-
Senior Member
#1104 (Gen1) Steve's 33 Rod Build - door panels
Hello everyone. Steve (ff33rod) here up in the Vancouver area on the West Coast of Canada. I'm getting bored waiting for my engine parts and 33 kit to be delivered so thought I'd start my build thread. I've put some of the brake parts together so hopefully I can say I've officially started building
Here's the plan for my '33, all new parts no donor:
Powder Coated Chassis
347 SBF power (see below)
Tremec TKO600 (0.64 o/d)
2015 Mustang IRS with 3.55
Leather Roadster Seats
Standard Hood
Double adjustable Koni shocks front and rear
Rear Exhaust
Chrome/tilt steering column
Electric power steering
AC/Heat
Roadster and Hard top options
Power windows
Bike Fenders
12.88" Wilwood upgrade front and rear with Black Calipers
I decided building the HR wasn't enough, I might as well do an engine too I chatted with the BluePrint guys and they were super responsive and helpful but didn't have exactly what I wanted nor did anyone else have something right out of the box. I was looking for something in the 450 HP and torque range. So since I'd have to get someone to build it for me I decided, what the heck I might as well put together an engine too. To avoid all the high precision machining, I decided to go with purchasing a short block, adding a known combination of top end components along with other added bits. Enter the gents at TRE Performance in California. Here's the list...
TRE Short Block Performance 347
AFR-195 top end kit, TrickFlow Trackmax hydraulic roller stage 2 cam
Autotec -5cc flat top pistons
Canton Racing 1/2" steel main girdle
block paint
Edelbrock Performer RPM air gap
Holley Sniper EFI, HyperSpark ignition system
March Pulley System, with alternator and AC compressor
Milestones (will be edited as more happen):
Canadian kit Ordered: August 20, 2018
Canadian Completion kit ordered: August 30, 2018
Engine components ordered: August 30, 2018
Kit Ready at FFR: October 6, 2018
Canadian Completion kit received: October 12, 2018
Stewart Pickup at FFR: October 17, 2018
Pickup kit at Border: November 4, 2018
Engine short block and components received: November 6, 2018
Build school: November 9-11, 2018
Large # of back order parts received: November 30, 2018
Horns received: December 6, 2018 (still missing hardtop glass)
First Start: April 30, 2019
Last POL part received: July 2, 2019
Go Cart: September 28, 2019
VIN Application submitted: September 14, 2020
VIN Received: October 7, 2020
Inspection & Weight: October 15, 2020
Registration, Plates & Insurance: October 16, 2020
Paint scheduled: February 2021
Paint complete & returned home from shop: 10 June 2021
Last edited by FF33rod; 06-10-2021 at 05:57 PM.
-
Senior Member
To prove something is in the works, here's a pic of the assembled Willwood hat and rotor along with the tranny and Boyd gas tank.IMG_2396a.jpgIMG_2398a.jpgIMG_2305a.jpg
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes
-
Senior Member
Welcome fellow Canuck!! I had bought my engine nearly three years in advance and tinkered with it until i got my kit last year. Good luck and don't give yourself a deadline just goals, just enjoy your build!
-
Senior Member
Definitely won't be in a rush, I don't want something that will look like it was thrown together. However, when I'm excited about a project I do tend to immerse myself I've been following your build thread, keep up the great work!
-
You will certainly be pleased when everything arrives....Good luck!!!!
-
Senior Member
Got a new tool in the mail and tried my hand at safety wiring tonight. Not bad for a first attempt I think.
IMG_2408a.jpg
Safety Wire full rotor.jpg
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes
-
PLATNUM Supporting Member
Originally Posted by
FF33rod
Looks great!
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes
-
Senior Member
1104 is home
Rented a pickup and trailer and dropped below the border to meet Scott from Stewart Transport. As you can see, I got the full FFR signage experience. Scott was fantastic. He's been doing this for years and has all sorts of FFR stories. Friendly as heck and knows what to stick where for easy transport home. A great experience....
IMG_2696a.jpg
IMG_2701a.jpg
IMG_2703a.jpg
My Darling wife came to help out. I'm such a lucky guy to have a partner that lets me indulge....
IMG_2704a.jpg
IMG_2706a.jpg
Safe at home...
