Build the Back to the Future Time Machine - Issues 047-050

Issues 047-050

Oh boy, this shipment of parts will test one's patience.  So far, these four issues have taken the longest time to assemble.  Let us get to it.

Issue 047 - Steering Column

Contents of  Issue 047

The steering column will build onto the dash assembly from the last shipment.  This issue is pretty straight forward. I noticed a misprint in the instructions where they shows AP screws to secure the steering column covers. As no AP screws are included with this one, you are supposed to use the BP screws.

The steering wheel and steering column are die-cast.  I think the steering wheel should have a little thicker grip, maybe smaller diameter.  But, great attention to detail on the indicator and wiper levers, they are movable.

Issue 048 - Dash Wiring

Contents of Issue 048

Look at all those wires!  These are not injection molded wires, these are real wires.  This is where you will need to be very patient and have a steady hand.  

Pro tip:  I highly recommend a good set of tweezers, good lighting, and no caffeine.  Since some of the wires look the same, it is a good idea to double check the part with the parts list and part number at the front of magazine.

Work in progress

This is about half way through the issue.  Those nine little wires need to be individually threaded through the bracket before mounting to the glove compartment door.

Finished assembly up to Issue 048

It took about an hour, maybe more, to complete the wiring fest of Issue 048.  Tiny wires need to be plugged into tiny holes.  A good pair of tweezers is your friend. I have not cut my zip ties since the wires themselves have not been secured down.

Excerpt from Issue 047

Normally, in the magazines, you have about 4 pages of build instruction and another 4-6 pages of behind the scenes production notes and articles.  Well, this issue used almost the entire magazine as build instruction with only one page of production notes.  On to the next wire-a-thon.

Issue 049 - Seat Belt and Center Console Wiring

Contents of Issue 049

Oh look, more wires.  Luckily, this one is not as difficult and patient testing as Issue 048.  Simple routing of the wires, locking in the wires (from this and previous issue) with brackets, and zip tying.

We get a new screw!  The IP screw is introduced in this Issue.

Issue 050 - Driver's Seat

Contents of  Issue 050

Uh, the seats are die cast metal?  Yes, the core structure is die cast with a vinyl like cover to simulate the leather.  There are even foam cushion piece in between the metal and vinyl to give it that plushy feel.

The seat it mounted to the interior floor.  Note the slots on the floor.  Yes!  The seats are adjustable...and you can slightly adjust the recline of the seat.  You get about as much movement as your standard airline seat.

Assembled parts up to Issue 050

Again, look at all those wires!  The two cable ties on the passenger side will be tightened and trimmed once the passenger seat is installed in next issue.

Front part of interior almost complete

I can only imagine the fun times Joe Walser and the Time Machine Restoration Team had when they had lay down the wires and cables in full size.

Not a lot of screws in this shipment.  They more than made up for that in wires.  There are more wires in this shipment than your average Yeun Woo Ping movie.

Here is the screw count so far:

46-AP, 12-BP, 2-CP, 12-AM, 11-BM, 4-EM, 4-CM, 17-DM, 2-DP, 1-FM, 3-GM, 3-HM, 2-IM, 2-EP, 13-FP, 2-JM, 2-HP, 2-GP, 3-NM, 1-MM, 3-KM, 1-LM, 1-IP

to be continued...