Thanks Chris!
Keep up the good work!!
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Reached another milestone today; I disassembled the body buck and officially returned control of my wife's side of the garage. Cleaned of course, sorta...
This means that I have placed the body on the car for the final time. Final time for me that is, the next time it comes off will be at the body shop. I believe that I could tackle this myself, but I'm not sure I want to. And... I will forever be over critical of my work if I did do it.
So... I can confirm that trimming the body is necessary as PeteH described. Dropping the body on yesterday took ~20 minutes including removal of the gas cap. So much easier.
Today was spent reassembling things, hood, trunk and doors. Some minor tweaking will take place, but I'm pretty happy with the rough fit. I'm assembling everything in case I decide to register it in the spring and drive in gel-coat whilst saving for body work/paint. Assembly continues next weekend, followed by the alignment.
Here are some pics:
gloves cover the overly long bolts that will be replaced.
Last edited by cnutting; 09-17-2017 at 08:54 PM.
FFR #8833 289 FIA 3-link
1965 289, TKO600 from Forte's Parts Connection
Body and Paint by Mike's Auto Restoration
Picked up 3/5/2016, First start 4/22/2017, MA legal 7/11/2018
Build Thread http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...FIA-build-8833
"Insanity is contagious" - Joseph Heller
Congrats Chris,
It looks great as an almost complete roller. I'm sure you have a sense of satisfaction at turning the corner for the final straight. The more I see them coming together, the more motivated I get to finish!
Chris, as with Pete...congratulations. It makes me even that much more motivate to move forward. The pictures are really helpful by the way!!
Looks great Chris. We're all chasing you now.
Thanks guys. Lots off ups and downs with this build. I'm sure there are a few "opportunities" left that are lurking, but I think I can handle them.
Looking forward to seeing some photos of your cars!
FFR #8833 289 FIA 3-link
1965 289, TKO600 from Forte's Parts Connection
Body and Paint by Mike's Auto Restoration
Picked up 3/5/2016, First start 4/22/2017, MA legal 7/11/2018
Build Thread http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...FIA-build-8833
"Insanity is contagious" - Joseph Heller
Reassembly continues, found myself having "one of those days". You know, those days when you put a tool down, turn around for a second and it's gone. Same with a part or subassembly. Then it pops up when you decide to do something else.
Today was mostly gremlin hunting in the electrical system. Not sure what's happened, but systems that worked great, no longer do (fan, turn signals, hazards). I did have minor success today, the side marker lights work (for now...), so let there be light.
Tomorrow is another day...
Got some more run time in, here's video from last week.
Last edited by cnutting; 10-07-2017 at 08:19 PM.
FFR #8833 289 FIA 3-link
1965 289, TKO600 from Forte's Parts Connection
Body and Paint by Mike's Auto Restoration
Picked up 3/5/2016, First start 4/22/2017, MA legal 7/11/2018
Build Thread http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...FIA-build-8833
"Insanity is contagious" - Joseph Heller
Chris, I always enjoy hearing your motor run. It gives me faith!!
looking and sounding great
The traveling Builder
717-773-5624
Chris,
Looks and sounds great. Love to hear it run. It's going to be hard to take apart to do bodywork!
Thanks guys!
Yes, it will be a lot of work taking it apart before paint, but this way I can make sure everything fits the way I would like and all the holes are drilled before it goes. All the lighting is connectorized, so that should go easy.
Plus it gives me the option of registering it and driving in gel coat if I need to save a bit more for the body work and paint.
FFR #8833 289 FIA 3-link
1965 289, TKO600 from Forte's Parts Connection
Body and Paint by Mike's Auto Restoration
Picked up 3/5/2016, First start 4/22/2017, MA legal 7/11/2018
Build Thread http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...FIA-build-8833
"Insanity is contagious" - Joseph Heller
Looking good! Sounds good!
build thread: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...-USRRC-vspeeds
Build School: July 14-16, 2017
Kit purchased: July 25, 2017
Kit delivered: September 13, 2017
First Start: December 22, 2018
Body painted and kit completed and drivable: July 2019 (but still not done)
CA SB100 Registration: January 2020
Mk4 - 289 USRRC Roadster kit, Roush 427SR with Schneider Racing custom camshaft, Fitech EFI, TKO600 (.64-5th gear), 15" wheels, stock brake calipers, under car exhaust with Spintech 7000 muffler, no roll bar, Russ Thompson turn signal, removable steering wheel, and many other small upgrades and modifications
Sounds great! It’s always tough to judge sound and noise levels through video. From what i’ve Been told the 289 sidepipes are LOUD. Has that been your experience? I was already researching welding in some type of muffler.
FFR8551 289 FIA build in progress.
