Kai-Rod's #236 Build Page

[Kai-Rod]

I have seen quite a few really nice build pages which helped me a lot with my build. I am now starting my own build page with this photo taken at Hammink Performance in the Netherlands the day that I picked my kit up. I am working with a MAC computer and still have not figured it out. So things will take a while. I have done a few things different on my Rod and hope to be able to show you some of that here soon.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWV6hAMENRI/AAAAAAAAAH8/wD9NLpz-DUI/s720/cui302%202010-08-07%20Bild%20025.JPG

[Mad Dog]

Thanks for sharing the pic! Jan and Freek at Hammink Performance are great guys. Can't wait to see more of your build. Good luck!

[geoffav]

Kai, great to see you here man. I just exchanged some messages with Freek a few days ago. Keep the pics coming and we hope to see some pics from HP too.

[Kai-Rod]

OK. More photos. These are from August 2010.

At first you need to know that this is a joint wife/husband project. My wife Kerstin is also wrenching. The only difference between the two of us is that she reads the manual and then wonders how it should work while I do not read manuals, get it wrong, wonder for a while and then somehow get it fixed.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWfvy7nfMTI/AAAAAAAAALs/yq3B3M-Tliw/s720/DSC_0065.JPG

That is our barn. Ready for the new project.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWXrsBQ2XSI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/LTGlPaQdcH4/s720/DSC_0002.JPG

And this just after the Rod moved in. We bought some real cheap carpet so that it feels more like a living room and you can get on your knees or back without getting dirty.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWXrthHwhEI/AAAAAAAAAIU/sJMX10sLYfU/s720/DSC_0007.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWXrve4PzeI/AAAAAAAAAIY/RKpATO9ZP7s/s720/DSC_0013.JPG

... more to come soon.

[Kai-Rod]

Then it was time to install the front and rear suspension. We also added some posters and other stuff to the walls.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWarhbKZb4I/AAAAAAAAAI0/b1f0hlAk8ng/s720/DSC_0030.JPG

The rear end is from a 2003 Mustang GT. Could not believe how rusty and dirty it was.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWarj68Mk3I/AAAAAAAAAI4/33zyC156ScQ/s720/DSC_0031.JPG


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWarl47JUlI/AAAAAAAAAI8/bptQRuMj7Ds/s720/DSC_0034.JPG

... more to come.

[Kai-Rod]

Rear end painted and ready to install.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWau7aQojyI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/sfIzoC00x0Q/s720/DSC_0043.JPG

Front end ready to install.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWau-AxWHAI/AAAAAAAAAJU/4YkcLwfS_Fg/s720/DSC_0038.JPG

Almost attached to the suspension.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWau_2p5z3I/AAAAAAAAAJY/RPbvcx5U33g/s720/DSC_0048.JPG

Front and rear end installed.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWavCMa7bOI/AAAAAAAAAJc/B0KBp2ExpXA/s720/DSC_0057.JPG

... more to come.

[Kai-Rod]

Suspension installed and brake installation started. Mounted the wheels for the first time.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWa33pGAP8I/AAAAAAAAAJw/UXWr55feox4/s720/DSC_0082.JPG

2nd time the body gets put in place. Many more times to come.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWa35mtpScI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/V-jrFu23lfk/s720/DSC_0086.JPG

Fire wall mocked up. Some trimming was required to make it fit the body.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWa37RHqE1I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/uuJOsqMSRec/s720/DSC_0096.JPG

... starts to look like a car. ... but way to go ...
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWa6SwWEvJI/AAAAAAAAAKM/UvY14cXi-Qw/s720/DSC_0099.JPG

... more to come.

[Kai-Rod]

Pedalbox and brake lines. For the latter you need lotsa time in order to make it look nice (even so they are more or less invisible later).

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWbC31ukrcI/AAAAAAAAAKg/HakAqyjOCkc/s512/DSC_0121.JPG


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWbC5lJrODI/AAAAAAAAAKk/bPr_n278IZU/s720/DSC_0128.JPG


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWbC7e40PkI/AAAAAAAAAKo/PSnfsVzhtvI/s720/DSC_0132.JPG


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWbC8juwNpI/AAAAAAAAAKs/qpcNfHnzp_E/s720/DSC_0133.JPG


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWbDDcbMoCI/AAAAAAAAAKw/UYRcKwDwd5A/s720/DSC_0140.JPG

... enough for today. I am too slow with this computer stuff ...

[Kai-Rod]

That's my engine and tranny combo out of a 2003 Mustang GT which some GI stationed in Germany rolled down a hill when enjoying the German country roads.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWc8cTqVtBI/AAAAAAAAALM/55DZLJo6FYE/s640/P1050159.JPG


https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWc8eq7cPrI/AAAAAAAAALQ/4ozZjpISm7k/s640/P1050163.JPG


This is the first roll out. Needed to turn the car around in order to install the engine.

The wheels are Italian made EtaBeta in size 20x9" up front and 20x10" in the rear. They are left overs from our 07 Mustang. I plan to get smaller ones for the front, but for now I am using what I have.


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWc8hayzWBI/AAAAAAAAALU/4Gtcv_7ueY4/s640/P1050173.JPG

OK. Time to go to work. More to come over the weekend.

[Kai-Rod]

Now the engine. Be prepared to install it and remove it a couple of times. So far I did it four (4) times. Guess one more time and I am done.

The biggest problem on the 4.6 2V is that the water outlet hits the suspension. I had mine cut and re-welded in a different angle. I also had to relocate the oil filter. At first there is no room for a normal size filter and at second you could never get to t when the body and side panels are on.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWfxmz0CrqI/AAAAAAAAAMA/kgPq6iBZw2E/s720/DSC_0002.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWfxo_NZhgI/AAAAAAAAAME/wxnVQsXardw/s720/DSC_0003.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWfxrQMRXcI/AAAAAAAAAMI/E3ehfw_sjUw/s720/DSC_0006.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWfxtpWz07I/AAAAAAAAAMM/6AvLyl6kb_8/s720/DSC_0008.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWfxv9OGQyI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/0Zh_NKwNsDU/s720/DSC_0023.JPG

[geoffav]

Great pics.

[Kai-Rod]

Now a couple of details. First the prep and the mounting (actually just holding) the grill and radiator. Everything fits OK, but things are tight. Certainly we also realized that the grill shell has this raised eye brow on the driver side. I think it is pretty bad as you can see it right away. Not sure if and what I will do against it. Guess it is lotsa work to fix that problem.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWi3X225a4I/AAAAAAAAAMo/zM_PhwNVXSI/s720/DSC_0034.JPG


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWi3aMDTROI/AAAAAAAAAMs/MyGB3h1YODU/s720/DSC_0037.JPG

Here you can see my already cut water outlet and the short oil filter that even does not fit as the motor mount is in the way. Only solution is a relocation kit. I got the cheapest one from TransDapt and mounted my filter low on the fire wall driver side. The hoses (not the best looking ones) have the correct length and the filter can easily be reached from below.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWi3bHU1TAI/AAAAAAAAAMw/a4QM5CdyM68/s720/DSC_0041.JPG

This is the angle the water pipe needs to be welded back together. I also shortened the whole thing.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWi3cQsYciI/AAAAAAAAAM0/KEQnZMQjLJ0/s720/DSC_0045.JPG

And now two pics after the welding. Looks great I think. One reason for that is because I did not do the welding, but a profi welder.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWi68MaIqmI/AAAAAAAAANM/df1DAXOyq-c/s720/DSC_0091.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWi682WtOQI/AAAAAAAAANQ/c2QWcoxlwjY/s720/DSC_0092.JPG

Here you can see the front of the engine. I got the A/C delete from Ford, but the pulley was too large. I also have the P/S delete from a great guy in CT who has a very nice FFR Roadster and did not need the delete anymore. As far as I figured it out the delete is not available anymore. Guess now one needs to make its own. Coming back to the passenger side, I also exchanged the other small pulley as the belt touched the frame. I just went to NAPA and bought the smallest available pulley and luckily it works great with enough clearance. When time allows I might re-address the pulley / belt thing and try to eliminate a few to make the belt shorter.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWi3d5-AMeI/AAAAAAAAAM4/yPR0l5sHzKU/s720/DSC_0044.JPG

... more to come.

[Kai-Rod]

We had first planned to use different reservoirs for the brakes, but then decided to mount the stock ones. Everything can be mounted pretty easily.

Also in the picture is my idea about reducing the fire wall flex. Quite simple. Just an aluminum bar. Let's if this works.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWlWFmCUoWI/AAAAAAAAANc/flS89SxQww8/s720/DSC_0086.JPG

... more to come.

