Black&Copper - 33 Hot Rod #1028

[AJT '33]

Each weekend brings us closer to being complete, this weekend all the electrical on the base car was buttoned up and we can now get the removable hard top completed and installed. Once that's done we can then finish with the doors and their electric windows and door poppers. When those are done we can then start buttoning up the last details and we will be ready for the provincial inspections once those facilities will be open, never expected that i would be waiting on them at this time.
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Its actually feeling a bit weird being so close to the end and then not reporting the days or the weeks progress!!

To everyone, be safe, be careful, stay healthy!!

Andreas

[shmelty]

My word that car beautiful!! Bravo!

[Ken_B]

Great build! I know you are proud, and you should be.

Did you paint the headlight buckets or powder coat them? TIA

[AJT '33]

Great build! I know you are proud, and you should be.

Did you paint the headlight buckets or powder coat them? TIA

I Scuffed them with a 2" rotary scuff pad, then sandblasted them, Epoxy primed, sanded, primed then painted them to match the car with HOK Jet Black. As they were chromed i did not want to take a chance in them peeling. If I could have found a place that could do good copper plating I would have plated them in copper. Happy with the look regardless.

[wallace18]

Super Job!

[AJT '33]

Well, more work this past weekend as I am working from home during the day. Progressing well, was going to buy a pre-made gland for the roll bar and my wife convinced me to make them out of copper in place of painting the purchased one, she was right (don't tell her though!!)
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My son is working on buttoning up the doors so we can mount and realign them hopefully today or tomorrow. Even though it may be substantially completed by this coming weekend, I still won't be able to get the initial inspection done... oh well I will just need to get those last details done!

[AJT '33]

After numerous attempts to make the door window seals work as supplied, I finally have given up. I ended up chopping up one of the seals so it holds the window for now at least.
20200421_104934.jpg 20200421_104939.jpg 20200421_104947.jpg

The good & bad news is that I had at least had an alternative plan in place should I not be able to get them to work the way I wanted.

I ended up using a combination of Tim Collin's frame design along with how WRP (Bill) had done. I will be using a simple 3/4" aluminum angle with a pair of window felts affixed to them and set to the correct pressure to hold the windows and help align them to the hard top. I will be ordering a couple lengths of felt from Spaenaur, #C-9, and affix them to the aluminum angle (final method to be decided) which will allow me some lateral adjustment relative to the windows and the gaps in the doors. this will allow me to pre-fit and install the felts on the angles and then shape the angle to the top of the door. It will be similar to the current FFR frame, but I hope it will be a little more lean in its look and very functional.

Having the body all painted this will take a few days to complete then take apart to paint to match the car so it disappears on the door top. As soon as I have it mocked up I will take pictures and share with everyone. I am trying to keep it simple so others can benefit from this should they wish to do the same.

Everyone, Stay Safe, Be Careful, Stay Healthy!

[AJT '33]

Just found out last night that my son Xavier won one of the Snap-on/Traxxas '33 Hot Rod Radio controlled cars!!!

One like this one: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?sto...00021678742773

Looks like we'll have additional fun possibly this weekend!!!

[AJT '33]

Well doors on and the seals applied, got really lucky and they all lined up well. Buttoned up the door to body wiring and then took a nice drive around the block with my son, he worked hard on the car with me and it was fantastic!
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My soon then took a drive around the block as well, car is running a bit rich and the idle speed needs to be adjusted but that will be done on the Dyno later on.

Will be buttoning up the door and then the stereo system, getting the last bits and pieces done and then on to the last big nut, the front bumper. If the Certification Center is not open, then off to get the final polishing and ceramic coating added as it still looks half finished!

[JimLev]

Looks good AJT. Will be watching to see what you come up with for bumpers.
Question, what will you be doing for an antenna for the stereo? I've been thinking that a wire up thru the A pillar and then inside the roof above the windshield may work OK.

[AJT '33]

Looks good AJT. Will be watching to see what you come up with for bumpers.
Question, what will you be doing for an antenna for the stereo? I've been thinking that a wire up thru the A pillar and then inside the roof above the windshield may work OK.

TY. Will be posting as soon as I have it done, I only need a front bumper as a requirement of the province.

At this point, I am not going to use an antenna as I am using a Bluetooth connection between my phone and the radio to stream directly from the phone to the radio. As well if I do want to have music from a radio station, I will be connecting my Ipod Mini via Bluetooth and stream its connection to the radio and the speakers.

