What to keep and what to source elsewhere

[Just 1 More]

on a '33 build, i've seen mention of using different shocks and fuel tanks and fenders and i'm sure there are more parts that could be upgraded from the kit. Anyone want to share some insight on this topic?

[narly1]

My take is that everything in the kit is serviceable. Upgrading parts then becomes an exercise in wants vs needs. The relative difficulty or ease of changing parts out later should also factors into your decision. Leaving items out and upgrading initially isn't going to gain you much dollar-wise as the deletion credits are minimal.

Earl

[Just 1 More]

My take is that everything in the kit is serviceable. Upgrading parts then becomes an exercise in wants vs needs. The relative difficulty or ease of changing parts out later should also factors into your decision. Leaving items out and upgrading initially isn't going to gain you much dollar-wise as the deletion credits are minimal.

Earl

I was thinking more along the lines of bigger fuel tank, wider bicycle fenders, better double or triple adjustable coilovers etc..

[33fromSD]

I was thinking more along the lines of bigger fuel tank, wider bicycle fenders, better double or triple adjustable coilovers etc..

There is a ton that you can do with the 33 above and beyond what FFR supplies. Electrical, suspension, gadgets, body modifications, fuel systems, interior, etc. It's really endless, just comes down to $$$, ingenuity, time & know how.

Jim

[wrp]

Only way to really approach an answer is to ask someone, "if you were going to build another what would you do different" My list would include a lot of attention to the gas tank, not just the size but functionality, ease to vent, and perhaps the ability to remove it. I would build the car with a fuel return to the gas tank, even if capped off. I’d add electric assist steering and a brake booster. I’d strongly consider mounting the fuse panel in the truck. I’d definitely remove the center portion of the front dash so all behind the dash wiring could be accessed from the front instead of beneath. I would without question ensure I had a 3000 CFM radiator electric fan. I would certainly ensure the wheel/tire combo front and back suited my intentions of driving style. I would plan on AC from the start. I have recently developed an urge for running boards, believe it or not to keep the cabin cool. The hot air tends to blow out from under the car and rolls up into the cabin when the windows were down. I would not personally waste a lot of effort on expensive speakers or sound, its a hot rod. I’d definitely look hard at the louvered Carbon fiber engine compartment panels. I’d invest in a build school class.

[FF33rod]

For the most part, the answer to your question comes down to individual taste/preference and use. Replacing FFR parts runs the cost up significantly and quickly, trust me... :( I would do much less of that next time around. The gen 2 improved some things that needed it - access behind the dash in particular. I'd still go for the Boyd fuel tank instead of the FFR one. There's no reason to go crazy on better shocks and other suspension stuff (sway bar) unless you're getting serious at auto cross.

The areas that I would have loved an improvement on don't have aftermarket alternatives, they're somewhat inherent in the design, e.g.....
- fiberglass parts (nothing aftermarket will help here)
- insulation in the floor (gen 1 sucks, gen 2 is supposedly better)
- noise, this sucker is LOUD even with the rear exhaust. Will be tearing the waterfall out this winter and looking at adding insulation.
- heat, hot air flows up from under the car between the open chassis and the fiberglass body. This is worse with the windows down and moving. Need to provide insulation and baffles....

Steve

P.S. one added note: this past summer was my second season with the car, it was the first time I took the hard top off and ran it for a few weeks as a roadster. I really enjoyed it!!! If I were to do another, I'd give serious consideration to roadster configuration with a soft top.

[progmgr1]

I would also add that going with aftermarket parts / assemblies can greatly add to the time to install and time to research, depending on your knowledge and experience. The other side of the coin is that you have the opportunity to learn new skills and develop a better understanding of automotive systems.

For a variety of reasons I went with custom fuel tank(s), an American Autowire wiring system, custom exhaust system, and non-FFR fenders, running boards, roof and other body parts and a host of other aftermarket parts. These choices added years and $$ to my build. However, among other things, I learned to machine small parts, weld, fabricate fiberglass and sheet metal parts, and make good waterproof electrical connections. It all comes down to personal choice and your vision of what car should be. IMO that's the prime attraction to all of FFR's products.

Keith HR #894

[RoadRacer]

You'll get in on the road quicker and cheaper with their parts as-is, and then you can modify - but having said that, these are things I did delete or wish I had:

- seatbelts: I wish I'd deleted and gone for my preferred camlock style
- steering wheel - I much prefer my suede wheel with quick-release
- I deleted my grill and fitted an ebay 32 grill - preference
- I deleted my roadster windshield, will only ever run hardtop (I bought my hardtop second hand from here at discount)
- I upgraded to their post-2018 fuel tank so no issues with filling, BUT I would have added a supplemental tank or modified to trade trunk space for capacity if I were doing it again

Most come down to money. Suffix "if I had the money" to all these!
- I like my 3-link but would have gone for IRS
- I would have bought big brakes
- I would have bought power steering - now this is weird cos I have no problem driving the car, and have wide tires, but I know it going to become harder with 40-100tw which is where I'm heading. And it helps with adding caster.

I also wish I'd spent time/money to add my sway bars during the build rather than after :)
-

[Just 1 More]

All great suggestions and exactly the kind of feedback i'm looking for.. keep it coming guys.

[peterh226]

So much is personal preference. I changed the gauges, rear lights, fluid reservoirs. But also used button head screws all over the place. Since I have the new top without the insert, I made a lot of changes to the top. Changed the trunk to add the lift kit, and the hood has a variation on the support rod. Tons of stuff that just reflects what you feel like at the time. Until it is in front of you, you won’t know it all anyway.

[mjg1951g]

Only way to really approach an answer is to ask someone, "if you were going to build another what would you do different" My list would include a lot of attention to the gas tank, not just the size but functionality, ease to vent, and perhaps the ability to remove it. I would build the car with a fuel return to the gas tank, even if capped off. I’d add electric assist steering and a brake booster. I’d strongly consider mounting the fuse panel in the truck. I’d definitely remove the center portion of the front dash so all behind the dash wiring could be accessed from the front instead of beneath. I would without question ensure I had a 3000 CFM radiator electric fan. I would certainly ensure the wheel/tire combo front and back suited my intentions of driving style. I would plan on AC from the start. I have recently developed an urge for running boards, believe it or not to keep the cabin cool. The hot air tends to blow out from under the car and rolls up into the cabin when the windows were down. I would not personally waste a lot of effort on expensive speakers or sound, its a hot rod. I’d definitely look hard at the louvered Carbon fiber engine compartment panels. I’d invest in a build school class.


Thanks for the insight! Would you mind sharing what you used for a brake booster and where you sourced the fan? Also thinking of a bigger condensor for the A/C? It gets hot here in Oklahoma