Radiator support

Went to pickup the radiator support from Chris today, finally. If looks like less work to make it fit than I originally thought. Plus it's in very good condition, much better than my old one.

This is a photo of the old one. I'm going to have to add those tabs on the top right to the newer one I just got, and a couple of other small modifications. But all in all, no big deal.

Paint ordered

Ordered a gallon of each color. I use two different yellows, one is for a 1974 GMC motor home and the other comes from a 2000 Ford. The Ford color is the base coat, an extra expense but produces the desired color. A gallon is more than I need, but always worried one day they will outlaw acrylic lacquer paint.

Goodyear tires

I've placed a order with Goodyear tires for 2 sets. This should put me on top of the list for next years tire supply. Not taking any chances. The set I have now should be ok for one more event.

Flying with a unwanted passenger?

Since the purchase of the race car 3 years ago, my flying has gone from 3 times a week to once a month. The biggest problem of using the plane only once a month are birds like to make nest in areas like the wings and tail. Mice are also looking for a place to make a nest for the winter. If you're flying all the time, this isn't a big problem. Less time invites more trouble.

The other day I planned a short trip and arrived at the airport expecting a uneventful day.
After starting the engine and beginning to taxi to the runway for a engine run up, I noticed a little less power than I'm use to. This small decrease in power continued during the engine run- up and mag check. Also was picking up a faint vibration. A passenger would not notice the problem, but having over 1000 hrs flight time in this plane, you just know something is not right.
So back it went to it's tie down spot, no flying today.

The next day I removed the cowling to look for the problem. The first place to look was the carburetor air box which is underneath the engine.


Ah ha!, a nest inside the carburetor air cleaner box.

The culprit is caught on camera. A non-paying passenger. This mouse was getting ready for winter. He had build a complete nest inside the air cleaner box.

This was the problem, blocking the carburetor and sucking in some nest material. Once this was all cleaned out the plane again purred like a kitten(which I could of used).

News Flash

Just received my copy of Road & Track magazine(Nov. issue) and found a very nice article written by Sam Posey on the recent Bobby Rahal event at Watkins Glen this past June. I also just received notice that the Watkins Glen event has been cancelled for next year. The old "I have good news and bad news".
.
Link to Road and Track article.

Next update November 1st

The car is going to take a back seat to other projects that have a higher priority. Next update will be November 1st.

A day at Hershey

Wow, what a nice day, not a cloud in the sky. When I first get there, I stop at 3 vendors who might have F5000 race programs and photos. My main race program guy was going out of business and this was going to be his last show. He had already disposed of 22,000 race programs to one person. His booth was basically empty. This is starting to be the same story over and over again. Most of the guys selling this stuff are 70+ years old. There's no one to pass the torch too, so they just end up quiting. The other 2 vendors had nothing. Spent the day, but went home empty.

One of those "what is it" cars.

Saw this guy while I was in the parking lot eating my lunch. I don't think he's looking for a starter motor for his "39" Plymouth.