Bill Elliott's "Living the Dream" build thread.

[Bill Elliott]

DAY 1 Car arrives. (June 24th)
Today was exciting. The cobra arrived , earlier than expected. Eric from Stewart transport was amazing. Great guy. You can't go wrong with Stewart. Got everything unloaded into the garage. The body is on the buck and frame on the lift. The inventory is going great so far, completed 32 of 45 pages so far. Missing items are very minimal also , maybe 3 or 4 items . My POL list is also very short. I am on sensory overload after this first day , excitement of what has happened the first day, running a list in my head also at the same time thinking about next steps before I finish what I am doing, and also thinking of items that I still need to get. I really am enjoying the inventory.

I have a couple questions about some of the items and was wondering should I post them here or on my build thread, I am not sure if my build thread (still need to start that) would get enough exposure for questions. I will start posting some questions tomorrow, as I expect to finish inventory tomorrow.

I look forward to sharing my experience and getting advice as needed. I have read lots of stuff here ,just hope I can easily access things that were really good bits of information.

[Bill Elliott]

So far I have been finishing communication with Factory Five on missing items ( I discovered the gauges I received were not the Ultra Lite's but some other version like Platinum Gauge.186768186769

I have been working on the most dreaded part of the whole build, the sheet metal. But also I passed a milestone today and got the "A" piece mated up to the driver side foot box, I believe this is the hardest part of all the sheet metal to tweak and fit! 186770186771.

[Bill Elliott]

Ok gonna try to fix those sideways pictures,,,,,sometimes this forum is more difficult than the actual build, lol.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=186780&d=1688502709
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=186777&d=1688502709
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=186778&d=1688502709
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=186779&d=1688502709
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=186784&d=1688503904
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=186785&d=1688503904

[Bill Elliott]

186787186788

embedded pictures are fine, as a thumbnail they are sideways?

[egchewy79]

Already drilling and clecoing on day 1?!
Take your time and do a thorough inventory. Mark the panel where it overlaps the frame to center your rivet holes and to evenly space your rivets. If you truly received the kit today, you’re flying.

[Bill Elliott]

Already drilling and clecoing on day 1?!
Take your time and do a thorough inventory. Mark the panel where it overlaps the frame to center your rivet holes and to evenly space your rivets. If you truly received the kit today, you’re flying.

Not day 1, just day one of posting build thread,,, received the kit on 24th of June. Thorough inventory complete , I was only missing about 6 items. Already got them reported to FFR and they are on order.

[Bill Elliott]

Today I finished all the metal that is going to powder coat guy tomorrow and I will pick up the F panels that he just finished.

[Bill Elliott]

Picked up my F panels today from PC and dropped off the rest of my items for PC that will be done next week. This guy does really good work. This is "Cobra Charcoal" from Prismatic Powders.
187051

[Bill Elliott]

187083 Put on the control arm. I switched the dust boot to the energy suspension, it did not have a retaining clip. Once the spindle is sitting on there will that be all that is needed to keep a good seal?

[Bill Elliott]

Since I have read so many threads on the issue of the upper control arms I felt pretty confident in what I was doing. Only issue I had was with the hacksaw collapsing on me, ( I hate hacksaws. They seem so primitive). So I got out my pneumatic cut off wheel. The sleeves were cut with the hacksaw but the legs ( I don't think I can call that a bolt) I cut with the cut off wheel, that first one came out to a real clean cut. The Blue tape is so I would remember those are the left hand threaded sides.
187151187152187153

[F500guy]

I did not trim the bolts and did notice that there was a limit due to the bolts touching in the middle after trimming the sleeve, but hopefully it will be fine, if not atleast those are easy to access and trim later if I can not get a good alignment.

[Bill Elliott]

Lots of talk about people fighting with the upper ball joints during install. Some have even not bothered with them and put Howe brand in or others. I put a wire wheel to the threads and they went in very easily. After all was said and done I checked to see how short I could get the rear leg on it, 7 1/8 so I have all the adjustment I need available.
187181
187182
187183

[Bill Elliott]

So today was another 12hr day at work , but I still put in some time on the car. My goal is to put at least an hour of work on the car on my long days. Days that are more normal I can put more time in.

