Still Here, Still Making Progress!

Originally from Thursday, July 1, 2010

Sorry for the lack of updates. We've been working longer and longer days on the car and by the time I have cleaned up at the end of the day, or night, I'm too tired and my hands to sore to go on-line and update this thread or our blog.

So, here's what has happened recently:

The car had gone over to Evil Genius Racing (EGR) two weeks ago. We had gotten as far as almost finishing the brakes, but also ran the engine for 20 minutes or so. Still, it was in good enough shape for EGR to jump in and do their bit.

Clint at EGR did most of the work. On the day we dropped the car off he got started and by the end of the day he had half of the cage in. Here's what it looks like:

It had taken EGR a bit longer than expected, partly due to a deadline they had to get a Trans Mexico car ready, so John let us bring our tools over to continue working on the brakes and suspension and whatever else we could do to keep things moving along.

The car came back last Friday, but Alan and I both needed a weekend off. Then, first thing Monday we were under the car again, getting dirty, and progressing slowly.

As of last night, 11:45 PM, we've been working later and later, our recent progress and today's to-do list include:

• Repaired the fuel level sender. There was an open in the ground line due to corrosion.
• New fuel tank arrived yesterday. It goes in today.
• Brakes are done. They are assembled, bled, and no leaks found. Pedal is firm.
• We've installed hard poly bushings in front, but just for the upper A-arm. We can't get to the lowers without taking out the whole steering/front suspension section. Will do this before Buttonwillow, if we survive Thunderhill.
• Increased caster by moving the caster spacers. We have no idea what caster is now, but its at the max possible without modifications.
• Shifter stickiness fixed. I was difficult to get into reverse. All is good now.
• Geoff patched the fiberglass air dam and we have tired fitting it on the car. It needs a little work but this should probably be done before the weekend.
• The "big-ass wing" is finally here. We will install it today, temporarily. It will go back on for the track day and finally after painting.
• The rear suspension is done. This includes new hard poly bushings through-out and new KYB (Kill Your Back) shocks. We have torque tube bushings to install but will do that later.
• We've got the C4-style wheels, but will use these mostly for show and theme. We've ordered light-weight steelies for the race, and Falken 615 tires. We'll probably have to use the C4 wheels on Bonni's track day (Next Wednesday!!!) because the steelies won't be here in time.
• The windshield goes back in soon. The rubber parts have been ordered.
• Brass adapters ordered so we can install the gauge sensors. The recommended 14mm X 1.5 did not fit.
• Progress on the electrical. Engine electrical is done, rear lights/fuel sensor electrical is routed to the front, sensor electrical is in. We're waiting for the gauge panel to come in (designed by us, custom made by Front Panel Express). It should be here by the end of the week. Meanwhile, will install a connector panel for the current wiring and will string wires for the front lights.
• The work on the fuel bulkhead is nearly complete. We're cutting the holes for the roll cage now and will test fit today, after the fuel tank goes in. We won't install it permanently until we start painting.
• A 5-point harness has been ordered. For the track day the brave instructor (me) will sit in one of the original smelly seats and will use the original smelly 3-points. All good incentive for keeping his student under control.
• Cage padding and mirrors have been ordered. They should be here before later today, or so says the FedEx web site.
• We will primer the welds on the cage at the end of the day today and will paint it black tomorrow.

Alan and Geoff were here working late last night. We got a lot done, but not the type of stuff that shows in photos. Zep has been checking in and doing a lot of work, especially on the brakes. Bernhard has been checking in too and has helped a bit. On Tuesday a complete stranger, to us, (Mr Bob, Sacramento, used to autox Opel GTs, was at last week's autox with the LeMons car they are building) dropped in and helped work on the car for several hours. Also, we've gotten excellent advice and support from other Opel people who have dropped by, and OGTS has been very helpful in advising us and providing parts, including the C4-style wheels. Opel people are awesome.

We plan to take the car back to EGR next week (Monday = holiday, Wednesday = track day! Tuesday=?) for dyno tuning and maybe a little more minor prep work. John has been very helpful and generous. Then, we haul it up to Thunderhill for it's first time on track. It should be interesting. Unless we drive it around the block here in Davis in the wee hours then Wednesday at Thunderhill will be the first time the car has rolled under it's own power since 1985!