Build #422 Underway

[Mike6568]

Ok, all parts are back from powdercoat and I finally was able to start the front suspension build-up. I'm very new to this but I think this went very well with no problems. Had a couple of large washers that I did not find noted in the manual. Wish I had the knowledge to incorporate a lot of personal touches I see in other builds...maybe the next build?

[riptide motorsport]

Wow,thats purdy!!!!!!!

[Arrowhead]

Looks great! Yea, everyone ends up with the "mystery washers" when they put the front end on. You even got the lower control arms and calipers on correctly (yes, even seasoned builders have made some mistakes)

One word of caution, the more big parts you put on, the harder it is to put on small stuff like brake lines and fuel lines, stuff like that. Just think ahead a little and you'll be fine.

[Mike6568]

Thanks for the reassurance...I'm onto the pedal box (rear end on hold, until 3-Link parts are back from powder coat). I must have something really backwards, my master cylinders appear to be on the right pedal? I'm pretty sure most cars have the brake on the left...no I'm fairly positive of this...gonna go check my Tundra to be sure the brake is on the left.

Yep, brake is definitely on the left!

I'm off to study pictures of your build to see why this is "seems" to be reversed...

(Please God, let Arrowhead have posted pictures of the pedal box in his build page!)


Looks great! Yea, everyone ends up with the "mystery washers" when they put the front end on. You even got the lower control arms and calipers on correctly (yes, even seasoned builders have made some mistakes)

One word of caution, the more big parts you put on, the harder it is to put on small stuff like brake lines and fuel lines, stuff like that. Just think ahead a little and you'll be fine.

[j33ptj]

your kidding right?

[Mike6568]

Mostly yes...

[Mike6568]

Ok..thinking ahead, does anyone see any possible problems with the way I mounted the brake reservoirs and lines (pics attached). I stayed away from the top rail as noted in other builds and tried to keep the distance and height similar to the build pics I've seen. My kit only included four self tapping screws, not the aluminum brackets I've seen in other posts.

For those I have not yet been introduced to, I'm a first time novice builder. Thank you for your patience, and any help is greatly appreciated!

955395549555

[David Hodgkins]

...Wish I had the knowledge to incorporate a lot of personal touches I see in other builds...maybe the next build?

Don't worry, you're just getting started!! I'd call a SBC a personal touch...

Your engine is beautiful, even if it IS from the dark side...

:)

[Mike6568]

Thanks...Its a stock photo from EngineFactory, mine isn't here quite yet. But we'll call it "The Chosen One".


Don't worry, you're just getting started!! I'd call a SBC a personal touch...

Your engine is beautiful, even if it IS from the dark side...

:)

[Mike6568]

Spring T-Ball is over, now back to the build!

I'm as far as page 158 in the build and waiting for the engine and transmission. I knew when I ordered my '33 I'd get to this point and have to wait. I thought better to pull the trigger and get started then wait. I'm sure I can find a few more things to do until the engine and transmission arrive (hopefully late fall).
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10522

[ehansen007]

As the pedal box comes, the pedal on the right is the brake and that is because the throttle pedal is not included and is separately mounted to the firewall. Hope that helps!

[Mike6568]

Thanks for the follow up, looking back at this it seems crazy this tripped me up for a couple of hours...but I also can't believe how much I've learned the last three months. The forums and build pages (yours included) have answered a lot of questions along the way.


As the pedal box comes, the pedal on the right is the brake and that is because the throttle pedal is not included and is separately mounted to the firewall. Hope that helps!

[Mike6568]

The day is finally here, I saved up enough to order my engine. Mike from Fortes Parts Connection was great to work with and patient with a beginner. I can't wait to see it all come together, if everything goes well, the motor should be ready in the next couple of weeks. Once it's on the Dyno I should have pictures to post...this is almost as tough as waiting for delivery day!

[Nelson jr]

What engine are you going with. I have an Mk4 and I just ordered. A hot rod I am still not sure why to use

[Mike6568]

Growing up my Dad had Chevy Street Rods and 60's Vettes, so I went with what was familiar... a SBC (350) and 700R4 transmission. That should push it around fairly well?

