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05-11-2024, 08:07 PM
#361
Senior Member
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05-17-2024, 11:33 AM
#362
Senior Member
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05-17-2024, 11:36 AM
#363
Senior Member
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05-17-2024, 11:37 AM
#364
Senior Member
Working on the registration process. A few little things to button up and I'm going to call it complete other than driving.
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05-17-2024, 11:41 AM
#365
Not a waxer
Looking great Mike
Jeff
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05-17-2024, 12:00 PM
#366
That is is the Bluest Blue I have ever seen it is very cool! Car looks awesome Mike !
Steve
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05-17-2024, 12:58 PM
#367
Great job Mike. Happy to see you roll across the finish line!
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05-17-2024, 01:03 PM
#368
Senior Member
Originally Posted by
sdeal0527
That is is the Bluest Blue I have ever seen it is very cool! Car looks awesome Mike !
Steve
Thanks, that's what we were shooting for! When parked in the middle of 50 blue cars we wanted to be the BLUE one!
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05-18-2024, 08:14 PM
#369
Senior Member
Tested the daytime running lights, turn signals, flashers, headlights, and high beams today. All good!
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05-18-2024, 09:02 PM
#370
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05-20-2024, 05:18 PM
#371
Senior Member
Today I had a chance to run down to Summit and pick up some Power Grip hose clamps and get rid of those ugly worm clamps. I like the way these look, now let's see how they hold up under pressure.
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05-25-2024, 12:29 PM
#372
Senior Member
Tested for leaks this morning after installing the Power Grip hose clamps, and just wanted to hear the rumble lol. Waiting on the weather to clear some so can go for more test drives.
Last edited by Mike.Bray; 05-25-2024 at 12:32 PM.
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05-25-2024, 08:28 PM
#373
Senior Member
My goodness, that rumble sounds SO good!
BTW, where did you find the Carroll Shelby decal? I got some, but they turned out to be stickers and don't look good. I'm looking for one just like yours.
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05-26-2024, 07:16 AM
#374
All very nice, including the engine rumble. I would throw a hand full of hose clamps in my travel bag, just in case. I cannot get comfortable with the heat to shrink hose clamps.
20th Anniversary Mk IV, A50XS Coyote, TKO 600, Trunk Drop Box, Trunk Battery Box, Cubby Hole, Seat Heaters, Radiator hanger and shroud.
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05-26-2024, 09:23 AM
#375
Originally Posted by
Railroad
All very nice, including the engine rumble. I would throw a hand full of hose clamps in my travel bag, just in case. I cannot get comfortable with the heat to shrink hose clamps.
The powergrip clamps are really not much different than PEX-A fittings in the plumbing world, where pressures are much higher. Biggest difference is the powegrips rely on heat to shrink them, while the PEX-A fittings rely on memory to shrink after being expanded. I love those things, but I'll admit I enjoy sweating copper.
s-l1200.jpg
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05-26-2024, 01:03 PM
#376
Senior Member
Originally Posted by
buttsjim
My goodness, that rumble sounds SO good!
BTW, where did you find the Carroll Shelby decal? I got some, but they turned out to be stickers and don't look good. I'm looking for one just like yours.
I don't remember! I thought Amazon but they're not in my order history so there's no telling where I found them.
Update, my wife says I probably bought them from Classic Recreations. I'll have a look the next time I'm up there.
Last edited by Mike.Bray; 05-26-2024 at 01:23 PM.
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06-05-2024, 05:08 PM
#377
Senior Member
When I started my MKIV project a couple of years ago I dug out my ancient Craftsman floor jack and discovered that it no longer functioned. It was probably just low on hydraulic oil but I saw this as an opportunity to replace the very heavy steel jack with a new low profile lightweight aluminum model. Since it's not a tool I will be using everyday and the Cobra is relatively lightweight I opted for a 2 ton aluminum jack from Harbor Freight. I like it, it works great but the pad is relatively small and when jacking against the 4" round frame rail it's not very secure.
I made this new jack pad to contour to the 4" frame rail and be more secure when jacking the car up.
It's only a little thing but it sure makes me sleep better at night lol
Last edited by Mike.Bray; 06-06-2024 at 03:34 PM.
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06-06-2024, 05:46 AM
#378
I like this idea Mike.
