Author Topic: 3 Month Countdown to the Nats- Ready or Not (Read 684 times)

kentucky yeti · « **on:** May 23, 2019, 12:30:28 PM »

"http://free.timeanddate.com/countdown/i6rvxlzf/n805/cf12/cm0/cu4/ct0/cs0/ca0/cr0/ss0/cac000/cpc000/pcfff/tcfff/fs100/szw320/szh135/tatTime%20left%20to%20Event%20in/tac000/tptTime%20since%20Event%20started%20in/tpc000/mac000/mpc000/iso2019-08-23T00:00:00"

kentucky yeti · « **Reply #1 on:** May 23, 2019, 12:32:30 PM »

What do you need to do to your car in the next three months?

hakitup · « **Reply #2 on:** May 23, 2019, 02:29:52 PM »

My transmission is fixed so I have to get the a/c working better and get the EFI tuned better. Detail engine compartment and wax the heck out of it then I’m ready to go!

Tom H

roadking77 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 23, 2019, 04:34:39 PM »

Finish the paint, install interior, new glass, rebuild motor, reinstall motor, Wait a minute, I better set the countdown for next year!

GTABill · « **Reply #4 on:** May 24, 2019, 02:29:06 PM »

Take off all of the old polish and wax, do some paint correction, reapply better coatings, change oil, clean all the nooks and crannies, but before all of that...............send in my registration lol.

Plus I'm STILL waiting for my personalized historic plates to arrive. Going on four months now...................

Update four hours after the original reply......THE PLATES FINALLY ARRIVED!! Its gonna be a good weekend!

« **Reply #4 on:** May 24, 2019, 02:29:06 PM »

hakitup · « **Reply #5 on:** July 12, 2019, 09:11:53 AM »

I have my registration card got it about three weeks ago. The a/c has been charged but it feels like one of the diverter doors is stuck so I’ll play with that. I’m ready to get going, are we planning to meet up at the show?

Tom H

GTABill · « **Reply #6 on:** July 29, 2019, 11:51:15 AM »

I just got my registration mailed. Made sure it was postmarked today so there is no doubt I beat the deadline lol

kentucky yeti · « **Reply #7 on:** July 31, 2019, 10:18:43 AM »

Trying to make the '69 ready. One step forward- two steps back. All small things, but things that I need to get done in the next two weeks.

kentucky yeti · « **Reply #8 on:** August 08, 2019, 08:48:29 AM »

Raised front end an inch; it now clears the rolled fender lips when hitting highway bumps. Front end alignment done. Mobil1 in the engine. Trunk deck lid drilled out and 400 emblem installed. Arrowhead emblem installed on the front grille. Hoping to drill out the hood and install the 400 emblems tonite, and install a new headlight adjuster ( one headlight shines at a 45* angle after the adjuster broke a few days ago . Luckily Firebird Central is sending me a new set today).
Then clean the interior and ceramic coat the new paint. Check new drip in the transmission. Check driver side taillight wiring (light is flickering). It just never ends...

hakitup · « **Reply #9 on:** August 08, 2019, 10:09:46 AM »

That’s still a pretty big list. I thought I was down to wax and clean engine but I noticed the rear end making a light howl turning right on long corners. I ended up reshiming the ring gear as the bearing broke in it loosened up and as I turned right the back lash was getting to tight. Anyway it fixed and I back to wax and clean engine compartment.

Tom H

GTABill · « **Reply #10 on:** August 08, 2019, 11:49:35 AM »

As far as I can tell, it'll be freshen up everything and hopefully just pull it up on the trailer lol. I finished the ceramic spray coating a couple weeks ago but need to do a fresh wipe down. I'm using Adams products currently with the exception for paint correction and then its Meguiars all the way, so we'll see how the Adams ceramic products are. I've done the spray coating and also got their ceramic boost and ceramic waterless wash. I know there are a lot of detailers that don't really care for the Adams products but I've found them for the most part on par with a lot of the mainstream "boutique" detailing products and he sells his product through GM dealerships now, so he must have something going for him.

squirrel · « **Reply #11 on:** August 08, 2019, 05:39:41 PM »

Looks like my 78 marty ta will not be finished as its still in paint jail and my painters mom died last month. Was hoping to have it there but I will bring my 78 brown ta and maybe my 79 SE 4 speed ta.

kentucky yeti · « **Reply #12 on:** August 08, 2019, 08:01:36 PM »

Nothing more calming than drilling holes in a brand new, freshly-painted hood.

