Just Saying Hi...

Got to stop by Vintage Motorcars/Spyders today. My Speedster body is in the final prep stage and should go to paint on Friday. They have done a WONDERFUL job prepping the body. From what I was told, it was not exactly straight when they got it so they have put the time in to make sure gaps are spaced correctly and everything is aligned. The plan is for everything to come together next week - body finished and mounted to my rolling chassis. Woohoo! Notice the custom hinges? They still need to be polished, but they look sweet!

I also got to spend time talking to Greg and Alex. They are both stand up guys and know their sh$&. And, I know if I need something fixed or advice on my build they will help. Just my prep/paint alone they have gone the extra mile and even included extra items, upgrades, and additional labor without charging me. That's good business. I'll definitely advocate for them.

Here you go LONGFELLA......

Going to look stunning Brian! I love the color. And what a great downdraft spray booth. I've sprayed a few cars over the years, but never in anything as nice as that. Usually it's in the middle of a warehouse with 3- 8foot step ladders in the corners, plastic blocking off 1 side and 1 end and the floor wetted to keep the dust down. They've always come out nice, in spite of the less than ideal conditions. I did a fiberglass dune buggy for a friend last summer (1st in 20 or so years) and realized just as I was finishing the last coat that if I'd let the air out of the tires it would have been easier to do the inside (when you're only 5'6 you need all the help you can get).... 

Wait?! That's my Eleanor?!?! Sweeeetttt!!!!! Have Alex or you send me the pics to my cell, I'll PM you my number :-)

Looks awesome!!!

Eleanor?  How kewl is THAT name !!!!!!!!!!

Stole it from the movie Gone in 60 secs :-/

Eleanor was the mustang, but it symbolized his ultimate dream car - the one he always wanted.

I thought it was fitting since I feel the same way about this build and car. Yeah, it's not original but I don't care. It's original to me and I'm building this thing myself. This was a build I've always wanted to do, but never pulled the trigger.

My wife and I went through a very traumatic event last year. I almost lost my wife and daughter when my wife gave birth. My wife shouldn't be here, but she fought and survived two trauma surgeries where she coded multiple times losing ALL her blood in both events that happened less than 24 hrs apart. Our daughter was not breathing when she was born, but is alive and being a little princess now. LOL! She turned a year old on May 19th

So, long story short... This build and car is my Eleanor

A few months after the event happen, the hospital asked and we offered to share our story so we can give back and express how wonderful the hospital is. We volunteer every month at the hospital to give back. I would not have my wife or daughter if is wasn't for all the nurses, staff, and doctors. I owe them everything. Below are a few links to the "grateful patient" videos they did and an article that ran in The OC Register. It just so happens 5 years ago the hospital saved my older brothers first born too

...and don't worry... I don't have that haircut anymore... don't know what I was thinking... LOL!

Saddleback Memorial Grateful Patient video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4asDGU4PPE

Saddleback Memorial Medical Foundation Reunion Video (scroll down): https://www.facebook.com/Saddl...kMemorialFoundation/

OC Register Article (about both my family and my older brothers): http://www.ocregister.com/arti...7913-dowd-brian.html

So, there's a little more insight to me, my family, and why I entered this journey you all call the madness

Natalie was the Speedster stolen in "Gone in 60 Seconds".....


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Tom Blankinship posted:

Natalie was the Speedster stolen in "Gone in 60 Seconds".....


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That is my daughters name

...and as I type this she is waking up from her nap... Daddy duty time!

Thank you for sharing your family's story, truly inspirational that you and your wife pay it forward.                                                                                                                                      Connie and I are grand parents again this time twins, a boy and girl that weighed in at under 3 lbs and now at 2 weeks, all is going fine with a July NICU release date.  Alan -  drclock.

Alan Merklin posted:

Thank you for sharing your family's story, truly inspirational that you and your wife pay it forward.                                                                                                                                      Connie and I are grand parents again this time twins, a boy and girl that weighed in at under 3 lbs and now at 2 weeks, all is going fine with a July NICU release date.  Alan -  drclock.

Congrats on the twins, Dr! And it's good to hear the twins are getting a go home date. The NICU Team most feel everything is going smoothly

Natalie was pre-mature at 34 5/7 weeks. Aside from the initial life saving the NICU Team did at birth, she only stayed in the NICU because of her weight (4 lbs at birth). She's been healthy ever since (knock on wood).

Excellent story!

My first grand kids (we've got 9 now) were twin boys. My daughter suffered from "Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome", which to use technical language is a "freakish mess for everybody involved".

The boys were never supposed to be born. My daughter was told that if she continued to carry them, she would die-- not "might die", not "could have some complications", just "you will die". She was life-flighted from a hospital in Cincinnati back to Peoria because she refused to abort.

The LORD worked a miracle in her, and in her boys.

