Papa's MKIV Roadster Build - #9115 (Post Grad) - One million + views!!!

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Originally Posted by Jeff Kleiner

Not enough of an issue to be necessary Dave. I mostly commented just to make things easier for those who are following your well documented build thread.

Cheers,
Jeff

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Thanks, Jeff. If you change your mind after you get the car, just let me know and I'll have new ones sent to you. That goes for anything you need.

Dave

Dave-

I have enjoyed following along with your build! You have done a really wonderful job, and I have admired your craftsmanship and attention to detail!

I know Jeff will do an amazing job on your body and paint. Did I miss where you shared hour color choice? I can't imagine having to spend the winter with so little to do on the car after the progress you have made.

Thanks for posting your progress, and letting us share in the details! I look forward to seeing her after paint! All the best...

Regards,

Steve

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Originally Posted by WIS89

Dave-

I have enjoyed following along with your build! You have done a really wonderful job, and I have admired your craftsmanship and attention to detail!

I know Jeff will do an amazing job on your body and paint. Did I miss where you shared hour color choice? I can't imagine having to spend the winter with so little to do on the car after the progress you have made.

Thanks for posting your progress, and letting us share in the details! I look forward to seeing her after paint! All the best...

Regards,

Steve

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Thanks, Steve. I'll be spending the winter doing all those home improvement projects that I've been putting off for the last year and a half. For colors, unless the spray outs change my mind, I'll be going with BMW Azurite Black with Lamborghini Titanium Silver stripes.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...4&d=1524443359

Dave

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Originally Posted by Papa

Thanks, Steve. I'll be spending the winter doing all those home improvement projects that I've been putting off for the last year and a half. For colors, unless the spray outs change my mind, I'll be going with BMW Azurite Black with Lamborghini Titanium Silver stripes.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...4&d=1524443359

Dave

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Wow Dave, that color is stunning. I'm assuming that the Azurite comes out when the sun hits it and looks black otherwise? The Ruby Red does the same thing...It's a bit subdued in the shadows but looks vibrant when the sun hits it.

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Originally Posted by cv2065

Wow Dave, that color is stunning. I'm assuming that the Azurite comes out when the sun hits it and looks black otherwise? The Ruby Red does the same thing...It's a bit subdued in the shadows but looks vibrant when the sun hits it.

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Yep - It looks black until light hits it and then you get the Azurite color. It should look amazing on the curvy MK4 body.

Dave-

That color, and the stripe color sounds amazing! I look forward to seeing it, although I bet you are pretty stoked to see it.

It's been fun following along with your progress, and it will be great to see her all buttoned up.

Regards,

Steve

Not much to show today, but I did install the bulb seals and foam strip in preparation for getting the body back on the car for what I hope will be my last time. Once the body is back on, I'll get all the parts on that will go with the car for paint. That will include lights, windshield, roll bars, door latches, etc. I also need to drill the holes and mount the wipers. Other than that, I'll just be waiting for a firm date to get the car out to Jeff.

For those with the Sniper EFI, what have you done about the control screen? I'm thinking I'll just fab up a place to hold it up under the dash that will let me get at it when I need it, but will keep it out of sight otherwise.

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Originally Posted by Papa

Not much to show today, but I did install the bulb seals and foam strip in preparation for getting the body back on the car for what I hope will be my last time. Once the body is back on, I'll get all the parts on that will go with the car for paint. That will include lights, windshield, roll bars, door latches, etc. I also need to drill the holes and mount the wipers. Other than that, I'll just be waiting for a firm date to get the car out to Jeff.

For those with the Sniper EFI, what have you done about the control screen? I'm thinking I'll just fab up a place to hold it up under the dash that will let me get at it when I need it, but will keep it out of sight otherwise.

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That’s what another Forum member did (my partner in crime) and if needed, he can reach and access from under the dash to read/tune. His is located under the dash on the driver’s side - close to the door.

BTW - very, very cool color choices; can’t wait to see!

Chris

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Originally Posted by Papa

Not much to show today, but I did install the bulb seals and foam strip in preparation for getting the body back on the car for what I hope will be my last time. Once the body is back on, I'll get all the parts on that will go with the car for paint. That will include lights, windshield, roll bars, door latches, etc. I also need to drill the holes and mount the wipers. Other than that, I'll just be waiting for a firm date to get the car out to Jeff.

For those with the Sniper EFI, what have you done about the control screen? I'm thinking I'll just fab up a place to hold it up under the dash that will let me get at it when I need it, but will keep it out of sight otherwise.

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Hey Dave, I put my control screen in the glove compartment with enough slack to use it when I need it. I'm waiting for a firm date with Jeff too.

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Originally Posted by cgundermann

That’s what another Forum member did (my partner in crime) and if needed, he can reach and access from under the dash to read/tune. His is located under the dash on the driver’s side - close to the door.

BTW - very, very cool color choices; can’t wait to see!

Chris

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Originally Posted by Tex2131

Hey Dave, I put my control screen in the glove compartment with enough slack to use it when I need it. I'm waiting for a firm date with Jeff too.

