Thanks guys!

I wish I could get the rendering a little closer but technically it is just for reference when I start to build. I have noticed a lot of the really cool rendering never make it to the metal. Maybe mine can be the opposite. :)

I was cruising Craigslist the other night from my hotel room and low an behold a Iwata LPH-400 popped up less than 30 minutes from my house for $150 in really good shape. It is now in my garage. If only I was just ready for paint...

Chris

One of the more interesting builds here. :thumbsup:

Thanks!
I think (and maybe I shouldn't think/type this) I will have some time to work on her this weekend...

Chris

Subscribed!
I like that you are doing so much yourself. Including making your own tools and nose.
Keep those pictures coming please.

As requested.

More tools...

World's smallest English wheel (probably).

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...d/DSC_1541.jpg

Progress on the grill openings.
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...d/DSC_1540.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...d/DSC_1539.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...d/DSC_1538.jpg

While that probably does not seem like much progress I had to re-make one of the openings after my first attempt at adding a flange failed. Learned a lot though... :)

Chris

Ok, flash back time here....

My drag car from "back in the day",

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...SAMRACECAR.jpg

The power.

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...9/DCP_2998.jpg

The engine is not all that "pretty" but with 722hp at the flywheel (all motor no spray) so it has the "go" part down pretty well.

The car was built in my Dad's garage, my boss at the time and I did the back half chassis work, I did all the aluminum (without a brake). Then after the first season I front halved the car myself. Mind you I was 20 or 21 at the time so some of the work was not all that "polished" looking (the wiring for example).

After a few years we put the fiberglass clip and doors on it and added the "Pro Mod" wing. Actually that wing IS a Pro Mod wing... we pulled templates for it off of Bill Kulhman's (SP?) 200 MPH Camaro. That was really cool.

The engine was a 380 CID SBC with Trickflow 18* Aluminum heads. I did all the port work in the manifold and heads along with all the machine work (save balancing), assembly and Dyno testing personally. Oh, I built the 850 alcohol carb too (including the booster change, metering block fuel curve work and air bleeds).

Come to think of it the only thing we did not build was the transmission. I either personally built the parts or was very involved in the process (wing and paint for example). My uncle actually laid the paint down. I can remember blocking on that car for HOURS on top of HOURS.... Can't wait to do that again... :rolleyes: :P

Thanks for taking a trip down memory lane with me. Back to the project at hand...

Chris

Nice!:thumbsup:

Thanks, I REALLY miss working in the machine shop. I.T pays the bills better though. :(

After re-reading it sure sounded like I was tooting my own horn a bit... sorry about that, I was trying to show that I have been down the build it yourself road in the past. I will never forgot the guys that told me (us) "you can't build a racecar in a garage. :rofl: Sure you can! :yes:

I am a firm believe in doing what you can. We didn't have a lot of money growing up so I learned at an early age to fix what you can and if you can do the work yourself you can save money and control the outcome.

Chris

Sounds like a great way to grow up!
I had to learn what I know (which is not much lol)
the same way. Hands on, lacking funds to hire out.

I can only speak for myself here but your earlier postings did not sound like "tooting your own horn". Not at all.
Be proud of the skills you have, they are serving you well.
And I know that your postings will help at least me on my own project. :cheers: