Bruce's long awaited journey begins: #1294

[Mastertech5]

I finally picked up my stage 1 kit on June 10th after waiting 2 years to order. Got a rearend out of a '89 Mustang and upgraded it to 31 spline axles and a limited slip with 3.55 gears. Added Cobra rear discs and adjustable upper control arms. That was 2 years ago. 2 days of inventory, got it up on jack stands and got the rearend installed. Now I had a dilemma. What to do next. Almost every area I could work on had parts missing to be shipped later. I put in the pedal box and ran the brake lines. Hmm what next, fuel lines external fuel pump, filters ect. Now I'm stuck. I have no springs for the front coil overs, 2 clevices for the lower control arms, no spindles (not alone there I hear) and whole boxes of stuff. FFR said about the end of August. I have the engine (LS3), trans (TREMEC TKX), clutch but no bellhousing (backordered), but I didn't get the LS install parts either. I'm not complaining, just letting you guys know where I'm at. So I will wait impatiently for more stuff to arrive.
Thanks to JimLev for advice on power steering, A.C. and Alternator placement.

How do you guys post your build info at the bottom of each of your posts? I can't figure it out.

[Pat Landymore]

Sorry to learn of all the waiting you need to do….
I’d likely lose my mind…Ha! 😂

To answer your question:

Log in,
Go along the top of the screen and click on Settings.

When the new screen opens, look along the left hand side for My Settings. Under that you’ll see My Profile, and below that you’ll see Edit Signature. Click on that and go for it.

Cheers!
Pat

[Mastertech5]

Thanks!
Bruce

[Mastertech5]

Test for signature.

[33fromSD]

Not sure if it was back ordered or not but if you have them you could do the aluminum floor panels on frame on the top and bottom. Also the aluminum panel on the firewall can be done. Hundreds of rivets is always fun right?

Did you get the steering column & wire harness? You could start installing that.

The important thing is to enjoy the build. Good luck, send lots of pics.

[Mastertech5]

Got the harness but no steering column. I didn't get the boxed aluminum so no rivet hole guide. I have the curved upper firewall but no footwell pieces to align the firewall up properly. Today I am going to try to make a mount for the charcoal canister that came with the engine and a location under the fuel tank. It's bigger the the FFR one but is specific for my set-up.
I bought a n air riveter from Harbor Freight in anticipation of all the riveting to do. After I get the canister mounted I should be able to finish up with the gas tank and connections.

[Namrups]

I was shorted my rivet spacer also. I picked up an adjustable one from Mark at Breeze Automotive. Similar to the one in the picture but twice a big. Part number 20370. $46.00. Not cheap but works great.

[33fromSD]

Got the harness but no steering column. I didn't get the boxed aluminum so no rivet hole guide. I have the curved upper firewall but no footwell pieces to align the firewall up properly. Today I am going to try to make a mount for the charcoal canister that came with the engine and a location under the fuel tank. It's bigger the the FFR one but is specific for my set-up.
I bought a air riveter from Harbor Freight in anticipation of all the riveting to do. After I get the canister mounted I should be able to finish up with the gas tank and connections.

Bummer, sounds like FFR is hurting for parts. When I got my kit in Sept of 2020 I think I had maybe 8 items missing out of everything.

Jim

[RoadRacer]

Dang, that's tough. I kept having ideas, and then I'd read a bit further and you can't do that either.

[Mastertech5]

I did get the steering rack and that is installed. I got this bare metal bracket in the box with the pedal box and I think they called it a support bracket. I haven't figured out what it's for yet. Steering column maybe? I would post a picture but I haven't figured out how to do that either.

[RoadRacer]

I did get the steering rack and that is installed. I got this bare metal bracket in the box with the pedal box and I think they called it a support bracket. I haven't figured out what it's for yet. Steering column maybe? I would post a picture but I haven't figured out how to do that either.

pics?

[JimLev]

To post a pic see the pic.
After you do that pick From Computer……find your pic, then upload it.

A7B3D657-6295-4717-BA51-8B43DF7E582A.jpeg

[Mastertech5]

Thanks Jim I'll give it a go. Now I have to find the bracket. Stay tuned.

[Mastertech5]

I was shorted my rivet spacer also. I picked up an adjustable one from Mark at Breeze Automotive. Similar to the one in the picture but twice a big. Part number 20370. $46.00. Not cheap but works great.

Wow that's quite a contraption. I might just make my own with a piece of band iron, a straight edge and tape measure. More holes to drill. I bought 3 of the numbered drill bits from Mark for the rivets. I can't find 2 of them now!

[Mastertech5]

Anyone recognize this bracketIMG_20220721_233630.jpg

[edwardb]

Anyone recognize this bracketIMG_20220721_233630.jpg

Transmission mount.