IMG_2415a.jpg
and now inventory begins..
BUILD/INVENTORY TIP: I read somewhere that before removing the aluminum floors, etc from the frame (as delivered by FFR) you should use a marker and outline where all the frame pieces are and this will save time later when you go to drill the rivet holes. My recommendation - DO NOT DO THIS. I did do that and drilled the holes accordingly. Unfortunately, when FFR puts the floor pieces in for delivery none of the firewall pieces are in place and so the floor is not accurately positioned at that time. I found that floor was about 0.5" different when I went to install it and I had to change the rivet locations. Now I have some unwanted holes in the floor I need to seal.
Last edited by FF33rod; 07-02-2019 at 05:30 PM.
Reason: Added inventory tip
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes
-
Steve, looks like you're as lucky a man as me to have a beautiful wife who let's you play with great big hot wheels!
'33 Hot Rod
Ordered: 3/25/17. Delivered: 5/6/17. 1st start: 8/24/18
MK4 Roadster
Ordered: 7/10/13. Delivered: 8/20/13. Completed: 10/26/15.
I did everything except spray it. She ain't perfect, but she's mine.
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes
-
Scott was my Stewart deliver man also. Sure gets around,,,I am here in SoCal, Inland Empire. He was an absolute Peach of a guy. Very friendly and helpful. WE dropped the chassis and body in back of my F150, took to my rear garage and set in place on jack stands. One trip for boxes and one for misc fiberglass parts, top, fenders etc. 3 Trips and done. Less than an hour he was off to San Diego. Pick up at F5 and travel time to west coast took a while BUT delivery was easy peasy. Thx again Scott.
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes
-
Senior Member
CVOBill
MK2 #???? Delivered 11/2002, Finished and Titled 6/2003 5.0, T-5, 4-Link, Sold 3/2005
Hot Rod #304 purchased 5/28/2017 from original owner Unassembled . Titled and plated 8/24/2017 Coyote,
TKO, 3-Link, Heat, A/C, Electric Power Steering, Convertible top
MK4 #9524 Picked up 1/18/19 306 Blueprint, T-5, 4-Link, Gas-N Pipes, Heater
-
Steve
Good to see you had a good weather day to pick up. Off to the races now.
Have fun
Bob
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes
-
Senior Member
Well Santa came again today. I think I've tapped him out and I'm not expecting anything for Christmas now... All the engine components arrived.
Garage is darn full now.
IMG_2422a.jpg
Key components are a TRE performance 347 short block with -5cc flat tops and main girdle with an AFR 195cc Renegade top end kit. All this stuff just gives me goose bumps!
IMG_2432a.jpg
IMG_2429a.jpg
IMG_2424a.jpg
-
Hi Steve,
We received #1102 in Kirkland before Scott drove to Blaine. Really great guy.
How is the quality of your hard top? Mine looks like crap! Seams are not joined in places, and I put my finger thru the gelcoat near the back window. It's really rough.
Chris
-
Senior Member
Hi Chris
Yeah Scott was a gem. I haven't looked at the hard top yet (or much else for that matter) as I was pretty busy at work last week and this past weekend I was at the build school. Just making my way home now. Will have a look at it in the next couple of days and report back. Cheers.
-
Senior Member
Chris, the top actually doesn't look to bad from what I can tell. Some parts of the door shells are a bit rough though - where they are bonding the 2 pieces together, not consistent. I'm sure I'll eventually find some gel coat inconsistencies, there's bound to be air pockets in some places. That's what filler is for
-
Originally Posted by
FF33rod
Chris, the top actually doesn't look to bad from what I can tell. Some parts of the door shells are a bit rough though - where they are bonding the 2 pieces together, not consistent. I'm sure I'll eventually find some gel coat inconsistencies, there's bound to be air pockets in some places. That's what filler is for
This is what mine looks like:IMG_20181112_000040287.jpgIMG_20181112_004027261.jpgIMG_20181112_004058764.jpgIMG_20181112_004108744.jpg
My first upload attempt. Hope I did it right...
The holes along the bottom exterior, I put my finger thru. Found them by accident.
There is also gaps/failed bond along the windshield and back window openings.
Waiting to hear what F5 has to say.
Last edited by Chris C; 11-15-2018 at 03:35 AM.
