SCFFR
12-21-2011, 05:37 AM
My MkIV roadster was finally delivered Saturday night (yeah) so spent the last couple of days going through the boxes of parts, getting the car up on jackstands and putting together a body buck. I’ve gone through the factory assembly manual several times to get familiar with the key components and am ready to get started.
Following the manual, will start on the front end which seems to be pretty straightforward (FFR lower control arms, 1995 spindles and brakes, FFR steering rack). To install the upper control arms, the manual is very specific in stating that the arms are to be installed on the horizontal top edge of the 2"x3"tube and NOT on the vertical side (there are holes on both sides). It seems clear however prior to my car being delivered, I’ve looked at hundreds of pictures of other cars in all stages of assembly. My best guess is that in almost 75% of the pics, the upper control arms have been mounted on the vertical side of the channel and not on top. Since the manual is very specific, I am somewhat confused that so many builders have mounted them differently. Maybe if you are using pin drive wheels the upper arm is mounted on the side? Just wondering what I have missed.
Also, do I absolutely have to mount the F panels before I start on the front end? I plan on powder coating most of the aluminum panels and since it’s a 100 mile round trip for me to the nearest coater, really don’t want to make the trip for just those two panels. f I can install them later, I can take a bunch at one time if you know what I mean.
One last question.....is there a “best” year for the two piston SN95 front brake calipers that can be installed on the 1995 spindles? The calipers that came with the spindles are in good shape but just looking at my options for a small upgrade. Will be using 15" wheels so need to stay with the original 11" rotors.
As always, many thanks for your help and feedback.
Following the manual, will start on the front end which seems to be pretty straightforward (FFR lower control arms, 1995 spindles and brakes, FFR steering rack). To install the upper control arms, the manual is very specific in stating that the arms are to be installed on the horizontal top edge of the 2"x3"tube and NOT on the vertical side (there are holes on both sides). It seems clear however prior to my car being delivered, I’ve looked at hundreds of pictures of other cars in all stages of assembly. My best guess is that in almost 75% of the pics, the upper control arms have been mounted on the vertical side of the channel and not on top. Since the manual is very specific, I am somewhat confused that so many builders have mounted them differently. Maybe if you are using pin drive wheels the upper arm is mounted on the side? Just wondering what I have missed.
Also, do I absolutely have to mount the F panels before I start on the front end? I plan on powder coating most of the aluminum panels and since it’s a 100 mile round trip for me to the nearest coater, really don’t want to make the trip for just those two panels. f I can install them later, I can take a bunch at one time if you know what I mean.
One last question.....is there a “best” year for the two piston SN95 front brake calipers that can be installed on the 1995 spindles? The calipers that came with the spindles are in good shape but just looking at my options for a small upgrade. Will be using 15" wheels so need to stay with the original 11" rotors.
As always, many thanks for your help and feedback.