Continuation of Russ Thompson Parts

[Mountain-Metalworks]

I discussed with the site admin and I'm getting a little ahead of myself, but it's with great honor and pride to announce that I'm working to continue the legacy of parts that Russ Thompson has been building for the Factory Five Racing community. I have known Russ for several years through phone conversations and I'm currently working with his family and friends on an accurate inventory status, an assessment of what he was all producing, and what makes sense to transition.

A quick note about me, I've been a part of the Factory Five Racing community for about 15 years and built and drive a Roadster MKIV and planning a '35 Truck build. I own and operate Mountain Metalworks(www.mountain-metalworks.com), a fabrication company where we specialize in waterjet and plasma cutting, CNC bending and forming, general fabrication, and have both manual and full CNC machining and lathe capabilities. We are a very small operation(mostly just me) based in Albuquerque, NM and build for both commercial and residential markets.

As for Russ' parts, I know there is an immediate interest in pedal assemblies and turn signals, so those two items are my highest priority. I would like to transition as many of Russ' parts as possible at some point, adding some of my own(mechanical throttle linkage?), and possibly sunsetting some less demanded ones. With lots of fabrication equipment and experience, I hope to span pretty wide.

I would ask for your patience as this is not a simple process to transition due to Russ' untimely passing, as we unfortunately don't get to have input from him directly. I will continue to work with Russ' family and friends, and will also reach out to the many vendors and dedicated/commercial builders that he had working relationships with for his parts. Feel free to contact me via PM and/or my email: tj@mountain-metalworks.com with any questions you may have. I will do my best to respond in a very timely manner as I integrate Russ' parts into the workflow and inventory of the existing business.

Lastly, a VERY special thank you to Glenn(Weendoggy) for his continued support in this process since I'm a few states away from Russ' shop. Glenn has information from several individuals who had ordered parts from Russ before his passing, and he and I can try to coordinate efforts for those people where feasible.

Thank you and I look forward to continuing Russ' legacy in the FFR community. I can never replace his dedication and years of commitment, I can only hope to continue in his shadow. I want him to be looking down with pride over his efforts and the continued interest in what he built over the years.

Happy Driving!
-TJ

[Mike.Bray]

I have one of Russ's turn signal kits and it's a nice piece. The instructions however were a 15 page mess Russ and I talked about this and he agreed). They were obviously built upon over the years to where they became bloated and confusing. When you move forward with this project it would be good to upgrade the instructions. A couple of exploded isometric views, a few lines of text, and a wiring diagram is about all that is needed.

Mike

[cv2065]

Glad to see you picking up the flag and running with it! I'll have a couple of order items for a new build when you are ready to roll.

[JimStone]

I can't wait to see what you come up with!

[Rdone585]

So good to know his wonderful contributions to us building these cars will not be lost. I have a suggestion as well for the throttle pedal assembly. The leg of the pedal needs to be different between using it with a cable versus the mechanical throttle assembly. It might also be different between those using the Wildwood pedal box verses the Fox Body pedal box. I would up using his as a go-by, but needing a completely different geometry above the pivot point. I'm glad to share what I can with you if it helps others have3 a turnkey solution.

[edwardb]

I have one of Russ's turn signal kits and it's a nice piece. The instructions however were a 15 page mess Russ and I talked about this and he agreed). They were obviously built upon over the years to where they became bloated and confusing. When you move forward with this project it would be good to upgrade the instructions. A couple of exploded isometric views, a few lines of text, and a wiring diagram is about all that is needed.

Mike

I've installed Russ's turn signal setup in all my builds with the exception of the truck with the ididit column. I agree the provided instructions were confusing. But what is most confusing to new/inexperienced builders is most of what was provided was wiring schematics to enable headlight high/low beam switching. Many misunderstood and thought all of that was required to operate the turn signals. I've talked a number of builders off the edge over that. At the end of the day, the turn signal assembly is just a simple switch that operates the turn signals exactly like the kit provided dash toggle switch. Nothing fancy required for that. The momentary push button is often used for the horn. Also wired exactly like the kit provided pushbutton. For those that want the pushbutton to operate the headlight low/high beams, then yes additional circuitry is required. Rather than trying to cobble together something like the provided instructions show, there are a couple of pre-made options (ididit plus others) that are plug and play and work perfectly.

So I agree. A simple assembly diagram for the turn signal assembly itself and few words about how to wire (similar to what I outline here) is all that's required. I'd suggest the couple of homemade circuit schematics and instructions aren't useful any longer.

[gbranham]

Good on you for doing this, and thank you! I'll take a turn signal as soon as you are ready to sell.

Thanks,

Greg

[toadster]

fantastic to carry on Russ' legacy - THANK YOU!

[BRRT]

Thank You! I'm sure this would make Russ happy and proud.

[kirby]

Very excited to hear that his contributions will be continued.

I will also be looking to purchase a turn signal setup when you are up and running.

[cc2Arider]

Thanks TJ! I may follow up with you later about an Accelerator pedal and turn signal kit...

Craig C

[NotDrivingTrains]

While new to the forum, I've been reading as much as I can, and the Russ Thompson name has come up as much as any supplier I can recall. What an impact he had. I wish I had the opportunity to talk with him. Thank you for taking on the effort to continue his work. Count me in, kit delivery expected this November, you'll be my first call thereafter. - Aaron

[Lidodrip]

I can’t think of a better way to honor Russ than continuing his highly regarded contributions.

James