I'd like to make something similar one day, but I'd account for the thickness of a rubber pad (maybe 1/8") and then reduce the "wrap-around" height of the metal by about 1/2"...
Did you make it with powder metal on a 3D printer?
Craig C
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06-06-2024, 09:51 AM
#379
Senior Member
Originally Posted by
cc2Arider
I like this idea Mike.
I'd like to make something similar one day, but I'd account for the thickness of a rubber pad (maybe 1/8") and then reduce the "wrap-around" height of the metal by about 1/2"...
Did you make it with powder metal on a 3D printer?
Craig C
Thanks Craig. Yes, I modeled it and had it 3D printed from aluminum.
I did account for an 1/8" rubber pad and I have the rubber, just haven't put it in yet. The wife has the garage full of cabinets and doors painting. Did give me a chance to try out the car cover she bought me for Christmas.
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06-09-2024, 10:35 AM
#380
Senior Member
Well, faster than a speeding turtle I'm approaching the end of this project. I'm in the process of registration now so fingers crossed it will be titled and street legal very soon. If anyone is interested I thought I would take this opportunity to recap my build in the next few posts.
Part 1, Factory Five Order.
50013 MK IV Complete Kit
16613 Powdercoated Chassis
13242 Pin-Drive Front Suspension
12508 Pin-Drive Lower Front Arms
14758 3-Link Rear Suspension
16799 Power Steering Components
13083 302-351 Engine/Trans Mount Kit
16794 351W Stainless Headers
14932 Stainless Side Exhaust
16350 31 Spline 11.25" Driveshaft
34158 Hydraulic Clutch Master Cylinder Kit
12070 Body Cut-Outs
12049 Wind Wings
12042 Sun Visors
12453 Battery Cut-Off Switch
15154 Mk IV Logo Floormats
16004 FFR GPS Gauge Set
16213 Black Leather Seats
12469 Brake Duct Wire Mesh
16590 Trunk Gas Strut Kit
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06-09-2024, 10:44 AM
#381
Senior Member
Part 2, Forte
Moser 8.8 Fox Narrowed Rear End (for pin-drive)
Wilwood 140-7146-DR Brakes
Tremec TKX TCET18084 5 Speed Transmission
Seat Heaters
In-tank Fuel Pump
Quick Release Windshield Brackets
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06-09-2024, 11:48 AM
#382
Senior Member
Part 3, Engine
SVO 351W Block, 9.5" deck, bored 0.030 over
SCAT Forged Rotating Assembly, Stroked to 393CI, 10:1 CR, Internally Balanced
Aluminum Heads, 210CC Intake Runners, 62CC Chambers, 2.02" Intake & 1.60" Exhaust
Comp 4816-8 Pushrod Guideplates
ARP 134-7104 Rocker Arm Studs
Comp 2618 Valve Springs
Comp 35-775-8 Hyd Roller Cam
Comp 8931-16 Hyd Lifters
Comp 7957-16 Pushrods
Comp 1431-16 Roller Rockers
Comp 2138 Timing Chain
Comp 4705-16 Valve Spring Locators
Comp 795-16 Steel Retainers
Comp 614-16 Valve Locks
Comp 503-16 Valve Seals
PCE300.1076.01 Aluminum Oil Pan
Melling M-83 Oil Pump
Summit 5-60-04-201 Timing Cover
ATI 918949 Timing Pointer
Flowkooler 1653 Water Pump
ATI 918920 Harmonic Balancer
Ram 1529LW Flywheel
Ram 88794HDT Clutch Kit
Tremec TCEP8639 Bellhousing
Ford 401-1106-A Spacer Plate
Tilton 60-6102 Hyd Throwout Bearing
Borla 200074 50mm EFI Throttle Body Induction
FAST 303000 XFI Sportsman ECU
CSR Performance 9111C-CSR Billet Thermostat Housing
Holley 565-201 Duel Sync Distributor
MSD 82073 Ignition Coil
Holley 6415 MSD 6EFI Ignition
NGK BKR6E Spark Plugs
Ford Performance M-12259-M302 Plug Wires
Ford Performance 302-138 Valve Covers
Moroso 93060 Valve Cover Gaskets
Cometic C5511-030 Head Gaskets
Remflex 3083 Exhaust Gaskets
Powermaster 9503 Starter
March P560 One-Wire Alternator
CVF GM Type II Power Steering Pump
All ARP Studs & Bolts
Last edited by Mike.Bray; 06-11-2024 at 05:06 PM.
