The cables out of the box just put an arch into them to clear any moving suspension parts and either fasten the to the firewall or double zip tie to something solid.
Alan Merklin posted:The cables out of the box just put an arch into them to clear any moving suspension parts and either fasten the to the firewall or double zip tie to something solid.
Thanks, Doc!
Started tackling this beast of a wiring harness. I decided to re-wrap everything in a nice auto fabric wiring tap. My neighbor happens to own a tape company and can get me the good stuff! Plus, it will give me an opportunity to learn what is what while I work on it.
I'll be bringing the Speedster up to Kirks for the top to be fitted to my speedsters and not just a general template cut out top.
Final stop will be at Greg's shop for the final detailing and buff on the paint. I want to put a few layers of OptiCoat Pro over the paint to give it a little more protection from the elements.
After that, it's finding the time to put it all together. Baby Natalie is 15 months old and is a LOT more active - so my time is spent running around the house chasing her which I don't mind 
I know there was chat on the forum about car covers, but does anyone have a particular brand they like???
Attachments
Images (2)
If it's a VS harness and you get hung up I know then well .
Alan Merklin posted:If it's a VS harness and you get hung up I know then well .
It is and thank you!
That's the only thing I have for electrical so far. I have no switches, light bulbs, fuses, etc. just a wiring harness and battery cables. So my goal is to do a really nice quality set-up that won't hurt the bank and last a good amount of time.
If you have any parts list as it pertains to the missing items above - send it my way!
Every girls needs a nice top. Eleanor got her top fitted and installed today! Amazing how it transforms the look of the Speedster.
I'll be taking her up to Greg's shop in a few weeks to get the final detail (buff/polish) on the paint. After that, there are a few things left and she will be on the road.
A year ago yesterday, I took the bar bones chassis home. Not bad for a first timer with building one of these things. I've had a LOT of lessons learned the past year. It will definitely make the second build easier...
Attachments
Images (8)
Brian,
Before you carpet that lovely lady. Now is the time to seriously consider the umbrella handle e-brake under the dash.
Consider it. Text Teby or I if you want the details.
Ted
Wait... second build?!
TRP posted:Wait... second build?!
For the wifey 
I'm waiting for Greg and his Team to design a chassis for his coupe body. Nothing against using a VW chassis, but I'd rather not use one for my second build...
TRP posted:Brian,
Before you carpet that lovely lady. Now is the time to seriously consider the umbrella handle e-brake under the dash.
Consider it. Text Teby or I if you want the details.
Ted
Just did a little research this morning and that might be quiet the undertaking for my home shop skills...
okay, maybe for the next one.
For whatever it's worth, I think Kirk has done these in the past. I purchased the original 356 parts from the samba and knocked it out from Kirk's designs.
Just keep it in mind.
Ted
Finished the door panels and added additional sound deadening packing inside the door. It's got a really nice solid sound and feel when closing them.
I also decided to paint the top inside area of the rear deck lid. Picked the same technique as I did with the trunk area and wheel wells. I also drilled holes for the deck lid grill and picked up some nice stainless steel hardware for mounting it. I'll be curious to see if anybody picks up on those little details when I'm out showing the car...
Attachments
Images (3)
Looks great very clean. Are you going to add a third brake light?
Flat black or even satin would look better under the grille. My .02 and that's all that I have.
I think Bill's right in that flat black paint eliminates the possibility of emphasizing a 'crinkled' reflected surface (as your photo shows) .... that sort of resembles wet corn flakes.
Hmmm... great points Bill and Carl... I have some flat black paint I can give it a try and see how it looks.
My goal was to keep the trunk, engine compartment, and rear deck lid all the same... but the more I look at it, the more I can see a flat black looking better.
That is why I love this forum - you all rock!
Best of all worlds: cut it out and put woven stainless under the grill. No weather protection, but you live in SoCal, right?
Stan Galat, '05 IM, 2276, Nowhere, USA posted:Best of all worlds: cut it out and put woven stainless under the grill. No weather protection, but you live in SoCal, right?
Hmmm... That's not a bad idea...
Got to spend time at Vintage Motorcars this morning. Always nice chatting with Greg. He had his son there too - smart little kiddo!! They have some pretty cool project/builds underway!
Greg and Team will be finishing the final detail/buff/polish on the paint. I'm at the point in my build where I will be putting all the exterior stuff on... so before I do... I want a clean (non-wax crusted) paint to work on. Plus, I'm planning on applying a layer of OptiCoat Pro to protect the paint even more.
Since my frustration with the carpet kit continues... and I don't have the time to deal with it seeing how my 16 month old daughter demands to be a princess more everyday... I've asked Greg and Team to install the carpet (running the rear wiring harness too). Nervous it will be sitting there, but excited his Team will do the install and look everything over to make sure I haven't missed anything... And I got a cool Vintage Motorcars T-Shirt ! ! ! !
