Build Strategy

[ksamson]

Hello Roadsters, question. I am in the process or ordering my MK IV this week:) I would like to stage my build not necessarily from the manual but from your experiences. My initial thoughts are this.
1. Disassemble, Inventory, Stage parts
2. Assemble running gear
3. Rear end
4. Fuel tank
5. Brake system
6. Wiring
7. Ect.

My plan is to get as much practical advice from you professional builders and mesh that with the manual. Am I mentally on the right track?

[Jeff Kleiner]

My preferred order after collecting parts and doing inventory:
1. Dry fit aluminum
2. Front and rear suspension and steering
3. Pedals, brakes and lines
4. Fuel tank and lines
5. Dash and electrical
6. Assemble and install engine, trans and driveshaft
7. Cooling system
8. Go cart!

That's rather simplistic as there are many smaller tasks that make up the larger ones but maybe it will give you a general idea. Like eating an elephant---you do it one bite at a time :)

Jeff

[ksamson]

Ok, thank you

[riebelt]

1. Disassemble, Inventory, Stage parts
2. Front and rear suspension and steering
3. Dry fit aluminum that supports the body
4. Install body (At this point no driveline)
5. Fit, Doors, Hood and Trunk Lid (Make this a tight fit with your ability to still open and close everything) (Finish cut later)
6. Install all external hardware. Make sure it all fits as idf you are making the install permanent
7. Remove all items install in 6
8. Do all your body prep for paint. Fine tune your gaps, Primer surfacer, block sand.
9. More block sanding until you are satified you are ready for paint
10. Remove body, send off to painter
11. While body is being painted, clean up chassis
12. Begin installation process as pointed out in manual(obviously skipping the body install sequence)
13. Once install process reaches go-cart stage test it.
14. Install your carpet, carpet trunk, leave raw edge of carpet around door area until body install.
15. Be patient, don't presser your painter
16. Pick up body from painter. Time to drool a bit
17. Tape volatile edges to protect new paint
18. Install body and all hardware and make permanent
19. Install doors, hood and trunk
20. Install the rest of the finish hardware

21. Have fun and drive it like you stole it.

The point of this process is to keep body work dust and mess away from the new driveline and electrical components.
Body work can create a nasty mess to clean up.

[ksamson]

Thank you, my plan is to fit the body and send it off for all stages of body work, paint