GTABill · « **Reply #13 on:** August 08, 2019, 09:11:25 PM »

Eh, no pressure lol. Really turned out good!

hakitup · « **Reply #14 on:** August 13, 2019, 07:11:15 PM »

Washed waxed, windows cleaned I just need to vacuum and start loading stuff. I’m excited to get on the road. BTW I hate drilling new holes especially in new paint!

Tom H

« **Reply #14 on:** August 13, 2019, 07:11:15 PM »

FormTA · « **Reply #15 on:** August 13, 2019, 07:48:57 PM »

Wish I could go. We'll be on a family vacation. Maybe next year and I can drive my 79 down. Looks like you all should have great weather. Be safe all! Have fun.

76 - 455 - 4 · « **Reply #16 on:** August 13, 2019, 08:07:33 PM »

Beautiful!

b_hill_86 · « **Reply #17 on:** August 13, 2019, 09:36:31 PM »

Quote from: FormTA on August 13, 2019, 07:48:57 PM

Wish I could go. We'll be on a family vacation. Maybe next year and I can drive my 79 down. Looks like you all should have great weather. Be safe all! Have fun.

You get yours drivable next year and I get my rear end rebuilt we can follow each other down

FormTA · « **Reply #18 on:** August 14, 2019, 04:49:43 AM »

Brian, that's a good idea. We'll have to meet up some day. If you're ever around Whitehouse/Waterville after 5 you should stop out. I'm not far from the Kroger on 64. I'd like to see your car.

b_hill_86 · « **Reply #19 on:** August 14, 2019, 07:15:07 AM »

Sounds good. I used to go to that Kroger all the time when I lived about 3 miles outside of Haskins. Weather (and wife) permitting I might head to the cruise-in in Perrysburg this Friday if you’re around the area.

Sorry to get off topic. Unfortunately I have a wedding Saturday of the nats soni can only drive down Friday. I’ve been told Friday is more setup day. Still worth a 2 1/2 hour drive or no? I’ve never made it down there yet.

fb_rider · « **Reply #20 on:** August 14, 2019, 04:16:57 PM »

Yes it is worth it. Not as good as the weekend but still worth it. The later you can stay the more cars that will show up.

b_hill_86 · « **Reply #21 on:** August 14, 2019, 05:33:32 PM »

Thanks

squirrel · « **Reply #22 on:** August 15, 2019, 07:02:17 AM »

I think Friday is the best, anticipation is at its peak. Cars coming and going, people are not so worried about their car and cleaning them yet. Its a great day on Friday, but I like all three days.

Maryland Bandit · « **Reply #23 on:** August 15, 2019, 09:07:40 AM »

Saturdays were always the calm before the Sunday storm. Sunday up to around noon, everyone's got the detail frenzy going on ahead of the judges walk around.

kentucky yeti · « **Reply #24 on:** August 15, 2019, 11:37:10 AM »

Ceramic coating finished.

Untitled by kentuckyyeti, on Flickr

Untitled by kentuckyyeti, on Flickr

The color in direct sunlight:

Untitled by kentuckyyeti, on Flickr

GTABill · « **Reply #25 on:** August 15, 2019, 12:15:17 PM »

Very NICE!!! Which brand did you use? I just finished doing the same. Went with Adams Spray Ceramic coating. Haven't had it out of the garage yet, but hoping my results are similar to yours. Looks fantastic!

roadking77 · « **Reply #26 on:** August 15, 2019, 12:42:30 PM »

Car looks great Mike! Also curious what you used. I have been thinking about doing the same to mine. I guess you did the car while waiting for the concrete to cure! LOL. You've been busy.

b_hill_86 · « **Reply #27 on:** August 15, 2019, 12:42:54 PM »

O man that color! And I’ve heard of the ceramic coating stuff but what is it exactly?

Jack · « **Reply #28 on:** August 15, 2019, 02:42:25 PM »

Car looks beautiful Mike, I'm sure you'll win few trophies.

kentucky yeti · « **Reply #29 on:** August 15, 2019, 05:45:47 PM »

I don’t allow my cars to be judged. We just drive them all weekend.

