2006

Well for sure my new car will be finished in 2007. The process of looking for deals on parts, saving money and doing without .. kind of wears me down. Two years ago if ya asked me how long it would take to build a car I'd of told you 1 year.. I'd never thought this would take as long as it has.. Buying cheap parts for the sake of having it, then have it fail soon after the install is just a waist.. So it's a constant tug to get the best value and quality for the buck..

Anyways I spent some time measuring different parts of the engine today.. It's a constant check of my work and the others that performed things like machine work of the block and balancing of the crankshaft.. I did try and remove a windshield from a Mustang for my car but the windsheild cracked as I was removing it..

Well gonna go..
Les
Mood 1>10 (8)

A need to Vent

Well this is Christmas.. The shop owner and the front desk guy have been very helpfull in assisting me building my Mustang.. They assisted in welding.. advice and even helped me balance my engine by asking a fellow engine builder to do the balance job even if he was overwelmed with his projects..

I felt I should show my appreciation to the shop owner and desk guy by buying them a gift for X-mas.. I didn't ask for anything in return just a show of thoughtfullness on my part..

I gave them the gifts and got "Oh humbug" Christmas! They put them on the counter and walked away.. WTF is that! Gerr I was way upset! Not a thanks umm Hey cool! Nothing!! Can ya tell I'm upset!

Some how I feel like a bastard child at the shop sometimes.. they like the small block engines and I'm building a Big Block engine and it doesen't meet their guidlines..

I don't know, just needed to just vent!

Gosh just sometimes ya know!

Later on,
Les
Mood 1>10 (4)

Winter Chill

Getting pretty chilly outside.. I came home tonight and made dinner.. Something other than "Throw it in the mircowave and eat it." Actually it was meatloaf.. turned out pretty good.. I enjoy cooking it's like working on a car.. When it's finished you can enjoy the rewards..

Well not much going on..

Les

Mood 1>10 (8)

Pay it Foward

Well spent my Sunday working on a Camaro for a friend. He helped me install my cage in my Mustang, so now it's my turn to pay it back.. I had to change the engine valve seals.. This operation required me to remove the spark plugs and push a piece of rope in the spark plug hole then crank the engine over by hand. The rope holds up the valves.. so it's one cly at a time and is time consuming. My friend is going to give the car to his daughter for X-mas so I had to expidite the repairs for him.. It use to smoke blue smoke when started but not anymore.. He shold be tickled..

So no progress on my car today.. I found a fuel pump to use and it's middle priced so I think I'm gonna buy it.. I would like the high end pump but got to get this Mustang running..

Pretty happy .. looks like I'm on track to finish the car soon!

Mood 1>10 (7)

Later on!

Les

Engine Balancing Round #2

Well OK.. found a differnt place that will attempt to balance my engine for a reasonable cost.. I just hope when they are finished they don't deciede to raise the price for work.. That would be my luck tho..

I have finally fallen to the flu so I'm not all that well.. I have such a sinus headache it's crazy.. I now know why I like the summer months..

Well I'll update when the parts return because it's time to finish my engine.. Hoot!

Later,
Les

Engine set backs

Well finally have everything to get the engine balanced.. Many of the shops that can do this work are busy.. so I found a shop some 40 miles from me to balance the engine. I first talked to them on the phone and they gave me a quote as to price.. It was a fair price so I took my stuff there. Once the parts were unloaded I disscussed what I wanted. The shop looked over my parts and immediatly add an additional $100 over their phone quote..

Well I was going to let them do the balancing but I have second thoughts so it's another 80 mile round trip to get my parts back..

Oh well.. I did get the gauges mounted in the racecar over the past weekend.. But, I still need to wire them up..

Later!
Les

Woosh was it windy outside yesterday

Wow it got real windy outside.. It was strange because it's been really cold but instead it warmed up to like 60 degrees and sunny in the morning before turning windy & overcast..

By the time I got home from work the Internet was down.. Apearently a neighboring city lost it's power. When the wind was blowing it swept all the dirt in the air and made it hard to breath.. I now have a real stuffy nose.. uck!

Still battling the sleep thing.. haven't had a good nights rest in awhile..

The Tach & Gauges I ordered came yesterday.. I'll see if I can get them installed this weekend.. Hopefully..

I have to go to work this morning.. I always work on Saturday and only have Sunday off.. But ya really can't consider Sunday off because I still work.. just on my projects.. I feel guilty if I take a day off..

Well tata!

Les

No Sleep

Yawn.. really I didn't get hardly any sleep last night... I'm in a zombie mode right now.. I went ahead and ordered some gauges yesterday for the Mustang.. I purchaced the best I can afford.. It's X-mas season and the problem with that is I need my car finished.. I'm not a selfish person but the two years of building this car I just wish it was finished.. Working on a car this long you go thru mood changes.. Sometimes ya just want to give up but then sometimes you start seeing progress and you feel better about the project. Finances for the car don't come easy.. I have fixed and sold four cars ( three this year) to come up the cash and I'm still running short.. Anyways I feel the reason I didn't sleep good was because I may have felt a little guilty buying parts yesterday..

Well gonna get some rest, mentally exhausted..

Mood from 1>10 today is 3

Les

Wild Wire

Lol not really.. but working on making up all the wiring to the Racecar. I only have a few color wires so every switch has to have a different color so that when something doesent work I can trace the prob.. I'm pretty sure I can post a pic tomorrow of my wire mess.. Honestly it looks pretty good..

Upside today and I should be happy.. I was on chat Saturday with some other guys that run Big Block Fords and they made mention of a place called Trend. Trend has pushrods. I called them today.. Hoot .. I got what I needed shipped for $97 dollars.. That's $50+ dollars cheaper then Crane and $70+ dollars cheaper then Comp Cams.. Pushrods are on their way! Christmas Angel was watching over me..