[jayguy]

Yeah, that'll push it around nicely.

Looking good so far.

[Mike6568]

It's been a very rewarding weekend and thought I'd post a few pictures. The engine isn't the "proposed" motor that I posted earlier; as the reality of a budget has set in. The motor is a SBC 350 GM Performance Crate Motor (sorry to half of the readers), it was turnkeyed and dyno tuned by Mike Forte who did a great job. Almost ready for that first start and cruise thru the neighborhood. Thanks for viewing.....123671236812369

[Mike6568]

Hello all...thought I'd post some progress pics on #422. Doors have been fit and aligned, interior handles installed, and remote door poppers are in (I think this is my biggest deviation from keeping this as simple as possible). Waterfall is almost done and trunk is fit to the body. Thanks for the help from all I've talked to thus far. Hopefully these pictures upload correctly... I can't figure out how to have them show up like others? 14457 14458

[BenBB]

Looks great, pictures show up fine, if you want them full size in your post you'll need to host them online somewhere (flickr, facebook, your ISP, etc.) and after clicking "insert image" use the right-side tab at the top of the popup to type in (or cut/paste) the URL (like "http://www.yourpage.com/sicksmallblock.jpg"). Outstanding job on it though, I'll be looking forward to more pics.

[Arrowhead]

Build is really comming along, looks great!

The only thing I'd caution you about with the brake fluid resivoirs is getting to them with the body on. Even with the cowl access holes cut, it will be tough to check/add fluid. If you put them higher, and more accessable, then they are in the way to get to the hardtop/roadster windshield bolts. I finally gave up and just mounted them on the outside of the firewall.


Ok..thinking ahead, does anyone see any possible problems with the way I mounted the brake reservoirs and lines (pics attached). I stayed away from the top rail as noted in other builds and tried to keep the distance and height similar to the build pics I've seen.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=9553&d=1336319803

[wallace18]

Build is really comming along, looks great!

The only thing I'd caution you about with the brake fluid resivoirs is getting to them with the body on. Even with the cowl access holes cut, it will be tough to check/add fluid. If you put them higher, and more accessable, then they are in the way to get to the hardtop/roadster windshield bolts. I finally gave up and just mounted them on the outside of the firewall.



http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=9553&d=1336319803

Do you have a picture Arrowhead of where you mounted them on the outside firewall?

[Arrowhead]

I used a couple of CNC resivoirs. They are a tight fit between the hinges and the engine, but I have a lot more access through the cowl access holes now.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fqGK2ldofjc/TqANogxOrQI/AAAAAAAAH5Q/M0GNrfJSXKw/s640/2011-10-19_20-11-54_54.jpg

[Mike6568]

Build is really comming along, looks great!

The only thing I'd caution you about with the brake fluid resivoirs is getting to them with the body on. Even with the cowl access holes cut, it will be tough to check/add fluid. If you put them higher, and more accessable, then they are in the way to get to the hardtop/roadster windshield bolts. I finally gave up and just mounted them on the outside of the firewall.



http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=9553&d=1336319803

Thanks Arrowhead, you were right, they really sat down in there too low. I fabricated a bracket that sets them up higher but hopefully leaves enough room to get to the bolts for the hard top. I'll recheck it once I get to the fitting of the hard top.

[sheephearder]

14543Like Arrowhead, I selected to mount mine on the outside of the firewall for ease of getting into the pedal box. I also have a/c and the tubes will be running across the top of my pedal box to the vent. I just hate cramped spaces and avoid them as much as possible.

[Mike6568]

After many, many hours working on the hood, here is how she looks today. Hood latch, hinges and pins are all working together with each other. I had to cut open a small hole on the underside of the hood and re-glass in a new aluminum brace; as it came unattached when I drilled the holes for the pin bracket. I'm not sure if I'm going to use the gas shocks but has anyone had a problem with the expansion tank being in the way? Maybe more adjustments are needed.... 1547815508

[esff32]

Hey Mike, I was wondering what door poppers you used and where you got them. I want to do the same on my build, I don't want exterior door handles. Thanks for the help. Evan

[Mike6568]

Hey Mike, I was wondering what door poppers you used and where you got them. I want to do the same on my build, I don't want exterior door handles. Thanks for the help. Evan

I bought a complete set from Summit, they are made by Electric Life (Part 99800). I'm waiting until I get to the windows to install them, as I want to make sure the solenoids aren't in the way, they are about 2" in diameter. Maybe someone who has done this could help us determine the best place to install the solenoid.....