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06-09-2024, 05:31 PM
#383
Senior Member
Part 4, Breeze. Spending the big money now.
21101 Steering Rack Travel Limit
35048 Gas Pedal Kit (Russ Thompson)
35303 Billet Side View Mirrors
35376 Remote Brake Balance Bar Adjuster
35438 Roll Bar Kit
70031 Radiator Cowl Cover Kit
70551 Lower Radiator Support Kit
70558 Hinged Radiator Mounting Kit
70561 Battery Mount Kit
70602 Seat Mounts
70634 Offset Rack Mounting Kit
70648 Vent Check Valve
70730 Rod End Lower Control Arms
70752 Cubby Kit
70772 Radiator Fan Shroud
70783 Lower Radiator Hose Kit
70785 Lower Radiator Hose Bracket
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06-11-2024, 05:01 PM
#384
Senior Member
Part 5, Brakes, Wheels, Tires, and Small Stuff
Vintage Wheels Pin-Drive Wheels, 17x9 & 17x11
NT555 G2 275/40 R17 Nitto Tires
NT555 G2 315/35 R17 Nitto Tires
140-9107-DR Wilwood Brakes
Hawk Brake Pads
TIL-76-750 Tilton Master Cylinder (Front Brakes)
TIL-76-812 Tilton Master Cylinder (Clutch)
TIL-76-1000 Tilton Master Cylinder (Rear Brakes)
Triple XXXL Scotts Remote Brake Reservoir
PBS-I-0 Guard Dawg Keyless Start
RT Turn Signal Kit
E-Stopp Electric Emergency Brake
WIL-330-9371 Wilwood E Brake Cables
FFMetal Forward Firewall Kit
FFMetal Transmission Tunnel Top
SB7HLG201D-CHR Lumen 7" LED Headlights w/Halos
105390 Flex-A-Lite Electric Fan
Cobra Herb Door Panels
Finish Line Side Vent Louvers
Boatload of stainless steel tubing & fittings for brake & fuel lines
Electric trunk latch from Ford Taurus
Last edited by Mike.Bray; 06-28-2024 at 09:31 AM.
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06-12-2024, 07:46 PM
#385
Senior Member
Congrats on your completion! Great summary at the end, I may have to borrow that format when I get to that point. Just don't go back and add up how much it all cost...I'm certainly not going to for mine.
Happy driving!
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06-14-2024, 08:29 AM
#386
Senior Member
Originally Posted by
JMD
Just don't go back and add up how much it all cost...I'm certainly not going to for mine.!
Oh I know exactly how much I've spent, I have a spreadsheet with everything listed on it. Actually, I have two spreadsheets. One with the actual costs and a second one with "adjusted" costs that I show my wife.
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06-23-2024, 05:53 PM
#387
Senior Member
I'm finally to one of the last steps, registration. I've hired a company to do most of the process for me and will get a bonded title with the process. What I've paid for their service is recouped in lower taxes having to be paid. It's a long story but I'll basically end up paying tax on about what the kit cost, which was never taxed in the first place, and not the value of the completed car.
Next week I have to take the car to get a VIN inspection by the state. The state examines the car, verifies the VIN number on the chassis, and matches it to the MSO and my receipt from Factory Five. It's part of the state's anti-theft program so I'm fine with that. On the way back from the VIN inspection we'll stop by a truckstop and get a certified weight.
The final step for me is a safety inspection with an ASE certified Master Tech which I've got set up for right after the 4th of July. After that I take my package to the DMV to apply for the title and pick up my plates (and pay my tax). At this point the car will be legal to drive.
Between the VIN inspection/weight and ASE inspection we've got an appointment with a photographer for some studio pictures and videos. This is being covered off by my painter so not costing me anything. I am excited to see how they turn out, I've seen this guy's work and I'm sure he'll make my hunk of junk look good.
One note for you builders in Texas, if you have insurance and a regular state inspection you can get a 30 day temporary tag. You can do this three times for a total of 90 days.
Last edited by Mike.Bray; 06-24-2024 at 07:40 AM.
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06-23-2024, 06:17 PM
#388
Senior Member
Test & Tune
My wife and I have been going out in the evenings and test driving around the neighborhood. Knock on wood, so far it's gone well.