My mood is somewhere in the middle today.. 1>10 I rate it 5..

Later on!
Les

December

Holiday season.. umm ya.. It has it's good side and bad. For the most part I enjoy some of the hussle & busell of shopping. Nowadays it's more of shopping for value rather then price. I say that because anything worth buying is expensive. It just seems ya can afford it or ya can't. It doesen't make sence to buy junk.

Well the bad side is at some point you'll remember something sad.. something in the past.. I don't try and remember the bad but at some point it rears it's ugly head.. and that's the only thing that makes my Holiday season a mess..

Anyways that's my thoughts.. I'm gonna finish my race engine soon! Yipee! Still have a ton of work to do on the car itself and got like 10 weeks to have it running.

The bathroom needed painting so that's what I did today.. I had to primer before paint and the primer was slow to dry.. I took the heater out of the garage and put it in the bathroom to expidite the dry cycle but still slow.. I've managed to get one top coat of paint down so I'm taking a break before I do the second coat.. gonna get something to eat..

Later on!

Les

Humm is it Friday yet?

Well not too much new.. still thinking about ordering the pushrods plus some gauges like oil pressure and water temp.

I was working on a customer car today and I thought the fluid dripping was water but it was battery acid. I was underneath and got dripped on. Man that was nasty. I had to leave work and go home to shower as it was all over me..

Didn't work on the race car tonight cuz of my attitude.. If I'm not feeling good I pass on the car.. too many saftey issues to be in a hurry.. so

Later,
Les

Sold one of my cars

Well had to sell one of my cars to gain some extra cash. It's Ok cuz I have another I'm building up.. Found a different place to get my pushrods but it's going to take 30 days to get them because of a special order.. that means Jan of 2007.. it's $70 dollars cheaper but I got to wait on 'em.. always something.. What a rollercoaster ride to get this Mustang finished and to the track.. life in general.. bumps and grinds..

Later,
Les

Today

Well.. cold weather set in again.. Work is hard being in the cold damp air. It actually started out nice this morning but then turned windy chilling cold just after lunch. The clouds came in and over cast the sky but didn't rain. Nasty it was!

A different down side today as I need push rods for my engine. I called a company that had some but the wrong diameter. I need 3/8 and the had 5/16. The 5/16 ones were $70 dollars. The 3/8 ones I need are $210.. It must be the story of my life.. Never cheap and never easy!

I've been working on the race car for two years now.. sometimes it's just so frustrating to the point I wish I never started.. maybe better off finding something easy to do.. but I don't really think thats me.. My inner feeling keep driving me to finish the Mustang..Crazy!

Had to vent some as the day isn't going so good for me!

Later,
Les

Mid Month Update

Umm been busy at work so time off is more or less recovery time for my body. I have made some progress on my Capri convertable. When I finish this car my T-bird that I drive now will be for sale.. Need the cash for xmas and some things for the racecar. I wished I took more pictures to post of the Capri's progress.. Well gonna go!

Les

November already

Funny how time slips so quickly away.. For the most part I've gained some on my Mustang Race car.. The engine is almost finished! Hoot! That was, for the most part the biggest expense. The lights that I put up in the garage last winter have slowly failed so I need to get my buttiie to the hardware store to get some new bulbs.. Out of the 6 bulbs one still flickers..

The next couple of months I'll finish the car wiring to hook everything up.. I'm pretty sure I'll have the car running by Febuary.. That's my Goal.. So I'll use this blog to keep reminding me..

Later,
Les

Pause in time

I remember a song called Vincent by Don McLean
Definatly back in the days but I still like it.. the words go..

Starry starry night paint your palette blue and grey look out on a summer's day

with eyes that know the darkness in my soul. Shadows on the hills sketch the trees and the daffodils

catch the breeze and the winter chills

in colors on the snowy linen land. And now I understand what you tried to say to me

how you suffered for your sanity how you tried to set them free. They would not listen they did not know how perhaps they'll listen now.

Starry starry night flaming flo'rs that brightly blaze

swirling clouds in violet haze reflect in Vincent's eyes of China blue. Colors changing hue morning fields of amber grain

weathered faces lined in pain are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand. And now I understand what you tried to say to me

how you suffered for your sanity how you tried to set them free. perhaps they'll listen now.

For they could not love you but still your love was true

and when no hope was left in sight on that starry starry night. You took your life as lovers often do; But I could have told you Vincent this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you.

Starry starry night portraits hung in empty halls

frameless heads on nameless walls with eyes that watch the world and can't forget. Like the stranger that you've met

the ragged men in ragged clothes

the silver thorn of bloddy rose lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow. And now I think I know what you tried to say to me

how you suffered for your sanity

how you tried to set them free. They would not listen they're not list'ning still perhaps they never will.

http://www.don-mclean.com/articles/vincent.asp

Les

Weather and Changes

Wow it's finally nice outside.. I've noticed the trees are starting to shead their leaves.. The mornings are brisk and a jacket is needed.. I often wonder at times how the caveman noted changes in the seasons and time of the day.. I watch the weather change and take note of when such things as the Bee's swarm.. Watching plant life and insects give fair warning on the changes of climate. I'm kind of a big fan on sunsets but know in mid December as the sun is setting it's time to leave work. I don't need a watch.. I've always liked science in school.. made me think and wonder.. Well just some thoughts..
Just me,
Les

Been busy for sure

Been working a bunch.. I guess it's good. I'm always thinking on how to make some extra $$.. I have a pic of my cat taking a nap on my amplifer for my computer speakers.. and one of both Mustangs together.. Well just checking in.. I really should keep up with this Blog thing more often then I have.. Once I'm finished with the racecar I think I'll be adding a bunch because of racing.. Les

Sad day Today for sure..