[esff32]

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it. Your build is looking really good. That was my next question about the install process. I will check back to see if you have installed them, I am a ways away from that project. Thanks again.

[Mike6568]

The New York State required bumpers are on...158311583215833

[Arrowhead]

The New York State required bumpers are on...

That'll do. Hope you did a better job of attaching them than I did. Mine fell off as soon as I got it home from instection! :)

[Mike6568]

I don't think they're going anywhere...I used like 5 hot glue sticks on each side.

[Mike6568]

#422 had a busy day with the final exhaust install at 8:00 am and alignment at 2:30. In case anyone was wondering at least as far back as #422 the front end does not need any modifications and was able to be dialed in per the FFR specs (some of the earlier builds needed the tie rod end shortened). It attracted a lot of attention at both shops and several people were able to identify it as a Factory Five. I think I'll be going thru the New York registration process by mid-June....not finished but legal.16464164651646616467

[Mike6568]

Ok, Mark Engle from the New York State DMV gave me the thumbs up today on step One of the NYS Registration Process. He was very helpful and genuinely wants to help. I'm still in gelcoat and limited interior, but legal and safe enough to get it on the road. She tipped the scales at 2,240...

[Mike6568]

#422 successfully completed the New York Registration process. The car isn't finished but this will give me a chance to work any bugs out before it goes to the body shop for completion. Attached picture is minutes after the inspection so it's got all of the required safety equipment. Also in the picture is Roadster number 6411 whose owner trailered the Hot Rod around for it's final inspections (Thanks Tom!). The first 100 miles this weekend have been incredible, it's still sinking in that I built this!

Special thanks to the Factory Five Tech Team, Erik Hansen (33 Machine), Mike Forte, Chuck McCall, Ted Hoffman for answering all of my "dumb" questions and helping me get this far. I couldn't have done it with out the folks in this Forum. THANK YOU!

1901219013

[Arrowhead]

Good job! Nice feeling to have all that behind you isn't it?

[Mike6568]

Thanks Arrowhead, what a feeling! We're really down to cosmetics (final gaps, bodywork, paint) at this point. Now I can sit back and tweak things here and there. Can't wait to leave work and take it out for a cruise!

[Mike6568]

Well it was a fun summer, but I have a feeling she will be seeing a lot more of the garage soon. Started the bodywork, and almost ready to send it to the body shop for final work and paint. The hard top fit fairly well, needed a little grinding on underside to get even fit. But overall, it worked out well. 2305923060

[esff32]

Very nice Mike, it looks amazing! Congrats. Hopefully I can get mind to the registration process by the end of the year...thats the goal anyway.

[Mike6568]

Thanks! looking forward to seeing yours with the body mounted and those wheels, nice combo with the tires too. I parked it today after a cruise to Watkins Glen, looks like 28 degrees tonight. How do I get one of those California addresses...I hate winter!

[kraftee]

Hey Mike, That's why I am only at my western New York lake house in the summer and spend the rest of the year here in Florida! Seriously though, I plan to tow my finished 33 to the lake next year in early June. We're just south of Rochester on Conesus Lake. ERIC

[Boz1911]

Looks good. I've been working on my top and the fit has not been so good.

[Mike6568]

You're just up the road about 75 miles, have a brother who lives in Greece. Maybe we can get a group together next summer for a cruise.


Hey Mike, That's why I am only at my western New York lake house in the summer and spend the rest of the year here in Florida! Seriously though, I plan to tow my finished 33 to the lake next year in early June. We're just south of Rochester on Conesus Lake. ERIC

[Mike6568]

Thanks Boz, I had to grind a bit from the underside, and made the rear bulkhead piece a little firmer, to help for a better fit. Overall, I'm happy with the result.


