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

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

    I've decided to do a build thread and hope this provides some return to the community on the help that I've already received and know I'll need as my build progresses. My experience with working on cars is pretty limited. I've done normal maintenance and some basic customization and mechanical repairs, but that's about it. So, this build, much like wareaglescott's build, will be from the perspective of the novice builder willing to learn as I go and humbled by the knowledge that is available from the many gracious gurus that are so willing to share their time and experience with us beginners.

    My build will be based on a complete kit, now sitting in my shop along with some Factory Five upgrades and a few modifications to the basic "by the book" build. My car will use a Moser 8.8 3-link rear axle with Wilwood brake upgrade front and back. I plan to use BluePrint Engines for the powertrain, having selected their 347 c.i. with EFI and the Tremec TKO 600 transmission.

    I will be using my roadster exclusively on the street, no racing. I live in Colorado, and can't wait to someday drive the roadster into the Rocky Mountains for a day trip to Breckenridge or Estes Park (Rocky Mountain National Park) with my lovely wife of nearly 32 years by my side.



    Build Thread Table of Contents

    Topic Post Number(s)
    Delivery 1
    Rear Axle 8
    Body & Aluminum Removal 12
    Assembly Begins 13
    Front Suspension & Brakes 23
    Rear Suspension 32
    Firewall 42
    Pedal Box Assembly 42
    Fuel Tank 49
    Passenger Footbox 62
    Passenger Floor 70
    Driver’s Floor & Foot Box 81
    Rear Cockpit Aluminum 85
    Steering 86
    Brake Reservoir 98
    FFMetal Battery Box 98
    Brake Lines 107
    Rolling Chassis 137
    Trunk Aluminum 139
    Wiring Harness Install 140
    Dash Install (Initial) 174
    Engine Uncrate 179
    Foot Operated Headlight Dimmer Mod 196,517
    Electrical Switches 203
    E-Brake Cable Install 207
    E-Brake Handle 216, 226
    Fuel Filter Mount 224
    Fuel Lines 233
    Wiper Motor Install 249
    Engine Install 255
    Heater Bypass 280
    Seat Heaters 297
    Power Steering Lines 306
    Electrical Buss Bar 335
    Boig Cool Tubes 342
    Throttle Cable Mounts 352
    Fan & Horn Wiring 356
    First Start 357
    Drilling Roll Bars 387
    Mounting Dash (Final) 418
    First Go-Kart 430
    Coupler Mod (Retrofit) 454
    Trans Tunnel Cover Upholstery 457
    Breeze Seat Mounts 466, 664
    Body Fit (Rough) 480
    Hood Fit (Rough) 513
    Hood Hinges/Latches 524
    Trunk Lid & Door Fit (Rough) 541
    Le Mans Gas Filler 544
    License Plate Bracket 561
    Tail Light Wiring 582
    Headlights 585
    EFI Swap from FAST XFI Street to Holley Sniper 618
    Side Louvers 639, 687, 731-735
    Trunk Carpet 640, 662
    Trunk Lid Access Cover 649
    12v Power Point 664
    Trunk Lid Wiring 667
    Driveline Safety Hoop 682
    Premium Soft Top 688, 776, 1119
    Carpet 693
    Body Under Coating 702
    Splash Guards 715
    Door Strap & Seatbelt Pad Leather Dye 743
    Breeze Upper Radiator Panel 755
    Door Latches 770
    Gap Filler Panels 784
    Radiator Aluminum 785
    Trunk Gas Struts from Relicaparts (Mike Everson) 796
    SDC Self-Cancelling Turn Signals 807
    Door Sill Aluminum 826
    Gas-N Side Pipes 828
    O-Ring Mod for Wheel Spinners 834
    Getting Ready to Ship To Jeff Kleiner For Paint 846
    At Jeff Kleiner’s For Paint 872, 895, 922, 929, 942, 954, 979, 986
    Headed Home After Paint 1007, 1014
    Final Assembly 1029, 1044, 1056, 1061, 1067, 1075, 1114, 1118
    Getting Legal 1129, 1143, 1183
    Ride Height Adjustment 1131
    Finished! 1170
    Russ Thompson Turn Signal Retrofit 1277
    Radiator Replacement and Addition of Breeze Upper Mount 1361
    EFI Upgrade - Inglese 8-Stack 1371, 1411
    Wheel Spinner Hub Retainers 1394
    Inglese 8-Stack and Terminator X EFI Upgrade 1407
    Fuel System Contamination Cleanup 1423
    Last edited by Papa; 06-03-2022 at 10:13 AM.
    My Build Thread: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...ter-Build-9754
    (Most viewed Roadster build thread on this forum!)