Wait until you see the custom paint job I did on my gas tank...
Mandatory pics below 
Attachments
Images (12)
Were there any Spyders, at the shop, with those sweet ash rims on it?
I gots to see one with them on it. Especially the fronts.
Jus sayin.
I need to convey a boat load of kudos your way, for a first time build ( for .....any, build) You've done one hell of a beautiful job ! ...... Carpet can be overwhelming :~)
I need to convey a boat load of kudos your way, for a first time build ( for .....any, build) You've done one hell of a beautiful job ! ...... Carpet can be overwhelming :~)
What did you use at the base of the dash mirror rod ?
Alan Merklin posted:I need to convey a boat load of kudos your way, for a first time build ( for .....any, build) You've done one hell of a beautiful job ! ...... Carpet can be overwhelming :~)
Thanks!!! Means a LOT coming from you Alan. Your builds are a Van Gough compared to my "paint by numbers"
The carpet... overwhelming is an understatement! If I didn't have the German square weave and could expense a few "do overs" with a cheaper carpet I would have attempted it...
I may not be old and wise compared to some, but I've learned humility and know when I'm in over my head.
For a "fella" who takes a "long" way around and paints by numbers, wow, ... very nice. Congrats
I should add that I am a bit nervous Eleanor isn't in my garage right now. I shouldn't be because I know it is in GREAT hands, but it's become a part of the family. Just look at the excitement in our baby girls eyes - she LOVES being in the Speedster holding the steering wheel
Proud daddy
Attachments
Images (1)
She's adorable!
Hey, when first time staring at a blank canvass "painting by the numbers" is the way to go. Keep in mind that confidence in accomplishing any endeavor requires experience....and experience comes from perseverance.
The next time faced with a blank canvass you'll use the same paints but you'll decide what the numbers will be!
Calendar shot.
Alan Merklin posted:I need to convey a boat load of kudos your way, for a first time build ( for .....any, build) You've done one hell of a beautiful job ! ...... Carpet can be overwhelming :~)
What did you use at the base of the dash mirror rod ?
I thought those windshield rod bases were made and sold by @aircooled
Love the color!
GomezInSJ posted:Love the color!
Thanks! It is getting it's final polish and buff this week, so it should look amazing once Greg's Team is finished with it
Stan Galat, '05 IM, 2276, Nowhere, USA posted:Best of all worlds: cut it out and put woven stainless under the grill. No weather protection, but you live in SoCal, right?
I've been trying to find the right woven SS Mesh for just that. Can't get a small piece here without dropping big bucks...The cheap home Depot stuff won't cut it for me.
Stopped by Vintage Motorcars today. I could sit at their shop all day and watch the amazing work they do!
Cousins???
Attachments
Images (4)
Bill,
Have you tried McMaster-Carr for some stainless mesh?
Beautiful color!
Carlos G posted:Bill,
Have you tried McMaster-Carr for some stainless mesh?
Thanks, I'll have to study all those options and see what it costs to ship to Hawaii.
Well... We hit a road bump...
Had a long, good, conversation with Greg last night. His Team went to install the carpet and couldn't. From what I've been told, the german square weave carpet kit I received from Kirk's Shop (and paid a LOT extra for) is so far off Greg's Team can't even install it without it coming out looking like a five year old did it. I knew I was having a hard time with the carpet...
I applaud Greg for being straight forward and not just "slapping" the kit in and producing a crappy looking carpet job.
We both have a few ideas on how to move forward. I'm just hoping certain other folks step up to the plate and realize the issue and resolve it. I knew going into this build it was not going to be a perfect puzzle, but when a shop like Greg's can't even do it... there's an issue with the product...
Hopefully, I get some good news today...
I'll assume that the square weave carpet is cut from the same VS pattern I've used the VS carpet dozens of times in CMC FF and Street Beasts speedsters with minor modifications that when completed looked fine. Shoot me a dialog discribing the problems maybe I can be of help. Alan
Maybe @Vintage Motorcars Inc can chime in and explain?
Your assumption is correct. I upgraded my "kit" from Kirk to have the German square weave versus the other stuff they use. So it is a safe assumption the carpet was cut from the same template they use time and time again.
My terminology is probably off, but from what I was told the pieces provided just won't fit. They could probably have Kirk's Team do it, but it won't turn out right or to my expectations. I don't know the degree of modifications that would be needed, but if Greg's Team can't get it to done - I'm assuming "minor" is now "major" modifications and they don't want to take the risk and it turns out bad...
Greg and his Team know I want a quality job done and I don't think they can provide that level of quality with what was provided to me. So the bigger question is: Did I receive what I paid for or was there a defect passed to me? I've only talked to the carpet shop guys a few times and I enjoyed my time when picking everything out... so I'm hoping they are willing to make any adjustments (new pieces cut if needed) to make everything fit as it should.
I'm sure everything will turn out fine in the end as I trust Greg and his Team to make it right and produce a quality result