Two guys, a dog, and a repair shop

Where have I been?

2011-12-28T08:36:00.003-06:00

I figured I needed to get a post in December or everyone would think I was dead or in jail...or both.

First, why I haven't been posting. I have had a enormous amount of personal issues in RL that I have been dealing with which has meant I have basically set my automotive hobby to the side. I haven't done anything gearhead related since the Summer car show for Mazo. Life has been overwhelming. In this day and age many will understand the why so there is no reason to get into details.

Second, I have been kicking around selling the Camaro. That has got me not wanting to think about doing anything gear head related since every time I think of it I start to wonder about selling the Camaro. The car doesn't have a emotional attachment like everything else we have in the fleet. Every other custom or toy car we have in the family or shop has a certain attachment which would make selling them very hard to do. The Camaro, not so much. I don't dislike the car, I just need to go a different direction in life with a few things and selling the car would allow that. So if you are interested in it, send a email or respond below. I'd be happy to talk about it.

Third, the kids. This I am not angry about so don't take it that way. Their needs trump everything else. William's sports have taken me totally out of the car seen. If I am not taking him to practice, coaching, or traveling to games then I am doing everything else I need to do. So I haven't hit any cruise nights or car shows this past year because I am focused on him. Brock is going to start getting into these sports also, so the spare time will be short.

Lastly, I'll try to post more but I am going to steer the topics back to a few things that I am doing often enough. Working on cars and family stuff that might have a auto theme to it.

If you are still bothering to check in on me, thanks, I'll try to keep things rolling.

Because it has been a few months

2011-11-04T13:28:00.003-05:00

Yo Dawg, I heard you like Cobra so I put a Cobra with your Cobra.

Convertibles Invade Mazo

2011-08-19T13:01:00.008-05:00

I couldn't get or grab many details about the road rally. I did bump into one driver who mentioned it was a Convertible club that started their rally in Middleton and were heading towards Lacrosse. I would have talked longer but the County Mounty pulled up behind me and I wasn't in a "make the local cops mad by blocking traffic" kind of mood.

So, play "ID the 'verts" if you'd like!

BMW Art Car

2011-08-01T11:15:00.002-05:00

I am happy to report that our little project of turning our 320i BMW into a "Art Car" was a success. The prepping, priming and work paid of big time. We had roughly 27 different kids stop by during the Mazo Car show to try their hand at painting the car. One particular young boy keep coming back again and again and again. He just about did the entire hood himself. Our favorite moment of the day was when my brother Troy explained to a young boy to paint flames on the hood. So the kid painted the word "flames" across the hood. I guess he had never seen flames painted on a car before. It was very funny and got a lot of thumbs up and laughs.

Value Package

2011-07-15T08:54:00.001-05:00

The following body options are listed in my Carquest and Weaver online parts ordering for the 2008 Honda Pilot

EX
EX-L
LX
SE-L
Special Edition
Value Package

Value Package? WTF? That is actually the one I have racked. Now to investigate the Value Package. Does it mean I have Wal-Mart seat covers? Target cup holders? Curious I am.

Art Car

2011-07-11T09:08:00.003-05:00

For the upcoming Mazo Fun Dayz car show Troy and I are donating our 320i BMW to become a "Art Car". What is that you ask? Here is a nice link to explain it all but if you'd rather not travel around looking what we are basically doing is this. We sand down all the paint on the Bimmer. Then tape off anything we don't want painted and after that let any kid 12 and under have at it. They can paint whatever they want with the paint we will supply them. Of course we will have a "Sponsored by Willie's Repair" sign and try as much as we can to get a few new customers from the idea.

It will actually be the first car show I will be attending this Summer. With the kids at the age they are now sports for them has taken precedent over my fun.

Here is the before, can't wait to see the after.

The '57 Is Out The Door.....Finally

2011-06-15T07:15:00.002-05:00

I really wish I would have had this car done sooner but circumstances be as they were. It wasn't. My little mishap with my right arm really set things back but it is now ready to rock and roll.

What is in it? A 383CID stroker motor from Blueprint Engines. Edelbrock Performer Intake, Carb and then a Spectre CAI kit. Of course painted up in Chevy "Red" and dressed up with a little chrome here and there. It feels stronger than the engine that was in there as it should. That was just a regular old 350 with a set of "camel hump" heads and a older Edelbrock intake.

Are the Hoon's Dying?

2011-06-03T10:41:00.004-05:00

If no one understands what a Hoon is here is a good definition. There is also Hooniverse.com where all things Hoon is celebrated.

I'm wondering if Hoon's are dying?" The kind of person who doesn't trust the catalog, computer or what is written in stone at the parts houses. The kind of car nut that loves learning as much as possible about their automotive passion. The kind of person who always wonders "will this work?" They won't wonder "Can I make this fit." They will wonder "How much Beer will be drank coming up with the plan to make it fit?" They will never say never for the automotive world. Anything is possible if you spend enough time and energy to make it happen.

I've been battling a dip stick. Haha, not myself. A actual Oil Dip Stick for the '57 Chevy engine swap that I am finally coming to completion on. The frustration mounts when you take different era parts and equipment and try to mold them into one. The engine is a "after '86" when they went to a one piece rear main. This is also later than '87 because it has the valve cover bolts in the center. It is a fresh build, 383 stroker motor from Summit.

I've made attempts to get a dipstick locally to no avail. It is frustrating when they just look at the catalog and say. "no". I tried and tried to explain to the last place I called that I had to have the smaller dipstick tube that fit that late '80's and early '90's SBC. They guaranteed this one would work because it worked it their SBC. "Is yours a late '80's early '90's?" The answer; "No, but I know it will work, it says fits '79-'91. "

I even started giving them applications for the era that I knew would have the dipstick I need. "No, don't have it, special order." "No, don't have it, warehouse would ship in 7 days." Arrrgh, one dip stick tube that no one can get easily.

Grrrrr....I finally bit the bullet knowing I would regret the '79 to '91. I knew it wouldn't fit but he guaranteed it!

So here is why the pictures are in. To the far left is the one that was in the old block. In the middle is the one that was guaranteed to fit. As you can see I got mad and tried to make it fit. Then calmed down and walked away for awhile. All the while bitching that again, someone didn't listen to me. There is a difference in the dipstick holes on SBC's.

Finally there is the one on the right. I went to the steel dumpster out back with a hammer and side cutters and yanked out the dipstick that was in a 4.3L from '92. I knew it would work because the 4.3L shared much in design as the SBC engines for that year. Just two cylinders looped off.

If you look close, see that orange paint? That is where it slide right in snug as a bug and is ready to rock and roll. I hooned it in.

So is the Hoon dead? Are to many guys just looking at the screen and thinking. "the computer says so, it must be fact" instead of maybe playing around with different applications? Researching a little? Ask the old Hoon in the corner who has BTDT?

I will openly admit I am as much to blame for my fiasco as the next guy. I had a part number squared away and should have pressed for it to be ordered. I just tried to get it locally. Tried to make it easier, cheaper. I know better. I really do. Anyway, I have a dipstick that fits. I'm getting this car fired off later and will post up some results of my work next week.

I didn't give up, I finally just said I'd make something fit. I want to see this car Hooned.

Soft Top Cobra

2011-05-27T08:47:00.002-05:00

Dan has been going gang-buster on his Cobra as of late. The next installment is this wonderful Soft Top he scored. Two bolts in the body, the rest are removable parts that don't affect the Car.

COBRA!

2011-05-11T14:17:00.000-05:00

'Nuff said

It Worked!

2011-05-04T11:23:00.004-05:00

Ya, another continuing discussion of paintball. Oh you will be fine. It isn't like anything I ever talk about is really that important anyway.

The RUKNK-4 performed wonderfully. Throughout the day it never skipped a beat and made the scenarios that much better. Some pictures of the beast from the day. Video will come down the road. Shawn, from Redhead racing (see how I keep the auto theme going?) was out to shoot with us also and mounted some Go-Pro cameras on the turret and windshield. Once those are in my hands I'll post them up!

RUKNK-4 Is Ready

2011-04-21T08:05:00.003-05:00

Saturday is coming up fast and the RUKNK-4 is ready to deploy. The group that shoots with us put a lot of effort into getting it ready and put up with my whining, complaining, bitching and moaning like champs. About all I have been good for the last six weeks. Hopefully next week we will have some nice video of the vehicle in action.

