Busy, Busy, Busy

Wow! The last few weeks have been incredibly busy. The crew and I tore the car down to the bare chassis and the last few weeks have been spent putting it back together. For a large chunk of the time it has been a labor of frustration. It seemed like everytime we took a step forward there were two steps backward right afterwards. The shop was a complete disaster. Parts, pieces, tools were scattered everywhere. There wasn't a flat surface that wasn't covered. I couldn't find anything. Damn that was frustrating all by itself and it seemed like we would get one part put back together only to find two other parts that needed reworking, rebuilding or just flat replacing. The number one engine and heads were torn down completely and sent to Bob Miner for machine work. Then the transmissions were rebuilt including waiting weeks for the parts. But before you blame Bob Miner or Lenco or any of the other manufacturers for the delays it is important to know that they were all pretty well johnny on the spot with the parts once I ordered them. Therein lies the rub so to speak. I wouldn't order the parts until I had the money in hand. And contrary to popular opinions there really aren't all that many people willing to buy my kidneys these days. I am just kidding but as a self funded racer it is really important to manage cash flow. A person can really go hog-wild and get in over his/her head ordering parts and pieces. I know this fact because I have been guilty of it several times myself.
But things are coming together and we aren't too far from being able to start it. It will be reassuring to hear it run again. I built a aluminum box to contain all the electronics to protect and keep them clean so all the wiring had to be redone. The rearend was gone through with fresh seals and bearings put in. The transmissions were gone through. The heads and block were gone through and all new valves, rods, pistons, cam and lifters put in. So here's to starting it in the next couple of days- I can't wait. Dave