[Brave Salmon]

Wow that's quite a contraption. I might just make my own with a piece of band iron, a straight edge and tape measure. More holes to drill. I bought 3 of the numbered drill bits from Mark for the rivets. I can't find 2 of them now!

I have the silly little rivet spacer. If anyone is really needing it, I will gladly send it along for the cost of postage. just pm me and off it goes.

[Mastertech5]

Thanks EdwardB. That sounds and looks right.

Bruce

[McGuyver]

Welcome! On your accessory drives keep in mind that the gen 1 has room to fit a/c and alternator in down low with the LS3 like JimLev did. The gen 2’s have lower set of suspension holes to allow for a higher ride height. I am using those holes on my truck and for me the tabs interfered with the a/c and alternator placement. You might still be able to make it work but I punted and went with the Holley mid-mount system. Front runner has one that works too but it is a bit pricey. Holley has had good Black Friday sales in the past, secret is finding it in stock somewhere so you are not waiting on back order.

[Mastertech5]

Thanks for the info on the accessory drives. I want to get the engine in and take some measurements then see what's up. I am also using the lower holes for a little more ground clearance. Our roads in Mass are terrible. My cousin has a 35 Plymouth and he scraped his whole exhaust on a speed bump in the parking lot at the fall Hot August Nights show in Reno. At least he won top prize for his trouble. Mostly locals, nothing like the BIG summer show.
I just got an email from FedEx. 2 boxes for a total of 82lbs. coming from FFR Saturday. Whoo hoo!!

[JimLev]

If you got the standard non adjustable Koni coil overs set then so the chassis is higher than specified.
It’s much easier to lower them after the car is built. Almost impossible to raise it after it’s built is what I’m finding.

Did you get fenders and running boards too?

[Mastertech5]

I cut the left rear lower control arm mount ear for steering rack clearance already so I'm committed. I ordered the Konis that come standard. They say they are 1 way adjustable. What that means I'm not sure. Maybe just that you can set the ride height by raising or lowering the spring seat?
I'm getting bike fenders. I got the basic kit so body is yet to come. I'll order it this fall so I can pick it up next Spring.

[Mastertech5]

I got 2 boxes of parts on my POL Saturday. Spindles but no front springs and no left hand thread clevices. So I still can't assemble the front suspension. The paintable tilt steering column came and I sprayed it with clear along with the handles. The brushed metal looks great. Heat and sound insulating kit too and some various hardware.
I made a bracket for my GM canister to mount under the fuel tank. Pics to come. One of the steering arms you bolt to the spindles had to be modified a little because it didn't sit flat on the spindle.

[Mastertech5]

Here's some pics

Rear end installed
IMG_20220725_122822.jpg

Rear Cobra brakes
IMG_20220725_122835.jpg

Canister and bracket
IMG_20220725_131500.jpgIMG_20220725_123116.jpg

Steering column
IMG_20220725_140633.jpg

Steering rack
IMG_20220725_122856.jpg

Pedal box
IMG_20220725_122924.jpg

I quit for the day. Way too humid to keep at it. I could ring out my tee shirt!

[33fromSD]

Nice!! I clear coated my steering column as well, also cleaned up, buffed and then cleared the upper & lower control arms and all still look great. I agree that the machine finish on the Ididit column looks great cleared.

Jim

[Mastertech5]

I bolted the steering arms to the spindles and something looked funny on the drivers side. The drop in the arm was up not down. Got 2 right side arms. Sent an email to customer service last night and they are shipping the correct one today. Should get tomorrow. I only live about 50 miles west. Great service FFR!

[RoadRacer]

(silly thing but you might want to rename this build thread if you can? Makes it easier for us to get context of which build we're following. At least put your name or the last four of your build in the title? e.g. Mine is #997)

[33fromSD]

I bolted the steering arms to the spindles and something looked funny on the drivers side. The drop in the arm was up not down. Got 2 right side arms. Sent an email to customer service last night and they are shipping the correct one today. Should get tomorrow. I only live about 50 miles west. Great service FFR!

Yup, FFR really does have great customer service, I never had any issues and their responsiveness rivals major companies I work with.

Jim

[Mastertech5]

(silly thing but you might want to rename this build thread if you can? Makes it easier for us to get context of which build we're following. At least put your name or the last four of your build in the title? e.g. Mine is #997)

Where do I find that number? I can't find it on the paperwork. Bruce

[Mastertech5]

I found a thread on how to change the thread title.
It is now named:
Bruce's long awaited journey begins: #1294

Thanks for the advice RoadRacer.

[Mastertech5]

Today I drilled the holes in the under tank panel. Yes I found the drill bits I bought from Mark Reynolds. I slid it back just enough to still cover all the tubes behind the roll bar. Sides fit ok. Drilled a few holes into the frame and put a few Breeze wedgelock temp fasteners ( like Clecos). Got some bulkhead fittings for fuel, return and vent lines. Need to locate position for each.

