More progress made on the body : )

[The Stig]

Mike,

What switch are going to use for your mirrors? Ted at QRP has a kit for them. Not sure how much you are being charged to have the harness made. Depending on that you might be better off getting the complete kit from Ted. It comes with the switch and all connectors for the mirrors and switch. He also has a schematic of the mirror wiring. He sent me one but I looked for it and can't find it. The kit is at the bottom of this page:

http://www.quickracingproducts.com/html/electrical.html

HTH

Damn...

I have that switch, but decided not to use it because I wanted to use the switch that came with the aluminum console cover that I bought a while back. I had completely forgotten about it. I guess could use that switch just to get them wired and working, and then change the switch when I get to the interior shop. (The interior is going to use a matched set of billet switches for anything that requires a switch).

The switch that I am using is actually from a Malibu, and fits fairly flat to the mounting panel. (I also have the correct pig tail for the switch).

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Dorman15261342GMSWITCH01_zps9fc8ffac.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Dorman15261342GMSWITCH01_zps9fc8ffac.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Dorman15261342GMSWITCH02_zpsb36ea415.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Dorman15261342GMSWITCH02_zpsb36ea415.jpg.html)

But... Like you said, it may make sense to use Ted's switch and just get it working.

Thanks Hugo.

Mike

[Fugly_Old_Cowboy]

having never seen the schematics before, it's just a guess but looking at it in that pic with the mirror selector at the top I'd say on the 3 pin side the upper pin selects the left side, middle pin is a common, lower pin is for the right side... on the 9 pin side I'd guess the lower right is the common feeding the rest of the right hand pins & the left bank goes to the up,down, left & right directional motors... easiest way to figure it out is plug the connector into the switch & attach a 9v battery to a lead (I'd start with the center pin of the smaller set), & a test light to one of the other leads, work thew switch & see which one lights up...

[carbon fiber]

hatch is made, letting it post cure in the mold a few days before trimming/bonding.

[The Stig]

Very nice! :cool:

[Aman]

Nice, looking forward to pics!

[The Stig]

Nice, looking forward to pics!

Hi Buddy. I'm looking forward to it also. When Jason gets done, it'll be a part that I can then finish prepping for paint. I plan to go ahead and remove the current hatch and start test fitting, and working the gaps. I'll certainly post some pictures and let you guys see what we've been talking about. I'm pretty excited about it. It would be nice to have it on before the car goes to interior. But if not, I'll take it to Steve's shop and put it on there. I'll post them as soon as I am able too.

[The Stig]

I got a call from Ron Hannah of Classic Instruments Custom Design Department today. He sent me a proof of the gauge cluster that he's working on. I don't know why but I got a little nervous when I saw it...

The rendering is shaped like a cluster from a Porsche 996, instead of the 997. So immediately I started worrying about whether or not they were working on the right cluster for me. He assured me that, so far, I have been the only one crazy enough to spend the money to have this done to a Porsche Cluster... In any event, the attached proof will give you an idea of what the dials will look like.

Proof
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/5e7fb582-d09f-4b4a-8925-48b812fe3fa9_zps758ac49d.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/5e7fb582-d09f-4b4a-8925-48b812fe3fa9_zps758ac49d.jpg.html)

Porsche 996 Cluster
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/c97c223e-04ab-4660-87ed-7eed821a10ac_zps8fb69356.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/c97c223e-04ab-4660-87ed-7eed821a10ac_zps8fb69356.jpg.html)

Porsche 997 Cluster
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/62194713-1d6b-4b00-9a10-5a15fdb376b5_zps8e6fbfcb.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/62194713-1d6b-4b00-9a10-5a15fdb376b5_zps8e6fbfcb.jpg.html)

I'm hoping that in the revision, his graphics guy changes the rendering to show the correct cluster.

We'll see.

[rev2xs]

It looks like the have definitely based it off the 996 in my opinion. Not to mention the gauges lose their appeal if the speedo and the rev counter are in the in the wrong positions as apposed the the genuine article. The 997 gauges are slightly oval compared to the 996. But, to be honest, i'd be happy with what they've done if they just change it and put the rev counter in the center.

[The Stig]

Pictures of the rear hatch insert prior to being bonded onto the GTM hatch.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/0108140953-00_zpsb0d474dc.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/0108140953-00_zpsb0d474dc.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/0109140924-00_zps10bfd41b.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/0109140924-00_zps10bfd41b.jpg.html)

One step closer!

[The Stig]

It looks like the have definitely based it off the 996 in my opinion. Not to mention the gauges lose their appeal if the speedo and the rev counter are in the in the wrong positions as apposed the the genuine article. The 997 gauges are slightly oval compared to the 996. But, to be honest, i'd be happy with what they've done if they just change it and put the rev counter in the center.

Hi Rev,

I think that the look and shape of the 997 cluster works better in the GTM, because it fits a little lower and will allow for a little more line of vision. Plus I just think it looks better. I asked Classic Instruments Graphics guy to place the Speedometer in the center for a couple of reasons.

1. I don't primarily drive by the Tach.

2. When I had this particular gauge cluster retrofitted, there is a digital window in the bottom of the three center gauges that will not be used.

If I left the tach in the center, there would be a lot of blank space that would look a bit awkward (at least to me). I was able to fill it up a little more by having the speed marks wrap around the gauge and then have an odometer in the bottom center. That way the tack can just use a 180 degree sweep on the left side.

I know that it isn't as racy as some others, but then I'm not building this one to be a race car. And since I don't have the Cruise Control wired (God knows what that would end up costing me...), I would prefer to see how fast the car is going as opposed to how fast the engine is going.

The North Carolina State Patrol seem to care more about that for some reason. :cool:

Anyway, I hope it turns out well. So far, it's working for me.

Take care Buddy!

Mike

[carbon fiber]

25155

[The Stig]

Here are a couple of pictures of the hatch insert, bonded to the original GTM hatch. Almost done.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/0112141734-00_zps281ac5a7.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/0112141734-00_zps281ac5a7.jpg.html)

Just a bit of finish work to blend the edges flowing to the rear of the hatch.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/0112141737-00_zpsc4e641bd.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/0112141737-00_zpsc4e641bd.jpg.html)

It's looking great Jason!!! Thank you!!!

Mike

[The Stig]

Some people have asked how the rear window will dissipate heat. I have tried to show diagram of how the window fits into the hatch, and how the carbon fiber piece will cover the top.

Here is a picture that may show it a little better. The red lines outline where the polycarbonate "window" will be mounted in the Hatch. The yellow lines outline the carbon fiber cover that mounts across the top and overlaps the top edge of the hatch window. This space between the window and the CF cover should allow more than enough space for heat to dissipate quickly from the engine bay while driving, and while stopped. It should prevent the chance of any excessive heat build up while idling as well.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTMRearHatchWindowOverlap_zps86f57084.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTMRearHatchWindowOverlap_zps86f57084.jpg.html)

The side edges of the CF cover and the window are beveled to fit flush against the sides of the hatch. This should make for a much cleaner transition from the roof and rear fenders into the hatch without the abrupt humps and gaps that the standard glass window brings.

Mike

[Aman]

Love it, can't wait for the finished product!

Aman

[carbon fiber]

the new part lays flat to the ffr hatch, when I laid the glass from my gtm on it, there was a 1/4" gap at the top! (in the middle). the polycarbonate is abrasion resistant on both sides and has uv protection also.

[The Stig]

The place where the bottom section of the hatch meets the window section has long been a "weak" point due to the small amount of material in those "joints". As such, the hatch tends flex quite a bit when we open and close it. I know, my current hatch will flex at least an inch when I lift up on it to raise it. The glass is fairly heavy, so there is a bit of weight induced stress at the bottom corners of the window. I can't help but believe that due to the reduced weight of the polycarbonate window, a lot of that stress will be relieved.

With the insert overlapping the original hatch opening, and being bonded to it all the way around, the hatch becomes much stronger and should not flex nearly as much. Here is a picture of Jason glassing in the point at the bottom of the "window section" where the insert meets the original hatch. This is to provide a smooth transition from the insert to the hatch, but it also provides even more strength to that section.

All in all, I can't help but believe that he has come up with an excellent design for the functionality, look, and fit for the GTM's hatch. All the credit and Kudos go to Jason for the design and implementation. He had this concept (or one very similar) in his head from the start, so I let him run with it. And through this entire process, I've not seen a single thing that has caused me the least amount of concern.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/0116141013-00_zps9f8c20c2.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/0116141013-00_zps9f8c20c2.jpg.html)

This piece will need to be prepped for paint while the car is being fitted with it's new interior. Murray Pfaff is currently working with my interior guy to produce a rendering that gets us all on the same page in terms of what it will end up looking like. I should have that from him in a few days... I'm pretty stoked about that too!


Mike

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/VacuumFormingtheCFCover_zps2566c8ca.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/VacuumFormingtheCFCover_zps2566c8ca.jpg.html)

Jason is Vacuum Forming the Carbon Fiber Cover that will span across the upper hatch window "vent". Pretty cool stuff!

Mike

[The Stig]

Courty finished the wiring of the Gauges, Hazard & Fog Light Switches, and the Mirrors. (Thanks Ted for making up another wiring harness for the Mirrors!)

I was in West Palm when he called, but was able arrange to have it picked up and brought back to my garage!

My wife took a couple of pictures to show me that the GTM was back. It's been a while...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTMBackatHome3_zpse6dfc8b6.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTMBackatHome3_zpse6dfc8b6.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTMBackatHome1_zps53f816f5.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTMBackatHome1_zps53f816f5.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTMBackatHome4_zps60c8d7d0.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTMBackatHome4_zps60c8d7d0.jpg.html)

Now I have the task of arranging to have someone come out to remove the windshield in order to install the dash for the new interior. That'll make it a little easier to finsh the clean up of the wires and the close out panels for the wiper linkage (transmission).

Mike

[WIS89]

Mike-

Inching ever closer to getting her done. I know it weighs heavily on your mind I am sure. It has been a pretty rough ride,

I can't wait to see her all done, as I am sure that you are!!

That's a fine ride sitting next to her as well. I remain envious.

Looking forward to seeing the GTM out and about soon; best of luck!

Regards,

Steve

[The Stig]

Hi Steve,

Yep, it's getting there, little by little. It was too cold to get out in the garage today, and I'll be in West Palm for a couple of weeks. So I'm really pushing against another deadline for getting a couple of things done before it goes out to the interior shop.

The GTM Battery is dead... So I need to let the trickle charger run for the night, and see if it's still good or if I have to replace it.

And the motor ran a little hot as the driver unloaded it and brought it up to the garage. So I'll need to "burp" the coolant system again...

And for some reason the ride height is down about 1 1/2". The splitter & side skirts are only about 2 1/2" to 3" off the ground. I don't know how they got the car in and back out of the hauler... But I get to set the ride height again.

Once I get these things taken care of, I'll get the wiper "transmission" installed into the body below the windshield.

The Stable mate is an Original 1930 Model-A Ford. Runs great and gets it's share of Thumbs up's and smiles also.

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/CarbonFiberHatchventCover02_zps0af27f4c.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/CarbonFiberHatchventCover02_zps0af27f4c.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/CarbonFiberHatchventCover01_zpscd43bb3b.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/CarbonFiberHatchventCover01_zpscd43bb3b.jpg.html)

Here are a couple of "In Progress" pictures of the Carbon Fiber Cover that will span across the hatch window vent.

And... The battery charged back to 100%. So it looks like I don't have to go through the process of getting it out and replacing it. I was sort of dreading that...

All I know is that The Car is WIRED! That line is scratched off on the "To Do" list! (Or the "to have done" list).

More news to follow soon.

Mike

[Aman]

Nice! Part quality looks top notch guys

Aman

[The Stig]

Nice! Part quality looks top notch guys

Aman

Thanks Aman! But as always, I have to direct the praise to Jason. Does he do some cool work or what?!? At some point, in the not so distant future, this car will be done. Then I can look at it and see all the cool things that went into it: and all the cool people that I've been fortunate enough to meet.

Cool Stuff!!!

Thanks Aman for all the props!

And Thanks again Jason for all that you've done to help me with this.

Mike

[carbon fiber]

I'm making the attachments for the cf cover now. I'm making the mounting points and fitting the cover. I'm making it all repeatable with templates, etc. sorry it's taking so long mike, I'm planning on having it done by this coming week.

[The Stig]

No worries Jason!

[The Stig]

I'm pretty aggravated... again... :mad:

I've mentioned in the past that I work as a software consultant, contracted to various projects for companies around the world. As such, I've been in a critical phase in my current project, that we're about to take live at the end of next week. I've been head-down in my computer for the past couple of months, trying to meet ridiculous deadlines imposed bu the client and allowed by the project manager. As a result, I've barely seen the GTM since it came back from Courty Stone's repair shop (A-Tech Automotive Center & Car Sales), at 10900 Nation's Ford Road, Pineville, NC.

I sent it to his shop on October 25, 2013. When it came back on January 21, 2014 I was told, by my wife, that the battery was dead, and had to by jumped so they could get the car out put the trailer, and up the driveway, to be parked in my garage. I was also told that the Hydraulic Lift system would not lift the front of the car. I was also told that the engine ran up to 250 degrees while the driver was farting around with it, trying to get it off the trailer and up the driveway. (So I knew that there must be air in the coolant hoses and/or heads again.) I had just gotten it completely "burped" prior to sending it to Courty's shop.

When I came home, I saw that it was sitting a little low, but I didn't think much of it. It had been sitting "in his shop" for 13 weeks having the gauges and mirrors wired. So I reasoned that the tire pressure was probably down a little, causing it to look like it's lower than it was. My wife and I went to dinner, and when we came back, I remembered that I needed to put the trickle charger on the battery, and see if it would hold a charge or not. It was about 19 degrees outside (and probably 30 or 40 in the garage). So I made quick work of connecting the charger, putting the hood back down, and getting back inside.

I did glance down into the car, and notice a lot of things that looked like they were just tossed into the passenger side of the car.
The next day, I was back in an airplane headed to West Palm Beach for two weeks to baby-sit the "Go-Live". So not much time was available to even go out to the garage to see the car...

I got back to Charlotte on Thursday. This would be the first chance that I've been able to take time for myself to go out and do a couple of things to the car before it goes to the interior shop... (delayed again for two more weeks). I was pretty eager to get out and get my hands back into it again.

I figured that the first thing that I would need to do, was to clean all that crap out of the car so I could get in and work. There was an old bed sheet; print outs of wiring diagrams that I sent to him; my build manual; MY BATTERY CHARGER that I sent along so he could keep the battery charged; the box that my Gen-2 gauges were in, and the bag that I had everything in when I sent the car to him. There was an unbelievable amount of discarded pieces of wire and terminal ends, on the passenger side of the car. I really couldn't believe what a mess the inside of the car was in.

Then I looked down, what I saw made my blood boil. The Sound deadener / Heat shield that I installed was pretty much ruined on the driver's side. Ripped and torn where he or someone there got in and out of the car. it seemed odd to me that the driver's side would have been damaged so much when the passenger side was barely touched. Then I figured that since he was wiring gauges (for 13 weeks), he must have been on that side of the car most of the time...

Then as I was trying to get all the cut wire and terminal ends vacuumed up and cleaned up, I noticed that there was rust in the corner of the floor next to the gas tank and seat belt mounts. The rust extends past the break, and under the fuel tank. Right now it's just surface rust, but what made it start in the first place? Then it hit me...

I went to his shop on about week 9 or 10, to get an idea of what progress was being made. When I got there it was about noon, so I went into the front door figuring that they would more than likely be inside having lunch. They were. We chatted for a few minutes, and he told me that he figured that he would have everything done by the end of the week. Cool.

I left to go back out to my car and leave. Then I saw my GTM sitting outside, just as filthy as it could be. He and I had a conversation about the fact that the GTM wasn't water tight yet, and I did not want it outside for any reason, unless it was coming out in order to let another car out, and then put back inside. He assured me that he had plenty of room in his shop, and that it wouldn't be a problem at all.

Well, apparently there was some gap in communication. At some point, my car was left outside in the rain, and got quite a bit of water down in the floor board of the driver's side.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTMafterbeingatA-Tech10_zpsa7650a7c.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTMafterbeingatA-Tech10_zpsa7650a7c.jpg.html)

A week or so later... There is was again.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTMatCourtysShop_zps31191149.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTMatCourtysShop_zps31191149.jpg.html)

The Quiet Ride sound & heat shield became soaked, and eventually dried and "rotted" or began to decompose. With him or his workers getting in and out, they pretty much ripped it up. I can't imagine how he and his people treat the other cars that go through his shop. Here's a car that the owner had already told him need to be kept inside, and kept on the trickle charger. I guess he didn't feel the need to do either. I was there a couple of times and found my car sitting outside. And the fact that the battery was absolutely freakin' dead, told me that he didn't keep it on the charger either.

Before...
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0485_zps011e51f7.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0485_zps011e51f7.jpg.html)

After...
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTMafterbeingatA-Tech05_zps2ba6a8e8.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTMafterbeingatA-Tech05_zps2ba6a8e8.jpg.html)

Passenger Side...
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTMafterbeingatA-Tech00_zps911e8f94.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTMafterbeingatA-Tech00_zps911e8f94.jpg.html)

When he was finally done with the car, he called to let me know that I could come and pick it up. I was charged $2559.08 for him to wire my gauges and mirrors. Of course that was literally about 1/10th of what I was charged by the last place that had it and partially wired it.

I will say right now, that I'm not upset at all about the cost. Do I think it's too much for the work that was done? Absolutely! Am I upset about it? Not so much. I simply wanted the car to be wired, once and for all. I knew that I was going to take another hit. Well, I did... And it is.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTMwiringInvoicefromA-Tech_zps00080bd6.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTMwiringInvoicefromA-Tech_zps00080bd6.jpg.html)

I will also say this; he had to un-do the bundles of wiring, (that was left there from the previous attempt of a well known FFR builder), try to figure out what was done, and then finish it. He told me that would take him 1 to 2 days to trace the wires back. He also told me that he would not be working on the car every day start to finish. He wanted to be able to work on it when other business in the shop wouldn't interfere with his train of thought and interrupt his progress. When I asked how long he thought he would need the car, he said that it would probably take 2 to 3 weeks. I was fine with the fact that he wanted to take his time to do it right. 3 weeks somehow turned into 13 weeks.

[The Stig]

What I am really pissed about is that it took him 13 weeks when he said that he was estimating 2 to 3 weeks. That's a bit of a miss in my book.