After each test we've made it home and parked in the garage.
My wife grins from ear to ear while riding and hasn't suffered a snakebite yet.
Had a small space between the body and DS footbox that was venting hot air in. Got that sealed up and it looks like both footboxes are sealed well now. And insulated well, we've been test driving in 90+ degree heat in shorts and not noticing any real heat in the footboxes (my wife has been in flip flops).
Found a loose connection in one of the DRLs, easy fix.
Permanently mounted the touchscreen for the Sportsman ECU, it's got some nice live data that can be monitored. Been watching the O2 correction, very small so I know my main fuel map is close.
I like the Hawk brake pads but they're not bedded yet.
The engine is very responsive, and scary. Like a Cobra should be.
So far it drives straight and true, I think the alignment is pretty close but need to recheck the toe.
All of the gauges including the GPS speedo are working. Fuel level seems to be accurate.
I love the feeling of the power steering, so thankful for the forum convincing me to add it.
Anyone, and I mean anyone that is outside when we cruise by literally stops what they're doing and watches us. Most wave and kids chase us.
Driving shoes are much better than loafers, especially with manual brakes lol
Car is tight, responsive, and an absolute blast to drive.
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06-24-2024, 08:17 AM
#389
Senior Member
Originally Posted by
Mike.Bray
I'm finally to one of the last steps, registration. I've hired a company to do most of the process for me and will get a bonded title with the process. What I've paid for their service is recouped in lower taxes having to be paid. It's a long story but I'll basically end up paying tax on about what the kit cost, which was never taxed in the first place, and not the value of the completed car. One note for you builders in Texas, if you have insurance and a regular state inspection you can get a 30 day temporary tag. You can do this three times for a total of 90 days.
Congratulations, Mike--it looks like you're finally there! And, thanks for the advice about the temporary tag! I'm looking forward to seeing your studio pictures, but not sure how that car can look any better than it already does!
JimB
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06-24-2024, 01:25 PM
#390
Senior Member
Is it being titled/plated as an assembled vehicle?
MK4, 427LS3, IRS, T56 Magnum, Wilwoods
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06-24-2024, 02:18 PM
#391
Senior Member
Originally Posted by
Its Bruce
Is it being titled/plated as an assembled vehicle?
Yes, it is "assembled from parts" as a replica kit car from Factory Five. I'll get either Classic or Antique plates so it will be exempt from annual inspections and the yearly registration fee will be something like $15.
https://classicautotitle.com/home
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06-24-2024, 03:19 PM
#392
Senior Member
Originally Posted by
Mike.Bray
Yes, it is "assembled from parts" as a replica kit car from Factory Five. I'll get either Classic or Antique plates so it will be exempt from annual inspections and the yearly registration fee will be something like $15.
https://classicautotitle.com/home
I'm going to have lots of questions for you in a couple months. This seems like a good way to go in Texas.
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06-24-2024, 03:42 PM
#393
Senior Member
Originally Posted by
Mike.Bray
Yes, it is "assembled from parts" as a replica kit car from Factory Five. I'll get either Classic or Antique plates so it will be exempt from annual inspections and the yearly registration fee will be something like $15.
https://classicautotitle.com/home
I doubt it. It'll most likely say Custom Vehicle. For anyone else's future reference, a Texas VIN inspection is not required for these kits when registering as an assembled vehicle...
Originally Posted by
Assembled and Reconstructed Vehicle Manual - Oct 2022
All assembled vehicles require VIN verification to assist the department in establishing the identifying number of the vehicle for titling purposes. If the vehicle identification number is assigned by the maker of the kit or a manufacturer for a replica, custom vehicle, street rod, or glider kit, the applicant will not be required to obtain a Law Enforcement Identification Number Inspection (Form VTR-68). VIN verification in this case will be established by the identifying number provided on the Certificate of Origin or MCO.
MK4, 427LS3, IRS, T56 Magnum, Wilwoods
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06-24-2024, 04:26 PM
#394
Senior Member
Originally Posted by
Its Bruce
I doubt it. It'll most likely say Custom Vehicle. For anyone else's future reference, a Texas VIN inspection is not required for these kits when registering as an assembled vehicle...
