Black&Copper - 33 Hot Rod #1028

[progmgr1]

Yes, I'd like a copy of your ECM shield drawing. I'll PM you with my email address. Thanks for sharing your design. Keith HR#894

[AJT '33]

WELL... its time to do all the point to point checks for every run of wire. Doing this to ensure all is good for each, will be pulling all the fuses etc... then once the checks are done, going to put the fuses back, add back the antifreeze and see if she wants to show life again!!

[AJT '33]

Well all the checks and balances are done, all the wiring seems to be in order and we taped off anything that were bare wires, turned on the ignition and heard a huge squeal and then POP! Both my son and jumped and he turned the ignition off, looked around thought we blew something, looked at the belt then each other to realize that in all the wiring checks we had done we forgot to take the tape off the intake!!! Nitwits! Scared F out of us! You can see the blue tape in the front of the intake on this shot.
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After settling down, had a beer to cool our nerves, we re-installed the intake and the air filter and she started up like a champ after 8 months of waiting on us.
https://youtu.be/mxadz9q10eo
https://youtu.be/DnMscA1ziGk

Now to get to buttoning up[ the heat shields as well as the sound insulation, then carpeting. Unfortunately I think with the changes I have made to the transmission tunnel cover, I will need to source and buy some new carpet for the interior as most of it does not fit well anymore.
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Also got the windshield washer bottle mounted, now before you all go and say there is no access, I will be placing a fill line that goes into the bottle that I can squeeze some fluid in. Mind you at this point I don't expect to use it that often if at all but I do need it to pass inspection. You see it on the right side.
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UPDATE: Additional Information on the intake
Intake assembly is from Western Motorsports, "https://www.wmsracing.com/wmsweb/wms-high-velocity-intake-coyote-swap-kit-details.html".

[TxMike64]

Congrats on the start!

Also got the windshield washer bottle mounted ... but I do need it to pass inspection...
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Are you kidding? I thought Texas was ridiculous for requiring a permanent mounted wiper system! But to require washers?!?!? Wow!!! Kudos on the gumption to implement it....

[AJT '33]

Congrats on the start!

Are you kidding? I thought Texas was ridiculous for requiring a permanent mounted wiper system! But to require washers?!?!? Wow!!! Kudos on the gumption to implement it....

Not only one wiper but two!
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[JimLev]

Sounds good. Even though we have different engines they both sound the same.
Was it that COLD in your shop? That was a lot of exhaust vapor.
Don't feel bad about the taped up intake. Many months ago I had put the plastic covering back on the K&N filter and forgot to remove it.
It started and stalled....3 times. I got my butt out of the seat to see what was wrong only to fine the filter collapsed.

[JOP33]

That sounds awesome! Ya'll are doing a great job and the car looks outstanding!

[AJT '33]

So the assembly continues along with progress being seen and the reality of this thing being finally done is setting in. Completed the trans tunnel, then added the heat/sound shielding and the balance of the additional sound insulation.
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Once that was done and I added a sealant in the corners to ensure that there is no air/water that can get in any gaps I proceeded to start the carpet installation. Since I had created a custom trans cover not all the carpeting worked so I ended up by a few yards of a very similar black marine carpet which worked out very well. Got all the carpet in and I must say it is starting to look good!
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Also got the rear tins in with my hidden storage box where I will have a jack and misc crap in it (or we use it as a cooler for a few drinks and sandwiches!)
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Next step is to template and cut the copper top to the trans tunnel and adhering in place then adding a 3/4" tall trim all around to hold the edge of the copper and the carpet on the side. Will make a custom piece for the rear near the shifter as I could not stretch the carpet around it without cutting reliefs, not a biggie since it will tie in the console/arm rest which has all the switches on it. That's will be next weeks work as I head off to a business trip. If all goes well the body and front end fiberglass will be on in 2 weeks, then it gets VERY real!!!

[TxMike64]

What insulation are you using (the diamond shapes shiny stuff)?

[AJT '33]

What insulation are you using (the diamond shapes shiny stuff)?

The diamond shaped stuff is from FFR, I bought similar stuff from Design & Engineering Floor & Tunnel Shield II, I placed it under the floor between the muffler and the floor, adhered to the floor.
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So I effectively have a sandwich of heat and sound shielding.

[AJT '33]

Well yesterday was a holiday and after being on a business trip all last week it felt good to get a full day in the shop to continue on the assembly and detail work. Concentrated on the arm rest console, drilled the holes for the push buttons, removed the marking tape and went to town on the smoothing, sanding and polishing of the copper.
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20200217_104039.jpg Final fit up
20200217_110147.jpg Final polish

Now waiting for the frame sections to dry and will be able to assemble and install them in the car. At least got one of the painted hardware bolts in on the nose of the console. Happy with the outcome so far, looking forward to getting the interior done then the body on this weekend, that will be a HUGE step and a major dose of reality!!