Today I finished putting the driver side upper control arm on and getting it adjusted as per Jeff's recommendations for power steering.

187204 187205 187206

[Bill Elliott]

Front shocks. I am amazed at the fit of things thus far. 2 spacers between the mounting ears and the shock are a perfect fit. I reassembled them to make sure logo on springs, bolt heads and nuts and label on shock body are all uniform.

187259 187260

yes, I still have to put the zip ties on right now

[Bill Elliott]

Worked on the front rotors, the safety wire is very tedious work.

187385187386

[Bill Elliott]

Center section in.

187759

[danmas]

That is such a grand feeling, isn’t it?

[Bill Elliott]

Yes it's a big relief, I feel like progress will speed up for a bit. If I could get a day off , that would help.

[Bill Elliott]

Got the front brakes on and clearances are good.
187813 187812

[danmas]

Are those the Aero 6 willwoods? If so, same ones I have.

[Bill Elliott]

Just testing pictures to see if I figured out the whole sideways thumbnail problem

187822

seems , I did.

[Bill Elliott]

Are those the Aero 6 willwoods? If so, same ones I have.

these are the Wilwood 12.88 that I ordered with the kit. Didn't know they were called Aero 6

[danmas]

these are the Wilwood 12.88 that I ordered with the kit. Didn't know they were called Aero 6

I see. Mine are actually the 15s but the caliper looks very similar. Either way, sweet looking kit...

[Bill Elliott]

Putting the new stud's in. This tool makes it a breeze.

187890

[Bill Elliott]

A couple small things done today. Putting in the control arms for the IRS . Those definitely need some persuasion . The mounting tabs were quite a bit off, about a .25" The problem with the bolt washer method is that on the rear mount for the lower control arm, when you try to spread them the further forward tab would move ( I am definitely not an engineer) but the rear one wouldn't . I believe when you try to spread them only the one that has more space from the welds will bend. I needed the furthest rear tab to bend so spreading with bolt and washers did no good. Had to use the BFH on the on tab . All is well now , both uppers and lowers are in.
I discovered that I was missing the adjuster link for the toe adjustment arms, so finishing the IRS will be delayed a bit.

188001 188002

[Bill Elliott]

Received this yesterday.

188003

I just really didn't like the design and fit of the kit supplied parking brake.

[danmas]

Received this yesterday.

188003

I just really didn't like the design and fit of the kit supplied parking brake.

I agree. Have the same

[Bill Elliott]

More IRS stuff. I figure that I could get most everything on except the toe adjustment arms until those adjustment links show up ( hopefully they are in stock ).

188052

[F500guy]

Same issue seems everyone has on the control arm, the jig is off by a bit. I did a little spread, little trim of front and rear bushings to get the clearance. I to have the E-brake option, just remember to swap R/L for clearance to the shock.

[Bill Elliott]

Got these yesterday, what a beautiful thing

188290

Gas'n regulars

[Bill Elliott]

Rear brakes are on now along with the Wilwood EPB. Still waiting on rear toe adjustment arm link adjusters.

188413

[Bill Elliott]

Progress is a little slow lately. I have been working 6 days a week for most of the weeks since the arrival of the kit. I am still very excited about this and having fun. I always make time for working on the car even if it is just an hour or two.

I have mounted the pedal box and master cylinders , I will be receiving the wilwood 13/16 m/c tomorrow to switch out with the 3/4 kit delivered one. Per recommendation of Paul and others, with the Tilton hydraulic release bearing this is needed.

188617 188618

Tonight I got the steering shaft set in place, no washers needed to clear the 3/4 tube. I saw many threads about mounting the bearing in the cockpit side vs the engine bay side of the footbox ( I believe it was Rich that stated "you'll thank me later").

188619188620188621188622188623

hear we go again with the flipped pics,,,,,, arghh

[Bill Elliott]

188625

Fixed it. Maybe someone can explain why. So if I put multiple pictures in an email to myself , when I open the email to save the pic to my computer it will only download it when I right click on it. If I send a single pic to my email, when I open the email I can right click on it and just "save as xxx.jpeg" When I do it that way it will upload in correct orientation.