But above all else, I just can't believe how he treated my car with complete disregard. He did exactly what I asked him not to do, and what he agreed not to do; and left the car outside to be rained on.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTMafterbeingatA-Tech08_zpsf86e35c4.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTMafterbeingatA-Tech08_zpsf86e35c4.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTMafterbeingatA-Tech07_zps81c64fa7.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTMafterbeingatA-Tech07_zps81c64fa7.jpg.html)


I don't know who and/or what he had around the car, while it was in his garage, but the dirt and the dust that collected on it was wiped across the car, causing scratched in the paint. There were a couple of scratches on the passenger door that I caused, and I knew would have to be corrected.

Now there is a large scratch on the panel behind the passenger side front wheel, just below the windshield.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTMafterbeingatA-Tech01_zps3574b166.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTMafterbeingatA-Tech01_zps3574b166.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTMafterbeingatA-Tech02_zps7f3c3ac6.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTMafterbeingatA-Tech02_zps7f3c3ac6.jpg.html)

As well. the aluminum panel just below the center of the windshield is scratched pretty badly. I can't have it re-powder coated. So it'll have to be re painted.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTMafterbeingatA-Tech03_zpse73d1727.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTMafterbeingatA-Tech03_zpse73d1727.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTMafterbeingatA-Tech04_zps7f42e444.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTMafterbeingatA-Tech04_zps7f42e444.jpg.html)


Am I pissed off? You bet I am. Can I do anything about it? You bet I can! And I absolutely intend to.

I am sick and tired of sending my business to the shops around here, and spending major amounts of money, just to come out worse. It has happened to me both times that I've sent my car to someone else to work on it.

It sure makes me nervous to know that it's going to the interior shop in 2 weeks where another load of cash will change hands. :mad:

[Kempo]

I feel you pain Mike. I hate and don't understand how can some shops can treat customer property like that. I hope you have better luck with the interior guy.

[kabacj]

Mike that's just terrible.

I don't understand it. It's the same everywhere. Very very few shops actually take pride in a perfect job. Sadly they get paid even for a mediocre job. That's the root of the problem really.

I'm sure there are good guys out there. It's just so hard to find them.

Sunshine is the best antiseptic. Give the guy a chance to explain why he did what he did an make it right. If he does the wrong thing. At least you can worn others to stear clear of that establishment.

I just can't understand when people don't take pride in their work.

John.

[Boostaddiction]

Mike- so sorry to hear about this- I know you have worked so hard on this car, and it is disheartening to have people treat your car so poorly.

[WIS89]

Mike-

You have my empathy! I am truly sorry for the trouble you have experienced.

I hope the various troubles you have had don't sour you to the project! That would be the biggest shame.

I hope you find the right folks to help you sort out what remains and get her properly completed. Best of luck.

If you need a cold drink, come on over and I will be happy to listen! Fight the good fight and hang tough!

Regards,

Steve

[Ray]

Thought you might like this. 26089 Just ordered one for my shop....

Ray

[Presto51]

It sure makes me nervous to know that it's going to the interior shop in 2 weeks where another load of cash will change hands. :mad:

Sorry for all the trash that you going through Mike.

When you take it to the interior shop, explain in very clear language what you expect, what your experience has been, (just so they know where you’re coming from), and tell the owner that you are going to hold them to what they promised.

Don't pay, don't take the car home, until you are completely satisfied with not only the job preformed, but also the condition of your car when they are through with it.

Wish you all the best of luck, and hang in there

Ron

[crash]

I'm a guy who charges a lot of $$ for my time. Wiring can be a serious PITA. I have literally used gold plated connectors and wired entire cars for less than you paid. That was a rip off. Plain and simple.

[The Stig]

I'm a guy who charges a lot of $$ for my time. Wiring can be a serious PITA. I have literally used gold plated connectors and wired entire cars for less than you paid. That was a rip off. Plain and simple.

Wow... I was expecting, "I told you so" or something similar. Thanks Mike.

I know that wiring is a pain in the A$$. But I've talked to various people on this forum who build these cars on a regular basis and I've been told that 40 hours is about as much as they bill for wiring a car. Usually much less. When I told Shane Vacek and Allan Uzwiak that I was being charged for roughly 130+ hours for PARTIALLY wiring my car, they both busted out laughing. Not at me, but at the "Balls" that anyone could have to try that. I still had to wire the headlights, blinkers, Fog Lights, Mirrors, and Gauges. This guys charged an additional 25 hours in labor @ $95.00/hour, simply to wire my gauges, and mirrors.

Ron, before I sent the car over to Courty's shop, I asked him to come to my house and have a look at the car, and give me his estimate. While he was there, I explained exactly what my expectations were. I told him what I had been through recently and that I was don't want it to happen to me again. He said that he was not someone to take advantage of others, and that he would take car of my car as if it were his own, and he would make sure that when i got it back, it would be wired the way that it should have been the first time I paid to have it done. As well, he has built his own Factory Five Roadster, and said that he would be glad to help out a fellow builder, because he remembered what his car meant to him when he bought it and built it. I thought, Great! Finally, someone I could trust.

Oh well. Fool me once shame on you, Fool me twice, shame on me. So I guess it the goal of the majority of these shops to make a fool out of their customers and try to squeeze them for everything they possibly can.

That's a pretty lame way to go through life if you ask me...

I remember when I bought this car from Reginald Herd, in Lowell, MA; it was a pretty happy day for me. For the most part, I've enjoyed it, and I really count myself lucky to have met some of the people here that I've had a lot of respect for. And I was happy to find out after meeting them that the respect that I held for them was deserved. You guys know who you are. But there have been a few as well that I trusted and learned an indelible lesson as to why I won't again. I guess that's just part of life though. But is doesn't make it any easier to stomach.

I'm trying to make this car, what I wanted it to be when I made the decision to buy it. I've had a specific picture in my head, and so far, I've been able to stay on track towards that vision. But lately each time I think I'm making advances, I found out I'm really backing up.

I want so bad to enjoy building this car, and then be able to enjoy it when it's done. But it's getting tougher to do.

Someone asked me recently how I liked building my car? He asked me whether or not the experience was what I thought it would be? What was the best thing that I've learned in the process that I would pass along to others?

I told him that I love to go out into my garage and spend time getting through items on my punch list, and knowing that I did it.
I told him that since I had never built anything this complex before, I really didn't know what to expect. So I just approach it in small bites, and then appreciate any progress that I have made.
And Last I told him that in the course of a project like this, you'll find yourself at a point where you don't have any choice but to trust someone else for something. And that for me this has been more about learning who I can trust and who I can't.

I'm sorry. I guess I'm just venting.

I do love the car. And it will get finished. I decided a while back that this build would not end up as a statistic of those who start but never finish. So I'll do what needs to be done to get it back in shape, and show ready. I'm still aiming to have it in Warham at the open house, Huntington Beach at the Cruise In, and if Possible, I'd really like to have my car at SEMA this year. Those are my bucket list items for the car. Oh yeah, My wife and I are still planning a trip to cruise down the Pacific Coast Hwy in it. So I'm far from giving up on it.

I just despise having to pay for the same thing two or three times because of other's incompetence or complete lack of caring.

Mike

[LCD Gauges]

For the price they quoted you, I would have expected a steak dinner with delivery of your car. That's pretty insane as everyone else has pointed out.

I'm surprised you left the shop without someone's head on a plate after seeing the damage, and poor workmanship.

[The Stig]

For the price they quoted you, I would have expected a steak dinner with delivery of your car. That's pretty insane as everyone else has pointed out.

I'm surprised you left the shop without someone's head on a plate after seeing the damage, and poor workmanship.

I was in West Palm Beach working. This was a Tuesday and I wouldn't be able to there until Friday. I knew that there was bad weather coming in, and I had already seen that he had left the car out before. I called Courty and paid him (his wife) over the phone, so I could make arrangements to have the car picked in an enclosed car hauler, and brought to my house that afternoon. I didn't trust that he wouldn't move it outside into the weather after seeing it outside before.

The driver didn't know if it was in that condition before I took it in or not, but thought is was strange. At least that's what he said to my wife when they got it into the Garage...

Again, part of this comes back to my inability to be able to be here during the week and drop in to see what's going on with the car. Working in other cities on my projects tends to get in the way of that. I would go there when I was in town, but if I saw that everything looked ok, I'd leave them alone and let them work.

Mike

[fastthings]

Ya know, this is BS on a few different levels. Lying to your face, disrespecting, taking advantage, quality of work is unknown, and probably more.

You can't reason with the unreasonable. I think you should simply do nothing, why should you get your blood preasure built up over this jack ***.

You have explained your position so well in this thread, I think you should print off about 4 or 5 pages of this thread and send it to him in the mail, and then move on. Let him decide if he can sleep at knight.

IF HE'S ANY KIND OF A MAN AT ALL, HE WILL CONTACT YOU TO MAKE IT RIGHT.

All my gages came with Sheilded wire, just run it to the sensor and hook it up, then suply the gage wit power, ground, and a feed from the park lights, done. The mirror thing is simply sorcing a harness with a controller and hooking it up. Did he charge you all that and not even get ahold of the sheilded wires?

[LCD Gauges]

You have explained your position so well in this thread, I think you should print off about 4 or 5 pages of this thread and send it to him in the mail, and then move on. Let him decide if he can sleep at knight.

IF HE'S ANY KIND OF A MAN AT ALL, HE WILL CONTACT YOU TO MAKE IT RIGHT.

Perfect!

However, I don't think his shop is capable of the quality that Mike is expecting. I'd be seeking funds to cover the dynamat, and
damaged paint, etc.

[crash]

This kind of stuff is what really burns me. I did a frame up truck restoration about 25 years ago. I put my heart and soul into making that truck back to pretty much exactly as it came off the production line. I sand blasted and epoxy primed all the body parts, the frame, the tank, axles, everything. I sent it to the paint shop with everything done except the final color coat on the bodywork. I wanted it RIGHT and done in a booth because anything less was not worthy of all the work I put into it. I go to pick it up and the interior is trashed! The owner said they had a break in and that a bunch of cars were damaged. He showed me the other ones that had the stereos, seats, etc ripped out. So he gives me the name of his insurance and tells me "have a nice day".

Then I start looking at the work on the truck...WTF! There is overspray all over the frame, etc. Then I notice these HUGE holes at the rear of my fenders DOUBLE WTF!! Well, I am irate. I took the truck in almost finished and it came out five steps, at least, from where it was when I took it to him. He says, "Oh that overspray will wipe right off. Just use laquer thinner." Well the paint I took him was a PPG Urethane so it sure as hell better not come right off! Then I go ballistic about the fenders. He says "Yeah, well I fixed those, see how your tires go right into that hole. They used to hit the fenders." I asked him to take a look at the detail on the truck, and then take a good look at the rims and tires that were on it, then asked "Do you really think those are the wheels I am going to have on this truck? I put those on because they are junk and I thought you might get a little bit of overspray on them or something. The real wheels are safe at home!" His answer? "Well how was I supposed to know that. I was just working with what you gave me!"
I swear if he didn't have ten guys in the shop I would have strangled him right then and there! I had paid him half up front and half was supposed to be paid on completion. Needless to say I took my truck and got out of there. He got no more money.

Insurance refused to pay much of the damage because they said the vehicle was being restored and there was no proof all the items were in the vehicle that I claimed when the damage took place.

Not to be a downer, but that was kind of the last straw on that project. It still sits in my yard on blocks today.

Bottom line, I feel your pain...and my blood pressure has now come up again, even 25 years after the event!

[carbon fiber]

I've got a mustang I was restoring, sitting because of bubbles in the paint. paint that I payed a so called professional to do. I'm planning to strip and repaint it myself. the problem is I was almost done putting it back together when the paint de-laminated. who knows how many hours I had in that, it was stripped to the bare shell for paint.

[The Stig]

Ya know, this is BS on a few different levels. Lying to your face, disrespecting, taking advantage, quality of work is unknown, and probably more.

You can't reason with the unreasonable. I think you should simply do nothing, why should you get your blood preasure built up over this jack ***.

You have explained your position so well in this thread, I think you should print off about 4 or 5 pages of this thread and send it to him in the mail, and then move on. Let him decide if he can sleep at knight.

IF HE'S ANY KIND OF A MAN AT ALL, HE WILL CONTACT YOU TO MAKE IT RIGHT.

All my gages came with Sheilded wire, just run it to the sensor and hook it up, then suply the gage wit power, ground, and a feed from the park lights, done. The mirror thing is simply sorcing a harness with a controller and hooking it up. Did he charge you all that and not even get ahold of the sheilded wires?

That's not a bad idea... Of course if he's willing to treat customers and their property with such little regard, I really don't expect him to do anything but get pissed off that anyone would dare question his integrity. But who knows?

[sk7500]

Mike you have got to take off the hat that says "please rip me off" when you go into these shops. You have enough experience already. My heart aches for you. If it makes you feel better my car sprung a radiator leak after driving it on Valentines day. Everyone has problems, but you are getting more than your share of he big ones. Thanks for taking my share. Hang tough buddy it'll be worth it in the end.
Steve

[The Stig]

Mike you have got to take off the hat that says "please rip me off" when you go into these shops.
Steve

You know, I really don't know what it is, other than the fact that I try to treat people with the same respect that I would hope to get back from them.

As a consultant, I travel to projects in cities around the world for a living. As a result, I am not able to be in their faces 24/7 until the jobs are completed. Nor would I. I check on things as I am able to, but I also try to give them room to do their job without me telling them how to do it.

But it would seem that there are some out there that think that my price of admission for building the GTM, is to empty my pockets to them, and put up with whatever load of BS they toss my way. In their eyes, I don't deserve to be treated fairly. But when my property is damaged as a result of them being the ***** that they are, they've definitely crossed the line. This guy took my money over the phone and never said a single word about the damages to my car. He offered NOTHING in the way of excuses or apologies.

Sorry, I don't mean to get off on another Rant... But you're absolutely right Steve.


And I am sorry to hear of your trouble with your car...

[fact5racer]

Man Mike, If there was anyone that now has the "assets" to share a cell room with a big guy name Bubba it's you! I firsthand know that the toughest part of building these cars are finding reputable "sub-contractors" to pay to do the things that we don't feel comfortable doing ourselves. Forget using the theory "Well seeing they are so much more efficient and therefore faster than me" its financially smarter for us to work on our jobs making money and paying them while we are working, than doing it ourselves. Having built 14 cars has really helped me sort out the good from the bad to the point that I can trust, at least $$$ wise, the guys I use. I wish I had an answer...........Maybe get a electronic translator that converts your voice to the late Marlon Brando's "Godfather" voice and strictly deal over the phone with them. That way when it runs behind schedule simple mail them a horses head.

There should be a picture of your wife next to Mother Teresa's in the Vatican because she is surely eligible for sainthood for having to firsthand witness how badly you have been getting screwed by EVERYONE that has touched your car.

I still think you should of saved a bunch of $$$$$ and just bought a Bugatti Veyron in the beginning. You could of probably spent the additional money you saved over this GTM so as to visit their factory and drive it a bit over there before shipping it home and still be ahead money wise

[The Stig]

There should be a picture of your wife next to Mother Teresa's in the Vatican because she is surely eligible for sainthood for having to firsthand witness how badly you have been getting screwed by EVERYONE that has touched your car.

I still think you should of saved a bunch of $$$$$ and just bought a Bugatti Veyron in the beginning. You could of probably spent the additional money you saved over this GTM so as to visit their factory and drive it a bit over there before shipping it home and still be ahead money wise


You joke, but you are probably not too far from the truth. And thank you, but I really don't want to consider myself a compatible cellmate for Bubba... There is just no way I can intentionally make that work in my head.

And you've met Pam a couple of times, so you know that she does deserve sainthood. but not for what she witnesses through me, but what she puts up with because of me... She is exactly what has kept me grounded enough to not go postal on Jeff or this new guy, "Courty".


Like you said, you learn from experiences... I've certainly had my share.

Thank you for your efforts to help when you could. :cool: It's MUCH appreciated.

[The Stig]

Jason has sent a few pictures of the hatch with the Carbon Fiber Cover. I'm not sure if it is mounted or just held in place. He was looking into an alternate way of mounting the cover onto the hatch.

In any event, maybe these pictures will give you all a better idea of what we've been up to. Again, I could not be any happier with the way this has turned out.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/0222141718-00_zpscc420dee.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/0222141718-00_zpscc420dee.jpg.html)

In this picture you can see how the cover over laps the top of the window, where the opening will be to let heat out of the engine bay.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/0222141709-00_zps9e0cf17c.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/0222141709-00_zps9e0cf17c.jpg.html)

The carbon fiber fits perfectly into the top edge of the window opening. The sides and the top edges fit flush with the hatch.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/0222141711-00_zps43556cd9.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/0222141711-00_zps43556cd9.jpg.html)

[carbon fiber]

it's just sitting in place in the pics. I've got to finish sand the edge and glass the mounts in. it'll be better than the original way I had planned to mount the cover.

[Aman]

Looking really good Jason, can't wait to see it mounted up! The contrast of CF on paint in that area will be a nice focal point

Aman

[carbon fiber]

thanks Aman. I can't wait to see it finished on mikes car. It should vent air quite well with the opening at the top. we'll see soon!

[WIS89]

Hey Mike-

Good to see some progress on an important area without the added headaches!

Do you have a date when you hope to get her on the road? I know that's a challenging question, so please no sniping!!

I hope the rest of the way is far smoother; hang tough. Can't wait to see her all dressed up for the ball.

Regards,

Steve

[The Stig]

Hi Steve,

Yes, the hatch looks phenomenal in my opinion. I am grateful to Jason for the work and effort that he has put into this piece for me. It wouldn't have happened otherwise. I can't wait to get it on the car and start test fitting it. I am very anxious to see how it lines up with the lines of the body. He told me that it would be ready to pick up on Thursday.

Things to do... "Short List"

I reset the ride height to 4 1/4 front and 4 1/2 rear, and moved the car around quite a bit for try and make it settle. So far it has stayed right where I set it.

I "burped' the coolant system again. The water temp is still running straight to 220+, so it looks like I still have a little work to do there. It usually takes a few heat cycles to get the air completely out of the lines. (I'm actually considering using the Corvette Coolant tank in front as an air-bleed for the front of the system). I also have a couple of billet tanks that I could use as well/(instead).

I ordered replacement pieces from Quiet Ride for the driver's side floor to replace what was previously damaged. Those will go in as soon as I get them. Will take about an hour or so.

Interior is scheduled for 10 to 12 weeks. So it looks like 3 months there.

The windshield is coming out tomorrow, so that will need to be reinstalled when the interior is done.

Registration will be completed while it's at the interior shop. That way we can figure out how to place the VIN number without screwing up something that we make for the interior.