Looks good. I've been working on my top and the fit has not been so good.

[esff32]

Thanks! looking forward to seeing yours with the body mounted and those wheels, nice combo with the tires too. I parked it today after a cruise to Watkins Glen, looks like 28 degrees tonight. How do I get one of those California addresses...I hate winter!

Thanks Mike, that makes two of us. It seems like its taking forever but it has been a lesson in discipline. I still have issues with leaky banjo bolts going into the master cylinders. As far as the weather, we are spoiled here. It was about 78 degrees today.

[Mike6568]

I had a very slight leak at this fitting and Wilwood recommended a thread sealant. I'm waiting to see what responses you get on that question, I want to reinspect mine once the body comes off for paint. I believe others have solved this with a special washer (can't remember what the name of it was). Someone will chime in...

[esff32]

Thanks Mike, i hope so.

[kraftee]

I had a persistent leak at the Banjo bolt on top of the clutch master cylinder (one of the Wilwood brake cylinders that I didn't need with my power brake setup) that I finally cured with copper crush washers. However, I STILL can't stop the banjo bolt on my left front caliper from leaking ever so slightly - have tried two different types of copper crush washers to no avail.

Yeah Mike, not too far from you. Hopefully we can get a few cars together for a cruise sometime next summer.

ERIC

[esff32]

Thanks Eric, i appreciate it. Hopefully I can get something to work, kind of annoying.

[Mike6568]

Almost ready for the body shop to take over. Still deciding how to trim the rear fenders, once the wheel spacers go on later this week it should make it easier.

Has anyone used peep mirrors on the hardtop with windows? I was thinking of drilling an access hole on the inside and mounting them out of the way of the window glass. Would this work?

23827

[erlihemi]

Mike, awesome motivation! I'm contemplating a build and would like to discuss NYS registration process. I'm in Owego just a little East of you.

[Mike6568]

Erlihemi, I sent you a PM. Thanks.


Mike, awesome motivation! I'm contemplating a build and would like to discuss NYS registration process. I'm in Owego just a little East of you.

[Mike6568]

I got to spend a lot of time on the car this weekend...I installed the power window mechanism to see how it fit (will need to move out of the way to make cut in door), located the door popper solenoids. Hope to have it to the body shop by the end of the month for PAINT! Just waiting on the window guides from Whitby Motorcars so I can rough in the windows. 249562495724958

[Peetz 33]

Mike, just checking out your build, I'm approximately at the same stage as you (#449 also using a SBC) but haven't tackled the fenders yet. I like how you've cut the front of the rear fenders to blend into the body, do you have anything planned for the rear of the fenders, please post a few pics if you have

[Mike6568]

Sure thing..249612496224963


Mike, just checking out your build, I'm approximately at the same stage as you (#449 also using a SBC) but haven't tackled the fenders yet. I like how you've cut the front of the rear fenders to blend into the body, do you have anything planned for the rear of the fenders, please post a few pics if you have

[Arrowhead]

Coming along great Mike! Maybe you can make the Syracuse car show this summer?

[Mike6568]

Thanks Arrowhead, the realization that this car is almost "finished", has gotten me thinking of where to take it first. I definitely will be planning on the Syracuse show, I've only ever gone as a spectator so this will be new experience. I'd like to make the FFR Open House this year too. Only about 90 more days of winter to go!


Coming along great Mike! Maybe you can make the Syracuse car show this summer?

[Peetz 33]

Thanks for the pics, looks good

[Mike6568]

I haven't seen very many posts out there on the power window install...any words of wisdom out there from someone who has tackled these? I'm hoping to start these tomorrow. I've got the track & motor in the door, which I'll move to the side to make the cuts in the door. Any tricks to accomplish this? Any hints are much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Mike6568]

I dropped the car off at the body shop last week and was happy to hear the work has begun. The shop made several comments on the high quality of the fiberglass and construction of the body. I've finally decided on a Pearl White above the body line and Charcoal within the center all in a satin clear. We matched the Charcoal to the FFR torque thrust wheel to tie it together. 26224262252622626227

[WIS89]

Mike-

She looks just great. You must be stoked that she is in for paint, huh? I think your colors will look terrific.