Today a guy I knew passed away. He worked at a machine shop where I use to take my engine work to. His name is Brian.

Brian was a good person and did the best work of anyone I know. Sometimes we would talk about him getting his own machine shop and his future. Gosh, Brian was great..

Sorry it's hard for me to write about this right now but I had to write..

See ya,
Les

August Sunsets in Cali

The Sunsets are wonderfull. I try and watch them as much as possible. Life is so busy that we forget to look at what God has givin us. Sometime the Summer sunset dances against the trees in the late evening. The greenish golden glow against the blue sky. Life is short, try not to miss the little things that life in general is all about. I'll try and bring my camara tomorrow and show you..

Les

Life & E-bay

E-Pay I should say.. Sometimes you can find deals but every now and then ya run into snags.

Someone was selling switches I need for my Mustang race car. They stated in the auction that if you buy more then one item from them they will discount the shipping $5.00 bucks. Cool! So I write them and ask about the combined shipping of items after I bid. I was just conferming the auction discounts.. They came back to me in an e-mail stating that "We just discount $2.00 bucks on combined orders". Danm, that sux.

So, Ok.. I get an invoice from them with "Zero" discounts, yep Nada.. Zilch! What a bunch of Jack-asses. So there was a spot on the invoice for discounts before I pay. So you guessed it, I deducted the $5.00 bucks anyways.. Well I wonder what is gonna happen next?

How can somebody put auctions on E-Pay and have no idea that they stated the amount for combined shipping.

Oh well, just a recent experience for me.. hahaa. Knowing my luck that will be pissed I discounted the $ and send me junk parts.. Well their sales ad stated 1 year Guarantee .. so I guess we will see.. hahaa.. :=)

Les

An end to a project

Finally finished this Mustang.. It's been on going for a few months. Now that it's finished I can once again get back to my race car. The first pics are how I got it.. the last two are the finish.. have a look!

Just another week

Funny time dosen't seem like much untill you start writing to a blog. I've never really kept track of much, well money.. I did, but for the most part it's just another day. I think keeping track actually helps find the valley's and slopes in your feeling. For the most part I'm a person that looks to perfection to a degree. When my goals are not met with my expectations then I feel I've failed. The failure should be looked at as a lesson learned but for the most part it's taken to heart. Yes there are ways to take steps to not being defeated but.. when we talk time and goal factor the small steps sometines get's put aside. Well not much going on tonight.. just some thinking for tomorrow..

Les

Finishing up my door windows

Hey,
Since I removed the door glass, I made my own windows using Lexon. It's a type of plexiblass but it won't shatter or break. I'm using that because it's lightweight.. save a couple of pounds.. It looks good and I'll post a couple of pic's soon..

For the most part I haven't felt all that good today.. maybe not enough fluids or something.. just got the Blah's. My Mercury is totaled so the insurance company going to give me the replacement value.. but that money is gone as soon as I get the check.. suxs.. Well that's all for today.. see ya and take care! ;=)

Les

Stupid Idea

Well Ok.. It's been Hot as far as tempature goes. I've been lagging on mowing the lawn for a couple of weeks now. So I decied to: Not cook but get Pizza. Yummy pizza.. Some how cold beer goes well with Pizza.. Now if your asking what's with the Pizza, Beer & mowing the lawn got to do with anything.. OK.. I drank, ate and then mowed the lawn while it's still like 90 degrees in the evening.. Boy that was a friggin mistake.. Lol.. Shesh.. about died.. I must say I have done some dumb stuff but that took the cake.. Never again for sure.. hahaa.. It's funny now but at the time I felt pretty stupid. Thought I'd share one of more prouder moments with ya all..
Smile :=)

Les

High Heat and Tough Week..

Along with the rest of the country experiencing heat.. car is taking a back seat while I deal with the weather.. Will add more later.. did have the Insurance adjuster look at my wrecked car (previous post).. so I'll let ya know how that goes..

Les

Actually got more then one day off Lol

I took a couple and it's good to get the rest I needed but also being gone from work let them notice how valuable of a person I am. It suxs that my knee still hurts today, but making the best of it. Have some plans for tomorrow.. still need to make the engine build vid.. just thinking on the best way. See ya!

Les

Farris Buler's day off

Hey, that's a movie.. but in my case I'm not having fun on my day off. I twisted my knee last Sunday and it was hurting a little yestersday morning. About lunch time I couldn't even stand on my right leg. I went home early and by 5:00 o'clock my knee was swolen to the point it looked like doubbled in size. So today I'm off of work flipping thru the TV chanels.. that suxs. I have to keep my leg up in the air and stay off of it. Well I hope I feel better soon.. I can't stand (pun) to sit around.. Lol. See ya,
Les

Just another day of work for me

Well it was getting late so I took a quick pic of the Mustang to upload..

I did manage to get the Capri engine & Trans cleaned up today so next weekend I'll install it.

I don't have a bunch of cash right at the moment so I'm just working on stuff.. I have an updated pic of the Capri below.. I was thinking of using the Capri to tow my Mustang to the track.. so maybe they will be painted identical.. still thinking about that tho.. Well st least I'm making some progress (Hoot) even if it's over 100 degrees out.. uck weather anyways.. I didn't make my Video but will try this week? Maybe? See ya, Les

Once again time flys

Can't believe this week has went by so fast.. sheesh.. I'll put up some pictures of my car tomorrow. I have to finish the cowl area (just in front of the windshield) so that's my next part of the project. I'm going to the shop tomorrow to clean an engine & trans for my Capri convertable. After I get that finished I'll add a video "Part 1" on how to build a race engine on my You-Tube account.. I'll post a link to it.