    Delivered: 6/17/2017
    First Start: 12/30/2017
    Completed: 12/7/2019
    Legal: 1/30/2020

    Member of the Mile-Hi Cobra Club
    Dave's Cobra YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbk...npK1UZHj4R-bYQ
    Agora 1:8 Scale Cobra Build: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...l-Build-Thread

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  3. #2
    Boydster's Avatar
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    Woohoo! Lookin forward to following. Congratulations and get to work!
    ---Boyd---
    MkIV #9042 build thread
    www.boss427.us
    427W, TKO600, Moser 3.55 rear.
    Delivered Feb 2017, Graduated Nov 4, 2019

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    Senior Member R Thomas's Avatar
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    The start of my build is still off in the future, so I envy you guys that made the commitment. Hope it turns out to be everything you wanted and more.

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    Straversi's Avatar
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    That drive from Denver to Breckenridge is what roadsters are made for. Welcome and congratulations.
    -Steve
    Mk IV #8901 - Complete kit, Coyote, TKO-600, IRS. Ordered 5/23/16, Delivered 7/14/16, First Start 8/13/17, First Go-Kart 10/22/17, Registered and Completed 10/18/18. Build Thread: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...V-Coyote-Build Graduation Thread: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...-Roadster-8901

  7. #5

    Steve >> aka: GoDadGo
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    Papa,

    Being an Electrical Engineer gives you a huge advantage over a lot of us.
    To give you an example, it took me 40 hours to wire my dash.
    That's why you never give a wrench to a banker.
    Looks Like A Great Combination To Me!

    Steve

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    Senior Member wareaglescott's Avatar
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    Look forward to following along!
    Wow I am envious of that potential drive in the rockies. Sounds amazing!
    My Grandparents and Aunts/Uncles are from the Westminster and Lakewood areas. Spent a ton of time in Denver growing up. Would be amazing to drive the Cobra up in the mountains.
    MK4 #8900 - complete kit - Coyote, TKO600, IRS - Delivered 6/28/16 First Start 10/6/16 Go cart - 10/16/16 Build completed - 4/26/17 - 302 days to build my 302 CI Coyote Cobra - Registered and street legal 5/17/17
    Build Thread http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...e-build-thread
    PHIL 4:13 INSTAGRAM - @scottsrides

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    Senior Member Yama-Bro's Avatar
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    Good Luck! I'm excited to watch your build progress. You'll have a few months head start on me.
    Started dreaming of a Cobra around 1987
    Purchased Complete Kit 6/9/2017, Delivered 9/4/2017, Rolling Chassis 3/30/2018, Engine Dyno'ed 3/4/2022, Engine installed 8/27/2022
    Click here for my build thread
    Serial #9158
    Design Engineer at BluePrint Engines

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    Papa's Avatar
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    Thank you all for the kind words of encouragement! So, to catch this new thread up, I received my rear axle and Wilwood brakes a couple of weeks ago. I installed the brakes on the axle and replaced the chrome diff cover with the cast cover.





    I also had my grandson "help" me. He installed a lug nut for me and was so proud of himself!



    Last Saturday, the bulk of the kit arrived and my wife and I spent about six hours doing inventory. I found a few missing items and e-mailed Courtnie. She was right on getting the parts ordered for me. I also have several back ordered parts that should hopefully start arriving soon. Today, I got a shipping notification for two boxes coming from FFR.
    Last edited by Papa; 04-22-2018 at 12:02 PM.
    My Build Thread: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...ter-Build-9754
    (Most viewed Roadster build thread on this forum!)

    Delivered: 6/17/2017
    First Start: 12/30/2017
    Completed: 12/7/2019
    Legal: 1/30/2020

    Member of the Mile-Hi Cobra Club
    Dave's Cobra YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbk...npK1UZHj4R-bYQ
    Agora 1:8 Scale Cobra Build: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...l-Build-Thread

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    Papa-

    Little man looks pretty pleased with himself! Where did that red hair come from? Handsome fell right there.