[Kai-Rod]

This photo was taken in November 10. Just before the snow hit. This is what I would see when I look out of my bedroom window when the barn door is open.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWlXrF1PXcI/AAAAAAAAANw/wr8UQterpg4/s720/DSC_0105.JPG

[Kai-Rod]

Here is the heater. We have used the one that FFR offers for the Roadster. The whole things needs to go behind the dash (different to the Roadster where half sits in the engine compartment). I have made my own mounts. The fan sucks the air from the engine compartment thru this neat little home made billet grill and the 3" flex hose.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWlafHiDY1I/AAAAAAAAAOE/GI47NBQrH3o/s640/P1050328.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWlajeDAJsI/AAAAAAAAAOI/1b6Yc1IKr5c/s640/P1050329.JPG

[Kai-Rod]

Now we are in December 2010. Worst snow since 20 years. It blew under the door into the barn. No reason not to continue the project. Just a few more layers of clothing needed.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWlcqFIkjAI/AAAAAAAAAOc/b120AN91YFc/s640/P1050299.JPG

Now it was time for the exhaust. Not an easy thing when you want to use two cats on each side and then a muffler behind it. I also use all four O2 sensors.

The cats are from NAPA. Just bought the replacement units they have for the same years my engine is from (2003).

I wanted the pre-cats as close as possible to the down pipes. So I went inwards with a slight angle towards the tranny.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWlcu6pv0JI/AAAAAAAAAOg/GAHv8gotEFo/s640/P1050271.JPG

Then I went thru the frame. Pretty tight. I had to grind a little away from the tranny mount. I also hammered the pipes (all 2 1/4") a bit in order to get a little clearance.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWlc1TGF66I/AAAAAAAAAOk/DBb21m9Uw6M/s640/P1050273.JPG

Then cam the main cat and another 45 degree angle in order to get thru the frame again.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWlc71eL-AI/AAAAAAAAAOo/KZBtzTEwvts/s640/P1050276.JPG

Both side are equal by a few millimeter. This takes lotsa time. Believe me.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWldDKgXHXI/AAAAAAAAAOs/GnKCppI_bOw/s640/P1050285.JPG

The exhaust hangar is home made using poly bushings (actually shock eye bushings cut in half and massaged a little bit).

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWlfrNGoyeI/AAAAAAAAAPI/fanBsq4U9YE/s640/P1050323.JPG

[Kai-Rod]

Night shift in January 2011 after the snow has gone.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWliUfT9usI/AAAAAAAAAPg/BfStIbiwmdM/s720/DSC_0401.JPG

Here is a shot of the oil filter relocation kit I mentioned before. It clears the steering nicely. Might change the hoses later for nice braided ones.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWliYcRlObI/AAAAAAAAAPk/43j4bwgBRm4/s640/P1050332.JPG

Here you can see the routing of the radiator hoses. I might change the hose clamps to some better ones later.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWlidS5CdtI/AAAAAAAAAPo/2GB4CVzX0Xc/s640/P1050349.JPG

Bought a Spectre cold air kit for a 2003 Mustang so that I have something in order to get the engine running. It sure won't fit the car like this. Hope that cutting the main pipe somewhere near the oil filler cap and adding another 45 degree bend will bring the air filter someplace between engine and radiator.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWlirhsp-GI/AAAAAAAAAP4/Q2PxMufZ0O0/s640/P1050395.JPG

[Kai-Rod]

I decided to go the The Detail Zone Telorvek Panel route for my engine wiring. First looked at the Wire Diet, but since I did not have a complete original wiring loom and also had some damaged parts I decided against it.

Here I am building a box for the panel to put into the trunk.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWlihFBXkHI/AAAAAAAAAPs/aOrb6VNfOW0/s640/P1050372.JPG

I have two holes each side with grommets (not yet installed here) in the left and right panels.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWlikEFI0dI/AAAAAAAAAPw/R2Cdu7R4eBY/s640/P1050375.JPG

And that is how it sits in the trunk. I have again two holes each side with grommets in the trunk side panels.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWlinfvIftI/AAAAAAAAAP0/WHJMmgayYHM/s640/P1050383.JPG

[Kai-Rod]

February 2011. Time to complete the exhaust. I used Magnaflow 4" round mufflers after I made many different mufflers out of card board just to find out that nothing would fit. Except these Magnaflows. Hope they are not too noisy. Don't get me wrong. I love noisy cars, but the German inspection people don't.

I then went over the axle, down left and right of the rear end cover (changed to a nice one from Trickflow) and then out the rear. Exhaust tips are yet to be selected. Right now I think two twins would look kinda cool.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWlqdTQ0rNI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/9mJJuThpb7g/s640/P1050440.JPG

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https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWlqu5VUPcI/AAAAAAAAAQY/AuGODUUKu6U/s640/P1050439.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWlqzjoTL-I/AAAAAAAAAQc/9wk4izQlK9Q/s640/P1050438.JPG

[Kai-Rod]

Can't use the stock taillights since we must have yellow turn signals. We also need a rear fog light and back up lights.

Here's a few paper taillights based on Hella units. We will probably go with the two small ones and then add the rear fog light and back up lights somewhere under the license plate.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWlvexQkRoI/AAAAAAAAARI/rVScSMMhsEo/s640/P1050454.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWlviXkg8hI/AAAAAAAAARM/tbcSkeVKN-M/s640/P1050455.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWlvlwN8ooI/AAAAAAAAARQ/M6B8rsq_Vco/s640/P1050443.JPG

We are also playing around with the dash. Again using paper. This is our current favorite.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWlvoNapNHI/AAAAAAAAARU/wY7FaYvzYEo/s640/P1050450.JPG

[Kai-Rod]

Done. Now we are current. These photos were taken today.

See the mini dashboard with just the ignition switch ?

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWlyJmdeqwI/AAAAAAAAARo/dKLpFWsjWuE/s640/P1050463.JPG

Here as close look. I wired the starter as well as the battery cable, turned the key and the engine turned over. Wow. The first small part of the electrical system is working.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWlyNb8PSaI/AAAAAAAAARs/DJRWaVMtXRs/s640/P1050458.JPG

OMG. This is still a major chaos. Plan is to attach all cables, run the engine and the re-do the whole wiring to make it look good.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TWlyRhPn7QI/AAAAAAAAARw/1T5z-dgcBg4/s640/P1050459.JPG

... now my thread is current. Good night !

[Jason Lavigne]

Kai - it's looking great!! Nice to see all of the details of your progress, particularly w/respect to getting it on the street in Germany.

Beste Gruesse aus Wareham,

Jason @ FFR

[Kai-Rod]

We just got back from two great weeks in the US. Flew to LAX, drove to Las Vegas, spent three days at the NASCAR event (Ford won with Carl Edwards - Great !), took an RV and drove to Phoenix for three days at the Goodguys event in Scottsdale, took the RV back to LA and spent the two last days right on the beach in Huntington Beach, our favorite town.

I bought the correct MAF for my engine, completed the provisional wiring, attached the battery, turned the key and it fired right up and idled like a new car. I started it a couple of times and let it run just a few seconds as I have no water in it. I also have no gauges whatsoever and have not clue if I have oil pressure or anything. Now I will educate me a little bit about the SCT Programmer I have got to read out te failure codes.

Here's another photo of the completed chaos called engine wiring. Plan is to add water and let it run a little bit before I remove all the wiring and start all over again making it look good.

What a great day !!!

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TYTczCAoiCI/AAAAAAAAAUI/JPwqdBIYuRE/s640/P1050739.JPG

[68GT500MAN]

Thanks for posting all of the progress photo's. It looks like your build is comming along nicely.
Doug

[Kai-Rod]

Thanx Doug ... and also Thanx Jason .... it is always rewarding to get a thumbs up from you guys.

Now the fun starts (and I mean it) to tidy the cables. Hope to get this done over the next week or so.

[PhyrraM]

Great build! Sounds like you had a fun trip too.

[geoffav]

I just got around to looking at the whole thread. Wow, some very creative solutions. Keep the pics coming it looks awesome.

[thebeerbaron]

Thanx Doug ... and also Thanx Jason .... it is always rewarding to get a thumbs up from you guys.

Now the fun starts (and I mean it) to tidy the cables. Hope to get this done over the next week or so.
Fun build! I do not envy you the task of getting the thing road inspected though...

Maybe it's a bit late for this, but I thought this article (http://www.motoiq.com/magazine_articles/articletype/articleview/articleid/1706/pageid/2642/project-miatabusa-part-6--the-wiring-job-from-heck.aspx) was a brilliant way of creating a wiring harness. Basically use some wire or vacuum hose to determine the routing and length of your harness, then attach that to pegboard. Use the wire or hose as a guide for your actual wires, and use the pegboard to keep it all coherent as you go along.

Good luck!

