Body On - 1st Fit [part one)
This weekend I achieved what I consider a big milestone. With the help of my brother and a neighbor, we fit the body onto the chassis for the first time, trimmed the body in a few areas, and trimmed the aluminum where it was touching. Here are some details - if anybody notices something off, please let me know!
First, to prep for getting the body on, I did the following:
- removed roll bars
- removed side pipes
- removed all bulb seals from aluminum
- installed 5/8 bumpers on the outriggers to support the body (for front quick-jack mount alignment)
- trimmed body cowl at the front and rear of the cockpit opening - I started with about 1/4" and ended up removing a bit more from the dash side so I could get the striker plate spacing correct
Here are the bumpers I installed from Amazon. They are 5/8" tall x .932" diameter. To mount I simply drilled a 1/8" hole into the 3/4" frame tube and installed with a thread-cutting screw (fount one with head small enough to fit into the rubber foot opening).
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...7&d=1770002803
For trimming the body cowl, I used an angle grinder with a 60 grit flapper wheel. I used masking tape to mark my cut lines, and took off about 1/4" on both the front and rear cockpit opening cowl return flange as a starting point. Here's a video showing how I did it - pretty straight forward and the angle grinder takes the material off quickly (very easy to do this!).
https://youtu.be/MczurBJ0gvQ
Next up we went ahead and mounted the body onto the frame. I have the lower radiator aluminum installed with the oil cooler mounts, so we had to tilt the body fairly high in the rear to get it on. But with 3 people it was actually pretty easy to get the body on, first getting the front lip over the radiator aluminum then tilting down the rear, while flaring out the sides to get around the doors hinges. At the rear, we just had to flex the body a bit to get it over the trunk aluminum.
After getting the body on, we installed the rear quick-jacks bolts to support the body, then adjusted the front so the spacing from shock mounts to fender flare so it was even on both sides. With the body in this position, it looked like the front quickjack mounts both needed to shift to the PS by about 1/2 in. Next, I inspected all the aluminum and anywhere it touched the body, we marked it (used a sharpie up against the body - this puts a marker line about 1/4" offset from the body. The main areas I needed to trim were:
- dash body cowl flange --> was touching dash and preventing door striker plate from being 1/8" behind door opening on body
- one small corner on PS rear cockpit wall where it turns downward
- both rear trunk side walls but only at the rear radius area (top edges were fine)
- Breeze cockpit cubby wall all the way across the top edge
- trunk lower step flange all the way across
Here's a pic of the rear trunk aluminum where it was touching the body. We trimmed this to have clearance.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...8&d=1770002847
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...7&d=1770002847
We removed the body, and trimmed the aluminum where we marked it. Some sheet metal shears made quick work of this:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...5&d=1770002827
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...6&d=1770002827
Next up, I tried to adjust the outriggers. I first tried using a wooden block and a dead blow hammer to move them, but it didn't seem to move even a little bit. What worked for me was to remove one of the bolts on the Breeze lower radiator support bracket (this allows the two outriggers to move freely relative to each other). Then, with the front end on the ground, we just muscled the outrigger with our hands using body leverage. It wasn't easy but it did move about 1/4" or so. Not the full 1/2" I was going for, but it's what I could get.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...3&d=1770002827
After this, I took off another 1/8" off the body cowl where it was touching the dash. Then we put the body back on, installed the rear quickjack bolts, and adjusted the front-to-back position until the body was about 1/8" forward of the door striker tabs on both sides. I ended up with a little bit more (about 13mm on the DS, 8mm on the PS). I'm not sure if this is too much, so if anyone knows, please let me know!
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...2&d=1770002827
More on the next post with the final mounted body pics/spacing.
Body On - 1st Fit [part two)
Overall the body seems to fit fairly well after these adjustments. I might trim a little more aluminum here and there, especially along the trunk lower deck rear edge, but otherwise it seems to fit well. We did verify the front quick jack bolts & spacers are aligned with the holes when the body is sitting on the 5/8" rubber spacers. The body isn't sitting on the front quick jack tubes at all which I believe is how it should be. I gotta say it was a good feeling to see the body back on after almost 4 years hanging from the ceiling. The main motivation here is to get the body positioned so I can next mount the Breeze seat mounts with my Intatrim Stoneleigh high-back seats. This is critical that the body is on to make sure the seats don't hit the rear cowl.
Here are some pics:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...4&d=1770005311
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...8&d=1770002803
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...5&d=1770005423
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...9&d=1770002803
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...0&d=1770002803
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...1&d=1770002803
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...4&d=1770002827
Installing Intatrim Stoneleigh high-back seats wth Breeze Mounts
With the body in place, this weekend I moved forward with getting the seats mounted to the Breeze mounts and positioned in the vehicle. I haven't riveted the Breeze base plate to the floor of the cockpit yet - I wanted to confirm if I need to peel up the Thermo-Tec heat/sound barrier where the plate goes. I had read many mixed opinions on whether or not this was necessary. Seems like a good idea since the mats are compressible and could flatten out over time, allowing the rivets which mount the Breeze plate to have gaps under the heads. This would weaken the shear strength for sure. So I'm planning to do this, but I haven't yet.