-
Chris,
I'd make Factory Five pick all this crap up and deliver all new fiberglass.
This is totally unacceptable in my book.
Bob
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes
-
Senior Member
Originally Posted by
Dodgeman
Chris,
I'd make Factory Five pick all this crap up and deliver all new fiberglass.
This is totally unacceptable in my book.
Bob
I think I would have to agree with Bob...a few thin spots here and there seem to be expected, but not to that extreme. Any kind of quality control at all would have caught that!
33' Hot Rod Coupe/Roadster (GEN 1), Fendered, Ford 302, 350hp, EFI, AOD, 4-Link, Double Adjustable Koni Coilovers, Split Rear Exhaust, Electric Power Steering, AC/Heat/Defrost, Moser 8.8"-3.55, Willwood Front/Rear Brakes, 18" x 8" Fronts/20" x 10" Rears, Ordered: 1.26.17, Arrived: 3.29.17, First Start: 7.2.18, Go Cart: 11.4.18 Paint/Body: 2.23.19, Back Home: 11.24.19, Completed: NEVER!; View More Pics @
https://starmobileone.com/
-
Senior Member
Looks horrible Chris, going to check mine extra careful again now. Almost looks like it was dropped or hit. Hopefully F5R takes care of you.
-
Originally Posted by
Chris C
That is definitely a QC miss. That is just a headache in so many ways to unscrew. FFR needs to replace that. Remember that roof has to anchor and align with the body.
-
Originally Posted by
erlihemi
That is definitely a QC miss. That is just a headache in so many ways to unscrew. FFR needs to replace that. Remember that roof has to anchor and align with the body.
If you haven't already sent those pictures to FF you need to. I don't believe that Dave Smith would be OK with that level of quality on one of his products.
Dale
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes
-
I sent the pics to F5 on monday. Haven't heard back yet. I'm glad you guys don't think I'm overreacting. I'm no fiberglass expert, but this looks terrible from any angle.
I looked at the rest of the glass, and it looks like what people have described. The only other damage I see is one end of the waterfall? looks broken off. No idea how this fits, so I don't know if it's a problem.waterfall left.jpgwaterfall right.jpg
-
Senior Member
Originally Posted by
Chris C
I sent the pics to F5 on monday. Haven't heard back yet. I'm glad you guys don't think I'm overreacting. I'm no fiberglass expert, but this looks terrible from any angle.
I looked at the rest of the glass, and it looks like what people have described. The only other damage I see is one end of the waterfall? looks broken off. No idea how this fits, so I don't know if it's a problem.
waterfall left.jpgwaterfall right.jpg
Both sides of my water fall look like your left one. Both are squared off. Looks like the one on the right hand side has been dropped and broken.
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes
-
I heard back from FFR this morning. Here's what they suggested:
"As for the damaged hardtop, after speaking with my manager, he wanted me to ask and offer for you to have fixed, re-glassed, and Factory Five will pay for the bill to fix the end/opening towards the front and back lip where broke away as previously sent in pictures. You should be able to bring and/or send pictures to a body shop and they should be able to quote you on adding material to both damaged sections."
I'm not sure how I feel about this. How will a shop know what to add where, if they don't have a body to fit it to? Will I just be adding or grinding glass when it comes time to fit the top, or paying to have someone go over the repaired areas anyway?
What do you guys think?
They obviously don't want to ship me a new top.
Chris
-
I'd tell them that it is unacceptable, and ship me a new undamaged top and waterfall.
Bob
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes
-
FFR need to replace the top and waterfall. I would keep trying. If FFR does not send you a new top I thank we the builders all need to step in encourage FFR to do so I'm welling to do my part.
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes
-
Moderator
"he wanted me to ask and offer for you to have fixed"
As written, that seems fair enough - they're just asking if that's a deal you'll take. I'm sure it's fine to say no. For example, I'm permanently bonding my top, so maybe there'd be a deal to work out. But yours is pretty far gone - I'd ask for a replacement.
James
FFR33 #997 (Gen1 chassis, Gen2 body), license plate DRIVE IT says it all!
build thread
My build: 350SBC, TKO600, hardtop, no fenders/hood, 32 grill, 3 link, sway bars, 355/30r19
Previous cars: GTD40, Cobra, tubeframe 55 Chevy, 66 Nova, 56 F100
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes
-
Senior Member
All right, we have an update on my build - inventory is done!!! woohoo.