Have you considered a contrasting pin stripe? Perhaps a red or something else to provide some more interest -- not that you need any!

She looks terrific, and I can't wait to see her after paint. Love the attention to detail! Congratulations.

Regards,

Steve

[Mike6568]

Thank you for the compliments. It was very rewarding seeing it ready for the final stages. We did talk about a pinstripe and he is going to show me a test panel with a double pinstripe (very fine) with red and a dark silver. We have a local pin striper who does it by hand and has done some really nice work. I'm planning on making the trip to FFR for the open house as well.



Mike-

She looks just great. You must be stoked that she is in for paint, huh? I think your colors will look terrific.

Have you considered a contrasting pin stripe? Perhaps a red or something else to provide some more interest -- not that you need any!

She looks terrific, and I can't wait to see her after paint. Love the attention to detail! Congratulations.

Regards,

Steve

[erlihemi]

Mike,

After this storm and that paint job I'll bet you can't wait for spring!
I should have the stage 1 kit in a couple weeks. Good thing I didn't get it this week.
Looking good!

[Mike6568]

The "anticipated" arrival of spring is THE ONLY thing getting me thru this horrendous winter! As others have said the final steps are bitter sweet. The build is such a big part of this and that's now coming to an end. But on the bright side is a Hot Rod ever done? I couldn't have done this without the guys at FFR tech support, friends I've made here on the forum, and the supporting vendors here on the site. I'm sure on occasions when I've called Tony at FFR he's thought "Is this guy serious?" and "we should really start screening who we sell these things to" but these guys are very helpful and patient with beginners.

I will be sure to make a trip out to Owego this spring to see your progress!


Mike,

After this storm and that paint job I'll bet you can't wait for spring!
I should have the stage 1 kit in a couple weeks. Good thing I didn't get it this week.
Looking good!

[Mike6568]

Some progress photos from the body shop...WOW this is coming along. I've decided on a White Diamond Pearl in satin for the top of the car and a charcoal (custom mixed to match the center of the FFR wheel) in gloss for the bottom of the car. Pinstripe is yet to be determined, any ideas? 26934269352693626937

[H R Lucky]

Some progress photos from the body shop...WOW this is coming along. I've decided on a White Diamond Pearl in satin for the top of the car and a charcoal (custom mixed to match the center of the FFR wheel) in gloss for the bottom of the car. Pinstripe is yet to be determined, any ideas? 26934269352693626937

How about Red?

[amasciarelli21]

Classy color combo, I like the red idea also - ties your engine color to the body But I think w/ this color combo you can go from maroon to purple back to yellow and you couldn't loose.
ang

[Mike6568]

That was our first intuition. We're going to try it on the test panel. Black is the safe color, but I'd like to try red and then have the upholstery shop bring some red into the inside of the car as well.

The digital paintbooth is awesome, any chance you can remove the the engine covers and add the bike fenders (pearl white)? Not sure this is the best picture to use? 26975


How about Red?

[Mike6568]

I put in for vacation to cover the Syracuse show and the FFR Open House, these would be my first ever having a car at the event, not sure how it all works. Mike Forte offered some fine tuning if I were able to make it to Syracuse. Lots to do by then but fingers crossed.


Coming along great Mike! Maybe you can make the Syracuse car show this summer?

[erlihemi]

We should all get together at Syracuse this year. When is it? I won't have a car ready by then, but that's ok.

[Mike6568]

Let's plan on it, how many of you out there are planning on attending this years show? I know FFR has reserved a spot on their calendar. The Nationals are July 18,19, & 20th.


We should all get together at Syracuse this year. When is it? I won't have a car ready by then, but that's ok.

[erlihemi]

Must be I planned it already, Saturday was on outlook, I'll know if I can do Friday when we get closer.
27357
27358

from last years attractions...
Off to the garage...