Yes, they are load. Louder than I expected. But, so far so good with the neighbors. For the most part, they all love it and can't wait until it's done. Only had one run in so far, but this guy has a history in the neighborhood shall we say. But it's ok when his little dog yaps for hours on end at all hours. I'm not super concerned.
I might consider changing them out some day.
FFR #8833 289 FIA 3-link
1965 289, TKO600 from Forte's Parts Connection
Body and Paint by Mike's Auto Restoration
Picked up 3/5/2016, First start 4/22/2017, MA legal 7/11/2018
Build Thread http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...FIA-build-8833
"Insanity is contagious" - Joseph Heller
On the advice of Tony at FFR I got a set of cats to use instead of j pipes. I’m going to wrap them in header wrap or somewhat camouflage them. The boys at FFR say this is an affordable way to quiet these pipes, and having heard the showroom car run, they are LOUD. I also have the j pipes if I’m not happy with the look/sound of the cats.
FFR8551 289 FIA build in progress.
Interesting. Did they give a part number for the cats?
FFR #8833 289 FIA 3-link
1965 289, TKO600 from Forte's Parts Connection
Body and Paint by Mike's Auto Restoration
Picked up 3/5/2016, First start 4/22/2017, MA legal 7/11/2018
Build Thread http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...FIA-build-8833
"Insanity is contagious" - Joseph Heller
I’ll try tp get that part# for you.
13873. LH side catalytic converter
13874. RH side catalytic converter
Hope this helps.
Thanks!
FFR #8833 289 FIA 3-link
1965 289, TKO600 from Forte's Parts Connection
Body and Paint by Mike's Auto Restoration
Picked up 3/5/2016, First start 4/22/2017, MA legal 7/11/2018
Build Thread http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...FIA-build-8833
"Insanity is contagious" - Joseph Heller
Who is the manufacturer associated with those part numbers?
Do these black simple side pipes come with the 289 kit? I'm wondering if I can use this same look on a Mark IV?
The single pipes come with the 289 and are stainless. I painted them black since that's the look I wanted for the car.
FFR #8833 289 FIA 3-link
1965 289, TKO600 from Forte's Parts Connection
Body and Paint by Mike's Auto Restoration
Picked up 3/5/2016, First start 4/22/2017, MA legal 7/11/2018
Build Thread http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...FIA-build-8833
"Insanity is contagious" - Joseph Heller
That’s right FFR part #s. They have a standard fittin for headers on one end and the connector for the FFR side-pies on the other
Nice video of the engine start. Looks and sounds great!
Couple updates, getting ready to register the car this spring so working cleanup items.
The alignment is done, I'm glad I went through this myself, it was a good learning experience. I've also mounted all the exterior items and rough fit the doors, hood and trunk lid so that all the holes are drilled before paint. The car will be going in for paint over the winter. To get it ready, I've been disassembling everything and marking some areas that need extra attention. The shop will take the body and chassis, but will remove the body for paint and re-mount it when done. I really didn't want to handle a freshly painted body.
I've also resolved one of my last gremlins, the hazard lights. Everything worked electrically in the car, but the rear hazards would only work if the brake was pressed. Not a huge deal, but MA has become stricter with inspections and I wanted everything working properly. I tested everything and it appears that the converter has enough voltage drop to not light the LEDs. The LED taillights provided with the kit drop out at under 8 volts which is a significant drop. Activating the brake switch provides enough extra voltage to light the LEDs.
I also contacted the manufacturer of the converter and they said the units are not compatible with LEDs.
I ended up purchasing two of these units to replace the converter:
Wiring is simple, one signal wire goes on the input side. The signal wire on the rear harness attaches to the output side. Use one diode module per side. The brake signal attaches to the other input, run a jumper between the two modules to get brake signal on both lights.
That's it, problem solved. Fully functional hazards now.
Now my next big dilemma is color. Originally I wanted Princess (Viking) Blue, then I thought about a black/yellow scheme like csx 2128. Now? Not sure, but I will have to decide soon. Next update will probably be several months from now once paint is done, then we'll see where I ended up....
UPDATE: 3/2020 The diode approach is quick and easy but the rear turn signals don't function when the brake is pressed. Swapped to this unit:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Last edited by cnutting; 03-28-2020 at 08:20 PM.
FFR #8833 289 FIA 3-link
1965 289, TKO600 from Forte's Parts Connection
Body and Paint by Mike's Auto Restoration
Picked up 3/5/2016, First start 4/22/2017, MA legal 7/11/2018
Build Thread http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...FIA-build-8833
"Insanity is contagious" - Joseph Heller
Thanks for sorting this problem out Chris. On to Amazon!
Did you have to separate the front signals so they do not come on with the brake?