All the stuff they said was there, was there and the stuff they said was missing was indeed missing.
Only issue was the rear view mirror was broken. However, it doesn't look like something I would have used anyway.
Stay tuned - I've started the engine build and will post some pics soon...
Steve
Last edited by FF33rod; 11-18-2018 at 11:33 PM.
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes
-
Excellent!
Mine was good less some bolts/nuts and my headlight housings were crushed. And of course the top...
Sorry for steeling your thread by the way. Figure I'll update after they reply on monday if you don't mind.
And you're not kidding about that mirror. What a piece of junk! Surprised they would include something so poorly designed/made.
Chris
Last edited by Chris C; 11-18-2018 at 09:57 PM.
-
Ok, last update hopefully so I don't steel any more of Steve's build thread. I should try and figure out how to do one myself.
Nate the production manager texted me saying that a new hand picked top and waterfall will be on the next truck heading this way (I'm guessing it might be a while). He contacted me personally when the original pickup date was missed due to not coming back from powder coating in time. My day just got better
Curious, did any of you receive an entire box of brochures with your kit? I got a box of at least 50, all the same.
Thank you all for your advise.
Chris
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes
-
Chris, congrats on getting your kit. The fun now begins.
Glad to hear your getting a new top and waterfall.
Yes, I also got a box of brochures. I'm sure that are intended for you to hand out when you bring your Hotrod to car shows.
'33 Hotrod, #1047 Gen 1, delivered on 2/27/18, go cart on 9/24/18.
LS3 w/Gearstar Level 3 4L65e Tranny, Yank converter, Lokar shifter, Electric PS, Vintage AC/Heat/Def, 8.8" 3.55
TorqThrust II Wheels w/Toyo Proxy T1 Sport Tires, F 235/45ZR17 R 295/35ZR18
Garage Built, Driveway Painted.
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes
-
Senior Member
Originally Posted by
Chris C
Curious, did any of you receive an entire box of brochures with your kit? I got a box of at least 50, all the same.
Thank you all for your advise.
Chris
I did as well...I use them as coasters in my shop. I understand the intent, but by the time my car is in shows the Next Generation on everything will probably be out! I guess it stills stirs the interest, right? Sales ABC...Always Be Closing!
33' Hot Rod Coupe/Roadster (GEN 1), Fendered, Ford 302, 350hp, EFI, AOD, 4-Link, Double Adjustable Koni Coilovers, Split Rear Exhaust, Electric Power Steering, AC/Heat/Defrost, Moser 8.8"-3.55, Willwood Front/Rear Brakes, 18" x 8" Fronts/20" x 10" Rears, Ordered: 1.26.17, Arrived: 3.29.17, First Start: 7.2.18, Go Cart: 11.4.18 Paint/Body: 2.23.19, Back Home: 11.24.19, Completed: NEVER!; View More Pics @
https://starmobileone.com/
-
Post Thanks / Like - 1 Thanks, 1 Likes
-
Senior Member
But seriously, advertising brochures? I got those dumb things too. I'm astounded that after popping well over 20K USD they can't throw in a hat. A hat is all of $10.... That would be the best advertising.
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes
-
Junior Member
Originally Posted by
FF33rod
But seriously, advertising brochures? I got those dumb things too. I'm astounded that after popping well over 20K USD they can't throw in a hat. A hat is all of $10.... That would be the best advertising.
Knew I’d find you here.👍
I’ll sell you my FFR hat for $8.50cdn.
-
Senior Member
Originally Posted by
idoxlr8
Knew I’d find you here.
I’ll sell you my FFR hat for $8.50cdn.
What a deal! you're such a great friend Dean...
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes
-
Senior Member
TRE Performance 347 Short block with -5cc flat top forged pistons, Trickflow Stage 2 roller cam
IMG_2519a.jpg
IMG_2524a.jpg
Bottom end with main girdle
IMG_2517a.jpg
AFR 195cc head, 58cc combustion chamber
IMG_2527a.jpg
Add some jewelry on top, Comp Cams Ultra Gold ARC series
IMG_2536a.jpg
IMG_2538a.jpg
I've added the timing chain cover and water pump and tried to start adding the pulley system but there's one or two bolts that don't seem the right size so I'll be stalled for a couple of days...