[F500guy]

What is the benefit of mounting the bearing on the inside of the foot box? I need to check my engine/clutch information as I only have the 3/4 supplied by FFR with my SBF 427 from BPE

[Mike.Bray]

hear we go again with the flipped pics,,,,,, arghh

There's a long explanation about cell phone pictures and computers and rotation that I won't bore you with. You can Google it if you're interested.

One simple and sure fix is to copy the pictures from your phone to your computer then open them in Paint and do a Save As to a jpeg. This will orientate them correctly.

[cc2Arider]

I concur....and furthermore, just to be sure I'm not hogging up the database memory, I typically "reduce picture size" by 50% and then upload here ;)

Craig C

[Bill Elliott]

What is the benefit of mounting the bearing on the inside of the foot box? I need to check my engine/clutch information as I only have the 3/4 supplied by FFR with my SBF 427 from BPE

I believe it has to do with making it easier to remove dd shaft if you have to make adjustments on the rack.

[Bill Elliott]

Today , after another 60 hr work week, I started fuel tank , pump, and filter assembly. I am feeding the horses via a Aeromotive stealth 340 pump and filtered with a Aeromotive canister style 10micron filter. Pump is in the sump area with the sock on and return line also in sump area.

The only thing I was questioning is the 3/8 npt to an6 fitting in the filter. It went in about 3 or 4 threads and that was all it would go. I put permatex high temp thread sealant on. Just want to make sure things are as they should be.

189118 and here is what the fitting looks like before install 189119

189120 189121

[Bill Elliott]

First fuel line made and pressure tested, pump to filter

189219 189220

[Bill Elliott]

Received my final parts for rear suspension and have all that done.

189224

Passenger footbox also tonight.

189225 189226

I will also say that silicone is anti-seize compound's evil twin. That stuff gets everywhere.

[460.465USMC]

I will also say that silicone is anti-seize compound's evil twin. That stuff gets everywhere.

I couldn't agree more. Pretty sure anti-seize and silicone jump from the applicator to my hands when my head is turned.

You're cruising right along. Nice to see you have a lift...so helpful. Keep up the good work.

[Bill Elliott]

This showed up, very excited to try it out.

189593

[F500guy]

Bill, Here is what I was planning on doing with the EPB wiring-Zip Tie the stress relief and route to the frame above the upper a-arm with enough slack to not get pulled by the wheel movement, then get into the transmission tunnel.

189716

[Bill Elliott]

Bill, Here is what I was planning on doing with the EPB wiring-Zip Tie the stress relief and route to the frame above the upper a-arm with enough slack to not get pulled by the wheel movement, then get into the transmission tunnel.

189716

Yea, I think we have to have a way to secure it but still allow enough slack for suspension travel without interfering with the springs.

[Bill Elliott]

Things were slowed a bit, waiting on the brake line and brake line bending tool. Those just came in so will be back on that shortly.

I have found that I waste soooooo much time looking for parts, hardware, and tools. Today I spent pretty much all day looking for something simple, 1/8 aluminum sheet to mount reservoirs - none to be found in town , only needs about 4x6 inch piece. 1/8 npt flush plug to plug the back side ports on said reservoirs, none available at Ace , Autozone, Lowes. I would be a bit further on things if I didn't have to wait on everything. Oh, well give me more time for planning.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Things were slowed a bit, waiting on the brake line and brake line bending tool. Those just came in so will be back on that shortly.

I have found that I waste soooooo much time looking for parts, hardware, and tools. Today I spent pretty much all day looking for something simple, 1/8 aluminum sheet to mount reservoirs - none to be found in town , only needs about 4x6 inch piece. 1/8 npt flush plug to plug the back side ports on said reservoirs, none available at Ace , Autozone, Lowes. I would be a bit further on things if I didn't have to wait on everything. Oh, well give me more time for planning.

Bill,
I use onlinemetals.com. You'll usually have it in your hands in 2 days.

Jeff

[gbranham]

Looks great! I'm just behind you with my progress. Kit was delivered 7/11/23, and I've buttoned up the front suspension and all the IRS bits, as well as drilled all the panels and got them powdercoated. I'm starting the pedal box this weekend.