[AJT '33]

Little victory last night, plugged in the last of the sound system components and turned it on to hear for the first time the potential sound that I will have and was pleasantly surprised to what I heard and the level of Bass I was hoping to have. Now need to button up the door panels, get the speakers permanently installed and then get to work on the front bumper!

[johnnybgoode]

Here's a link to the audio upgrade I did on the 37 a few years ago. Made speaker rings out of 1/4" hardboard and glued them in with PL Premium. Scott
https://www.ffcars.com/threads/37-fo.../#post-5522193

[AJT '33]

Had a bad surprise today, went to open the passenger door using my remote door opener from Autoloc and it literally fell apart! The barrel and spring came right out of the body. Will be calling them ASAP to see how they will fix this!
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For the price we pay for this stuff you would think it would last, haven't been able to enjoy it at all yet!!

[johnnybgoode]

The door solenoid usually has a rubber bellows that holds the plunger in the coil?

This is what mine look like but yours look like a different design.

https://www.a1electric.com/Merchant2...Category_Code=

Did some searches and mine are Spal the rubber boot basically holds the plunger in the coil. I've taken them out to crimp the cable after mounting the coil in the door. Simple but it seems to work. Not sure what holds the Autolocs together?

Scott

[AJT '33]

The door solenoid usually has a rubber bellows that holds the plunger in the coil?

This is what mine look like but yours look like a different design.

https://www.a1electric.com/Merchant2...Category_Code=

Did some searches and mine are Spal the rubber boot basically holds the plunger in the coil. I've taken them out to crimp the cable after mounting the coil in the door. Simple but it seems to work. Not sure what holds the Autolocs together?

Scott

Yeah mine looks like the one at the bottom of that web page under related items. will be pulling it apart today to see whats up. TY!!

[AJT '33]

So the days keep getting more interesting as I move forward to my completion. Trying to stay inspired and keep some sort of momentum in this COVID environment and add in the beautiful weather that we are now having definitely slows things down. Regardless, I submitted the last two request for approvals to the provincial engineer and I am hoping that they will come back accepted so I can button this up and get the car out to the certification center for its first inspection and the application of the VIN plate.

So we worked on a bunch of buttoning up of things with the rework of the front "bumperettes" as the requirement was to have bumpers that protect the front wheels as there are no fenders that cover the front of the wheel. I initially came up with a concept that had a full bumper but that ended up being too much work and effort so my some and I came up with another solution that would still protect the front wheel and also turn with the wheel as well.
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20200518_133748 - Marked Up.jpg This shows how we will extend it to cover the edge of the tire.
20200518_133931.jpg As well need to add this turn signal which is also a requirement of the province.
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One other item that we will need to add are security cables that will act as a secondary latch in case the bear claw releases while driving. I had looked into the suicide pin however there is no real planned location to install it that works well. The province has accepted the latch cable however needs also a security indicator light that ensure that the door is closed properly, we will add a compression switch installed that if the bear claw only latches to the first click, a red light will stay lit. As soon as it latches to the second click, the switch will release its contact and the interior light will turn off. One light on the drivers side and one on the passenger side will be necessary. I will be waiting to hear if that it is acceptable to the province.
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Hope everyone stays safe, be careful and stays healthy!!

[JimLev]

Even with the headlights having the turn signals built into them you still need to have additional turn signals?
Excellent build, I always enjoy reading your posts.

[FF33rod]

+1 on what Jim said, seems strange. Also wonder what the rationale is on protecting the front of the tire - the hazards for front tires are down low where fenders or bumpers have no protection. I've tried to get a sense of how the inspection is going to go here in BC and so far can only gather that for this type of car the requirements are very much at the discretion of the inspector.

[AJT '33]

Even with the headlights having the turn signals built into them you still need to have additional turn signals?
Excellent build, I always enjoy reading your posts.

I sent the engineer videos of the turn signals and a similar 2020 vehicle and the engineer said the one I presented was not bright enough and also did not have the markings required. He said it also did not meet the 22 sq. cm requirement for area.