[Kai-Rod]

OK. Now all the wiring is removed and I just removed the complete exhaust. See all the parts in below photo. All parts will be ceramic coated. I will also have the bottom of the floor pans and the trunk panel.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TYkAaxp_jXI/AAAAAAAAAUk/MXrcYyNMZPM/s640/P1050748.JPG

[foreyes]

Thanks for the updates. It's an interesting build. I am following it from Chicago, IL.

[Kai-Rod]

Spring is arriving and there was a lot to do other than working on the car. Changed the tires on the 07 Mustang. Yes, we have real snow tires mounted to the original 18" wheels. Now we are rolling on the 20" American Racings wrapped in Dunlops.

I did drill all the aluminum floor panels and now they are ready for ceramic coating on the under side. Hope this will help to keep the heat created by the cats away from my legs and butt.

Next will be there wiring. Need to do some additions to my trunk mounted engine control box.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TZALK1ytN-I/AAAAAAAAAVA/VlWsRJhD_MI/s640/P1050750.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TZALMg5sZ5I/AAAAAAAAAVE/l_DmonsNM1U/s640/P1050752.JPG

[Tom Veale]

Thanks Kai, This is a great tutorial you are creating. We've just finished melting the most recent snow here in Wisconsin, so my car is still hibernating. I put the battery charger on it yesterday and now am awaiting a really good April Shower to rinse the residual salt off the roads so that #007 can come out and play. I have a bit over 5000 km on my car so far. You're going to enjoy the car once finished and ready for the autobahn.

Best of luck,
Tom

[Kai-Rod]

Its been a while since my last post. Not that I did not do anything, but there was not much to talk about. Just a bunch of little time consuming jobs.

Now I have my exhaust and the floor pans back from the ceramic coating. Main point was to get the heat under control. They choose a flat black coat for the exhaust parts and a flat silver for the floor boards saying that this should work the best.

Put the exhaust back in yesterday and did a couple of wiring jobs today. Had hoped I could get the trunk panels in, but broke three (3) drill bits and then drilled right thru my left thumb when the first bit broke. Bad luck, but I am OK.

Here's all the coated parts.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/Tc-LGUzrtfI/AAAAAAAAAWw/GcsK0wvodoU/s640/P1050898.JPG

Here are the Magnaflow mufflers and all the mounting hardware.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/Tc-LEM0pg8I/AAAAAAAAAWs/UikPRiSVQ0c/s640/P1050902.JPG

All in the car. Hope I have enough clearance. It is all very tight.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/Tc-LIiHoi-I/AAAAAAAAAWw/OcstHACzviA/s640/P1050926.JPG

Now I just need to select the tail pipes. I want two twins. My wife thinks two singles are enough.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/Tc-LMpMBSLI/AAAAAAAAAWw/SlrPdsW4wqQ/s640/P1050929.JPG

One of the rear O2 Sensors. Used some fire proof cable shield where the wires go over the exhaust pipe.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/Tc-LKnNSmII/AAAAAAAAAWw/bd4wvGmBNPQ/s640/P1050932.JPG

The trunk floor is coated, but the trunk rear is not. Wanted all coated that is close to the exhaust.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/Tc-LOjKNROI/AAAAAAAAAWw/H3ZXFLI0Qaw/s640/P1050933.JPG

More details to come in a moment ...

[Kai-Rod]

30 Old School BMW V12 powered Ford Coupe of a friend visited yesterday. Very cool ride and all home made with a million of cool details.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/Tc-LCHIDCwI/AAAAAAAAAWs/fMoKyRX2VyQ/s512/P1050918.JPG

[Kai-Rod]

My lower control arm dust boots are completely wasted. And this after less than a year. Read on the other forum that others had the same and that there is a replacement. Hope that that parts lasts longer.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TdCxerZRHDI/AAAAAAAAAXE/cJsiIIKN5bc/s640/P1050942.JPG

My Spectre Cold Air Intake was sticking out the side badly. I had used the one which was designed for the 2003 Mustang (from which I had the motor). I know bought a 90 degree turn, a 6" long straight pipe as well as a 22 degree turn. The latter may have to be replace by a 45 or so. Need to see how the hood and the side panels will clear this. May be it s good enough.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TdCxgxzlGzI/AAAAAAAAAXI/LuEk6QoIJXk/s640/P1050941.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TdCxo-juXeI/AAAAAAAAAXY/7eq2jxW8I6Y/s640/P1050940.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TdCxixNNiGI/AAAAAAAAAXM/e1ZxM0XfpPc/s512/P1050936.JPG

I have drilled and tapped a 1/8" NPT next to the water neck for the temp sender for the Classic Instrument gauges I will use.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TdCxk83qEkI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/kCQLj1_u7rU/s640/P1050938.JPG

Here you can see that the oil pressure sender for the Classic Instrument gauges fit nicely with plenty of clearance.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_9r_CmT_xNk4/TdCxm4GLGxI/AAAAAAAAAXU/N2DsamApyZE/s640/P1050939.JPG

More to come the next days. Need to get new drill bits and maybe a metal glove in order to keep my fingers safe.

[MPTech]

Very cool Kai, thanks for sharing your pics and build with us!
Keep up the good work!

[Kai-Rod]

Now that the exhaust is back in it was time to do the final wiring of my motor electronics. First I covered the area with some heat and sound insulation.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6nA0NXuqyQY/TdnfcRL7jKI/AAAAAAAAAY0/hmdjDSa9Wcw/s640/P1050947.JPG

Then I put my aluminum box back in and fixed with two bolts.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WCGydXZGBKk/TdnfeD-ZPJI/AAAAAAAAAY4/XdVjdjdS2cM/s640/P1050948.JPG

Then I bolted my Telvorek panel and my ECM in place.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rCoL_veE6vk/TdnffwKLUSI/AAAAAAAAAY8/e8sKNMput_I/s640/P1050953.JPG

And this what it looked like after a couple of hours of wiring. I did run every wire with a small loop just in case I need a few inches of wire later.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8OhcfXCFm5Y/Tdnfho39rkI/AAAAAAAAAZA/6U4L0oLAm_E/s640/P1050957.JPG

And a close look at the panel.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9Uzbe1fI2gg/TdnfkSM9FxI/AAAAAAAAAZE/kWXFjOloZJk/s640/P1050958.JPG

Another close look at the fuel pump relay and fuse as well as three distribution bars I have for ground, battery 12V as well as 12V from the ignition switch.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kml9T-GNqwA/TdnfmCKZMoI/AAAAAAAAAZI/e86KRuM3VV4/s640/P1050960.JPG

And the best: it worked right away. Turned the key and the engine started like a new car. Love it !

More in a moment.

[Kai-Rod]

One view from distance showing the trunk mounted electronic box.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-V-dbMf3HChA/TdnfoaL3KNI/AAAAAAAAAZM/pZLuFVKL1hc/s640/P1050962.JPG

We will not be using the Autometer gauges. We got a three gauge set from Classic Instruments with a Kph Speedo, a Tach and a Quad. In order to provisionally mount the I made a little dashboard out of an aluminum sheet.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mrqOVhdNe3E/TeP7-i7NZ-I/AAAAAAAAAZo/kQCMzZbJVoM/s640/P1050964.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MQ06r2lZaPY/TeP8AoeS2jI/AAAAAAAAAZs/qMyl9fa0HVI/s640/P1050966.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SjDc8iidkb0/TeP8CWPIGUI/AAAAAAAAAZw/IxpHFRb7L3s/s640/P1050967.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--bemNt1EaUk/TeP8EEkO2MI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/Fd2uLKX-6bU/s640/P1050969.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MWWoMjpew4Y/TeP8HQqzRNI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/5M15r_tKGXU/s640/P1050974.JPG

The Tach is not yet working. Need one of the adapter boxes like the one from Autometer. It's on my wish list at Summit Racing for my next order.

Now that I had oil pressure as well as water temp I ran the engine and changed the water a couple times before I will be filling the system with anti freeze / water mix.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XZl426eMIfo/TeP8KDB6ZfI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/Sz0UqdvFcLM/s640/P1050981.JPG

... more in a moment.

[Kai-Rod]

I was wondering about fitting a battery from the beginning. For sure it had to be small. Much less tall than the Optima suggested by FFR. So after some feedback from other builders I got me one of these tiny Odyssey batteries. I build a little tray out of aluminum so that it cannot slide left / right. The stock hold down fixes it front / rear OK. Now since the battery cable supplied is too short to reach the battery I made a small aluminum panel to mount a cut off switch for the battery.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IrTgiPjhNO8/TeuywZk8ldI/AAAAAAAAAak/oMzGuVEdlvU/s640/P1050989.JPG

Next I started to rivet the floor boards (both sides ceramic coated to keep the heat from the cats away as much as possible).