I plan to fit the new hatch while it is at the interior shop. I want to take some pictures of it installed, to give to Jason for him to use.

Then I'll have it (hatch) painted along with having a couple of scratches fixed in the paint (passenger door), and the scuffs that Courty's people left for me. (Passenger rear fender - top, and upper cockpit (passenger side). 1 to 2 weeks there, depending on their schedule...

Then it will need to have a final alignment done.


Then I'm calling it finished.

I'm guessing late May, or early June some time. But I've guessed at a "finish" date before and came up very wrong for one reason or another. This is how I see the schedule playing out right now...

Once I've had a chance to drive it for a month or so, I'll decide what I want to do with it. The car show stuff is fine, but I've decided that I want to just drive it for a while and work out any bugs. I don't like being on a schedule with regard to this car. I think it would be a lot more fun to drive it, instead of it driving me...

See no "sniping". :)

Mike

[fastthings]

Just pull the top hose off the radiator and fill up the radiator and fill the hose. I thought I had mine burped, but it found an air pocket. I took off the top hose and it took care of it's self, it was empty for qutie a few seconds, then the water started flowing. I quickly put the hose back on and then filled the overflow. So far so good.

[The Stig]

The top hose of my radiator is an AN-24 fitting on a rather stiff steel braided hose. It's a little tough to get on and off.

But that may just be the ticket...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/DSC_0357-4.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/DSC_0357-4.jpg.html)

[fastthings]

Naw, that will come off easy. Really all you have to do is get it engine warm, not hot, and then just crack it, don't take it all the way off. Let the air bleed out and you'll be fine. The AN fitting will actually make it easier.

[The Stig]

I'll give that a shot...

I'm getting radiator fluid from the top right over flow hose, when I fill it. So I'm not sure that the air bubble is in that hose. But I guess if it's open, it will allow the fluid to travel and the air will come up either through the head vents, coolant tank, or the radiator.

I usually have all three open when I start filling it, and then close them off as they start to spill fluid.

I just had a thought... Do I need to have the heater turned on so the the bypass valve opens up? I didn't think of that this weekend.

Mike

[fastthings]

Yes you do, keep the heat on while its running. All the way threw the burp session.

[mikespms]

2648326484

Hi Mike,

There are two small hose connections on the upper corner of the radiator,I connected one of those lines to an inline cap and made a high spot in the front of the car. With the cap of in the front I filled the coolant from the back reservoir until I got all the air out of the front and coolant is to the top of the front cap, then I closed the front cap and filled the rest of the system.
You can disconnect one of those small lines in the upper corner of the radiator and make a high spot to vent and purge the front cooling system. Make sure that your heater valve is open so that all the air can circulate out of it when you run the engine,let the engine get to operating temp before top and cap the reservoir tank.

I used that insulation under the rug but I attached it to the rug instead of gluing it to the floor,In case the rug gets wet you can take it out to dry.

[The Stig]

I spoke to Steve Kurzman today. The Olds 442 that he's been working on is being shipped back to it's owner on Thursday. As I've mentioned, I have a bit of a list of items to get through on Friday and Saturday. The GTM goes into the interior shop on Saturday afternoon. I'm pretty excited that I'm finally at the last hurdle to get the car completed.

Murray has apparently been buried in work to get illustrations done for the Car Show season that's getting ready to start. Steve said that he's focusing on my car now, and we should have the first proof in a week or so, for review. I'm looking forward to working through that process with he and Steve.

This process of designing and installing the interior will take some time.

It's definitely something that's new to me.

But when it's done, the car is done.

Mike

[fastthings]

Blood,sweat, and tears!

You will get it! The last tears will be you crying like a little girl as you drive that thing down the road completed.

I'm pulling for ya.

[crash]

I'm pulling for you too, but what about the stuff you need to redo?

Are you doing that now, or are you waiting until after the interior is done?

EDIT:Sorry, just went back and read post 807. Good to hear you are addressing them now. This is the time to do it.

Be very careful with the windshield. It is ridiculously thin and breaks easily.

[The Stig]

I'm pulling for you too, but what about the stuff you need to redo?

Are you doing that now, or are you waiting until after the interior is done?

EDIT:Sorry, just went back and read post 807. Good to hear you are addressing them now. This is the time to do it.

Be very careful with the windshield. It is ridiculously thin and breaks easily.

Yes, I worked on it Saturday:

I was able to get the ride height re-set:

Got about a gallon and a half of coolant back into the lines. I still have to hit that again. (I forgot to turn the heater on when I let the engine come up to temp). I'll do that Friday morning, and should have that out of the way.

Quiet Ride just called me a couple of minutes ago to say that the replacement panels are in the wind and will be on my doorstep tomorrow. So that will be re-installed (maybe Thursday night)

The glass guy will be out on Thursday to remove the Windshield. It has to come out, so I figure, if it cracks or breaks, I'll have 10+ weeks to get a replacement and have it ready.

It goes to the int shop Saturday afternoon. It'll be a tight schedule, but I should be able to squeeze it all in. I've already told my wife that if she needs me, I'll be in the garage until the car leaves.

I plan to pick up the new rear hatch from Jason, in Thomasville, NC this weekend also. I'm really pumped to see it.

Looks like I'm going to be a little busy.


Thanks for the support guys. I can sure use it lately.

Mike

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/CompletedRearHatch001_zps0403550c.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/CompletedRearHatch001_zps0403550c.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/CompletedRearHatch003_zpsd9b0e4dc.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/CompletedRearHatch003_zpsd9b0e4dc.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/CompletedRearhatch002_zps123cfbe5.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/CompletedRearhatch002_zps123cfbe5.jpg.html)

Here are a few pictures of the Hatch with the polycarbonate in place, and the CF cover installed, covering the vent opening.

I wasn't able to get down to Jason's to pick it up yesterday. Was a little tied up trying get the car ready.

[The Stig]

I pulled the damaged Quiet Ride panels out of the floor and cleaned it up as much as possible.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0979_zps5832d374.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0979_zps5832d374.jpg.html)

I cleaned up the surface rust that had started to form from having been left in the rain... Wire brushes and wire wheels cleaned it right up.
I then sprayed the clean metal with primer, and then a couple coats of Chassis Black.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0981_zps6711fa18.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0981_zps6711fa18.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0985_zpsd1386568.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0985_zpsd1386568.jpg.html)

Quiet Ride sent replacement panels over night, so they were waiting on me when I got home. So I was able to replace them.
It took about an hour and a half.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0987_zps176fb37f.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0987_zps176fb37f.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0991_zpsbea69a01.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0991_zpsbea69a01.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0988_zps40fa250d.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0988_zps40fa250d.jpg.html)

The car is now at the interior shop to begin that process....

The first thing that Steve said was that he was going to have to have his guy clean up the dash wiring.
(So this will be the third time that I've paid someone to wire it so that it is correct.)

$2600.00... And it still needs to be re-worked.

[carbon fiber]

26665the lexan is up in the corners, it'll need some light weight in the corners when it's bonded. when they're down both sides are even. the lexan will look better after it's painted black around the perimeter, installed, and without the plastic film. Mike, the floor/sound mat looks good as new. I hope everything else goes smoothly from here.

[The Stig]

I can use some light pressure from a couple sets of clamps to hold it for 24 hours until it sets.

It shouldn't take that much to get it to sit down in the corners.

Mike

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTMatcustomStitching_zpsf19fbaa9.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTMatcustomStitching_zpsf19fbaa9.jpg.html)

A picture of the GTM at the Interior Shop. Cars being shuffled so mine can go back into the primary work bay.

[fastthings]

I sure hope you get the service you expect. I don't see how you could take another bad run. Keep up the good fight, I'm rootin for ya.

[flotowngtm]

Still amazes me to see a GTM sitting next to a normal car.

[Stage7]

A sight for sore eyes! Good luck w/upholstery, and congrats on the milestone.

[The Stig]

I sure hope you get the service you expect. I don't see how you could take another bad run. Keep up the good fight, I'm rootin for ya.

Thank you Buddy. I appreciate it. I feel good about Steve, and that he will do a good job. But I've felt that way about a couple of others prior. So I get to play micro-manager... until I get a strong feel that everything is going well.


Still amazes me to see a GTM sitting next to a normal car.

A friend of mine saw this picture, and said the same thing. It's not too obvious, until you see it sitting next to a full sized car.
Of course the car in the picture in on 26" wheels, and jacked up to the clouds...


A sight for sore eyes! Good luck w/upholstery, and congrats on the milestone.

Thanks Roberto. Can't wait to see it when it's done. I should have the first rendering of the interior coming soon. I'll post it when it comes.

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1015_zps6058894d.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1015_zps6058894d.jpg.html)

I had a really nice meeting with Steve in regard to specking out the interior design/build. I spoke to Murray Pfaff yesterday; he's getting started on his vision of what i explained that I wanted, when we spoke originally. He called and talk to Steve for a while this morning, and the two of them are hatching their plans for some cool stuff for my car.

Chad, the Audio guy was also there to discuss how the different components will be incorporated into the design. He and Steve had an idea for speaker placement and Sub-Woofer placement that to me was pure genius. It's amazing! They said from the start that they would work to make everything "invisible", and then they proceeded to show me how they intend to do it, and in a very cool way. I think you guys are gonna like it when you see it. (Or rather, when you don't see it).

We also discussed using parking sensors in the front and rear. Not sure if I'm going there yet or not. There will be an installation of a Passport 9500 remote radar detector with front and rear receivers, and dashboard display. If I'm not mistaken the alarm signal will be integrated through the car's audio system.

There was also Rich, a wiring guru who will be working to clean up the mess left by Courty for the dash, gauges, console switches, etc., etc., etc. Weather pack connections for the connections. Everything loomed and hidden away.

I left with a sense that everyone was really working together and was pretty much already on the same page. Steve made sure that they completely understand the look and feel that I am trying to achieve.

I felt much better when I left the shop. I had been a little nervous going into this; especially given the crap that I've been through previously. Being able to ask questions of them, and answer their questions as well, really helped me to know that wasn't just paying to have an interior put in. But rather that I was paying to get the interior that is going to complete the vision that I have for MY car.


I'm headed up to Thomasville, NC., tomorrow morning to meet Jason Cecil and pick up the new rear hatch for my car. I am pretty excited about it. I'll post some pictures as soon as I am able to. I know that there are a couple of people who have said that they may be interested in having one made for their cars as well.

I got an e-mail from Ron Hanna of Classic Instruments Custom design department. The gauge cluster that he has been working on will be ready at the end of the month...

I had the Wiper Fluid tank notched and re-welded so it would fit over the sway-bar. I'll have that installed next weekend.

So all of my mini-projects appear to be coming together now. It's almost as if I had planned it that way. Maybe a little, but not completely.

[bil1024]

Keep up the good work, your almost there, sucks you had to go thru all this!

[fastthings]

I'm thinking of the same stuff in mine. I have not looked for a place for speakers and such. I am looking forward to see the spot they choose. And I think I'm going to install the same radar, jams lazer and linkied to sattlelite.
Escort Passport 9500ci. Cool stuff Mike. I work next to some audio guys, and they use Hybrid Audio, they sound so nice.

[The Stig]

Yeah. I was surprised by the difference in quality between these speakers and the JBL's, Polk, and JL audio that I had been considering. In my opinipon the speakers that I mentioned are extremely good speakers, and are more than most people would ever need. but I actually heard an in car comparison between the Hybrid Audio speakers, and the Polk & JL Audios... And then ordered the Hybrid's right away.

The remote Passport system is something that I've pretty much planned on all along. I just forgot to order it, and was reminded last week. So now I'm scrambling trying to get it shipped. That's about the last thing that I have to buy for the car; that I'm aware of right now.

I'll post the progress as much as possible, for those that might be interested.

Mike

[The Stig]

I haven't had a chance to mention it yet, but my wife and I drove up to Thomasville to meet Jason Cecil, and pick up the Hatch that he has used his superb skills to design and make for me. I am blown away by how nice this turned out. As I've mentioned previously, it needs to be prepped for fit and paint. I need to take some measurements from the car, and then transfer them to the hatch to give me a starting point for clearance gaps. Then I'll just need to slowly file and sand them to the right gap size. Once I get that done, I can install for fit and adjustments before it get's painted. This will take a little time...

So what I'd really like to pass along to the rest of you, is this... If you have any concerns about how you might vent the trapped heat from the upper portion of the engine bay, you should really give serious thought to having Jason make one of the overlay sections for you. This part looks like it was made by an OEM for the GTM. I think you'll be happy you did.

It fits into the original Hatch, in the glass opening. It requires only about a 1" by 6" relief cutout for the overlay to fit flush to the hatch. Then it just needs to be bonded with 3M body panel adhesive. Fill the edges, and trim to fit, and you're ready to go.

You end up with a hatch that fits the GTM, and allows heat to escape the engine bay, while the car is sitting still and running. One way or another, you'll need to resolve this issue. Jason has pretty much done the work for you. You owe it to yourself to at least check it out.

I plan to post a number of pictures as soon as I have it ready to lay onto the body for fitment.

Stay tuned!

Mike

[LCD Gauges]

Third time's a charm, right? Did you end up resolving your "differences" with the last shop, or did they wash their hands of everything?

[carbon fiber]

thanks for the kind comments mike. I can't wait to see it on the car. I'm super interested in seeing how it works venting the heat, should be a major improvement. keep it up, you're almost rounding home plate! also, I'm planning to become a vendor this week, so no waiting for the hatch. some other pieces will be soon after.

[The Stig]

thanks for the kind comments mike. I can't wait to see it on the car. I'm super interested in seeing how it works venting the heat, should be a major improvement. keep it up, you're almost rounding home plate! also, I'm planning to become a vendor this week, so no waiting for the hatch. some other pieces will be soon after.

It's all deserved Jason. It was great to finally meet you. I wish I would have had time to stay a little longer, but I had to get back to Charlotte to get ready for a birthday party that my wife was throwing for my Niece. We'll meet up again though, I'm sure.

Speaking of "other items, I have something else I'd like to talk to you about potentially making. I'll be in touch later this week.

Thanks for all you've done!

Mike

[The Stig]

I meant to order the remote radar / laser detector this past weekend, and completely forgot...

So I took care of that last night. So now, ALL of my purchases for the GTM are done. No more $$$$$ going out except for interior.

Woooo Hooooo! ;)


http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Passport9500ci001_zpse6cf2c12.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Passport9500ci001_zpse6cf2c12.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Passport9500ci003_zpsdc14c1fa.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Passport9500ci003_zpsdc14c1fa.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Passport9500ci002_zps2958c6a3.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Passport9500ci002_zps2958c6a3.jpg.html)

So now the interior of the car will be as "teched-out" as I can stand for it to be...

Reworked Porsche Gauge Cluster
Push Button Start & Alarm (Disarming)
Pioneer / Hybrid-Audio Stereo build (including XM radio and rear backup camera)
Remote Passport Radar Detector / Laser Shifter

I think that's enough... :cool:

Mike

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/dash_rough_01_zps6925b2ec.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/dash_rough_01_zps6925b2ec.jpg.html)

I got the first rough draft of the dash rendering for my car. I like the wrap-around dash to door panels. Maybe it's just me, but I'm, seeing "Mustang" and not supercar. And that's what these drawings are for... I think we're going to have to make a couple of changes.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/871b682c-c419-48c0-9d3b-7c6f7b29ae40_zps6ced37cc.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/871b682c-c419-48c0-9d3b-7c6f7b29ae40_zps6ced37cc.jpg.html)

Porsche 997 Gauges... Why do people keep drawing 996 gauges?

I have a view in my mind that is a blend of an Aston Martin DB9 & Aston One-77.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/aston-martin_one-77_in2_09_zps2e30ad65.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/aston-martin_one-77_in2_09_zps2e30ad65.jpg.html)

Aston One-77 Dash & Console.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/2012-aston-martin-db9-interior-1_zps565d9106.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/2012-aston-martin-db9-interior-1_zps565d9106.jpg.html)

Aston Martin DB9

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/2008-aston-martin-db9-coupe-pic-2214_zps49d70585.jpeg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/2008-aston-martin-db9-coupe-pic-2214_zps49d70585.jpeg.html)

Aston DB9

This is the look that I'm after for the dash. I like the sloped (rounded) dash that sort of rolls down towards the driver and passenger; and also blends into the door panels. The shape of the GTM console (framework) would probably match up a little better with the One-77.

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/1173861-aston-martin-one-77_zpsb43f2ba5.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/1173861-aston-martin-one-77_zpsb43f2ba5.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/aston-marton-one77-interior_zps2ecac420.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/aston-marton-one77-interior_zps2ecac420.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/aston_martin_one_77_interior_wallpaper_the_best_wa llpaper_of_luxury_cars_zps6b121526.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/aston_martin_one_77_interior_wallpaper_the_best_wa llpaper_of_luxury_cars_zps6b121526.jpg.html)

I think if we can get somewhere close to this look, I'll be pretty happy.

Mike

[fastthings]

I can tell this is a fun part of the project for you, enjoy.

[The Stig]

I can tell this is a fun part of the project for you, enjoy.

I guess you're right.

I get to be part of the creative process again. This is the point where I can really complete the car to be what I had envisioned to start with. It's on track to do just that.

Mike

[carbon fiber]

i agree mike, that looks a little plain for the gtm. i've never really been a fan of the lambo interiors. the quality and details are great, (alcantara, cool switches, cf) but the square main shapes don't do it for me. i like more organic shapes. i have the same pics of the aston martin one-77. it's one of my favorite interiors. the interior i'm doing has a similar center section but with a pc tablet for the main display. maybe you could get the shop to lean more towards the aston interior. as far as the rough draft, what materials are where? is the whole thing gonna be upholstered or is there some cf or painted sections? maybe the parts around the switchgear and shifter? you need a little cf in there somewhere, of course i have a biased opinion!

[The Stig]

i agree mike, that looks a little plain for the GTM. I've never really been a fan of the Lambo interiors. the quality and details are great, (alcantara, cool switches, cf) but the square main shapes don't do it for me. i like more organic shapes. i have the same pics of the Aston martin one-77. it's one of my favorite interiors. the interior i'm doing has a similar center section but with a pc tablet for the main display. maybe you could get the shop to lean more towards the Aston interior. as far as the rough draft, what materials are where? is the whole thing gonna be upholstered or is there some cf or painted sections? maybe the parts around the switchgear and shifter? you need a little cf in there somewhere, of course i have a biased opinion!

I spoke to Murray and Steve on Friday. The direction is to follow the design ques of the Aston One-77.