[AJT '33]

Finally got some time to get started on the window guides/seals using the 1" aluminum angles. Got one of them mocked up and I am actually quite happy with the results to be honest. Will be continuing to get the other door done and then the inside portions completed, then I will prep them for primer, paint and clear so I can get them installed on the car.
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We also got the approval for the Bumperettes and the additional turn signals from the Provincial Engineer, so now my son can complete the welding and fabrication of them so I can have them setup for paint. I might actually look to have a more "sexy" looking version made so I can share with others that may need some on their 33 with bike fenders.
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The last challenge that i have is the door ajar light/indicator that he is now requiring to have as an image, even though this pissed me off, I proposed taking his making a small plate mounted just under the dash near the speedometer and then in the middle add a red LED light. If he accepts that then I believe I have everything that he is requiring to obtain my approvals, crossing my fingers!
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[wrp]

I love the way that dash cluster panel turned out

[AJT '33]

So after a bunch of negotiations with the inspector came to an agreement on the door ajar light and will be getting it installed. So I needed to add in the switches such when the door is not fully engaged, the light will stay on in the indicator mounted under the dash. We used switches that come in some models of remote starters, one for each door and punted on the door hinge in a place that will be protected and does not need a hole in the door or body, just a few extra feet of wire that we've hidden.
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[sread]

don't you just love being held hostage by imbeciles with authority?

[AJT '33]

don't you just love being held hostage by imbeciles with authority?

Its when they try and apply today's standards to cars that were never built that way. The day they require air bags is the day I give up.

[cob427sc]

well, at least you can talk with someone from the DMV. I've been waiting over 2 months just for them to set up an appointment as my vehicle is deemed non-essential during the covid work slow down.

[AJT '33]

Thinking that things may go faster since working from home is now becoming a myth. Work has been even more busy as we try and make sure that everything from a corporate standpoint stay afloat.

Regardless, we still need to keep things moving forward and buttoning up the waterfall is one of them. Last night we refitted it and its ready to be locked in, with the addition of a few fasteners later today, that one will be in for the long haul (or at least if we need to remove it for some reason!)
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Now to button up a few more things and we can start getting it ready for its first appearance at the DMV (SAAQ for us here in Quebec!).

As well, last weekend I went with my wife and picked up a new 16' V-Nosed trailer to carry "The Mistress" in for the approvals and any longer hauls to shows, well at least whenever that will happen once again!!
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[JOP33]

Really is one beautiful build! You should be extremely proud.

[fostia]

After numerous attempts to make the door window seals work as supplied, I finally have given up. I ended up chopping up one of the seals so it holds the window for now at least.
20200421_104934.jpg 20200421_104939.jpg 20200421_104947.jpg

The good & bad news is that I had at least had an alternative plan in place should I not be able to get them to work the way I wanted.

I ended up using a combination of Tim Collin's frame design along with how WRP (Bill) had done. I will be using a simple 3/4" aluminum angle with a pair of window felts affixed to them and set to the correct pressure to hold the windows and help align them to the hard top. I will be ordering a couple lengths of felt from Spaenaur, #C-9, and affix them to the aluminum angle (final method to be decided) which will allow me some lateral adjustment relative to the windows and the gaps in the doors. this will allow me to pre-fit and install the felts on the angles and then shape the angle to the top of the door. It will be similar to the current FFR frame, but I hope it will be a little more lean in its look and very functional.

Having the body all painted this will take a few days to complete then take apart to paint to match the car so it disappears on the door top. As soon as I have it mocked up I will take pictures and share with everyone. I am trying to keep it simple so others can benefit from this should they wish to do the same.

Everyone, Stay Safe, Be Careful, Stay Healthy!

Looking good! Nice setup with the new truck, trailer and garage. I'm in San Diego and only wish I could have the space for all that at my small abode.

If you ever have the time, I'd be interested in seeing any additional pictures on how you did your power windows. I'm about at that point and am not looking forward to it. I have the Tim Collins schematics but it would be helpful to see a bunch of pictures of it installed in the door for reference. His post only has fairly limited images of it installed. Also, I'm very curious, how much clearance is there between the window and outside panel near the top front for a exterior door handle? Thanks!!

[AJT '33]

More great progress this weekend. After getting miscellaneous items buttoned up I was able to work on finishing the bumperettes that I need to pass inspection completed and painted.
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As well since the waterfall is installed I was also able to install the roll bar, it does change the overall look of that area of the car.
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Looking forward to installing the bumpers so that my son can get the required turn signals for the provincial approvals. Will be getting the last details of the window felts done and painted today such that i can get the hard top back on and get those installed as well. Once that's done we button up the door panels and we go through the last checklist before we bring the car to have the VIN plate installed.