    Congrats on starting the build. You are really going to love it. It is both enjoyable and rewarding, and I think you will have a terrific time.

    I look forward to following along with your build thread.

    Regards,

    Steve

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    Papa's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by WIS89 View Post
    Papa-

    Little man looks pretty pleased with himself! Where did that red hair come from? Handsome fell right there.

    Congrats on starting the build. You are really going to love it. It is both enjoyable and rewarding, and I think you will have a terrific time.

    I look forward to following along with your build thread.

    Regards,

    Steve
    My mother, wife, and two daughters are all redheads (Lord help me)! Today I will be removing the hood, doors, and trunk and marking the aluminum in preparation to remove the body.
    My Build Thread: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...ter-Build-9754
    (Most viewed Roadster build thread on this forum!)

    Delivered: 6/17/2017
    First Start: 12/30/2017
    Completed: 12/7/2019
    Legal: 1/30/2020

    Member of the Mile-Hi Cobra Club
    Dave's Cobra YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbk...npK1UZHj4R-bYQ
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    Senior Member KDubU's Avatar
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    Very nice! Ah, your garge is too clean.
    Kyle

    Complete Kit pickup 09/05/2015, 351w, QF680, 3.55, 3-Link, 15" Halibrands with MT's, Painted Viking blue with Wimbledon white stripes on 03/15/2017. Sold in 08/2018 and totally regret it.

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    Papa's Avatar
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    Lots of progress today! I got the body off the chassis and onto the buck and into the eventual parking space for the finished car.







    After marking and documenting the aluminum panels, I removed everything down to the bare chassis.



    Finally, I drilled the F-Panels and cleco'd them into position. Now I need to decide how I want to finish them before permanently riveting them and starting on the front suspension.

    Last edited by Papa; 04-22-2018 at 12:07 PM.
    My Build Thread: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...ter-Build-9754
    (Most viewed Roadster build thread on this forum!)

    Delivered: 6/17/2017
    First Start: 12/30/2017
    Completed: 12/7/2019
    Legal: 1/30/2020

    Member of the Mile-Hi Cobra Club
    Dave's Cobra YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbk...npK1UZHj4R-bYQ
    Agora 1:8 Scale Cobra Build: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...l-Build-Thread

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    Senior Member 2FAST4U's Avatar
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    Congrats! Welcome to the madness

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    Senior Member R Thomas's Avatar
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    I'm thinking the reason the F-panel riveting shows up very early in the manual has to do with lack of familiarity. It's much more likely a foreign process to most that tackle the assembly. As to permanent or not the picture shows some mounting slots that might not be so easily accessible after the rivets are in, so I say no rush.

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    #9160 BB767's Avatar
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    May I ask where you purchased the axle from? Thx, BB

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    Papa's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by BB767 View Post
    May I ask where you purchased the axle from? Thx, BB
    I ordered it with my kit from Factory Five. It was shipped direct from Moser Engineering. I swapped out the stock chrome diff cover for the cast one shown in the pictures.
    My Build Thread: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...ter-Build-9754
    (Most viewed Roadster build thread on this forum!)

    Delivered: 6/17/2017
    First Start: 12/30/2017
    Completed: 12/7/2019
    Legal: 1/30/2020

    Member of the Mile-Hi Cobra Club
    Dave's Cobra YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbk...npK1UZHj4R-bYQ
    Agora 1:8 Scale Cobra Build: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...l-Build-Thread

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    #9160 BB767's Avatar
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    Thanks.

  24. #18

    Steve >> aka: GoDadGo
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    Quote Originally Posted by Papa View Post
    I ordered it with my kit from Factory Five. It was shipped direct from Moser Engineering. I swapped out the stock chrome diff cover for the cast one shown in the pictures.
    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.
    Last edited by GoDadGo; 06-25-2017 at 06:22 AM.

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    Papa's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by GoDadGo View Post
    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.
    The chrome cover just looked ... cheap. The cast cover also has the added advantages of both fill and drain ports. Without a fill port on the cover, you would be forced to fill via the vent tube.
    My Build Thread: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...ter-Build-9754
    (Most viewed Roadster build thread on this forum!)

