Herman's Factory Five Racing 65' Roadster Build Site

September 2005

9/18/2005 - Last weekend I had the pleasure to meet Russ Thompson with his beautiful FFR Daytona Coupe replica. I'd post pictures but to really appreciate all aspects of this vehicle, you really need to see it for yourself. He drove the car some 15 miles to the San Leandro Marina where the Northern California Kit Car Club (NCKCC) was holding their annual show. Yet even with those miles, you could literally eat off the rear chassis memebers near the IRS.

Back to my journal, I did order Russ's aluminum pedal the day after and received it this week. It's a well put together pedal you can really appreciate the thought that went into what some perceive as a simple device. Nylock nuts on every bolts/screw, bronze bushing instead of a simple pin, well formed pedal plate with rubber pads for the final touch. Even included an extra cable plate in case you use a Lokar cable. Additionally, an additional pivot hole on both the cable and pedal end to fine tune it.

While taking pictures outside, I decided it was a good time to test the starter. It might seem like a trivial thing and possibly taken for granted but I remember some threads about people with starter problems so with just a simple hookup, I can say the starter works as expected:

Prior to actual hookup, I used my VOM to test continuity from the cylinder head to the motor mount. This confirms that the spark plugs will also get a good circuit when it comes time to really fire it up. The starter relay was bolted to the head as you can see, and the remote starter bridging the signal line and +12v. To make it easier on the starter, I did remove all of the spark plugs.

*EDIT 7/6/2006* I've left this photo in; it does point out that testing of the starter is a good idea before going into the car, if you have the chance to test it outside. If there's a problem, it's much easier to replace now than later.