Getting anxious as I really would like to have everything buttoned up and approved by the province by the end of this month.

[AJT '33]

Well after painting the window guides once and hating the result, I sanded them down and reapplied a new base and coated them with HOK clear and they turned out good. Set them up outside in the sun so they can get cured and then left to cool inside for a couple days. Added the felt/brush guides to the face of the angle with Super adhesive 3M super strength molding tape. Happy with the end result.

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Once I line up the windows with the hard top on, then I will drill the three holes and placed 10-24 cap head bolts, that are Painted burnt copper, in them to affix it to the door itself. Now to fit and add the copper door sill plates then the front bumperettes, door panels and handle to release the latch, a safety cable then were ready for the initial inspection and the VIN plate!

[FF33rod]

Looking oh so good Andreas. So the window trim that you've crafted is fairly similar to the FFR Gen 2 pieces. When they sent me gen 2 doors I got them to sent those as well. however, it looks like the "felt" they provided is exactly the same as that which is put around the hardtop window frame area - very large and bulky. It's going to result in a very large cutout. Hoping you can provide some info on the felt you're using. Thanks.

Steve

[AJT '33]

Looking oh so good Andreas. So the window trim that you've crafted is fairly similar to the FFR Gen 2 pieces. When they sent me gen 2 doors I got them to sent those as well. however, it looks like the "felt" they provided is exactly the same as that which is put around the hardtop window frame area - very large and bulky. It's going to result in a very large cutout. Hoping you can provide some info on the felt you're using. Thanks.

Steve

Hey Steve, I found it in the 2018 Spaenur Catalogue page 118/1707, a snippit of the strip is attached. I used the 3M molding tape to adhere it and so far so good.
Spaenaur C-9 Westherstrip for Car Window.JPG
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[AJT '33]

Well the saga continues, details to finish the car keep being installed. Recently got the door sill plate covers installed.
20200613_211923.jpg 20200613_214146.jpg Bend, prep, sand and clear coat on each of them.
20200617_141441.jpg 20200617_141459.jpg Final copper covers installed
20200617_142000.jpg 20200617_142010.jpg Door strike pin covers installed
20200615_135900.jpg 20200615_140952.jpg Front bumperettes installed along with the additional turn signals that the province requires.

Next step is getting the Passenger door solenoid fixed as the replacement is taking a dogs breath to get here from Autoloc and I need this this for the first inspection this week. Once the repaired solenoid is installed I can get the door panel covers on, the custom door pin openers installed and then the copper cover for the radio and amp installed in the back trunk of the car.

The last items to install will be the trunk and hood props, then final checks. I really hope I can load it up on the trailer by Friday to be able to get my VIN plate installed.

[tony]

Those sill plates look great! How'd you bend them up without wrecking them?

[AJT '33]

Those sill plates look great! How'd you bend them up without wrecking them?

Very carefully! I made a form out of plywood that matched the shape of the sill, then I took 1/32" thick copper and had the edges bent 90 degrees to cover the carpet and lip down the outside a 1/4". Then using a flat pieces of wood, I carefully rolled the ends heating it with a torch when necessary so its more pliable. I held the flat portion with clamps and plywood to make sure they didn't distort. Each took about an hour of shaping and bending slowly. If I had an English wheel with a flat curve it may have gone easier but you need to work with what you have at hand.

[FF33rod]

Damn you do good work Andreas, door sills are amazing!

[JOP33]

Those sill plates are awesome AJT! I will caution you about the screw heads though...your door will vibrate and you will unavoidably get marring against the inside lower panel of the door. I just had .032" stainless there (with no screws) and was starting to see a witness line on the door. You may want to c'snk those heads a bit.

[AJT '33]

Its kind of strange now that I'm getting closer to the point where I can start the registration process of my '33. Weird feeling, hard to explain.

Regardless, got the stereo system cover in and in doing so was able to figure out a way to install and attach the trunk prop rod.
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Now I will get the passenger door popper solenoid working then reinstall the hard top, align the windows, then secure the window felts. Once thats done I can close up the doors then.....

[RoadRacer]

Its kind of strange now that I'm getting closer to the point where I can start the registration process of my '33. Weird feeling, hard to explain.

a little sad that the build is coming to a close? it's definitely a transition going from building to driving. I've never done a real-nice polished car like yours - how much driving are you planning? I'd hope you'd enter some shows looking as good as it does.