11/18/08
It seems impossible I have written nothing since the beginning of
August. Granted, it has been a very tough time, and not a lot has gotten
done. But, that said, Jay and I had a productive brain-banging session
the other day. Among other things, we test fitted some new radiator
configurations, and we settled on an approximately 6' x 1' radiator up
front, mounted across the front of the frame rails tight behind the
front sheet metal. We might get 13" or 14" tall if we work it right, as
in trimming the front frame horns at an angle to allow for a little back
tilt. This would provide about 6 SF of area, not a s big as the other 39
x 29 laid-back version, but probably adequate. We might even have room
for a second unit mounted behind it.
Yesterday, while spending some time with Kenny Duttweiler, he and I
discussed the computers, intakes, and blowers on the KK. I had asked if
the Big Stuff 3 units were the way to go, and he thought so. I then
asked if he could just use LS-1 Edit to modify stock computers. Kenny
asked how much blower I intended to run, and I noted about 6-8 pounds.
He commented that the stock computers were way good enough for that, as
he had done 9# already on a stock ECU. I He then asked just why it was I
was using superchargers. "Just for the bling, mostly" I noted. He opined
that I should just forget about the blowers, as 1200 HP was going to be
way more than I could possibly ever handle, and that the car would be an
ice skater at most speeds. So in two minutes, Kenny saved me about
$25000!! I like that. He noted I could always add the Magnuson units at
any time, as they incorporate the intake, fuel rails, intercoolers, and
blowers all in one bolt-on piece.
We also discussed drive by wire, and Kenny thought it far and away the
easiest and best way to go. There had been a warning by someone else
that I could not use electric throttle bodies on the earlier 24-tooth
reluctor crank gear. Kenny said not so.
More good news! Kenny felt we might have to gang three pots together on
the pedal, as the computers tend to be very snooty about their input
voltages.
Jay was ready to receive the KK in the next day or two, but I think I'm
going to be taking the Condor over, as Duttweiler will be done with the
Condor motor tomorrow.
11/21/08
Given I had to take two cars to Palm Springs for the auction (hope never
ceases that I will indeed sell these cars), and that Kenny is out of
town until Monday, I will not pick up the Condor motor until Monday
afternoon. Hence, NO KK over to Jay's until AFTER the Tbird is done.
The reduction in scope per Kenny's discussion with me is heartening. If
I can somehow put a stop to the construction hemophilia that seems
endemic to my efforts, I MIGHT get some progress on the KK. Jay is
poised to secure the steering and brake system, make a firewall, and WAS
going to start fabbing up fuel tanks. However, Jay feels it might be
prudent to start the X-membering of the frame FIRST. I have repeatedly
noted herein that I felt the reverse on this. Jay has some ideas for a
ladder bar arrangement, and I need to get much clearer on just what he
proposes before we do this step. I also have some issues about doing the
tanks in aluminum if we cannot make them appear perfect. Stainless tanks
by Rick's in Texas are BIG dollars. So a little more thinking is
required at this point. And of course, MORE money.
Not surprisingly, I have heard ZERO from Joe Montalto. No matter really
at this point. The car is not ready for him to take anyway.
What is troubling is that Joe did not verify the actual credit balance I
have with him, and tossed out a number a while back that is $6000 lower
than my number. Not good.
12/18/08
A friend of Dan Feldstein came over and looked at the two Biscaynes, and
returned, after several false starts, with a friend who expressed
serious interest in the Hemi and the KK. Really in the KK. I told him
$200K, with a $100K deposit to finish the car, the balance when he
drives it out. I think I can finish it in 4 months with that cash. I
have prepaid the body and paint, so it really comes down to about
$30,000 of Jay-work, such as tanks, setting the doors, firewall,
mounting all of the above stuff mentioned previously, etc.
I'm supposed to tow it to Jay tomorrow.
12/22/08
I got the KK over to Jay, with some drama. AAA refused to tow it!
Idiotic! I need to have some discussions with the president of AAA about
this. The driver claimed it was not an emergency, and therefore not
eligible for tow. Utter crap. I paid Harry from ADJ Towing $45, and all
was good.
After the camera exchange at Best Buy and some dinner at Rosie's, I went
to Jay's this evening with Angel in order to reintroduce Angel and see
if Jay would take him on as an apprentice. Angel came off as invincible,
can do anything, etc. I think that is dangerous as it sets up
disappointment. But that's his gig, and if he performs, good for both of
them. If not, so be it. Angel is so on it he left his phone at the
restaurant!
