Decision Time

Weekend of February 20, 2016

Decision time:

We settled on our strategy. Here's the order of our decision and the reasons why

1) Factory Five 1933 Hot Rod Kit

First off looking at starting from scratch was just much more expensive and held many paths to failure. Years ago, Larry tried building a 1932 Hot Rod starting from the frame up. He ran into many unsolvable problems - not really unsolvable but financially limiting solutions. We figured we could use the savings to buy up in features. Also, in the kit, we would get a much safer frame and modern technology to deliver better performance at a lower cost. We also could rely on other builders with very similar set ups - many times customs leave you on an island by yourself. We will still be on an island but there will be others with us.

2) We would target a Sunday driver and an occasional outing to a show. No best of show details, customizations or expense. We just don't have enough daylight to chase perfection - not too mention with 5 builders not enough patience and conflict resolution. We are still trying to impress and get some can't believe you did this - just not a 100 point fantasy.

3) Once we decided on the Factory Five Kit. We needed to decide on what engine, trans, and rear suspension. We thought about a Chevy engine and trans, but couldn't pull the trigger on having a Ford Hot Rod with an LS engine - so we narrowed our choices to a Ford engine and drivetrain. After reviewing carburated vs electronic fuel injection, modular, small block, big block and finally looks under the hood. We chose the 4.6L modular 8 cylinder, 32 valve, dual overhead cam, 285 HP EFI (electronic fuel injection)  - Definite Wow factor!

4) Manual trans vs Automatic - Sunday driver drove us to the automatic, it is also easier in the smaller 1933 interior for us big guys.

5) Suspension - Since ride is our priority, we are going IRS ( independent rear suspension)

Next post - new parts, used parts from the scrap yard, or a donor car