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 2 Likes
-
Senior Member
General update and thoughts this Saturday 24 November
This week I emailed Tony at FFR and he confirmed that 18 x 11 with 6 inch backspace and 18 x 9 with 5.5 inch backspace works. Let's hope he's right!
I've discovered that cast wheels are more reasonably priced than forged. I narrowed it down to Foose Knuckle or Coupe. I ended up ordering the Foose Coupe F238 locally. I sure hope it works. I don't think the fronts will be an issue but worse case I may end up with a spacer on the rears, we'll see.
I took a trip down to the US border today to pick up some tires. I bought some BF Goodrich G-Force Rival S through Tire Rack, couldn't find a source in Canada. 315/30R18s for the rear and 245/40R18s for the front. Man I hope it works.
So far, I've managed to complete inventory and then I started building the engine. It's been a bit frustrating - with every step I have to go buy something else. I bought 90% of the parts from TRE performance in Californ-eye-aye. I told them I wanted a turnkey package. Hasn't worked out that way. Have no bolt kit for the intake, have no bolt kit for the oil pump and oil pickup, have no bolts for the oil pan.... I keep trying to remind myself that patience is a virtue.
This afternoon I tried to kick off the build on the chassis. I'm missing steering components, shocks,.... Decided to start on the IRS. Hammered the studs out of the hub, cut off a small portion of the new studs for clearance, and.... I have no lug nut to pull the new studs onto the hub. I have no 5/8" drill to modify the spindles... Decided to have a drink, patience is a virtue...
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 2 Likes
-
Senior Member
IRS center section install
The build has moved along not bad this week. Have managed to spend an hour or two every evening and made some decent progress. Feeling good.
Work on the IRS: Got the new lug nuts in place. Cut off the appropriate "tab" of the spindles. Got the upper and lower control arms out and greased, along with the toe adjustment arm.
BUILD TIP:Here's a cool tip we learned at the build school. The polyurethane bushings have small slots in them to allow grease to spread along the length of the bushing. Before installing, cut small shallow slots on the outer flange in line with the inner ones to allow the grease to travel to the sides. You can do this with a hack saw blade or I used a dremel lightly.
IMG_2557a.jpg
As others have found, getting the IRS center section in place was challenging. Actually getting it into position wasn't that big of a deal, I did it myself with a floor jack and a lot of grunting. Also used a ratcheting strap to help support it while getting the mounting holes lined up and bolts into place. 3 out of the 4 bolts weren't too bad but the last one took me a long time. It was off by a significant amount and so I tried all sorts of things to get it lined up better - loosening the other bolts, ratchet straps, mallet,...
One of the things they mentioned in build school was a drift punch is helpful in getting holes to line up so of course I bought one of those and tried it too... no luck, the drift puch was just a little too small to be helpful. So I decided to get a section of appropriate sized metal rod and taper the end - essentially making my own custom sized drift punch.
IMG_2556a.jpg
Well the only rod I could find locally/quickly was aluminum and as you might guess it was too soft. BUT in the process of fiddling with that, the metal bushing in the mount came out part way and finally a light went on in my head. Without the bushing there, there was more wiggle room for the bolt to push into the mount - so I left the bushing half out, pushed in the bolt, gave it a few friendly taps and eureka... there was enough of the bolt into the differential mount tab to do the job, I think I used a socket on the bolt head to thread it in and pull everything together. The solution was so obvious but took a long time to come me.
Last edited by FF33rod; 12-02-2018 at 12:13 AM.
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes
wrp liked this post
-
Senior Member
Last week I started adding the March pulley system to the engine I'm building up. The timing chain cover and water pump use bolts that are integral part of the pulley system so you have to put the whole assembly together at once even though I'd like to leave off the shiny bits until later in the build in case they get scratched up. I guess I'll put a bunch of tape over them to protect it. However, as I started to put the system together it didn't seem like there was enough of the right sized bolts in the kit and I had to order more online. I finally got those bolts and got the system together.
IMG_2551a.jpg
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 2 Likes