Got my chassis # from Peter

xracerbob · #1 (**permalink**) 09-29-2007, 07:05 PM

I spoke to Peter Friday and I was awarded chassis #758. He says it will go in the jig in about a week and towards the end of October it should be back from powder coating. At that time, I go visit my new baby and make some of the final option selections. It finally feels like progress!

Chaplin · #2 (**permalink**) 09-29-2007, 07:47 PM

Congrats! Getting the chassis number is a big deal. As for the options, go big or stay home!

patrickt · #3 (**permalink**) 09-29-2007, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chaplin

As for the options, go big or stay home!

Chaplin's right. Unless you're taking food off the table, go high-end on the options. You won't regret it and, if you don't, you'll wish you had.

ZOERA-SC7XX · #4 (**permalink**) 09-30-2007, 04:55 AM

I'll drink to that (my coffee in front of me). All options bought now will be fitted & mounted by ERA. If you wait 'till later, you're kinda on your own. Good luck.

Rickd · #5 (**permalink**) 09-30-2007, 07:26 AM

The one option I highly recommend is the ERA custom rear suspension with outboard brakes. It is a beautiful piece to look at, comes with larger racing brakes, cools better being outboard, and makes maintenance a lot easier. I'm hoping that my suspension is being installed in October (isn't that right Bob? Peter?). Enjoy. Rickd

Bobcat · #6 (**permalink**) 09-30-2007, 07:35 AM

Guys .... got my chassis number from Peter a while back and the chassis was supposed to be back at ERA last week .... I hope ! Anyway , I second everything said about the options ... do it now . I called Peter last week and upgraded to the ERA rear and big front brakes ... after all , an all aluminum 484 big block needs to be able to stop as well .
My current ride is a fully restored 63 1/2 Galaxie 427 , 4 speed close ratio toploader , dual quad , 3.89 LS rear .... but 4100 lbs !!

xracerbob · #7 (**permalink**) 09-30-2007, 10:24 AM

Definitely getting the optional rear suspension plus:

Steering column
Steering rack
leather
pin drive
wipers
front coil overs
sway bars
glove box W/ SC dash
rectangular tail lights
trunk mtd battery
E brake and handle

I'm also going to get the fuel tank with a return port in case I ever want to go fuel injection. I'm sure there are a few other items I forgot, which when my chassis gets back from the powder coater I want to sit with Peter.

Now if I could just make up my mind on color...

PatBuckley · #8 (**permalink**) 09-30-2007, 10:40 AM

Remember the w/s washers and Smiths gauges.

Red with no stripe.

Get a receipt for your deposit. (Kidding!)

Pat

WarrenG · #9 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 12:51 AM

I would also recommend the quick release steering hub. It makes getting in and out of the car so much easier and it gives me a little more secure feeling knowing that the car doesn't have a steering wheel when I can't keep an eye on it.

Bobcat · #10 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 07:01 AM

This may seem like a dumb comment ... but I didn`t see the heater/defroster on your list of options . I might get away with that here in SC , but NY ??
I looked up my chassis number last night ... looks like I have # 757 , which is supposed to be back from the powdercoaters last week ??

xracerbob · #11 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 07:12 AM

I am leaning toward not getting the heater/defroster. Having been in a few of these it seems there is plenty of warm air coming into the cockpit. If I get it, it would be for the defroster.

Peter told me they had a chassis on the jig but I think that was a FIA, so it could be that yours is in transit from the powder coater. Then again I have heard of chassis numbers changing before they actually get built

.

patrickt · #12 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarrenG

I would also recommend the quick release steering hub. It makes getting in and out of the car so much easier and it gives me a little more secure feeling knowing that the car doesn't have a steering wheel when I can't keep an eye on it.

I always second Warren's recommendation on the hub, but for a different reason (although his reasons are good ones). If you are like me, you just might want to have your steering wheel canted in one direction or the other (as opposed to plum straight) so that you can see your dash gauges better. Having the hub makes adjusting your steering wheel pretty darn easy. Regarding the heater/defroster, I love mine -- even with a big FE under the hood. It will make Fall and early Spring driving much more enjoyable and with a shut off valve on the manifold it adds no additional heat during the warm months.

JWheaton · #13 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 09:42 AM

I would add the heater/defroster without a second thought.

Where you live you will want to have the option of taking drives on brisk fall mornings. As much heat as the engine gives off you will want to add insulation to the firewall to keep that heat out for hotter summer days.

Some of the most enjoyable rides, especially where you live, are early morning ones to Lime Rock and such. When the temp is around 55 you will want the heater blowing.

patrickt · #14 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 12:23 PM

Here's a smaller option, but it's one of my favorites (they're actually pretty bright, too).

xracerbob · #15 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 03:44 PM

OK- you may have convinced me on the defroster. I love cool mornings up here in the fall and we have some great roads for scenic autumn touring.

I'm pretty familiar with the quick release steering wheels- the race cars always had them and you couldn't get in or out with them in place and those were only about 10" across.

On the headlights- are they brighter than normal hi/lo beam and is there a DOT issue with them?

And a quick exhaust question- I was thinking about getting the primary pipes from ERA and the sidepipe/collector from a CSX series car. I have seen the optional "high HP" version of this and it is a slightly larger diameter and is reasonable in exhasut note. I just don't know if they can work together since I believe the ERA footbox is longer than the CSX footbox. Any thoughts on this?

Chaplin · #16 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 05:08 PM

Bob-
Couple of thoughts. First, definetely get the heater. It is great in the fall and winter and keeps you reasonably warm until the temps dip below 40 or so. Second, check the NY state regs, I'm not positive, but I think a defroster may be required for inspection.

As for the sidepipes, I'm not sure if other collectors from other cars will match up to ERA's primaries without serious modification to maybe both the primaries and the collectors, Bob P. can tell you for sure. As a compromise, if there are different mufflers you want to use, why not buy them and have ERA weld them into your sidepipes instead of using their standard muffler. They can make the sidepipes up with any muffler you want. I know, I now have 3 different sets of mufflers

patrickt · #17 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xracerbob

On the headlights- are they brighter than normal hi/lo beam?

No, but I'm happy to report that they're about as bright as plain old three dollar sealed beams.

Quote:

Originally Posted by xracerbob

...and is there a DOT issue with them?

Dunno. Virginia's pretty friendly on all of that, but if there were, I would just put the three dollar sealed beams in before any inspection.

FrankJohnson69 · #18 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarrenG

I would also recommend the quick release steering hub. It makes getting in and out of the car so much easier and it gives me a little more secure feeling knowing that the car doesn't have a steering wheel when I can't keep an eye on it.

You mean there's a steering wheel with that car? I better go look.

Sent you an e-mail earlier Warren. Let me know if you want me to go look at it.

Frank

Oh yea... go all the way. You will not regret it.

fast_4 · #19 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 08:36 PM

What is the Lucas PL 700 head lamp optional cost?

snakebitekit · #20 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 10:10 PM

xracerbob, just took delivery of my FIA last wed. #2119.

I did not get the roller or finished product. I can tell you I received my car almost to the day of the 6 month delivery date stated.The gel coat was great,

I almost hated to start sanding.
Bad news,the IFS rear end is on back order 2 months, could delay a finished product.

Anyone getting their cars shipped I can highly recommend Intercity, the were here early and kept informed when they got close. No complaints only raves.

In light of the crap that was going on regarding the deposit, of a poster in the past, I can honestly state that what was promised is what I got. On time and pretty.

Dennis