Got some headlights into the car

Finally got headlight supports in place. Frankly, I don't even know why I tried those stationary headlights. The regular support brackets fit so much nicer! I just should have realized that there are better alternatives to vacuum systems, and now I just need a couple of 3" linear actuators - I'll leave the current hardware in place and slap a nice circuit in between the headlights so that as soon as power is applied, they pop up. Much cooler than the stationary, and much more unique than the original wink-way of the poor vacuum system! Next up... getting those painted to match!

How time fries with that

Title says it all. It's been a while since I've posted, and frankly, nobody cares (not even me). But once in a while, someone checks, so I figured I'd better toss up a status report.

I finished up some sprinklers in the front yard this week. Now I can add some more dirt, and the front flower beds will be complete. Wahoo! Spring is here!

Speaking of spring, I couldn't get the springs to connect on the fixed, rectangular headlights. So... I am falling to plan D - I'm going to have someone copy some paint for me and mix a quart, and I'm putting the old pop-up headlights back in. But instead of a vacuum system (383 strokers don't handle vacuum very well), I'm going to have to switch over to an electric actuator. Might actually use my electronics fundamentals that I took in college, but it will be reliable, look original, and be very sweet! (and costly. I have to replace the support brackets, because mine are broken. Don't let anyone kid you, it may NOT be cheaper to fix your original vacuum system versus going with the fixed headlight kits!)

I did finally manage to get the trim installed on the door panel the body guy didn't line up. The trim had to be installed by cutting into the bottom of the trim and bending it. It doesn't look bad right now, so I'm pretty satisfied with the lemonade. I also managed to move the door striker enough that the gap on the outside isn't painfully obvious (just obvious, now). I had a quarter of an inch gap with the door closed against the striker. It looked hideous. Make sure you have the body shop install all of the hardware - so they can see where they made the mistakes and fix them for you. Now I only have an eighth inch gap. Not so shabby if you ask me.

So, I'll log off. I'm done with computers for the weekend.

Window hardware installed

All of the window hardware is installed. Before I install the actual windows, I need to get the windshield weatherstrip installed, and the rear pillar post weatherstrip installed, then the t-tops. Then I can install the door glass and adjust it.

Once the glass is in, I'll finish the door lock actuators (wohoo, keyless!), and put the door panels on.

But first, I'll try and finish the headlights and bleed the brakes.

The sounds are dead

Okay. The doors are ready for the hardware. The locking mechanisms are installed on both sides. The keys and outside door handles are installed. The window regulators have been removed and cleaned up, and the botors are fried. So, replacements will be here tomorrow. Perhaps by the end of the week, the doors will be complete.

Simply, I need to attach the motors to the regulators, clean them up once again, install them and the other glass channels, install the keyless units, the trim for the doors, weather strip, and the door panels. I could have those done this week! Sweet!

The update on the car

Okay, okay. It's been a while. But, alas, I've been spending more time on the car than online. Seriously. I think I might be able to finish this project in spite of struggles, mine or otherwise.

The fuel tank is installed and the lines are connected. I have the rubber lip for the tank to be installed. I've had someone ship a new drivers' side door latch to replace the one the body shop (NuDeez Customs) forgot to put back in the car and subsequently lost. At $90 for a used part, it hurts, but alas, I gotta get this thing done.

I have the drivers' side exhaust panel installed.

I have the brake booster installed and I cleaned up the master cylinder. (Believe me, chrome rusts, and it is tough to clean up, but it does clean up. Not all master cylinders are the same, either, mine apparently has a smaller cylinder than what was in there originally. Or the parts stores rebuild kits are too large.)

I have the T-Top's trim cleaned up, polished, and installed.

I found that I am missing one of the brake lines that goes from the distribution block to the master cylinder, or I'd have those hooked up, too.

So, here is the list of things to finish :

• Headlights
• Fuel Tank protector (sits around the gas cap)
• Transmission radiator installation
• Hood
• The last brake line, then bleed the brakes
• Intake manifold
• carburetor
• distributor
• Dynamat
• Glass hardware cleanup
• Door glass
• Door panels
• Fabricate 1/16" plate to house the shifter
• carpeting
• windshield
• install the center console
• install the ignition switch and alarm switch in the fender
• install the dashboard
• connect the emergency brake and speedometer cables
• install the door glass
• Install the battery and starter

Sounds like a big list, but it's really small stuff. Yahoo!

Body Damage before I start going

Okay. I know, Nudeez Customs didn't do as good a paint job for 16,727.21 as I would have liked, and there are a few issues. However, I just added even MORE trouble to the infamous corvette.

I'm trying to install the passengers side mirror, and the bolts just DON'T want to attach. I lost three bolts, and the fourth one caught. The mirror slid and scratched the paint. No biggie, I can wet sand/cut it and fix that. I try installing the OTHER bolt to ensure the mirror is on there, and realize that the bolt holding the mirror is cross threaded. I try to pot the mirror forward, and it ends up flying about two feet forward, gouging the paint and fiberglass, and falling to the concrete and chipping the paint on the mirror in a number of places.

This is bad, because I don't have the paint formula, and I'm unwilling to take it back to the painter who did the paint job. He broke his contract in providing pictures of the body work, and also in providing the paint formula. So, he's no longer an option.

Instead, I need a local shop who can :

• re-formulate the paint
• fix the mirror
• provide me with a little extra paint to get back and repair the body gouge

And I can't wait to see the bill.

When I grow up....

...I want to be like Elder Oaks and Elder Ballard. It all started....

It was a dark and stormy night, and there were dog tracks in the yard. After a good day of being lazy (well, just me, my lovely sweet heart's form of lazy wears me out). We decided to step out and get some "American" Chinese take out, but couldn't think of any good places as soon as we had left. Instead, we decided to head over to the Mountain City Restaurant, a great little place in Holladay. Sugarmuffin flags my attention to where three men and two women are dining, and promptly tells me that one of the men is Nate Wade (of the Subaru dealership). His wife is there. The other woman is Sister Ballard. The two men are Elder Ballard and Elder Oaks.

It was quite a nice surprise.

I think I'd better put out a little background. You see, at this restaurant, it's operated by an elderly oriental couple. And the hostess has given us a little flack (well, primarily me) because we don't have kids. She's tossed around a "You make baby yet?", and even had the audacity to tell me I might have to ask my brother about how to "make baby". She's a riot.

So, the table of "Elders" had finished, and were leaving. Thinking I got off free because she didn't mention any of the "make baby" (and thereby garnering the attention of these prominent individuals), we finished up (she did give us a little flack about it, and Elder Oaks was still in earshot, but wasn't paying attention.... phew!), we paid, and decided to head home to watch the Jazz game.

As we got to the front door, I realized that Elder Oaks was standing by the front door with Sister Ballard. It was both raining and snowing outside, and it took me a minute to realize that Elder Ballard went to get the car. He pulled up as I stepped outside. I was able to ask whether she wanted the front or the back, and she was trying to opt to the back so Elder Oaks and Elder Ballard could talk. But, being the true gentleman that he is, Elder Oaks stated that she belonged by her husband, and I grabbed the door for her as Elder Oaks walked her to the car.

Those "Elders" have more care and concern for their precious companions than we often realize. A good woman is priceless, and they take the time to ensure they have good food, and are taken care of well.

When I grow up, I want to be like Elder Ballard and Elder Oaks... but without the calling.