[Mike6568]

Ok, a lot has come together in the last couple of weeks...some early pictures are attached. I decided on 2014 Toyota Blizzard Pearl for the top and a custom color to match the inner gunmetal color on the Factory Five wheel for the bottom of the car. Also got the console and waterfall completed. 297492975029751

[Boz1911]

Looks awesome!!! Console is my next step.

[WIS89]

Mike-

Looks like you are getting very close. Congratulations.

Have you decided on the pinstripe?

I'd love to see some updated pics. She looks really nice!

Regards,

Steve

[Mike6568]

I just dropped it off for the pinstripe, and we've decided on a thin burgundy. Didn't want it to pop out at you, but more subtle and add a finished look to the car. I'll post pictures this weekend of the car, hopefully.

[WIS89]

Mike-

I think a nice burgundy will look awesome! I look forward to the pics.

Regards,

Steve

[erlihemi]

looking good Mike!

[hdnik]

I dropped the car off at the body shop last week and was happy to hear the work has begun. The shop made several comments on the high quality of the fiberglass and construction of the body. I've finally decided on a Pearl White above the body line and Charcoal within the center all in a satin clear. We matched the Charcoal to the FFR torque thrust wheel to tie it together. 26224262252622626227

Mike, the car is looking fabulous. As I was re-walking through your thread, I saw that you've decided to paint the body on the car. I had thought of this as well but had resigned myself to dismantling and reassembly as this seemed to be the way. Are there any concerns going this way do you think.

[Mike6568]

Thank you!

We actually removed the body and all panels for paint. The body shop did this first to fit all panels, filler and block sanding. Once everything fit the way we liked, we marked and removed the door hinge standoff brackets and striker brackets. We left the door hardware in and only removed the shoulder bolts so that the doors would need minimal adjustment later. I was amazed at how easily it went back together, everything lined up very well.

While the body was off, we sealed the entire underneath with an epoxy primer/sealer, and sprayed a coat of truck bed liner, gave a more finished and durable finish to it.

Maybe someone who left the body on will see this and offer insight to their experience. I don't see why it couldn't be left on with the proper prepping. It certainly is tempting when you get everything fitting the way you like, not to tear it apart.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions.


Mike, the car is looking fabulous. As I was re-walking through your thread, I saw that you've decided to paint the body on the car. I had thought of this as well but had resigned myself to dismantling and reassembly as this seemed to be the way. Are there any concerns going this way do you think.

[Mike6568]

This was the first trip out this week since I got the car back from the body shop. Still some finish work to do on the interior but almost there. Hard to believe I did it!!!
2997729978299792998029981

[crspdsk8]

Looks Awesome Mike!! I just go karted mine for the 1st time this past Sunday and seeing how well yours turns out is keeping me motivated to get the car finished. I have been really busy and have not really had any time to keep my build thread updated but I have a couple quick questions.
As you know I am also running a 700r4 but I am completely lost on how to hook up the tranny to the harness for the speedometer. The part that FFR supplied is of course for a Ford and not a chevy. If you can help me with how to get what I need and how you hooked yours up would be appreciated.

Also, I really like your center console and is exactly what I was wanting to do. Do you buy that somewhere or build it yourself?

Congrats on your success in building you car!

Charles

[Mike6568]

Thanks Charles, it's been very rewarding seeing it come together. I was looking at your build pics this morning and it's looking very good, nice wheel/tire combination! I think what you're looking for is a "pulse generator" to convert the 700R4's cable port on the drivers side of the transmission to an electronic 16,000 pulse signal that the electronic speedometer can read (About $70). I started out this way and had it all wired up and working, but accidentally pulled the wires out of the unit when I removed the tranny tunnel one time during the build. If you go this route, I believe you will also need to calibrate the speedometer as well. Instead, I went with an Autometer GPS module (Part 5289) that works with the FFR gauges (plug n play), this eliminated any connection to the transmission, and no calibration. It was easy to hook up and works great.

As for the console, I had a local auto upholstery shop design and build it for the car.