There will be Garrett Italian Leather (Platinum - matte) All components will use this: Seats, Tank Covers, Door Panels. I haven't decided on the color of the Dash yet. I'm leaning towards a charcoal gray. I think it needs to be a little darker to reduce glare on the windshield.

Alcantara (Gray, but 2 shades darker than the leather) Will be used for the seat inserts, Head liner and roll bar covers, and Engine cover.

Brushed Aluminum panels will be used in the top of the console, and door panels. As well as aluminum strips for accents around the interior.
We're still figuring out exactly how/where the speakers will be located.

I'm sure that we'll have some CF included before we're done.

Should have another view from Murray later this week, that will get us closer.

Mike

[mikespms]

Hi mike,

You have a vision of a great interior and it is going to be a big undertaking. The biggest obstacle I had is the lack of room, some of the guys doing custom interiors on the GTM had to modify the frame work on the tunnel to fit their consoles and dash. I had to relocate the steering column mount to match the corvette IP and it also helped to center the steering wheel on the seat but the passenger side has even lees room. After I made the door panels when I closed the door the door panel would hit the dash pod and the seat. The passenger seat is a very tight fit with the GTM stock interior and any changes you make to the door panel and seat are going to be a problem. I made a new tunnel aluminum panel where the emergency brake handle goes gaining an 1 1/2" of room and had space between the seat and tunnel and door panel,now that the interior is done it is very close.
The upholstery shop I used had done a GTM interior prior to mine and had warn me about the problems they encountered before I had fabricated all my interior pieces and with that in mind I had to redesign my interior.It looks like your interior guy is well qualified and up to the task, but with your track history with previous shops you are going to need to be on top of things and have every thing very clear up front or I am afraid you are going to run into complications and cost overruns.

You have worked very hard and put a lot of effort and money in your car and deserve to have the best.

Mike

[carbon fiber]

good points. while i've been fabbing my interior, i've noticed similar issues. the wrap-around dash like the rough draft showed, is nearly impossible. there's no room to make a real curve in the corner. Mike, don't be afraid to check up in person at their shop to make sure they're on top of things. let them know that you've had bad experiences and you don't want anymore. if they feel like you're looking over their shoulder, it's because you should be. hope everything goes smooth.

[The Stig]

Hi mike,

You have a vision of a great interior and it is going to be a big undertaking. The biggest obstacle I had is the lack of room, some of the guys doing custom interiors on the GTM had to modify the frame work on the tunnel to fit their consoles and dash. I had to relocate the steering column mount to match the corvette IP and it also helped to center the steering wheel on the seat but the passenger side has even lees room. After I made the door panels when I closed the door the door panel would hit the dash pod and the seat. The passenger seat is a very tight fit with the GTM stock interior and any changes you make to the door panel and seat are going to be a problem. I made a new tunnel aluminum panel where the emergency brake handle goes gaining an 1 1/2" of room and had space between the seat and tunnel and door panel,now that the interior is done it is very close.
The upholstery shop I used had done a GTM interior prior to mine and had warn me about the problems they encountered before I had fabricated all my interior pieces and with that in mind I had to redesign my interior.It looks like your interior guy is well qualified and up to the task, but with your track history with previous shops you are going to need to be on top of things and have every thing very clear up front or I am afraid you are going to run into complications and cost overruns.

You have worked very hard and put a lot of effort and money in your car and deserve to have the best.

Mike


good points. while i've been fabbing my interior, i've noticed similar issues. the wrap-around dash like the rough draft showed, is nearly impossible. there's no room to make a real curve in the corner. Mike, don't be afraid to check up in person at their shop to make sure they're on top of things. let them know that you've had bad experiences and you don't want anymore. if they feel like you're looking over their shoulder, it's because you should be. hope everything goes smooth.

You're both right. We've discussed various design options, and I purposely take him back to the issue of room in the cockpit. We were talking about the seats, so while we talked, I sat down in the GTM, on the floor, and showed him how my head brushes the roof if I sit up straight.

He realized pretty quick that the seat has to be reclined somewhat in order to give the head room that I need. So we have to be careful of how much padding goes into the seat, and bolsters. We'll also be trimming the upper head restraint on the seat to give an inch or so more clearance.

He also saw that my shoulders were fairly tight to the engine cover on one side and the door on the other...

Lengthwise, I'm fine as far as the pedals, and hand position on the steering wheel and shifter. Electrical switches and audio will be right there as well.

Line of Site: We are taking some measures with the dash to make sure that the line of sight remains as clear as possible. It'll obviously still be narrow due to the design of the body, but we're trying not to block it any more than necessary.

The dash is tight for space in the corners. Designing and implementing curves that meet the doors will be one of the issues. So that has been addressed.

But with all of that said, we are trying to put together a plan which incorporates the things that I would like to have in the car, for the money that I am spending. Some of the things will certainly have to scaled to some degree, in order to fit. I'm OK with that.

My biggest thing is that I want the entire interior to come together a complete design, so that it all fits together and looks like it should be there. I don't need a lot of Bling. I want the components to work together and compliment each other.

I've given them the direction that I would like for the design to take. And beyond that, I am looking to them for their advice for my options.

Murray has done some renderings of various GTMs. He recently had Gary Cheney's car at the Detroit Autorama. While it was there, he took the opportunity to take pictures and get measurements in order to determine what will fit and what won't. Steve has also been using his time to take pictures with rulers placed in the view, in order to establish true scale, so the design that we end up with is something that can actually be implemented. The two of them seem to be working well together, so I'm happy right now.

He (Murray) sent a note that he has something really cool in the works, and that he'll send it to me soon. I'm looking forward to seeing what he has come up with.

As I have said earlier; this is all new to me. But it's a lot like the project work that I do for a living also. So I understand the process. I have to force myself to stand back and trust the professionals to do what they do best, and then insert myself into the fray when needed. Jason, don't worry; I don't mind driving to the shop to check on the status. I've already let him know that I would be there fairly often; And he welcomes it.

For now, I'm just waiting to get my first real sense of what the interior is going to end up looking like... I realize that I have some fairly grand ideas in terms of my vision for how I want the interior to be designed. But I know that right now they are simply design cues. That's why Murray is involved. He can take my ideas and put them on paper visually. Steve can take that and determine what can and can't be done, before materials are ordered. That's when we'll know what we can expect the finished product to be.

That's why I made the comment, that "If we can get close to the look of the Aston Martin One-77, I would be pretty happy". And if we can do that and have everything fit and work together, I will be ecstatic.

Mike

[The Stig]

It's kind of cool to log onto someone's website and see your car displayed.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/1536684_544361609016126_79020925_n_zpsb740bb95.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/1536684_544361609016126_79020925_n_zpsb740bb95.jpg .html)

GTM sitting in the Interior Shop (Custom Stitching Co).

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/1779728_536233343162286_413157303_n_zpsbcef8ede.jp g (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/1779728_536233343162286_413157303_n_zpsbcef8ede.jp g.html)

This was the day that I took it into the shop...

Reminds me of the PM that I got from a forum member asking if my GTM chassis was the one that was being featured by a Dyno Shop on YouTube... It was...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eovwIUakKJo

I've always said that these cars carry their own celebrity image with them, and we're just along for the ride. :cool:

Mike

[fact5racer]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTMatcustomStitching_zpsf19fbaa9.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTMatcustomStitching_zpsf19fbaa9.jpg.html)

A picture of the GTM at the Interior Shop. Cars being shuffled so mine can go back into the primary work bay.

Don't start thinking about switching to those wheels and tires!

[The Stig]

Don't start thinking about switching to those wheels and tires!

Gary, It's like you can read minds! How did you know? :confused:

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/10014644_548970418555245_1312209406_n_zps8e3cc70f. jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/10014644_548970418555245_1312209406_n_zps8e3cc70f. jpg.html)

Car has been taped off to protect it.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/c40018fc-4db3-4799-b912-438a841eaf07_zps2b7a0f01.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/c40018fc-4db3-4799-b912-438a841eaf07_zps2b7a0f01.jpg.html)

Reverse Camera location / positioning.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/52ed5edd-a740-4b50-9f5d-7f390bb43a00_zps2bbc8b08.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/52ed5edd-a740-4b50-9f5d-7f390bb43a00_zps2bbc8b08.jpg.html)

Progress is being made. Wiring is being corrected and completed. The Passport system is being laid out and installed. :)

Mike

[kabacj]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/10014644_548970418555245_1312209406_n_zps8e3cc70f. jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/10014644_548970418555245_1312209406_n_zps8e3cc70f. jpg.html)

Progress is being made. Wiring is being corrected and completed. The Passport system is being laid out and installed. :)

Mike

That looks like someone who is doing a careful, quality job. Glad to see you found a good shop mike.

John

[The Stig]

That looks like someone who is doing a careful, quality job. Glad to see you found a good shop mike.

John

100% Agreed...!

[WIS89]

Mike-

I hope it exceeds your expectations! You certainly deserve some quality by now, right?

Please keep us updated; I know there are quite a few of us that have felt your pain, and would be happy to see some success for you!

Are you heading to the Auto Fair next weekend?

Looking forward to watching your interior come together!

Regards,

Steve

[The Stig]

My goal right now it to go on Saturday. However, work could get in the way. Trying to meet some project deadlines...

Hope to see you there.

Mike

[KeithBoden]

I finally got time to take in the recent posts on this thread! Looking good! Great gauge cluster selection, I like the tach in the middle, and the whole cluster has great symmetry. Oil pressure in bar, that won't take long to get used to, and I like the fractions for the fuel tank. 4/4 and 2/4 make better sense than the Mercedes: 1/1 for full and 1/2 for half, although Volvo-style in gallons is useful sometimes. Will you be lighting up the gear indicator?

[sk7500]

Wish i would have masked off our car like that when I worked on the interior. There would have a couple less scratches showing. Keep the progress pictures coming.

[The Stig]

I finally got time to take in the recent posts on this thread! Looking good! Great gauge cluster selection, I like the tach in the middle, and the whole cluster has great symmetry. Oil pressure in bar, that won't take long to get used to, and I like the fractions for the fuel tank. 4/4 and 2/4 make better sense than the Mercedes: 1/1 for full and 1/2 for half, although Volvo-style in gallons is useful sometimes. Will you be lighting up the gear indicator?

Thank you Keith. I like the shape of the 997 cluster as well. But I switched the Speedometer and Tach. The speedometer fits the center slot of the re-worked gauges, better than the tach. The speedometer sweeps 270 degrees, and the tach only sweeps 180 degrees.

[The Stig]

Wish i would have masked off our car like that when I worked on the interior. There would have a couple less scratches showing. Keep the progress pictures coming.

Hi Steve! I mentioned the fact that the last guy that had my car treated it like dirt, and pretty much trashed it. Steve Kurzman took that conversation to heart. He treats my car like it is his (and as though he is proud of it).

In addition to taping the edges, he also wraps the exposed paint in plastic sheeting to help protect the paint from scuffs and scratches as well.

I like that...

[The Stig]

I received an update from Murray yesterday. Looks like we're getting closer. But there are still a couple of changes that I would like for him to make.

I'm not necessarily a big fan of the stitching that is used specifically as a design element. I do like the thought of using contrast stitching in the natural seams though.

I have some specific ideas of what I would like for him to do next, but I'd really be interested in your opinion as well. I think I'm a pretty conservative person where these sort of things are concerned. And I realize that some people like to live on the other side of that line.

What are your thoughts...?

Drawing 1

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/dash_rough_01_zps6925b2ec.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/dash_rough_01_zps6925b2ec.jpg.html)

Drawing 2

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/interior_012_zps8fcd4da5.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/interior_012_zps8fcd4da5.jpg.html)

Here are a couple of scribbled changes that came to mind...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/MurrayPfaffIntDesignChgsMB_zpsc183c029.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/MurrayPfaffIntDesignChgsMB_zpsc183c029.jpg.html)

Mike

[crash]

I like it. Nice and clean. As far as the stitching is concerned, I think he is breaking up the large fields with lines, but in reality, in a GTM, those fields just aren't that big and you will never see those lines in the perspective that you are seeing them there in the design drawings. In other words, I think you can use the design without the added lines and it will look just fine. I like using some contrasting colors to break up fields, but maybe that's just me. Samauri41s interior really works for me.

[The Stig]

I like it. Nice and clean. As far as the stitching is concerned, I think he is breaking up the large fields with lines, but in reality, in a GTM, those fields just aren't that big and you will never see those lines in the perspective that you are seeing them there in the design drawings. In other words, I think you can use the design without the added lines and it will look just fine. I like using some contrasting colors to break up fields, but maybe that's just me. Samauri41s interior really works for me.

Thanks Mike. You pretty much mirrored what Steve mentioned to me. There will be some contrast in shades and textures. There will also be contrast stitching; but I'm still trying to keep things a subtle as possible in a car like this...

I appreciate the input.

Mike

[The Stig]

Classic Instruments sent a note to let me know that the cluster was tested and would be shipped today. Looks pretty cool to me... :)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/BaskinPorscheGaugeCluster_zps355eef2f.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/BaskinPorscheGaugeCluster_zps355eef2f.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/ClassicInstruments997ClusterProof_zps46625941.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/ClassicInstruments997ClusterProof_zps46625941.jpg. html)


Mike

[Kempo]

That is one nice looking set of gauges!!!!!! Mike, when your car is done it is going to be one of the best GTMs out there if not the best.

[The Stig]

That is one nice looking set of gauges!!!!!! Mike, when your car is done it is going to be one of the best GTMs out there if not the best.

Whoa! Careful now... If we can get these mini projects to come together, it should look pretty cool at least.

Thanks Hugo. I really appreciate the kind words of encouragement. It means a lot!

I was just telling Pam (my wife) that this project is starting to get fun again!

Mike

[VD2021]

Mike,

Wow! Love it.

[The Stig]

Mike,

Wow! Love it.

Vidal !!! :). How are you?

[VD2021]

Vidal !!! :). How are you?

Mike,

Doing well. I sent you a few emails......

[The Stig]

Very nice. I'm going to follow up on the heat insulation for the catalytic converters. My DEI wraps won't completely wrap around them. I'm also concerned with the max temp that these shields can handle when applied in direct contact with the cats. I also need to wrap the starter... So I'll buy enough for that as well.

Thanks Vidal. As I have said many times before, I'm always impressed with your work and how it's applied.

Take care Buddy!

Mike

[The Stig]

The Radar receivers and Laser shifter have been mounted in the nose... They look fairly visible in the picture, but I've been assured that you don't see them unless you bend down and look in. It's a fair tradeoff if they keep me from getting ticket(s). :eek:

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/PassportInstall05_zpsede47306.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/PassportInstall05_zpsede47306.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/PassportInstall04_zps7612f3a4.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/PassportInstall04_zps7612f3a4.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/PassportInstall03_zps942bbd25.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/PassportInstall03_zps942bbd25.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/PassportInstall02_zpscf3caea9.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/PassportInstall02_zpscf3caea9.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/PassportInstall01_zps5564778d.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/PassportInstall01_zps5564778d.jpg.html)

[VD2021]

The Radar receivers and Laser shifter have been mounted in the nose... They look fairly visible in the picture, but I've been assured that you don't see them unless you bend down and look in. It's a fair tradeoff if they keep me from getting ticket(s). :eek:


http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/PassportInstall01_zps5564778d.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/PassportInstall01_zps5564778d.jpg.html)

Yeah and I agree with him. That's somewhere around ~18" (or less) off the deck.

Functionally, unless a custom housing is made or the hood modified, that location is your only option.

Nice and clean install. All signs of the installer's attention to detail.

[The Stig]

The gauge cluster was delivered by UPS to my house today at Lunch. The problem is that I am in West Palm Beach, waiting on a US Air flight that is already delayed by an hour... I can't wait to get home and see how it looks now that it's finished.

It's Christmas! It's Christmas!! It's Christmas!!!

Woooo Hoooo!!!

(Sorry... I lost my head for a minute...)

Mike

[WIS89]

The gauge cluster was delivered by UPS to my house today at Lunch. The problem is that I am in West Palm Beach, waiting on a US Air flight that is already delayed by an hour... I can't wait to get home and see how it looks now that it's finished.

It's Christmas! It's Christmas!! It's Christmas!!!

Woooo Hoooo!!!

(Sorry... I lost my head for a minute...)

Mike

Alright Mike, we all expect pictures as soon as you get home!!

Regards,

Steve

[The Stig]

Alright Mike, we all expect pictures as soon as you get home!!

Regards,

Steve

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1099_zps8f8e1560.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1099_zps8f8e1560.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1102_zpse75b5e34.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1102_zpse75b5e34.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1103_zps1d5fea09.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1103_zps1d5fea09.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1104_zps1c577a34.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1104_zps1c577a34.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1105_zpsf5a3f11f.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1105_zpsf5a3f11f.jpg.html)

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1100_zps4d678e22.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1100_zps4d678e22.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1101_zps89c888fd.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1101_zps89c888fd.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1106_zps84c8fb41.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1106_zps84c8fb41.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1107_zpsb451b177.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1107_zpsb451b177.jpg.html)

[crash]

Wow. That's a nice gauge cluster. Too bad those aren't readily available. Well, too bad for the rest of us! :)

[The Stig]

Wow. That's a nice gauge cluster. Too bad those aren't readily available. Well, too bad for the rest of us! :)

LOL...! You can find the clusters on e-bay, but you have to take a pretty deep breath when they tell you what they charge to re-fit them to use in the GTM... Or at least I did...

This was one of the wish list items for the car that I had already decided that I was going to splurge and make happen. It's coming together!

And... I got a really cool hat!

Mike

[The Stig]

I wondered how low I would have to bend down in order to see the radar detector parts.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1108_zps8d2df0a7.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1108_zps8d2df0a7.jpg.html)

Standing in front of the car, none of the parts a visible in the nose.



http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1110_zps6fe41864.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1110_zps6fe41864.jpg.html)

When I bend down a little more I can start to see them. But not much.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1111_zps7c48229c.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1111_zps7c48229c.jpg.html)

I had to get down on my knees to get low enough to take the picture that you could see radar signal receivers and the laser shifter.

[The Stig]

Electrical Switches as going to be Sweet!

Ford GT's have switches that look A LOT like mine...!!! :cool:

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1120_zps750a4215.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1120_zps750a4215.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1119_zps8367009e.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1119_zps8367009e.jpg.html)

These switches will be implemented into the interior / console design. They'll be used for the windows & the RamLift Pro (momentary), as well as the Hazard and Fog lights (on/off).