Other news, the cast on my right arm is off and now starts the process of building some strength and dexterity back into it. Through the last six weeks the pain slowly subsided and now it is a sharp, stabbing pain if I move my arm in the wrong direction. Doctor expects me to be on light duty for another month or so. This likely means my Saturday will consist of watching everyone else have fun.

Work has been tough to get back into. The load is increasing and keeping pace with it has been difficult because I am still using one arm. I can lift about a pound, maybe two depending on the angle my arm is pointed. Hopefully next Friday when they check me out they won't freak and want to re-cast or cut it open to fix any damage that didn't heal correctly.

Oh well, back to the old "Two speeds, don't like this one you'll hate the next one."

Almost Finished

2011-04-11T15:41:00.004-05:00

Progress continued and the "tank" started coming together. It now has a name. "RUKNK-4" which stands for, Ruland, Kindschi and Kindschi 4. This being the fourth tank we have fielded on our farm for games. Almost coming up on its debut and this damn cast being removed from my arm. One week left on the cast!

More Tank

2011-03-30T16:25:00.004-05:00

Things progressed quickly on the "Stryker" or "BDRM"(side dependent) as the work started. It became obvious to us all that this would not be a Heavy Tank that was extremely tough and unable to be taken down with light weapons but it would be a Armored Fighting Vehicle. This gives the Infantry fighting it a chance.

Rear decking and framing are up and the choice for the gun turret was made. A old Gumball machine that Dan sourced years ago and stored in the Barn with the intention of one day using it for a Paintball Tank.

More to come with final pictures in April and video footage after it debuts on April 23rd.

So What Is Going On?

2011-03-21T13:54:00.003-05:00

Not much on the custom car front. With one arm my fun has been cut right down but I have been slowly getting ready for a fun year of Paintball. You ask how that has anything to do with the shop and auto world? How about a S-10 pickup turning into a paintball tank? I've been mostly standing around, pointing and suggesting what guys should be doing, running my mouth and letting others spend time, blood, sweat and tears on the project. Players who play with us at the farm have put in most the effort. Kurt and Mike doing a pretty large amount of that work.

More pics of the Tank as the days go on, I'm not going to blow the whole wad in one post.

Cast comes off April 18th...Paintball on the 23rd and hopefully no cast on the 24th ;)

One Armed Bandit

2011-03-08T09:51:00.003-06:00

At least it was my right arm....Dad is picking up the slack as I am now on injured reserve. About all I am good for is holding a test light, Scan Tool work, Phone calls and office work. I'm already going stir crazy.

What....The.....Hell.

2011-02-24T14:08:00.004-06:00

I just......what? I mean.....why?

When Zip-ties Attack

2011-02-23T10:09:00.003-06:00

A few weeks ago I complained about warning labels on everything these days.

I guess they are needed. Because someone thought the Zip-tie on the Oil Pump pickup was the correct way to install it to the Oil Pump.

Protesting Near Madison

2011-02-17T14:02:00.004-06:00

That is it. I can't take it any longer. I am protesting near Madison. You heard me right! I am going to protest this atrocity! It should not stand any longer. For far to long the people have been oppressed by this scourge! Who will stand with me? Who will join me in defeating this menace?

No one should suffer at the hands of the the lower intake gaskets of the 3100 and 3400 V6 GM engines?

Join me now, stand up and stop this evil before it destroys engines everywhere! If we join together and replace each and every lower intake set that leaks externally or internally...or both...we can save the 60 Degree V6 from a sure death.

/sarcasm post

//smile, it will help you get through it all.

///how am I near Madison? Mazo is 20 miles West.

Purple Haze of Kuwait

2011-02-13T10:47:00.038-06:00

Not many know this so I am letting the cat out of the bag but my brother Dan is in Kuwait at this time and he managed to find a used car lot in, if my memory serves, in Salmiya, Kuwait. Above is one of the many cars he checked out.

Every American Muscle car is under 20K, this includes the full line of 2010 models. Dan mentioned that the 2010 'Vette was 18K. The Euro sports cars are all under 30K except the two Porsche, they are both 35K.

Enjoy!

In our short conversation Dan went on to explain the street racing scene in Kuwait makes ours look pretty lame. three wide, three deep full throttle in traffic during the day. The best racing takes place after Midnight and goes til 3am.

Use The Force

2011-02-08T10:13:00.001-06:00

Nope, doesn't work on Sebring's.

For those wondering. I was inspired by the VW ad.

http://www.youtube.com/vw#p/a/u/0/R55e-uHQna0

The Best Intentions

2011-02-04T13:02:00.005-06:00

Sometimes people have them. The best intentions, but sometimes they just end in failure. This picture above is a example. A remote start system that from the looks of it was a nice install. Until I peeled the yellow tape back. Wire loosely wrapped around wire. A intermittent electrical gremlin waiting to occur. Which it was, random no starts with the remote and with the key in the ignition and trying it the normal way. Still confirming I don't have any other ghosts hidden but I think squaring away the wiring will solve the issues.

Still, good intentions. I used to wire like this, loooong ago in my high school days putting speakers in trunks. Just twist 'em up and go. Then always go back to fix the problems caused when bumps and vibration start loosening things up. Lesson learned then for me, hopefully to be learned for this owners installing techniques.

Attack That BMW

2011-01-28T10:55:00.005-06:00

Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war! Is about the best way to describe our Thursday night BMW session at the Shop. Brock got to have another night working. The past few Thursdays he had not earned the privilege so we made up for it big time this evening.

Brock was running mad this evening and actually managed to accomplish something before harassing Grandpa became a easier chore.

Body work will begin next. I'll save the chassis and suspension tear down and rebuild until I have all the parts needed.

Don't Eat the Shoes

2011-01-20T14:10:00.003-06:00

Society is so messed up. If we need warning labels like this in auto parts we are doomed.

Twice Is Enough

2011-01-17T15:02:00.002-06:00

Two cars, completely different monsters but with similar problems that at first were simple but became increasingly more complex and expensive the longer they decided to go.

A few weeks ago a Saturn L series. Tensioner for the Serpentine Belt locked up frying the belt. This belt being the one that drives the Alternator, Power Steering, Water Pump and A/C. The owner decided to limp the car home anyway. From Madison....Driving until it got hot, shutting it off and then driving again when it was cool. Great idea but along the way somehow, either by someone jumping it or something occurring after it died. A voltage spike burned up the BCM. So what could have been just a matter of pulling over and getting towed at the first sign of trouble became a very expensive repair with a tow.

Second, in the shop today. A Mazda Protege that lost a Alternator belt. This belt also drives the Water Pump. Again, with lights ablaze on the dash and a heat gauge going up the owner just drove the car home. It now is in the bay beginning its journey back to life. The owner did admit to "trying to jump it but nothing worked". So far I have found the belt gone, as expected. The battery was dead and a 100 amp main fuse melted. Lets hope once these items are addressed the engine isn't cooked from overheating and other items aren't fried from a possible voltage spike.

It comes in threes though, that is what scares me.

Anyways. Lesson of the day. If gauges are going up or down when they aren't suppose to, when red lights are lit up, pull over and get it towed or at the very least call before doing anything.

Or just drive it until it dies and make a mortgage payment for me.

Upside Down World

2011-01-05T07:43:00.004-06:00

DIY....Or "Do it yourself" is a common term in the auto industry. I have no issue with customers who want to DIY their stuff. Heck, I do my own from time to time on things around the house that should be contracted. I also know enough when I get in over my head, back away and ask for assistance.

This particular S-Series Blazer didn't get the attention to its rear brakes it deserves. Something isn't right with these pictures. Can you figure it out?

So, figure it out? Yes, that is right, both calipers are on upside down. I have no idea how it was bleed this way unless they bleed them before putting them in place. Regardless, it is a fun start to this morning.

Another Thursday Night

2011-01-03T15:36:00.003-06:00

Brock is hooked. Another Thursday night he was up to work on "his race car" as he now calls it. This night he helped pull the pedal box out. Took off a heat shield under the car and continued to scrape out the outside for me.

Sigh....

