When constructing a new hot rod one of the most important portions of the build is designing and setting all of its major systems into place. Factory Five Racing's careful attention to detail and engineering ensures each system will perform to its best ability, especially where the driver and passenger's safety is concerned. These systems include fuel, brakes, electrical, and cooling.
When we left off last time, Dave Perewitz and his team had completed the installation of the front and rear suspension as well as securing the new Ford 4.6L three-valve V-8 engine, a Tremec five-speed transmission, and the driveshaft. The Perewitz team also lowered the body on to the chassis for the final fit and trimming of the hood, doors, and trunk panel before they're removed and send to the body shop for the final icing.
The fuel system package from...
The fuel system package from Factory Five comes with all necessary components to plumb the '33 for either a carbureted or fuel-injected engine, including fuel lines and sending units. FFR also includes a fuel tank and an aircraft-styled brushed aluminum fuel cap. The only items you'll need to source are the external fuel pump and fuel regulator.
One of the great things regarding the FFR '33 Hot Rod package is the completeness of the system. With all parts groups being independently marked, it's easy to break down each exclusive area to be worked on knowing that you won't have to spend time chasing miscellaneous pieces at the local parts store. Jason Souza and Ronnie Landers of Team Perewitz mapped out their steps for the installation's beginning with the fuel system and went to work. After the custom fabricated gas tank was painted in gloss black, Jason used simple hand tools to secure it to the chassis. He then set forth to install all of supplied components into the tank including the fuel pump pickup, fuel level sending unit, and vent with check valve. Jason began by using a brass drift pin and a hammer to mount the pump pickup and sending unit. A couple of items that the team needed to purchase are the external fuel pump and fuel regulator. Jason used standard plate steel and fabricated mounting brackets for each and secured them to the chassis along with the supplied fuel filter and mounting plate. With all of the major fuel system components in place, he then installed both the rigid and flexible fuel lines and clamps to the chassis ensuring that all leads would be neatly and properly laid out. For routing the rigid lines into specific corners of the chassis, Jason used a standard tubing bender to create the required curves. Needing to complete the fuel supply to the fuel rail of the Ford 4.6L three-valve, Jason obtained the correct spring-lock fuel line section to connect it to the fuel rail.
Moving on to the next step, Jason began work on the braking system. With the spindles, rotors, and calipers already mounted at the corners, he laid out the remaining components from the kit including the Wilwood compact remote master cylinders, fluid reservoirs, rigid and flexible lines, and all related fittings. Since the pedal box area of the chassis is the central mounting point, Jason started there by installing the master cylinders for both the brakes and clutch. Once secured into place, he then proceeded to measure for the mounting of the remote reservoirs to the chassis above the pedal box area. It was imperative that he review the access area of the body for this step as FFR provides a precise opening for them. With all of the major brake and clutch components in place, it was time to plumb the chassis using the provided rigid and flexible stainless steel lines. Jason again used a tubing bender to shape the rigid lines to the needed contours of the chassis while also securing them in place with the line brackets included with the kit.
The chassis has all of the...
The chassis has all of the necessary mounting tabs, so the mounting of the fuel tank was effortless.
Once it was properly aligned,...
Once it was properly aligned, Jason used a hammer and a brass drift pin to install the fuel pump pickup to the gas tank.
From the top of the tank,...
From the top of the tank, you can see (from left to right) the layout including the fuel pump pickup, vent with a check valve, fill, and a fuel level sending unit.