I got the lower control arms installed. This first step reminded me that this is not a production vehicle with tight tolerances. Those arms required some persuasion to get into the frame mounted tabs!
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.knowpatience.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_3885-edited.jpg?resize=1180%2C1180&ssl=1)
Next step was to prep and mount the f-panels. They required some deburring and trimming, particularly on the driver’s side top forward point, to get them properly aligned. I pondered long and hard how I wanted to tackle the aluminum in the kit… powder coat, leave raw, paint? Ultimately, I decided I wanted a brushed aluminum look. Taking some tips from the Factory Five Forum, I “brushed” the panels with some Scotchbrite pads using long linear strokes. After cleaning them up, I installed some rivet nuts on their trailing edges using a really cool wrench-driven tool. The rivet nuts will make attaching the f-panels to the adjacent panels easier in the future. To curb any oxidation or corrosion, I rubbed on a product called Sharkhide. It is usually used to preserve aluminum boat pontoons.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.knowpatience.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_3889-edited.jpg?resize=1180%2C1180&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.knowpatience.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_3888-edited.jpg?resize=1180%2C1180&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.knowpatience.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_3892.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&ssl=1)
Finally, setting the first rivets was a family affair with my wife, Monica, doing a few while the kids watched. I used clear GE Silicon II between the panels and frame.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.knowpatience.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_3901.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.knowpatience.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_3902.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.knowpatience.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_3904.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&ssl=1)