What better a place to get parts for a $500 race car than a junk yard! Chris, Phil and I drove up first thing Saturday morning looking for a brake proportioning valve. They didn't have any Colts but they did have two Mirage's. We nabbed both valves just to make sure we got a good one. What a place! I saw many potential race cars in there, all they needed was a few parts!
The three of us got back to the shop and started working on some of the final issues. Chris used the new found brake valve to repair and bleed the brakes. Phil and I re-installed the gas tank and ran the return fuel line. Jeff finally arrived (he had to work in the morning) with our new dashboard. This has to be about the coolest part of the car! It uses our top secret starter button and is a real piece of art.
Meanwhile Russ was scouring the internet for our long awaited rear shocks. He was successful in finding a pair of shorter shocks that almost fit. Hey, nothing an adapter can't fix (read: washers). Chris and Phil then focused their attention on the tail lights, or more accurately the tail light covers. Remember our recycling program? Did you know that recycling can be hazardous to your health? Phil now understands the dangers of recycling. You see, Phil managed to splatter his blood all over Russ' garage. I didn't see it (thankfully), but I guess when you hook a cut open Bud Light can on the end of a drill and spin it through your finger, it tends to cut pretty deep. Ouch. We're thinking of leaving the blood as part of our paint job, what do you think?
Phil isn't the only one who learned some things this weekend. Yours truly got some lessons as well. Luckily mine didn't cost any blood though. Did you know that starter solenoid's are not rated for continuous duty? Bad idea for a remote ignition switch. Anyway, I proceeded to finish the car's electrical system while Chris gave us all a headache as he pounded out new fender flares in the rear. They look pretty good though and we later found out they work too.
We finished up Saturday by firing up the engine and setting the base timing. And yes, she runs great! Granted I wish we had a 600HP small block Chevy under the hood, but we're not rich so we'll run with what we've got.
Sunday comes along and Chris wakes me up early with phone call. Wants to know when I'm going over to work on the car. I'm thinking "It's morning already?". So we work again, and I'm glad we did. We picked up our muffler and attempted to mount that up but we're missing an adapter. But, we finally got out tires and wheels! After a quick coat of fresh paint we mount those bad boys up and dropped her on the ground. WOW!! She looks great! Chris and I stared at her for a couple of hours and dreampt of racing glory. I can't wait for the race!
So what's left? We need to mount our steering wheel, mount the rear shocks, install the muffler, paint the car and install the windshield. There are probably a few other things I'm forgetting but we'll get them knocked out as well. With three weeks to go we also need to start focusing on our supplies and tools for the weekend. So while we've got the car close the done, we still have a lot to do. But we're still focused on the goal!
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Nice Dash Board!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, who is that sexy guy with the dash?
ReplyDeleteOddly enough, I think this car may actually complete at least one lap. Not because of it breaking down, but due to the lack of quality drivers. I guess I will lend my experience behind the wheel(only after a few dozen cocktails).
ReplyDeleteDirk better pony up $300 and a couple cases of beer if he thinks he's going take a spin behind the wheel. Come to think of it, I'm not even sure he's man enough to handle the beast that is the COLT E!
ReplyDeleteWow, I really can't wait for you to come down on Sat Dirk. Think we are going to have some things to hash out. Funny how the mood has shifted from talking junk about the car to talking junk about the drivers. Are we going to have to prove you wrong twice?
ReplyDelete