Les

Having some fun

Well It was hot outside today again.. but made the best of my workday. Got home and had to cook on the grill. Made some Hot Wings for dinner but first I sat down with a wine cooler under the celing fan. The cat climbed onto my lap and stretched out. I had put one more wine cooler in the freezer.. Well it was the fastest nap I ever took.. The cat still in my lap but the wine cooler in the freezer was frozen.. Ummm!! So I got my buti going and cooked the chicken and took the frozen drink out with me to defrost, and it did rather quickly.. Dinner was good! Lip's are still burning Lol! Used Hot sauce with BBQ sauce.. Feeling much better today I rolled the car outside in the evening breeze and reinstalled the Mustangs doors and rear bumper.. I need to remove again for final painting but at least the car is one again.. ;=).. Thank God. Well I'm more happy today then have been in awhile soo see ya later!

Les

Back to Normal next week

Whatever that is.. the shop owner returns from his vacation.. Means a ton more work in this heat for me. I don't mind being busy but it's tough because I worked and he is comming off a vacation..

I'm still bummed because the Police report is not ready and my car is still sitting in my driveway destroyed by that Drunk Driver. My insurance company won't do anything untill they have a police report.

I feel like a Mouse in a MAZE!! The money I invested in that car that got hit was suppose to turn a profit and make me more money.. It's a nightmare..

I guess I'm trying to feel better by talking about it is all..

Later,
Les

More progress

I now have most of the car ready for paint. Been busy the last few evenings.. It's still very hot out in the evening but I work anyways.. Here is a couple of pic's from a day ago..

Take care,
Les

Happy 4th to ya!

Well I'm adding some information on my engine and car. Hope you can see it.

Over to the right is dyno run that I did on my computer. I have used this program in the past and it was pretty close to what the engine was. It calculates my 545 cubic engine to be Peak HP of 663 and Peak Torque of 730 That is about what I'm shooting for. :=)

On the left is a computed 1/4 mile run data sheet. I add all the factors of my car and it tells me what it may run in the 1/4 mile in X conditions. It says that I should be able to obtain 10.006 @ 133 Mph.. Again that's what I'm shooting for.

So it appears to be a good combination of Engine and Chassis..

Well I'm back in the garage today so I'm hoping to make some progress..

Take care,

Les

Long lost Pal

Back in the day while I was in the Navy I had a good friend and I lost touch with him. One day while checking on some information about my old squadron I found a link to be reunited with some of the members. I tryed the e-mail addy of my friend and he wrote me back.. That's great.. hopefully I can get caught up on what he's been doing the last zillion years..

See ya,
Les

Need to chat with God

Hey,

Man sorry to post some bad news but the car I just fixed to sell got hit by a Drunk Driver while parked.. damn! The dude is suppose to have insurance but.. it just suxs.. I had about $1000 invested and now it's gone.. If you go to my Fathers day post you can see the car before it got wrecked.. Well I'm bummed for sure..
See ya later!

Went Shopping Lol!

I've been balancing my funds and finally got some $$ to get some parts. These parts will complete the lower half of the engine.. Whoohoo!

Shop owner went on vacation today. I had thought I was getting a week off, at least that's what was going to happen, Not! Instead I got a weeks worth of work.. Ugh.. ;=( I don't know.. sheesh!

No matter I guess, I'll get some time off when he gets back I guess..

Well got to go!

Les

Friggin Hell of a Day!

I'm pissed.. not only did I have a bad day but my friggin computer is fighting over home pages and I don't care! Stupid Yahoo.. anyways.. All I wanted to do is add to this page and it keeps askiing me if I wanted a different home page.. Gerrr.. I had to go a different way to get to here.. Friggin computer.. cut me and just add some salt.. I'm mad!

Bye!

It's Sunday already

Wow,
I pretty much slept all day. Yesterday I worked on my 1984 Mustang convertable at the shop. Being in the heat caught up to me.. Regardless of the heat this week I need to get the racecar finished as far as body work goes. I'm gonna have to push myself.. The best part is having that part of the car behind me. I'm sad because the car is behind schedule and should be done.. but.. it's going to be finished this year so I know I'll be ready for next year.. It will at least allow me to do some testing this year..

See ya,
Les

More progress

Well getting somewhere.. My bad luck again tho. One of the guys at the shop quit... so I'm taking up some of the slack. It's been in the 100 degree mark out side so I'm gonna slip on working on the car untill they hire someone new, soon I hope! Since I live down the street from a store I see ppl walking by my garage with the race car in the driveway. Yesterday some girl pushing a stroller stopped looked at the car and said it was Bitchin! I can wait till it's painted, pretty soon!

See ya!

Les

The week of the 4th of July

Well our shop will be closed down for a week. The shop owner asked me to do a repair to a car that week so I won't get bothered by customers and make a little extra cash. I might take the offer, just not sure. A week would really allow me to get caught up on my car projects. I still have some time to decide.

Got off work late today so I cooked dinner and stayed indoors. It's getting pretty warm lately so.. stayed cool for the evening.

That's about it. Take care,
Les

Sheesh what a day

Don't really know why, but feel under the weather lately. It's like I have a cold. I'm not really sick, just don't feel great. Went out to work on the car and had all I could do to make myself get started. It's been sunny out and pretty warm, but it feels like I'm looking out the window and seeing rain.. Maybe it just that time of the month or something. Sure hope the clouds go away soon..

Well got to go..

Les

Happy Fathers day

Any of the guys reading that are Dad's then this day is for you. I use this day to reflect on my Dad. He has passed on but I'll never forget him. All of the good times we had when I was racing my go-kart. If it wasn't for him pushing me along in racing, I don't really how my life would have turned out like. My dad taught me many thing and one of thoses was how to work on cars. He passed his passion of working and racing cars on to me and I'll charish it always.

