FFR Coupe 65 in Sydney

SydneyChris · #1 (**permalink**) 12-15-2014, 02:24 AM

Hi all..

Am progressing on a Sydney build of an FFR Coupe 65 and was referred to this forum for networking and local build tips..

My Coupe spent a month or so in fabrication, with a swap to RHD, new mounts for an LS3 and TR6060 drivetrain.

Have fitted a BA Falcon adjustable steering column, connected to a Subaru Liberty power rack.

Brakes are AU spec Willwood units, with a MBR 7 inch single diaphram booster and master cylinder c/w proporting valve.

Have sheeted the new footwell cages I built with 3mm AL for some crash protection as well as lined the exterior with zero clearance heat shield and dynamat on the inside.

The rear end is an IRS set up, 8.8 inch Ford center, fitted with a Torsen LSD and a 3.55:1 gear set.

Seats that will fit and have reasonable access have been the biggest issue so far. The Kirkeys that came with the kit obviously fit but are not ADR approved. Have tried three sets of seats so far with no success, mostly because the rear of the cabin is tapered (and the structural upright from the mail rail is vertical and not reclined) AND the full length side bolsters make it difficult to enter and exit.

Any input on this issue would be appreciated as an ADR approved seat is required for road registration.

Fingers crossed I will be able to knock off the electrics over Christmas, at least sufficient to get to gokart stage to do a bit of shakedown testing on the driveline and BA Falcon ABS unit I have installed at the mo.

Cheers

Chris

guye · #2 (**permalink**) 12-15-2014, 02:57 AM

Welcome Chris. Sounds like a great build. There's quite a few FFR Cobras built and rego'd , so I'm sure you'll get some advice. I don't recall any Coupe 65s, but they pop up I'm sure.

There are a few Daytona builds that I'm sure will be able to help.

Did you import the kits directly yourself? Who did the RHD mod?

Looking forward to some more pics. (I'm guessing you'll have trouble posting pics until you've done 10 posts or more I think).

Again, welcome.

Ron61 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-15-2014, 02:59 AM

Your build is looking good so far. I am not familiar with your laws concerning seats, but I have an older Factory Five type 65 Coupe that you can take a look at in my Photo Gallery.

Ron

albanycobra · #4 (**permalink**) 12-15-2014, 03:18 AM

my ffr coupe got licensed in WA with the Kirkeys and had no dramas. i think there are some pics of my old coupe in my pictures section. RHD conversion is easy on these cars. A cortina steering rack nearly bolts straight in.

Donunder · #5 (**permalink**) 12-15-2014, 09:41 PM

Treeve is the go-to man as far as compliancing information and advice is concerned.

There have been some very welcome advances made in recent times regarding working side pipes so it may well be that those lovely Kirkey seats of yours could benefit from the winds of common sense slowly beginning to blow through the ICV world and similarly gain approval, especially as yours is not an open car.

If albanycobra had his approved ....??

albanycobra · #6 (**permalink**) 12-16-2014, 01:09 AM

I think it came down to the fact the seats cannot collapse backwards, that's how all the fibreglass seats get through. Was a few years ago now, happy to chat about it if you want, send me an email.

SydneyChris · #7 (**permalink**) 12-16-2014, 03:26 PM

thanks guys,

ICV's registered in NSW need to be fitted with ADR approved seats.. Ive tried Autotechnica (too wide across the base), as well as the Velo GP90. The later was difficult to get in and out of with the continuous side bolster (and a roof).

Look forward to any specifics re seats that have been used successfully.

Cheers

Chris

spookypt · #8 (**permalink**) 12-16-2014, 03:34 PM

Chris, I'm not sure if its been suggested before but have a search around on Sign In - Aussie Elises and see if any Lotus Exige or Elise seats are for sale.

They are small (nothing is much smaller than a lotus) and would be ADR compliant but check with Treeve our cobraphile friendly online engineer here. People used to suggest MX5 seats but lotus's are smaller.

Also, in a coupe they'd be perfect moreso than in a cobra.

Might be worth a try.

Spookypt

albanycobra · #9 (**permalink**) 12-16-2014, 04:28 PM

What about some nice leather seats from RF? They are ADR compliant have the right look and are small to fit a GT40? They would fit easy in a Coupe...I can measure up mine if you like??

Donunder · #10 (**permalink**) 12-16-2014, 04:36 PM

RF?

Could be Roaring Forties or you could contact Ron Ford in the Qld Cobra Club who has just had a very nice Coupe registered.

Treeve · #11 (**permalink**) 12-16-2014, 05:43 PM

Yep, I can help here, and a suggestion, how about 911 seats?

If you don't already have an engineer then you should probably get one who can get you registered because otherwise this kind of thing can trip you up once you've spent money.

Treeve

SydneyChris · #12 (**permalink**) 12-17-2014, 03:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by albanycobra

What about some nice leather seats from RF? They are ADR compliant have the right look and are small to fit a GT40? They would fit easy in a Coupe...I can measure up mine if you like??

Sure.. I have the envelope I can work with fairly well defined ..

Look forward to your advice..

Chris

SydneyChris · #13 (**permalink**) 12-17-2014, 03:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Treeve

Yep, I can help here, and a suggestion, how about 911 seats?

If you don't already have an engineer then you should probably get one who can get you registered because otherwise this kind of thing can trip you up once you've spent money.

Treeve

thanks Treeve.. will have a look.

I sat in a mates A45 AMG as well.. the seats were a great profile, with a cut out side bolster.. all big $$ though..

Treeve · #14 (**permalink**) 12-17-2014, 03:27 AM

I saw a pair of 911 leather seats with all electrical adjustment on ebay this week for less than $1k.

Towmaster · #15 (**permalink**) 12-17-2014, 04:05 AM

Maroochy Auto Wreckers in Maroochydore (07 54452888) have a set of dusty 'Daytona' race seats sitting on a rack...... I reckon someone with a Daytona should grab them. They look in ok condition. Not sure on their legality for ADR's tho.

SydneyChris · #16 (**permalink**) 12-17-2014, 02:13 PM

thanks guys.. just need to check out the dimensions..

SydneyChris · #17 (**permalink**) 12-17-2014, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Towmaster;1****23

Maroochy Auto Wreckers in Maroochydore (07 54452888) have a set of dusty 'Daytona' race seats sitting on a rack...... I reckon someone with a Daytona should grab them. They look in ok condition. Not sure on their legality for ADR's tho.

called them... the fit is tight as always.. but they are a fairly small seat and are ADR compliant, am getting pics and dimensions..

thanks for the heads up..

Chris

Towmaster · #18 (**permalink**) 12-17-2014, 03:44 PM

That's what this forum is all about.
Good luck with the build, when you get it done make sure to come to the Nationals first weekend in October at Wakefield Park in Goulburn. Most of us on this forum will be there.

SydneyChris · #19 (**permalink**) 12-17-2014, 03:45 PM

too cool..

used to race around Wakefield..

do laps in my head most nights..

lol

Modena · #20 (**permalink**) 12-17-2014, 04:08 PM

You won find an ADR seat that is much narrower at the back than the ones from Classic and Sports Auto Interiors in Eltham, Vic. Tony makes them, and they come with ADR paperwork. I had three different seats of OE seats, none of them fit properly, I finally just spent the money and got the "proper" thing;