Build #422 Underway

[Mike6568]

Ok, all parts are back from powdercoat and I finally was able to start the front suspension build-up. I'm very new to this but I think this went very well with no problems. Had a couple of large washers that I did not find noted in the manual. Wish I had the knowledge to incorporate a lot of personal touches I see in other builds...maybe the next build?

[riptide motorsport]

Wow,thats purdy!!!!!!!

[Arrowhead]

Looks great! Yea, everyone ends up with the "mystery washers" when they put the front end on. You even got the lower control arms and calipers on correctly (yes, even seasoned builders have made some mistakes)

One word of caution, the more big parts you put on, the harder it is to put on small stuff like brake lines and fuel lines, stuff like that. Just think ahead a little and you'll be fine.

[Mike6568]

Thanks for the reassurance...I'm onto the pedal box (rear end on hold, until 3-Link parts are back from powder coat). I must have something really backwards, my master cylinders appear to be on the right pedal? I'm pretty sure most cars have the brake on the left...no I'm fairly positive of this...gonna go check my Tundra to be sure the brake is on the left.

Yep, brake is definitely on the left!

I'm off to study pictures of your build to see why this is "seems" to be reversed...

(Please God, let Arrowhead have posted pictures of the pedal box in his build page!)

Looks great! Yea, everyone ends up with the "mystery washers" when they put the front end on. You even got the lower control arms and calipers on correctly (yes, even seasoned builders have made some mistakes)

One word of caution, the more big parts you put on, the harder it is to put on small stuff like brake lines and fuel lines, stuff like that. Just think ahead a little and you'll be fine.

[j33ptj]

your kidding right?

[Mike6568]

Mostly yes...

[Mike6568]

Ok..thinking ahead, does anyone see any possible problems with the way I mounted the brake reservoirs and lines (pics attached). I stayed away from the top rail as noted in other builds and tried to keep the distance and height similar to the build pics I've seen. My kit only included four self tapping screws, not the aluminum brackets I've seen in other posts.

For those I have not yet been introduced to, I'm a first time novice builder. Thank you for your patience, and any help is greatly appreciated!

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[David Hodgkins]

...Wish I had the knowledge to incorporate a lot of personal touches I see in other builds...maybe the next build?

Don't worry, you're just getting started!! I'd call a SBC a personal touch...

Your engine is beautiful, even if it IS from the dark side...

[Mike6568]

Thanks...Its a stock photo from EngineFactory, mine isn't here quite yet. But we'll call it "The Chosen One".

Don't worry, you're just getting started!! I'd call a SBC a personal touch...

Your engine is beautiful, even if it IS from the dark side...

[Mike6568]

Spring T-Ball is over, now back to the build!

I'm as far as page 158 in the build and waiting for the engine and transmission. I knew when I ordered my '33 I'd get to this point and have to wait. I thought better to pull the trigger and get started then wait. I'm sure I can find a few more things to do until the engine and transmission arrive (hopefully late fall).
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[ehansen007]

As the pedal box comes, the pedal on the right is the brake and that is because the throttle pedal is not included and is separately mounted to the firewall. Hope that helps!

[Mike6568]

Thanks for the follow up, looking back at this it seems crazy this tripped me up for a couple of hours...but I also can't believe how much I've learned the last three months. The forums and build pages (yours included) have answered a lot of questions along the way.

As the pedal box comes, the pedal on the right is the brake and that is because the throttle pedal is not included and is separately mounted to the firewall. Hope that helps!

[Mike6568]

The day is finally here, I saved up enough to order my engine. Mike from Fortes Parts Connection was great to work with and patient with a beginner. I can't wait to see it all come together, if everything goes well, the motor should be ready in the next couple of weeks. Once it's on the Dyno I should have pictures to post...this is almost as tough as waiting for delivery day!