[The Stig]

Reverse Camera is also tucked away as much as it can be. When you stand over it, you can't see it. From the sides the strakes block it a bit.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1123_zpsa3fade7b.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1123_zpsa3fade7b.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1122_zps1f652533.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1122_zps1f652533.jpg.html)

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1121_zps983f254e.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1121_zps983f254e.jpg.html)

The wiring is pretty much finished (correctly) for the third time. No spaghetti any more. All the grounds have been moved to the bottom side where they can be reached if necessary. The Relays have been moved and re-wired, which allowed the wires to be re-routed and cleaned up (a ton).

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1117_zpsa4d482b0.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1117_zpsa4d482b0.jpg.html)

Everything will be loomed and held out of the way with rubber clamps. And then the lower close out panels will seal it and clean everything up.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1116_zpsc324a74e.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1116_zpsc324a74e.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1115_zps1ce987be.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1115_zps1ce987be.jpg.html)

This strand of wires is for the gauges. Labeled and ready to go.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1114_zpsfd3985fa.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1114_zpsfd3985fa.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1113_zpsee0920bd.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1113_zpsee0920bd.jpg.html)

All connections are made as they are supposed to be, and heat-shrink wrapped. Again, they'll be loomed and taped to protect them.

I wish I had known about this guy before... I could have saved close to $30,000.00.

The next car that I build, will definitely have the ISIS system in it. Because there is nothing "Painless" about Painless Wiring.

[carbon fiber]

2784227843it's looking good mike. I like the gauges and ford gt switches. as far as the wiring, these cars are EASY, when compared to aircraft. a lot less wires and at least they're color-coded!

[The Stig]

Here is the latest set of renderings to show the Seat treatments. So far, I still don't see one that says to me that "This is the one".

So I think we're going to take the concept and do our own fine tuning.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/interior_02_zpse5deea83.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/interior_02_zpse5deea83.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/interior_03_zps9edf998f.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/interior_03_zps9edf998f.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/interior_04_zpsa761b5f4.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/interior_04_zpsa761b5f4.jpg.html)

I'm not sure if I'm being too critical or what... I probably am.

Mike

[crash]

Again with the lines! Personal opinion, but I think a stitch line, or a double stitch lines as the case may be, right where I am going to be resting my arm 90% of the time is not appealing to me. It would be uncomfortable as well as get the stitching covered in body oils probably changing its color. DITCH THE STITCH! :)

[The Stig]

Again with the lines! Personal opinion, but I think a stitch line, or a double stitch lines as the case may be, right where I am going to be resting my arm 90% of the time is not appealing to me. It would be uncomfortable as well as get the stitching covered in body oils probably changing its color. DITCH THE STITCH! :)

Yep. There will be contrast stitching but only on natural seams.

Here are the handles that we'll probably use... :cool:

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/FeslerInteriorDoorHndls_zps854d8971.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/FeslerInteriorDoorHndls_zps854d8971.jpg.html)

Or maybe these...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/WatsonMachineBilletElipticalDoorHandles_zps5f79c2b 2.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/WatsonMachineBilletElipticalDoorHandles_zps5f79c2b 2.jpg.html)

What do you think? :confused:

Mike

[WIS89]

Mike-

Hey Mike-

I like this one! It just has a nice styling to it. It also seems to offer a nice complement to the drawings you posted. The others seem a bit common to me, when compared to the one below. Just my thought...

Regards,

Steve
Or maybe these...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/WatsonMachineBilletElipticalDoorHandles_zps5f79c2b 2.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/WatsonMachineBilletElipticalDoorHandles_zps5f79c2b 2.jpg.html)

What do you think? :confused:

Mike[/QUOTE]

[The Stig]

Version 5 of the Interior...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/interior_05_zpsbe75cd28.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/interior_05_zpsbe75cd28.jpg.html)

See Crash, we got rid of some of the Design seams. The Brushed Aluminum Fesler Door releases and the Aluminum Door pulls are going look great! The interior colors are going to be quite a bit lighter than what this rendering shows.

I get why Murray has kept the design stitching in the floor and the doors. But I think that he probably isn't aware that the floor is only 6 inches wide... Ok, I'm being a little sarcastic... But there isn't enough room to be able to pull that off visually.

I'm starting to like the flow. But I'm still not quite there as far as the seats go.

We're getting closer.

Mike

[mikespms]

Hey Mike,

Beatyfull renderings of your interior concept and your instrument panel is super!
Are you using any of the original interior components and seats or engine cover?
I found that the contour of the seats and panels dictate where the seams can go and like you mention there is limited space. That seam on the floor could follow the step down on the foot box.
It's going to be interesting to see how your interior guy makes your interior panels and dash pods , keep us posted with lots of pictures.
Looking good!

Mike

[LCD Gauges]

Wow, long time no-read in this thread! Mike, you're really pulling out all the stops with the interior and it's looking good. My pick would be render #2! I say the stitch looks great; it gives a certain
"expensive" ambience to the car (IE: plastic panels vs. leather type of appeal).

As for the aviation wiring, here's some more wiring porn. This is just one of many Avionics racks - I didn't know we had so many Aviation freaks on this board. :cool:
28085

[carbon fiber]

Wow, long time no-read in this thread! Mike, you're really pulling out all the stops with the interior and it's looking good. My pick would be render #2! I say the stitch looks great; it gives a certain
"expensive" ambience to the car (IE: plastic panels vs. leather type of appeal).

As for the aviation wiring, here's some more wiring porn. This is just one of many Avionics racks - I didn't know we had so many Aviation freaks on this board. :cool:
28085
Awesome, I didn't know that's what you did! I love planes, but I can't afford the one's I'd want.

[carbon fiber]

28088Definitely use this one and not the other. The other is beautiful but screams "hot rod". I'm going with the ford falcon handles REV2XS used. 28089 I don't know if they'll fit where they want to use them, but I think they're sweet. $60 a piece.

[LCD Gauges]

Oh man, I'd really love to talk airplanes but I don't want to hijack thi...oops, I shouldn't use that word and airplanes in the same sentence!

Mike, I agree with Jason. You need a sporty handle, not elegant & pretty. The car has to look good, but needs to have a MEAN, NASTY appeal to it!

P.S. I'll take a Q400, B747, and Learjet 75 for my private hangar!

[The Stig]

Oh man, I'd really love to talk airplanes but I don't want to hijack thi...oops, I shouldn't use that word and airplanes in the same sentence!

Mike, I agree with Jason. You need a sporty handle, not elegant & pretty. The car has to look good, but needs to have a MEAN, NASTY appeal to it!

P.S. I'll take a Q400, B747, and Learjet 75 for my private hangar!


At the risk of Hi-Jacking my own thread...

I guess I don't need that much. A Gulfstream G-V or a Dassault Falcon 900 would suit me just fine...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Miscellaneous%20GTM%20Pictures/1321247280_select_image_34_image_0_N_zpsdb385e72.j pg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Miscellaneous%20GTM%20Pictures/1321247280_select_image_34_image_0_N_zpsdb385e72.j pg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Miscellaneous%20GTM%20Pictures/Dassault-Falcon-900-large_zps2fa19675.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Miscellaneous%20GTM%20Pictures/Dassault-Falcon-900-large_zps2fa19675.jpg.html)

[carbon fiber]

Oh man the NSA will be on us now... private planes, highjacking. Just don't mention a BOMB! WHOOPS! This Berkut is what I want, sportbike in the sky. I helped finish one when I worked in FL. All CF construction - 10G's.28092 Mike, you'll need a Bentley to arrive at the airport in also... and champagne... and cigars... and caviar...

[Fugly_Old_Cowboy]

oh well..... my personal aircraft wishlist is a bit more affordable & right along with the GTM, it's a home built sport aircraft.... the Falco....

www.youtube.com/watch?v=agafFvGmPAQ

[WIS89]

You all have some serious taste!! I admire your choices.

I would be happy to ride on any of them.

Heck, I would even carry your bags!!

Regards,

Steve

[narkosys]

Right now my dream hanger would include a Eurocopter AS355 ASTAR, an Agausta Westland AW139 and a Bell B212. With the possibility of maybe a Gazelle.

Fixed wing to be added later.

P

[Nitetrain]

2810228103

Mike, Thanks for the comments from the Barrett Jackson post. I may have sold my GTM before deploying, but I still check the forums daily. This car just does not get boring to read about. I watch yours daily, and am keeping my fingers crossed that these guys help you build a bad *** GTM.

Yup. I like planes too. The one in the fighter was of me flying over England a few years ago, and the Global Express is a jet I just flew for the last time a few hours ago while deployed. Bags are packed now and only a few hours until I hop on a jet to get back home.

Live to fly...

NT

[VD2021]

There are many choices if you're reworking the panel.

I'm using these on my door. There for the 5 Series E39.
http://i814.photobucket.com/albums/zz61/vd2021/vd2021004/IMG_20140308_105045_zps4f5570d3.jpg (http://s814.photobucket.com/user/vd2021/media/vd2021004/IMG_20140308_105045_zps4f5570d3.jpg.html)

http://i814.photobucket.com/albums/zz61/vd2021/vd2021004/IMG_20140308_104723_zpsfab074b9.jpg (http://s814.photobucket.com/user/vd2021/media/vd2021004/IMG_20140308_104723_zpsfab074b9.jpg.html)

For personal aircraft...I'll have to keep it somewhat practical. One of my Naval Flight School buddies purchased a Bonanza A36 (IIRC 1977). He almost uses it like a car. I've been eying the same model. Maybe one day I'll be able to make the purchase.

[The Stig]

Hi Dave,

I think we're finally on the right path towards getting this car finished out the way I want it. The interior seems to be well underway, and in very good hands. When it is done, I will need to fit the new hatch and then have it painted. I also have a couple of nice scratches that I will have corrected at the same time... Then, I'll need to install Shane's spoiler brackets and a latching system for the hatch. THEN IT"S 100% FINISHED!!!!!

I've been trying to post as much as I can, because of people like yourself who have expressed their interest in seeing this thing finally come together.

It's great to see that you haven't left us and gone on to greener pastures... If you're in Charlotte any time soon, please give us a call.

Above all else... Welcome Home!!! Again.

[The Stig]

I had a friend here ask me "why I post so many details about what I'm doing with my car; and why I don't wait until I'm finished and then do a big reveal"...?. They asked whether or not I was afraid that some of my ideas would be copied and actually brought to life before I could finish my own..

I told them that I'm doing it for various reasons...
1. Who knows when I'll be finished...?
2. There are people who ask me to send information about specific things...
3. There are countless people here who have gone out of their way to send information to me that helped me out... so many times.
4. I'll use it as documentation for the ups and downs my of build. I plan to use it as a data base for my build book, that I will keep with the car.
5. Etc., Etc., Etc.

Through it all, it has been a fun ride... Much more positive than negative. (And I haven't even had it out on I-485 yet...)

I just want to remember it after my memory finally gives up...

So if anyone wants to know anything about how my car came together, they can refer to this build string.

Beyond that, I just think it's cool when people share their ideas from their build logs. That's what this forum is all about in the first place.

So hopefully this will be a link that helps others as much as it helps me.

Mike

[Kempo]

I have to agree with you Mike. This kind of posts cleared a lot of questions I had during my build. No to mention how cool it is to the progress yous are making. keep the updates coming.

Those are all very nice planes. Just a bit more luxurious and pricey than the one I started learning to fly some years back.

28232

[kabacj]

So hopefully this will be a link that helps others as much as it helps me.

Mike

Mike just so you know. All the pictures you posted and the documentation of your trials and tribulations were a major factor in my decision to build the GTM. I had printed pictures of your car as I planned my build.

Your build stood out a normal car guy building a super car. Thanks for sharing. I am with you on the information sharing. You helped me, hopefully I help somebody else.

John

[The Stig]

Mike just so you know. All the pictures you posted and the documentation of your trials and tribulations were a major factor in my decision to build the GTM. I had printed pictures of your car as I planned my build.

Your build stood out a normal car guy building a super car. Thanks for sharing. I am with you on the information sharing. You helped me, hopefully I help somebody else.

John

Wow... Thanks John. I'm glad that I was able to help in some way. :)

[fact5racer]

We should create a "Ship the Stig's GTM to the Open House Fund"! Let's get his car done and unveiled at the Open House in June!!!!!!!!! If I lived closer I would volunteer to trailer it there. Seriously, Mike, get a price to have it shipped up and back. I'll throw in the first $500 Gary

[The Stig]

The most recent updates from Murray for the seats... I'm leaning towards option 6.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/MurrayPfaffSeatOption6_zpsa4eba501.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/MurrayPfaffSeatOption6_zpsa4eba501.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/MurrayPfaffSeatOption7_zps21e3a681.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/MurrayPfaffSeatOption7_zps21e3a681.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/MurrayPfaffSeatOption8_zps319494b6.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/MurrayPfaffSeatOption8_zps319494b6.jpg.html)

[The Stig]

We should create a "Ship the Stig's GTM to the Open House Fund"! Let's get his car done and unveiled at the Open House in June!!!!!!!!! If I lived closer I would volunteer to trailer it there. Seriously, Mike, get a price to have it shipped up and back. I'll throw in the first $500 Gary

Hi Gary! Wow. LOL.

I really appreciate the gesture. But, I'll figure out how to get it up there and back. Don't worry.

I've frustrated myself too many times by imposing deadlines for things like the Open House, or SEMA, etc. It should actually be finished by the Open House. If so, my plan is to take it up there and be part of the fun.

See you in June Buddy. And thanks again.

Mike

[Shawn K]

Option 6 or 7.

[RumRunner]

Hi Gary! Wow. LOL.

I really appreciate the gesture. But, I'll figure out how to get it up there and back. Don't worry.

I've frustrated myself too many times by imposing deadlines for things like the Open House, or SEMA, etc. It should actually be finished by the Open House. If so, my plan is to take it up there and be part of the fun.

See you in June Buddy. And thanks again.

Mike

Mike,

If it's ready, and the weather is nice, drive it up! First leg Thursday from Charlotte to just outside Washington DC where it can spend the night in my garage next to mine. Second leg on Friday from DC to FFR Wareham - we can have a GTM convoy. Saturday at the open house. Reverse schedule back home! Nothing like putting 1000 miles on it in one weekend to break it in :).

-Michael

[Kempo]

Hi Gary! Wow. LOL.

I really appreciate the gesture. But, I'll figure out how to get it up there and back. Don't worry.

I've frustrated myself too many times by imposing deadlines for things like the Open House, or SEMA, etc. It should actually be finished by the Open House. If so, my plan is to take it up there and be part of the fun.

See you in June Buddy. And thanks again.

Mike

Mike, I'm going to the open house this year and it would be awesome if you can take your car to the open house this year. It will definitely be a treat to see your car done and meeting you in person after closely following your build progress on this thread. Push on buddy.

[The Stig]

Mike, I'm going to the open house this year and it would be awesome if you can take your car to the open house this year. It will definitely be a treat to see your car done and meeting you in person after closely following your build progress on this thread. Push on buddy.

I'm doing my best to have it ready. I'd really like to have my car there with you & Gary, and Michael and everyone else. If I can make it happen, I'll be there. We'll see how it works out.

Take care buddy.

Mike

[fact5racer]

I may not go this year, the NH Charity two day trailride is that weekend.




I'm doing my best to have it ready. I'd really like to have my car there with you & Gary, and Michael and everyone else. If I can make it happen, I'll be there. We'll see how it works out.

Take care buddy.

Mike

[mikespms]

28339

Hey MIke,
As you may be able to see ,I am partial to # 6 but all are great. Keep the updates and pictures coming,can't wait to see your final choice.

[WIS89]

I'm doing my best to have it ready. I'd really like to have my car there with you & Gary, and Michael and everyone else. If I can make it happen, I'll be there. We'll see how it works out.

Take care buddy.

Mike

Mike-

I have a trailer you are welcome to use. It is not a covered trailer, but it should haul your GTM with no issues. Double axle, four wheel brakes, etc.

I can deliver the trailer to you whenever you need it, just say the word. Let me know if I can help!

Regards,

Steve

[crash]

#6

:)

[The Stig]

Ok. We've gone a few rounds with Seat design. So in the interest of saving time, and speeding up the process, I made a sketch of how I see the seats in my car...

Take a look and let me know whether or not you think it makes sense. I like it.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/BaskinGTMSeatSketch01_zps151889d4.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/BaskinGTMSeatSketch01_zps151889d4.jpg.html)

[carbon fiber]

I like everything except the center stitching looks too plain. It looks better to me than the designs they did. Have you considered doing the center parts in alcantara? (more grip, more comfortable on a hot day) I'm using the covers that came with the sparcos I bought, but I'm doing custom alcantara centers with custom stiching. Also, if they're going to cut any of the fg seat, they probably would need to reinforce it afterward. they're not the strongest seats the way they come. The cutouts on the sides are really what I'd worry about, that cut will take a lot of the strength away from the seat. As far as the back of the seat, you could smooth it and have it painted the same color as the body, or a color that matches one of the interior colors. I'm not sure if that suites your taste or not, but I've seen Porsche seats done with the backs in body color and it looked cool to me.

[The Stig]

How about this?

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/BaskinGTMSeatDesign003_zpse29a6cb6.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/BaskinGTMSeatDesign003_zpse29a6cb6.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/BaskinGTMSeatDesign004_zpsb50965cc.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/BaskinGTMSeatDesign004_zpsb50965cc.jpg.html)

[carbon fiber]

Those are better! You gonna cut out the spot under the headrest too?

[WIS89]

Mike-

I really like the latest renditions. You may have already nixed this idea, but complementary double stitching around the center where the two materials meet would add some pop into the seats. I can't wait to see more.

I hope you are well, and I am sure you must be thrilled to be getting close!

Regards,

Steve

[The Stig]

Those are better! You gonna cut out the spot under the headrest too?

Hi Jason,

Yep. That's the plan. I think it makes the seat look better. We'll see how much of this drawing makes it into the actual seat.


Mike-

I really like the latest renditions. You may have already nixed this idea, but complementary double stitching around the center where the two materials meet would add some pop into the seats. I can't wait to see more.

I hope you are well, and I am sure you must be thrilled to be getting close!

Regards,

Steve

Hi Steve. Actually, there will be double stitches going up the s
center. The side (curved) are single stitched. The contrast colors will simply be the opposite color of the material used.

Also, so, the colors (shades) that I show in the pictures are for emphasis of the contrasting materials. The actual colors will be much lighter gray. The leather is called "platinum" gray. The alcantara will be just a couple of shades darker. So to be honest, there will more contrast in textures than in color... The carpet will be Mercedes Benz "Ash": a shade that is again a couple of shades darker than the alcantara. Mix in some aluminum highlights and you get the picture.

