RR20AC Build Thread

[RR20AC]

The top mount works fantastic with a brass rod to pull, letting go 16 attach points that hold it on. I used the breeze lower brackets that I had powder coated. Made up a center console for my wilwood bias adjuster, electric steering adjuster, usb and 12 volt outlet. The cover is hinged and is made of stainless. I also received my shifter boot and it is setting there also. I think a few more switches mounted on the dash and the RT steering unit mounted and I can then start the final wiring.

[cgundermann]

Looks fantastic!

[RR20AC]

Installed the heater valve along with the bias adjuster cable after the switches on the dash were placed where I like them. Also installed the steering system. Time to get started on the wiring so I can get this thing started.

[RR20AC]

Spent the last two weeks on the dash and made some progress. Wired in the turn signals and switches. I added the micro setting switches to my center switch box I made so there will be no hidden switches under the dash besides the inertia switch. I plumbed all the heater vent tubes and there was plenty of room for them. Called Mike Forte a couple of weeks ago about a mid shift stick and he sent one out. He also made note that I could get a free ball from Tremec with the coupon that came with my transmission. Couple of final pictures here.

[cgundermann]

Very, very nice work Jim.

[RR20AC]

Tested all the electric systems today. Started off with the ones that are on all the time, like the horn, brakes and lights. Got nothing. My friend Cgundermann was over to help and I thought it was going to be a long day. Then I threw the main kill switch and the brake lights came on telling me that the brake switch needs adjusting. That and the clutch start switch was also a little short which was remedied by just taking the nuts off the back side which then made them the right length. Tested all the systems and all worked except the courtesy light. I guess the tang was bent over when I put the plug on so that was an easy fix. The electric steering work perfect and am excited to see how it performs. Interior is now complete except for the carpet which will go in after the body work. Next up is the first start and probably a go cart if no leaks are found. Very good day.

[edwardb]

Looking great Jim! You've made a bunch of progress. Feels good getting the electrical part working doesn't it? But nothing like the first start and go-kart. Good luck with those.

[ThickCobra]

Spent the last two weeks on the dash and made some progress. Wired in the turn signals and switches. I added the micro setting switches to my center switch box I made so there will be no hidden switches under the dash besides the inertia switch. I plumbed all the heater vent tubes and there was plenty of room for them. Called Mike Forte a couple of weeks ago about a mid shift stick and he sent one out. He also made note that I could get a free ball from Tremec with the coupon that came with my transmission. Couple of final pictures here.

Removed question. Read back thru your build.

[2FAST4U]

Wow! What an incredible build. Such beautiful attention to detail. Well done!!

[RR20AC]

Thanks you guys! Using this forum makes this all possible for a first time builder. Paul, I have a go pro account set up now so I should get a great first start video. Will have to get it done when the weather and work allows. Working on the hinges now along with the Kleiner rear quick jack mod. Also am going to install the driver foot box panels. Noticed in other builds that the access cover has conflicting problems with the body. Hard to see that far ahead. I think I solved it though. The top three bolts in conflict will be ground down a bit so the top is flat. I will use so thread locker to lock these in place at the right height to allow the cover which will be slotted at those holes. It should hold that side of the cover down nicely. I will have a follow up pic when complete.

[RR20AC]

Got a lot done this weekend. My friend Cgundermann came over and we talked cars and he provided me with a bung for the driver side GP header. Thanks Chris. Also Got the quick jack mod done in the back. Drivers foot box is in and I still need to fill the seams and fix the lid. GPS antennae is in right on the front of the trunk.. Side pipes seem straight after just oversizing the driver side holes on the side pipe. I will work on the alignment the rest of this week an hopefully by next weekend I will have a first start video.

[wareaglescott]

Looking great! I really enjoy this thread. The organized shop and that awesome floor just make it seem that much more professional.
First I have seen that location for the gps antenna. How did you decide on that?