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BVBPWgclGfo/TeuyzaWzckI/AAAAAAAAAao/QCVEVMOfgrw/s640/P1050996.JPG

The big gaps I covered with a gum type permanent flexible stuff I got here in Germany. The smaller gaps and all seems I closed with automotive silicon.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VRAEGqzPESA/Teuy1-ajIqI/AAAAAAAAAas/UFwlOJJm78I/s640/P1060002.JPG

Then we put a layer of noise and heat insulation onto the floor. We'll see if this is good enough or if we need to add some more over the area where we have the cats under the floor.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PchgEugXlDA/Teuy4je7VTI/AAAAAAAAAaw/5FFuVHfYZUI/s640/P1060008.JPG

... and now I am fighting the tranny cover. Hope to figure this out over the next couple of days.

And now I am watching NASCAR ! I am a 99 fan ...

[Kai-Rod]

The past couple of weeks I was busy with many different details on the 33 and finally went go carting this weekend. Before I show you this here are more details of what I did before.

My tranny cover needed plenty of cutting and will need a lot of new fiberglass. One of the bolts on the side of my Tremec hit the cover. As did the vent of the tranny. Also the shifter did not clear at all. The latter required a big hole.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GsUG53sAir4/Te0oub1sFsI/AAAAAAAAAbE/F6obsTCFGS0/s640/P1060034.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iA_9eF7Tcww/TiMkM1bIc4I/AAAAAAAAAc0/dFjxbcpevw4/s640/P1060066.JPG

Time for some cutting. First the tail lights. We decided against three and will go with just two round HELLA lights with regular bulbs. Just looks so much better than LEDs we think. The two fit nicely into the place where the LEDs were to go.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uMTSlznmGnU/ThaEC-Mw1iI/AAAAAAAAAbo/kksPplSekcc/s640/P1060108.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sAYd00wvPO0/TiMju9pSiGI/AAAAAAAAAcY/MZRJmxOJz4I/s640/P1060125.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OVuu5ASmfjQ/TiMjyaAqz_I/AAAAAAAAAcc/Cbu-pgtLeGU/s640/P1060127.JPG

I also cut the access hole for the brake reservoirs. And when we put the body back on I realized that my reservoirs were mounted too high and about a couple tenth of an inch too far to the centre of the car. A new bracket was needed. Another two hours went by.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9Ssb0YHyQ7o/TiMj6LIGFCI/AAAAAAAAAck/MpAtH_NpaJQ/s640/P1060097.JPG

... more to come.

[Kai-Rod]

I also worked a bit more on the wiring and tried all lights. Having the turn signals in the head lights is kinda nice, but not legal in Germany. I will have to change to different lights and will use small motor cycle style mini blinkers in the front.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DCeeM7Eaeng/TiMj2S9OpYI/AAAAAAAAAcg/pyfmw7tJ9Fc/s640/P1060123.JPG

I taped the water fall in place to see where the seats will go. I am using the seat tracks on the driver side as my wife also wants to drive and she is not that tall at all. The tracks will also raise the seat by more than an inch and I also raised the passenger side seat by that much.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xqUTLW6oVEw/TiMkJGDlR1I/AAAAAAAAAcw/HmfPbDsEpmE/s640/P1060115.JPG

Here is a mock up of my 3 point automatic belts I plan to use. I will have to use the roll bar for the upper mounting. Safety first.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-T4nIvltyAJ0/TiMkE-GPduI/AAAAAAAAAcs/hSv-buUuAeU/s512/P1060086.JPG

I made a mini dash board for the switches to mount below the fiberglas dash which I will only have my three Classic Instruments gauges mounted in. This one here is just a first preliminary version. I will make another one later when I have my final switches selected.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3wat8ut868A/TiMkAUeQhzI/AAAAAAAAAco/47mPu_3hqYE/s640/P1060092.JPG

... more to come.

[geoffav]

Do you plan to have the switches hidden? I like the idea of not seeing the light, wiper, and key switches. Kyle has a neat panel below his seat that's cool too.

[Kai-Rod]

Not sure how I will have the final version, but for now I at least do not have to drill more holes into my fiberglass. With the driver seat on tracks it is not easy to have a panel there unless you want it to move with the seat back and forth.

[Kai-Rod]

Here you can see my small panel under the dash and a paper version of the gauge size I am using. I tried various positions and decided to center it from all side (left/right and top/bottom). Holes are in, but the gauges are still in the box.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y_kVzXIOY68/TiRZFwZXp4I/AAAAAAAAAds/vHIFHqBlpyQ/s640/P1060130.JPG

... more to come.

[Dave Smith]

I dont get to vote for HR Pic of the Month, but if I did, THAT photo of the rod in the garage with the lights on would be my pick. I have to go back and read the entire post here, but AWESOME job!

[Gumball]

What a cool post - I love the attention to detail and the fact that this Hot Rod, as well as the pick-up and the convertible Mustang, are prowling the roads in Deutschland. Viel Gluck!

[Kai-Rod]

Thanx Dave and Chris. Appreciate your comments. This project is great fun !

[Kai-Rod]

... and finally I was able to go cart a little bit last Saturday. My drive way is short and I cannot drive "out of the door" as I live right on our main street and driving like this is a total NO GO !

I needed a little time to get used to the clutch before I finally left the garage for my first little brake test. Then I did 3 trips to the gate a back. Wish I had more room to shift into 2nd.

Hope the link works OK for you. If not, then let me know.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrVFYwRMbus&feature=player_detailpage

[David Hodgkins]

I especially like the parts at :55 and 1:20.

Looking - and sounding - REALLY good!

:)

[Kai-Rod]

Another week went by and more progress. Let's start with a shot of the car after the go cart ride Saturday a week ago.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FQveDEqopqI/TiMjrdXTFNI/AAAAAAAAAcU/KhWKIQ36gHU/s640/P1060142.JPG

On Sunday I tried to figure out how to attach my 2003 Mustang E-brake cables to the E-Brake lever. I just saw no way and started to make my own bracket.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Q0JwMvNT2w/TiMjafgqx0I/AAAAAAAAAcE/IWC1ltWgb1o/s640/P1060149.JPG

Here you see the still raw piece mounted to the frame. It works perfect. In the mean time it is painted black to match the chassis. Done. It did cost me a day and made me lay flat on the floor under the car at least 20 times.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-S3XWNfiNJCU/TiMjdQJnj9I/AAAAAAAAAcI/D9vSNd8On3A/s640/P1060152.JPG

Next I modified the pedal box bracket to allow mounting the Wilwood brake bias adjuster. Just need to find a place to mount the knob and then cut the cable.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RoJvG4_XrtM/TiMjmKEgG_I/AAAAAAAAAcQ/bpPac7xTQFU/s640/P1060147.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yQJsEZh6w6A/TiMjhVTVg1I/AAAAAAAAAcM/euajW3OV_ng/s640/P1060146.JPG

... more to come.

[Kai-Rod]

Next was to get the trans cover done so that I have all holes closed. I bought me a started kit from an online store with various resins, hardener, gel coat, color, etc etc. I also bought a book, but it arrived when I was done with this little job here which is hidden anyway. Guess I will have to do more fibre glass work later and can use the technics from the book.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZA2jopXwNGs/TisbKN0GizI/AAAAAAAAAeE/5gS_FAZi5xM/s512/P1060160.JPG

I had a hole saw which had the perfect diameter for the shifter. See yourself. I did cover it with one more layer colored resin and now it is almost completely black. Does not matter in the end as it will be covered with heat insulation and carpet.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Icd8Ktq69qM/TisbMVtYoyI/AAAAAAAAAeI/b0AZ4QzOsCA/s640/P1060162.JPG

First car wash, but with body off. I did sand the joints in the body. Now it is ready for a first coat of epoxy primer which I will spray before I start the bondo and sanding work.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0-5z7E3o8NM/TisbPFAp-tI/AAAAAAAAAeM/UyelOx-mRK4/s640/P1060165.JPG

... later.

[Kai-Rod]

Body is now on again and I bolted it up except for the fire wall. Not sure what I do here, but for sure no rivets.

Played around with a set of steelies from my Galaxie. Might get me a set of 16s or 17s with modern rubber so that I can swap between the modern 20s and the old school look.

The ones I used here did not clear the front original FFR brakes. Guess later year 15s will, but these here were made for drum brakes and barely clear the Stainless Brakes I have for the Galaxie.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WsFPWFDa2xo/TisbQ8DRPLI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/fcNodFsEDq8/s640/P1060167.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-R8ejUaQbxx4/TisbSyQ38lI/AAAAAAAAAeU/KNN868Kcmwo/s512/P1060168.JPG

OK. Now I will go to the garage and see what is next ...

[Gollum]

Those steelies look great!

Keep up the excellent work. Oh, and I really love the seat warmers. :cool: I was very glad reading through all this to see that you ceramic coated everything to fight out the heat. My gut tells me that long hauls might still get a little toasty.

[5speed]

Fantastic thread Kai. Your attention to detail and fabrication skills are amazing.