And yes; you'd better believe that I'm happy to be getting this this wrapped up! I can't wait... :)

[mikespms]

How about this?

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/BaskinGTMSeatDesign003_zpse29a6cb6.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/BaskinGTMSeatDesign003_zpse29a6cb6.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/BaskinGTMSeatDesign004_zpsb50965cc.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/BaskinGTMSeatDesign004_zpsb50965cc.jpg.html)

Hi Mike,

Like your renderings better,you are very talented and it looks like you have things figured out. If you are using the FF seats they will need modifications and tack strips so that the covers can be tightly secured.
How is your dash coming along? Keep us posted,pictures.

[The Stig]

Hi Mike,

Like your renderings better,you are very talented and it looks like you have things figured out. If you are using the FF seats they will need modifications and tack strips so that the covers can be tightly secured.
How is your dash coming along? Keep us posted,pictures.

LOL... Thanks. I used to try to draw quite a bit when I was young. I was just messing around with these seats and came up with these. I appreciate the compliment.

The dash is underway, but there really isn't anything that I can show that would make sense at this point. The gauge cluster was powered up, and I found that the lighting wasn't filling the gauges uniformly. So I sent it back to classic, and asked that they rework them. I got pictures back yesterday to show that everything is well lit now. So when they come back next week, they'll go back in, and the cluster cover will be worked and installed.

But there should be some things coming up pretty soon. I know that the audio guy is in this week working on a custom cabinet for the sub-woofer. It's going to be pretty cool. Completely hidden.

I'll be glad to post some pictures when I get them.

Thanks again.

Mike

[The Stig]

Trying to correctly wire the OBD-II to the Gauge Check Engine Light...


Can anyone help me to understand which wire the ECM designates to be used for showing the Check engine light from the OBD-II circuits?


Ted Harrison sent a copy of his wiring diagram (PDF), and I see which pin/wire it calls for, but my wiring guys is having no luck with it.

2007/8 LS2 Crate Engine, using GM Performance Parts Harness (3 connectors).

Per the diagram that Ted sent, the Check engine control is - MIL pin 68. (I believe it's the Brown/White wire).


Any help would be appreciated.

Mike

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

The GM harness should have had the OBDII and MIL built right into the harness already.......all you should need to do is extend the existing wires, but obviously you probably would have already done that if it were that easy.......

Yes, Brown/white is normally the color for the MIL, and that should be a pulled to ground by the ECU to turn the light on, so you will have to supply ign power to the light and the brown/white would act as the ground for the light.

[The Stig]

The GM harness should have had the OBDII and MIL built right into the harness already.......all you should need to do is extend the existing wires, but obviously you probably would have already done that if it were that easy.......

Yes, Brown/white is normally the color for the MIL, and that should be a pulled to ground by the ECU to turn the light on, so you will have to supply ign power to the light and the brown/white would act as the ground for the light.

Thank you Shane! I'll run this by him and see if he has tried this yet or not. Much appreciated.

Mike

[The Stig]

I just got the renderings back from Murray, for the seats and door panels.

I think we may make the aluminum door pulls a little more narrow, but other than that it'll look pretty close to this. The seats are going the be done like this picture shows.

I thought of going with the seat inserts as discussed here earlier, but I really like the way these seats are going to look with the rest of the interior design queues.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/BaskinGTMSeatsandDoors_zps4804efd4.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/BaskinGTMSeatsandDoors_zps4804efd4.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/interior_05_zpsbe75cd28.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/interior_05_zpsbe75cd28.jpg.html)

We should see some progress in the next week or so, as far as the interior panels being constructed and fit. Obviously the dash and console will take the longest amount of time to complete. But, it is what it is. Steve and I are still pretty much on the same page, and he is more interested in doing quality work than fast work. The design is pretty much locked in now, and it is finally coming together.

It's also time to start measuring the body opening and the new hatch, in order to start getting it fitted onto the body and prepped for paint. I am VERY excited about getting this done. Can't wait to post pictures of this.

[WIS89]

Mike-

I really like the latest iteration! The contrasting materials will be outstanding, and the design elements complement each other very nicely.

I can't wait to see the progress pictures. I can't imagine how excited you are.

Keep the updates coming.

Regards,

Steve

[The Stig]

Thank you Steve.

I have to say that I really appreciate the kind words and support that you send my way. My wife asked whether or not I was getting excited again about the build and how it's coming along? I told her that I am happy about how things seem to be coming together. It sure looks like it's going to turn out the way I had originally envisioned. But to be honest, the thing that would make me the happiest, is simply to be done with it...

We were leaving the "Texas Cattle Co" just outside of the Charlotte Motor Speedway, and a Pearl Orange Lamborghini Aventador came along beside us. Just beautiful! Of course I'm thinking to myself; wow, what a Sweeeeeeeeet car. I pointed it out to Pam as it was coming up behind us so she would see it when it passed by. As it happened, the guy pulled up and drove next to us down to the Speedway intersection.

It was pretty obvious that the he wanted the people around him to look at him and his car;(Which I sort of get...). Pam never said a word. And then all of the sudden, shes says, "He's not all that..., it would be sweet if we were in the GTM". I said, I don't know..., That's a pretty cool car.

And then Pam said, "Well... all you need is money for that. You have to BUILD a GTM to own one." That was the moment that I started enjoying the thought of finishing this car.

Now I just want it finished and ready to drive.

Thanks again for your positive comments and support.

Also... Thanks to Gary Cheney, for always seeming to know when I need a boost. Gary you never fail to make me laugh. Good luck with the mini project on your GTM that we talked about. I know you'll have it handled in no time.

Mike

[The Stig]

I bought a pair of the license plate fastener lights from Factory Five.

I have a question for anyone who has used them. What connector did you use to power them without needing to cut the wire when you need to remove the plate. Right now it seems that I will need to run the wire through the mounting hole in order to use the fastener to hold the plate in place. If I want or need to remove the plate, I'll either have to be able to pull the "disconnected" connector end through the mounting hole, or cut the wire, and then re-connect it when the plate goes back on.

Is this what you guys have done? Or is there some other way to use these LED lights without needing to cut the wires when you need to pull the plate?

Thanks,

Mike

[crash]

Not trying to be flip, but how often do you think you will be removing the license plate? I can't remember the last time I messed with a rear license plate. I put them on, and there they stay. No reason to remove them.

[The Stig]

Not trying to be flip, but how often do you think you will be removing the license plate? I can't remember the last time I messed with a rear license plate. I put them on, and there they stay. No reason to remove them.

True... But I've had them off and on my other cars for detailing.

Mike

[mmaragos]

I used single connectors on each wire, basic crimp on style, tight fit, but they do push through one at a time. I have had my plate off a couple times. LOL

I seem to remember drilling my plate a little bit to get the stud part of the lights to fit through easily.

[fact5racer]

Yes, I had to cut my wires to take the plate off.
To take the plate off
To take the exhaust off
To take the motorized wing uprights off
to take the rear subframe off
to take the transaxle halfshafts off
To take the transaxle out
to take the carbon fiber firewall out
to take the blower's water container off
to take the wing's motorized controller off
to take the engine out.

then I went looking for a basket full of kittens.

[The Stig]

Yes, I had to cut my wires to take the plate off.
To take the plate off
To take the exhaust off
To take the motorized wing uprights off
to take the rear subframe off
to take the transaxle halfshafts off
To take the transaxle out
to take the carbon fiber firewall out
to take the blower's water container off
to take the wing's motorized controller off
to take the engine out.

then I went looking for a basket full of kittens.

I'm beginning to pick up on the fact that Kittens just aren't safe animals around the Cheney household... :)

[WIS89]

I'm beginning to pick up on the fact that Kittens just aren't safe animals around the Cheney household... :)

Mike-

I was thinking the same thing! I was also thinking that perhaps frustrated Mr. Cheney might consider an investment in magnets! ;-o)

I am also glad that Pam appears to be excited for you as you wrap things up. Knowing your journey, I can only imagine the feelings you all are experiencing.

I look forward to your next update, and truly hope that things go flat-out smooth all the way to completion!

Happy thoughts to y'all!

Regards,

Steve

[carbon fiber]

then I went looking for a basket full of kittens.

I think it's just GM kittens that should be worried. Ford kittens should be safe.:p

[The Stig]

Looks like the fun is beginning. Here's a picture of the GTM wrapped and protected so work can begin.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/WrappedGTM_zps964cb0eb.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/WrappedGTM_zps964cb0eb.jpg.html)

Should have some interesting photos to post before long.

Mike

[VD2021]

Yes Sir...........Professionals, that care about your property as much as you do, at work.:cool:

[The Stig]

Yes Sir...........Professionals, that care about your property as much as you do, at work.:cool:

Agreed!!! It sure helps me to relax a little when I see the care that Steve has taken with my car since day 1. I'm comfortable with what I've seen so far.

Thanks Buddy.

Mike

[The Stig]

I made a choice to buy a set of Sparco seats. These seats are constructed with a steel frame structure, and appear to be perfect for stripping down and recovering. Also, given that the structure is made of steel, the seat can be cut and re-welded to make what we want an keep the integrity and safety.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/SparcoChronoRoad_zps50fd31da.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/SparcoChronoRoad_zps50fd31da.jpg.html)
The bolsters will be trimmed back a bit, to allow much better ease of entry into and departure from the car.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Interior/Sparco_ChronoRoadRace_LeftSide_zpse0146b34.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Interior/Sparco_ChronoRoadRace_LeftSide_zpse0146b34.jpg.htm l)

These seats, in their stock form, are too tall for the GTM. But when we're finished re-working the upper "headrest" area, it should fit with a little room to spare. As I said, I bought these because they had "good bones" that lends towards being re-work-able... I feel more comfortable changing the shape of these seats, than I do the fiberglass seats that come with the kit. I don't think that there is anything at all wrong with the GTM kit seats. But it achieve the look that I'm after, it would involve cutting them up, and then trying to add rigidity back into them... With these seats, I don't have to take any of the structure's rigidity or safety away.

Plus... there is a chance that we can even make them comfortable to sit in!!! :) Time will tell.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/BaskinGTMSeatsandDoors_zps4804efd4.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/BaskinGTMSeatsandDoors_zps4804efd4.jpg.html)

They are supposed to be delivered on Tuesday.

Mike

[WIS89]

Mike-

I like your choice. Also, I am not sure you need to be all that aggressive on the bolster if you choose not to. It appears to me that you can split the difference between where they are now and Murray's drawing, and still ingress and egress easily enough. Of course, I know you will determine for yourself. I like your choice, and agree that they will hold up far better than trying to work with the glass seats.

I have to tell you that I can't wait to see the final interior, so I know how anxious you must be!! Keep on plugging away.

Regards,

Steve

[carbon fiber]

I started with the fixed back version of the chronos29430 to make my cf seats. Make sure and sit in 'em before they start to make sure the basic fit is right. I think you'll be happier with these over the stock seats.

[The Stig]

Mike-

I like your choice. Also, I am not sure you need to be all that aggressive on the bolster if you choose not to. It appears to me that you can split the difference between where they are now and Murray's drawing, and still ingress and egress easily enough. Of course, I know you will determine for yourself. I like your choice, and agree that they will hold up far better than trying to work with the glass seats.

I have to tell you that I can't wait to see the final interior, so I know how anxious you must be!! Keep on plugging away.

Regards,

Steve



I started with the fixed back version of the chronos29430 to make my cf seats. Make sure and sit in 'em before they start to make sure the basic fit is right. I think you'll be happier with these over the stock seats.

Steve,

I agree. My plan is to cut the shoulder and thigh bolsters back to about half size. I want "something" there, but I don't want to climb over them... I really like the structure of the Sparco seats. I think that they will allow me to reach the goals for the way the seat looks, and how they fit into the design of the interior. The driver's seat is going to be tailored to me and the feel that I want. And the passenger seat is going to be tailored to my wife and what is comfortable to her. (Because I want her to "want" to take trips in it with me).


Jason,

I think that these will provide a really nice foundation to make some seats that should be in this car; as well as seats that are comfortable enough to drive the car for extended periods, and not be thinking about how the seats "feel". The thing is; Steve knows that this is going to be a street car and not a track car. So he is going to great lengths to make sure that these seats are comfortable for both of us. I like that!

Thanks guys.

Mike

I think you're right. I'll enjoy these seats, which extends to enjoying the car.

[The Stig]

Sweet. The seats are here.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/SparcoChronoRoadSeats02_zps590f8c1f.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/SparcoChronoRoadSeats02_zps590f8c1f.jpg.html)

Steve will start stripping them down and getting them prepped for reconfiguration and re-upholstering.

The Gen-II seats will be shipped to a Friend in need, tomorrow!

All wiring is completed... Sweet!

The Gauges came back from Classic instruments, and look excellent!! They are wired and functional!!!

The audio system is mapped out and ready to install. The Sub-woofer box is ready to go in, and the other speakers are ready to be placed.

The Head unit and amp are already wired and functional.

The hydraulic lift developed a leak. It is currently being replaced by Simon at RamLift Pro. So that will be re-installed next week sometime.

When the audio items are installed, work on the dash and interior panels will ramp up. The dash will be formed from foam, and then wrapped in fiberglass once it and the door panels are fitted. They will then be covered.

So we're making good progress.

It feels good to see all these "projects" coming together. Steve is really doing a fantastic job coordinating these pieces of work.

I need to get busy on prepping the new rear hatch to be fitted onto the car.

Mike

[VD2021]

Mike,

Outstanding!

I feel good just reading your latest update. Even the news of the Ramlift leak felt positive......:)

[The Stig]

It feels good to be in a better mood about it all. I've been seeing the light at the end of the tunnel for a while now. I just didn't realize that it was such a long tunnel.

It is finally getting there, and I'm very comfortable with the work that is being done right now.

Take care Buddy!

Mike

[The Stig]

Hello all,

I had hoped to make it the open house this year with my Completed GTM build. But apparently it wasn't meant to be; (Again).

The car's interior is still being worked on, and I'm honestly not planning to rush it.

Hopefully I'll have it finished up and on the road very soon though.

Take care, and Enjoy the FFR Open House festivities.

Mike

[sk7500]

Missing a self imposed deadline is a dud for one day. If you make compromises now just so you can make your deadline you will probably live with those compromises for as long as you own the car. Your wisdom and patience are showing through by keeping your eye on the goal. I never miss my goals. But I seem to have great difficulty aligning the goals and the timeframe (or the cost). Just ask my wife or my boss. They'll both tell you it takes twice as long and cost twice as much as I say. But they keep coming back for more, so I must be doing OK.

That being said, nothing ever gets done without a deadline. So let's getter done! 

[RumRunner]

Hello all,

I had hoped to make it the open house this year with my Completed GTM build. But apparently it wasn't meant to be; (Again).

The car's interior is still being worked on, and I'm honestly not planning to rush it.

Hopefully I'll have it finished up and on the road very soon though.

Take care, and Enjoy the FFR Open House festivities.

Mike

Mike,

It's only a short Southwest flight away! Visit this year, bring the car next!

-Michael

[The Stig]

Mike,

It's only a short Southwest flight away! Visit this year, bring the car next!

-Michael

Hmmm... That's a thought!
Fly into Logan, Friday evening.
Grab a rental car and find a hotel room for the night.
Hang out at Factory Five for the open house.
Then fly back to Charlotte on Sunday.

I'll give that some thought. It would be great to meet you guys.

Mike

[RumRunner]

I'll give that some thought. It would be great to meet you guys.

Mike

Likewise ... it would be quite the GTM gathering!

-Michael

[The Stig]

I tried to re-arrange some things that were already put in motion, in order to make the trip up to the open house... but I wasn't able to make it work.

It sort of bummed me out, so I jumped in the car and headed to North Charlotte to visit the GTM. Steve was working the seats. He has them stripped down to the frames, and has started cutting and reshaping the bolster supports and the head restraints...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/SparcoSeatforGTM_zpsf4ae515f.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/SparcoSeatforGTM_zpsf4ae515f.jpg.html)

I was able to sit in one before he stripped it completely down, and man was it ever comfortable! I can tell that I'm going to like being behind the wheel for extended periods for various trips. 3 to 4 hour trips shouldn't kill me. And for what ever reason, it even seemed easier to get in and out of the car. That alone is worth it's weight in gold, as far as I'm concerned.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1362_zps0e97c828.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1362_zps0e97c828.jpg.html)

These seat fit the contour of the body angle and the firewall very well. The seat in this picture has not been cut down. This is the original size. (The adjustment lever was removed in order to be able to fit it into the car.

Even though it hasn't been cut down, I was still able to get in and sit comfortably with "some" head room, and almost perfect leg room. (I'm 6'-0" on a good day, and 5'-11") the other 364 days of the year. I had perfect reach to the clutch, brake, and accelerator pedal. For that reason, I'll probably just bolt them to the floor instead of worrying with how to make sliders work.
If I used sliders, it could screw up the entire dynamic of whatever it is that make these perfect for me.
I can't have that... :)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1364_zps4f4ab6af.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1364_zps4f4ab6af.jpg.html)

This picture shows how large the seat and back bolsters are. They'll be trimmed down quite a bit to get them out of the way when I'm getting in and out of the car. Also, the front pad (at the knee area) will be trimmed back a couple of inches as well. Again, this will give a little more room when getting in and out. With that said though, I was able to get in and out of these seats in their stock form, much easier than the original cobra seats that come with the kit. Maybe due to the fact that I wasn't sitting quite as low in the car, and I didn't have to overcome that in order to climb in and out.

So when we make the minor modifications, ingress and egress should not be an issue at all.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1365_zps0d4997f8.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1365_zps0d4997f8.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1361_zps9ea9b556.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1361_zps9ea9b556.jpg.html)

We talked about whether or not to use pass-through openings in the seat. I sort of like the way that looks. But I think a different design for the opening may be in order.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1358_zpsb767d9bb.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1358_zpsb767d9bb.jpg.html)

When it's trimmed down, this seat will look like an OEM deigned it to fit into this confined area, no problem.

Fun times!

[The Stig]

Here are a few pictures of the seat's framework.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1356_zpsa5e7ff5c.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1356_zpsa5e7ff5c.jpg.html)

The head restraint area has been disassembled, cut down to a smaller size of what it was. This will allow it to fit a little more upright in the car, as necessary, and allows the adjustability of the seat back to actually be used.

