buick5563

Team WTF won best race car at the awards ceremony last night. I am in the airport headed back to Austin. As an example of the level of competition, leg nine of the race (final day), we scored 3:06. We were 85th place for the day. Granted, our speedometer was foggy from getting rained on, and we had to use sign language to communicate as well as being two rookies. I still think we kicked booty...

When the MI and driver went home, he didn't leave that stuff, so we had to figure out sign language on the fly. We had a great day yesterday on the course, and once again enjoyed hanging out with a great group of guys.

Use a tie rod puller between the head and frame. http://m.homedepot.com/p/Powerbuilt-Tie-Rod-Ball-Joint-Separator-648468/204505272?cm_mmc=Shopping|THD|G|0|G-BASE-PLA-D25T-HandTools|&gclid=Cj0KEQjwncO7BRC06snzrdSJyKEBEiQAsUaRjGgV0TqHhvTbLJZcHAuOCEvw0ZLUwFUxsZGSSG-DER0aAieP8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

$700 isn't unreasonable. The fronts are dangerous, the rears can have shock link issues, but the installation on the rears are relatively easy.

Finished with our best score of the race today. Just over 3 minutes. Yeah, that is worse than the good teams do in four consecutive races, but I am happy with it...AND I finished!

Her is the entire WTF race team at the finishing line in Iowa with Jessi Combs and the 1918 American LaFrance. Jay and Chris were interviewed by Jessi for an upcoming Great Race show.

Easy to do. That IS a decent car for the price. I like the bird poop.

It IS wildly expensive. There is a difference between the sponsor stickers on the cars and a corporate sponsor. You don't have to find a sponsor. You can find a crew by posting online. That is how I did my first race. Pat and Pat advertised here on the BCA forum that they wanted a driver. I paid my own way as a "once in a lifetime" experience. My second race, they paid my hotel bill. Same with this year for me. I still paid for my flights and meals and drinks . So a crew member or navigator will work for cheap or free. Transportation costs are ridiculous and everybody knows that. Hotels are going to run at least $1500 for the trip. I agree Dale, it should not be allowing street rods (resto mods) in the race. The other WTF team is running a 1918 American LeFrance chain driven roadster converted in the 40's from a fire truck. They get more love at the finish line than almost any other team, because the guys come in covered in oil sprayed full length dusters. I still think it is the most fun car event I have ever been associated with. There are almost $150k worth of prizes at the end and a lot of logistics go along with putting something this big on. There are huge costs.... BUT Coker and Hemmings et. al are businesses promoting their products and are making money. I do know that there are veteran race teams who aren't happy with the routes chosen recently. For an expert rally team, it isn't a challenge to drive 50 mph for 1:49 then drop to 45 mph until you see a specific road sign. I was happy when my car got under a minute per leg. These guys are pi$$ed when they get a 3 second differentiation. When my car dropped out, we were number 88 with a score of nearly ten minutes off of perfect. The winner of this years race will probably be under 30 seconds, and they are driving an early 1900's Hudson. I am looking for a corporate sponsor for next year, BTW. Maybe the BCA could tally for the rally? I want $20k so I won't have to actually spend any of my own money...

That stinkin' Ford Flathead overheated and failed in almost every way imaginable. The driver was not prepared for the heat and lack of comfort, and the car wasn't either. Yesterday he dropped out. I have received permission to Finnish the race in a 1948 BMW tribute motorcycle with a sidecar where I will navigate the final two days. The Wandering Troubadours of Finland are a force to be reckoned with when combined with a Texas Road Warrior! WTF + TRW = FUN

I saw the truck today in San Francisco. It is in the Great Race. I imagine there is a story that goes with the truck judging by the "Swap to Street" logo on the side.

I just installed an engine with one of the modern seals in it for a customer. I now get to remove that seal and install the proper rope seal due to a horrific leak. Yay, new technology?

I have used Inline Tube numerous times (over ten) and am very happy with their quality. However, if your exhaust is in the wrong place, you will gain no advantage.

There should be one in the tube itself that rides on that bushing. I guess it is possible that it came out with the torque ball, because you do have one in the pic. There is only one, originally.

I didn't personally experience Bob's problem with any of the cars that I have done, but certainly take that into consideration. I recall the Eaton Springs being flat on top, because the bottom has to be in the pocket correctly.

This is where both of those NJ companies buy from. Save their markup in your wallet. https://www.eatondetroitspring.com

SKF 13588

Sounds like an exhaust problem. (Paraphrasing Bob)

Before asking questions, refer to this. If you do not have this, do not take your car apart. Thank you.

I have seen so many posts as of late asking how best to tackle certain projects and wanted to start a thread with mandatory tools. I'm not talking about socket sets and screwdrivers. If you don't have those, you need to sell your car. (I am not endorsing brands). I will start with two "go to" tools. Everybody needs ratcheting box end wrenches. I prefer the reversible type that you don't have to flip over to reverse. http://www.dewalt.com/en-us/products/hand-tools/wrenches-and-wrench-sets/10-pc-reversible-ratcheting-wrench-set-sae/dwmt72169 Spark checker. Don't hold your spark plug wire near metal. Buy this: https://m.summitracing.com/parts/rnb-86579?seid=srese1&gclid=CjwKEAjw7e66BRDhnrizmcGc8VcSJABR6gaRAAldVJQ95-FuW8VTMBE09ZOlz3nIZKD_gtkaPzCMqRoC7O7w_wcB

I couldn't do it yesterday either.

Good luck.

I don't know anything about 56's , but I have always heard them referred to as J Bars, as well.

I'm not sure, Ken. I knew you had a Super, but haven't ever restored one. If they don't make them (which I highly doubt), I'd contact Adam (Smartin).

http://www.fusickautomotiveproducts.com/products.asp?dept=80

Not the guy in FLA!