[AJT '33]

More progress last night, completed the polishing and the frames were dry from painting on Monday. Needed to paint the frames as they would react with the copper and oxidize, assembled the bottom frame to the body and added in the painted hardware, was going to have them black but after doing a test with one of them I decided that the burnt copper color used elsewhere on the car was a better choice and would blend better rather than sticking out more.
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As well I added in all the buttons that will reside on the console as well, turned out nice so far and will need to add in the top arm rest and small drop in dish in copper to complete it all after I mount it in the car
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[JOP33]

Nice work! Looks amazing!

[AJT '33]

Well more work again today, finished up all the interior carpeting, my son also got the connector piece for the shifter fabricated and welded up, its fit and painted now. The shifter will have a bit of a rat rod look to it however we will be fabricating a version that is shorter should my son want to take it to the track.
20200223_185608.jpg Center console is ready but I am most likely going to have it re-covered/redone as the material is already peeling from the aluminum bottom.
20200223_194816.jpg Took the rear chrome rings of the tail lights off, sandblasted, primed and painted them satin black. They will blend in and help break up a bit of the gloss black of the car.
20200222_190748.jpg 20200223_122027.jpg Trans Tunnel cover mocked up with the copper cover, was a PIA to get right and will still be a PIA to install so its done once and not have to redo again, carpet on the front portion took a couple hours to fit, refit until I could glue it down in place
20200222_210814.jpg My son completed all the wiring in the rears so we are ready there to get the body on then complete the back end.
20200223_102655.jpg Safety first when grinding and welding galvanized parts for the shifter connector
20200223_144615.jpg 20200223_144618.jpg Thought I had better shots of the shifter mock in, painted the chrome ring satin black as well, will let that cure for a couple days then get the shifter in.

A lot of small details, rear tins in, radio in, seals on for when the body drops on. We have a few more details then a bunch of checks and balances to go over but if we get lucky we should be able to get the body on by next Sunday!

[wallace18]

Super Job!

[sethmark]

Jeez!. That’s awesome

[AJT '33]

Well, have been under the weather fighting a sinus cold the last few days (my semi-annual flu, one in the spring and one in the fall), did not go to my Kickboxing session (have restarted kickboxing twice a week to start after a 5 year absence, feels phenomenal to be back doing that) last night so I spent a few hours pre-fitting the center console and getting the tranny cover mocked in. Like the look but will definitely be redoing the console cover, need to have it a bit bigger and a little more even as the glue between the aluminum below and the edge does not hold anyway. Plus I may go with a copper colored cover, my wife will make that call, she has better taste than me.
20200224_205531.jpg Added the trim edge to the tranny cover
20200224_205859.jpg Placed the rear console in and dumped the wires inside.
A few more views
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Will be working on more final preps tonight, have a local city Constable coming tomorrow morning to review the car, he inspects it for stolen parts which in my case is only the engine of which he previously checked out, so this is more of a formality as all the other equipment is new. He then provides me with a form that I send into the province with a cheque for $32 to obtain my official VIN number which gets placed on the car, once it passes the provincial inspection (have been working with an engineer from the province to have my stuff pre-approved). Once I have that I get my plates, get it evaluated for insurance, then I can have fun driving it with my dear wife!!! If all goes well, possibly by the end of next month.

Its REALLY starting to feel real now!! The next month will have dramatic changes as long as all goes well.

[AJT '33]

Evert day brings a different look and we can finally see things come together. Last night did final fit and assembly of the center console, trans tunnel cover and stick shift. Was happy with the final results, now need to lock in the boot cover and i will be able to glue down the copper after a bit of touching up, then get the black trim and the fasteners around the edge prepped and painted black. After curing for a few days it will go in for the last time.
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Also took a look at the rear trunk opener since we had no handle on the outside we fabricated a hidden secondary cable that will allow us to pop the trunk to gain access to the battery in case we lose power. That way we can put the power pack on the battery to gain access to the car.
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This morning I was also able to have our local constable come by and I received the first of three steps in getting my plates approved!!

[AJT '33]

Good progress last weekend but have been to busy travelling for business (need to pay those bills!!)


Well, the body is on and let the final assembling begin!!
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20200301_122127.jpg My neighbors, wife, neighbors wife and a friend responded to my call for help to safely return the body onto the car!!