[Bill Elliott]

So I was able to finish fuel line except for the connection that will go to Sniper 2 and put a clamp on passenger footbox. Tomorrow I can start redoing my brake lines. Then start electrical. I also put the breeze front mount battery box in and started laying out the wire harness.

189773 189774 189775

[gbranham]

So I was able to finish fuel line except for the connection that will go to Sniper 2 and put a clamp on passenger footbox. Tomorrow I can start redoing my brake lines. Then start electrical. I also put the breeze front mount battery box in and started laying out the wire harness.

189773 189774 189775

I really dig those fuel lines and clamps. Can you tell me more about what you did (parts, brands, etc)? I'm going with a Coyote engine.

Thanks,

Greg

[Bill Elliott]

The line is from Hot Rod Fuel Hose AN-6 size for feed and return. The clamps are from Amazon , not sure how well they will hold up on the finish. I tapped the metal with a 10-32( learned the hard way that the original 6-32 screws that the clamps came with were to small ), also had to drill out the hole in the clamp to accept the 10-32 cap screws.


https://hotrodfuelhose.com/collections/bundles

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YY8VVYC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

I see your near K.C. , I love Q39 Barbecue, and Jack Stack

[Bill Elliott]

Back to the brake lines. I must say this has been the most humbling part thus far. I have a really good tool now for bending. The Ridgid lever type bender works really good. "Mistakes were made...." . I said before that nicop brake line is reasonably priced. Well, that is dependent on the number of mistakes you make. I got confused on measuring several times with the radius and whether I was bending towards the fixture or away. Very easy to goof up, at least for me. I am getting lots of practice. Definitely better than my first attempts though.

First attempt 189799

now 189800 189801 189802

Still have to put cushion clamps on. Tomorrow will be passenger side front. Also, now I know what those coiled brake lines are for, people like me that measure twice and still end up with extra :p

[Nigel Allen]

G'day Bill,

As an alternative to burning through so much nicop, try making examples of your pipe work out of fencing wire first.
Start by grabbing a 12 ft length of fencing wire. Put one end in the vise and the other in the chuck of your battery drill. Pull the wire straight with a decent amount of tension on it. Then pull the trigger for 20 or 30 revolutions. You should end up with a very nice rigid and very straight length of wire. Use this to make your brake line first and then you can use it as a guide when you make the real thing.

Keep livin' the dream.


Cheers,

Nige

[Mike.Bray]

Maybe this will help you with the Ridgid bender. Once you figure out thr reference marks on the link you'll be gold.

https://www.imagecoast.com/images/MichaelBray1/ridgidtubebendermedium.jpg

[Bill Elliott]

Small updates here. I finished the front brake line going from driver side to pass. side. I mounted the Scott's Hot Rod reservoirs also. First one I did was not exactly level so I scrapped that and the final one is level.

189983 189984 189985 189986

[Bill Elliott]

Finalized the brake lines today. Hit a bump in the road. My lift has a leak from the quick disconnect fitting. I will have to get that replaced asap. Next will be to fill and bleed the brake system.

190189 190190

[Bill Elliott]

Brake system is complete. Bled master cylinders on car with a short line from the master to the reservoir. Then vacuum bled all the calipers. The rear has an inboard and outboard bleeder , outboard first then inboard. The front was just the top bleeder. Pedal feels good, about an 1 1/4 pedal travel right now. Not a single leak from any fitting first time !!

[Bill Elliott]

Started putting gauges in dash. Mocked it up. The carbon fiber is easy to cut but dusty. I was all suited up for it, I have had my run in with fiberglass before so didn't want the itches afterwards.

190644 190645 190646

[Bill Elliott]

Glove box definitely goes on my NOT FUN list.

[Bill Elliott]

I have a few days off this week and next week. I think that will allow me to get some real progress done since most of the time I have been working randomly after work.

So I have been working on the dash and wiring. I purchased some good crimpers and am using 3:1 heat shrink on all connections, this is a part I really enjoy doing.