2010-12-21T14:45:00.003-06:00

A few incidents today that make me go "Sigh..."

Incident number one. "My check engine light is on and flashing." I explain this is the ECU letting the driver know a severe misfire in one or more cylinders is detected. The customer explains it can't be because they had all the plugs and wires and coils changed previously. I then explained I never said it was that, but that you do have a misfire and if you would like I could look into the issue. "But the breathalyzer device is on, you can't start and stop the engine all the time."

Call me when it is off, I can't get those things to operate with my Asthma...Sigh...

A phone call and a girl upset that the tire she brought in last week for me to mount on a rim has a sidewall cut now. I explained to bring it down and I will see if she needs a new tire or rim since she drove on it flat....Sigh

A Silverado which has a check engine light on. The owner said "a parts place" checked the code and told him to replace the Oxygen Sensor. I asked "Which one, there is four." and he replied he didn't know. I visually inspected the truck after seeing four different codes for the Bank 1 Sensor 2 Oxygen sensor.

Fix some chewed up wiring and goodtogo.....Sigh.

The last, up to the point of posting this today, was a phone call from a local DIY'er.

"I have a brake hose burst, I replaced it but the bleeder won't come loose on the caliper. Can I bring it up right now?"

I explained my racks were full of cars that needed finishing. I could easily get it in the morning or on Thursday.

He replied. "But I'll pay you if I can have you do it today!"

Oh, of course, if you'll pay me I'll be right on it......Sigh...

More Vintage Bimmer Work

2010-12-18T09:23:00.003-06:00

In a attempt to refocus my efforts on my automotive hobby I have made a deal with the devil. His name is Brock and he is my youngest son. IF he goes to bed on time and IF he gets up for school on time he will come to the shop every Thursday after school to work on the BMW. We will see how this works out. Negotiating with a 5 year old is like banging your head against a wall. Not worth the effort most times and people wonder why.

Anyways, he is really starting to catch the automotive bug and I can see my summer cruise nights will include him in the passenger seat.

Pictured above, he is scraping grease and padding of the engine bay in the '76 BMW 2002. Never a complaint from him either.

Cell Phone Messing With Me

2010-12-07T10:28:00.003-06:00

I had always heard the warnings and read the instructions for resetting or initializing a TPMS sensor or system. All the warnings about keep other cars with TPMS away, or having electrical devices that could interfere turned off.

A '08 Envoy was in the shop for basic service. The TPMS light was on and going through the menu all four tires happen to be low. All at 27psi. After the LOF I set the air pressures up to 35psi since it was a little cold out so I knew they would creep back down some and turn on the warning light. After rechecking and seeing the light still on I went through the menu and noticed one still at 27psi. Great, what did I do, not count to four when I did the tires? Rechecked the right front and it was at 35psi on my gauge, went around all the rest and they were there too.

Great, this wasn't expected.

About that time I thought to myself "self, put the cell phone on the desk and back the truck out." Well what the heck, I backed the truck out, went through the menu and the tires all listed 35psi.

Backing it our or Cell phone? Weird....but not surprising in this industry.

Cool Colors

2010-11-26T10:43:00.002-06:00

Too many people have told me to many stories about the name, cost and how you put this particular paint on a vehicle. So if any experts would like to comment. I'd love to hear more.

A Sharp Eye Needed

2010-11-11T12:13:00.002-06:00

Look at this tire closely and tell me what is wrong. Well, what is wrong isn't really wrong in the manufacturers eyes but to me it looks like hell to do it the way it was done. Marketing? I'm not really sure but I didn't catch it right away until I went to balance the tire. It just looked odd spinning on the balancer and then I noticed it.

Buh-Bye Train

2010-11-04T17:35:00.003-05:00

Today it was announced that the "high speed rail" from Milwaukee to Madison is "on hold". What should have been reported is the "slow speed rail" is "done".

This project never made sense from the beginning. One, we don't have the Population for it. Two, we wouldn't be able to fund it without raising taxes, or fees, or hoping rainbows crap dollar bills. And three, we don't have the Population for it. Oh wait, said that once already.

Some links for your reading.

Local News says the project is on hold

http://www.channel3000.com/news/25635287/detail.html

But once you read this link below you can see the writing on the wall. The incoming Representative from Florida will be redirecting the money where it is needed.

http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/04/a-high-speed-derailment/?partner=rss&emc=rss

Bye-bye Train.

October didn't happen

2010-11-02T21:33:00.003-05:00

What the hell happened? Yes. I skipped October. I really had nothing automotive to think about or even discuss.

The typical work, work, family, work, screw off, drink beer, work, beer. That was about it.

I did miss LeMon's in Chicago. I totally missed it. I really wanted to go but the whole situation didn't work out. Money, family, life. Hell, It just wasn't something I could pull off with two kids, wfie , house and the shop and stuff. It makes me realize it will be a long time before I take my hopes of racing serious. Not that am giving it up. I just know I can't do that when there are other things to focus on.

I am going to try and focus some posts on anything automotive I can think of. Anyhoo. I'm not dead so don't give up on me!

Paintball Tank

2010-09-29T15:32:00.007-05:00

Yup.

Can't paintball if you don't have a proper APC/Tank to drive. Depending on the rules of the scenario it is either a APC, in which the shooters can be shot and killed. Or it is a Tank, which means the shooters in it cannot be killed. That doesn't mean you can't harass them with some balls on their chin.

Some videos of it in action.

end

Chess Set

2010-09-21T10:59:00.001-05:00

Ya, it has been awhile again. Here, enjoy a chess set made from various automotive parts from Brandon, who works at Don's Automotive in Austin Texas. Don gave me permission to pass along the info. Pretty neat idea and it wouldn't be hard to copy.

"Cut open BJs & sway bar links, drum brake
adjusters, 92 Nissan PU 2.4 liter rocker arms, and misc.
hardware. The coil springs under the rooks are dampers from a clutch disc. Everything is a bunch of different parts Ford, Mopar, Mazda they had laying around."

Sauk Prarie Fly In, Car Show, Veterans Memorial

2010-09-01T08:04:00.014-05:00

Saturday took us to Sauk Prairie for their Biennial Fly In. Nothing judged and no classes for the Car Show portion of the event which was fine but what we did get was premiere parking. Right smack dab in the middle of the event. So there was no long walk from the parking lots and we could leave as easily as we came. Brock and William had a blast. They pissed and moaned all morning about going but once we pulled in and they saw the cars, planes and military equipment they where hooked. The main event of the day was a Memorial built to honor our Military Veterans of Wisconsin. Guest speakers, past and present Service Members spoke and they unveiled display which consisted of the Jet, Huey and M60 tank.

The high point for the boys was the BlackHawk which they got to sit in and look over. Then they got to watch it lift off.

.

Wipp's Last Wed

2010-08-25T09:28:00.009-05:00

Wipp's Cruise Night was last weeks adventure, as usual. A lower than normal turn out but a few new vehicles from out of town showed up to say "Hello". There was even a Power Wheel that came by to show itself off. I jest, I really do. It was a interesting vehicle to look over and in certain instances I'm sure very economical for the owner.

It is actually a Mega built by Columbia Parcar Corp out of Reedsburg Wisconsin. Just a hour or so North of Mazo. All electric, 30mph EV that the owner bought to save on gas, or so he said to me. Maybe he had a little "tongue in check" when he said it.

Really?

I know the owner and he is a really nice guy. He also has a pretty large collection of very nice cars that many would wish for. Yes, it will diminish your fuel bill driving the Mega but at a price tag of 20K that works out to about 6,666 gallons of fuel you could buy otherwise, if gas stays at $3 a gallon (most he owns run high test) so you have to run that Mega a long time. If you get 10mpg average doesn't that work out to about 66,660 mile of driving to break even on the cost of the Mega, not including insurance and maintenance costs? So just say it like it is, it is a toy to play with and show off. Which is cool as hell in my book. No reason not to have more toys, right?

I was just glad he didn't say he was saving the planet. The Green Zombie movement just makes me nuts some days.