[Kai-Rod]

.... have not posted for a couple of weeks, but did make some progress.

At first one frustrating issue. I have found out that I have two same passenger side inner door frames, but no driver side. It is always a good idea to make a full inventory when receiving the kit, but I guess you just won't find all issues. Especially because you don't know what some parts are looking like.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aH5j6lkqpAg/TisbUnys22I/AAAAAAAAAeY/RPJJOaViYio/s640/P1060171.JPG

Here you see what I did with the trunk side panels. In order to get the body off easily I cut them in two pieces. The lower section needs to be removable.

Passenger side before I bolted the lower section in. I had to make this piece out of a new sheet of aluminum as mine was a bit short.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G4-bfs_U3LY/TkQyF7AfxVI/AAAAAAAAAe0/ZbQdPkjbzLg/s640/P1060184.JPG

Driver side with the original cut off piece bolted in:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ceeDDZ9ELws/TkQyHTnyZoI/AAAAAAAAAe4/jznJ1C-CTHo/s640/P1060185.JPG

Now it was time to fit the rear wall of my self made box housing the engine electronics. I wanted it to fit perfectly between the trunk side panels. That's why I waited until they were done.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MEPa4U67VVE/TmPEiikSYMI/AAAAAAAAAfY/Yq1b4PRUQZQ/s640/P1060202.JPG

The lid is attached with just two small screws in the middle. I still need to find and fit a gasket.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ar2tnyLubpY/TmPEkbbLM_I/AAAAAAAAAfc/SQnnX0-VSeo/s640/P1060203.JPG

... more to come.

[Kai-Rod]

Next was fitting the waterfall. I fixed it with seven (7) rivet nuts around the top. I have not yet fitted the sides or the lower corners. I will wait with that until I can do my doors.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5yJVOo9h2Mg/TmPEnrGYwhI/AAAAAAAAAfg/WF4TlrD1-HY/s640/P1060204.JPG

I have also fitted the tranny cover. For now I have two bolts each side to the floor and one to the firewall. I have used some of the half moon gaskets. Not sure if this is water tight yet.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OwntW9cZBQM/TmPErYuYTHI/AAAAAAAAAfk/R01NYogwrqQ/s640/P1060205.JPG

[Kai-Rod]

What is a build without a party every once in a while. Had my 2011 party just a week ago. Many good friends showed up. One photo shows Roger's V12 powered coupe.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1WsxMOt5pZk/TmPExAtTRdI/AAAAAAAAAfo/NOBiu9ktle0/s640/P1060206.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ljY2vMDUhZM/TmPE0cyo7gI/AAAAAAAAAfs/eF6zzz6ctY0/s640/P1060208.JPG

Thought this is a good shot, too. In the fore ground my LED lighted weissbeer glass (pretty cool, eeh ?) and in the back my 33.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dmUd_paIADo/TmPE2YjdP8I/AAAAAAAAAfw/q6HZNLWo6c4/s640/P1060212.JPG

... more to come.

[Kai-Rod]

Here I have fitted the 3-link cover. For some reason it did not fit the way it came and I had to had some material to fill the gaps. The angles were just not right.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MAsoMWDnl78/TmPE45ek16I/AAAAAAAAAf0/o_XAZpVGOiQ/s640/P1060215.JPG

Next is the roll bar ...

[Kai-Rod]

Here is how I did the roll bar. I have seen this "card board process" on another build page.

First I cut two pieces of card board and added holes the size of the roll bar diameter. I fitted them together with the roll bar and taped the card board to the body.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_vCh1jzMtks/TmPE8XAy98I/AAAAAAAAAf4/SrZG8GSvAyg/s640/P1060218.JPG

With card board in place I removed the roll bar and marked the water fall thru the holes in the card board.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hcllYAWA9tg/TmPE_BRQl8I/AAAAAAAAAf8/ah-MyXKRg2E/s640/P1060220.JPG

I then cut the holes.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Qv3iafHuNIA/TmPFDJ8VhpI/AAAAAAAAAgA/6zftPOg4tiQ/s640/P1060221.JPG

Pretty good result I think. Just a little trimming needed.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Fg2IrrZuqMc/TmPFGrS67bI/AAAAAAAAAgE/FSGpvHPwMTo/s640/P1060222.JPG

And this is what it looks like with the roll bar in place.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-u19VfhoL3Ws/TmPFJima-2I/AAAAAAAAAgI/h4izZ19JTE0/s640/P1060224.JPG

Next is trial fit 3-point automatic seat belts.

[jjm]

Great build page...looks like a nice ride...good job, especially from across the pond!

[Kai-Rod]

Have not added any photos and news since quite some time. On one hand I was handicapped because I was waiting for the doorframe and it took a couple of month to get the parts needed to work with the later model frame. And on the other hand I got a bit lazy and I was also traveling a bit. Anyway, I spend this past Saturday in the garage and will now add a couple of photos.

[Kai-Rod]

OK. Let's get started with what happened the past couple of month.

Here I did a mock-up of the upper seat belt mount. I have to have belts and I cannot use the one in the kit as they are not legal here. My wife also hates the static belts which will not allow any movement. So the plan called for 3-way automatic belts which I just bought and installed in my 54 F100. I now got me a similar set for the 33.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TH0td8wktXI/TmPFVwHV7zI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/ytxWracqBug/s512/P1060226.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sQ1OexM5mDM/TmPFZrnffQI/AAAAAAAAAgU/p0a8s8g0VFk/s640/P1060227.JPG

The lower point with the reel uses the original mounting tab. Same for the side with the lock.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QcNGUIN20Qk/TmPFfjwPjyI/AAAAAAAAAgg/cpr_2ekU0kg/s512/P1060233.JPG

The belts I used for the mock-up were those I got for the truck. Now that I knew how this would work I worked my truck and ordered two belts for the 33.

Next was making a bracket for my rear fog light and my back up light. Both are needed in Germany. I made me a bracket which would then also hold the license plate.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZBP912Yp3MQ/TmPFbksxlfI/AAAAAAAAAgY/n-9ZB-SdH58/s640/P1060229.JPG

This is how it looks mounted to the car. Since the lights are very close to the trunk floor and moved a bit back, they are almost invisible when you walk around the car. Just like I wanted it.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HOwvCfQchsM/TmPFhgEs-8I/AAAAAAAAAgk/Z6p6ce2TalE/s640/P1060239.JPG

[Kai-Rod]

Next I try fitted the hardtop. Looks good, doesn't it ?

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2kzCG0M4hus/TmPFjXCGs1I/AAAAAAAAAgo/4_5fIg-D6hE/s640/P1060246.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nhsUXiNJpvQ/TmPFlRM7LeI/AAAAAAAAAgs/bQvgsuB9GLY/s640/P1060255.JPG

Trying to square it is close to impossible. You need to accept a compromise.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x1b60cfiI6Q/TnY9wr96AAI/AAAAAAAAAhc/9O9T2bl5GMc/s512/P1060259.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_fys-DeAYRY/TmUXwUXYqdI/AAAAAAAAAg8/3DdZPPAO6v4/s512/P1060258.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lAOZr0xE29g/TmUXx3ZK3gI/AAAAAAAAAhA/BcFpXcm6ysQ/s512/P1060259.JPG

The cowl on my body is not square either as you can see from these photos.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bNODcEPobrg/Tme5GzQsKYI/AAAAAAAAAhM/QZksR8XdKNg/s640/P1060268.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XyG877w4eis/Tme5IpepsyI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/T4p8mVYFfk8/s640/P1060269.JPG

More to come ...

[Kai-Rod]

Don't worry. I did not die. I was just a bit slow on the build and the last couple of month I just did not find the time to post the news here. I will try to catch up to where I am now.

Next its time to drill the access holes for the top mounting.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v_IaIK2q0f4/TneDhfdTk6I/AAAAAAAAAhk/Z3yCZZZ2fP8/s640/P1060263.JPG

Be careful when choosing the right size drill. If your hoe is too small or too big then the covers won't fit.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pa-ICXOjmLA/TneDkcfx7WI/AAAAAAAAAho/q-WkWRl5iOg/s640/P1060264.JPG

Finding the center line is tough. Either you will have to accept a compromise or you will have to square your car very early in the build (which I did not). I have read now a lot about what other builders did. Too late for me.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KdVrw8KNHZc/TneDrR3p3ZI/AAAAAAAAAhw/CEh_LYy50C8/s640/P1060270.JPG

I am using lots of masking tape to mark and write my measurements on.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GCOvMmnysug/TneDnStTiNI/AAAAAAAAAhs/Ah1liMSh4jc/s640/P1060266.JPG

Installing the rivet nuts for the top mounts.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U_6X8QcqGsQ/TnePWq-BDTI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/4JsIoBp5ah4/s640/P1060276.JPG

...