190906

[Mike.Bray]

Be sure and run all of your dash wires to Weather Pack connectors so it's easy to remove later.

https://www.imagecoast.com/images/MichaelBray1/20220730135157mediumrotated.jpg

[Bill Elliott]

More and more wiring, lots of time will be spent on this. I spliced in the tail light converter it will be behind the dash for easier access if ever a replacement is needed. The extra purple wires that are unused and conveniently already run in the loom to the back I might use for trunk lights and a back up light. I am also thinking about one of those plasma brake lights like Travis put on his.

191059

[Bill Elliott]

Look what showed up today

191241 191242 191260

[Bill Elliott]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=191925&d=1699232225

[Bill Elliott]

Today was the big day. Engine install. I can say it was flawless , super easy. I used a 2ton hoist with a leveler that worked really well. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/WMR-W41036 . I installed the transmission bracket before putting the engine in and it was not a hindrance at all. I also put the driveshaft in the transmission tail just before the engine was all the way down, that is absolutely the easiest way for the driveshaft. I don't know why so many people fight with that after the engine is in place. Just a great day , everything went as planned. Good help to from a few guys.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=191925&d=1699232225
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=191924&d=1699231928 https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=191916&d=1699231777 https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=191917&d=1699231777https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=191919&d=1699231777

[Bill Elliott]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=191912&d=1699231534https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=191914&d=1699231534https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=191923&d=1699231928https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=191927&d=1699232225https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=191926&d=1699232225

[zarnold]

Congrats! When is first start? :)

[Bill Elliott]

still have to finish electrical ie. Holley sniper , all plumbing including radiator. Hopefully within 3 weeks. Can't wait to hear it.

[Bill Elliott]

Today I got the driveshaft torqued down , waiting on some spaces to set pinion angle. Have put accessories back on the motor. Put the ground strap to the block on. I posted on main forum asking if this is ok the way I did the grounds.

191983191984191985

[John Ibele]

Today I got the driveshaft torqued down , waiting on some spaces to set pinion angle. Have put accessories back on the motor. Put the ground strap to the block on. I posted on main forum asking if this is ok the way I did the grounds.

191983191984191985

That's the way I did mine, one from the engine to the frame, and another from the starter post to the frame. I haven't had any electrical gremlins to chase down with my Sniper setup. Good progress and nice looking engine.

[Bill Elliott]

Now that I have the engine in there is a long list of things that can be worked on in no specific order with the goal of first start on the horizon. Today I finished the mechanical throttle linkage. The roll pins that came with the kit I thought were 3/32 but I just couldn’t get them to work. I went to Ace and bought some 1/8 roll pins and put them in with no problems , cobalt bits for that ss rod is a must. I was also able to finish up the fuel lines up to the Sniper. I removed the fuel pressure regulator from the Sniper as I am using an external regulator. There has been issues with the internal regulator in the Sniper so I wanted to eliminate that issue now.

192043

[Nigel Allen]

G'day Bill,

Engine bay looks great. Might be worthwhile putting a PVC boot over the positive terminal of the alternator. The terminal lurks there waiting to short to an errant spanner.

Cheers,

Nige

[Bill Elliott]

Thanks for that idea, i only have it laying there right now , still have to size it and put some loom wrap on it.

[Bill Elliott]

Another milestone passed that helps me sleep better at night. I received the transmission spacers today so went to work on driveline angles. Started with all three spacers though it was good then realized not everything was tightened down yet so back and forth a bit after that with checking, tightening rechecking. Ended up using 3 spacers and two washer and finally success.

192117

[Bill Elliott]

First start
Edited version< only issue I had was the clutch safety switch. I had to tighten some hose clamps and also the thermostat housing. My Summit expansion tank has a small leak from the sight tube on the side. I think if I take the fittings off and put some teflon tape on it should be good. After I restarted a couple times it started burning really rich afr was a 35 which is really high. This will be a learning curve trying to get settings on the Sniper all tuned it but initial start was awesome !

https://youtu.be/BjxpX-tBlJY

[zarnold]

Sounds great! Nice work!!