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Thanks for the replies on screen location. I'm going to play with this a bit to see what works best. I'll post some pictures of my solution when I get it done.

Dave

Today I applied some header wrap to the two pipes that were close to the driver's foot box.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...8&d=1543017144

Next I started experimenting with my powder coat gun and oven. After a couple of practice pieces of scrap aluminum, I tried it on my louvres. It isn't perfect, but it will pass.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...9&d=1543017151

The one on the left is done and the one on the right is getting prepped. The finish looks quite a bit better than the picture shows, and the chrome PC is pretty reflective, just not as smooth as it probably could be. I think the louvres will look just fine installed on the body.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...0&d=1543017160

Thanks to Joel for the flow out and curing temps and times. They worked great.

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Originally Posted by Papa

Today I applied some header wrap to the two pipes that were close to the driver's foot box.


Next I started experimenting with my powder coat gun and oven. After a couple of practice pieces of scrap aluminum, I tried it on my louvres. It isn't perfect, but it will pass.



Thanks to Joel for the flow out and curing temps and times. They worked great.

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You do know of course now that you are becoming an expert with that I’m going to have to send you some parts to do for me. LOL, looks great

It looks great Dave!! You did a really good job!

I just got some powder color chips today I ordered via UPS.
Thinking of going with the arrow for the engine bay.

Kurt

Attachment 98009

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Originally Posted by SSNK4US

It looks great Dave!! You did a really good job!

I just got some powder color chips today I ordered via UPS.
Thinking of going with the arrow for the engine bay.

Kurt

Attachment 98009

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Those hammered finishes are great. Good choice.

Here's a picture of the louver installed back on the body.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...4&d=1543169602

Nice finish on the louvers! Doesn't look like you changed the body cutout size or shape, right?

Jeff

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Originally Posted by Jeff Kleiner

Nice finish on the louvers! Doesn't look like you changed the body cutout size or shape, right?

Jeff

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Jeff,

I did trim them to get close to the shape of the louvres, but they are still a bit undersized to allow some final adjustments.

Dave

Dave, the louvers look GREAT! I like the look of the finish. If you want them smoother, increase the temp a little at flow out. Once flat to your liking, back the heat off and let them cure. Good thing about powder is you can always do it over if you don't like them. Joel

It's been a very hectic couple of weeks for me, so not much work done on the car. I did get a little time today and powder coated my side pipe hangers.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...0&d=1544391428

I have one more week to get through this year and will then have some down time that I hope will let me spend some time in the garage.

As always, everything little thing you put out looks 100% first class! Happy holidays.

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Originally Posted by PeteMeindl

As always, everything little thing you put out looks 100% first class! Happy holidays.

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Thanks -- It's going to take some practice to get it to be perfect, but it's been fun to play around with it.

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Originally Posted by GoDadGo

Hey Papa,

Great idea ditching the chrome differential cover and going with the cast piece.
While things like that may look nice at a car show, oil pans included, we all know that they store heat much like a nice shiny silver teapot.
None of us need any extra heat if we intend to really drive our cars so Bravo on ditching that particular piece of chrome.

Steve

PS: I have a Moser Rear as well (TSD-500) because neither F-5 nor Moser were offering the 8.8 units at the time of my order.

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Didn't you know, every piece of chrome adds 5 HP. LOL

First day off and made a bit of progress today. I did some more powder coating, but nothing exciting to look at. I also tackled the leather dye task for my door straps and seatbelt pads.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...9&d=1544919021

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...8&d=1544919012

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...7&d=1544919003

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...6&d=1544918992

I used the products that Paul recommended;

Fiebing's Pro Dye, Black
Fiebing’s Edge Kote
Fiebing's Black Acrylic Resolene
Tandy Leather Wool Daubers

I'm really happy with the way it came out, and it was very easy to do.

I also finished spraying the front splash guards on the non-tire side with the same bed liner spray I did all the other aluminum panels with. Next will be getting some help setting the body back on and then my final reassembly. Jeff contacted me earlier this week and will be sending me some paint color samples. I'm looking forward to seeing those!

Today I got the body back on and all the seals look good to go. Tomorrow I'll be getting all the lights reinstalled and checked.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...2&d=1545009079

I also spent a bit of time working on the idle on the car. I initially set up way too low an idle for an EFI car. I'm now up at about 900 RPM and the car seems to like it there.

Looking great Dave... Looks like mine has a twin in Colorado...

Well, today was one of those days where you encounter one setback after another and it's best to just stop and come back another day. I reinstalled my tail lights and front turn signals and had all sorts of bad connections in my previously-working weatherpack connectors. Trying to fix those resulted in my breaking my weatherpack de-pinning tool. I also blew a fuse and then snapped a pin off my turn signal switch. Earlier in the day, I had placed an order with FF for another part I needed to replace due to my damaging it, so after breakining the switch I called them back to see if I could get a replacement switch added to my order. To my surprise, I had beat the order processing and was able to add the switch without any additional shipping charges. After that small victory, I decided to call it a day and will get back at it tomorrow.