Black Earth Car Show

2010-08-18T10:46:00.008-05:00

Saturday took us to Black Earth Field Days and the Car show which is put on by the New Heights Lutheran Church Men's League. A buddy of mine organizes the show so I volunteered to help where I could. Basically park cars and point people in the right direction. This show used to be a week earlier but the Field Days Organizers wanted the show to join up with them. It was put on at the Little League Baseball diamond along Park Street in Black Earth. About a block or two from the Field Day festivities. There was a Kickball tournament going on also so we had something to watch other then each others cars. The weather finally was decent. Cloudy and not so humid until about 2ish in the afternoon. Then the humidity shot back up when the Sun came out. Overall a good show and I am glad it is in its new location. The Church parking lot which was used in years past was ok, but this location allows for the show to expand.

Brock fell in love with Rich Carlson's Improved Touring VW which is pictured below

About Noon, more cars showed later in the day bringing the count to about 35-40.

Loud Pipes for Friday

2010-08-13T09:24:00.002-05:00

Something loud for Friday, that is all.

Yes I am still alive

2010-08-06T08:28:00.013-05:00

Yes, I did skip a few weeks there. In my defense it has been pretty much a mad house in my life at the shop and home. Every day, every weekend, we have something going on and there isn't much time for me lately it seems. Sure, that is selfish but a guy has to have some down time once in awhile or his head will explode.

The Mazo Fun Days Car show was on July 31st. Yes, we managed to make it down there with a few cars. Everything was pretty much the same as last year, car count, food, drinks, nice temperatures and a great crowd. I was pleased to see some different cars show up this year. Also pleased with the trophies handed out to the winners. I can't be sure if I have pictures of the three that won but there was a Yellow Ford Coupe that scored the early era trophy. A Ford Retractable that won the 50-70's era and a Buick Grand National that won the 70's to present class.

On another note, Wipps changed up there cruise night in Mazo and it is now the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. This past August 4th was the night and the car count was down. Not sure if that is because the car show was just the last weekend or people weren't ready for the change.

Brock Will Be A Rock Star

2010-07-19T17:46:00.001-05:00

'nuff said

Ron Burgundy Killed the Red Baron

2010-07-16T10:13:00.006-05:00

Yup, the Red Baron is gone. The '91 BMW 325i is now off to lands unknown and for it we received a fistful of Hundreds and this which was quickly dubbed "Ron" Burgundy.

We had high hopes for the 325i but I had always like the looks of the 2002 series BMW. It had a more classic style to it. So yesterday we made the trade. It is a rolling chassis, no engine or transmission along with no interior. I think, know, I made a good deal on this. The Red Baron was a great car but we made a little money on it and got this one to boot. What are the plans? Well of course it should be a race car. I doubt I'll hurry this project along. Research, research and more research first. Then slowly collect parts (some I have lined up already) and start doing some body work. It is a clean car, some spots that need rust attention but nothing that would ever scare us away.

More to come, the rest of the pictures are of Ron and Brock. Brock had to come up and start work on it right away. I think I've created a monster.

Wipp's Cruise Night,

2010-07-15T10:39:00.014-05:00

Another Cruise Night. Double the cars this time around and some new faces and debuts for some rides. The Blue Apache in particular. Its owner just finished up this Spring and it was the first time we had seen it out and about around town. Very well done.

Get My Redneck On

2010-07-09T16:15:00.001-05:00

Nothing says Redneck like a Demo Derby. Nothing says True Redneck like a Combine Demo Derby. Thursday night Dan and I took the kids up to the Sauk County Fair and watched some Combines destroy each other. I got a few good videos and picked one to show here. There was also a Skidsteer Soccer match which was interesting but didn't compare to Top Gears Soccer match with small cars.

Enjoy

Mazo Finally Has A Cruise Night

2010-07-01T16:21:00.003-05:00

It took long enough. I had people telling me to start something up but there really wasn't a location that anyone liked...until now.

Wipp's Pizza and Pub in Mazomanie on Highway 14 in the old "Club 14" building had their first Cruise Night on Wednesday night. I would like to think that Dan, Dad a few friends and I had something to do with getting him to go ahead with it. The owner had asked a few times where we went with the toys when we did show up with them in groups. We explained where, and our disgust with some of the other locations. Their attitude, prices for food and drink among other things.

So, he put a night up on the calendar and we showed. I called, emailed and posted messages to friends who I thought would be interested and damn if they didn't show up. Pizza is really good, beer is two bucks a can and the people are nice as hell.

Now it looks as though Wipp's will have a cruise night every other Wednesday night and the next one is scheduled for July 14th. See you there!

More Cobra Work

2010-06-30T10:53:00.003-05:00

Not just the Oil Pan being taken care of Tuesday. After looking the car over we spotted the side pipe hanger giving way on both sides and the side pipes themselves getting cracks long the mounting area.

So instead of this idea

I am going with this idea. We will see if it works.

Just spot welded in during this picture. I welded the bolt to the frame. Then put a nut on each side of the bracket. The Oil Pan? It is now Chrome instead of Black. I figure that way when it is upside down in the ditch it will still look nice to those looking over the carnage.

Ouch!

2010-06-28T09:44:00.002-05:00

Our Auto-Karma for the Summer of 2010 isn't working well. Bad weather, lots of other scheduled events when the weather is good. Now Dan has a issue. Thankfully it wasn't the death blow but it could have been.

On his way to the Mauston National Guard Armory he took the on-ramp to the "I" system and right in his path was a nice piece of angle iron. He made a manuever to miss it with the tires but a section went under the car dead center and smashed the oil pan drain plug....

Not good timing. Finally the weather is nice for this week, we have a cruise night scheduled for Wednesday at a new Pizza place/Bar in Mazo and this happens to him. Hopefully we can source one before then and get it back on the road.

Rain

2010-06-18T09:09:00.002-05:00

Yes, Rain. It's been a few weeks since I have done any updates because of just that, Rain. Only 6 days this month have been dry. Every other day there has been rain at some point in time and what that has done is dried up our fun with the cars.

So, just focus on work, work and more work and hopefully have a dry day at home so I can get the lawn mowed....

Wonderful Austin. Troy is drooling

2010-06-02T16:01:00.003-05:00

Great little 1966 Austin Healy MkIII in the shop this week for some repairs, maintenance. It has a brake light switch that works only intermittent. I'll make it work more often than intermittent. It will get a Oil Change and Chassis Lube. Then wipe off all the excess oil the engine is leaking.

Gotta Love the British Cars.

Summer is Here!

2010-05-25T09:03:00.008-05:00

Yup, Summer hit with a bang. Inside surface temp of the roof.

Other than that last week Dan and I hit QSL Cruise Night again. Many new cars I had not seen before.

And one last thing. $4.75 for a 16 ounce tap Miller Lite? Sorry QSL, not buying that any longer.

Tunes

2010-05-11T08:31:00.003-05:00

Dad wanted some Tunes in the Edsel. So on Sunday he went off and purchased a head unit. A "Dual" XR 4110 AM-FM with Aux-Input, USB, SD Card, MP3 and Ipod hook ups with no CD player. A pair of 6x8 Pioneers for the front hole and one for the rear deck.

He handed me the job Monday morning and told me to do what I thought was best. I had minimum destruction. The head unit install just required splitting the two holes for the old radio right down the middle and bending them up and down. They can be put back in place and welded back together. I'm sure the purists will go nuts over doing this but if they haven't keep pace with the work we do on our collection of cars then they are in for a big heart attack.

So Dad's Sunday cruises will now have Tunes.

Custom Lincoln Navigator Work

2010-05-05T14:43:00.007-05:00

A good friend and customer of ours has a very nice Lincoln Navigator. One of the nice features of this SUV is the power running boards. When you have the door open, they are extended. When closed, they tuck under the body.

One of the terrible design flaws of these power running boards is this.

This is the rear pivot for the board to go out and in. It is made of crap metal that corrodes in the rust belt. The really kick in the balls part is this pivot is not available from Ford, anywhere, no part number, nothing. Well. It is available. If you want to buy a entire running board assembly to the tune of about $1800 bucks. No, that isn't a typo..

So this is what we did.....

Another good friend and customer is a Machinist by trade. We discussed the piece. He asked questions about how much room, how strong and then he went to work on cutting and milling a piece for it. The finished product was perfect. Not one adjustment needed to make the board fit and move properly.