[crspdsk8]

Thanks Mike for the info! The GPS route sounds like it may be the way to go. With that unit, is there an antenna that needs to be run to the outside of the car or does it all mount under the dash? I will have to look that up.

My thoughts on the counsel were that I would have to go to a shop to have one built, but just wanted to check 1st to see if there was a source who already make them to fit.

Thanks again,
Charles

[Arrowhead]

Looks great Mike! I think you did a fantastic job, I'm hoping you can get to the Syracuse show with it so I can see it in person.

[Mike6568]

Yes, there is an antenna that needs a visible sight line to the sky. Although it did seem to work laying on the console with the hardtop on. There is also a small unit that I Velcro'd behind the dash.



Thanks Mike for the info! The GPS route sounds like it may be the way to go. With that unit, is there an antenna that needs to be run to the outside of the car or does it all mount under the dash? I will have to look that up.

My thoughts on the counsel were that I would have to go to a shop to have one built, but just wanted to check 1st to see if there was a source who already make them to fit.

Thanks again,
Charles

[Mike6568]

I was planning on it but saw that it can't go in until Sunday since it is a 2013? What do you recommend?


Looks great Mike! I think you did a fantastic job, I'm hoping you can get to the Syracuse show with it so I can see it in person.

[Arrowhead]

Don't even worry about it, that is not the intent of the year cutoff. No one will hassle you about it. Heck, they even had a FFR hot rod built as the giveaway car a couple of years ago. When you register for the show, fill it out as a 1933 Ford. I've had my car there multiple times (registered 2010) and have seen others there as well.

http://www.rightcoastcars.com/images/cool_cars_and_more/2011giveaway1.JPG

[Mike6568]

Great news, I'll be there. Are you bringing your '33? Do you pick the area to park, or do they tell you where? I'll register today.


Don't even worry about it, that is not the intent of the year cutoff. No one will hassle you about it. Heck, they even had a FFR hot rod built as the giveaway car a couple of years ago. When you register for the show, fill it out as a 1933 Ford. I've had my car there multiple times (registered 2010) and have seen others there as well.

http://www.rightcoastcars.com/images/cool_cars_and_more/2011giveaway1.JPG

[Arrowhead]

You have to go to the host hotel first and get your registration packet then go over to the fairgrounds. After you go through the entry gate at the fair grounds, they will check for your window sticker and I think wrist band and flag you through. Make sure you get your window sticker filled out and on your windshield before you enter the fairgrounds (I usually put it on at the hotel). You don't want to be one of "those guys" that gets pulled over to the side while they fill out their sticker ha ha. After that, it's a free for all as far as parking. Depending on what day(s) you go most of the good spots will already be taken. If you get there late you could end up in the big parking lot which is brutal in the afternoon heat. If you can park near a building somewhere, you can at least prop up a chair and catch some shade. Don't know if you've ever been to the show, but it's pretty good size and lots of walking to see everything. Pretty sure FFR will be there too. I don't think I'll have my car out there, but I will defiantly be going out Fri or Sat or probably both.

[kraftee]

Mike and Charles,

I don't have a GPS speedo on my hot rod build, but I did install a Livorsi GPS speedo on my 18' Donzi. The GPS puck antenna will pick up just fine through fiberglass. I located mine in the boat's engine bay, siliconed to the underside of the deck. Works perfectly. Oh, and Charles, you might check with Dan Ruth about the console he sells...

ERIC

[crspdsk8]

Thanks Eric! When looking at this online, that was one of my concerns as I rather keep it under the dash and wasn't sure it would work and be reliable their.

Mike and Charles,

I don't have a GPS speedo on my hot rod build, but I did install a Livorsi GPS speedo on my 18' Donzi. The GPS puck antenna will pick up just fine through fiberglass. I located mine in the boat's engine bay, siliconed to the underside of the deck. Works perfectly. Oh, and Charles, you might check with Dan Ruth about the console he sells...