[Nelson jr]

What engine are you going with. I have an Mk4 and I just ordered. A hot rod I am still not sure why to use

[Mike6568]

Growing up my Dad had Chevy Street Rods and 60's Vettes, so I went with what was familiar... a SBC (350) and 700R4 transmission. That should push it around fairly well?

[jayguy]

Yeah, that'll push it around nicely.

Looking good so far.

[Mike6568]

It's been a very rewarding weekend and thought I'd post a few pictures. The engine isn't the "proposed" motor that I posted earlier; as the reality of a budget has set in. The motor is a SBC 350 GM Performance Crate Motor (sorry to half of the readers), it was turnkeyed and dyno tuned by Mike Forte who did a great job. Almost ready for that first start and cruise thru the neighborhood. Thanks for viewing.....Install.JPGSide View.JPGFront View.JPG

[Mike6568]

Hello all...thought I'd post some progress pics on #422. Doors have been fit and aligned, interior handles installed, and remote door poppers are in (I think this is my biggest deviation from keeping this as simple as possible). Waterfall is almost done and trunk is fit to the body. Thanks for the help from all I've talked to thus far. Hopefully these pictures upload correctly... I can't figure out how to have them show up like others? 2.JPG 1.JPG

[BenBB]

Looks great, pictures show up fine, if you want them full size in your post you'll need to host them online somewhere (flickr, facebook, your ISP, etc.) and after clicking "insert image" use the right-side tab at the top of the popup to type in (or cut/paste) the URL (like "http://www.yourpage.com/sicksmallblock.jpg"). Outstanding job on it though, I'll be looking forward to more pics.

[Arrowhead]

Build is really comming along, looks great!

The only thing I'd caution you about with the brake fluid resivoirs is getting to them with the body on. Even with the cowl access holes cut, it will be tough to check/add fluid. If you put them higher, and more accessable, then they are in the way to get to the hardtop/roadster windshield bolts. I finally gave up and just mounted them on the outside of the firewall.

Ok..thinking ahead, does anyone see any possible problems with the way I mounted the brake reservoirs and lines (pics attached). I stayed away from the top rail as noted in other builds and tried to keep the distance and height similar to the build pics I've seen.

[wallace18]

Build is really comming along, looks great!

The only thing I'd caution you about with the brake fluid resivoirs is getting to them with the body on. Even with the cowl access holes cut, it will be tough to check/add fluid. If you put them higher, and more accessable, then they are in the way to get to the hardtop/roadster windshield bolts. I finally gave up and just mounted them on the outside of the firewall.

Do you have a picture Arrowhead of where you mounted them on the outside firewall?

[Arrowhead]

I used a couple of CNC resivoirs. They are a tight fit between the hinges and the engine, but I have a lot more access through the cowl access holes now.

[Mike6568]

Build is really comming along, looks great!

The only thing I'd caution you about with the brake fluid resivoirs is getting to them with the body on. Even with the cowl access holes cut, it will be tough to check/add fluid. If you put them higher, and more accessable, then they are in the way to get to the hardtop/roadster windshield bolts. I finally gave up and just mounted them on the outside of the firewall.

Thanks Arrowhead, you were right, they really sat down in there too low. I fabricated a bracket that sets them up higher but hopefully leaves enough room to get to the bolts for the hard top. I'll recheck it once I get to the fitting of the hard top.

[sheephearder]

DSCN1361.JPGLike Arrowhead, I selected to mount mine on the outside of the firewall for ease of getting into the pedal box. I also have a/c and the tubes will be running across the top of my pedal box to the vent. I just hate cramped spaces and avoid them as much as possible.

