Monday, December 23, 2013

Z's Damage Review and Work Ahead

This weekend, Blueberry, Torch, and I looked at the carnage that the last two races reaped on the equipment.  We first reviewed the Z and first performed are standard engine look over and compression test.  The result of the test indicated no change in reading from last test.

1-170, 2-180, 3-180, 4-170, 5- 180, 6-180.

Unfortunately, that is the last of the good news.

As we looked over the car, every corner, from front to rear and from side to side something detrimental has happened.  Looking at these problems, individually they do not seem terminal.  However, the list is extensive and is likely the direct result of three known collision that occurred in the Arse-freeze race.  

Here is the list of Z items found from the Arse-Freeze (demolition debris) that today have found:


Area of the Car
Damage Observed
Notes:
Front Bumper
Bent
Several dings on both the right and left side of the front bumper found. The metal portion was bent, but with a little finessing and paint, we should be good.

Radiator
Hole
We were able to pull the radiator and look closely at it and confirm our thought when on the track. A hole in one of the vain lines was found. Being the radiator is aluminum repair will take time, but do able.

Front Frame

Separated
Since we pulled the radiator out we were able to examine the front frame. On both sides of the front frame, the metal plates have separated from the rail. To fix these problems, we will need to bend and then need to weld the seams back together.

Right Front Fender

Dented
Contact appears to have pushed the lower part of the fender in. Some pushing out and realigning of the outer and inner fender is needed.

Right Front wheel suspension

Bent
This one is troublesome. It is quite clear that something is bent in this mess and has two results.  First, the caster is off, and we have visible amount of negative caster. Also, the rim to chassis off-set has changed to the point that we no longer any off-set. This all means we need to measure the alignment, then pull everything apart to find the culprit.  Leading guess is the car’s strut structure is bent, but it could also be the strut tube, the lower control arm or all of the above.

Right Front Wheel Bearing

Loose
Reviewing the front hub there appears to be some new play in the wheel bearing.  It will need to be pull with the bearings, hub and spindle checked.

Right Front Wheel Rim

Cracked
As a result of the contact, the outside of the rim has some new marks and scraps. However, when we look on the inside the damage is much more troubling. It appears there is a crack in the rim. Also, this damage seems to be the result of the rim off-set that no longer exists and there is rubbing on the strut tube.

Left Front Fender

Dented with Penetration
The Alfa Damage is clear here.  The dark blue paint is a good indication of the perpetrator.  To repair this damage the sheet metal guy needs some time.

Diver's Door

Dented
Here we have more Alfa contact damage and more sheet metal guy time. On the good side, the door latches again.

Rear cross member
Bent and sheared off
This was the first obvious damage, and we work on track.  The positive caster on this wheel means we have some work to do here.  The thought was to measure the alignment and see if anything else is bent.

Left Rear Lower suspension arm
Bent
In the Alfa hit the lower arm was bent. On the track, we patched it, but we need to measure it to see how far off we are. Then we should take it down and perform a deeper inspection.

Left Rear Shock
Blown
When the car was jacked up, an interesting gargling occurred. With all the other fluid dripping out of the car this was normal sound for the day. However, the location was weird until we saw the oil leak. The rear shock is blown.

Left and Right Rear Quarter Panel
Dented and penetrated
There are a few dents on the left side that should quickly be handled. The right side is a little different. The dent is so large and deep it has breached the seam, and a creative repair is needed.

Diffuser
Ripped
This took a few hits and needs to be brought down and several patches done.

Rear Bumper
Dangling
On the right side, the bumper cover has split and ripped open. Some creative work needs here too.


And just for fun here is some pictures.



Many fun work days ahead.

No comments:

Post a Comment