[RR20AC]

Thanks Wareaglescott. Plenty of wire on the antennae to go almost anywhere on the car, and trunk or dash seemed the most protected. I just liked the sky view a little better at this location. The windshield metal covers the sky at different angles. I had problems with older GPS handhelds while traveling. May not be an issue these days with more sats in the sky but we will see. I went to the build school and then stopped by Edwardb's place on the way back to the airport. Both made me want to do this build with some order to it and I am really trying, which I think shows. I know my shop completely gets trashed if I try and do several projects a once.

[RR20AC]

A few more things added before my first start. I fixed the lid to the drivers foot box. Will be able to remove it now with the body installed. Fire extinguisher is now in. I did a quick alignment with my alignment tools, so it will be close if I get a go-cart in tomorrow. Also added a battery tender which hooks up well with the battery posts from Breeze. Tomorrow is the day.

[RR20AC]

Quick update. Today we had the first start and it went according to plan. A little fuel, set the fuel regulator, and some water. Got it to fire on the first crank but the holley fuel injection system still had to learn so it took a few times. Nice and steady it ran after that. Tested the clutch with a small amount of rubber left on the driveway. Wow, the hydraulic clutch is nice, along with the forte throttle linkage. No leaks and spent the afternoon draining the water and replacing it with antifreeze, topping it off. Started it maybe 25 times and drove it back and forth down my 100 ft driveway. I'm excited to start the body and hopefully get this done by summer. Video coming soon....

[wareaglescott]

Nice work. Congrats!

[RR20AC]

Here is the link to my first start. https://youtu.be/APIy4cL-TF4

[edwardb]

Looks and sounds great! Congratulations.

[M3ichael]

Congratulations!

[RR20AC]

Another very nice day outside to heat cycle the engine and look for leaks. Every thing seems top notch and I put the other air filter on which I lowered a bit. I like the looks of this one much better. Also read about my fuel pump regulator. The instructions said to leave the vacuum hose disconnected while setting then connect. Read more about it on their site and it says to connect for different system than mine. Leave it open to the air with no vacuum, so I did.

[blitzkreig baja]

Very nice build. Keep the pictures coming.

[RR20AC]

Another update. Ground down the lips on the cockpit fiberglass. Jeff Miller gave me some detail to follow along with taking a 1/4 of an inch off the panels at the back of the car to make the backend fit a little better. I am trying to get all the parts fitted or installed before I place the body on. Got the radiator protector from speedway and formed a frame with some anodized aluminum. Put together and mounted the hood and trunk hinges. Trunk light is now in along with another outlet panel in the trunk. Bulb seal and the foam striping is on and I am about ready to put the body on. I plan on fitting the lights and bumpers, wipers and windshield. I am really happy with talking to Jeff Miller about taking the car down to him to have him do the paint and body work. I have a few more weeks till the car is gone for part of the spring and summer.

[RR20AC]

Exciting day for me to finally fit the body. I used some wax paper on the bulb seal. Very tight fit, mounting the front first and pulling it over the back. Seems like there is less gap between the body and the rear tires compared to the front. May need to raise the ride height in the back. Ride height is now set at 4.5 inches all the way round. Will fit the windshield tomorrow along with some of the parts that need fitting before paint. Looks like the cutout for the exhaust needs some trimming on the front side of both. I will trim off just enough to get the side pipes on. Jeff Miller said he would do the rest. Cutouts for the defrost vents were spot on and the wipers are assembled except for the last piece going to the motor. I did have to cut a notch in my heater box extension but there was a gap on the back side there and worked out well

[RR20AC]

Installed the Windshield, Roll bar and Gas cap in the last two days. Getting closer to send it off to Mr. Miller. Hope he has time for me.

[RR20AC]

Took the car outside today for one last picture before I take off all the parts I fitted to the body. Still runs good. Fit the rear bumper last night. Went back and forth on which install to do. The extra bolt or place the nuts inside the over riders. Ended up with the nuts in the over riders but it was really hard to do. I think this looks a little cleaner and will only need to do it once more. Now I just need to pack this all away and get ready to ship it. Wow no car work for probably 4 months after working on this for almost a year and a half.