Added the modified rear tail lights and will be locking down a lot more items this coming weekend. I fully expect as big chunks go back on that the car will really start to transform very fast!
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Once everything is assembled its off to final inspections!! With the paperwork sent for my Provincial VIN, the build is getting real. Get the entire car assembled, photos taken, dossier then submitted to the Provinces Engineer, get approval from him, get a call from the inspection center, have it all checked out, then I can send the car over to get the final detailing, polishing and surface application of the ceramic coating on everything that's exposed.

[AJT '33]

Every day it seems that the car is really transforming into how I see it in my head, its crazy how just a few key parts added or simply carpeting installed with the trunk seal can change the look of the car!!

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One thing I realized is that if I do this again, I will make sure that I place the trunk seal and the rear top expanding seal on such that I don't panic on fit of the trunk once installed. If I would have done it prior then I would not have had to work as hard to get it all lined up. Regardless they turned out well.
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Next weekend will be a big one as most everything will get installed. And for those who are wondering, the reason there are shiny parts and satin parts, my guy who is doing the polishing and ceramic coating told me to leave those areas unfinished such that if they get marred, scuffed then he will be able to restore it. Once the car is fully assembled, I have my VIN installed, and its plated he is going to have it for a week for polishing, cleaning and application of CQuartz Ceramic coating to protect the paint, as I do intend to be driving it all summer long!!.

[shmelty]

Beautiful job!! I love the whole package. What wheels are those? Size?

Thanks,

Sean

[wallace18]

Coming along very nice!

[AJT '33]

Beautiful job!! I love the whole package. What wheels are those? Size?

Thanks,

Sean

Hey Sean, the rims are an end of line from PHat Fux, 18x10 in the rear and 18x9 in the front. Tires are from Nitto NT555 G2, 245/40ZR18 in front and 295/40ZR18 in the rear. I did install a 20mm spacer (if I remember correctly) in the rear as well, I got those from www.wheelspacers.ca, they are very well made. This was mostly due to the rim and its backspace, I am thinking to get a slightly thicker one to move the tire oput another 10-20mm possibly, will need to investigate that further.
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[Papa]

The car is looking great! I've used wheel spacers similar to what you have on a Jeep, but looking at the studs that the spacer is mounted with, it looks like the wheel will rest on the studs and not flat against the spacer. Am I imagining that?

Dave

[AJT '33]

The car is looking great! I've used wheel spacers similar to what you have on a Jeep, but looking at the studs that the spacer is mounted with, it looks like the wheel will rest on the studs and not flat against the spacer. Am I imagining that?

Dave

Hey Dave, the rim has recesses in the back which actually accommodates them so no interference's.

Andreas

[AJT '33]

Another great weekend, a lot of "behind the scenes" work before panels go on and access is limited or impossible. Finally got the front lip on and partially mounted as well. Will need to see how the entire setup has changed due to the paint thicknesses to ensure good gaps and alignments.
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Regardless its starting to look like the final product. Wheels are now sealed with CQuartz ceramic coating and they are silky smooth, amazing the difference in the feel of the surface and how it literally sheds dust.
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By next weekend we should have the front windshield adjusted and installed along with the rear windshield as well, this should signify a major change once again.

[AJT '33]

Will be working on the car every night this week as my kickboxing gym is on lock down until this virus thing goes away. All that does is allow me to get more done as I received a call form my local inspection center to tell me that my VIN plate has arrived and I now have 30 days to come down and have the car verified and inspected so it can get mounted. HOLY CRAP THE PRESSURE IS ON NOW!!!

Regardless, progress is good and the headlights are ready to go with the new lights from Tony at FFR are now mounted in the painted housings.
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As well after we got the front lip and side covers mounted we realized that the new shocks that FFR sent me have the wheels sit inboard more than previously, soooo.... I need to have new wheel adapters made to help push them outboard an extra 18mm. Now I know this does not sound like a lot, but a picture say it all, the difference when you look at her *** is significant! We shimmed out the right tire and you can really see the difference in her stance and positioning of the tire relative to the fender from behind (where most people will be!!).
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[FF33rod]

Lookin oh so good!

[AJT '33]

Continuing assembly even if its only adding brackets and discussing strategy with my son.
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Work will continue on assembling so that I can possibly be close to completion by the end of this upcoming weekend.

[AJT '33]

Got a surprise today when my glass guys called and said he had finished adjusting the windshield and was ready to make sure it fits and install it.
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Nice surprise and again changes the look of the car!
PS. No the bike fender is not installed just sitting on the tire.