[Kai-Rod]

Next was the fitting of the roadster windshield. I realized that it does not use the exact same holes I drilled for the hardtop in order to look right on my 33. I guess the reason is that I did not square mine. So, another compromise here, but it sure looks OK.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jRi7OAeh-mc/TnePaOtjrgI/AAAAAAAAAiU/lJRb1tqD80E/s640/P1060277.JPG

Another view from distance. You would need a measuring tape to find out that it does not sit in the centre (if you find a centre)

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1YJIu0dn1_g/TnePeD5cIEI/AAAAAAAAAiY/H9o7zdlo2n4/s640/P1060280.JPG

Added two more cables to the batterie for remote charging as the batterie will be hard to reach later.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9S5IY0MnFYc/TneRG9VYlXI/AAAAAAAAAig/ONPdWxl0QA0/s640/P1060283.JPG

Running the cables to the side of the trunk

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bh3A01DOKF8/TneRJ9miezI/AAAAAAAAAik/bIU-991vkiM/s512/P1060284.JPG

Here you see the terminals that I got from Summit.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IlLtSlvx6rw/TneRM9Ke9XI/AAAAAAAAAio/RbjUQbxyWGM/s640/P1060286.JPG

...

[Kai-Rod]

A few more photos with the car outside the garage. You can already see how the Classic Instruments make for a clean look. No switches, no ignition key on the dash board (all mounted on a small panel below.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vnOTWviHIhA/TneRRwAXLFI/AAAAAAAAAis/V-NEFerQJJ8/s640/P1060291.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0XnuyJeaOkc/TneRWyMPqMI/AAAAAAAAAiw/psG_WCqtoOk/s640/P1060294.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BT2wl6OhIzs/TneRaH_OxcI/AAAAAAAAAi0/_vAh79ZLIQI/s640/P1060295.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-44n5hiS12Ik/TneReXFYXSI/AAAAAAAAAi4/-rj-JF0tH4Y/s640/P1060304.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-luT4rXloz5g/TwmT7swxb4I/AAAAAAAAAjo/CCwfuTHP3ZU/s640/P1060299.JPG

... more to come the next few days ...

[Kai-Rod]

As some know the early versions of the 33 had this "grill issue". Some just left it and worked the hood to fit the grill, some used Dr. Ruth Grill Service (I would have done the same if there wasn't that much water between us) and then there are the fearless (like me) who tried their own luck.

I had the hood many times on the car and just could not accept to leave the grill as it was. Probably hard to see in this photo.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H5hXzdVCF8s/TwmT9Y6QSmI/AAAAAAAAAjw/f9ubKdXyRKM/s640/P1060307.JPG

... and here's my grill after I took half of the bars out (using a Dremel) and after I cut about 1cm to of the frame. Since this is a casted part it was very hard to make the two ends meet again.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I8ICdDaCSxY/UDotliOC5pI/AAAAAAAAArQ/PHH5RMlY07s/s640/P1060794.JPG

It takes a good welder to ensure a good connection. You got to find one and it will cost you. Took about an hour of welding while I was cutting the bars to the correct length.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ztGQbRskM3E/UDotr22RdVI/AAAAAAAAArY/N11Rfe8a8ps/s640/P1060801.JPG

Done with the welding. Now it is grinding and sanding to make it look like there was no cut. Some areas are hard to reach. Means you can see the weld when you look closely.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fTlJzGQ2cQc/UDotxqZJRSI/AAAAAAAAArg/QAESXEMJPmA/s640/P1060811.JPG

After I was done I can only say: DON'T DO THIS. Have it done by Dr. Ruth !!!

... and now a funny photo. Since I am working in an unheated garage running quickly will warm you up.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v2XtQ1sGwXE/UDot3OxkjzI/AAAAAAAAAro/_8uk045lY5g/s640/P1060504.JPG

[Kai-Rod]

Now that the grill was straight it was time to do the body work. I am definitely not good in this, but no reason for me not to do it anyway. It is just great fun to do the whole thing yourself. Trust me.

After sanding the seams I first used some fibre glass bondo and then some regular bondo to get a smooth finish.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JQjwL3Zjw_I/UDotRw_q5BI/AAAAAAAAAq0/MrZdnh08CVQ/s640/P1070160.JPG

I used the flexible sanders from AFS. Pretty cool tools. I guess anyone can do a great job using these.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Sn0IYXF76VM/UDoWLYYMcUI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/LRINwZWkAVg/s512/IMG_6465.JPG

Done with the sanding ...

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XLQ21d4phdw/UDoVv8SToTI/AAAAAAAAAp8/gJg7ov-HA0w/s720/IMG_6478.JPG

... and then a little car wash ...

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BkemvKB_H2g/UDoWAgSms2I/AAAAAAAAAqI/afZgchiG0MA/s720/IMG_6481.JPG

This is my (not yet completed) paint booth.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D8UHucHPnP8/UDotG7MXSXI/AAAAAAAAAqk/ctSw9wqTb3c/s640/P1070157.JPG

And here my 20 year old SATA GRZ. Even so SATA is one of the best brands out there, this model is way out dated. I still gave it a try ...

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LeZAKwUTArY/UDotMMui1bI/AAAAAAAAAqs/4fZGBuKjiNs/s640/P1070158.JPG

[Kai-Rod]

Next was a trip to my local DuPont dealer. Returned home with more than $600 worth of primer, filler and paint.

Ready for the first layer of primer.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-atHrswXL0po/UDoVHurzQ7I/AAAAAAAAApI/sbakk7PaLJQ/s720/IMG_6657.JPG

And here is a shot of the fresh primered body ...

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8jXmnZcY5oI/UDoVP8SHDfI/AAAAAAAAApU/qFlhxWqRd3k/s720/IMG_6667.JPG

... and some other pieces.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1Wjiftuug1A/UDoVVTORe0I/AAAAAAAAApc/Tz3CV-QEkrk/s640/P1070311.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8qL2nBupuMQ/UDoU7nDPr2I/AAAAAAAAApA/5iV2NzLy8KA/s640/P1070401.JPG

... then more sanding sanding sanding ...

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_8gEj0yYDsM/UDoVga2rirI/AAAAAAAAAps/iM26udG8QmM/s640/P1070317.JPG

... and then a layer of filler in a color to fit the color I wanted to paint the 33.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5JOQ4HZ28nk/UDoVlnp5y7I/AAAAAAAAAp0/S6HnkY9vz94/s640/P1070321.JPG

[Kai-Rod]

... and finally a layer of paint. The color is a grey tone used on the Fiat 500 (at least over here in Europe).

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Cf5JWCSQxqA/UDoUv9uC1xI/AAAAAAAAAow/GayjbpdO_zg/s640/P1070356.JPG

... the doors ...

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5Xdv5A2js0M/UDoUY0VqNwI/AAAAAAAAAoU/IZXRw3BidKY/s640/P1070414.JPG

... done ...

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2pA9guA6dkA/UDoUqBTb_4I/AAAAAAAAAoo/-LgBu5D_n8M/s720/IMG_6986.JPG

... ready for mounting he body (hopefully the last time) ...

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-n3InUjtra_4/UDoU18deg_I/AAAAAAAAAo4/H9FDIkn4Ltk/s512/P1070368.JPG

[WIS89]

Kai-

You have done a spectacular job on your build, as well as keepingg us so well informed of your progress! Your attention to detail and meticulous hard work are an inspiration! I can't wait to see her finished. Fantastic job Sir!!

Regards,

Steve

[Kai-Rod]

Thank you Steve. But don't believe my 33 is perfect. It is not. Especially on the body I did not do any of the stuff some others did to get it straight. I have no patience for this kinda work. ... :-)

[Kai-Rod]

Since I had the body on and of about six to seven times, putting it on one more time was easy. No scratching of the paint. Here are now a few shots.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0oH23BocVqc/UDoT3pskcOI/AAAAAAAAAnk/eGF6K7lOOA4/s640/P1070471.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hR5em5LeidY/UDoT9BrWWuI/AAAAAAAAAns/DLHCQcpIw-Y/s640/P1070474.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fwZUiEnhuIs/UDoUDLbWsdI/AAAAAAAAAn0/HnpEIPZVS1I/s640/P1070479.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-p6UtU5SE05c/UDoUIgQJOYI/AAAAAAAAAn8/8PL_dtKE79E/s640/P1070481.JPG

[Hammink Performance]

Hi Kai,

Very cool that you even do the painting your self!

But I also agree with steve, your attention to detail is huge!

regs Freek

[Tom Veale]

Thanks Kai for updating the build thread and adding the photo series. (I think my spray gun is even older than yours! However, I let the pros paint my car!)

My car ended up two tone for a bunch of reasons. My wife said we already had too many gray cars! I had looked at cherry/gray two tone first.