ERIC

[erlihemi]

I make it to the Syracuse Nats Occasionally... I have to sign a release from the wife stating I won't bring any more toys home though. I was banned from Carlisle one year, had withdrawal and brought home some iron from Syracuse. Last year I showed her the 33 at the show and then waited a month before signing up for the build school. She escorts me now... Ill be the guy with my hands zip tied and duct tape over my pockets :)

I plan to get there Friday, maybe Saturday. Weather dependent...

[Mike6568]

Sounds very familiar, after two years it's funny that I'm still receiving "back ordered" parts. She's gonna figure this one out sooner or later. We are going up to Syracuse on Saturday for the day, not sure if I'm going to bring the '33 this year. I'm trying to get down to the cruise-in in Vestal in a couple of weeks. Any possibility I could stop by and see your build on the way? PM me, would love to see it.


I make it to the Syracuse Nats Occasionally... I have to sign a release from the wife stating I won't bring any more toys home though. I was banned from Carlisle one year, had withdrawal and brought home some iron from Syracuse. Last year I showed her the 33 at the show and then waited a month before signing up for the build school. She escorts me now... Ill be the guy with my hands zip tied and duct tape over my pockets :)

I plan to get there Friday, maybe Saturday. Weather dependent...

[erlihemi]

After 25 years I'm out of tricks and diversions. I "redirected" her for awhile with horses, then I got her interested in grouse hunting, and now I have a pond with trout and bass for her to play with the landscaping around, but when the big brown truck shows up she still knows it's not her stuff!!

[Mike6568]

34993Well everyone it's finally finished...it's been a very busy summer but I didn't want to delay any further. I wanted to thank the following people for all of their help with this build, I could not have done this without their help. Hopefully I haven't missed anyone:

Factory Five Tech Support: Thank you for taking the time to answer all of my questions and walking me thru certain areas of the build. Hats off to everyone at FFR!
Chuck McCall: Holy Cow, this guy would answer his phone at any hour. Chuck I owe you big, and will be out in next season to visit you in Michigan.
ProTouch Autobody: For making the project all come together in the end.
Alice Kiser: My very patient wife who always let me "get out to the garage" to work on the Hot Rod! You're the BEST!

Here are a few pics, the carpet is complete in the car, but this picture is the only one I had of the console....3499134992

[erlihemi]

Congratulations Mike! Awesome Car!!

[Scot]

Congratulations! Great looking car :)

[Mike6568]

Once in a while we get a warm day in late December in upstate NY, (well what we consider warm anyway... about 50 degrees). The '33 got to stretch her legs a little bit....nothing too exciting but it was nice to hear that sound again.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMhkQ9_tSM0&feature=youtu.be

[H R Lucky]

Video won't play, says "this video is private".

[Mike6568]

I made it public now, sorry about that.


Video won't play, says "this video is private".

[erlihemi]

Sounds Nice Mike! Today I was throwing sand under the duals to get a truck past my place. You found a good window to play!

[Mike6568]

The season has officially begun...had the chance today to make it to Watkins Glen International for opening day.

This is where it gets interesting...We paid our $25 to go out on the track with a group of cars for three paced laps. I learned if you hang in the back (way behind the pace car) you can find room to open it up, anyway we finished our three laps and went and parked the car in the lot so that we could walk over to the front stretch to watch other groups complete their laps.

The parking lot was a gear heads dream, for example...several new Camaro ZL-1's and no less than 20 new Corvettes, lots of Mustangs, Challengers, Corvettes, Porsche's, Audi's, a Ferrari and many older muscle cars and street rods. A truly impressive collection of cars all in one area.

When we were walking back we noticed there was a large crowd gathered around one car, didn't think much about it until I realized they were in fact gathered around my Factory Five '33. It was extremely humbling to see so many people interested in the car I built. The compliments and questions were abundant. This was the best day of ownership by far!!!! Thank you to FFR and the FFR community for making this dream a reality. Hats off to all of you. 40764

[H R Lucky]

Kool picture Mike.

[Arrowhead]

Well that deserves a full size picture! Awesome job!

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=40764&d=1429491540

[Mike6568]

Thanks Arrowhead...much appreciated.

[erlihemi]

Awesome! Hope to be there with you next spring!! Are you planning any solo runs with the local SCCA club?