On the bonded title application the Make is listed as ASVE, Assembled Vehicle. It is not going in as a custom vehicle. The model is listed as a Replica 1965 Shelby Cobra and I'll be getting custom plates which means I will not have to get an annual inspection. Getting custom plates also exempts the vehicle from having to meet current smog and safety standards. Note, by custom plates I'm not talking about personal plates although I do have an option to get those.
As for the VIN inspection, it is on the DMV check list for assembled kit cars so I'm getting it done. You may be correct that it's not needed but I'm not going to take a chance, better to have the form 68a and not need it than need it and not have it. As my attorney said, anyone can walk up with a certificate of origin, the state wants more than that has always been her experience. She's been doing this for 12 years and has done several Factory Five cars, I'm going to do what she says to the letter.
Update
Got some clarification from the DMV today about the VIN inspection. There are instances where it is not required. For us this would be if we bought the kit from FFR so we are the original owner and we have the original certificate of origin. So far so good, most Factory Five builders won't need the VIN inspection. And if the manufacturer assigned a VIN number and it's stamped on the frame like Factory Five does most of the time a VIN inspection is not required. So we're still good. Not all kit manufacturers do this though.
In my case I gave Factory Five my name as "Mike Bray" as that's what I go by. My legal name is Michael Bray though. Because this creates a discrepancy I need to have another form saying we are one and the same which upsets the DMV's little apple cart. BTW, this form is not available online. So to be safe and hopefully go through on the first try I'm going to go ahead with it. As I said, better to have it and not need it than have someone at the DMV asking for the form 68a and not having it.
Now we should all be clear as mud
Last edited by Mike.Bray; 06-25-2024 at 04:32 PM.
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06-25-2024, 05:15 PM
#395
Senior Member
Added the one accessory today that I hope I never need.
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06-27-2024, 12:30 PM
#396
Senior Member
This morning took the car out to get the VIN inspection by the state. It's still unclear in my case whether this is required or not, the trooper doing the inspection wasn't even sure. As I already had an appointment and everything was set up I played it safe and got it. Maybe I wasted my time and $40 but I guess we'll see.
Was in and out in about an hour, certainly pays to get there early. Judging from the line people that got there later were not going to be so lucky. The state trooper that did my inspection was a super nice guy and was gushing all over the Cobra. After he confirmed the VIN numbers and my paperwork he asked if he could take some pictures (I think for his son). These cars are certainly attention getters!
Since we were in and out of the VIN inspection in good time we went to a truck stop to get a certified weight which the state requires.
With half a tank of gas came up to 2600lbs, a little heavier than I was expecting. I'm obviously going to need more power
Now the car is at the studio for some professional pictures and videos. Sometime next week we should be able to take it over for the ASE safety inspection. After that it's time to visit my local DMV and complete this project. YooHoo!
Last edited by Mike.Bray; 06-27-2024 at 12:33 PM.
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06-27-2024, 04:05 PM
#397
Senior Member
Seems heavier than most. Is that with or without the driver? You clearly need more carbon fiber
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06-27-2024, 04:38 PM
#398
Senior Member
Originally Posted by
egchewy79
Seems heavier than most. Is that with or without the driver? You clearly need more carbon fiber
I think the driver was standing on one of the scales, the certificate says 180lbs on the front axle and 2480lbs on the rear. Oops.
Last edited by Mike.Bray; 06-27-2024 at 09:15 PM.
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06-27-2024, 04:39 PM
#399
Senior Member
Picture time!
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06-27-2024, 05:58 PM
#400
Senior Member
Mike.
I got your message on the roll bar.
Originally Posted by
Mike.Bray
Not sure I can describe this very well but I'll try. If you leave the end of the diagonal brace as it is you'll need to really enlarge the opening in the body to get the Breeze bar in when it's welded together. Obviously the bar is going to drop straight in. If you look at the weldment from the side, draw a vertical line on the end of the diagonal brace and cut that piece out so when you drop it in you don't need as big of an opening in the body. I might have to do a sketch
Mike Everson has trim rings for the Breeze bar.
Mike, Thanks for the heads up. I have a pair of Mike Everson's trim rings. On the rear brace,... If I understand you correctly, I should cut the rear bar parallel with the lower section of the hoop. This would make it appear as a 45' cut on the tube. That would allow the roll bar assembly to come straight up once the slider section is up into the rear bar.
Question: How far below the body does the upper slider bolt live once I drill the two slider holes. I'm concerned about that bolt hitting the body or trim rings.
Allyn