You can also see the seat back adjustment lever with the lever on the inside... These are wider seats than the fiberglass seats, by about an inch and a half. So since we have more room on the tunnel side of the seat, we are filling the lever to the inside. This also gets it out of immediate view when you open the door.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1355_zps5de10816.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1355_zps5de10816.jpg.html)

These seats come with a nice webbing system, which results in a very comfortable feel when your sitting in it. I'm no longer the sleek trim guy that I was in my younger days. And I have pretty much resigned myself to the fact that any seat that goes into this car isn't going to be very comfortable with my wide butt in it. But I was really surprised at how good they actually did feel. I didn't feel crowded, or confined, at all.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1367_zps1f2150d5.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1367_zps1f2150d5.jpg.html)

Here you can see that the side bolsters have been cut down a little. The bolsters for the seat bottom will be reduced about 2 inches on each side.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1366_zps49ee3543.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1366_zps49ee3543.jpg.html)

All cuts are being tacked for now, until we know that the shape is where we want it. Then come the finish welds. The frame is made of steel tubing. So the places where the tubes are joined back together wll use inserts that will be welded in place to maintain strength. You can see the original foam padding that came with the seat, laying next to it. Some of it will be re-used, and some won't.

[carbon fiber]

Lookin' good Mike. I've stripped the foam off my seats to re-use but I'm thinking of replicating them in memory foam. My foam is different than yours, it's all flat-stock, (fixed back version) and the back and seat pads are separate and removable. From what I see here you'll be a lot happier you went this direction. Can't wait to it come together!

[The Stig]

Lookin' good Mike. I've stripped the foam off my seats to re-use but I'm thinking of replicating them in memory foam. My foam is different than yours, it's all flat-stock, (fixed back version) and the back and seat pads are separate and removable. From what I see here you'll be a lot happier you went this direction. Can't wait to it come together!

It's funny that you mention that. When I sat in the seat, I thought to myself that it felt a bit like memory foam as well. I think that's probably why it was so comfortable to me. (Maybe I just wanted it to be...)

But yes, I agree with you. I'm very happy that I switched out the seats. I wasn't sure at first, but my confidence started coming back to me. And today sealed it. I want to see it all come together also; and little by little, it is.

But Steve's knocking things off the list every day.

Mike

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1372_zpsd28e1aad.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1372_zpsd28e1aad.jpg.html)

These are brand new, never been used, never been sat in, never even been looked at until last week. But the foam sure looks like
they've soaked in a few loads of something... They haven't; but they sure LOOK like they have... :confused:

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1371_zpsafb79a79.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1371_zpsafb79a79.jpg.html)

In their stock height, they fit in the car. (Barely). When they have been re-worked, they should be another inch or two lower,
but with a similar shape in the headrest. But like I mentioned before, the bolsters in the shoulders, backs, and seats.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1370_zps3ff0caf0.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1370_zps3ff0caf0.jpg.html)

They really do seem to be a good match for the car.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1364_zps4f4ab6af.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1364_zps4f4ab6af.jpg.html)

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1368_zpse65c280b.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1368_zpse65c280b.jpg.html)

In order to re-shape the seats, the steel frame has to be re-"shaped". So a few cuts are being made to take out an inch or two here and there.

Let the cutting begin...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1369_zpsb62b0ef3.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1369_zpsb62b0ef3.jpg.html)

It just gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling to see $1000.00 worth of seats cut up. :)

They'll be tacked back together and test fitted.

I can't wait to see them re-shaped with the new and old foam re-installed.

[crash]

I can't tell you how many times my wife has said "didn't you just spend $xxxx.xx on that part that you just chop sawed?" :)

When I tell her I'm "making it better", her next comment usually is something along the lines of... "When are we going to get a new refrigerator? I know exactly the one I want, and you won't even have to "make it better"! Although I have never seen a Sub Zero that didn't need new cabinets to go with it.

[The Stig]

I can't tell you how many times my wife has said "didn't you just spend $xxxx.xx on that part that you just chop sawed?" :)

When I tell her I'm "making it better", her next comment usually is something along the lines of... "When are we going to get a new refrigerator? I know exactly the one I want, and you won't even have to "make it better"! Although I have never seen a Sub Zero that didn't need new cabinets to go with it.


LOL!!!!!!! Amen Brother.... Tell it ALL!!!!!!

My wife saw a piece of property that she thought would be a great investment. I told her that we might have to wait a bit. Then she asked "how the interior was coming"... :o

I'll be glad to finish this car.

Mike

[The Stig]

I drove up to Steve's shop yesterday to re-install the Ram-Lift Pro pump. (What a pain in the A$$)... But it's back in now.

Steve has been continuing his work on the seats.

They are looking good, but the bolsters are still much to large for my taste. So he's shaving them down a bit more.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1441_zps6d4b99bd.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1441_zps6d4b99bd.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1438_zpsa29b16ad.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1438_zpsa29b16ad.jpg.html)

The head section has been re-shaped to a different design that I originally wanted. The Pass through will be custom made to clean it up, and make it a little easier to look at.
The side bolsters stick way to far out, to comfortably get in and out of the car. So they need to be cut down again.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/BaskinGTMSparcoSeats04_zpsab0d8c83.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/BaskinGTMSparcoSeats04_zpsab0d8c83.jpg.html)

I want them trimmed to about half their current size. (Seat Back & Seat bottom bolsters).

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/BaskinGTMSparcoSeats03_zps350e1377.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/BaskinGTMSparcoSeats03_zps350e1377.jpg.html)

This would get the bolsters out of the way, when getting in and out. Plus I really don't care for the way that the huge bolsters look. If this were going to be a track specific car, I would definitely find a way to make them work. But it isn't, so I prefer something more comfortable.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/BaskinGTMSparcoSeats06_zps7f6287fe.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/BaskinGTMSparcoSeats06_zps7f6287fe.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/FerrariSeats10_zps7724527f.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/FerrariSeats10_zps7724527f.jpg.html)

Isn't it funny how you can have a rock solid idea of what you want, and invariably the person doing the work wants to follow their own design path, and starts working on you to change your mind to go along with what their ideas are...?

I originally wanted a seat that resembled an Aston Martin seat. Then I started hearing about how difficult it would be to trim the original GTM seats to make them look the way i wanted, and remain safe.

So I bought new seats that could be re-configured the way that I wanted. But somehow, and I'm not really sure how it happened, I've been swayed towards the Ferrari seat with a head rest that I could have bought off the shelf.

This Ferrari F12 seat is what the end result will look more like... Except for the head rest area.

[carbon fiber]

They'll match your F12 hatch...;)

[Kempo]

Very nice Mike!!!! I really like the pregress and results you are getting. I also used the look of that Ferrari seat for mine. Keep the updates coming.

https://vk3lbw.bn1.livefilestore.com/y2prHsixMYizITKWK-fZE5C9q7vDuyvjoBLVRgKSZ-Y1v8V1T5APchlUjn8ZHYvuoXKFuUc42FG0iNPltUS9XJI01Iwf xIQhpDtjydaLuvKkOc/IMG_1907.JPG?psid=1

[The Stig]

Good morning Hugo. Sorry to copy your design. Your seats turned out awesome and look great in your car.

I did a Google search for Ferrari Seats, and ran across these F12 seats. I liked the style of them more so than those of the 459 Italia or the F430. And since I was apparently no longer headed in the direction of the Aston Martin design, that spurred this whole thing, I migrated to this look. I guess "great minds think alike". It fits the styles and lines of the car, and should look nice in the interior.

Also...

The underside of the seats have been strengthened with 1.25" angle steel stock in the front & 5/8" square stock in the rear that spans the width of the seat frame. The 90 degree angle steel will lock into the floor riser, and the square bar will provide a more rigid mount to the 1/8" steel floor. As well, the seat belt mount is being relocated from the tunnel/floor to the seat frame, in order to gain a little more room for positioning the seat correctly.

The audio system will be installed this week. The "invisible" Woofer box will be installed and correctly ported. Then everything inside the car will be covered in plastic, and work begins on the dash.

Fun times...

Mike

[The Stig]

They'll match your F12 hatch...;)

Now see...? I knew that someone would help me make sense of it all! :D

Thank you Buddy!

Mike

[Kempo]

Good morning Hugo. Sorry to copy your design. Your seats turned out awesome and look great in your car.

Mike

Mike, Thanks for the compliments on my seats. Don't get me wrong I was complementing you on your decision to use this design. In no way do I see it as if you had copied my design. If anything we both got inspired (copy) Ferrari's design. :cool:

[The Stig]

Mike, Thanks for the compliments on my seats. Don't get me wrong I was complementing you on your decision to use this design. In no way do I see it as if you had copied my design. If anything we both got inspired (copy) Ferrari's design. :cool:

The seats are just ONE of the things that I could rave about. You built one of the nicest examples of "what a GTM can be". I'm amazed every time I read through your build thread. I think you did an awesome job, inside & out.

Take care Buddy. I hope to meet up with you before long. :cool:

Mike

[The Stig]

It's been a little while since I've updated this thread in regard to the progress of the interior.

The seats have been configured so that they fit me and my wife; and they're very comfortable to sit in for more than 10 minutes. (Big Plus)

The fabrication of the Dash was next on the list, and I finally have a few pictures to show how that's coming along. I think it's turning out exactly as I had hoped it would. Steve Kurzman really knows his craft. These photos were taken off of his face book page. (The Custom Stitching Co).

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTMDashFabrication005_zps13a8efe8.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTMDashFabrication005_zps13a8efe8.jpg.html)

A collage of pictures to show the fabrication of the dash.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTMDashFabrication001_zps966e648a.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTMDashFabrication001_zps966e648a.jpg.html)

In the next three picture you can see how the dash slopes down in a graceful / sleek design, similar to the Aston Martin DB9 Dash.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTMDashFabrication002_zps184b816f.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTMDashFabrication002_zps184b816f.jpg.html)

Front view shows how the dash is shaped to wrap around into the door panels (when they are formed).

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTMDashFabrication003_zps900b7812.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTMDashFabrication003_zps900b7812.jpg.html)

The view from the drivers side: This really gives the interior a Super Car look and feel.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTMDashFabrication004_zps4d2911fa.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTMDashFabrication004_zps4d2911fa.jpg.html)

The console will be integrated into the subtle curve of the dash, and blend back to the engine cover. The Porsche Cluster will be nested into the dash and will also have an integrated design with the flow of the dash. The way the dash rolls down looks really good to me, but it also prevents the dash from crowding the forward range of view.

You can see the roll bar cover hanging from the top. This will be integrated into the pillar covers, and into the dash as well. The center section of the cover will be removed, (mainly for head room), and tucked in close in order to maximize the range of view out of the windshield.

[The Stig]

I wanted to see what the dash looked like from the drivers seat. The highest point (that would block my range of vision) is at the body line. It comes out flat about 6 inches, and then rolls down, even further out of the way. The Gap that you see at the column will be covered by the gauge cluster. And then the opening between the column cover and the cluster will have a leather cover to hide the opening. It should give it a very nice, finished look. There is plenty of room for my knees under the dash. I'm 5'11" (6'0" on a good day), so the car may be a bit of a tight fit for anyone any taller.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1508_zps10512403.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1508_zps10512403.jpg.html)

The center section will be trimmed out to allow for the double-din audio unit, and the a/c vents. Maybe it's just me, but it really looks like it fits the car now.


http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1511_zpsd792c4d3.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1511_zpsd792c4d3.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1510_zps8d9f2a0c.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1510_zps8d9f2a0c.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1513_zpscb870c83.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1513_zpscb870c83.jpg.html)

You may notice some gray patches at the upper edge of the dash foam. This is where the hard mounts were glassed in and covered.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/20140725_133134_zpsbf5fc81d.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/20140725_133134_zpsbf5fc81d.jpg.html)

Metal Tabs have been welded in which will act as anchors for the dash mounts. They'll be ground smooth and painted to prevent them from rusting.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/20140725_133318_zpsf3d8e631.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/20140725_133318_zpsf3d8e631.jpg.html)

The underside of the dash shows the mounts that have been glassed in place. Once everything has been cut and shaped, the dash will be covered in Fiberglass mat & resin, sanded, and sealed. A very thin padding will be used to give the surface a uniform appearance. At least that's the plan... :)

[The Stig]

I wanted to see how the cluster was going to look against the dash and steering column. The cluster will actually be placed a little more towards the steering wheel than the standard gauge pod allows. I'm not sure if these pictures really give a real sense of the view across the cluster... But I tried.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1516_zpsc2316870.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1516_zpsc2316870.jpg.html)

Steve monitors the GTM forum fairly often, and read a post where someone was very adamant about the "fact" that it
is next to impossible to implement a surrounding dash to door panel flow, in the GTM. Apparently he took it as his personal
quest to make it happen. The dash and door panel will flow together and then thin out as it progresses towards the rear
of the door. This will keep the door panels from encroaching the shoulder space.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1514_zpsc3c38f7b.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1514_zpsc3c38f7b.jpg.html)

As mentioned earlier, the gap between the gauge cluster and steering column will be filled with a leather cover of some sort.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1515_zps7b25ac12.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1515_zps7b25ac12.jpg.html)


As I said before, the seats have been massaged a little more... The bolsters have been trimmed back to about half there previous size.
They're now about a third of the size of when they were new.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1519_zps09bbe100.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1519_zps09bbe100.jpg.html)

The seat bottom was lowered about 1-1/2", which gave me the head room that I needed. But more importantly, it dropped my line of
vision below the upper roll bar cover!

Steve's paying a ton of attention to making sure that not only does the design work and look great,
but also that the ergonomics make sense. The seats are comfortable, my palm lands naturally on the shift knob, I have plenty of room,
and I am able to get in and out easier than I could originally.

I'm pretty happy with how it's progressing.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1518_zpse95b6fb4.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1518_zpse95b6fb4.jpg.html)

[The Stig]

With all that said, there is another item that I wanted to pass along to anyone who may be interested.

Steve asked me today, whether or not anyone on the forum might be interested in a fiberglass copy of this dash. He's considering making a mold of the dash before he covers it with leather. I have no idea of the specific details yet. There is the standard gauge pod that comes with the kit, and then there is the Porsche Gauge Cluster that I'm using. So I'm not sure which direction he would need to go to accommodate the crowd here. Maybe it would be configured "one-off" per request. I told him about the carbon fiber interior panels, and the rear hatch (Gen-I) being offered by Jason Cecil (Carbon-Fiber).

For now, he'd just like to get some idea as to whether or not there might be any interest from others here. If you would like to discuss it further, feel free to send me a PM, and I'll be happy answer any questions that I can, and put you in touch with Steve.

Any time I can, I will go out of my way to promote the craftsmanship that I have seen here on the forum; such as Jason Cecil (Carbon-Fiber), Shane Vacek (VRaptor Speedworks), etc., etc. Steve isn't building a GTM, but he is a silent fan of our forum. He has also proven to me that he really understands the GTM design, and how to make it even nicer.

He figured out how to create an integrated wrap-around dash to door panels, when the consensus was that it couldn't be done due to lack of room.

He figured out how to account for space needed to install a high end audio system, when we all agreed that there just wasn't room in the car for more than a couple of speakers and a standard audio deck.

He seems to find room for things where there isn't any, without making the car even more crowded to the occupants.

Food for thought...

Thanks,

Mike

[carbon fiber]

I think that guy said "nearly impossible". :cool: I know because I've done it already! It just doesn't have too much effect, the corner's really tight. Not as dramatic as I wanted, but it's about the same amount as you've got going there. I'm going to sell a cf center console cover and overhead gauge pod like I'm making for Tino, for the stock FFR interior, but that's it. I'm not planning on selling the interior I've done for mine. It's got too many parts and too much CF & aluminum for me to sell at a reasonable price. There would probably be a market for a more affordable FG kit that could be upholstered.

[mikespms]

Hey Michael,

Steve is doing a beautiful job, it looks like you got lucky with him! You are going to have an unique custom interior that is going to put your car on a select few club. I chose to work with what I had but in retrospect It may have been less work to start from scratch like you are doing.
It is my experience that most shops shy away from big projects not because their abilities but the fact that that kind of work is very time consuming and unless you are getting paid by the hour it is a loosing proposition for the shop, by the time you finish you are working for minimum wage. Making a mold involves more work and he would need to sell quite a few to make it worth while unless he is getting good money for them. Most GTM builders are do it your self types on a budget.

Just a few days ago I was at my upholstery shop and the guys where working on an old Aston Martin ,I mention to them how long they had been working on that car and his reply was that they quoted the customer over twenty thousand dollars for the job because by the time they finish the job between the cost of the materials and labor they actually loose money compared to doing a head liner on a regular car.

[WIS89]

Mike-

That interior is going to be outrageous! Your vision, and Steve's execution is awesome. The dash integration with the door panels, and your gauge cluster is going to be beautiful. I am looking forward to seeing the finish materials on all that work.

I am blown away by what you are doing, and the path you have travelled. It looks like the hard work is going to pay off. I look forward to more updates!

Regards,

Steve

[The Stig]

Mike-

That interior is going to be outrageous! Your vision, and Steve's execution is awesome. The dash integration with the door panels, and your gauge cluster is going to be beautiful. I am looking forward to seeing the finish materials on all that work.

I am blown away by what you are doing, and the path you have travelled. It looks like the hard work is going to pay off. I look forward to more updates!

Regards,

Steve

Thanks Steve. I really appreciate the kind words and support. It'll be done before too long, and we'll take it out and use up a set of rear tires. :cool:

Mike

[WIS89]

It'll be done before too long, and we'll take it out and use up a set of rear tires. :cool:

Mike

Mike-

I look forward to taking you up on that!

Regards,

Steve

[The Stig]

Hi Michael,

I agree with you 100%. He is doing a great job. He's working with me to build my design, (or at least the picture I've had in my head)... Once in a while he likes to insert his ideas, and for the most part we've been able to blend my ideas of what I'd like to have with his ideas of how it should be done. As well, there are times when he keeps me in check by telling me when something that I want, just won't work. That has happened once. So I reasoned that he's the pro, and it's why I gave it to him to do the work.

I also agree with you that some shops shy away from large jobs like this, but Steve saw it as an opportunity to show what he can do with cars like this. Most trim shops can do a nice interior for classic and muscle cars. But not much has been done with cars like these. So he wanted to show that he was "up for the challenge". I've seen his work, and figured that he could pull it off.

So, yes, I got lucky when I ran across him showing a tricked out 31 Ford at one of the car shows (I think it was Good Guys) a year ago. Anyone in the area who is interested in having an interior done, should at least give him a call, and start a conversation of what you would like to see and feel whenever you sit in your car. The ideas seem to start as soon as you give him that "picture".

I think it would be cool to see what he and Jason could come up with together...

Thanks Michael.