Best regards,

[Kai-Rod]

Thanx for the kind words. In some areas I am really very much into the details and want things to look good (even so under the car or areas which cannot be seen later) and function well.

Getting the car ready for the first trip. Working under the dash is not one of my favorites.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YGJiGyL-e10/UDoUeKs6Q4I/AAAAAAAAAog/QfZFHLFU7Tc/s640/P1070428.JPG

[Kai-Rod]

Mid August 2012. All ready for the first road trip thru town. I invited a couple of friends and had a count down on Facebook with new Photos every day for the exact date and time. And i rolled out the drive way exactly that day and that time. What a great pleasure. Except for the brakes all went like planned. The brakes are really an issue.

By the way , my chase plane was a 32 Dearborn Deuce which was built all new in 2011.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Eq4qcjh_DAA/UDG5pmnNdHI/AAAAAAAAAl4/pGHm6MaFqvg/s720/IMG_7513.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eePsXsUXWJc/UDG5xcU2BII/AAAAAAAAAmA/YDhT0ESCoLA/s720/IMG_7531.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_dHkmgaUDEk/UDG574wMewI/AAAAAAAAAmM/XoXI18Wrsh4/s720/IMG_7542.JPG

[riptide motorsport]

Too cool!! Great work.

[Kai-Rod]

Since no fenders are a clear NO No in Germany I then started to fit the bike fenders. What really disturbed is the red color. Makes it look silly no matter what you do (unless you have a red car).

The rears are mounted but definitely need to be cut. The front don't fit until I have my new wheels (8x18 with 235/40s instead of the 9x20 with 255/35s).

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WY63IF8iId4/UDoTV37Z2DI/AAAAAAAAAmw/3BidZSqhkEk/s640/P1070501.JPG

First cut marked on the pax side. We wanted it to follow the body lines.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iMH0OrKY1Ts/UDoTbdCum9I/AAAAAAAAAm4/cEru20gLzik/s640/P1070522.JPG

This is how much I cut it.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--YmzeUa4UeU/UDoTg5rXd4I/AAAAAAAAAnA/ET4xahbMz6s/s640/P1070524.JPG

Then some sanding ...

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UjfFM96n8yY/UDoTmc8cW2I/AAAAAAAAAnI/yD1st3Yzetk/s640/P1070525.JPG

Both sides cut, sanded and mounted. Red still looks silly. Rattle can paint is what is needed now.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jw6zXLifUc4/UDoTsRAHixI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/_Ngh-xoSUBY/s640/P1070529.JPG

[Kai-Rod]

Last weekend I had temp tags which is good for five days and requires no inspection. However, you have to sign that the vehicle is safe. Oh well.

I took the rod to a local cruise night and on the way back we got soaked by heavy rain. The Rod did not care. But now I know why they call the fibre glass part behind the seat water fall. The rain first hits your face, then the water fall where it then runs down (like a water fall) into the car. :-)

I did mount the hood and tried another way to mount the cold air intake. Did not work like you see it here and then went with another routing thru the pax side opening under the hood.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DLFGJjw0k04/UDoTyA8FUcI/AAAAAAAAAnc/Y0gRDO4tacE/s640/P1070530.JPG

I also sanded the hood inside and out before finally adjusting it. This took many hours. May be I am slow.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Vj5SrElP9XU/UEEXlzipkCI/AAAAAAAAAsg/1Sjc1qiw3Dw/s640/P1070544.JPG

Here you can see the current routing of the cold air intake. Ultimately I need to have it all inside the engine compartment.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kjX-gKtDWWs/UEEXxs4gKnI/AAAAAAAAAsw/3OSHvuP2v9s/s640/P1070546.JPG

SOAKED !!! We took a small break under the roof of a gas station before we hit the road again back home.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DATHmz42rcc/UEEX3LNxGbI/AAAAAAAAAs4/CJzer2J7fPI/s640/P1070548.JPG

[MtnPwnd]

I'm not saying your car is ugly, because it isn't. It's very tastefully done and it looks beautiful however, the rear fenders has only reassured my decision to be completly open wheeled. It just seems that the designing that went into them wasn't done as well as the rest of the car. The fiberglass just looks to "blocky". It doesn't flow with the lines of the car and I feel that when they made them, they left something to be desired. There are at times that I have a hard time bringing myself to get a car that is almost all fiberglass but then I realize that it only means the car is going to be extremely light and I do believe in a strong powerplant so with less weight is less for the engine to tote around. Better power to weight ratio = Bigger smiles!

[j33ptj]

What a great job!! I hope to see it live one day, now I have moved back to NL!!

[Kai-Rod]

A few more pictures from very recently. I did paint the rear fenders black with rattle cans. The red was killing me. Now we need to decide how much more to cut before I lay the Fiat grey on them. I also mounted the door handles (not yet functional) and the driver side rear view mirror. I saw that others were using all possible positions including the one I used. After all I think the mirrors are more for the looks than for function.

Also a few pics from my last trip while having the five day temp tags. No rain this time. Just plain fun.

... and thanks for the kind words ...

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UF7cPRdpQ3A/UEsupa3B8XI/AAAAAAAAAuE/zXtIy2Ohw4Y/s640/P1070551.JPG


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3vriv3kuZDU/UEsuvLBPHHI/AAAAAAAAAuM/9l7VnXDti28/s640/P1070552.JPG


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lWOua-U_Nr8/UEsu1PeLz3I/AAAAAAAAAuU/2gDWlJO1mpE/s640/P1070553.JPG


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6L91ZjCjDts/UEsu6Z_OiXI/AAAAAAAAAuc/6Fkfa5GxYzE/s640/P1070554.JPG


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pAohUDY2NhU/UEsvAI4thQI/AAAAAAAAAuk/JQdVixX5gFM/s640/P1070558.JPG


https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wLt2qc7m8b4/UEsvFX_VuRI/AAAAAAAAAuw/rtAc1-a9DHM/s640/P1070571.JPG


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zbBtB5x6_NU/UEsvRJYnLaI/AAAAAAAAAvA/mlmCV7vyWAQ/s640/P1070577.JPG

PS: the speedo is not yet functioning !

[Kai-Rod]

Got my new wheels and tires the other day. OZ Racing Ultraleggera in flat black. Tires are again Dunlops, but this time the SportMaxx GT. Front are now 8x18 with 235/40R18 and rear are 10x20 with 295/30R20.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IDyaBWkmEks/UHBrNLMXNbI/AAAAAAAAAvg/XVNYHvCvubY/s720/IMG_8043.JPG

This is what I had before. Italian made EtaBeta wheels:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jFRqfHp2DIw/UHBrY_QjFmI/AAAAAAAAAvo/Vn9n1u59N7U/s720/IMG_8045.JPG

And here are the also Italian made OZ Racing wheels:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fsOm2lEuJXU/UHBrl4T6WOI/AAAAAAAAAv0/3zQMjMEOOBE/s720/IMG_8047.JPG

Now the fenders will fit.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-H1zGiqq_jnU/UHBrxHxdMoI/AAAAAAAAAv8/KoQ4Hzr9Dl4/s720/IMG_8049.JPG

But I would love to drive like this:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bfYCepL51R8/UHBr-ClhAAI/AAAAAAAAAwE/0oqLs7byUs8/s720/IMG_8076.JPG

Now I will sand the fenders and then paint the hood and the four fenders. I will probably cut the fenders some more, but first will go with them as they are.

[MtnPwnd]

Love those rims and tires. Well done.

[Kai-Rod]

... a few more shots of the rod with the new wheel/tire combo.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U6LXE7MNjgA/UHMwHxWYqPI/AAAAAAAAAwc/hgF6GxX6cJA/s720/IMG_8101.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mXLTaBifRT8/UHMwY_07BqI/AAAAAAAAAwo/zsGQw-osjFc/s720/IMG_8093.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LvvLQMasEWc/UHMwnvuF41I/AAAAAAAAAww/7pNXAZVM1_Y/s720/IMG_8077.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WsC9Xt8iUwQ/UHMw0c7-EVI/AAAAAAAAAw4/BprrDJ7fbuM/s512/IMG_8096.JPG

[Rand]

I just read through your build log.Very nicely built and is turning out great.Thats funny you liked Huntington Beach when you traveled to the states.Thats where I grew up.

[WIS89]

Kai Rod-

LOVE the new wheels and tires!! They really complement the car beautifully! You have done a super job. Please keep us up-to-date!!

Regards,

Steve

[hdnik]

I'm dying to see how the fenders look with your new wheels and painted. Excellent thread... I have bookmarked it.

[TigerBill]

Thanks for the build log. I just joined the forum and ordered my '33 kit today, so this is really helpful. Keep the updates coming.

[Kai-Rod]

Thanx guys, ... appreciate the kind words ... have not done anything for a while now ... had to work on my 54 F100 ... the 33 is in the shop again since today ... however, I have no heating and we are now going below freezing ... so the painting of the fenders will have to wait till spring time ... Kai

[maczter]

I am definitely stealing the carpet idea, it's a good one!

