Jason Souza (left) and Jeff...
Jason Souza (left) and Jeff Salim of Team Perewitz work at putting the finishing touches on the FFR '33 Hot Rod.
Over the past few issues we have followed the complete build of Factory Five Racing's '33 Hot Rod by Dave Perewitz and his crew, who have added their own personal touches along the way. With the gloss finally laid down, the team was now ready to enter final assembly stages.
Before the body could be lowered on the chassis and secured, team member Jason Souza had a number of tasks to complete, starting with the trunk. FFR supplied 26 individual, CNC-cut, pre-formed panels fashioned from 6061 T-6 aluminum for the trunk, interior, and engine bay. Jason tested the fit of the trunk panels first, then installed them using the supplied 1/8-inch rivets once pilot holes were drilled in the outer chassis members. With the panels secured, he laid out the Dynamat Xtreme sound barrier on all surfaces. He then focused on the installation of the custom ididit steering column (coated in a PPG Vibrance Cabernet candy) and topped it with a custom-designed, banjo-styled steering wheel from FFR. A painted set of MHT Vortex rims shod with Goodyear Eagle F1 low profile tires were next, and Dave decided on a 19-inch front/20-inch rear combo that gives the car a perfect rake to compliment its ultra-low stance.
Next, Jason decided to install the Autometer Platinum Series gauge package along with the horn, ignition, and headlight switches before the body was lowered on to the chassis. FFR makes the installation a breeze since all related sending units and the factory wiring harnesses are included in the package. Team member Ronnie Landers also worked on the back of the car and mounted the red LED taillights.
Included from FFR are 26 pre-formed...
Included from FFR are 26 pre-formed CNC-cut panels fashioned from 6061 T-6 aluminum for the cockpit, engine bay, and trunk. Installed are the inner trunk panels with the provided rivets and the wiring was routed for the stereo speakers and amplifier.
Once the dash and taillights were in, the team lowered the body on the chassis and secured it. Ronnie then installed the polished stainless steel exhaust system using the supplied hardware. Cut to exact specs by FFR, the exhaust fit perfectly (note the "signature" exit just ahead of the rear wheels).
One of the great engineering designs incorporated in the car involves the installation of the doors as they are secured directly to the car's extensive tubular framework using multi-adjustable hinges with bronze bushings and fasteners, which gives the doors a solid feel when you close them. Since Dave decided to shave the outer door handles, electronic locks were installed to complete the door assembly. Meanwhile, Jason was fast at work completing the fuel filler neck and gas cap in the trunk along with the aluminum side panels. The brushed aluminum aircraft-inspired gas cap not only looked great but, since it was hidden in the trunk, the body lines were allowed to flow on seamlessly.
Inside the car, Jason focused on the installation of the aluminum floor pans and transmission tunnel cover. To accomplish this task, he first test fit the panels, then created a template to guide him for drilling in to the outer surface of the chassis support members. Using a 1/8-inch bit, he drilled the required amount of holes and used an air-driven rivet gun to secure the floor pans to the chassis. Once complete, all surface areas were covered with Dynamat Xtreme sound barrier to give the car an even more solid feel and keep exhaust heat outside the car.
 Jason begins fitting the Autometer...  Jason begins fitting the Autometer Gauges, which were supplied with the kit. To make each opening perfectly round. He used a section of round steel stock wrapped with fine sandpaper. |  From behind the dash you can...  From behind the dash you can see just how nice the installation came out, complete with all needed sending units and the FFR-supplied wiring harness now in place. |  Perewitz Team Member Ronnie...  Perewitz Team Member Ronnie Landers proved that the installation of the LED taillights was a snap using basic tools. |
 Once the rubber gasket and...  Once the rubber gasket and base for the taillight was secured to the body, it was a simple matter of threading the taillight wiring through the opening in the rear apron... |  ...and securing the lens and...  ...and securing the lens and trim ring with the provided clips and screws. |  Thin and flexible, the Dynamat...  Thin and flexible, the Dynamat Xtreme was easy to install. Simply peel and stick and the installation is complete. |