[Bill Elliott]

Been a while since I have posted here. December is a bad month to be a mailman. All my car building time was taken up by Amazon.
Past few weeks I worked on minor things, go-carting and checking things. Making sure all mechanical issues are ok. I set my ride height last week, so now I am trying to make plans on getting the car to a shop for a accurate alignment. At the same time I will probably rent a enclosed trailer, I want to see what size, if any, that I can fit between my garage and a fence.
Today I worked on the courtesy lights that are switched from the headlight switch. I also had to connect the inertia switch at the back of the car near the fuel pump because I have my pump powered by the Sniper. I also wired in a connection for a backup light, just have the wire there ready for the light that I will choose later .
I have driven the car several times just in the neighborhood and everything is great just can't wait to get it on the open road. Next thing I have to do is get some switches mounted under the dash (high beam, hazard lights), and a place to mount the seat heater switches and a usb/12v charger.

One last thing,,,, I installed the horns also. The provided female connector that you are supposed to use and make a jumper from one horn to the other with does not work. The way the instructions show you would have to put 2 14ga wires into 1 blue female connector that is made for 1 14 gauge wire. Don't know why they don't provide a connector better suited for that. So I switched that to a 10-12 ga connector.

194584 194585

[Bill Elliott]

Cup holders and transmission covering are in progress now. Tonight I applied the 1/8" closed cell foam. Used the 3m 90 contact adhesive, easy to use and fast. The white box behind the cup holders is my model of what I want for mounting my seat heater switches and usb charger. I took it to a local shop here https://www.cmlaserandfab.com/about-us. Hopefully they get to it soon.

194977 194978

Next weekend I have a trailer reserved 8.5 x 16 enclosed, to take the car to someone to get a good alignment done. This will also allow me to see what size trailer I can fit between my garage and the fence with gate. It will be a snug fit as the front corner of my garage to the fence is 114" and the trailer is 102" . So its more of what size trailer I can maneuver in there than what size fits.

[Bill Elliott]

Got my alignment done yesterday. Real happy with that done now. I know some guys at our local Ford dealership , he was able to come out on his own time to do it for me. Didn't take a whole lot of work. I was suprised my intial eyeball setup was at about 10-11 degrees on caster. All good know at 7.5 degrees. Camber is at -.5 and toe in about 1/8 inch.
Today finsihed up a custom shift boot. I might look for a different shifter ball. The boot is made from the same material as the trans tunnel cover

195299 195300

[Bill Elliott]

Getting close to mounting the body. I installed 2 kayak hoists to raise the body and slide the car under it. I wanted to be able to do this by myself.

I made a model of what I wanted to mount some switches and a USB charger/ 12v port. I had a local shop here that took my model and created a cad drawing and formed the part for me. I then covered it with the leather I used for trans tunnel. Really pleased with the finished product. It's nice to see my own visions become reality.

195995 195996 195997

[F500guy]

Very nice Bill, you are flying thru your build and looks great!

[Bill Elliott]

Finished wiring for the cup holders and usb charger.

Also picked up my new Cobra transport . 8.5 x 20 Continental cargo.

196156 196157

[Bill Elliott]

1st Body fitment

196417196418196419
196420196421196422

[Bill Elliott]

I ordered the larger sleeves for the front quick jacks to be mounted with the large grommets. Makes a much nicer mounting fit and look. I was really nervous about cutting into the body for the grommets (there's only so much a body man can fix, unless your Jeff of course .) . I still have to get some acorn nuts or something to give it a better appearance. I also need some rubber washers for the rear quick jacks where the washer goes against the body.

197127 197128

[Bill Elliott]

Did some floor work for the trailer. Something hauling the Cobra needs to be appropriately treated. This is the Rustoleum epoxy 2.5car kit.

197527

[Bill Elliott]

Things are progressing fairly well. Still have to get the body sitting just right. Finished most of the interior yesterday. Next will be the side louvers and undercoating of the body.

198002198003

[Bill Elliott]

Getting closer to almost finished, as finished is probably never said. Worked on getting doors and trunk installed still have to do trunk latch and license plate mount. The doors are a true test of patience. Luckily I only have to get them to function, the final adjustments will be finished by a pro ! I also got the headlights installed and am using the daytime running light with them. It can be set to amber or white, for now I like the white.

198772 198773 198774 198775 198776

[Mike.Bray]

I have headlights with amber and white halos, I'm using one color for daytime running lights and the other color for my turn signals.