[wareaglescott]

Looks great. I feel ya. I am in serious withdrawal while the car is away for paint! When does yours head out and what are you going to do in the free time?
Any tips for getting those bolts on the bumpers? That is my plan but I didn't mock it up so will have to get it right the first time.

[Ducky2009]

That's exactly what I want to do with my heater so I can have a glove box too. Have you checked your clearance to the engine? Are you using a Coyote? (I am)
Thx, David

[RR20AC]

Mine heads out first week of April with another down to Jeff Miller. I asked that question about how to mount the bumper and got two methods. Of coarse they are on edwards build toward the end of his assembly. I added a 2.5 inch bump out which was just enough for the glove box and just had to add a 90 degree elbow on one heater line for engine clearance

[edwardb]

Your build looks great. You've done a really nice job putting it together. Wow, 4 months for paint? That won't be an easy wait. Hopefully you'll get pictures like I did. Especially with it being that far away. I hear you about withdrawal. Mine's been done for only a couple weeks and I'm feeling it too.

[BigUgly]

RR20AC,

I'm just curious if you tried to pull that rod out to release the dash and then reinstalled it with the body on. It looks like it could be quite a task.

BigUgly

[RR20AC]

The rod goes right through the door opening and each tube self aligns. Everyone has said they can't find anything to stick to the dash. I think I found the answer with the 3m product I used. It's flexible like the dash and if you use a scratch awl to get some deep marks in the material it bonds nicely and won't come off.

[BigUgly]

Good Job. You're doing an excellent job on the build.

BigUgly

[RR20AC]

Yes, Edwardb, 4 months till I get it back. I have about a month till it leaves. Jeff Miller said 3 months for two builds to get done and I can imagine he is Fairly busy after the advertisement of Barrett Jackson build. I have let my yard go along with some other things around here so I am happy I can get after these other things... I fitted as much as possible on my build so it should be quick to get it on the road. No inspection in Washington and a quick run to the licensing office is all that is required. So I'm told. Wish me luck

[rmiller64]

Great talking to you today Jim!

You have done an outstanding job on your build and I look forward to seeing pictures after J.Miller gets done with the paint

Color combo?

[RR20AC]

Yes it was. Thanks for the info on licensing. Just got CGundermann's body on his today. We are on our way to sending these out. I'm going with a red with white stripes. Have not had a red vehicle since I had a red Toyota 4X4 pickup out of high school. Jim

[RR20AC]

Loaded the car on the transport last night, along with my friends car. They should be down at Millers paint shop in a couple of days. Jeff says he has reserved us spots so we will just have to wait for progress. Wanted to have it ready for Huntington Beach this year. To many delays with back orders and then finally just saying take my time, change that plan. Much better off this way. Made a new forum friend. and the car is the way I want it. Another milestone.

I also am celebrating my son' drop party tonight. He will be getting his fighter aircraft airframe given to him with 9 more months of flight training. Very proud of my two fighter pilots sons!

[cgundermann]

Exciting send off; next time we see our cars together the twins will be wearing their party dresses...

[RR20AC]

Celebrate. Well yes. Not about the car, but about exciting times. My wife got a new car. Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. I got a new pulling machine for my cobra. Maybe another autocross car? Now just have to research trailers for the cobra. Also went to my sons graduation from pilot training. Probably one of the best weekends ever as my son took most of the awards given including top stick, commanders trophy, and the academic award!. He is now a F-16 pilot like his brother. Another surprise for the weekend was his brother flew in from South Korea just for the occasion. What a surprise as we didn't think he could get away from that hot bed. Max Thunder is going full blast..

[wareaglescott]

Man that is awesome. Congrats to your son and your family! Getting those Air Force wings is a huge accomplishment. The Air Force sure is getting some mileage out of those T-38s! The shifter in my car is from the very T-38 my dad flew in 1968. Wonder if it is still the same stick. Best of luck to him in the F-16. I know you are so proud to have two officers in the US Military. Thank them for their service from me.

PS...that is a pretty sweet tow vehicle as well!

[RR20AC]

I will thank them and show them your car. Very nice build. Cool story about your Dad. T-38 were built in 59 and a few years following. Now if I can just get my car done before summer is over?