I'm adding the picture of a Mercury I fixed up. I have about $900 dollars invested in it. These cars sell between $2100-$2500 so I should see a profet. This car was hit in the front end and had to have all the front sheetmetal replaced along with re-painting. Looks good.. just got to sell it.

Busy lately

Had to skip a couple of days because I've been working on a car to sell. I'll post a picture of it tonight. Been getting home around 8:00 o'clock so not too much time to update this page. Well gonna go, just sipping on some coffee before work..

See ya later on,
Les

Umm the cats killed my modem

Stupid cats had a fight and took out my modem.. One chased the other and pulled the DSL modem to the floor.. It took five days to recieve a new modem at the cost of $70 bucks.. Gerrr..

Anyways while off line I did make some more progress.. primered the front and doors. all I have left to prime is the back section.. I would have done that today but.. Oh no.. had to get the DSL going.. darn cats. Lol.

I'm still figuring out hot to paint the car.. I had an idea but I don't think it's gonna work.. Has to look fresh.. appealing to people / sponsors.

See ya!
Les

Feel Great Today

There has been slumps in the past.. well not too long ago really. I've really enjoyed the last few days working on the car. I learned that the primer can be sprayed at 35 psi allowing it ot fill the unperfect area better. Tonight the evening air cooled off and I could have stayed in the garage all night.. it was really nice outside..

I'm happy and hope the up-swing continues.. I love having fun..

See ya!
Les

Get' er done! Lol

Ok, I waited till today to prime the front fenders.. My neighbores were outside when I got home from work so I had to wait for them to go inside.. I know the paint smell travels over to their house. So I got some beer and waited them out.. hehee. Kind of hard to figure which headache is worse.. paint smell one or the one from too much beer.. Lol.

Anyways I got something done today and that's all good.

Had a tough time at work today so after primering the fenders I called it a night..

Take care see ya!
Les

Body Work Progress

Well making some progress.. and that's great! The cool thing that happened while working on the car today is a couple of kids came by and asked questions & took pictures of my car.

When I was a kid I use to bug a guy that raced near my home.. He was always cool to us kids. I found out what it's like to be on the other side..

Should have the front half primered today? My neighbor is out staining some shelving, so if I paint, everyone will think he's the one making that awefull smell.. hehee..

See ya! ;=)

Les

No pic's today

But I promiss to get them up this weekend! I did some work to the rear wheelwells tonight so it's progress..

I hope I get out of this slumpish attitude that I'm in.. got to shake it off.. I think I'll fell better when it's ready to paint!

See ya!

Les

Did some more work on the Racecar today

Frustrating it is.. I sanded and sanded some more. I'll post some pics tomorrow. The whole thought of not having the car finished by now and not having enough money (cash is going into investment cars) that it's driving me nuts..

Oh the pain of it all really. I guess I'm just stressing out? I had estimated that this car would cost if purchaced $35,000.00 I've started on it last year.. and am almost done. It's just the ending stuff that is adding up and.. gerrr.. I just can't wait till it's finished!

Les

Enough Said

Everything comes with a price.. Period!

Later!

Les

Todays my B'day & Memorial day

Didn't do too much today.. made dinner and just relaxed.. I usually get my birthday off because of the Holiday.

I think it's important to reflect on thoses that serve in our military. God Bless them.

I did make a video on doing body work if your interested in seeing it, here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbzLm3eyE_I

Well see ya later,
Les

Some body work on the race car

Well made a litle progress today. looking to make more tomorrow. I'll make a body work vid as promissed.. should be interesting. Honestly I can't wait till this car is finished! Well it's late and I need some sleep..

Holiday is almost here

It's nice having my "B" day on a Holiday weekend.. Ya always get it off from work.. I think I'm going to get serious with the body work this weekend.. I need this big push to get over this part of the car. I'm pretty sure if I put my mind to it I'll have it ready for paint! I'm truly getting tired of looking at it the way it is..

Well I'll post some pic's of progress!

Les

Hi !

Well got my friend Alex once again to help out with the Mustang Convert body work.. I'm going to help as well.. Alex is a cool dude, he was the one that painted the T-bird for me.

The Racecar is in limbo lately as there is just too much going on with me lately.. I won't work on the car unless I feel 100%. That car will be going way to fast for me to make mistakes or any type of short cuts..

So that's about all I have for tonight.. I'll write somemore tomorrow!

Les ;=)

Bad News Today

Brian that does my machine work for my heads has fallen ill again from cancer.

Brian is such a cool guy and so full of life. The man is a wizzard to the automotive world!

Pls say a prayer for Brian.

Thanks,
Les

Got a new car to fix up

It's a 1994 Mustang Convertable with only 50,000 miles on it. It's a GT 5 speed car and has a 302 engine. Boy do I need more work or what? Sheesh couldn't pass on the price..

Les

More Work on the Engine

Since the rain this year it looks like our season won't start till August.. Sometimes I think Someone watches over me. I wasn't ready for the season and now I get this big break.. I guess I better make the best of it! Found it kind of strange that the rods will stay centered on the passenger bank but the drivers side they are wanting to go more rearward.

I'm still in the build process and it will need to come back apart to do a final finish.

Thanks for looking!
Les

Some Engine progress

Started to fit the engine parts.. Lol stupid kit had Ford Rod bearings.. I use a Chebbie rod.. so now I need some more parts.. Always delays.. I'll make a video on the build..
Les

Been Forever

Sorry, had a computer crash and just different things going on. I recently got my engine back from the shop so I'll start the build. I did make a vid on porting heads and you can view it here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEuoxi3Nq9M

I'll try and update often..