[AJT '33]

More work done last night, buttoned up the front end and now will be able to get the headlights installed this weekend.
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I decided not to touch the front or back windows until tonight or tomorrow morning to allow the adhesive to set and cure properly, not in any rush. Happy with the final result of the installation.
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We also refilled the coolant system after changing a fitting and realized that we had a clamp that was loose so we will be doing a complete front to back check on all fasteners, clamps etc.... before we go ahead and start the car again we will get the entire electrical installed and completed to allow us to check all systems. Don't expect to take a drive on Sunday but that would actually be very cool if possible!!
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Further updates to come early next week!

[Michael101]

That grille looks great. Mine is powder coated all black but after looking at yours a dozen or so times I know I’ll end up re-doing mine to be two tone.

Really liking all of the small details too, like the copper around the ignition switch. Car is looking fantastic.

[AJT '33]

More work done this weekend, its actually more tiring thinking of what needs to be checked (adding it to the list on the wall), locked in before you assemble the next portion of the build or close off access to an area. An example is that I forgot to make the headlight shims to go between the sidewall and the light base. A simple 7.5 degree shim (made it 1mm thick on the thin end) will allow me to not cut into the housing connection and have a proper adjustment. Got the shim painted last night but will need to give it 24 hours and will install it tonight.

20200320_200740.jpg For those who have these type of lights, they need to be set with the "fangs" down on the lower half of the light to ensure the proper orientation

20200322_153806.jpg Also got the hood mounted and will be adjusting it slightly as the paint has had an effect on the alignment. At least with the alignment pins I installed the adjustments will be minor.

20200322_163759.jpg Trunk also installed and started its re-alignment to the hole however it is fighting me. I did not put any pins in this one and it will take me most likely take a complete evening to get this aligned properly.

Next up is the doors and getting the sound dampening installed and re-assembly of the power windows, power door locks, mirror etc...
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[AJT '33]

More work done to get the car finished, the doors now have additional soundproofing where possible, this should hep a bit on road noise and help as it pertains radio and speakers once installed.
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Added the heater controls and will be moving them back as they stick out like a sore thumb. One of the upgrades I will be doing will be changing these out for better looking ones later.
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[JOP33]

More work done to get the car finished, the doors now have additional soundproofing where possible, this should hep a bit on road noise and help as it pertains radio and speakers once installed.
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Added the heater controls and will be moving them back as they stick out like a sore thumb. One of the upgrades I will be doing will be changing these out for better looking ones later.
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That dash is so clean and awesome!

[FF33rod]

Darn Andreas, the pic of the dash gives just a glimpse of amazing your build is turning out. You have to be pleased not to mention anxious!

[AJT '33]

So previously got the hood on and added in the Gas lift cylinders, I didn't like the distance the hood was setback from the firewall. Was looking for a new cylinder and was discouraged that I could not find an 11" extended cylinder with a 24# lift. Was sitting last night looking at it and then gave up.
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Got into the shop today and looked at the cylinder and realized I'm an idiot. The simplest solution is always sometimes the easiest and usually in your face.
20200327_150629.jpg Ended up drilling a new hole 1" lower which ended doing the same job. (will use it as a clip holder and put in a bolt)
20200327_151657.jpg Strut in place in new hole

Now the hood sits more on the top of the firewall area and is still good 2" back from the lock pin hole, way more than enough.
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This weekend will be used to button up the hard top body wiring plate, get the two rear side DRL light wires switched (flip the wires as they are LED and we wired them normally versus like a trailer light so they don't light up, did the fronts already). Also need to get the trunk adjusted and then finish the doors. Expect to get that all done by Sunday. Crossing the fingers all else goes well. Need to get this registered so I can get plates ASAP!!

[AJT '33]

Well it took a little while (like all afternoon) but the hood is finally fit onto the car with all the gaps right. Ended up having to set in the pins I placed so I could tweak it into the right final location. Its better than starting from scratch for sure.
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Trunk is adjusted and now I need to get a smaller diameter strike pin as the one supplied is too big a diameter and does not push the strike plate enough to engage it.

Also got the fart pipes finished and installed.
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Next is to clean up the rest of the wiring stragglers then get onto reassembling the doors and electric windows. Once that's done I can remount them so they can get wired up. Once the doors are wired, I can get the last of the plates in, the waterfall, then the roll bar and re-installing the hard top.

[JOP33]

Well it took a little while (like all afternoon) but the hood is finally fit onto the car with all the gaps right. Ended up having to set in the pins I placed so I could tweak it into the right final location. Its better than starting from scratch for sure.
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Those are some sweet lines around the grill...nice job!

[sethmark]

Car is super sharp!