So the Mod I, MK I prototype is now mounted and a second, for the driver side, is being built as I type.

Next up, maybe try to sell some of these and put all the hard work to good use. My Machinist will make a ton of money and I may make a few bucks in the end.

Why old things are still better.

2010-04-28T16:37:00.001-05:00

This is why old things are better at times. The owner of the '55 Chevy I have pictured in the past stopped in at 4 pm today and handed me his brake switch. The wires had worn off and he asked if I could find one. I called two sources, they told me "no way" so he said he could order one and have it in a few days. I looked at the switch for a minute and told him "give me a few minutes" and off he went to listen to the Brewers game with my Dad.

Yup, those wires are gone.

First to take it apart. As I thought, nothing fancy. Just a pair of wires crimped in.

Some Purple wires just for my bud. Soldered in and goodtogo.

Brakes on, power will flow

Brakes off, power won't flow. Job done and suddenly our fridge has more Beer in it. Could I have done this with a newer car? Not likely, everything it seems it run off the brake switch these days. TCC release for the Trans, Shifter release, cruise shut down. On hybrids there are numerous brake controls. I even think hitting the brakes activates my wife telling me I drive like crap.

Another reason to like old stuff.

Almost Back Together

2010-04-19T16:23:00.001-05:00

I sneak away for one weekend and Dad gets ambitious. Heads are finished and back on the Engine.

More and More Attention

2010-04-15T07:40:00.002-05:00

I'm missing a opportunity here. Dans Cobra is getting looks and comments everywhere he goes. I need to get him to put a shop sticker across the top of the windshield or something.

Aside from that I am taking off on a road trip with the wife this weekend. Instead of doing the usual Interstate drive I think we will run up the Mississippi to the Twin Cities and enjoy ourselves. Taking either Hwy 61 or 35 North. Troy will keep the kids and house in check for us, as usual.

QSL, start of the cruise season

2010-04-02T08:02:00.008-05:00

A low turnout for the night. At best 20-22 cars. I never keep a accurate count of them coming and going but that wasn't my job. Dans Cobra ran great, no hiccups or surprises on the ride in or back. We left earlier than normal. Things had slowed down and cars started to disappear as darkness started to sneak up on everyone.

Daddy, what happened to my swing?

2010-04-01T15:48:00.003-05:00

Son, Dad needed a tank strap, now play with this stick.

This swing seat was mounted on the rear of a gas tank on a truck we serviced this week. As crazy as it looks, it is secure. I wouldn't do it myself but the owner is pleased as punch. That or he is deliberately messing with us to see out reaction. Regardless, it is funny as hell.

Off to QSL tonight. Pictures tomorrow.

2010 cruising is open and active

2010-03-31T14:47:00.002-05:00

I officially declare my 2010 cruising season open and active. Last night I fired up the Camaro and made sure it was goodtogo. The '60 is first out this year because it is it's 18th year in ownership and Dad and I built the truck when I was 18. I've now owned it for half my life :)

High Performance Modification

2010-03-25T17:23:00.007-05:00

Cobble Job, Jerry rigged. Call it what you will but today I needed to fix a shifter on a '70 Mach 1 and the part I needed isn't something you call Napa for. Or any other parts house to be realistic. There is a pivot point between the shifter and a rod that controls the transmission gear selection. That point broke so off I went on making a new one.

I sat down to start surfing for parts online and realized that finding it online, then ordering, then waiting would take forever so I decided I'd build it. I know I could, it was a slow afternoon so why not have at it. We have a really nice Hardware Store in Mazo that is well stocked with bolts, nuts, odds and ends so off I went and came up with some combination that needed "tweaks".

I re-threaded the bolts I found, then put a small cut so it could slip in the slot on the shifter arm. I also found some bushings that would replace the worn out rubber parts.

I tried some combination's to get the best action out of the shifter and this is what I came up with.

Not the prettiest thing in the world but functional. Considering no one else (except those reading this) will ever see it that should be fine. It will be abused tomorrow after I get the carb tuned up!

One out the door and a face palm

2010-03-15T13:07:00.003-05:00

The past two weeks have been relatively quiet at the shop. Slow times mean lots of time to hope projects but not enough money to play with projects.

The '59 Ranger from last week is gone. Drove away under its own power amazingly. Plugs, Points, Condenser, Carb rebuild and a new Resistor to the Coil and it was actually running pretty decent. Many, many other issues the owner will need to address but we will see what he wants and does in the future.

Then a face palm. If you wonder why the driver in the other lane has the bad habits they put on display during every morning and afternoon commute just blame the instructors...

In a handicap spot, unattended and left running with the doors unlocked.

Edsels find you

2010-03-05T07:34:00.003-06:00

When people learn you love Edsels. Edsels find you. We have been tasked with making it drivable. With a limited budget....

I'm really glad I sold my soul to the Devil for a bottle of 50 year old Scotch years ago. It gives me the power to raise the dead. ;)

God even knew

2010-02-18T14:03:00.002-06:00

This '99 Camry was in for some service today. I see it off and on. High mileage car, 240K at the moment. While taking care of a few items I noticed she must have went somewhere else for a LOF (lube, oil, filter) since it had writing on the filter. This is common at shops so they know if they were the last to service the car.

This filter had a omen written on it though....

Even though it is not a drive-by-wire car, the tech who changed the oil new something bad must be coming for Toyota's everywhere.

Troublemakers

2010-02-11T14:13:00.002-06:00

We will see how long it is before we are blamed for this. It isn't our Mailbox but for some reason the local postal workers think it is. So we often have our mail in this box. It is owned by a neighbor of ours who will remain anonymous. If you know the businesses near us seeing the picture should clue you in to who it is.

Why is the sign up? This will be the third mailbox installed this winter. It seems our local plow trucks have a heavy foot coming down our street. It is posted 25mph but rarely do we see anything going at or below the limit. Even the local PD has a tendency to drive a little fast on this stretch of road. The mailbox isn't getting hit by the plow but with the speed and force of the snow coming off the blade they are getting knocked off.

Maybe, just maybe, this will slow things up a tad.

I am also sure we will get blamed for it. Should be fun the mess with their minds.

Red Barron has landed

2010-02-09T11:22:00.005-06:00

We picked a fine day to go pick up the 1990 BMW 325i that was snagged for the low,low price of $400. Getting into Madison was fine. The roads this morning were snow covered but easily passable with the TrailBlazer. Once to the owners house we became slightly concerned about the height of the driveway but after all the paper work was finished up and the keys went into my greasy fingers all was forgotten about the crappy roads.

Dan took off ahead of me and I powered out of the driveway realizing I had broken every possible rule I have for buying a car and pre-purchase inspections. The same rules I constantly pound into our customers heads. Why did I break the rules you ask? I didn't really care how things would turn out, this was a done deal before I knew the color of the car. I didn't even tell Troy he was buying a car until I called him and explained he needed to bring me money cause I found the right car finally. Heck, I didn't even check the fluid levels before we left. I took the young lady's word for it since she told me she topped them all off for me, hey, it even had a full tank of gas! The tires looked full, it started perfect and settled into a nice idle with no noises or knocks except a blaring muffler that was hollowed out and ready to fall off.

Back to the drive home. We discussed going in that the drive home would be worse since the traffic that morning was going into Madison, not out to Mazo so the West bound lane of Hwy 14 would be slick. Through Middleton the roads where fine so I passed Dan and once to Hwy.14 I opened the Red Barron up and legged it out to 60mph on a partially snow covered road. The car handled perfect. A little vibration as I hit 55mph from the tires sitting as long as they did, I am sure they where flat spotted slightly. After a mile I backed off to 45mph and settled in for the drive home. Amazingly all the gauges on the dash worked. I couldn't believe it. The heater as well, I thought for sure I'd have some nightmarish head gasket issue or something. As we neared Cross Plains I was confident it would make it home. The oil light never flickered as I coasted into town so I was feeling pretty good about myself.

By the time I hit Mazo I was realizing that this car could never become a LeMon's car. It is too nice, it handled pretty good for 200,000 miles on the mill and the only glaring fault is Third Gear is fubared in the transmission. Not a major issue at all.