[Mastertech5]

After taking a couple of days off and ordering a 12 inch long #30 aircraft drill bit from Amazon I was able to drill the two side front holes in the tubes for the aluminum panel. The slanted tubes going up toward the back didn't allow a drill to get a straight shot at drklling. The bit would have skated.

I mocked up the various lines from the tank to the bulkhead fittings in the panel. Left to right, vent, return, fuel feed.

IMG_20220729_210029.jpg

I got a notification from FedEx that another box is coming from FFR tomorrow, YES!
Get the FedEx app and you can turn on noticications. They'll send you a text if you put in your phone #. Tracking info just shows up when a package is sent to you.

[Mastertech5]

Saturday morning I spent mostly on my back, drill in hand. I had marked and drilled all the holes in the upper and lower floor aluminum Fri night. For my own curiosity I counted, all total 164 holes for just the lower panels and frame tubes. I have the 3M 5200 sealer coming Sunday. Sat night I drilled the upper floor holes in the frame tubes for the right side. Sun I'll do the left
My box came from FFR and it didn't have anything I need now. A.C. hoses and fittings, the missing DD steering shaft and a mounting bracket for the FFR canister that I'm not using. I wish I was getting stuff I need now like boxed aluminum, LS install kit, and the missing front suspension parts. Oh well, they will come.

Bruce

[Mastertech5]

This week I finalized my fuel tank and lines, installed the under tank panel and connected the vent, return and feed lines. I only ran the fuel line and evap purge line to the frame under the passenger side door opening because I'm waiting for the boxed aluminum so I can install the foot boxes and firewall.
I
Tank I installed

IMG_20220805_220721_hdr.jpgIMG_20220805_220824_hdr.jpg

Rear view

Views of filter, pump and prefilter.

IMG_20220805_153722.jpgIMG_20220805_153804.jpg

[Mastertech5]

Today without much else to do I decided to check the clearance of the front 13" Cobra brake calipers after buying some 8mm spacers. I had checked before and they seemed to hit the wheel spokes but were okay as far as wheel diameter. I didn't have the spindles so it was a guess. I made a good choice. They fit just right now.

IMG_20220807_123923_hdr.jpgIMG_20220807_123959_hdr.jpg

Then I wanted see want the rears looked like on so here's a pic.

IMG_20220807_124814_hdr.jpgIMG_20220807_124842_hdr.jpg

Hard to get a wider view with my crowded garage.

[TxMike64]

IMG_20220807_123923_hdr.jpg

Those wheels look sharp! Great choice!
They look similar to the wheels on the FFR 1/2 car.

[Mastertech5]

Yes I know.they're kinda like the Bonneville wheels. I was going to get American Racing Torque thrust II but Wheel Pros bought them out and started carrying only standard sizes and most of the old stock wasn't available. I like these better. You can get different back spacing/ offsets if you order directly from Race Star, at a higher cost of course. I ordered these from Summit.

[Mastertech5]

Today I got 2 more boxes on my POL. everything for the front suspension I needed except the two left hand clevises and eight nuts for the control arm bolts. Packaged aluminum, LS install kit except the spacers for the engine mounts, hot water control valve & module. At least I can start putting the front suspension together and get rid of the wind chimes that have been hanging on my garage door rails since I painted and cleared them. Started on foot boxes and firewall. Centered and mated panels to each other and marked for drilling. Tomorrow is another day with something to do at last.

[33fromSD]

Today I got 2 more boxes on my POL. everything for the front suspension I needed except the two left hand clevises and eight nuts for the control arm bolts. Packaged aluminum, LS install kit except the spacers for the engine mounts, hot water control valve & module. At least I can start putting the front suspension together and get rid of the wind chimes that have been hanging on my garage door rails since I painted and cleared them. Started on foot boxes and firewall. Centered and mated panels to each other and marked for drilling. Tomorrow is another day with something to do at last.

Don't let 8 nuts missing for the control arms stop you, just run to your local hardware store and pick up come nuts.

Jim

[Jeff33Ford]

Today I got 2 more boxes on my POL. everything for the front suspension I needed except the two left hand clevises and eight nuts for the control arm bolts. Packaged aluminum, LS install kit except the spacers for the engine mounts, hot water control valve & module. At least I can start putting the front suspension together and get rid of the wind chimes that have been hanging on my garage door rails since I painted and cleared them. Started on foot boxes and firewall. Centered and mated panels to each other and marked for drilling. Tomorrow is another day with something to do at last.

Since I have not got mine yet either. I did not wait I ordered these. I told FFR to just send them to the next guy in line. From the input I got here these are a better choice anyway
https://www.mcmaster.com/92461A101/