The diodes are there to prevent back-feeding the system, so you shouldn't see that issue Pete.
FFR #8833 289 FIA 3-link
1965 289, TKO600 from Forte's Parts Connection
Body and Paint by Mike's Auto Restoration
Picked up 3/5/2016, First start 4/22/2017, MA legal 7/11/2018
Build Thread http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...FIA-build-8833
"Insanity is contagious" - Joseph Heller
Perfect Chris. Placed my Amazon order yesterday. Thanks for sorting this out for us. Joel
New Year, new update. Today was sad, because my garage is now empty:
But... that means the weather was good enough to bring the car to the shop. Loaded the trailer this morning, it was a balmy 17 degrees:
Got to drive it around a bit in the process. Really happy with how it drives. Noise is still a bit on the loud side. Might need to do something about it....
The car is safely in the body shop, they will start in on it next week. This is the same shop that painted the Hot Rod Truck and the red Type 65 for FFR.
Last edited by cnutting; 02-16-2018 at 08:15 PM.
FFR #8833 289 FIA 3-link
1965 289, TKO600 from Forte's Parts Connection
Body and Paint by Mike's Auto Restoration
Picked up 3/5/2016, First start 4/22/2017, MA legal 7/11/2018
Build Thread http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...FIA-build-8833
"Insanity is contagious" - Joseph Heller
Got a nice surprise yesterday from the body shop; pictures of the first round of priming. Next week they will continue on with final fitting then more blocking and priming. Target for shooting color is the first week in March. Getting closer....
FFR #8833 289 FIA 3-link
1965 289, TKO600 from Forte's Parts Connection
Body and Paint by Mike's Auto Restoration
Picked up 3/5/2016, First start 4/22/2017, MA legal 7/11/2018
Build Thread http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...FIA-build-8833
"Insanity is contagious" - Joseph Heller
Looks great Chris, it's getting there. I wet sanded mine with 600 grit this week but notice some imperfections that will most likely require another round of primer/block sand at least on top the front fenders. Taking a halogen light tomorrow for closer inspection in the glare. Have the doors, inside trunk, and hood painted in color and clear coated. Waiting for warmer weather for rest of it. It will take me two long days to do all the striping, color and clear coat I think. The exhaust fan for paint booth sucks heat right out of the building pretty quick.
Pete H.
Hey Chris! Great progress!! Both you and Pete are way ahead of me. It's been cold out here and I have been lazy! Still, my motor will go in over the next few days. Your car looks great.
Received another update yesterday. I think I've lost track how many times they have taken the body off and put it on again. Next weekend I will take a drive down there and approve the final paint color. Really getting excited now...
FFR #8833 289 FIA 3-link
1965 289, TKO600 from Forte's Parts Connection
Body and Paint by Mike's Auto Restoration
Picked up 3/5/2016, First start 4/22/2017, MA legal 7/11/2018
Build Thread http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...FIA-build-8833
"Insanity is contagious" - Joseph Heller
Chris-
You must be really stoked! The car looks great, and I am sure you are ready to see some color.
I look forward to the next update where we get to see how cool the color will be.
Thanks for the update!
Regards,
Steve
Thanks guys. Going with the Viking Blue. Similar to the FFR demo car, but they used a newer Toyota blue.
FFR #8833 289 FIA 3-link
1965 289, TKO600 from Forte's Parts Connection
Body and Paint by Mike's Auto Restoration
Picked up 3/5/2016, First start 4/22/2017, MA legal 7/11/2018
Build Thread http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...FIA-build-8833
"Insanity is contagious" - Joseph Heller
Hi Chris,
You've been busy! I guess I'll be seeing you driving in the next few months..
BTW, Thank you for your business and if you need anything, I'm just the next town away..
Mike Forte: Forte's Parts Connection / Framingham, Mass. 01702 / 508 875 0016 / [email protected] / fortesparts.com / Facebook Instagram: @fortespartconnection Est: 1981 dealing performance parts to build your dream car. A REAL SPEED SHOP with parts, price & knowledge. Developer of the early Ford & FE Tremec and Mustang firewall adjustable quadrant kits, external slave clutch release conversions & cable release conversions. Tremec Elite, FORD RACING & QUICKTIME DISTRIBUTOR!
Hi Mike,
Yes, should be soon. Hard to believe it's been 2 years since we picked it up. You've been a huge help, I'll let you know when it's close to being back.
Chris
FFR #8833 289 FIA 3-link
1965 289, TKO600 from Forte's Parts Connection
Body and Paint by Mike's Auto Restoration
Picked up 3/5/2016, First start 4/22/2017, MA legal 7/11/2018
Build Thread http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...FIA-build-8833
"Insanity is contagious" - Joseph Heller