Back to work

Had a little time today and worked a couple of hours on the car. Removed all the new bits and pieces to ready them for nickel plating. Called up the Co. that does the plating to see how long it would take, 6-7 weeks. One way or another, they must be out to them sometime next week.

Reflections

It seemed so long ago. When I first saw the Lola I thought, it's in pretty good condition, this shouldn't take to long or cost too much. I was very wrong on both counts. But one big advantage over buy a car that's in race condition, is you know every inch of the your car. All parts are new, rebuilt or just inspected. Your not relying on some other persons work. You know what you got.

Anyway, back to work. Brian had to move the oil cooler location back to the original spot. The rear wing struts got in the way. Probably more secure at this location.

What's next?

With the car safely back in the shop, and the holidays fast approaching, not a whole lot will be accomplished till after Christmas. One of the first items on the list, all the new metal pieces must be nickel plated. I'll use the same plating shop that's out by Pittsburgh. No UPS, I'll drive or fly, can't take a chance at this point. The engine has to be removed for the flywheel and clutch installation, then oil lines.
I like to think at this point the major obstacles have been tackled, and the rest is down hill from here on in(fingers crossed).

It's Back!

Just got back today with the car. I'm very pleased with all the work, Brian did a fantastic job.

Snow....Again

I guess if it's snowing , this must be Wednesday. Right now there must be 3-4 inch's of snow with sleet that's slowly turning into rain. It's starting to look like next week to retrieve the car. The big issue with the weather is my shop, it's about 400 ft. behind the house and there is no driveway, I just drive across the yard. If the yard is really soaked, the truck tires sinks into the yard and gets stuck, big time.

Snow

Had my fingers crossed the car would be back before I had to deal with snow(4-5 inch's). The fall has been so mild, you thought the snow wouldn't happen till the new year. The plan is to pick up the car Wednesday, the forecast is for warmer days. It should be gone by then.

Lola just about done.

Brian sent a email, says the last thing to be completed is putting the black coating on the headers. So the car will be ready for pickup next week. That's like a month ahead of schedule, or I could say I was hoping before Christmas, with the possibility of early next year. Very good news I must say.

No news

If everything is going on schedule, the collectors for the exhaust system should be completed this week. But even if the car is completed, the truck is not configured for moving a race car at this time. The truck wouldn't be available til next week.

Race schedule update

Below is the race schedule from the "Formula 5000 Drivers Association" I have been waiting for. This is the group I belong to and the series I plan to run. Wow, two races on the west coast. Last year the first race(May) was in California, and the F5000 group race was cancelled because no one went. Maybe having the events in late summer/early fall might help. Anyone on the east coast would must likely leave the car and equipment out there and fly back and then return for the October race. Something to think about, still many months away.

(news release)
The Formula 5000 Drivers Association is pleased to announce its racing schedule for 2010. Building on the success of the prior two years, the Association has announced an expanded race program for 2010 consisting of five events spanning from the east to the west coasts of the U.S.

The 2010 U.S. Formula 5000 Revival Races will take place at the following venues:

• April 29 – May 2: Road Atlanta, GA - HSR Walter Mitty Speedfest
• June 10 - 13: Watkins Glen, NY – HMP Bobby Rahal Legends of Motorsports
• July 15 - 18: Road America, WI – Kohler International Challenge w/Brian Redman
• September 3 - 6: Portland Raceway, OR – SOVREN Columbia River Classic
• October 1 – 3: Infineon Raceway, CA – CSRG Charity Challenge

Rollbar rear supports

Two more items completed. The original rear facing roll bar supports no longer fitted because I was using carburetors instead of fuel injection. So the new ones had to be made with a slight bend to clear the carburetors. They also support the air intake that sits on top of the carbs.

Rear wing struts

Rear wing struts where next on Brian's list. I really wasn't sure how he was going to tackle this problem. He took the best approach, start fresh and discard the two old supports. The only issue was with the oil cooler bracket, this was now in the way. So I decide have the oil cooler moved back to the original location, over the gear box. Will need to make a new mount.

Just like all the previous work, this to came out real nice. Brian at Vintage Racing Services certainly comes highly recommended.

Exhaust system

The left and right exhaust are now being worked on. Brian has the collectors for the exhaust system on order and should be here after Thanksgiving. Looking good.

Oil pump

The oil pump and all the belts are now in the right location. Just need to order a shorter belt. Brian mentioned this was no easy task, not much room for the pulleys. Just above the pulleys and to the right(round cylinder) is the new swirl pot.

I'm just amazed how fast all this is being accomplished.

OIl Tank done

Brian sent a couple of photos of the completed oil tank. It's a lot more than just a cylinder that holds 3 gallons of oil. Really nice work, isn't it.

Update

Received some news from the shop yesterday. The swirl tank for the cooling system is done. They used original drawings that Eric Haga had. The oil tank is 90% done. Next is the throttle bracket, rear wing supports, rear roll bar supports, pulley system for the oil pump(a bigger job than I thought) and exhaust system. So, everything is looking good so far.