As for mounting the seats to the Breeze brackets, it's fairly straight forward. The spacing of the rivnut on the upper Breeze bracket doesn't work for the Stoneleigh seats (they are positioned to align with the FFR low-back seat frame). So I ended up drilling new holes and just securing the seats with 5/16-18 nuts instead. I used a method that was shared by ItsBruce here on the forum. He had sent me pictures a while back showing how he did this mounts with this same seat.
First I started off by cutting 4x strips of 1/8" x 1-1/2" x 9" steel. I used this as a bearing surface under the seat cushion to spread the load. I also cut some 1.5" x 1.5" squares to use a spacers to lift the seat off the upper Breeze bracket.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...0&d=1770594464
I laid the 9" strips into the seat below the cushion, then drilled the 3/8" thru-holes. I'm using the 5/16 hex head bolts that Breeze provides with his kit.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...1&d=1770594464
Next I put the square spaces on the bottom of the seats. On the front I just used one spacer, but in the rear two holes I used some washers in addition to the 1/8" spacer. The reason is because the Stoneleigh seats are already leaned back quite a bit, and the Breeze mount adds even more lean. This actually pushes the fairly far forward because of the angle and how it hits the rear cockpit wall. By lifting the rear a little bit, it reduces the seat angle and allows you get a little closer to the rear wall.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...2&d=1770594464
After mounting the upper bracket to the seat, I mounted it to the lower bracket with the 5/16-18 studs pointing up. This is another reason to put the spacers between the seat bottom and upper bracket. The seat is so wide that is is right on top of the rear stud and you wouldn't be able to get the nut installed without disassembly the seat. By using the additional spacers, I was able to get the nut on/off with ease.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...3&d=1770594464
I then played around with the position of the seat. I sat in it, then adjusted, then sat in it again, repeat, etc. I found a position I thought was the best I was going to get. To be 100% honest, I'm still a little worried whether or not this seat is going to work for me. I'm 6'1" and it just feels like it pushes me so far forward that both my legs are bent pretty heavily with my right knee almost touching the bottom of the dash. I don't see how driving is going to be comfortable. I haven't riveted this down - I plan to temporarily bolt it just to do some go kart test drives after I install the harness so I can get a better feel for if this is going to work long-term. I think this seat would honestly work a little better for someone who is shorter than 6 foot.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...5&d=1770594484
I did mark the seat baseplate position with a sharpie. If I end up keeping it here, I can cut out the sound mat and rivet it to the floor permanently, then lay carpet down around it. For now, I'll just install a few screws for go-karting (and leave it on top of the sound/heat mat for now).
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...4&d=1770594464
I repeated the same process for the passenger seat. I'll call this done for the time being. Next up I plan to mount the DS harness, then do some go karting to test mechanical systems, seat position, etc. I'll need a free weekend for that.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...7&d=1770595295
Transmission tunnel leather upholstery and hidden fastener mounting
I found a local upholsterer in the Austin area that does really great work at very reasonable prices. I reached out to him and discussed what I wanted, gave him the spare hide I had from my seat order, and within 4 days I had a finished transmission tunnel with diamond stitching matching my seats. It turned out exactly how I was hoping, silver thread and all. I also had him make an e-brake boot using the FFR black leather boot as a pattern. That also turned out great. Together, with the door cards I got previously from Herb (also same leather), the interior is really coming together nicely. I have several more ideas I might use the leftover leather for - like wrapping the passenger grab handle, making leather straps for a bluetooth speaker I plan to mount in the cubby, and possibly lining the inside of the glove box too....TBD.
For mounting, I wanted to test out the 3M dual-lock instead of using the screws with finishing washers. Like my dash, I didn't really want to see any visible fasteners. I added a couple of strips to the 3/4 frame, then smaller squares to the trans tunnel. After mounting, it feels super secure so I think I'll stick with this.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...8&d=1771729226
The upholsterer left some leather/foam overhang where the cupholders mount. You have to push them through the opening and it stretches the leather, making a nice secure mount for the billet cup holders.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...9&d=1771729226
And here are some finished pics after installing onto the car. Last pic has the door card and mockup of the grab handle w/ leather wrap (TBD).
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...0&d=1771729226
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...3&d=1771729244
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...2&d=1771729226
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...1&d=1771729226
And here's the full interior with Herb's door cards (w/ carbon fiber insert matching the dash).
