I got my FFR 33 delivered on July 18th. It took more than a couple days for inventory. So many other distractions. I started on some of the powder coating about a week ago. I bought the oven for 30 bucks off craigslist. I practiced on a couple of other things first and then dove in. Along the way I tried to polish the firewall to a mirror finish, total fail. I watched a youtube on how to do it, came out badly. Then I realized why. I would never be able to keep it clean. So I researched what and why the early hotrodders did turned aluminum and I knew it was right. Tell me what you'all think. The brake calipers where pretty easy, disassembled, cleaned, powder and cook. The upper and lowers where a little more complicated in that I had to get the grease out. The first coat is black then Ultimate Chrome...came out more like shiny silver. I still like it. Tough as nails. Brake clean is a blessing. calipers.jpgfirewall 2.jpgfirst stage.jpgsuspension pieces.jpguppers.jpgsuspension parts powder coated.jpg
Looks good. It must have taking you a while to do the firewall.
I didn't turn mine but I did put this on it, it's not cheap but after all the effort you put into the firewall this will protect it. https://www.eastwood.com/exoarmour.html
'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.
Welcome Blade. Looks like your off to a good start.
33 Hot Rod (Gen 1) Stage 1 delivered on 4/27/2017, Stage 2 delivered on 9/21/2018
LS3 495hp/480 lb. ft., 4L70E, Electric PS, Classic Auto Air, Lokar electronic sport shifter, 13 inch Wilwood front and 11.68 Cobra rear brakes, Ford 8.8 w 3.73 w 4 link, Billet Specialty Legend Series MAG wheels and Mickey Thompson
Sportsman S/R 26x8x18 front and 29x18x20 rear tires.
Got an early start today with the intention of getting the button head screws into the firewall. Went a little slower than I planned but it was good. Drill/taps are the bomb. Not my idea I got it from this forum. I'm still awaiting on my POL stuff, but I was able to almost finish the front suspension. I post these pictures not to boast but for you to scrutinize and find flaws. And please bring them to my attention. You won't offend me. finished firewall.jpgfront suspension 90percent.jpgfront suspension 95 percent.jpg
I took y'alls advice and powder coated adjustable lower control arms and tie rod ends. I think they came out great. Pics coming next post. The problem I have run into is the items on my POL is keeping me from really completing one thing and moving on. This may be normal, so as a result I moved to fuel tank. Dang that bad boy is tight. Without the tank floor in it is super tight. I then concluded that the rivet heads will make it worse. I contemplated silicone on the underside of the tank floor alum and a few rivets along the perimeter. Did anyone have similar issues, if so what were your solutions?
I think almost all of us had to wait for a few months before we had all of the missing parts.
Yes, the fuel tank was a very tight fit, I had to use a jack to push the top frame piece up just enough to slide the tank in, it was still a tight fit.
'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.
The tank is a treat. Make sure that you have the ability to pull down the hinges for the truck before you commit to drilling. On my chassis, and my understanding from the guys at the store, is most chassis will require that the tank is offset to passenger some. It does not sit squarely to get the tabs to line up. It does fit it’s just a question of getting it centered under the hinges for the trunk lid.
Don’t get hung up on centering it on the chassis. The only thing that matters is the hinges. I suggest putting on the back wall where the filler neck is at the same time so that you don’t fight it as well.
33 Hot Rod #1133. LS/TKO600
Delivered 6-17-19. Started work 7-3-19. First start 9-6-19. First drive 9-24-19
Titled 2-28-20
I did take an angle grinder with flap wheel to the high spots, it helped a bunch....a jack....hummmm. Now your talkin!! Thanks for the advice. I did think to put in the back alum yes it makes a bunch of difference.
I also had to re-drill a few holes to bolt the tank in.
One of my mounting tabs on the tank was 1/4" too high, wouldn't allow the tank to slide under the top frame.
I cut it and re-welded it.
'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.
Can I ask a question, please. How wide is frame? Looks like it's pretty consistant from the firewall to behind the seats (rear bulkhead. I'm looking for a measurement from outside frame rail to outside frame rail at the widest point not counting the door mechanisms. Thanks in advance. John in Az.
Can I ask a question, please. How wide is frame? Looks like it's pretty consistant from the firewall to behind the seats (rear bulkhead. I'm looking for a measurement from outside frame rail to outside frame rail at the widest point not counting the door mechanisms. Thanks in advance. John in Az.
33 Hot Rod (Gen 1) Stage 1 delivered on 4/27/2017, Stage 2 delivered on 9/21/2018
LS3 495hp/480 lb. ft., 4L70E, Electric PS, Classic Auto Air, Lokar electronic sport shifter, 13 inch Wilwood front and 11.68 Cobra rear brakes, Ford 8.8 w 3.73 w 4 link, Billet Specialty Legend Series MAG wheels and Mickey Thompson
Sportsman S/R 26x8x18 front and 29x18x20 rear tires.
two questions.
first, I want to run an type fittings(what size/etc) and stainless wrapped hose from clutch and brake master cyl through firewall. your thoughts?
second, from all I've read I'm confused about using an electric fuel pump in addition to the mechanical already on the block(blue print 383 w/ holley tri power)
I upgraded all of it. The extra length is so I can bleed the reservoir away from the firewall and service if need be. Plus I needed to be able to tighten the fitting inside the tube. All -3 an
Last edited by sethmark; 08-20-2019 at 12:05 PM.
33 Hot Rod #1133. LS/TKO600
Delivered 6-17-19. Started work 7-3-19. First start 9-6-19. First drive 9-24-19
Titled 2-28-20
from all I've read I'm confused about using an electric fuel pump in addition to the mechanical already on the block(blue print 383 w/ holley tri power)
Can't say I've ever researched the topic but why would you use an electric pump if you have the mechanical (for non EFI applications), would have thought it is one or the other....