Hey Michael,

Steve is doing a beautiful job, it looks like you got lucky with him! You are going to have an unique custom interior that is going to put your car on a select few club. I chose to work with what I had but in retrospect It may have been less work to start from scratch like you are doing.
It is my experience that most shops shy away from big projects not because their abilities but the fact that that kind of work is very time consuming and unless you are getting paid by the hour it is a loosing proposition for the shop, by the time you finish you are working for minimum wage. Making a mold involves more work and he would need to sell quite a few to make it worth while unless he is getting good money for them. Most GTM builders are do it your self types on a budget.

Just a few days ago I was at my upholstery shop and the guys where working on an old Aston Martin ,I mention to them how long they had been working on that car and his reply was that they quoted the customer over twenty thousand dollars for the job because by the time they finish the job between the cost of the materials and labor they actually loose money compared to doing a head liner on a regular car.

[The Stig]

I stopped by the interior shop today. Not a lot of noticeable or "obvious" progress, but there was progress. The dash foam has been hardened, and is ready to have the cut-outs for the audio head unit, a/c vents, and defroster vents cut out. Then it'll be "skim-coated" and smoothed out. Then it'll be given a thin foam padding.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1545_zpsdf06db13.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1545_zpsdf06db13.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1546_zps2f5256f0.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1546_zps2f5256f0.jpg.html)

All attachment points have been laid out and strengthened. The console attachments will be recessed, and the console cover will overlap it to hide the bolts from view. Nice! I don't want to see bolts unless it just can't be helped.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1547_zps90d78cb6.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1547_zps90d78cb6.jpg.html)

The dash will be flush with the body flange. It's gonna look good covered in leather.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1552_zps259f63ab.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1552_zps259f63ab.jpg.html)

Steve told me that the gauge cluster is one of the next items on the list. He's getting ready to start working on getting the cluster mounted, and then form the cluster cover.

You may also notice that the seats are back out of the car... There is a little additional work on the headrests that I'm looking forward to.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1549_zpse3dee450.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1549_zpse3dee450.jpg.html)

The leather is supposed to be in house next week, and work will begin soon as far as upholstering the seats and dash. I'm pretty excited about that.

[The Stig]

The roll-bar covers are being re-worked as we speak. The center section was removed and filled with fiberglass to simply cover the front and side halo bars. The "pillar" bar covers are also getting a little work done to blend them with the halo cover, and the dash. I think it should look pretty nice.

We got word from Fesler that the door handles won't be shipped for a couple of weeks. So... instead of waiting for them, the door panels will moved down in the sequence. The rear panels (tank covers), rear window, and Engine cover are next on the list... The doors will follow soon afterward.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1553_zpsc3343262.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1553_zpsc3343262.jpg.html)

The door panels will be blended with the dash, with a nice curve on the upper edge to look "almost" seamless. The bottom section of the door panel will be built out a little to make a little room for the speakers, but will not crowd my legs.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1556_zpsdd15a51f.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1556_zpsdd15a51f.jpg.html)

So as I said, not a lot of obvious change in that last week, but we're still moving ahead.

[Kempo]

Mike, can't wait to see the final result. It's going to be on a league of it own. Keep those updates coming.

[The Stig]

Mike, can't wait to see the final result. It's going to be on a league of it own. Keep those updates coming.

Thanks Hugo. To be honest, I'm just looking forward getting it finished. My goal is to have it on the road by the end of September. We'll see how that works out.

I really appreciate the support that you send my way.

I'll post the next update as soon as I can. Should be pretty interesting.

Take care.

Mike

[The Stig]

I just passed this along to one of my best friends here on the forum, and decided that I also wanted post it here, as a reminder that we are guaranteed nothing.

As I posted previously, my wife (Pam) & I dropped in to see how the GTM's interior was coming along. We stayed for 30 to 45 mins talking through the progress of what has been done recently and what's coming up next with Steve. Everything looked good, and we were both pretty excited about how it's looking and how it is really starting to look the way I want it to.

We drove up in separate cars (One of our cars had to have some work done near by, and we had just picked it up).

We decided that we would leave there and head downtown to get some lunch, so I followed her out. We pulled out onto the access road that runs parallel to I-85, and I was surprised that Pam turned towards an area that was questionable at best. So I picked up my phone to call her to ask where the heck she was going. She answered the phone making a joke about me being worried about her. Just about the time that she got the words out, I noticed a white Toyota swerving into her lane (head-on).

My unconscious reaction was to simply yell out "Oh ****!!!" (Because I honestly could not get anything else to come out). When I did, she looked into the rear view mirror. She thought something was wrong with me... I was pulling over to the side, and had my hand on the door handle getting ready to jump out, because I knew that my wife was about be hurt bad.

About the time that I got slowed down, I noticed that the girl in the White Toyota looked up and realized that she was about to hit Pam. She jerked the steering wheel hard to the right, and missed hitting Pam head-on by inches. Pam was still watching me in the rear-view mirror wondering what was wrong with me. I asked if she even saw what had just happened in front of her? She didn't. She never saw the girl start to swerve into her lane. Everything happened so quick that she had just looked into the rear view for 3 or 4 seconds and saw me trying to stop, and just thought it was strange.

I was shaking inside and out, and I could hardly speak. I thought I was about to see my best friend and soul-mate get plowed into. When I told her what had happened, she didn't believe me, (at first). It was only after she noticed that I was still visibly shaken 3 hours later, that she understood how close it was and she didn't even have any idea. I couldn't tell if the girl was drunk, texting, of trying to pick something up off the floor of her car.

It taught me a lesson to NEVER take anything for granted. Most people believe that they can always take care of things tomorrow, that they "didn't have time" to do today. I was reminded that we aren't guaranteed anything.


Thank God for Guardian Angels. Otherwise, I'm afraid Pam may not have made it home.

She says that she's glad that she didn't see it. I'm glad that she didn't also.

Needless to say, it was an extremely scary, stressful, and exhausting weekend. I am finally getting to the point where I can think through it without getting shaky again.



I wouldn't normally post this sort of thing publicly. Until a few minutes ago, Pam, myself, and one other person were the only people who knew of this.

I guess the only real reason I did, was to say to all of my friends here; don't miss what may be your last chance to tell the people that you love, how you truly feel about them. Because you never know if you'll get the chance to say it or show it later.

Take care everyone.

Mike

[Presto51]

Stig I'm glad everything worked out with a great ending

Ron

[carbon fiber]

Glad she's ok and no one got hurt. It's gotten really bad these days with texting. I see people all the time now holding their phone up and swerving in and out of their lane. You can't let your eyes leave the road for a second.

[Disraeli Gears]

I'm glad it worked out that everyone came out unscathed and the only result is a story to tell.

I hope that a lesson was learned here.
People should not be talking/looking on/at your phone while driving, she was distracted by your call and could have been badly hurt had that car not diverged away in time.

If you have controls on your steering wheel and blue tooth for your phone then you have more concentration for your surrounds.

When you are on the road... pay attention.

[The Stig]

I'm glad it worked out that everyone came out unscathed and the only result is a story to tell.

I hope that a lesson was learned here.
People should not be talking/looking on/at your phone while driving, she was distracted by your call and could have been badly hurt had that car not diverged away in time.

If you have controls on your steering wheel and blue tooth for your phone then you have more concentration for your surrounds.

When you are on the road... pay attention.

Don't think for a second that I don't already know that my call to her was a distraction. But Yes... I appreciate the warning "OFFICER"...

[Fraser D]

Stig I'm glad everything worked out with a great ending

Ron

That goes for me as well.

[The Stig]

Stig I'm glad everything worked out with a great ending

Ron


Glad she's ok and no one got hurt. It's gotten really bad these days with texting. I see people all the time now holding their phone up and swerving in and out of their lane. You can't let your eyes leave the road for a second.


That goes for me as well.

Thank you guys. We both appreciate it.

Mike

[The Stig]

On a much lighter note...

I have a couple of progress pictures to show you all! I love progress pictures!

We're getting the gauge cluster positioned and mounted. You can see the gauges pretty easily through the Momo wheel opening.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Interior/BaskinPorscheClusterFitment1_zpsdbb4fa9e.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Interior/BaskinPorscheClusterFitment1_zpsdbb4fa9e.jpg.html)

From the side, you can get a sense of how the cluster sits "between" the dash and the steering column. Once the cluster was placed, we got a sense of how wide it actually is... to the extent that we may have to make one or two changes; but I think it's going to look pretty cool. We also talked about the fact that we have to be careful not to let the cluster cover "overwhelm" the left side of the dash. So some illusion needs to take place. And this side view gave me an idea of how we can do that. If we can figure out how to make it work, it could be what defines the whole look of the interior... I think I'll keep this one to myself until we can get it done.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Interior/BaskinPorscheClusterFitment2_zps6dbe3dcc.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Interior/BaskinPorscheClusterFitment2_zps6dbe3dcc.jpg.html)

Now I'm getting Pumped!!!

Thanks for the support that you guys here continue to give me. It has certainly helped be get through this stretched out project. It's really getting fun again! :cool:

And thank you as well for your concern and well wishes for my wife. That was a tough one...

The Stig!!!

[WIS89]

Mike-

So happy to hear that Pam is OK! That is all kinds of scary, and being so helpless while watching it unfold had to be tortuous. So pleased to hear of the benign outcome.

Your car looks awesome by the way. That gauge cluster looks very much at home in the cockpit. I call it a cockpit because it more closely resembles a high performance jet than a car; even a super car! I really appreciate all the updates. It is awesome living vicariously through you.

Regards,

Steve

[Kempo]

Mike, I'm glad that Pam's incident was just a scare and that she is alright. The interior and dash are looking really good!!!

[The Stig]

Mike-

So happy to hear that Pam is OK! That is all kinds of scary, and being so helpless while watching it unfold had to be tortuous. So pleased to hear of the benign outcome.

Your car looks awesome by the way. That gauge cluster looks very much at home in the cockpit. I call it a cockpit because it more closely resembles a high performance jet than a car; even a super car! I really appreciate all the updates. It is awesome living vicariously through you.

Regards,

Steve


Mike, I'm glad that Pam's incident was just a scare and that she is alright. The interior and dash are looking really good!!!

Thank you guys. I really appreciate it.

[The Stig]

The dash is already being formed for Steve's binnacle cover design. The cluster will sit kind of low at the steering column, and the binnacle cover will mount onto the bolts that have been fabbed in. I'm going to try to get up to the shop tomorrow and get a better idea of how this will work. Needless to say, the cluster and binnacle and cover are going to mount very solidly.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Interior/IMG_1594_zpse854c9a0.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Interior/IMG_1594_zpse854c9a0.jpg.html)

Looks like a good bit of sanding and smoothing is in Steve's near future.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Interior/BaskinGTMDashClusterMount02_zpsf0f13b04.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Interior/BaskinGTMDashClusterMount02_zpsf0f13b04.jpg.html)

Mike

[The Stig]

Here's a quick picture of the interior door handles.

Fesler Billet Aluminum handles. They are solid and heavy-ish for a nice feel. But their size means that a little repositioning might be in order. We'll see.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Interior/2014082195142018_zpsa91f31b3.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Interior/2014082195142018_zpsa91f31b3.jpg.html)

Mike

[The Stig]

The gauge cluster "surround" is getting started... It looks sort of funky right now, but I've been assured that what I saw was simply the first step to a well shaped and smoothly sanded cover. It will eventually look more integrated and as though it "belongs"... I have to say that when I initially saw it, I was a little concerned. Then when I got a closer look, and saw how it mounts to the dash, and allows the gauges to mount to it, I was pretty impressed. Once it's filled out and contoured and smoothed out and covered, I'm pretty sure I'll be happy with it.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Interior/IMG_1592_zps53019c91.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Interior/IMG_1592_zps53019c91.jpg.html)

The console cover it being sized and filled to make it perfectly smooth where it joins the dash; and the Engine cover.
The Audio Head Unit opening, the Shifter opening, the billet switches, the Start Button, and openings for the A/C vents will be cut a filed and sanded soon. The Sub-woofer box is being installed and the Sub is being placed as we "type".

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Interior/IMG_1591_zps08d85ef0.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Interior/IMG_1591_zps08d85ef0.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Interior/IMG_1597_zps4ea0a9b2.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Interior/IMG_1597_zps4ea0a9b2.jpg.html)

We should have some leather in the pictures soon. :cool:

There are a lot of templates for aluminum cut-outs that will be used for the beauty panels and covers. They should be formed and covered in a couple of weeks or so.

It's getting closer... I've been given a tentative deadline of 10/10/2014 to have it completely finished. Interior, Rear Hatch fitment/install, and paint repair. So far it's on schedule to be finished by the end of September.

Mike

[The Stig]

The roll bar and pillar covers are getting some attention. Steve is adding a little beef to them to help them fit the size of the body pillars. The result is that there will be no fiberglass showing on the underside of the body panels.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Interior/10009283_632480843537535_3337379367238197809_n_zps d1532ac2.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Interior/10009283_632480843537535_3337379367238197809_n_zps d1532ac2.jpg.html)

Mike

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Interior/IMG_1641_zps3d6635ca.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Interior/IMG_1641_zps3d6635ca.jpg.html)

The pillar covers have been added to and sanded, and added to, and sanded, until they flow as one piece with the dash and the upper roll bar cover. These are going to look pretty nice when they're covered in gray leather!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Interior/IMG_1642_zps89cffd12.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Interior/IMG_1642_zps89cffd12.jpg.html)

The initial opening for the head unit and a/c vents. Still positioning to find the best angles. Then we can make the close out (beauty) panels that will fit around the audio unit and the vents.

Some of this stuff just wont look great... until it looks great... It's just around the corner.

Mike

[The Stig]

Here is a view of the dash and center section. We're playing around with positioning of the head unit. Steve has it standing up a bit. I think it may need to be leaned back a little, (if the crossbar of the frame doesn't prevent it). If we leave it up, then the console section will need to be built up a little on the sides in order to cover the unit, which would negate the lines that we're after. The vents will be places just above the audio unit. I'm thinking that they should lay down, similar to the Murcielago dash vents, if possible.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Interior/imagejpg1_zps136138d5.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Interior/imagejpg1_zps136138d5.jpg.html)

Any thoughts?

Mike

[carbon fiber]

I think you're right about it ruining the lines. I'd move the frame crossmember to lay the head unit down flat. Or you could sell the head unit and buy a tablet to replace it. There are software packages that will allow you to control everything touchscreen. (radio, sat. nav., etc.) Is the dash going to be covered completely in fg or left in foam?

[VD2021]

I agree with Jason. Move that section of the crossmember so you can recess the head-unit. I'm sure the solution, with the head-unit as in the picture, would be nice, but it will definitely change your current flow.

[The Stig]

I think you're right about it ruining the lines. I'd move the frame cross-member to lay the head unit down flat. Or you could sell the head unit and buy a tablet to replace it. There are software packages that will allow you to control everything touchscreen. (radio, sat. nav., etc.) Is the dash going to be covered completely in fg or left in foam?

Hi Jason,

Dash, Pillar covers, Console, and Doors will all be covered in Fiberglass, then sanded. Then body filler and sanding to smooth them out out, and then I think it's going to be sprayed with primer and sanded again to make them as smooth as they can be. Then covered in gray leather or gray alcantara.

The console shifter "surround" will run from the engine cover (start button), past the shifter, audio unit, and vents, just shy of the windshield. This will be finished in the same way as the dash, but it will be painted the color of the gauges, and cleared; and will have aluminum trim.

At least that's the idea that we're kicking around right now.

Hope you're doing well.

By the way, we should be getting the hatch on the car soon. I'll send pictures as soon as I have them. Sorry it has taken so long.

Mike

[The Stig]

I agree with Jason. Move that section of the cross member so you can recess the head-unit. I'm sure the solution, with the head-unit as in the picture, would be nice, but it will definitely change your current flow.

Hi Buddy,

Isn't that cross member, a "load-bearing" structural piece, and far as the frame geometry? I'm not sure how I would cut that section out and then correct the structural geometry. If you have any ideas, I am wide open to them. But it would have to happen in the next day or so.

Mike

[VD2021]

Hi Buddy,

Isn't that cross member, a "load-bearing" structural piece, and far as the frame geometry? I'm not sure how I would cut that section out and then correct the structural geometry. If you have any ideas, I am wide open to them. But it would have to happen in the next day or so.

Mike

Mike,
The designer would know. Per FFR's site, solidworks is used so the designer would be able to collect precise data (getting them to share it???).

If you trust the shop's knowledge and metal work in that area, and if it's possible, they should be able to cut and fab to maintain the chassis integrity and make the room needed to flush the head-unit.

As long as it's possible, I just want you to get exactly what you've envisioned.

[The Stig]

Mike,
The designer would know. Per FFR's site, solidworks is used so the designer would be able to collect precise data (getting them to share it???).

Getting Dave or Jim Schenk to answer my call might be the hardest part of that equation... I've not been overly successful with that lately. I suppose it never hurts to keep trying. (But I understand that I am not alone in that regard).

And you're right, I would much rather flush mount the unit if I could.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Mike

[mikespms]

Hey Mike,
Looking at your pictures I see that you don't have the aluminum closeout panel on that center section and that cross member is structural. How about mounting the radio up on top of the cross member and pushing it further in the dash and mounting the A/C vents under the radio? Option number two when I notched that cross member on my car for the corvette IP to fit,I welded a backing section of square tubing to the frame overlapping the opening of the notch I made on the cross member and did not cut the cross member all the way through leaving part of the cross member for structural strength.You could back it under or behind but it will be a job since your side panels are closed.33182
Or maybe a different radio.

[carbon fiber]

Hey Mike, no worries on the hatch. I'm looking forward to seeing it on the car. As far as the crossmember, it is very structural. It would have to be rebuilt like Mike said, below or behind the head unit. I had the same idea as Mike also on moving the head unit up further with the vents below it, but that puts it that much further out of reach. Either way good luck. Let us know how it turns out.

[The Stig]

Hi Jason. I drove up to the shop and took a look at the console. After seeing it, I think we can mount the unit flush without cutting the frame. I'm a little too far along for that now. Maybe on the next one...

We both looked at it and I think we came up with a way to flush mount the audio head unit. But there is a dependency that needs to be answered first. If we can do that, we'll save the lines of the dash and the console. And we'll stay on schedule as far as finishing on time.

Mike

[RumRunner]

Mike,

I know you already have your head unit - but - there are several new versions out now that are digital media receivers - no CDs or DVDs, just AM/FM plus Bluetooth/Pandora/Ipod/Iphone/Android. If you can give up CDs and DVDs, the units themselves are only about 3" deep. MUCH easier to fit. Here's an example:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_333ASTRDSM/Parrot-ASTEROID-Smart.html

Just a thought.

-Michael