG]

Scott,

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! For taking the time with myself and my family a little over a week ago. You were a very gracious host, and we all appreciate riding in your car.
Except for my daughter who didn't want a ride, but she still loved checking it out :D

You were obviously very proud of what you accomplished and rightfully so.
My offer stands if you think of anything you need, and since we're only a couple hours away we hope to see you in the future!

Cheers,
Jon

217252

217253

217254

217255

[Namrups]

Jon, It was my pleasure meeting you and your family. I'm sure we will be seeing each other again. I am a firm believer that before anyone invests in a build they should at least sit/ride in one to see what they are really like. After doing so they may go ahead or they may say "this isn't for me". But they can make that decision before investing the money. I mentioned to you that I had another family stop by the weekend before. I believe it was an eye opening experience for them. For anyone who wants to take a drive to the Albany, NY area to check out the car and have your questions answered, I welcome you!

Scott

[8secDuster]

Very Nice and good point Scott.
The wife and I were very appreciative to Paul and Sharon for allowing us to come over their house to sit in their car. I was also fortunate to be able to drive a Gen-2 before I pulled the trigger.
After those 2 events is when I knew. But at the same time, you can see how they are not for everybody. Maybe why you see them for sale with only a few hundred miles on them?
Me... cars that are Crude, Barbaric, Loud and Obnoxious, well... they make me tingle.
I'd hope to pay it forward once mine is complete as well.

[Namrups]

Very Nice and good point Scott.
The wife and I were very appreciative to Paul and Sharon for allowing us to come over their house to sit in their car. I was also fortunate to be able to drive a Gen-2 before I pulled the trigger.
After those 2 events is when I knew. But at the same time, you can see how they are not for everybody. Maybe why you see them for sale with only a few hundred miles on them?
Me... cool cars that are Crude, Barbaric, Loud and Obnoxious make me tingle.
I'd hope to pay it forward once mine is complete as well.

For me cars that are Crude, Barbaric, Loud and Obnoxious are perfect!!!

Scott

[Namrups]

Drift Day
My friend Ken is building a Coupe. He also has a corvette that he takes to the track and a Mustang that he drifts. Our local dragway is having a Drift Day today and Ken is taking his Mustang. I didn't have anything else on my list of things to do so I decided to take the Beast out for a ride to check out Kens drift car. The drag track is about one hour from my house. The trip takes you over two lane, four lane and 6 lane roads. Thru small towns and big cities. I took video of the trip to show the driveability of the coupe under these conditions. The video is edited to about 18 minutes. It's in the mid 80's and the side windows are closed and the air is on. These are the Factory Five supplied side pipes. It was a great way to spend a couple of hours and a good reason to take the car for a ride!! Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/XF-exso-W0A

[Lugnut Mark]

Thanks for sharing the ride Scott

[Namrups]

Granville area chamber of commerce had their 38th annual car show today. Granville is 1 hour north of Mechanicville. There were over 200 cars, twenty craft venders and 6 food trucks. Spectators galore. They gave out 40 plaques and "Best in Show". I won best of show which was not only the plaque but also the directors chair!!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=219553&d=1759098758

[lewma]

Congrats �� �� ��

[edwardb]

Congratulations. That's awesome. These Coupes get attention everywhere they go. Nice to get rewarded for it. I parked at a local Culvers Tuesday night drive-in a week or two ago. Typically attracts several hundred cars at least. I was parked next to a nice vintage Mustang Mach 1. After watching people around my Coupe all evening and walking past the Mustang, the owner said (kind of sadly...) boy your car sure draws a lot of attention. True enough.

[Namrups]

Congratulations. That's awesome. These Coupes get attention everywhere they go. Nice to get rewarded for it. I parked at a local Culvers Tuesday night drive-in a week or two ago. Typically attracts several hundred cars at least. I was parked next to a nice vintage Mustang Mach 1. After watching people around my Coupe all evening and walking past the Mustang, the owner said (kind of sadly...) boy your car sure draws a lot of attention. True enough.

I don't know why but almost everyone that looked at the car today remarked that it was the "Best" car there. Never had that kind of response before. There were a lot of VERY exceptional cars at the show.

[PNWTim]

That is pretty fun. Congratulations!

[Skuzzy]

Congratulations Namrups!

[Namrups]

Thanks for the well wishes everyone!

[460.465USMC]

Congrats, Scott! I foresee a new wing off of your shop to hold all of your trophies! :D Well done!