I will have to find out what brand ceramic Lol. All I did was drop the car off at an acquaintance who does it for a living.

blue81ta · « **Reply #30 on:** August 18, 2019, 07:58:01 AM »

Mike, I love your 69. Great shade of blue. Have a safe trip.

hakitup · « **Reply #31 on:** August 19, 2019, 01:32:04 PM »

Car's ready to go, we start the trek tomorrow 2:30 pm, can't wait to get there and see everyone

kentucky yeti · « **Reply #32 on:** August 19, 2019, 04:25:14 PM »

Mini starter laid down on me. 1 year old... Got one ordered. Hope it's here tomorrow.

Jack · « **Reply #33 on:** August 19, 2019, 04:39:31 PM »

Push start?

roadking77 · « **Reply #34 on:** August 19, 2019, 05:27:00 PM »

Hate to hear that about the starter. Do you know what brand/where you got it? I have one from Summit in my car and have since heard they aren't the best. I have been tempted to buy another to keep on the shelf, just in case.

kentucky yeti · « **Reply #35 on:** August 19, 2019, 11:47:38 PM »

Quote from: roadking77 on August 19, 2019, 05:27:00 PM

Hate to hear that about the starter. Do you know what brand/where you got it? I have one from Summit in my car and have since heard they aren't the best. I have been tempted to buy another to keep on the shelf, just in case.

It’s one of the DB Electrical starters sold on eBay. It got fried by the header, I suspect. These headers are leaving this car over the winter. I had 1/8” clearance with the starter after clocking the solenoid away from the header. I bought a RobbMC this time. They are the best design out there by far.

hakitup · « **Reply #36 on:** August 20, 2019, 09:21:28 AM »

Quote from: roadking77 on August 19, 2019, 05:27:00 PM

Hate to hear that about the starter. Do you know what brand/where you got it? I have one from Summit in my car and have since heard they aren't the best. I have been tempted to buy another to keep on the shelf, just in case.

I have a summit high tq, it's been on the car for 2 years with no issues. I thought I had an issue but it ended up being the ring gear on the flywheel.

Tom H

roadking77 · « **Reply #37 on:** August 20, 2019, 03:49:05 PM »

That's good to hear Hackitup. I cant remember where I read that the summits weren't that good, it may have been facebook, of course we know how reliable that is!

kentucky yeti · « **Reply #38 on:** August 21, 2019, 06:07:10 AM »

Quote from: roadking77 on August 20, 2019, 03:49:05 PM

That's good to hear Hackitup. I cant remember where I read that the summits weren't that good, it may have been facebook, of course we know how reliable that is!

If you look at their customer ratings- there are some models that have high ratings and some that are less than 3 star. Depends on the model. My DB is a good quality (going by customer feedback) model. The shorty headers on my car were barely less than 1/8" clearance from the starter body after clocking it to get the solenoid away from the heat. With normal headers or factory exhaust, my issue wouldn't have existed. But we play the cards we are dealt. Hi-torque mini starters use the offset pinion design, and that is where my issues (and some other guys on forums have also had) came from.

Top one is the standard config mini starter- in this case mine. The bottom one is a 360* rotatable RobbMc, which is also mine. After installing it and correcting backlash with shims, I took the car out on a 94* afternoon for a long drive. Brought it home with engine temp at 210* and shut it down. Started it in one minute with no dragging from heat. Shut it off and waited 5 minutes. Spun over fast and started right up. Another hurdle resolved.

Untitled by kentuckyyeti, on Flickr

Untitled by kentuckyyeti, on Flickr

As you can see, RobbMc design is inline, not offset. I have over 2" clearance from the headers now.

roadking77 · « **Reply #39 on:** August 21, 2019, 07:35:39 AM »

That looks like a pretty nice starter. I will have to make a note of it. I am still a bit gun shy when I take my car out. I went to a show Saturday, drove for over an hour straight in 90 deg temps. When I got home as soon as I shut the car off I tried to start it again and it worked. I seem to do it everytime I go out. I think I am trying to validate, but I still get that nervous feeling that I will be stranded again.

« **Reply #39 on:** August 21, 2019, 07:35:39 AM »

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Author Topic: 3 Month Countdown to the Nats- Ready or Not (Read 684 times)