Brian's Better Late than Never Reverse Build Thread

[Brian_B]

As the title indicates, this is a Reverse Build thread, as I have just completed my build. After completing the build, I thought I should share some images of how it turned out, and make myself available if anyone has questions and/or would like some detail on some of the custom features I included. Sorry I should have started this at the beginning, but better late than never.

Below is a summary build specification:

Complete FFR Mk4 Kit (Ordered 3/19/21 - Rcv’d 8/18/21)

Powder Coated Chassis
Body Cut Outs
Power Steering
IRS Suspension
Koni Double Adjustable Shocks
Front/Rear Red Wilwood Brakes
18" Halibrand Wheels
Vintage GPS Gauges
Carbon Fiber Dash
Wind Wings
Sun Visors
Front/Rear Swaybars
Brake Duct Mesh
Assembled Side Louvers
Wiper Kit
Trunk Gas Strut

Engine/Transmission: BluePrint Ford 427 Fuel Injected Crate Engine (Ordered 4/5/21 - Rcv’d 9/20/22..this is not a typo…I was one of the ‘fortunate’ pandemic orders)

Polished Front Accessory Drive with 100-amp Alternator & Power Steering
Chromed Engine Wiring Trim
TKX 5-Speed Transmission Specifications
Mcleod Super Street Pro single disk clutch
Hydraulic throw out bearing
0.68:1 Fifth Gear Ratio

Paint:

Custom 2 Stage Randy Apple Red by Painthouse, Cypress-Texas, Black Stripes - Harley Davidson Black Metallic
Bodywork and Painted by Sharks Customs, Plain City-OH

Additional Details:

GASN SS Side Pipes
GASN SS Headers
Black Ceramic Coat Side Pipes, Polished Ceramic Coat Headers (Jet-Hot, NC)
Falken RT660, 255/35-18 front tires, Falken RT660, 315/30-18 rear tires
Powder Coated (Silver) All FFR Aluminum Panels
Black Powder Coated all Chrome/Silver Exterior Components (wheels, rollbar, windshield frame, gas cap, wipers, quickjacks, everything…)
Kirkey Lowback Vintage Seats (purchased custom Intatrim Automotive Interiors (UK) Solar seats (shadow stitched w/ standing Cobra, Door Cards, etc.)…great seats…but due to my height (6’4”)…I needed the Kirkey’s! The Intatrim pkg is for sale…
Kirkey Seat Covers
Eddie Motorsport Billet Aluminum Drink Holders
Russ Thompson turn signal and drop trunk
Forte's mechanical throttle linkage
Forte's AC Pedal Pads
Forte's Cobra Seat Heaters
Mike Everson - Breeze Roll Bar Grommets
Mike Everson - Radiator Aluminum, Russ Thonpson Turn Signal Bezel, Firewall Support
Breeze Radiator Shroud, Front Battery Mount
Breeze Power Steering Kit
Breeze Roll Bar
Blackout LED Headlights
NRG Carbon Fiber Quick release steering wheel release
Momo Prototipo Black Edition, Leather Steering wheel
Cobradreams side view mirrors, driver and passenger side
Ultra HushMat Heat/Sound Insulation, Firewall, entire front cockpit and trunk
Replaced FFR carpet w/ Bently Black Carpet (including trunk), installed by Ronnie Price Automotive Upholstery (Cincinnati-OH)
Crow Safety Gear 5-Way Kam Lock Racing Restraints, Driver and Passenger
Wheel Spacers and ARP Studs
Aligned by Performance Alignment, Cincinnati-OH

Custom Parts: ('B Barber Customs’ - I own my own business (govt R&D) and have my own CNC machines, composite layup facilities, etc…)

Custom Composite Hood Scoop to replace FFR plastic one supplied for molded in application
Custom Throttle Pedal
Custom CNC Machined Brake/Clutch Resevoir and Coolant Overflow Brackets
Custom CNC Machined Seat Belt Grommets
Custom Carbon Fiber Center Console to match CF Dash (final fitting in process!)
Custom Carbon Fiber Seats (next in line after the center console is complete)


Now I just need to wait until this Ohio winter ends so I can enjoy it!

[cv2065]

Great looking build Brian. Congrats! You should include some pics of the interior as well.

[Tango]

Dang it, as soon as I commit to “I am not doing Halibrand wheels”, I see something like you just posted and think…”yea that would work.” Great looking all around. I want details on what you did with the wheels and pipes (Standard gas-n black ceramic???…looks great)

[Brian_B]

The wheels were powder coated by RPM Powder Coating in Columbus, OH. I had them apply a Satin Black powder from Prismatic Powders.

The sidepipes are standard Gas-N. They were ceramic coated by Jet-Hot (NC), Extreme 1300 in 2002 Satin Black. I had them apply Extreme 1300 in classic polish to the headers and collectors.

The sidepipes and wheels are a pretty good color/sheen match.

[Brian_B]

Here are a couple 'in-process' dash pictures. I'll add some more interior pictures as I complete the finishing touches.

Overall, I went with a simple layout and then I'm adding quite a few carbon fiber details to make it unique and combine the classic w/ modern. I used '65 mustang bezels for the (left to right) ignition, lights, wiper and I included a traditional lighter where I can insert a USB charger when needed. I didn't want a USB port visible. The high beam switch is on a panel below the ignition (not visible). The hazard switch, speedo set, etc...is under the glove box...again on a panel to keep it hidden. I made a carbon fiber panel that attaches from the frame and to the front edge of the carbon fiber dash to stiffen it and provide a place to put these switches. I also closed out the carbon fiber glove box with carbon fiber. I think it 'finishes' it better than the bare aluminum approach in the directions.

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I'm making a custom carbon fiber center console (see picture). It has a running bead edge to match that on the FFR carbon fiber dash. It will just have 2 cup holders, kill switch and shift lever.
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I'm also planning on making custom molded carbon fiber closeouts to cover the square tubing, etc. on the sills under the doors...I don't like the aluminum sheet w/ carpet approach. So while functional, the interior still needs a few finishing touches.

Also, I attached a couple pictures of the custom fully adjustable CNC machined billet pedals I made...proved very helpful for my size 14 shoes!
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I'll try to dig up some more interesting in-process pics if there is anything of interest to anyone.