[Namrups]

When I built the coupe I used marine vinyl with a 1/8" foam underlayment on my dash. It looked really good. After a year the edges of the vinyl started to lift and some bubbles started to form. Over the first winter I removed the vinyl which peeled of without effort. The foam stuck to the aluminum like gangbusters. Silly me left the foam, bought new vinyl and reapplied to the foam. Again, it looked great. Well after the past summer it has again peeled and developed bubbles. I have resigned myself to the fact that I am not an upholstery specialist! I am in the process of stripping the vinyl and foam. Lots of acetone, Scotch Brite pads and elbow grease! Trying to decide what to do next. Powder coat? Paint? Raptor? Selfsticking vinyl? Not sure yet. I'm half done with the stripping at this point and have the rest of the winter to decide.....
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=221771&d=1763569508

[burchfieldb]

When I built the coupe I used marine vinyl with a 1/8" foam underlayment on my dash. It looked really good. After a year the edges of the vinyl started to lift and some bubbles started to form. Over the first winter I removed the vinyl which peeled of without effort. The foam stuck to the aluminum like gangbusters. Silly me left the foam, bought new vinyl and reapplied to the foam. Again, it looked great. Well after the past summer it has again peeled and developed bubbles. I have resigned myself to the fact that I am not an upholstery specialist! I am in the process of stripping the vinyl and foam. Lots of acetone, Scotch Brite pads and elbow grease! Trying to decide what to do next. Powder coat? Paint? Raptor? Selfsticking vinyl? Not sure yet. I'm half done with the stripping at this point and have the rest of the winter to decide.....
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=221771&d=1763569508

Scott, what glue did you use?

[8secDuster]

Ugh... that's a bummer Scott.

[Namrups]

Scott, what glue did you use?

First try was 3M Super 77. Second try was DKS Products Pro Grip. Both spray on contact adhesives.

[Al_C]

What about leather? I put the 1/8th foam on my roadster dash and covered that with leather. Did the same on the trans tunnel. It's been holding up nicely for 6 seasons. My initial setup was wood veneer on the dash and marine vinyl on the trans tunnel. When I swapped out the wood for leather, I changed the tunnel, too. I'm glad I made the switch on both. Just an idea for you.

[Skuzzy]

First try was 3M Super 77. Second try was DKS Products Pro Grip. Both spray on contact adhesives.

You need to use an adhesive with low out-gassing properties. The bubbles you encountered are probably due to out-gassing of the adhesive. The adhesive must not be one which is air cured.

You said they are contact adhesives. These, usually, require some cure time before they are bonded. If you put them together too soon, they will form bubbles. Also note, the foam attached to the vinyl (I assume the vinyl is really PVC) should be closed cell and not open cell foam.

Open cell foam is not meant to be glued, like you have done. You remove about one inch of the foam from the edge of the vinyl and attach the edge with adhesive while stretching it out over the form. There is a double-sided barrier tape you can use to hold the foam in place where it might lift off the form.

Closed cell foam can be glued like you have done, but it must be a low out-gassing adhesive. Two part epoxies work well for this. Contact adhesives will work, but you have to be really careful about the application and cure time.

Just my thoughts on it.

[Namrups]

What about leather? I put the 1/8th foam on my roadster dash and covered that with leather. Did the same on the trans tunnel. It's been holding up nicely for 6 seasons. My initial setup was wood veneer on the dash and marine vinyl on the trans tunnel. When I swapped out the wood for leather, I changed the tunnel, too. I'm glad I made the switch on both. Just an idea for you.

I may go that route but would have to let a professional do it. Would hate to have the same issues due to my application technique. Also considering overall costs.

[Namrups]

You need to use an adhesive with low out-gassing properties. The bubbles you encountered are probably due to out-gassing of the adhesive. The adhesive must not be one which is air cured.

You said they are contact adhesives. These, usually, require some cure time before they are bonded. If you put them together too soon, they will form bubbles. Also note, the foam attached to the vinyl (I assume the vinyl is really PVC) should be closed cell and not open cell foam.

Open cell foam is not meant to be glued, like you have done. You remove about one inch of the foam from the edge of the vinyl and attach the edge with adhesive while stretching it out over the form. There is a double-sided barrier tape you can use to hold the foam in place where it might lift off the form.

Closed cell foam can be glued like you have done, but it must be a low out-gassing adhesive. Two part epoxies work well for this. Contact adhesives will work, but you have to be really careful about the application and cure time.

Just my thoughts on it.

I made sure the foam was proper for the application. It was closed cell and was reccomended. I followed the application (at least I thought I did) for the adhesive as to applying to both surfaces and letting it sit for a specific amount of time to tack up. It worked for the foam to the aluminum. That stuck like hell. It's what I'm removing now. The marine vinyl to the foam interface and any vinyl to aluminum is what is failing. Marine vinyl is what I had been told to use but it certinly didn't work for me.

[Skuzzy]

I could not find anything on "DKS Products Pro Grip". If it has a warning about it being flammable, then that may have caused the problem. Flammable adhesives contain hydrocarbons which can cause vinyls to fail while it out-gasses. I use either two part epoxies or urethane adhesive when gluing automotive materials. Rather than foam, for the dash, I use neoprene backing.

Consider using naugahyde, or sileather. Both are low maintenance and very resilient.

[Namrups]

I could not find anything on "DKS Products Pro Grip". If it has a warning about it being flammable, then that may have caused the problem. Flammable adhesives contain hydrocarbons which can cause vinyls to fail while it out-gasses. I use either two part epoxies or urethane adhesive when gluing automotive materials. Rather than foam, for the dash, I use neoprene backing.

