2023 Parking lot build, let's do one!

I'll be there Thursday night, only need to get new tires and stickers on the 86 on Friday, otherwise available to help.

I just realized that after years of trying I finally get to Stampie rule a whole car. 

In reply to nocones :

its' the one behind the house that you told me to turn into a pond. i'll snap a couple. 

we're currently dealing with old dog on his last months, so we're planning to drive weds/thurs, get there thursday late afternoon, and roll out sunday from the track and head north. 

also, I can probably say this, but I'm judging concours this year in lieu or bringing a car, so bribery window is open as of right now

I can probably lend a hand since I'll be there (but not actually in the challenge) though I haven't actually booked a hotel room yet..... I should get on that haha

Do you even scrape Bro?

Just think of all the cones you could collect with those doors!

Alright it's time to start thinking up a "plan".

Patrick sent me some pictures of the "Manx" clone that he has.  Being the incredible, fair, wonderful person he is he also sent me some measurements.  

Look as much as I want to try to build a Manx style hood out of fiberglass I admit it would be easier if this body could be utilized in some way.   

So I checked SketchUp library and sure enough Meyers Manx dune buggies exist.  Also very detailed drawing of them exist in the LIBRARY OF CONGRESS because the Manx is considered culturally significant.  I adjusted the Manx to match the dimensions Patrick gave and it looks roughly like it will cover the Miata base structure.   

We will probably have to quarter the body, mount the corners and then Fiberglass to fill in.   That's a lot easier work though then making a whole new hood.  

So tomorrow I'm going to attempt to put together a build plan.   I think I'm going to head up the "body" team and Singleslammer will head up the "chassis" team.  

People routinely take Months and or Years to build a traditional kitcar dune buggy.   Challengers will attempt to do it in a completely novel way in 24 hours, in a Best Western parking lot.  

Is this the part where I point out that nocones politely asked about using the Devin body.  Then he politely asked about how much I minded them changing Lil Bastard.  Then Singleslammer was all like "Hey do you have tubing so that we can remount the radiator?"

In reply to Stampie :

No reason to beat around the bush, you had already said that it was "ours" for the weekend. Nocones is the mastermind, I'm just asking for the ride.

Back to the t-bird posted on FMP, here's the closeup of what's in the back seat location. Do you suppose it's structural to the car? I'm guessing a wooden roll bar won't pass tech.

I have no idea...

If you decide against using the Manx clone, I'm interested. I've been looking for one. 

Floating Doc (Forum Supporter) said:

Back to the t-bird posted on FMP, here's the closeup of what's in the back seat location. Do you suppose it's structural to the car? I'm guessing a wooden roll bar won't pass tech.

I have no idea...

That's a sub box.  Known as a "wall" that car was probably loud af.

I have some foam left over foam a fiberglass project that is good for shaping and making plugs. I could bring that on Friday and lend a hand with either team.

I'm likely to show up with the 3.9 swapped rx8.  I could maybe use some help on some things and also be willing to help with the plb.  We will see.

We're getting in Thursday evening late-ish, and I'll be available pretty much all day on a Friday for PLB shenanigans/corvair needs/whatever. If there's anything that needs picked up between DC and FL in time for Friday work, we'll probably have room to toss stuff in the flex or e30 enroute.

I'm looking forward to wrenching on someone else's ish in the best western lot this time! 

In reply to ralleah :

Sweet, looking forward to seeing you there. 
 

if anyone needs anything from the Cleveland area get it to me and I'll get it there. 

ralleah said:

I'm looking forward to wrenching on someone else's ish in the best western lot this time! 

This is admittedly one of the most fun opportunities at the challenge.

I dropped Lil Bastard off this evening. Didn't take long for the vultures to set in.

I don't think I'll be around for lunch ordering but fyi 5 star pizza is good and delivers to the parking lot build spot

Not responsible for damage to vehicles.

Following along from the tire shop waiting room for hard-hitting updates

No fire ring? No problem! 

Wish I could be there helping, but my road trip vehicle turned out to not be up for the drive. Will be cheering along from afar!

Right now we are reinstalling the turbolater.

Items fought with today:

Starter - was torn down to every single part, lubed, reassembled.  Now that works.

Sorry, i don't have pics of this.

Next was water pouring out between belhousing and engine.  Drilled a hole into bellhousing and drained it out.

No pics.

Adjusters for the ride height were stuck.  Much hammering and yelling freed them up.

Exhaust was fabricobbled together.

Next, the waste gate is missing its fire ring gasket.  Axle nut was modified to provide somewhat of a seal.  Let's see if it works!

Also, the clutch is seized.  We will try to free that up once everything else is fixed.