Thanks for understanding,

Les

Rain

Gosh it's been raining for a week & a half. I hate being wet and having to work, Uck! It's been a little depressing for me so I really need some rest. My engine needs "A" so "B" is required, and spend some more $$.. gosh! Find out that I should make a Mod to the block just when I was taking it to get machined.. more set backs.. Ugly!

I saved the engine build till last because I knew it was not going to be "Cheap" or "Easy".

But still.. as long as the rain comes down there isn't any racing going on at my local track. In a way it's buying me time to finish my engine before the series gets started..

I guess the rain is a blessing?? I just need a boost of energy!

Here is my Intake and carb!

Later!
Les

Been awhile

Just kind of slow lately. My Race car has moved from the shop to my home so I can spend some evening doing wiring and things like that. Just a bunch of little stuff I've put off. I have a new car I'm working on to sell as well. I'll post some pic's of that. I hope to get about $1500 profit from this car. Our clocks have changed so I get a little more daylight in the evenings. Today at work I didn't notice it was time to go home..

Well that's all for now.. not much of an update, I did make another video because a guy wanted to know how to become an Auto Mechanic.. so I figured I'll explain to him..

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BheK7VkzoM

Les

Sheesh almost Friday!

Not too much going on.. just planning stages for my engine. I'm going to get the heads finished next week. I have ported them to my best ability and what I think they should be OK. All that will be left is the block and that can take some time. I'll make a video of the whole engine building process.

Les

Good bye to the T-bird

Well the person purchaced my car. Soo much work but it was fun. I learned a little alog the way so that's good. It was a girl that purchaced the car so.. I'm glad in a way. I figure it won't get abused.

So I'm spending $$ on parts as we speak.. I'll post some engine building pictures and a video later on.

See ya and thanks for reading!

Les

Car didn't sell

Hump "Oh Well" the thing didn't get bids till the last few minutes. Then someone e-mails me and asked me to re-list the car so they can bid on it again.. crazy. Why didn't they just bid on the darn thing when they could? Well I stuck a For Sale sign on the stupid car out in my drveway ans someone is suppose to buy it tomorrow. Hummm I guess we'll just have to wait.

I think God's been watching over me, lol. My series was suppose to start this month but because of the rain they pushed it to May. Gives me some more time to finish my engine Yippie!

So I guess I can't be too bummed..

Well that's all for now, just figured I'd check in!

Les

Selling on E-bay

Gosh.. I didn't really figure a cheap car needs so much detail? I posted pictures, additional cost to me. I didn't take pic's of the interior... not because it's ugly... but it costs more $ to add pictures. To me if I seen a nice car on the outside I'd figure the inside was just as respectable?

I tried to take pictures to add tonight but it was too dark to see them. I don't know.. ya figure the car is 18 years old it must have some wear? The Ad on E-bay is gonna cost me but like anything else in this world ya never stop learning.. I should have added some interior pics.

Sort of venting.. sorry!

Les

Few days away

I've been dealing with my E-bay auction so I have took a couple of days off from the blog. The weather has been really cold and I really am bumed cuz I've had to work outside in it. I really hate it when your kind of bent over and the wind blows down the back of your jacket right at the neck. Burrr.. for sure. The race I wanted to go to last weekend was canceled because of the weather, sooo I might try and go this weekend? Don't know for sure.

See ya later!

Les

Added another Video

I made part 2 because I had to stop early on the last one. Here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6po3zFKXXw

See ya later on!

Les

Went to the Movies

But before I did I cleaned the house. I swear the cat should be bald by now. Way too much Kitty fur to sweep up.

I went to see Failure To Launch.. ya it's a Chick Flix... it was cool! Went and had dinner before so in all it was a nice evening.

My E-bay counter on the T-bird is getting close to 1000 hits in less 24 hours. I guess I did pretty good at building that car. Still have 6 more days to go!

Thanks to all that read my Blog! Take Care!

Les

E-Bay

Put the Thunderbird up for auction tonight. List number is 4621024460

Sure hope it sells!

See ya,
Les

Creating a Video Blog

Well it was fun for sure. Toward the end my cat started messing with the camara.. Hehee..

I have the link but the blog won't allow me to post it.. darn.. I'll figure a different way!

See ya!

Les

EDIT.. try this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVmWwMa6HDY

Gong to hang out at the Track

There is a different series then I would normally run at my Local Drag Strip this weekend. I think I'll go and hang out on Saturday. I know a guy that races a Falcon, and it's heck of fast. I'm gonna call him and see if he can use my help in the pit. It would be great to get back to the track again. I really miss being there and talking with the people. Thats my plans for the weekend anyways. I'll add some pics or video next week.

I did manage to do a little work to the engine tonight. I'm pretty tired, the cold rainy weather isn't agreeing with me lately.

The pic is my friends car at the track a couple of years ago.

Les

Some pic's

The old car was pretty cool. If I street raced I could beat a few including a Viper & Cobra Mustang. The old car had traction problems so it was easier to build a new car rather then try to make the Mach1 work. The old cars weight was 3420lbs and the new car will be around 2600lbs. I had a bunch of fun but knew I'd get in trouble if I continued to street race. There was just so much power and way to easy to pull the trigger. I use to go looking for Imports on a Saturday night.. like hunting Ducks..

It's currently cold outside. It was cold this morning, then it rained. The sun came out then it got cold again and rained somemore. The cold wind just blew thru the shop.. I'm stayiing in tonight.

Ran into some prob's installing that Front wheel car engine today.. man is it Friday yet! Lol!

Les

Doing the best I can

Gosh, sometimes I wish I had chosen something else as a profession. I enjoy working on cars but it's the newer cars that can be such a heartache to fix. I have to replace an engine in a front wheel drive car and I really don't like to. This job is the only way I know how to feed my hunger and that's my Mustang! Working on the racecar is like taking a vacation from my job. I get so much enjoyment in seeing something I made work. I know I talk about my cars in this blog but when you see a junk like that T-bird was come out and look so nice it's just like Christmas morning for me. Cars are something I enjoy.. like a "Musician and his guitar" playing a song..

