Hey all - looking for some thoughts and/or advice on an MK4 build.
For budget reasons I'm waiting to buy an engine for a few months but I hate to just sit idle on the build.
So the basic question is... What sort of things can one finish up or make headway on prior to getting the engine and transmission dropped?
A very general idea of where I am right now:
- I have the front end suspension and brakes on.
- I have the rear end solid axle (3 link) on. Like a lot of current builders, I'm just going to wait for the rear calipers.
- The brake lines are run.
- Power steering rack is on.
- The steering shaft is installed.
- Radiator is mounted with the Breeze after market kit and modifications.
- I have tires and wheels ordered and in.
- I have the RF wiring harness in the car and zip tied in place.
- I have assembled the dash and wired it. The dash is not attached to the car nor is it attached to the wiring harness.
- The fuel tank is in but the fuel lines are not run - the engine I'm buying has a fuel pump that comes with it so I'm waiting for all that before running the lines.
- Passenger side footbox aluminum is assembled and riveted.
- Driver side footbox aluminum is mostly assembled. The pedal box and pedals are assembled.
- E-brake handle is assembled and the lines are run.
So I'm looking for suggestions on things that would not be too out of place at this point. I'll throw a few thoughts out here and see if people think they are advisable:
- Start on the body? The body has cutouts already, but what sort of things need to be done to enable me to drive in the gel coat for a while when the engine does get put in.
- I'd like to get some of the aluminum panels on, but I want the car to be as accessible for things like final fit of the wiring harness, fuel lines, engine, trans.... Any ideas on what aluminum could be placed and what I should stay away from?
- Alignment? Can I do some work on that before the engine gets in or will the engine and transmission placement nullify any work I end up doing?
- Electrical? I haven't done anything with a battery.
- I guess depending on how far the aluminum goes, maybe sound barrier and carpet?
- Grease all the parts with fittings?
It's gonna be a long few months.