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...4&d=1771729244
Rough fitting doors/trunk/hood - seeking advice
I'm at the point where I'm close to being ready to rough mount the doors, hood & trunk. Before I spend a ton of time researching these on the forum I wanted to seek advice on a couple of questions, especially for those who've done it recently. My kit is from is an MKIV from 2018 if that matters. I don't plan to attempt to gap these panels and make them perfect - per the advice of many of the bodywork folks on here I understand its best to leave that to the body shop I ultimately use. I'm really just looking to get these items mounted and functional so that I can ultimately get inspected & registered in TX. I plan to drive in gelcoat for about a month before going for bodywork/paint.
Questions:
- For the hood/trunk/doors - do you have to trim the edges at all to make them fit? Or do they pretty much mount up OK as-received from FFR?
- I've seen plenty of discussion on the doors and having to pull the body out near the rear fender and secure with a screw into the 2x2 frame from below, so that the door is somewhat flush. Is this something I should do now (even if it's just temporary)? Or leave it alone (and let the doors just sit wonky)?
- Are there any universally known "tips" to mounting each of these items I should take into account? If so, please share details (or links to relevant threads if you have it handy).
Power steering leaks...again
No matter what I do I can't seem to get rid of my power steering leaks. Both of my 10AN lines going to the oil cooler seem to be weeping at the threads. I've tried tightening them repeatedly but to no avail. I built the hoses myself, so I'm not sure if I there's an issue at the hose end fitting, or if the leak is coming from the threaded joint at the oil cooler.
I'm also having leaks at my "T" joint where the oil cooler return meets up with the hydroboost return, right before the connection to the KRC pump reservoir. Same issue...I'm not sure if its happening at the hose end fitting or the threads.
Troubleshooting tips welcome! I'm about to rip it all out and say to hell with it. I've rebuilt the hoses 2 or 3 times now.
Any advice to resolve this? Here are some options I've thought about, but not sure which might be easiest:
- How would one go about pressure testing an AN hose?
- Thought about replacing my custom hoses with off-the-shelf hoses (pre-made). I really want the red/blue AN fittings but haven't found a good source. There are some on Temu & Ebay, but that seems like it would be asking for even more trouble. Any recommendations for a legit shop that sells stock -10AN hoses pre-made? These are both low pressure lines (returns).
- When I go to paint/bodywork, there's a shop here near Austin I plan to use that also does mechanical work. So I could throw money at it and have them fix it.
- I thought about buying some of the AN conical compression washer to see if that helps (something like this).
- I also thought about just completely disconnecting the oil cooler hoses (leave them there for show, non-functional) and running just the power steering and hydroboost returns to the "T" at the reservoir. I don't know if that would fix my leak at the "T" though...it would just eliminate the leaks at the oil cooler.
Hanging body back on ceiling
With all the prep work done and seats and harnesses now secured, I went ahead and hoisted the body back onto the ceiling above my working area. My wife parks her SUV on the right side of the garage and it's Spring time here in TX and we tend to get a lot of hail, so needed to make space for her car. At this point I'm ready to go kart, just need a free weekend and some decent weather. When I had the car on the ground I did remount the side pipes and double checked the torque on the rear axle nuts (98 ft-lb + 1/4 turn).
I'll tackle the carpeting after go karting. I'm still struggling / frustrated with the power steering leaks. Seems like I have leaks in at least 3 locations. i think for go karting it will be fine - I'll just live with the leaks. But obviously will need to get these fixed. I bought a 10AN cap and a 10AN to 1/8 NPT fitting so I can hook it up to an air gauge and pressure test each hose assembly. If that shows no leaks on the hoses, then it means the leaks are at the joint between fittings. So my approach there would be to buy some of the aluminum -10AN conical sealing washers, and try that. If all of this fails, I'm going to buy pre-made hoses from a vendor - so any suggestions on a shop that could make those would be appreciated.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...3&d=1773067345
Here's how I have the ropes and hoist set up. I had posted some pics of how I set this up way back in Post #19. Funny how I thought I'd only have the body up in the air for 6mo - 1 year....here I am 4 years later :cool:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...4&d=1773067345
Here's the body hoisted:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...5&d=1773067345
Trunk heat/sound mat completion
I had previously not added the heat/sound barrier mats to the side walls of the trunk. I wasn't sure how the carpeting would work in that area as my trunk carpeting kit from FFR (circa 2018) didn't include carpeting for the side walls. I ended up buying some spare carpeting rolls from FFR, so I went ahead and added the Thermo-Tec mats to the trunk sides. I also re-mounted the roll bars just because. I plan to install all carpeting right after I complete my go karting, hopefully in the next week or so. I wanted to take one last stab at the power steering leaks before I go kart. The leaks are fairly major, but it'll make it through a test drive (it isn't spraying...just dripping slowly when pressurized). After go kart I'll consider replacing those power steering hoses with pre-made versions. I'm just having a hard time finding a place that will do stainless PTFE with the red & blue -10AN fittings which I really like the look of.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...1&d=1773150631
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...2&d=1773150631