Pittsburgh and back

Yesterday it was blowing 50 mph, tomorrow it's suppose to snow and today it was perfect for flying. A little cold but light breezes all day. Loaded up the parts to be plated and off I went.

Used Zelienople Municipal airport, borrowed one of there crew cars and was at Paul's Chrome shop in less than 15 minutes. At least that's done and I can concentrate on other projects.

Plumbing

Now is the time to measure for all the oil lines. I don't see any problems or road blocks. Looking at about 18 ft of oil lines and another dozen fittings. The water hose from the swirl pot to the intake manifold does not line up. Have to give some thought to this problem.

Happy Holidays...

...and Merry Christmas to all!

Next week

The weather was good, but the timing was bad. It looks like I won't get to the platers until next week. Still some loose ends to wrap up before Christmas and just don't have the time.

Parts ready for plating

The new parts Brian made have been glass beaded and wire wheeled and now are ready for the nickel plating. Doing this prep work saves time at the shop and a couple of bucks for me. A win, win. I have my eye on Wednesday to bring the parts out to the platers. The weather is looking good so far, here and out by Pittsburgh.

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.