Meanwhile, Jay got the firewall in and the brake system mounted. He
temporaried in the steering column, and we confirmed some positioning
adjustments. He also notched the mounting for the power rack to provide
a better angle for the steering link. The legroom is good, and Jay has
burned about $1500 so far on this. Jay also posited an idea for a trap
door on the side of the firewall for access to the fuse block. And he
showed me that the old "AC vent" needs to be retained, but as an access
for the master cylinder reservoirs. Normally, these little billet
reservoirs would be mounted on the front of the firewall. However, the
booster is so high and tucked under the dash that the remote reservoirs
need to be higher, and that is the only place for them. Actually, it's
cool. Jay needs some info on the suicide door kit, and noted we have no
bear claws for the doors. True enough. It is good to see progress.
12/28/08
Dropped by tonight to hand Jay another $500 cash. I am still a little
behind on his time on the KK. He did get the passenger suicide door
mounted, and will be making templates from that install for the other
side. We talked about the front tilt system, and he asked that I make a
mockup of the radiator. As I looked at the space, I realized that the
front tilt mechanism would go right THROUGH the radiator! Oops! I guess
there was a reason I had not adopted the long crossflow design before.
As we pondered it I suggested we move the radiator BACK about a foot, on
TOP of the frame rails. This actually looks like it can work, as we can
fender and hood height as we go rearward. I'll make an approximately 14"
high by 72" wide radiator mockup tomorrow.
It is fascinating how this project just keeps morphing as we go.
In great news, I have decided on a transmission builder: Outlaw
Transmissions. Lou the owner, has a video on his website. The short
story is he appears very sincere and knowledgeable, and his price is way
right, $3500, including trans, converter, and core charge. AND, it
includes shipping! So as soon as I can score 4 grand, I will order one.
I will be writing Joe Montalto tonight or tomorrow 9he did not answer my
voicemail message), to confirm the actual credit I have, his hourly
rates, and some agreement on paper to protect us both.
I feel VERY vulnerable at this point It is not about trust, it's just
that life can change stuff, and there is no reason why we can't have
this in writing.
I have not heard back from Guyan regarding buying the KK.
12/31/08
Jay just sent me an invoice, stating I owe him ANOTHER $2141, and that's
AFTER the $1500 I just spent. It appears that it has cost me nearly
$4000 to have him mount one suicide door, make a firewall, mount the
master cylinder, and temporarily hang the steering column, unless Jay
has accomplished a HUGE amount more work than just noted, such as
mounting some lift system components, etc.
So, I gotta stop now, no money. I will probably have to have the KK
towed back here, as I cannot possibly afford to have any more work done.
This is all so frustrating.
1/2/09
I brought Jay $500, so I am down to $1641. Unfortunately for both of us,
I have no spare cash, and Jay is facing losing his space where he is.
This is not a good thing for either of us. I, of course, would way
prefer that Jay move in here, but he has no money, and other than
trading work, he has no way to pay me. This would not be an entirely bad
thing, and it would get stuff done here. It is the old story: can I
afford to float such an undertaking. I don't know that Jay even would
move here, but forces seems to be pushing it al to happen.
2/2/09
Got the KK back here using ADJ Towing for $45, and right in place under
the rear lift.
Jay is moving, but not here.
I plan to pull the engines tomorrow using the front lift, get the motors
on dollies, and get Montalto down here shortly to pick up the truck and
get going on it. Joe and I met last Friday, and he just bulldozed the
conversation into letting him do the work, So be it. He refused to put
anything in writing, nor to quote hourly rates. It appears he will just
get in finish painted for the $49K credit. This is certainly a
whoppingly good deal for him.
So perhaps in the nest six months I will score enough cash to buy a
trans, get the computers and wiring harnesses, and get ready to put
everything in and get it over to Duttweiler and Coast Driveline.
Of course, between here and there are some details, like the transfer
case completion (and the $3K that goes with that), plating of driveline
components, the fabrication and installation of the cooling system,
brake lines, fuel tanks, cooling tank, water line3s, and like that.
Joe should be putting the lift system in, finishing the suicide door
work, installing the electric windows and all the glass, and mounting
the headlights. We still have made no tail light decision.
2/4/09
So here are some pix of the beast loaded up with all its former sheet
metal piled in the bed, and strapped down for transport to Montalto's.
It is leaving momentarily, as soon as Joe's driver arrives. It always amazes me when I walk around the back of the truck and see how nasty it looks with the huge tires and the ass kicked up a bit. Great-looking truck.
2/17/09
Joe has had the truck a couple of weeks, and I have not received a call
from him with any questions or progress updates. I'm guessing he has not
started work on it, save for possibly putting it up on bocks and
leveling it.