She was on bed-rest from 16 weeks on. She delivered the boys at 30 weeks, after Isaac (one of the boys) had coded in utero. He was born dead, but was resuscitated. He had a brain aneurysm when he was 2 days old. He had a huge blood-clotting issue, and nearly had his leg amputated. He spent about 12 weeks in "nicu". His brother (Lucas) was able to come home after a month.

They're 4 now, going to turn 5 in a month. Ike faces some challenges, but is the sweetest little guy I've ever met-- earnest and winsome. He's his own man. Lucas is just a normal little kid, who's about a year or so behind developmentally, but is 100% in every way. Alissa (my daughter) is fine, and has had two more kids since the boys.

I guess this is the long way of saying-- I completely get it. And to say, "thanks" for sharing your story. I'm so glad it turned out this way.

Brian - you are certainly blessed with a beautiful wife and daughter! Thanks for sharing your story. An event like that absolutely puts life in perspective and every day after, that you share with your family, is 'icing on the cake'. Glad that a four-wheel Natalie further sweetens the pot.

FWIW - I was Lead Supervisor of the Cardio-Pulmonary Department and Pulmonary Function Laboratory at Saddleback Memorial Hospital 1974-1984. A great place to work with others committed to healthcare!

Looking forward to meeting up with you at one of our local SOC cruises! 

Childbirth is not always easy...glad for you all went well in the end Ray

Thank you for sharing you and your daughters story, Stan. I couldn't imagine being the parent when something so traumatic happens. I almost lost both that day. I'll never forget it. It humbles me everyday and reminds me what truly is important in life.

MusbJim posted:

Brian - you are certainly blessed with a beautiful wife and daughter! Thanks for sharing your story. An event like that absolutely puts life in perspective and every day after, that you share with your family, is 'icing on the cake'. Glad that a four-wheel Natalie further sweetens the pot.

FWIW - I was Lead Supervisor of the Cardio-Pulmonary Department and Pulmonary Function Laboratory at Saddleback Memorial Hospital 1974-1984. A great place to work with others committed to healthcare!

Looking forward to meeting up with you at one of our local SOC cruises! 

I owe Saddleback Memorial and the Woman's Hospital at Saddleback everything. It is a wonderful hospital and everyone I meat there still are truly amazing people.

Got another pic of Eleanor. Can't wait to see hER in person. Greg and Alex at Vintage Spyders have been SO accommodating and have gone above and beyond to make sure she looks perfect! The custom hinges for the hood and rear deck lid will add a nice touch

Looks great!  I love that color.  Is it 5707 Aquamarine Blue?  I debated for quite awhile between that and 5710 Stone Grey.  

James posted:

Looks great!  I love that color.  Is it 5707 Aquamarine Blue?  I debated for quite awhile between that and 5710 Stone Grey.

Nice color choice! Looks great as well!

Paint Code 5707 is Aquamarine Blue. It is the flat color versus the year before (I believe) that is Aquamarine Blue Metallic. They did a singe stage and laid it on thick

Build update: I got the new (...and german OEM...) axle boots on. No leaks! I also adjusted the rear brakes and bled all lines to be extra safe. Installed the camber compensator - I had to drop the trans a little to get the longer bolts in the trans. I also filled the trans with fluid and checked after I lowered the car on its tires to make sure there is enough. Got everything packed up and organized. Next step: mounting the body. Woohoo! Can't wait!

Looking good, Brian. What are the tire size(s)?

That looks awesome, Brian! 

Brian;

When AL B asks you for your tire size, you know now, you have made it into the inner circle.

Art

Very nice work !

art posted:

Brian;

When AL B asks you for your tire size, you know now, you have made it into the inner circle.

Art

Sweet! Moving up in the forum status! I'm no longer a noob ;-)

ALB posted:

Looking good, Brian. What are the tire size(s)?

Basic Pirelli 185/65R15 mounted on 5-wide chrome rims. I'm not a huge fan of the rims. I'm planning to get a set of Vintage Motorcars/Spyders. I've seen them several times in person and they are gorgeous. They will be after the build is complete...

Now everyone will know how to get in, Art!

Brian- do you have a pic of the rims? how are they different from what you have on the car now?

ALB posted:

I've never seen it, Bill; the heavier sway bars usually come with the red poly bushings. Brian seems to have the lock on making stock rubber bushings fit other things...

I did a little work on the stock bushings for the front sway bar. It's a very slow process, but it works. I found the steel brush dremel tool is a perfect diameter for the 3/4" CB performance sway bar. I attached it to my drill press, low speed setting, and just worked at it slowly. I got one done, but still have three to go...

...and yes, that's an original Star Wars poster in the background I also have the newest "Force Awakens" poster signed by the artist who happens to be a good friend of mine

ALB posted:

Now everyone will know how to get in, Art!

Brian- do you have a pic of the rims? how are they different from what you have on the car now?

Here's a pic I took from this link they posted a little while back: (https://www.speedsterowners.com...0#491073019738495360)

They look a lot better in person! The difference is color (silver vs chrome) and quality. I'm not sure where/how/who Kirk got my 5-wide chrome rims from, but the quality isn't up to my OCD-ness. But, it's part of what I worked out so they will do for the time being. And the center cap covers the imperfections.