[Peking]

The car looks great, and coming from sport compacts the OZ Ultraleggera's are sweet. Great thread, great information with pictures, and you have a great workspace!

[Kai-Rod]

Worked on the 33 some more. Another cold winter with snow ...

Interesting light effects from the steering wheel ...

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3jYfJ0XGC8I/UUf0jX7_z7I/AAAAAAAAAyE/33YufjarRF8/s720/IMG_8112.JPG

A little snow on this photo, but we had a lot just a few days ago so that I could not get the barn door open at all ...

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UK98yU6gQLs/UUf0pJQCNuI/AAAAAAAAAyM/COFshtsQ6M8/s640/P1080045.JPG

Since I have a new door frame on the driver side and an old one on the pax side I had to modify the door mechanism for the driver side to make it work with the hardware I had.

Pax side:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FnMFsklJMvQ/UUf00Af3qqI/AAAAAAAAAyg/vwndDVuaMYs/s640/P1080048.JPG

Driver side:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-go05sU7BFro/UUf0uy4sAII/AAAAAAAAAyY/004VVorsksA/s640/P1080047.JPG

I also painted the fenders and hood the weekend before last. We had a few warm days, but then it got below freezing with plenty of snow. I was lucky for 48 hours, but that was good enough ... photos to follow shortly ...

[Kai-Rod]

I got lucky and we had a weekend without below freezing temperatures. I took a half day off and painted my fenders and hood.

All parts already had been covered with epoxy prime before the winter hit.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tEaAJ9WQ-Rc/UUf07IYruvI/AAAAAAAAAyo/2LHtH9WXUsA/s640/P1080072.JPG

After sanding I placed them in my temporary paint booth in my garage.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NwmpQnBjohw/UUf1ApluuLI/AAAAAAAAAyw/5KyMgsThLjg/s640/P1080074.JPG

One layer of black primer which is the best basis for the grey top coat.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-q8cgAUYjLYI/UUf1FllPulI/AAAAAAAAAy4/mEpmWYTj_DU/s640/P1080076.JPG

Again sanding and then washing the dust off.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dFPPWt0SYZg/UUf1LZ5S5NI/AAAAAAAAAzA/409kAbaseE4/s640/P1080078.JPG

Warming up in a little sun shine and Ready to go.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-y7jPKs9uOOo/UUf1RN5wNEI/AAAAAAAAAzI/b-e9xE4Kcao/s640/P1080079.JPG

Next day I took the paint booth down (see in the back ground), pushed the 67 Mustang back into the garage and placed the painted parts on top. Only hours later the temperatures went down and two days later snow hit again. Puuh.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-G5mJVqhoWks/UUf1WlVaRYI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/nKrTqFWqPSQ/s640/P1080084.JPG

[Kai-Rod]

A shot from last night. I put three of the four fenders on. Still struggle with the mounting of one of the front fenders. Cutting threads into S/S is not easy. Even so I have the correct tap I broke it off. Oh Sh......

But at least this looks good. I think.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6JuugdjsdYw/UUqWYEpoGKI/AAAAAAAAAzw/K5UjBo-yXY0/s640/P1080087.JPG

... now working the broken tap ...

[Hammink Performance]

Hi Kai,

That does look great! Very amazing that you can everything incl. the painting yourself!

[wallace18]

Fantastic car! You should be very proud of the work you have done. Thank you for sharing with us. I have learned some things that are helping me on my kit.

[hdnik]

A shot from last night. I put three of the four fenders on. Still struggle with the mounting of one of the front fenders. Cutting threads into S/S is not easy. Even so I have the correct tap I broke it off. Oh Sh......

But at least this looks good. I think.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6JuugdjsdYw/UUqWYEpoGKI/AAAAAAAAAzw/K5UjBo-yXY0/s640/P1080087.JPG

... now working the broken tap ...

Kai Rod,

What was the offset/backspace of your rear wheels. They fill the fenders nicely.

[Kai-Rod]

Nick, ... these are the wheels I am using:

Front: OZ Ultraleggera 8x18 ET35 with Dunlop Sport Maxx GT 235/40-18

Rear: OZ Ultraleggera HLT 10x20 ET35 with Dunlop Sport Maxx GT 295/30-20

[Kai-Rod]

Fenders are mounted and hood put in place (but not mounted yet) ...

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3rrNQPoit00/UU3I6ZYSUII/AAAAAAAAA0A/uIOAvZKyn4M/s640/P1080090.JPG

[Hazelwwp]

Kai-Rod,

Please check for a PM.

[Kai-Rod]

... OK. Finally no more snow (hopefully). Time to move the 33 out of the barn for a few shots. What do you think ?

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IiFGVb5fHPE/UVHdoOtS8GI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/UOt6-Flqut8/s640/P1080091.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UVlw33cl7jg/UVHdvreRo4I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/ORCLYAOYHOI/s640/P1080093.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uUNdfUKESbU/UVHd1IXp0WI/AAAAAAAAA0g/u2B4RcRGEfk/s640/P1080094.JPG

[wallace18]

Looks super good. Any plans for the future?

[Jay Mann]

Great looking car. I would not have guessed that the grey would look so good.

[tcarlson]

Wow.... Man, you do fantastic work! The attention to detail and doing the paint yourself. Absolutely, fantastic. Thank you for sharing and inspiring everyone.

[Arrowhead]

Great job, it looks awesome.

[Kai-Rod]

A few more better photos. Still in my driveway. Still struggling to get it licenses. Will get temp tags as soon as we finally get a few nice days. Plan to go to the largest German rod meeting week after next. Hope we have summer by then. ...

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rC1LGvS5CAM/Uc6KNpECm8I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/iUNrb3tZo00/s720/IMG_2775.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MV7NIDZugi0/Uc6Ke3HT4SI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/8i3RduPNvIE/s720/IMG_2779.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5ixjzzgxgg0/Uc6Ko-N1VII/AAAAAAAAA1g/picpGUWfn14/s720/IMG_2781.JPG

[Kai-Rod]

... and finally I had temp tags for two sunny week ends and drove the Rod to a couple of events. One photos shows the monthly classic car cruise at the Klassikstadt in Frankfurt and the other two were taken at the German Street Rod Nat's. There was certainly some discussion regarding me entering the pre-49 area. Told them that they can throw at least half of the other cars out if they were serious about age. :-)

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XwMjCgoFCa0/UgB69e0cLUI/AAAAAAAAA10/jyMteud-FfM/s720/IMG_4227.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BlzmtEpaTo0/UgB7Uyp0-lI/AAAAAAAAA18/hEFbHaY0Zok/s512/IMG_4223.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hXpn68uIGsk/UgB7vE-tICI/AAAAAAAAA2E/5C42zE8W8Eg/s720/IMG_4214.JPG

The only problems so are a leaking fuel tank, bad rear brakes and rattling doors.

Aside of that: this car is great fun !!!

Kai

[Hammink Performance]

Looks great with all those other rods!

[Kai-Rod]

One more issue with the Hot Rod I forgot to mention. The bike fenders are hitting the head light buckets when turning. I have no idea how to fix this unless I would go to smaller head lights (5 3/4 instead of 7"). Anyone having a better idea ?

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-T0KDJheiuEM/UkxoAT18FgI/AAAAAAAAA2U/Ncgc0IA-3iw/s720/IMG_4018.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sKeWUVZ5MZc/UkxogQjlhdI/AAAAAAAAA2c/vM6UZBu2ALo/s720/IMG_4070.JPG

[wallace18]

If it was my car I would cut the front fender to almost a point in the center and taper back to the normal width. I think that would give you clearance and a differant look as well.

[Arm7419]

lower the lights.com[22202

ATTACH=CONFIG]22202[/ATTACH]

chuck

[Kai-Rod]

... here is a photo. One solution would have been to buy wheels with a different back spacing and mount the fenders to the other side of the bracket.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jR42iVLKn2M/UlOIATlxWTI/AAAAAAAAA2s/f5UtN-c93Xg/s512/Foto-1.JPG

[Kai-Rod]

Selling it now ... still not legal in Germany ... just collecting dust (on the car cover) ... great fun to build ... and great fun to drive ... just not over here ...

[FI 427]

Selling it now ... still not legal in Germany ... just collecting dust (on the car cover) ... great fun to build ... and great fun to drive ... just not over here ...

Kai , just logged in and had followed your build with great interest, when I finally got to the end I see this abt you selling it! I have an idea, you can move over here to Hunting Beach!im sure you will have plenty of friends both here and ones who will visit you over here! We hear you guys are getting a lot of new people over there😉so you probably won't have trouble selling your house,lol anyway, I'm sure you would be welcome here, plenty of Fords here! Fi 427