Crinkle Paint

Purchased crinkle paint from VHT, painted the gauge panel and put it in a warm oven. Came out real nice.

Nose job

Fitted the front structure that holds the radiator and nose. It going to need a few repairs. The nose has 4 fasteners on the the top back, but right now it just sits on the front and I don't see anyway it's fastened. I guess it's time to contact another Lola T192 owner.

Windshield

Starting to gather the loose ends such as the windshield. It was broken and repaired by placing a sheet of fiberglass over the outside. I removed the fiberglass and it looks to be OK to make a mould off it. Talking to a aircraft windshield Co. in Pa. they will let me know next week on cost.

Revisiting old friends

I'm back at the rear uprights. I took apart what I could and removed the nut on the sub-axle. At this point a soft tap on the axle shaft and it should come apart. Nope, nothing happened. I contacted a good friend out in Seattle "Eric Haga" who's restoring his old Lola T190. He sent me the Lola drawing of the upright and said it should come out, the nut is the only thing that's holding it. Well, back to the shop with drawing in hand and a little more confidence. Bingo! it worked.

Loosing your bearings?

The drive line uses 4 universal joints. As I was removing them to replace w/new, the last one I noticed inside the cup metal shavings and sure enough the cup was pitted. These where being replaced anyway, but I don't think it would have lasted another race. Sure hate to see one of these let loose at 160 mph.

So far things fit

Every now and then it's a good idea to go a few steps ahead just to make sure there's clearances. Wanted to make sure the body didn't interfere with suspension and other parts recently added. Looks good.

Fire Bottle

The fire bottle pressure gauge reads about 250, the same as it did in the 1975 photos. Don't know it this is going to be legal?

More Decals

I'm getting better with these decals. The side panels have a large curve, so I had to level the car and then could level the decals. Also installed the insert for the side panels.

All those little details.

The small panel that holds a pair of gauges needed a little touch up. There was no way I was going to remove it. It's riveted in. A whole lot of paper and tape and a small amount of paint made it better.

The large one is removable and I understand that if you paint it and put it in a hot oven, it makes the paint crinkle to reproduce what I need.

Race Schedule

My tentative race schedule.

June 24-28 Mid-Ohio
July 15-19 Road America
September 9-13 Watkins Glen
October 1-4 Millville, NJ

Side Impact Panels

There's one thing I have learned on this overhaul, parts that are removed just don't bolt right back on again. The aluminium panels have nut inserts that are pressed in place. As luck goes, some are turning as I try to fastened them with the bolts. So I have ordered new replacements and should have them early next week.

Starting on the wiring.

Sorting at the wiring and gauges, and looking at the side impact structure. Not so much that I have it 100% completed before I move on, but to make sure it fits. The rear hub bearing carriers are something that I might send out. Not sure if I have the proper equipment or knowledge to rebuild them? But should make a decision soon.

Right side done.

Right front went together without a hitch.

That's the problem.

As mentioned in a earlier post, the steering geometry didn't seem correct. I discovered my error when assembling the right side. The two aluminum plates that mount on the bearing carrier where placed upside down. I assumed the aluminum triangle was equal distance, but I was wrong. Steering rack, toe links all look right now. So I guess I'm going back to the photos and place the spacers on the bottom.

The plate on the top is correct.

Plating and more.

Finishing up the plating for the right front suspension and should be assembled today.

Now for the right side

Everything looks good. Seems to be plenty of clearance. The right side should go faster, now that I know the pitfalls. The goal is to have everything forward of the roll bar completed by year's end.

Photos ???

I've probably mentioned this before, but the car was completely dismantled and later, reassembled to sell but never raced. So all the photos and notes taken might not be accurate. This is a issue I came across on the spacers used on the steering link that connects to the front bearing carrier. The old photos shows the spacer on the bottom. When connected there, it just throws everything off, and looking at photos of other Lola T190's 92's, it shows the spacer on the top, which works better. So for now I'm placing it on the top. When the right side suspension is on, I'll have a better idea. I think the bump steer is through these spacers? It's been awhile.

Front Suspension

Starting to place some of the front suspension hardware on the car. Temporary put in place just to make sure it all bolts together properly.

Rotor Time.

It's back to work. Pulled out the left front rotor from my boxes of many parts. Another one of those parts you forget about and realize it has to be inspected and cleaned up., and there's 3 more to do. Starting to think I better pickup the pace a bit, if I want to race next year.

12" Snow in October?

Tuesday looked like a tornado past through. The snow stuck to the leaves and just broke everything. The power to the house went out at noon on Tuesday and return late Thursday evening. However the shop where I keep the car is behind the house and has a separate electric line. Tree snapped it and now I'm still waiting for electric back there.

Fuel cells, steering rack.

Steering rack is installed, fuel cells front crossover plumbing all connected.

Can closeup the fuel cells now, and move to the left front suspension.

More Progress

Last week was productive. Clutch line is done, steering rack is ready for installation and gas, brake and clutch pedals are in and tight. Waiting on some hardware from "Pegasus" and "Air Craft Spruce".

Decals

It's starting to come together. But, as with everything else, it sure has taken a lot longer to accomplished.

I'm changing the route the left rear brake line takes. The old line went around the radiator cooling line(photo). The new line will stay along the tub, hoping this stays out of the way of parts, down the road. I purchased the car as a roller, so I have not photos of the car complete in this area.

Fuel cells and lines.

This week has been fairly productive. I did have to make a small adjustment to the front brake lines. I forgot the square radiator cooling lines run down the same channel as the brake lines and had to move the lines to the side. No big deal but still took a couple of hours. Before I tackle the rear lines I’ll take a real close look at my photos of this section and try to get it right the first time.
As you can see the fuel cells are installed. As mention in a earlier blog, make small modifications to the tub to accept the new cells. But they went right in on the first try, and fit perfect.

Brake Lines

Didn't think I would have anytime today for the car, but found about a hour and got the front brake lines done.