    Delivered: 6/17/2017
    First Start: 12/30/2017
    Completed: 12/7/2019
    Legal: 1/30/2020

    Member of the Mile-Hi Cobra Club
    Dave's Cobra YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbk...npK1UZHj4R-bYQ
    Agora 1:8 Scale Cobra Build: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...l-Build-Thread

  26. #20

    Steve >> aka: GoDadGo
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    Quote Originally Posted by Papa View Post
    The chrome cover just looked ... cheap. The cast cover also has the added advantages of both fill and drain ports. Without a fill port on the cover, you would be forced to fill via the vent tube.
    Uggggg!

  27. #21
    Papa's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by GoDadGo View Post
    Uggggg!
    Okay -- give the rookie a break. I found the fill port on the axle.
    My Build Thread: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...ter-Build-9754
    (Most viewed Roadster build thread on this forum!)

    Delivered: 6/17/2017
    First Start: 12/30/2017
    Completed: 12/7/2019
    Legal: 1/30/2020

    Member of the Mile-Hi Cobra Club
    Dave's Cobra YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbk...npK1UZHj4R-bYQ
    Agora 1:8 Scale Cobra Build: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...l-Build-Thread

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  29. #22

    Steve >> aka: GoDadGo
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    Quote Originally Posted by Papa View Post
    Okay -- give the rookie a break. I found the fill port on the axle.
    I'm A Rookie Too!

  30. #23
    Papa's Avatar
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    More progress today as I began assembling the front suspension. I decided on black bedliner spray for the exposed aluminum panels and scuffed and cleaned the F-panels then sprayed them. They came out really nice and after several hours of drying time, I mounted them.



    While they were drying, I addressed some areas on the chassis that were missed when they powder coated it. I used a rust converter and will touch up the uncoated areas with POR15 after the converter is completely set.



    Finally, I got the lower control arms, upper control arms, and front coil overs installed. Please check my work on the uppers as I had to flip the mounting bar to get the proper (I hope) configuration on the pre-assembled arms.





    I had to use a large flat screwdriver to wedge the rear upper control arm bolt in order to get it torqued. It was too close to the chassis to get a wrench or socket on it.

    Back to work (that pays the bills) tomorrow, so the build will wait for another day off to get back into it.
    Last edited by Papa; 04-22-2018 at 12:10 PM.
    My Build Thread: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...ter-Build-9754
    (Most viewed Roadster build thread on this forum!)

    Delivered: 6/17/2017
    First Start: 12/30/2017
    Completed: 12/7/2019
    Legal: 1/30/2020

    Member of the Mile-Hi Cobra Club
    Dave's Cobra YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbk...npK1UZHj4R-bYQ
    Agora 1:8 Scale Cobra Build: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...l-Build-Thread

  31. #24
    Papa's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by GoDadGo View Post
    Papa,

    Being an Electrical Engineer gives you a huge advantage over a lot of us.
    To give you an example, it took me 40 hours to wire my dash.
    That's why you never give a wrench to a banker.
    Looks Like A Great Combination To Me!

    Steve
    Wiring doesn't bother me as long as I have a readable schematic to work from. When I tackled the dash replacement on my 1970 El Camino, I didn't have much to go on, but got it done.
    Last edited by Papa; 07-08-2017 at 09:20 AM.
    My Build Thread: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...ter-Build-9754
    (Most viewed Roadster build thread on this forum!)

    Delivered: 6/17/2017
    First Start: 12/30/2017
    Completed: 12/7/2019
    Legal: 1/30/2020

    Member of the Mile-Hi Cobra Club
    Dave's Cobra YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbk...npK1UZHj4R-bYQ
    Agora 1:8 Scale Cobra Build: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...l-Build-Thread

  32. #25
    Senior Member edwardb's Avatar
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    Looking good. You're off to a great start. One suggestion: For the upper control arms, I'd recommend flipping those attachment bolts. Wherever possible, it's good build practice to always put the head of the bolt on top and the nut on the bottom. In the unlikely event that a nut were to work loose and fall off, the bolt is more likely to stay in the hole and help limit potential damage.

    Hopefully also you used Loctite in those upper ball joints. They look pretty clean so thought I would ask. Some have had trouble with them backing out once driving. In addition to Loctite, good practice to put some paint marks on the ball joint side and upper control arm so you can visually monitor if they've moved or not as part of ongoing maintenance.