Finally racked in the shop (after whipping a few donuts in the snow covered lot) we figured this was the moment of disapointment. I was sure it would be rusted to snot, body damage everywhere or massive unibody issues putting it as a parts car only. Nope, out of the entire underside was have a little spot of rust on a driver side fender lip. Amazing.

Oil leaks, oh ya, lots of oil leaks from years of service but once the engine is cleaned off I will find out the level of those leaks and how important it will be to fix them. The hood doesn't close properly, looks like the latch has a easily repaired issue. It had new front fenders and a hood put on in the past but from the looks of the front end no serious body damage. The bumpers and some lights are cracked along with part of the grill being on with tape but all in all, a awesome little car.

So for some reason the Automotive Gods have shined down upon us this day and we now have a pair of 3-Series BMW's in the race stable for Willie's. Troy and I can now enjoy track days without having to share the 320i.

This Toyota Mess

2010-02-04T15:47:00.002-06:00

I'm not going to dive into it with my opinion on what Toyota did or didn't do, should or should not do. It is getting beat to death in the Media and can be read almost anywhere.

What I am going to say though is this. Beware what you wish for. Right now the NHSTA, the Feds, the Media are dissecting this issue from every angle. It reminds me of a few decades ago when Ford and Firestone had their little issue with Tires.

Both situations are playing out in much the same manner. In the coming weeks you will see the Feds demand Congresional hearings. You will see Media "experts" continue to discuss the issue ( at least until the next natural disaster or pretty girl goes missing) to death.

What will happen is more Nanny State. The Feds will come up with something, much like the Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems now Federally mandated on all cars. I can't put my finger exactly on what they could do.....yet. But I'm sure it will happen.

What will it do in the end? Make every car more expensive, more complicated and cost the consumer more to buy and repair.

What the Hell

2010-02-01T07:13:00.003-06:00

Sometimes Craigslist can get a guy in trouble.

We scored a 1990 BMW 325i for little to nothing off Craigslist last week. I'll be picking the car up once the title is cleared for me. M20B25 6cyl engine, manual trans, pretty much rust free. We aren't sure what we are going to do with it yet either. 24 Hours of LeMon's is likely but it is in really great shape. Autocross is very likely. Maybe build it into a ITS car in the future. Daily Driver will most likely happen. Possibly even pull the engine and trans and put them in the 320i.

Regardless. I think (read hope) we scored big.

Fresh it up

2010-01-19T12:59:00.003-06:00

Time to freshen up the 390cid in the Edsel. One burnt intake valve for sure. so the heads will come off and be sent out for cleaning, inspection and rebuild if they are ok. Then take a look at the slugs and see if they are in good shape and if the cylinder walls are ok.

No, we never did rebuild it when we took it out of storage. Cleaned it up, Dupont overhaul and just gave it a whirl. It went about 3,000 miles before the valve burnt. Not bad for a engine that sat since 1970.

Ten Bucks

2010-01-05T15:21:00.005-06:00

Yup, I got myself Ten whole Dollars for 30 seconds of work. Well, actually I got more than that for the work I did later on but that was not the fun part.

A Customer, who will remain nameless (thanks Mr. Harrington) was having issues with his Chevy Truck. It had been running like crap and then finally one cold morning it wouldn't start. He stopped by and asked me what was wrong. Well.....I don't know, I haven't had a chance to see or hear it let alone begin diagnosing it. Tow it in and I will take a look. He asked if there where any tricks he could try to get it running. I gave him a few. In the end though the tricks didn't work so he pulled the truck in.

When he arrived he let us know how unhappy he was with his attempts. Dad, jokingly, told him to leave it in the lot and we would start it and drive it in. Well, that went over well. Our customer (thanks Mr. Harrington) said out loud. "I'll give ten dollars to whoever can start that truck right now!"

Sooooo, I jumped in and spun the engine over, put the throttle down to the point of clear flooding the ECU and it started to fart and pop and then started. Flooded out.

The look on his face was priceless. Not to stop there, I put my hand out and asked for the ten dollars. He grinned and told me I would get my ten dollars and in the end, I did.

I've got nothing...

2009-12-30T08:54:00.004-06:00

Just shake my head. No amount of explanation will justify this.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-16T07:38:00.003-06:00

That is all.

Slow month, no projects on going, just workn' for the tax man comin' and shoveling snow

The picture above is the adventure during our 18 inches we dug out from last week. The deep snow and now cold has keep us running at the shop which helps. It does take away from our fun time though. First time I got the TrailBlazer stuck, but after a little digging it was out and on the road again.

Slave Labor

2009-12-03T16:28:00.005-06:00

To hell with child labor laws. Work boys, work hard. ;)

Actually, they came to the shop this afternoon since Dad went home with the Flu early. No way he would get any rest with those two screaming through the house.

At least the floor is clean again!

What Color?

2009-11-30T16:30:00.003-06:00

What color or combo of colors should the 320i be? It is in need of paint. It doesn't look like the Metro will come in this Winter unless I can bug Dad enough to get it out. So in the mean time I need some ideas for the Autocross car. Troy and I want to get back into Autocross and the Bimmer needs paint. What should we do? Something basic, single color? Something with stripes again? Something loud and obnoxious like Group 5 320i race cars had in the early '80's?

Fire away.

Very nice

2009-11-18T16:26:00.001-06:00

All that needs to be said is. "About God Damn Time"

The Axis

2009-11-10T17:59:00.003-06:00

We went out in search of a 320i BMW for LeMon's and found a Alfa. Well, we really didn't find a Alfa since we had seen this car once before when we went this way to look at a Opel GT for Troy. This time though the Alfa had a whole new look about it since we are still in search of a proper car for LeMon's. After wandering around it for ten minutes we snapped some pictures and grabbed the number off the car.....which is disconnected....so now the search begins for the owner. Wish us luck.

Proportion

2009-11-02T07:35:00.002-06:00

This is about right. When a small engine comes in for service, have your little man jump in and tear it apart.

Brock insisted on helping me tear the head of this Civic, a D15B7, it was in proportion to his size. He got the plug wires and cover off for me. Next up, I'll have him start rebuilding transmissions ;)

Auto Art

2009-10-30T08:02:00.002-05:00

I credit this find to my brother, Troy, who sent me the link and found out the price which is $890 dollars. I guess it is time to get in the art business? Nice find, Troy.

http://vandm.com/1935-Red-Chevy-Truck-Hood-as-Sculpture/0_260_dealer=14729_product=114163.aspx

New Grape Scent

2009-10-21T11:22:00.003-05:00

Thanks GM, for making it smell good when I breathe in the harmful vapors.

It's On

2009-10-16T07:29:00.004-05:00

We are going to throw our collective tails sides into the racing ring for the 24 hours of LeMons.

Our dream, because every good idea begins with a dream made of Unicorn Farts and Pixy Dust, is to have a car built and ready before this event.

Rod Blagojevich Never-Say-Die-500

This race will be run at the Chicago Autobahn in Juliet Illinois. As of now it is just a scribble on some paper and we don't even have a car picked out to get ready for racing. What we have are four guys who said "Let's do it." Troy, Mike, Shawn and I have all decided we can do this. Shawn has the only W2W racing experience. Troy and I have extensive Autocross experience and Mike knows where the pedals are and how to use them properly.

We still would like two more drivers. We also are sure to need pit crew assistance, maybe a team manager to allow us to concentrate on the race that day. We also need sponsors. Money isn't cheap you know.

For a theme, because every good LeMon's team has a theme, we are going Deer Hunting on the track. Blaze Orange is the color of the day and it will be just like the Second Week of Deer Camp if we actually put this all together and make it to the track.

One year, and some change, I think(hope) we can do it.

.28 Cent Lawn Mower

2009-10-14T07:39:00.005-05:00

Not really automotive related but it could easily be a car for free.

When they fall from the sky and are free, you take them and run. This bad boy is a '96 I believe John Deere STX38 Riding Lawn Mower. I scored it for nothing from a friend who had trouble with it and decided to hell with it and bought a much larger and faster Zero Turn Mower.

We talked before I picked it up and he mentioned it was running horrible, throttle was racing, and then it made a horrific rattling noise and went wide open throttle then died. He told me if I hauled it away I could have it. Fine, no problem. The Deck and Chassis are in excellent shape so if it needed a Engine I would spring for it. It sounded as though the Governor took a crap from his description so if that was bad, a engine tear down would ensue anyways.

