The pedal box went in pretty easily but this was an expensive step. I had to buy a new tool. A digital camera. lol Since I am 6′ 2” I added all three spacers to the master cylinder. Several other FFR builders suggest I change the gas pedal or bend the brake pedal in a way to give your right foot more room between the gas and the brake. Gosh, I did not plan on using the brake that much.
Next was the installation of the floor panels. Whip out that riveting tool again. I also decided to invest in some Cleco’s. They are spring loaded gadgets that can hold aluminum panels together while you drill and rivet. I used www.eastwoodcompany.com and after shipping and handling, paid about 40 bucks for 12 clecos and special pliers.They did come in a fancy carrying case. I guess that is just in case I ever decide to go on the road and install panels.
It was a nice day Sunday afternoon so I decided to start sanding the seams on the body. A disk sander with a medium grit sanding disk took the seams down quickly. I followed that with an orbital palm sander also with a medium grit sandpaper.
Not quite as smooth as a baby’s bottom but in just a couple of hours I made some good progress.
Hours spent on the build: 27 hours
I spent a little time putting the engine back together. Replaced one cracked injector and all fuel injector O rings. I am not sure how much I should reinstall on the engine before putting it into the frame.I did paint the engine block black. That black engine coolant pipe there on top was a pain to reinstall because the aluminum threads in the intake manifold were stripped. So, you guessed it, I had to buy another new tool to re-cut the threads. Then it went together like spreading bread on butter, or was that butter on bread. Oh well…. I got it back together somehow.
It has been a while since any work was done but I am back finally to add to the story. So many Roadster owners do racing stripes down the middle, I decided to be different…. NOT!Here are my “bondo lines”. The seems have all been sanded down and a the bondo process has started. I am using bondo to fill in the tiny bubble holes revealed after sanding down the seams.
Both foot boxes have been installed. I decided to use the self taping screws to put together the drivers side foot box for now because I may want to get to the brake pedal and gas pedal. I hear that lots of folks bend the brake pedal and use a different gas pedal to give the driver more foot room (in case you want to use the brakes).
Hours spent on the build: 36 hours