Well I brought my engine heads home to finish.. I can't work on them at the shop.. too many distractions.. (picture)

One more thing I was looking at was some sort of Video post in my Blog.. I don't know.. maybe.. I'll have to think about that..

See ya!

Les

Sunday Dinner Special

Well it was pretty nice out today so I managed to get the lawn mowed and did some yard work. I didn't feel much like cooking.. Lol So I called upon "Hungry Man" to the rescue.

I finished taking apart the transmission I need to rebuild.. So I'll take it to work to clean it. Just have to order parts to rebuild it.

Later on!

Les

Other Ppl's cars

Well spent my Saturday working on other peoples cars. Alex (the guy that painted the T-bird) wanted me to do a few things for him. I had to go to work today so I just combined work and Alex's car together. It's been pretty cold out lately.. so I'm not all that motivated. Other then that not too much going on. I posted a pic and the vid of the T-bird on a Mustang Forum and someone is interested in buying. Maybe this week I'll put the car on E-bay?

See ya,
Les

I can

One must truly believe in themself in order to achieve their goals.

There will always be hills and valleys on the road to achieving your goals. It's thoses bumps in the road that make the goal all so more gratifying.

Just some outward thinking today.. a reassurance "That I can"

Les

Here is that in car Vid I promised

I just made a short trip down the street.. not too much power, easy. Return trip I pulled 6000 Rpm's and 15 pounds of boost from the Turbo. Hope ya enjoy the ride.. 5 meg file and works with Windows Media player.

http://www.zippyvideos.com/6576546734056676/tbird/*bbf545

Les

Middle of the week, Whoohoo!

Hi,
Wow it's Wednesday already. It looks pretty nice out today, still little cold but the sun is out nice and bright. I'm taking my camara to work with me. So at lunch I'll have someone ride shotgun and I'll make that in-car video of the T-bird. In the next couple of weeks I have to do some work on my race car engine.. Now that the T-bird is finished I'm a little bored in the evenings so... that's the plans.. I also have to rebuild a transmission for one of my other cars. Alex that painted the T-bird asked me to do some work for him.. I need to fit that in somewhere..

Well see ya later! ;=)

Les

T-bird is done!

This car is pretty cool so I'll have to get a video of it. It's going to rain this week sooo next week I do that.

Let me know what ya think of her!

I went to sleep early yesterday but had nightmares.. didn't sleep well. I know I'll sleep better when I sell the car.

Les

Saturday!

Wel, I went to work to finish a truck I started on Friday. Had to put a trans in it. Not easy as it was Diesel and 4x4 as well. I did some work on my next project as the T-bird was painted today. Here are some Ugly pictures of the convertable.. I'm changing it over to a Mercury Capri and there was never a convertable Capri built. One of a kind..
Les

Seen a Mustang for sale today

As luck would have it I was sent out to get lunch. On my way I spotted a nice Mustang Hatchback. The asking price was $1200 but nobody was home at the time to get any details. I was thinking I'd like to buy it before someone else does.

So after work I had to take the T-bird to the paint shop. Alex wanted me to get him some tape to mask the car. Getting tape is the least I can do, just don't make me sand on it.. Lol. On the way back I stopped by to have a better look at this Mustang. The owners mother was there but not too helpfull. It looks like the car may need some work, but the worst thing is the car isn't registered. That's a big problem. To get the registration up to date it may cost as much as $500. The woman didn't know what the costs would be. It was a pretty car and I guess I could resell it but just afraid of the registration costs. I have to think about it a little. I already have a Mustang Convertable that I could finish... I'll think about the deal some more I guess.

It was pretty warm in the afternoon today.. I could get by with my tee shirt and jeans..

Les

On the Edge

As a driver I don’t worry about being in a crash. It isn’t that I don’t have respect for loss it’s just the very last thing on my mind.
I’ve been around cars and raced for sometime. I’ll always push the limits. It’s not a Macho deal, but an inner feeling. I’m not afraid to be on the edge. The pictures are things that can go wrong. Both cars are Mustangs. The middle picture is all that remains of one car. Unfortunately the wreck was fatal. Just a reminder, that when we strap in the car, anything can happen.
It’s a risk we take.

Here is the video link.. it's 5 megs

http://www.zippyvideos.com/6806801403956346/crash/*bbf545

Les

Last of the ugly pictures

Well this is it, last one of the T-bird! I talked to Alex today and we are on for painting this weekend! "Yes" I can't wait to sell this car! It's going to be awsome, but I sure wish I had some different wheels to put on it. Next stop E-bay! I'd like to get 4 Thousand but something reasonable would be Ok with me! The race season has already started and I'm behind building my Mustang racecar. At least I know I've done everything possible to finish the car and it's just Money that's slowing me down.

Well here's that last ugly pic..

Oh ya .. today went pretty good at work! Stuck taking out a 4x4 Dodge pick-up truck transmission. Installing it tomorrow..

Les

Stress

Geewiz, what a day today. Gerrrr darn customers anyways. It was good to get home and dig up some of my favorite music. Usually Creed, Nickelback and Goo Goo Dolls play pretty good turned up loud! Somehow Beer comes to mind..

Sorry to vent but at least tomorrow is another day! Just a little frustrated with "Customers" today is all.

Later!

Les

Going Back in Time

When I was about 12 years old my friends and I use to ride our bikes all over town. We use to take our parents playing card, use clothes pins ( you hang your laundray with them) and attach them to our bikes. It made a motor sound from the bike wheel when attached. Sometimes we would vist Gary Dyer, he drove the car in the picture. We would ring Gary's doorbell and ask is "Gary" there? He was.. he would quit what ever he was doing, eating... watching TV and come outside. Of course we all wanted to sit in his race car. Gary would allow all a chance to sit. I remember Gary like it was yesterday and how nice he was to us kids.. I only hope I can be like him!