Well, once in the warm shop I went to diagnosing the problem. On start up it did go wide open throttle, any throttle movement didn't change anything, the cables were fine and the Governor had proper tension and movement. Then we saw the issue.

Taking the carb off the Throttle plate fell completely off.

The Screws, they most likely were the rattling noise. Since they are brass I wasn't to concerned about the health of the engine. Sure, the Cylinder wall most likely are scored some but it has good compression, minimum leak down on the valves and now with two new screws and a LOF it runs like a champ. If it starts to have some engine issues from the screws traveling through it then I'll have to do a rebuild, no big deal.

Lesson of the day? Never ass-u-me what the problem is without diagnosing it first. As for the previous owner? It doesn't bother him a bit it took little more than a Quarter to fix it. He has his new Rider and is happy I have a new Rider.

A '57 Vert for your eyes

2009-10-09T08:30:00.004-05:00

Slow few weeks in the auto world. The weather hasn't made for great cruising and with school and Soccer going full swing there isn't a lot of free time for toys.

Winter is almost here. One last piece of eye candy before the snow flies.

Flooded MATC Campus

2009-09-22T16:37:00.003-05:00

This one is happening today, and I get to see the results of it.

Here is the News link to the story from Channel 15 in Madison. They should also have some new video's up later and on the nightly news.

Unfortunately, one of my customers cars was in that lot and you can see it in the video and online in pictures. It looks worse than it is. The interior was soaked up to the bottoms of the seat. It will take some drying and cleaning to get it back to normal. Thankfully she was a smart customer. They pushed the car out of the water and she never turned it over, tried to start it or anything. She just had it towed out to us and said "Help!"

I think we can save it, we have the technology ;)

Vintage Festival at Road America

2009-09-14T08:04:00.003-05:00

As I mentioned quickly last week I was to be at RA for the VSCDA Vintage Festival on Sunday. The wife and I did make it there just as the last warm-up session ended and got plenty of time to tour the Paddock area, snap some pictures and then enjoy some great racing.

I don't think RA has ever disappointed me, and I expect it never will. There is just something perfect about the place that makes people want to go back again and again. Leslie also now understands why I am such a car junky and why I act the way I do. She got to witness first hand my "kid on Christmas morning" attitude for the day. Which she got a laugh out of.

Some highlight pictures if you follow the link here.

Little Update

2009-09-12T06:56:00.003-05:00

Yes, it has been awhile but things have been slow on the auto front. The only little glimmer of fun is coming this Sunday as I and the wife will be going to Road America for the Vintage Racing.

Pictures on Monday that is for sure.

This will be a first for Leslie. She has never gone with me for a day of racing. I hope she has her walking shoes on :)

Wheel Weight Grand Champion

2009-09-02T09:49:00.002-05:00

I've never seen this much weight put on a wheel before. It has to be the Grand Champion in attemped balancing I've ever seen.

That is four 2.5 ounce weights and then 1.25 ounces of stick on weight. for a wonderful total of 11.25 ounces on the inside of the rim with no weights on the outside of all four. I guess they ran out of lip style with the stick on used. It was the worst of the four tires. Fronts had 3 on the RF, 7 on the LF and the RR had 10. Amazingly it doesn't have a vibration when driving but with that course of a thread, they howl something terrible at highway speeds.

No, I didn't mount and balance these tires.

Free Pizza!

2009-08-26T14:34:00.004-05:00

As I mentioned yesterday. I was off this morning to the Papa John's in Verona to do three things. One, score some free Pizza. Two, to take the Camaro for a drive. And Three, to make the wife happy.

I choose the Verona Papa John's because Leslie works in Verona at Verona Vision Care. I thought what better way to make all of the lady's there happy then free lunch on my Camaro, Papa John's and Jalopnik for helping find John's Camaro. I was second there. The Silver 2000 Z-28 was first.

I did manage to get one slice and it was excellent. I can't recall ever having Papa John's. I may have but today's slice was extra special.

Hey, my Camaro can't get me laid anymore but it can get me Pizza. Almost as good. Now if I could get Miller Lite to give me free beer for painting the Camaro the same color as the Miller Lite Label I'll be in Heaven.

More on Papa John's story

http://www.papasroadtrip.com/

Papa John's, Camaro's and Free Pizza

2009-08-25T14:30:00.003-05:00

If any has been following this then you are just as car crazy as I am. Papa John sold his Camaro years ago to help finance his beginning in the Pizza business. Years later, he wanted the Camaro back but couldn't find it. So the search was on.

Jalopnik explains all that is Papa John's hunt for his Camaro.

So tomorrow, at 11 am I will be firing up the 69' and taking a tour into Papa Johns in Middleton to get a free pizza. Hey, it isn't like I need a excuse to drive the Beast but if I get free Pizza for doing so, win-win I say.

Ya, I am a tad bit crazy and weird. I know.

15 Days of Cobra is over

2009-08-21T13:28:00.004-05:00

Dan is back to Iraq and the Cobra is tucked back in storage. 500 some miles over the 15 days which is pretty good considering some of the weather he had and all the other places to see and people to do that occurred.

We did another QSL run last Thursday, this time he lead us home and it was a fun drive through some back roads between Mazo and Black Earth. We even had a 944 trying to keep pace with us. It did, in the corners. The straight a ways though, he had a tough time.

0.30$ Makes me look the fool

2009-08-13T09:53:00.003-05:00

This was a two part repair. Previous week the car came in
with at the time I was told a "Check Engine Light" on. After
talking with her for a few moments over the phone I
explained to drop it off and I would look at it. Once at the
shop I jumped in and low and behold it was not the SES but
the SVS light, service vehicle soon.

Only one code present, B2585, ALC Parklamp Voltage out of
range. A quick turn of the switch and nope, no lights.
Another quick check of the fuse and the #6 trunk fuse
(10amp) was burnt. I installed a fuse buddy to monitor amps
and they stayed a steady 3.5 with no issues. I left the fuse
buddy in and tried all the lights and switches and no
problem found. I placed another 10amp fuse in and took the
car for a quick drive around the lot, along the bumps in the
back by this time the SVS light was off and everything was
fine, or so I thought.

Customer picked the car up, was happy as heck and I really
didn't have a explanation for why the fuse burnt. I didn't
take it any further than I did since through the day I never
duplicated the problem.

Fast forward 5 days and a phone call with "my light is back
on" which meant I didn't do my job I was betting. Thankfully
the customer was understanding since I was honest to a fault
about not knowing why the fuse burnt the first time and if
there was another problem I'd gladly continue looking. Sure
enough, same code, same fuse burnt so I again put the fuse
buddy in and this time paid more attention. I walked around
the car with my coffee and no one bugging me and just looked
at the car. With the hood up I noticed I didn't see a
Federal Emission sticker anywhere. Red flag!, I brought it
in the shop and could start seeing some areas that had been
repainted up front. Why don't body shops put the Fed sticker
back on?

Anyways. I just started pushing, pulling and tugging
everything up front and when I pushed on the passenger
headlight assembly, the fuse buddy went nuts. I walked away,
let it stay lit and pushed other parts, no issue, then back
to the passenger light and this time I got the fuse buddy to
pop it's fuse.

hey hey, I found something.

Once the Assembly was out I could see where the wires for
the running lights were touching the body edge that was
sharp. A little rewiring and routing and I am good to go.

I really messed up the first time the car was here. You can
pick apart that to death (by all means, please do for
everyone to learn, and to explain I did no good.) but the
second time around I had my head out of my arse and am good
to go now. :)

It is always the little things that get ya.

QSL, Thursday, Aug 6th.

2009-08-11T14:42:00.001-05:00

Good times had by all. We got to see some friends with their rides, talk cars, and have a "spirited" drive home.

15 Days of Cobra

2009-08-03T17:41:00.003-05:00

The Soldier returns. 15 days. Here he is off to see Mom, grab a Burger at Gordons, then go for a drive.

This will make you cry

2009-07-31T18:55:00.003-05:00

A "Cash for Clunkers" Volvo being disabled and prepared for the crusher. This Video is hard to watch if you are a car guy. Watching a seemingly perfect engine be destroyed because the Government has deemed it "Unfit" for automotive society just makes me sick to my stomach.