[Bill Elliott]

I thought about that , these can be white or amber . I didn't think they would show up very well as a turn signal with the headlights on.

[Mike.Bray]

I thought about that , these can be white or amber . I didn't think they would show up very well as a turn signal with the headlights on.

They're pretty bright.


https://youtu.be/3LabdUfEHVo

I used these lights. https://www.carid.com/1965-ford-gt-headlights/lumen-7-round-led-halo-projector-headlights-950696332.html?fulfillment_ab=C&parentsubmodel[]=SUBMODEL|With+Factory+2-Headlight+System

[Bill Elliott]

She looks great at night, hard to tell its gel coat

199547

[Mike.Bray]

I thought about that , these can be white or amber . I didn't think they would show up very well as a turn signal with the headlights on.

Here's a video of us testing the headlights and turn signals. Using the amber halos for turn signals seems pretty effective.


https://youtu.be/6E9b8it0uE0

[Bill Elliott]

I haven't posted for some time. Work has been busy. A lot has been done in small bits. The hood is done, other than Jeff's fancy work. I was able to fit the hood without any trimming at all. I thought they are supposed to be oversized. I guess it is from the perspective of a paint and body person. The hood hinges fit fairly well, they will need a little tweaking for final fit. The next project will be the windshield and then the side pipe hangars. Not a whole lot left before I start the inspection process.

200409 200410 200412

[Bill Elliott]

Windshield went pretty easy.

200704

[Bill Elliott]

Mirrors and visors on. Next up wipers.

200921 200922

[Bill Elliott]

201370

Street legal.

[JMD]

Things were slowed a bit, waiting on the brake line and brake line bending tool. Those just came in so will be back on that shortly.

I have found that I waste soooooo much time looking for parts, hardware, and tools. Today I spent pretty much all day looking for something simple, 1/8 aluminum sheet to mount reservoirs - none to be found in town , only needs about 4x6 inch piece. 1/8 npt flush plug to plug the back side ports on said reservoirs, none available at Ace , Autozone, Lowes. I would be a bit further on things if I didn't have to wait on everything. Oh, well give me more time for planning.

I can do the same thing, but now I either go online to Amazon or Summit, order it and move on to the next thing. Pay a little bit in shipping but totally worth the time saved. No running around town trying to locate materials. When it shows up I finish that task with the new part and keep truckin! One exception is needing a certain bolt, which I can almost always pick up at a True Value.

Keep it up!

[JMD]

(So envious of you being street legal, btw. I'm sure that's a great feeling. Good luck and have fun!)

[Bill Elliott]

Finally got some color

217089 217090 217091 217092 217093

[BUDFIVE]

Bill, beautiful paint!
A few posts ago you put Rustoleum on the trailer floor. Earlier you had reserved an 8.5x16 to haul to your alignment. What size did you end up buying? Is it a regular enclosed trailer or an enclosed car hauler with extra tie downs and re-enforced ramp?
Thanks, I’m considering buying one, too.

Edit-Sorry Bill. I see on top of your page 3 you said it was a 8.5 x 20 Continental Cargo. BUDFIVE

[TrackDay17]

Bill Elliot I just started reading through your build thread and see you are a mail carrier.
Retired rural carrier here, retired in 2022 after 36 years regular.
Glad to be out of the rat race !
Starting my build in the next few months.

[Bill Elliott]

The trailer has tie downs 2 front 2 back. I use the Rhino USA straps. The ramp is for hauling cars.

[BUDFIVE]

Bill, I’m looking at the 2” X 8’ tie downs. Did you go with j-hooks or snap hooks? Both have a retaining feature, a spring clip in the j-hook or the snap itself on the snap hook. Which did you use? Thanks

[Bill Elliott]

Car is done except for polish and wax. Just waiting for paint to finish curing. Put the badges on. Replaced the Simpson harness with some nice blue cam lock harnesses. To help protect from kick ups off tires into wheel wells I put in the wheel well liners. Gives it a nice finished look.

219524219525 219526219527 219528219529

[BUDFIVE]

Bill, still beautiful. The first pic shows that there is already a lot of polish!

[Bill Elliott]

222126