Thanks for reading,
Les

Attitude

Sometimes I think it makes us who we are.

A guy (Ray) who I worked with at a restoration shop stopped by my house yesterday. He had his son with him. I really enjoyed working with Ray. I haven’t seen him in at least a year or more. I had made my move to work someplace else because my new job had good people and their knowledge on racecars was valuable to me.

Ray told me that his son was interested in cars with Big Block engines and that I was the best person to talk to. I explained some stuff on the engine and we looked at some of my build ideas on my computer. I could tell he was very interested. You could see it in his eyes. I asked the boy if he had a computer and he said yes. So before he left I gave him a new copy of Desktop Dyno for engine building. It’s software that helps you figure what parts will work in your engine. He’s going to be a great mechanic I can tell. Best of all he has the right “Attitude.”

Les

Just some thinking

Here is a couple of pictures of the engine bay and what the 545 Ci engine placement will look like in my Mustang. I spent many hours detailing the engine bay. The stock car must have a Zillion holes for mounting the stock parts. I carefully welded up almost all of them. I'm not doing too much tonight so I figured I'd post some pics.

Later On!
Les

Cross Roads

Well my friend agreed to paint the T-bird today. I gave him the cash to get the materials. Because this weekend looks like rain we will paint it next weekend. I am going to primer the car one last time. He said he will final sand the car. Thank "G" because I'm sick of sanding this car.

My work at the shop has been full throttle so when I get home it's like "work on the T-bird" ya right. Mind you.. I like what I do.. it's just you can only take sooo much of cars in one day.

The best part is when I sell this car and finish the Race Car engine! Then I'll be real happy!

Tag along on my Blog.. I think you'll will be impressed as I go from junk yard car to track side performance. My car weight is only 1580lbs without engine or trans. Looking at over 600 Hp rear wheel and 2700 lbs total..

See ya,
Les

John Force

Wow 4 seconds and 330 Mph in the 1/4 mile. I cant even begin to think what that would be like. That's pretty cool though. Some how my 9 second car seems soooo slow.. Lol. John didn't do so good this past weekend but I know he'll be in the winners circle before too long. He is one heck of a driver.

I took my engine's Intake Manifold to the shop today. Looking to smooth out some of the passages. The intake is set up to run a Dominator Carb :=) So much rides on finishing this T-bird that I have and selling it. I have some basic engine work to do for my race car but need $$$. Frustrating at times..

Seasonal change, ya got to love it! It was in the 70's this week and now we have freeze warnings. If I understand nature correctly we have at least two weeks in the summer (Indian Summer) (August) with high heat just before Fall and then there is two weeks in Febuary that are really cold just before Spring. I'd think that natures time clock ringing!

Later on!
Les

Busy

Well if nothing else I'm busy at work. I have three trucks with the transmissions out. The sad part is... if I don't get back to one in a few days.. it's like where in the hell do all the bolts go. My memory is good but not when ya got a bunch of cars apart. So much for work anyways..

I put all my connecting rods for my Race Car on the scale today and the are within 2 grams. I have four rods the same weight, three that are one gram less and one that is two grams less. This is good as far as the internal balancing goes. I was going to scale my Probe Pistons today, but I figured I'd get home to do some more (yes more) sanding on the T-bird. What I did over the weekend wasn't enough. I came in the house to take a break. I look something like Frosty the Snowman and need a shower.

It was a nice day out today and it's suppose to get cold again. This is some crazy weather we are having this year.

Ta ta for now!
Les

T-bird in primer

She is still UGLY... Well if things go right it won't be ugly for long.. I have to go back in and do some touch-up in the trunk and under the hood area. I used my new camara to take this pic yesterday. When it's painted, I take you on a ride with some video. It has a Turbo and is pretty quick for what the car is. I'm better at engines and transmissions then body work. I try and not let the words "I Cant" get in my way too much. Most of the time the things I try come out OK.

This is good pratice anyways.. I need to get the Mustang painted and it not going to be easy. The pic to the upper left is about how I'm going to paint my race care. A little different color but somewhat similar.

Les

Up all night

Not really but pretty late. Did some sanding to the T-bird today. It's not easy, as I went thru the primer in a few spots. Talked to a friend and he said he would be willing to paint the car for me.. But... I think the primer job would have to be flawless and it's not. I've had better luck with other cars but for some reason this car is a pain to finish. Maybe I expect too much from this car? It's the bread and butter when it sells.
I need the money from the sale to buy more engine parts for my Mustang.. umm.. no pressure right!

I'll post a pic tomorrow!

Les

Side Step

Well.. one more evening off.. I'm a slacker! Did buy a couple of CD's today. We have some spare $$ so I'm going to buy a few more engine parts I really need. It's pretty obvious I'll not make the begining of the season, but.. I can use this year to get confortable with the new car. The car should run 9 seconds @ over 135 Mph .. my estimate if not quicker.

See ya!

Les

Tuff day today

Well I woke up about 2 am thinking it was time to go to work.. Well I went back to sleep only to awaken again an hour later.. sheeshh. When the alarm clock went off I figured I give my "Late for work" a reallity check and go back to sleep.. but I didnt..

Had to say good bye to a friend today, makes me sad..

Les

When Duty Calls

I served in the Navy during Desert Storm and Southern Watch. I had the chance to work on these aircraft as a Jet Engine Mechanic. Being on the ship was more then I'd like to mention. I gave of myself so others could be Free!

I felt this was important part of me to add to my Blog!

Les
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