V1 Jmfblack71-09' Manual SS/TC-#384 City Goblin Build Log

[JMFBlACK71]

And here we go...

Started my donor teardown this weekend, so I guess it's time to start my build log.

Like most I've been lurking in the shadows of DF kit cars for years. Bought my donor a few years ago off Copart with some light front and driver side damage, but mechanically sound other than some routine service. It's a 2009 Cobalt SS/TC manual. I've spent the last few years driving it semi-daily and chasing the few minor electrical gremlins left over from the accident, but my ultimate goal was to build a Goblin.

Fast forward to last November. I had received word the the kit price was going up, and I had a trip planned to the Dallas area already so I visited the shop and thats when I for sure knew I NEEDED a Goblin. Seemed like perfect timing, tags on the Cobalt are up in Feb, my kit should be on the jig 3rd or 4th week in Feb, and delivery to Oregon hopefully mid to late March.

Started my teardown on Sunday, and as of yesterday (January 25, 2022) I made it part way through video 5. Powertrain is out along with most of the interior, with just the dash and wire harness left to remove.

Everything has gone super smooth so far, partly thanks to my Dad helping out. I think he is more excited for this build than I am!

 

[Ark :D]

Welcome. Nice donor!

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

Welcome. Great that you're dad can help, it's a great thing when you can spend some quality time with him.

 

[Ghostknife]

Awesome! I'm jealous of your work space!

 

[JMFBlACK71]

Donor is stripped! Dragged my feet the last couple of weeks getting the last little bits and pieces pulled.

Now for the "fun" stuff.....thinning out the wire harness. Going to be clearing off my entire workbench to get this thing laid out.

 

[Christopher Sanchez]

Nice! Don't forget shifter cables if using stock cobalt shifter and also your parking brake assembly cables and tubes.

 

[Rttoys]

All shifter cables are provided by Df. They are completely different than stock cobalt. Stock cables can be sold though. They are a normal failure point.

You will need the shifter, unless you are getting the new Df shifter setup.

 

[JMFBlACK71]

You will need the shifter, unless you are getting the new Df shifter setup.

Definitely getting the DF shifter. Feels and looks so much better.

 

[Christopher Sanchez]

Definitely getting the DF shifter. Feels and looks so much better.

Its a no brainer haha I've purchased it however not installed. Looks and feels like a 10/10 piece.

 

[Christopher Sanchez]

All shifter cables are provided by Df. They are completely different than stock cobalt. Stock cables can be sold though. They are a normal failure point.

You will need the shifter, unless you are getting the new Df shifter setup.

Correct, I Was referring to shift cable connectors however with the now available DF shifter they are not needed.

 

[JMFBlACK71]

Welp...that didn't go to plan....

Due to a mix of procrastination, weather, work, and personal life getting in the way; my 3 months of prep work have turned into maybe a week. And I haven't gotten much farther than my last post. Dash is torn apart, steering shaft is 90% done, and still need to thin the harness and disassemble the rear end of the donor. Also need to clean and paint parts soon.

Haven't gotten the call from the transport company yet, but yesterday was the "ready" date given by DF. Timeline wouldn't bother me too much, except there is a road rally here in Oregon the first weekend of June I was hoping to make. Still possible I suppose, but I got to keep my nose to the grind stone now.

 

[Gtstorey]

Welp...that didn't go to plan....
..... first weekend of June I was hoping to make. Still possible I suppose, but I got to keep my nose to the grind stone now.

2.5 months will be hard to do.

 

[JMFBlACK71]

2.5 months will be hard to do.

Ive got some good help. But ya, its going to be long shot. Ultimately depends on if any gremlins pop-up (they will), and how prickly the Oregon DMV wants to be getting me a registration.

 

[JMFBlACK71]

Started thining the donor harness....pray for me...

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

Measure twice - watch the videos thrice - then cut once.

 

[Sluggonaut]

Watch ahead. It not only answers some questions but prevents you from thinning stuff you want to keep. Ask me how I know.

 

[JMFBlACK71]

Through video 1 of thinning, and so far so good, other than some gross sticky tape that doesn't seem to stick to anything but my hands.

Abs, airbag, and door wiring is out. Now for part 2, hopefully it's as straight forward as part 1.

 

[JMFBlACK71]

Got an email from DF today, Stewart has scheduled the pick-up for my kit the week of May 9th. So that pretty much kills my plan of attending the Limitless Road Rally in June. Still going to push to get it on the road asap though!

 

[Robinjo]

Watch ahead. It not only answers some questions but prevents you from thinning stuff you want to keep. Ask me how I know.

True Story here. Even with watching ahead I still cut out things that were needed.

 

[k.rollin]

True Story here. Even with watching ahead I still cut out things that were needed.

That's why you leave the wires that you cut long enough to be able to splice back together.