    Last edited by edwardb; 06-27-2017 at 06:40 AM.
    Build 1: Mk3 Roadster #5125. Sold 11/08/2014. Build 2: Mk4 Roadster #7750. Sold 04/10/2017. Build Thread
    Build 3: Mk4 Roadster 20th Anniversary #8674. Sold 09/07/2020. Build Thread and Video. Build 4: Gen 3 Type 65 Coupe #59. Gen 3 Coyote. Legal 03/04/2020. Build Thread and Video
    Build 5: 35 Hot Rod Truck #138. LS3 and 4L65E auto. Rcvd 01/05/2021. Legal 04/20/2023. Build Thread. Sold 11/9/2023.

  33. #26
    Papa's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by edwardb View Post
    Looking good. You're off to a great start. One suggestion: For the upper control arms, I'd recommend flipping those attachment bolts. Wherever possible, it's good build practice to always put the head of the bolt on top and the nut on the bottom. In the unlikely event that a nut were to work loose and fall off, the bolt is more likely to stay in the hole and help limit potential damage.

    Hopefully also you used Loctite in those upper ball joints. They look pretty clean so thought I would ask. Some have had trouble with them backing out once driving. In addition to Loctite, good practice to put some paint marks on the ball joint side and upper control arm so you can visually monitor if they've moved or not as part of ongoing maintenance.

    Thank you for the tips. I did use blue thread locker on the upper ball joints. I ran three or four beads on each before threading them in. I will definitely flip the pivot bolts over as you suggest. I hadn't thought about it, but it makes a lot of sense. They are all still just finger tight right now until I get the spindles mounted. I'll also make sure to put some paint marks in the ball joints to keep track of any movement down the road.
    My Build Thread: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...ter-Build-9754
    (Most viewed Roadster build thread on this forum!)

    Delivered: 6/17/2017
    First Start: 12/30/2017
    Completed: 12/7/2019
    Legal: 1/30/2020

    Member of the Mile-Hi Cobra Club
    Dave's Cobra YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbk...npK1UZHj4R-bYQ
    Agora 1:8 Scale Cobra Build: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...l-Build-Thread

  34. #27
    Papa's Avatar
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    Today I received a good number of backordered and missing parts. So far, I'm very impressed with the responsiveness from FFR. Courtnie has been great to work with through the entire process.
    My Build Thread: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...ter-Build-9754
    (Most viewed Roadster build thread on this forum!)

    Delivered: 6/17/2017
    First Start: 12/30/2017
    Completed: 12/7/2019
    Legal: 1/30/2020

    Member of the Mile-Hi Cobra Club
    Dave's Cobra YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbk...npK1UZHj4R-bYQ
    Agora 1:8 Scale Cobra Build: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...l-Build-Thread

  35. #28
    Papa's Avatar
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    Completed the front suspension and brakes today!



    Used the two 35mm bolts supplied by FFR to mount the caliper brackets to the spindles. The Wilwood supplied bolts are 40mm.





    Next I'll begin working on the rear suspension.
    Last edited by Papa; 04-22-2018 at 12:13 PM.
    My Build Thread: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...ter-Build-9754
    (Most viewed Roadster build thread on this forum!)

    Delivered: 6/17/2017
    First Start: 12/30/2017
    Completed: 12/7/2019
    Legal: 1/30/2020

    Member of the Mile-Hi Cobra Club
    Dave's Cobra YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbk...npK1UZHj4R-bYQ
    Agora 1:8 Scale Cobra Build: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...l-Build-Thread

  36. #29

    Steve >> aka: GoDadGo
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    Looking Good!
    Here are some of the assembly videos in case you haven't seen them.

    https://youtu.be/oBJ5dKLrhoU
    https://youtu.be/B5zGnHExZuA
    https://youtu.be/H_n5ZJJHrjE
    https://youtu.be/BHA_zGXUtok

    It's all pretty straight forward stuff so Wrench On Papa, Wrench On!

    Steve
    Last edited by GoDadGo; 07-01-2017 at 02:01 PM.

  37. #30
    Senior Member Dave Howard's Avatar
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    Hey Papa. Good luck with the build. My 2012 build was similar to yours except I used a Coyote power plant. I used to live in the Canadian Rockies and my experience with the Coyote at elevations from sea level to above the tree line has bee fantastic. 87 octane pump gas and ran like a top.