Hey, don't blame me, I didn't vote for the guy. What you are now watching is a Automotive Holocaust.

Two Edsel's at once

2009-07-29T14:23:00.003-05:00

Seeing one is something special. But two at once is really cool. Especially when the second one is a customers. A 1959 Edsel Ranger was in the shop today for a rear axle seal replacement. Great looking car that ran like a top. The owner was not from around our area but had bumped into me once day when I had the Edsel out so I guess he trusted me with working on his.

Wisconsin DOT Up To No Good

2009-07-23T07:17:00.003-05:00

The Wisconsin DOT is up to no good. The jist of the links below is they would like to throw more restrictions on 1968 and newer vehicles. Demanding they "display proper manufacturers label" making many customs or rebuilt cars unable to title.

https://apps.dhfs.state.wi.us/admrules/public/Rmo?nRmoId=4183

The worst section is section 123.04 which states

"Upon application to register a vehicle, the department shall register any vehicle manufactured before 1968 for which a vehicle classification exists under ch. 341, Stats. The vehicle may be subject to equipment requirements under s. 347.02(7), Stats. and registration requirements under s. 341.268 Stats."

This basically means if your vehicle is older then 67', we want safety devices on it. What those devices are, I haven't figured out. More research needs to be done. But what does this do you ask? Well, that Rat Rod you saw at cruise night has no seat belts. Poof, it is gone. Hell, that 58 Edsel and 60' Apache we have wouldn't qualify. No wipers on your T-bucket, Poof, it is gone. You get the idea. The safety Nazi's in our state want to fiddle with our hobby a little more.

The DOT is having a hearing on July 29th at 10am at the Hills Farms State Transportation Building. room 254. I think they need to hear our complaints.

All Ford Show, Ballweg Ford

2009-07-15T16:48:00.003-05:00

Brock and I ran up and made a day of it at the All Ford Show in Sauk City at the Ballweg Ford dealer. We took the Edsel up around 9:30 and hung out until the trophy's were presented at 1:30. Brock was a real trooper and hung in the whole time with no complaints or any outbursts. I think I have created a car monster with the kid. He had to check out and look over every car there, he even got to sit in a 1995 Penske Racing South Rusty Wallace Winston Cup car. It was the highlight of his day and he voted it, using my vote sheet, the pick of the show. It didn't win but that didn't matter to Brock, it was his favorite no matter what anyone else said. Which is the point of a car show, enjoy what you see, appreciate what you like, and have a good time.

The show was good. Lot's of Mustangs, old and new, a few Trucks, some older Fords I had not seen in awhile and then just one Merc if memory serves, I can't recall any Lincolns and then our Edsel.

No, no trophys for us, I wouldn't expect any since it isn't show quality and I didn't worry to much about getting all the bugs off the grille. Remember, we drive em' :)

A great story

2009-07-10T17:03:00.002-05:00

I'm post this with the authors permission, Andrea 'Enthal, I thought it was a good read.

Today every Pontiac, Hummer, Saab, and Saturn went Edsel

I have this sinking feeling that the next time I am looking for a "modern" car, it will be one of those four that follows me home. That is unless I get stuck with a surviving Daewoo.

Just as with our Edsels in 1960, part supplies will become more and more unpredicatble.
My mechanic (who has a 1970 Dodge Challenger) says he is already seeing delays in getting parts, though he can still get them. What used to take an hour now can take a week.

I remember (in about 1967) my father forgetting that you had to order Edsel parts at a Mercury dealer. The people at the Ford dealership just stared at him with an "Ed-what?" look. They'd never heard of the car.
The people at the Mercury dealership stared too because the parts were actually at the Ford dealership, not the Mercury dealership. They could order the parts from FoMoCo, but the parts orders were rarely filled. (My father wasn't car savvy enough to get the part number from the Mercury dealership and drive over with the part number to the Ford place, and buy it by number, not part name).

I remember (also in 1967) when my mother wanted a new car, I suggested they test drive a Citroen because she hated (what she considered) the rough suspension on every car they had tried.
My father refused to consider even a test drive. He said "I already have one Edsel that I can't get parts for. I don't need another."

All those Hummer, Saab, and Saturn owners don't know what they are in for.
But I do.
Today is November 20, 1959 for them, except it is a half century later.

Wonder how many Hummers and Saturns will be around in 2059.
Which 5-10 year old children of today will see them as collectible cars in 2059 and drool?
With all the computer chips and computer systems, will any of those cars even survive 16 years?
I can't see how they would. The internet has given us great support groupings, on a level never possible in 1960. But the parts that make those cars run seem too proprietarily fragile compared to our basic carbs and trannies.

0-5

2009-07-08T16:05:00.005-05:00

Our batting average for finding the proper car for Troy is getting abysmal. Even though, we are not giving up. Finding the proper car does not always mean just writing a large check for what you want. Even with a small budget to work with at this time this is doable. We did it before with the 320i falling in our lap, well, two 320i's falling in our lap.

So this week it was down to Monticello for what we thought was a decent Opel GT. I should have known better then to trust just one photo as this was a good parts car, maybe, with Leno money, a restoration project but that isn't going to happen for us right now.

The craigslist photo, looks good.

The driver side photos I took when I inspected it.

Amazingly it did run and if someone wanted a good parts car this is it. The glass and most of the interior was there. A running engine and what we suspect is a ok transmission means someone could continue on a project if they had a good body. But the body on this one was just too much to deal with right now. Not with a Opel, rust is not kind to them. It may look like it has just a little bondo but if you felt around you would know there was well over a inch in some places. Pop Rivets galore on every fender and inner fender, doors, and well, everywhere.

Oh well, we will continue to swing for the fence and see if we can hit one out.

Black Earth Car Show, 09

2009-06-30T11:12:00.006-05:00

Over the weekend I attended the Black Earth Car Show held at the New Heights Lutheran Church. About 35 cars and bikes where on hand. Some very cool cars and trucks. I also got to bump into some new friends and touch base with some old ones. I got there a little early to help Brett setup and then volunteered to help park cars as they showed up. Kids came along and had a fun time since there was a playground across the street and Hot Wheel tracks for them to race on. Unfortunately for the second year in a row the cruise afterward was canceled since the weather was not cooperating with us. I got back home just as it started to get nasty outside.

Next car show for me will be Mazo's on the first of August.

More Tractor Fun

2009-06-15T14:41:00.006-05:00

Dad worked like a madman and pumped the Ford Tractor out the door faster then expected. That, and he had the free time.

My final day recapped.

2009-06-10T13:29:00.007-05:00

After a long Thursday night and Friday night Saturday morning came way to early. I had to get up at the crack of dawn and be ready for Williams final Soccer Game of the year. It was a rainy morning and it didn't seem like it was going to be a fun cruise day at the Alliant Energy Center but I was determined to head in after Soccer.

My friend, Brett, was going to also head in with me to see the cars in Madison after his kids Soccer Game. Thankfully we both coach our kids and we where also going up against each other that morning. Meaning, when the game was done we could both pack up and head out.

A little drizzle as we got to the Alliant Energy Center but it wasn't too bad. Parking on the other hand was a nightmare. My truck registered as #4254 for vehicles parking in the Power Tour Cruise Night area. Now, I don't think there where that many there at that time, but I do not doubt that that many cars came threw the Madison area all day long. It was crazy packed and we just decided to park up on the hill, away from the main area.

The cars where excellent, something for everyone. For Dan, he missed talking with the Factory Five representatives that where there with all of their cars, even the new Coupe they are producing. Pictures of it are below. He will be happy to know that I have a new DVD containing five hours of FFR cars racing and showing off will be coming his way in the future.

Ring Brothers, GM Performance, Edelbrock, and so many other distributors where showing off new goodys. It was nice to actually put your hands on some of the parts that you only see in the catalogs.

About 3-4ish it started to downpour so we got the heck out of Dodge and headed home. I was hoping the rain would hold off, not enough hoods open to see all the fun stuff people had tucked in the engine bay.

Hope for another Tour threw Wisconsin in the future.

(Pictures are from Ryan, and Nate, from the Wisconsin Car Collector and Madison Street Car forums)