It just might happen that Whitey runs in the Vodden Race

I just received word from Sparky of his progress. Last I left him and Whitey in late June, the wiring harness was spilling out of the car like guts, and all had concerns look as the car would not start because of a ground wire in the ignition was sporadically working. Also, facing us was the tedious work to identify each of the wires to activate or deactivate the car's various functions. I think the sporadic element was too much, but whatever the case, Sparky has decided to rewire a good portion of Whitey. This task is not taken lightly for it too is a lot of work and requires great skill to accomplish. So, forgive me that there was some doubt (more because of the time, and only Sparky has the skills) that there is a plan B in mind. (Rubie like a Phoenix can rise again in three week.  It would take some " unique " fixes, and no guaranties that we will be point straight, but something will run.)

However, since that glumly June, we have seen many events.  The first being the main wiring harness coming out. (See,  a previous post with Torch proudly weighing the end trails.) Various e-mails about plans, cars systems added to the plans, and parts arriving all greatly increased the hope. Then today comes additional good news. A photo of life in the control panel and switches as the new wiring harness is bench (really card table) tested.

This is a big milestone, so many kudos to Sparky for his hard work to get to this point. We still need to get it all in, and test it, but hey one step at a time.

As for other items, work on both cars are planned for this weekend. I plan to visit Torch on Sunday to continue to reduce those pesky punch list items, so more on that later this weekend.

We have landed

The equipment has arrived. We had some work to keep the stuff within the lines. Once the perimeter was established we made quick work of setting up.

Sears Pointless 2013

Sears Pointless 2013 is finally here, even if we aren't.  The crew was up till 3:00 am packing for this one and didn't get off to an early start today.  Sparky ran ahead to get here when the gates opened so we could grab a pair of pit spots for the two cars.  Once the rest of the team arrives, we'll set up shop and then get the cars out on the track for practice.

Sunday Work Weekend

Work has continued on the new chariot. On Saturday Rod, Brendan, and I continued the stripping of the Miata and work started on the conversion to a Type-D. As part of the stripping several fun parts were pulled and placed on Craiglist. The tally of sold parts now is at $156.02 and 9 bags of Jelly Beans!

The conversion to the Type-D is well on its way. The rear fin is shaping up well.

Work continued on Monday. Sparky and family stopped in for a quick lunch. Sparky and Sparky Jr started the work untangling the electrical system. Early signs are encouraging, but the nagging questions, like "can it start" are still there.

As for the next work weekend, we are looking at this next Sunday, September, 11. It sounds like we will have a good crowd, so I'll see if Z-Chef is up to wiping something up for us. As for tasks there are several goals.

1) Work on D- Continue the conversation to a type-D.

2) More Work on D- Look through the car for any additional stripping opportunities.

3) Chop up Goddie.

Yes, you read that right. As a promise to Z-Chef, it is now time to reduce the amount of lawn art that is around. So, it is time for goddie to be chopped, parts removed, and then removal of the carcass. I will be here all day, so come anytime to help or watch the fun.

Muddy

Miata Conversation to a Type-D

Lugnut and I did some work on the Type-D Mazda today. To start, I was delayed as a result of Soccer game. By the time I got back to the garage, Lugnut had started the process of clearing the shop and getting it ready for the second occupant. Here is the last look of the car as a Miata.

We then set our ratchets to left, got out the screw drivers, and an empty coffee can, then started from the back of the car and worked our way to the front. Here is the aftermath:

After a full day of striping you get a pile like this.

From this there are a few gems. For starters here is the small pile of change found on the floor boards.

$1.02 was collected which is great, but not enough.

Then about nine items have been pulled that might be worth something on the open market (i.e. Craiglist). Here is where I ask for your help. We need to move a few items! Though Thrown Rod got the car for a great deal, we need about $100 to be within the lemon rules. So, if you know anyone that could use some Mazda Car parts for their car or simply as memento, that would get great.

Here is the list of parts that I think may move and I have linked the Craiglist posting.

Radio and Speakers

Seats with Speakers

Manual Door window handle

Headlight Motors

Air Condition Control

Convertible roof parts

AC Compressor

Door Windows set (triangle and main door window)

Inner Door Handles

Muddy

Race day

We were first in line for tech this morning (not hard since most teams finished tech yesterday) and sailed though. Now we have our 'good enough' safety sticker and Doug is putting the transponder on the car so it will be ready to go soon.

Sausage and eggs are cooking in the RV so it is definitely a good morning.

We are hoping to run two hour stints through th next 24 hours. Rod's finger is also 'good enough' so we have 6 drivers. Driving order is Kirsten, Doug, Tony, Steve, Rod and Claus. Even if we can't make 2 hour stints we'll hold the order and just adjust.

January Update

As January has quietly slipped away, physical work on the car has been postponed as another one of my passions enter the final stage of their season. However, this does not mean work has stop. Planning is in full swing for Sears Pointless (March 26-27). From the list of work, I estimate two days of transmission work, a day of seat change and roll bar work, and day work for brakes.

Some work has already begun. An early post indicated the results of some mechanical testing indicates that the engine is no worse for wear with further tests are coming. Sparky is actively working to decipher the ECU in Bletchley Park and I expect some Ultra ECU communication by the end of February. His code braking will allow us to get deeper into the working of the engine and hopefully see if the ECU is finding any trouble.

As we await the results of Sparky’s effort I have moved on to ask what we can do to improve our finishing position. One of the problems I would like to address is the car’s balance in the corner. Driving the car hard into the corner an oversteer conditions occurs. If this is not corrected the Z can get unpredictable with violent oscillations or if not caught out right snaps around. So, the question to you readers, is how can we get the car setup to drift better (place comments below)?