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Originally Posted by Papa

Well, today was one of those days where you encounter one setback after another and it's best to just stop and come back another day. I reinstalled my tail lights and front turn signals and had all sorts of bad connections in my previously-working weatherpack connectors. Trying to fix those resulted in my breaking my weatherpack de-pinning tool. I also blew a fuse and then snapped a pin off my turn signal switch. Earlier in the day, I had placed an order with FF for another part I needed to replace due to my damaging it, so after breakining the switch I called them back to see if I could get a replacement switch added to my order. To my surprise, I had beat the order processing and was able to add the switch without any additional shipping charges. After that small victory, I decided to call it a day and will get back at it tomorrow.

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Funny, I actually had some problems the other day when I put my body on and connected the lights up. I had a couple of the male pins that would not center up into the female side. I actually smashed one of them inside the weatherpack... All is ok now after I removed and repaired that one. And then, one of my brake lights would not come on. I guess it's all a part of the fun we have...

Today I got my lights sorted out and working again. After sorting that little issue out, I decided to follow Paul's lead and started to create some templates to make some aluminum panels to cover the gap in the rear wheel wells along the edge of the cockpit. I will still want to use the expanding foam in there, but covering it with a metal panel just seems like a really good idea. I'll post pictures as I make more progress. I also got to meet another builder (GTBradley) and show him my car.

Dave looking good are you running the FFR pipes? I ask because your hangers look like the ones that come with Gas n Pipes?

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Originally Posted by Paul2STL

Dave looking good are you running the FFR pipes? I ask because your hangers look like the ones that come with Gas n Pipes?

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I have the FFR pipes on until the car is painted, then I'll install my Gas-N pipes. The hangers are in fact for the Gas-N; good eye!

Dave

Dave,
You probably already know this but in case you don’t...
The gas-n pipes radius (prior to the 4-1 collector) is slightly different than the FFR pipes. They pass through the body cut out at a different angle. Trim your body cut out to the gas-n prior to paint. I had to make some after paint adjustments.
-Steve

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Originally Posted by Straversi

Dave,
You probably already know this but in case you don’t...
The gas-n pipes radius (prior to the 4-1 collector) is slightly different than the FFR pipes. They pass through the body cut out at a different angle. Trim your body cut out to the gas-n prior to paint. I had to make some after paint adjustments.
-Steve

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Steve,

I didn't realize that! I'll get the Gas-N pipes on to see what it looks like and will likely ship them with the car to Jeff. He will be making the final tweaks on the body. Thanks for bringing that to my attention.

Dave

Thanks for the info!

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Originally Posted by Papa

Steve,

I didn't realize that! I'll get the Gas-N pipes on to see what it looks like and will likely ship them with the car to Jeff. He will be making the final tweaks on the body. Thanks for bringing that to my attention.

Dave

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Today I spent a little time reinstalling my headlights. Because of the way I ran my front harness, I ended up with very little slack on the headlight connection on the passenger side, so today I made a small ~8" extension to the headlight connection plug and that worked out really well. I also swapped out the bulbs that came with my PL-700 reflectors to my preferred Sylvania Silver Star Ultra bulbs. Now all I'm missing on the lighting is my replacement turn signal switch. I may try to get the windshield mounted tomorrow so that I can mark and drill the holes for the wipers and also for the soft-top posts. I'll be sure to post pictures of any new work I get to, but what I've been doing is already covered in earlier posts.

Today was a beautiful 60 degree day in Colorado and I made some good progress. First, I installed the Breeze radiator cowl panel. I decided to do nutserts vs. rivets.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...0&d=1545432880

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...1&d=1545432888

Next, I tackled the dreaded windshield and wiper install. I had previously fitted the windshield and cut and drilled the mounting bars, so today was just setting it in place and bolting it down. I used large washers as spacers to fill in the gaps between the chassis and the mounting bars, and had to drop the fuse panel to get at the bolts on the driver's side, but it went pretty easily. Next, marked and drilled the holes for the wipers. Did anyone else find it impossible to clamp that jig to the body? I ended up setting the jig next to the spot I needed to drill and did the holes freestyle using the jig to eyeball the angle. Next was making all the tubing pieces for the system. I bought some 5/16" NiCopp tubing and cut and flared the pieces and assembled the gearboxes. I lubed up the cable gear with white lithium grease and everything moves freely. Finally, I mounted the arms and blades. I set each blade on a paper towel and ran the motor on both speeds and everything works.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...2&d=1545432896

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...3&d=1545432904

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/atta...4&d=1545432911

Things are looking awesome! Nice work.

Looks good! Did your package arrive yet?

Jeff

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Originally Posted by Jeff Kleiner

Looks good! Did your package arrive yet?

Jeff

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Not yet, Jeff. I'm sure it will get here in the next couple of days.

Dave

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Originally Posted by PeteMeindl

Things are looking awesome! Nice work.

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Thank you. It's starting to feel like a real car now.

Really looking great... I just started my radiator aluminum panels today. Have you fitted yours in place yet? Are you using the ones that came with the kit?