Diary

Page 23   12-7-12 to 5-13-13

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1-16-13
I got the CV joints and shafts back today by UPS from Rob Moore. Interestingly, I was unable to reach him by phone despite more than a half dozen calls since sending him the units.
No matter, they are here, and I will fit them on in the next few days.
I am overdue to follow up with Crower Cams from Famoso, and Nate Sheldon of B&M, who promised a 700-R4 and shifter.
Of course nothing has come from Power Brake Bob, as he is no longer living here, owes me money, and in his VERY solid pattern just ignores me to avoid paying.
It is sad, really. I continue to recommend him to others, but he very likely ignores that as well.

1-25-13
Randy and I went to the GNRS, and I connected with a few people there. Bev and Bob Ream of Imagine Injection have not yet done their solar thing, so no commission is forthcoming to me to help pay for their approximately $20K system. But they are anxious for me to use them. Time will tell.
I saw a couple of tidbits at the show, and introduced myself to Ron Mangus of upholstery fame. He would like to come see the KK and get some decisions made to help guide the interior construction. He has estimated $15K for an interior.
I saw Bill Matson of Matson’s Radiators, and he claims he will come if I just call him (of course I have done so several times). OK, I’ll call again.
I also spoke with some guys from Chaffey College and will be talking to their instructor about adopting the KK as a student project.
And as a sidelight, a fellow named Dave May informed me that Fontana Dragway will reopen soon.
This is GREAT news. Not that the KK will be running very soon, but this opens up some possibilities down the road.
And, a fellow named Dan at Alumicraft quoted about $1200 to do a custom aluminum grille. This is about a quarter of a previous quote.
So a little progress is being made here.
I need to make the call to Nate Sheldon at B&M and put that to bed as well.

1-31-13
I called several sponsors, and am waiting back for answers.
Jack Mattson came over yesterday, and I came up with a totally new way to do the cooling. We’re looking to place the radiators ABOVE the motors. This will eliminate a WHOLE mass of problems and cost. As it appears no Inglese or Imagine injection stacks are forthcoming, we’ll just plunk a 28 x 18 radiator on top of the factory injection on each motor with some architecturally cool bracketing, and run them right there. No collection tanks, pumps, difficult flex hoses at the rear, etc. This will make for a different, industrial look to the setup, and further advance the locomotive look for the engine system. I still need to come up with a compatible valve cover “cover” to integrate the motors into a single-looking unit. As pix from LONG ago show, I had done a foam board mockup of such a 100” long by 9” wide cover. At this stage, it needs to be brushed something, with some engraved lettering. I could make something out of sheet metal, but there will be no three-dimensional aspect to it. Perhaps something raised might do. I gotta finish this project, as it continues to change the longer it sits!

2-2-13
And, I just won a Mini Cooper speedo cluster on ebay for $85. This will allow me to move forward on some interior stuff. I hope it gets here before Ron Mangus shows up.

I really like the large round aspect of the cluster, and it gives some uniqueness to the interior scheme. Its diameter is about 9”. This will work well in the space I have at present.

2-8-13
The cluster arrived today.
I talked again with Jack Matson asking if he could make the radiators shorter, perhaps 26” He said yes, but preferred to stay at 28” for much better cooling and larger fans.
He is making me a template mounting plate so I can mock up mounting, and possibly I will foam up some radiators mock ups to see how it looks. He quoted $939 EACH. I certainly could do this cheaper. In fairness, he has quoted this as all polished shroud and side plates, with turn on sensors, bungs, and fans. He feels rubber hoses will be easy to find. I’m not so sure.

I need to get again onto Nate Sheldon, whose assistant has not called me back with confirmation or denial of the sponsorship.
I will also hound PBB again for contact info on his other “sponsor” sources.

4-3-13
Hounding PBB has proved futile (not surprising). I’ll commence my efforts after tomorrow, when I get a work break from my current project.

5-13-13
I have done ZERO since the last entry. I did go to Apex (electrical junkyard) and got some cool examples of finned heat sinks, which would look quite right in two applications.
I have abandoned PBB doping anything, so I must now get on with it a start the sponsor-calling.
As I just finished a three-month job, now is a good time for this.

 

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