[Mike6568]

After many, many hours working on the hood, here is how she looks today. Hood latch, hinges and pins are all working together with each other. I had to cut open a small hole on the underside of the hood and re-glass in a new aluminum brace; as it came unattached when I drilled the holes for the pin bracket. I'm not sure if I'm going to use the gas shocks but has anyone had a problem with the expansion tank being in the way? Maybe more adjustments are needed.... 33.jpgHood.jpg

[esff32]

Hey Mike, I was wondering what door poppers you used and where you got them. I want to do the same on my build, I don't want exterior door handles. Thanks for the help. Evan

[Mike6568]

Hey Mike, I was wondering what door poppers you used and where you got them. I want to do the same on my build, I don't want exterior door handles. Thanks for the help. Evan

I bought a complete set from Summit, they are made by Electric Life (Part 99800). I'm waiting until I get to the windows to install them, as I want to make sure the solenoids aren't in the way, they are about 2" in diameter. Maybe someone who has done this could help us determine the best place to install the solenoid.....

[esff32]

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it. Your build is looking really good. That was my next question about the install process. I will check back to see if you have installed them, I am a ways away from that project. Thanks again.

[Mike6568]

The New York State required bumpers are on...1.JPG3.JPG2.JPG

[Arrowhead]

The New York State required bumpers are on...

That'll do. Hope you did a better job of attaching them than I did. Mine fell off as soon as I got it home from instection!

[Mike6568]

I don't think they're going anywhere...I used like 5 hot glue sticks on each side.

[Mike6568]

#422 had a busy day with the final exhaust install at 8:00 am and alignment at 2:30. In case anyone was wondering at least as far back as #422 the front end does not need any modifications and was able to be dialed in per the FFR specs (some of the earlier builds needed the tie rod end shortened). It attracted a lot of attention at both shops and several people were able to identify it as a Factory Five. I think I'll be going thru the New York registration process by mid-June....not finished but legal.Rollback.JPGExhaust Install.JPGExhaust.JPGAlignment.JPG

[Mike6568]

Ok, Mark Engle from the New York State DMV gave me the thumbs up today on step One of the NYS Registration Process. He was very helpful and genuinely wants to help. I'm still in gelcoat and limited interior, but legal and safe enough to get it on the road. She tipped the scales at 2,240...

[Mike6568]

#422 successfully completed the New York Registration process. The car isn't finished but this will give me a chance to work any bugs out before it goes to the body shop for completion. Attached picture is minutes after the inspection so it's got all of the required safety equipment. Also in the picture is Roadster number 6411 whose owner trailered the Hot Rod around for it's final inspections (Thanks Tom!). The first 100 miles this weekend have been incredible, it's still sinking in that I built this!

Special thanks to the Factory Five Tech Team, Erik Hansen (33 Machine), Mike Forte, Chuck McCall, Ted Hoffman for answering all of my "dumb" questions and helping me get this far. I couldn't have done it with out the folks in this Forum. THANK YOU!

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[Arrowhead]

Good job! Nice feeling to have all that behind you isn't it?

[Mike6568]

Thanks Arrowhead, what a feeling! We're really down to cosmetics (final gaps, bodywork, paint) at this point. Now I can sit back and tweak things here and there. Can't wait to leave work and take it out for a cruise!

[Mike6568]

Well it was a fun summer, but I have a feeling she will be seeing a lot more of the garage soon. Started the bodywork, and almost ready to send it to the body shop for final work and paint. The hard top fit fairly well, needed a little grinding on underside to get even fit. But overall, it worked out well. Body.JPGCruisin.JPG

[esff32]

Very nice Mike, it looks amazing! Congrats. Hopefully I can get mind to the registration process by the end of the year...thats the goal anyway.

[Mike6568]

Thanks! looking forward to seeing yours with the body mounted and those wheels, nice combo with the tires too. I parked it today after a cruise to Watkins Glen, looks like 28 degrees tonight. How do I get one of those California addresses...I hate winter!

[kraftee]

Hey Mike, That's why I am only at my western New York lake house in the summer and spend the rest of the year here in Florida! Seriously though, I plan to tow my finished 33 to the lake next year in early June. We're just south of Rochester on Conesus Lake. ERIC