Gen 1 '33 Hot Rod #1104
347 with Holley Sniper & Hyperspark, TKO600, IRS, 245/40R18 & 315/30R18, DRL, Digital Guard Dog keyless Ignition
Can't say I've ever researched the topic but why would you use an electric pump if you have the mechanical (for non EFI applications), would have thought it is one or the other....
I thought the tri-power was three baby carburetors? 3 300cfms? I would expect mechanical 7psi to be ample..
33 Hot Rod #1133. LS/TKO600
Delivered 6-17-19. Started work 7-3-19. First start 9-6-19. First drive 9-24-19
Titled 2-28-20
I got the rearend from MPS. drove down and picked it up. Pulled the brakes for powder coating, removed backing plates, spent way too much time cutting off old shock mounts. Got the diff filled with royal purple and put on the new cover. The only problem I have now is the manual and the spacer sizes don't match up. In fact not even close. The bolts either seem too long or a little short. Revisited all the bolts holding the upper and lower control arms. A little stumped.
Looking at the manual this morning I realized I don't have e brake cables. The manual states use the ones from the donor rear end. Don't have. I found on Amazon the cables, but they are pricey. 49 bucks each. Any thoughts?
I ended up with an extra set of ebrake cables (duplicates due to the way the Canadian kit works), they have a 48" outer sheath and the inner cable is about 72". Pay for shipping and they're yours if you wish.
Steve
Gen 1 '33 Hot Rod #1104
347 with Holley Sniper & Hyperspark, TKO600, IRS, 245/40R18 & 315/30R18, DRL, Digital Guard Dog keyless Ignition
Looking at the manual this morning I realized I don't have e brake cables. The manual states use the ones from the donor rear end. Don't have. I found on Amazon the cables, but they are pricey. 49 bucks each. Any thoughts?
I got my rear axle from MPS also but it came with e-brake cables.IMG_0616.jpg
33 Hot Rod (Gen 1) Stage 1 delivered on 4/27/2017, Stage 2 delivered on 9/21/2018
LS3 495hp/480 lb. ft., 4L70E, Electric PS, Classic Auto Air, Lokar electronic sport shifter, 13 inch Wilwood front and 11.68 Cobra rear brakes, Ford 8.8 w 3.73 w 4 link, Billet Specialty Legend Series MAG wheels and Mickey Thompson
Sportsman S/R 26x8x18 front and 29x18x20 rear tires.
The e brake lines from Rock Auto fit perfect. well made and perfect length. Mocked up e brake and Life is good. Mounted master cylinders, not half bad. Got a big load of POL, only thing missing is coolant overflow tank. Painted my bottom floor pans with Eastwood chassis paint, also got some black pop rivets, should look good when completed. Going to pull the trigger on wheels and tires this coming week. close up pedal box.jpgpedal box and master cylinders.jpgsteering parts.jpgrear end all finished.jpg
My wheels and two of the tires showed up today. You know...it did feel a little like Christmas. I put one on to see if my lug nut choice was going to work. The rear tires were special order 345/25/20's . Last email said another week.
I feel kinda stuck and I'm not sure exactly why. So I thought I'd run it by you guys. I'm about a month away from motor and trans purchase. It seems to me that I could start wiring harness and a/c unit on firewall as well as floor pans, but I haven't because I'm concerned those things making the motor install harder. Your thoughts... front wheel.jpgtoyo front tires.jpgwheels and tires.jpg
I agree with Seth. However, in order to do the body work you need to have the front suspension in place and the grill/AC Condenser/Radiator sandwich done and mounted.... The grill position adjustment is much more limited with the AC condenser in place because it pushes the radiator further back into the chassis...
Gen 1 '33 Hot Rod #1104
347 with Holley Sniper & Hyperspark, TKO600, IRS, 245/40R18 & 315/30R18, DRL, Digital Guard Dog keyless Ignition
Well I got the rear tires and already had the wheels. Tirerack stated pepboys was the recommended installer. A phone confirmed they COULD NOT work with 20inch wheels they did steer me to an independent dealer who said no problem. Fronts no problem. rears were too wide for wheels. 345 will not fit on 10inch wide wheels. duh. I clearly missed that part. tirerack took back the 345's and sent me 285/25/20s . rear tires.jpgrear tires.jpgwheels and tires full pic.jpg
So I have 17x8 Ridler wheels with toyo 245/35/17s and 20x10 inch with 285/25/20
Started working on the a/c unit. I followed the manual exactly. As you can see from the pictures if I followed the manual the a/c unit 1and3/16 from weld, the beadlock fittings hit the housing. Also the heater hose took a drastic bend. So I moved the unit over left too the other hole. Everything lined up,I can make the bends with the hoses. and the fittings don't hit the a/c housing. Do you think that this will be problematic for electrical in general or with gauges..etc.ac location.jpgac close up.jpgbulkhead fittings.jpg
I like it!! I'm going to give that a try. I have not crimped lines yet,so I'll give that a look. I would like to get back the few inches I took from the middle. Thanks Peterh226
I moved the a/c unit back a couple inches.ac finished location.jpg I crimped my hoses with mastercool 71550. worked really smooth,i'll find out how well during cart stage. Blueprint blueprint 383.jpgarrives this coming monday. TKO600 arrived a couple days ago. Still reviewing how the transmission mount works. It seems to me it should have a rubber mount, maybe not. Does anyone have pics of their install showing trans mount stuff??