  38. #31
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dave Howard View Post
    Hey Papa. Good luck with the build. My 2012 build was similar to yours except I used a Coyote power plant. I used to live in the Canadian Rockies and my experience with the Coyote at elevations from sea level to above the tree line has bee fantastic. 87 octane pump gas and ran like a top.
    Yep -- EFI is a must-have at altitude! My home is at 6,100 feet and we get up over 11,000 feet going to Breckenridge.
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  39. #32
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    More progress today on the rear suspension. With a few extra hands, I got the rear end in place and then completed the shock install and track bar install.





    After adjusting the top link to get the rear shocks connected on the lower end, it seems that the clearance for the coil-over springs is going to be very close when it comes time to get the pinion angle adjusted. Has anyone had issues with this?

    Last edited by Papa; 04-22-2018 at 12:15 PM.
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  41. #33

    Steve >> aka: GoDadGo
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    I don't know if they changed anything since my kit was shipped (2015) but I think you've got your rear shocks upside down.

    Also, I've got the Moser TSD-500 rear and I had to clearance the brackets a bit, but that is because my pinion angle is different because of how my engine sits.

    Hope this helps.
    Last edited by GoDadGo; 07-05-2017 at 01:59 PM.

  42. #34
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    Quote Originally Posted by GoDadGo View Post
    I don't know if they changed anything since my kit was shipped (2015) but I think you've got your rear shocks upside down.

    Also, I've got the Moser TSD-500 rear and I had to clearance the brackets a bit, but that is because my pinion angle is different because of how my engine sits.

    Hope this helps.
    Steve,

    The manual specifically states that the shock body goes up unless using the double-adjustable shocks. I will wait and see what it does when it's on the ground with some weight on the rear.

    Dave
    Last edited by Papa; 07-15-2017 at 09:58 PM.
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  43. #35

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    I'm not saying this is relevant but we had this conversation on the 33 forum, discussing red vs silver shocks.

    Jim @FFR cleared it up:

    "Monotube shocks like the red ones that come with roadsters and came with older 33 kits can be mounted either direction. Twin tube shocks, like the current 33 nickel plated ones or the optional aluminum body double adjustables, must be mounted body down. "

    http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...nt-konis-on-33

    As I said, this was a slightly different context, so take that into account. I only mention it because noticing you have red shocks.
    James

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  44. #36
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    Quote Originally Posted by RoadRacer View Post
    I'm not saying this is relevant but we had this conversation on the 33 forum, discussing red vs silver shocks.

    Jim @FFR cleared it up:

    "Monotube shocks like the red ones that come with roadsters and came with older 33 kits can be mounted either direction. Twin tube shocks, like the current 33 nickel plated ones or the optional aluminum body double adjustables, must be mounted body down. "

    http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...nt-konis-on-33

    As I said, this was a slightly different context, so take that into account. I only mention it because noticing you have red shocks.
    I suppose if it doesn't matter, then I could flip the shocks over. My reference to the manual was about the red vs. silver shocks, and there are different pictures in the manual that show them in either orientation.
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  46. #37

    Steve >> aka: GoDadGo
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    Papa,

    I called Dan at Factory Five since my shocks are oriented in the same position as in the 2013 assembly video.
    Dan stated that the Red Shocks can go either way and that you've got them in the correct position as outlined in the later manuals.
    I've got them inverted like in his video, but you've done it by the book so yet again I've gone against the norm.
    Hope I didn't cause you too much grief.

    Steve

  47. #38
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    Quote Originally Posted by GoDadGo View Post
    Papa,

    I called Dan at Factory Five since my shocks are oriented in the same position as in the 2013 assembly video.
    Dan stated that the Red Shocks can go either way and that you've got them in the correct position as outlined in the later manuals.
    I've got them inverted like in his video, but you've done it by the book so yet again I've gone against the norm.
    Hope I didn't cause you too much grief.

    Steve
    Not at all, Steve. I just wanted to know if anyone has had clearance issues. If flipping the shocks over is a good solution, I'll be happy to do what works best in spite of what is written in the manual. That's why this forum is so awesome!

    Dave
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  49. #39
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    One of the cool things about monotubes (like the reds) is that they can be mounted either way and work fine. If you need the clearance on one end or the other, mount them that way. Otherwise, mount the heavier end at the top to minimize unsprung weight in the suspension. Looks like things are going well!

  50. #40
    Not a waxer Jeff Kleiner's Avatar
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    Papa,
    Flip 'em.



    Cheers,
    Jeff
    Attached Images Attached Images

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