Maybe Greg and Alex will give me a discount (wishful thinking)... LOL!

 

I remember them now, Brian. Are they aluminum?

ALB posted:

I remember them now, Brian. Are they aluminum?

I believe so...

I'm not a big "chrome" fan. I could take my rims now and have them stripped and done in silver. I'm not sure how the integrity of the rim would hold up...

Question for the experts:

What's the best fuel line to use through the center chassis tunnel?

VS uses a copper line, which is what I put in... but I wonder if there is something stronger and/or safer??

Copper is soft and over time can crack,  the NHRA /NSRA does not allow copper lines, easy to use steel line and it's safer in the long term. 

*LongFella posted:

ALB posted:

I remember them now, Brian. Are they aluminum?

I believe so...

I'm not a big "chrome" fan. I could take my rims now and have them stripped and done in silver. I'm not sure how the integrity of the rim would hold up...

Yeah, I'm not a huge chrome fan either (especially on something like a Speedster), so I get it. Although on wheels....

While (iIrc) there are issues with the surface on anything that's chromed (the term "hydrogen embrittlement" comes to mind, although I'm not quite sure why), I don't believe it affects the surface to a deep enough depth that it would mess with the structural integrity of a wheel (at least not on a light car such as a Speedster or Beetle). Guys have had wheels painted or powdercoated after being stripped of chrome, but a steel 15x 5 1/2 or 6" rim's gotta weigh at least 20 lbs. You have the opportunity to drop some unsprung weight with the aluminum rims, and ideally (budget permitting) that's the way to go. What widths do they come in and what do they weigh?

PS- I almost forgot. What Alan said. If you stick with the copper fuel line, make sure it's anchored at several points so it never moves or flexes. I'm guessing the road racing facilities wouldn't allow copper either, so if tech inspection didn't see it you'd be signing that the car conforms to rules. There could be issues in the event of a mis-hap.

PPSS- The picture link you posted above doesn't work (for me, anyway). Anybody else?

Alan Merklin posted:

Copper is soft and over time can crack,  the NHRA /NSRA does not allow copper lines, easy to use steel line and it's safer in the long term. 

Solid steel line or can it be a steel braided line?

Since the body isn't mounted yet, I've got some time to switch the line out. Easier to work on without a body...

ALB posted:

*LongFella posted:

ALB posted:

I remember them now, Brian. Are they aluminum?

I believe so...

I'm not a big "chrome" fan. I could take my rims now and have them stripped and done in silver. I'm not sure how the integrity of the rim would hold up...

Yeah, I'm not a huge chrome fan either (especially on something like a Speedster), so I get it. Although on wheels....

While (iIrc) there are issues with the surface on anything that's chromed (the term "hydrogen embrittlement" comes to mind, although I'm not quite sure why), I don't believe it affects the surface to a deep enough depth that it would mess with the structural integrity of a wheel (at least not on a light car such as a Speedster or Beetle). Guys have had wheels painted or powdercoated after being stripped of chrome, but a steel 15x 5 1/2 or 6" rim's gotta weigh at least 20 lbs. You have the opportunity to drop some unsprung weight with the aluminum rims, and ideally (budget permitting) that's the way to go. What widths do they come in and what do they weigh?

PS- I almost forgot. What Alan said. If you stick with the copper fuel line, make sure it's anchored at several points so it never moves or flexes. I'm guessing the road racing facilities wouldn't allow copper either, so if tech inspection didn't see it you'd be signing that the car conforms to rules. There could be issues in the event of a mis-hap.

PPSS- The picture link you posted above doesn't work (for me, anyway). Anybody else?

The link was to the thread Alex started advertising the pre-order sale of the rims. I was doing it from my iPhone last night - guess it didn't work.

Try this one: https://www.speedsterowners.com...uminum-wheels-orders

That's it! Thanks for posting that Brian. 10 lbs. for each wheel; that's pretty light, but then (as Stan mentioned in the thread) most wide 5 disc set ups are heavy. Definitely worth holding out for the light(er) brakes...

*LongFella posted:

Alan Merklin posted:

Copper is soft and over time can crack,  the NHRA /NSRA does not allow copper lines, easy to use steel line and it's safer in the long term. 

Solid steel line or can it be a steel braided line?

Since the body isn't mounted yet, I've got some time to switch the line out. Easier to work on without a body...

Solid steel will keep you more aligned to your.... budget :~)

 

 

ALB posted:

That's it! Thanks for posting that Brian. 10 lbs. for each wheel; that's pretty light, but then (as Stan mentioned in the thread) most wide 5 disc set ups are heavy. Definitely worth holding out for the light(er) brakes...

I usually do that upgrade and have done it to my daily driver now. Lighter wheels and upgraded rotors, etc...

Greg sent me another photo. It still needs the full color sand and buff, but isn't she a beauty? I'm like a fat kid in a candy store...

^ You say that like its a bad thing!