Consider using naugahyde, or sileather. Both are low maintenance and very resilient.

Thanks Skuzzy. I have time to make my decision but these posts have helped to give me a set of brains! Thanks to all!

[460.465USMC]

FWIW, I powder coated the dash in my MK4, and pretty sure I'll do the same on my Coupe. I like the nod to the era with metal dashes, and it's a clean look IMHO. Virtually unlimited colors and textures available.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159605&d=1641174813


https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162589&d=1644960944

[Namrups]

FWIW, I powder coated the dash in my MK4, and pretty sure I'll do the same on my Coupe. I like the nod to the era with metal dashes, and it's a clean look IMHO. Virtually unlimited colors and textures available.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159605&d=1641174813


https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162589&d=1644960944

With powder coating being so smooth, do you think there would be an issue with glare across the top of the dash even with a flat or satin color? The reason I was thinking about Raptor is that it is a flat black color and has a slight texture that would eliminate glare. I think!

[460.465USMC]

Great question, Scott, and not something I had to face with the MK4. I've read about the glare concern with the Coupe. I'm going with a low gloss and light texture. However, there are much heavier textures available. I suppose a test piece would be the safest way to know for sure. Did you get glare with the material you just removed?

[Namrups]

Great question, Scott, and not something I had to face with the MK4. I've read about the glare concern with the Coupe. I'm going with a low gloss and light texture. However, there are much heavier textures available. I suppose a test piece would be the safest way to know for sure. Did you get glare with the material you just removed?

I did not get glare off the vinyl. I did get reflection of the vinyl in the windshield but that will happen with anything I use.

Scott

[Skuzzy]

I did not get glare off the vinyl. I did get reflection of the vinyl in the windshield but that will happen with anything I use.

Scott

I have an idea how to reduce that glare back from the windshield. If it works, I'll share how. Basically it boils down to diffusing the amount of light reflecting from any given surface.

[Namrups]

The weather in upstate NY is 50 degrees today so I took advantage and continued with the winter projects we all have with our cars at this time of the year. After putting the car on jack stands and removing the wheels to clean up the suspension and grease the chassis I noticed that the inside of the wheels were looking kind of crappie.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=222098&d=1764097778

I had seen a add for Wheely Clean and decided to give it a try.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=222099&d=1764098027

I was very impressed. I just sprayed it on the dry wheel, let it sit for 30 seconds then used a kitchen dish brush to scrub the surface followed by hosing off.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=222100&d=1764098027

Worked great! Figured I share.

[Namrups]

Decided to use Raptor on my dash. Like the way it turned out.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=222168&d=1764356260

[Namrups]

Health update!

Had an appointment with my cancer doctor three monthe ago. My bloodwork, for the appointment, had spiked. I had an infected toe-nail at the time and he thought that might be a contributing factor. Had another appointment yesterday to check and my bloodwork took another spike. Toe is healed so that wasn't it. Recently (within the last four months) I have noticed a sore behind my ear that doesn't seem to heal. (Not good when you have cancer!!) I pointed it out to my cancer doctor and he said it might be skin cancer and may be the reason for the spike. The challenge now is to find an in network Dermatologist who I don't have to wait a long time to see.

Scott

[JTG]

Thanks for the update Scott. I hope you're able to find someone who can see you quickly.

[Blitzboy54]

Health update!

Had an appointment with my cancer doctor three monthe ago. My bloodwork, for the appointment, had spiked. I had an infected toe-nail at the time and he thought that might be a contributing factor. Had another appointment yesterday to check and my bloodwork took another spike. Toe is healed so that wasn't it. Recently (within the last four months) I have noticed a sore behind my ear that doesn't seem to heal. (Not good when you have cancer!!) I pointed it out to my cancer doctor and he said it might be skin cancer and may be the reason for the spike. The challenge now is to find an in network Dermatologist who I don't have to wait a long time to see.

Scott

That genuinely sucks Scott. Let me know if you need any help. Happy to do whatever I can.

[Skuzzy]

Just kick its arse out the door and hang in there!

[460.465USMC]

Dang it! Stupid cancer! You've done a great job beating it so far. Hopefully, you're too ornery a guy to let it get the upper hand this time. Hang in there, man! Wishing you the best.

[UpstateCobraGuy]

Keep fighting my friend! We'll drive fast this summer....

[Namrups]

Keep fighting my friend! We'll drive fast this summer....

No other way my friend!!!

[Namrups]

Health Update 2

Found an in network Dermatologist that could get me right in.He confirmed it was skin cancer and took a biopsy sample. Called back with the results yesterday. Confirmed as Basal Cell Carcinoma. Basal Cell is the most common type of skin cancer and is the least likely to spread to other parts of the body. I have to go back to see him next week so he can scrape the rest of it out. :( Should end up with just a scab. Not to keen on the scraping part! I will then add him to the list of doctors to see on a regular basis.

Scott

[Jeff Kleiner]

Sounds like the best possible scenario Scott. Keep on my friend!

Jeff