Chris,
How did the back seat work out?

And, is the give away contest open to anyone? I missed the details but would like to enter if possible.

Back seat turned out awesome - I posted here:

https://lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=33239

yes - open to anyone subject to the rules.

18 and older - not a member of FBC Lakeland at the time of entering - and not one of the builders or sponsors.

This is a faith based initiative...so we are just asking folks to take the time to read the tract on this page...then fill out the form.

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/Project...way-Rules.html

Latest Update:

Exhaust - on

Headliner - in

Stereo with MP3 - Iphone connection..etc. etc - in

Speakers - in

99% of the dash with center bezel, etc - in

headlamps - aimed with a hoppy machine

Waiting on:

rear brakes to come back from B&W, need to install the dome light and figure out why the instrument panel lamp wire is dead.

Window graphics

alignment....


Should have it up and running this week and will put as many miles as possible on it to shake it all out. Will be DRIVING it to Florida the end of the month.

Trailered it to a show about 30 miles away last night and had a blast - will drive it to a show today that is about 5 miles away.

Amazing work, and dedication, and amazing how a hobby and love for cars can bring some many people to do an amazing car like this together.

Excellent way to go to make Him proud!

Gui

:thumbsup: Thanks!

Great work. What did you use for a radio, and I will take you up on those front end pictures that you offered to send me.

Thanks Rob

Send me a PM again with your email and I'll send those photos.

The stereo turned out pretty well. We went with a unit fully Ipod integrated. Since the car will get plenty of road time between the road trip to FL coming up the end of Sept - all around FL, then back up to the power tour - we figured being able to listen and charge an Iphone would be great - as well as for the future owner that wins the car.

I cut the dash using the template from the radio bezel. We used a radio delete face panel and took our time trimming the opening.

At this time we need to get some black plastic filler to cover the bottom side because you can see the carrier. Other than that it went smooth and easy.

Picture attached.

Just took it to the gas station and filled it up for the first time.

Went about 10 miles. The engine is getting up to about 220, but when I got back I scanned the radiator with my temp gun and found it to be about 160. I therefore assume the t-stat is sticking. The engine was built in 2009 and it has been sitting, so that is possible.

Will get the alignment by Monday or so. Getting graphics done for the glass soon too.

The brakes have a little air - but what a difference having all four working makes! B and W did a great job on the rears.

I have 23 days and counting to get it to drive to Florida. Don't you guys just love the thrash? I don't know how they do the seven day builds on TV and actually have a road worthy car - except there is an army of folks working on them.

Stay tuned!

16 days to go:

1. I have the rear axle out - long story short we had scored a killer deal on it through Craigslist...now we know why. A totally unexpected expense and delay, but it will be right...and the future owner will enjoy that peace of mind.

2. Transmission didn't make it - I replaced it over the labor day weekend - another unexpected cost and delay.

3. Overheating....had the radiator cleaned yesterday for fear it was clogged from having water in it years ago, then letting it sit with dust...etc. Also checked all the ports, pump...etc. I think we may have a lean condition. I'll be starting the carb tuning and up-jetting as soon as I get the axle back in to run it.

Nothing like coming down to the wire to make things exciting...eh?

Nice color!!! i want to win!!! wooohhh

We are still planning on rolling on the 24th south.

As of today we have about 40 miles on the car.

1. Rear axle rebuilt - re-installed - and humming along nice.

2. Replacement transmission in...and shifting well.

3. Overheating???? Not sure on this one - with no T-stat she is getting up to and holding about 180. I ordered a large fan and shroud kit from Jegs that will be here Tuesday. Hoping that will ensure that when the a/c is on in warmer weather it will keep cool.

4. Alignment this week.....

More miles to go...then we are off and running south.


One way plane ticket already bought to come back home.

Wow
 

CHRIS

You keep plugging away.:thumbsup:

Tom

I will be seeing you soon as well!

Update
 

As of this morning - we have about 300 miles on the car since brining it back on-line.

Upgraded to a 100 amp alt this weekend (CS130).

Working on tuning the carb. Need to get it as efficient as possible.

Right now it is knocking down a solid 11 mpg no matter what I do.

Going to be stopping ALOT on the way south.

Should be a great shakedown to rule out as many issues as possible before turning over to the rest of the crew. Other than the miles, I'm sure the future owner will also appreciate the shake down.

I am a bit nervous - mostly about running out of fuel between stops. Not so much it gets poor mpg - but that on a 16 gal tank...you will be looking for a stop around 150 miles each time - 1,100 mile trip...lots of stops.

At least we can get out - stretch and check all the belts, hoses...etc.

Update....

What a whirlwind of a week!!!!!!!!! Nothing like taking a car with 400 miles on it...and driving it 1,100 miles over two days on a mission.

I am happy to report that other than the leaky trans cooler line...it made it to Florida just fine.

The upholstry guy did a jam up job getting the interior trim done - including wrapping the fiberglass inserts I built for the rear 4th gen Trans Am seats...and many other minor details.

Also - the trans in the car is a used one I bought a few weeks ago local and put in to get the car there. The car was dropped yesterday at a trans shop in Lakeland that is totally going through it to make it new and ready to go - so that all the drivetrain in the vehicle will either be new or rebuilt and reliable.

We had a blast - and topped it off last Saturday with the all GM NPD show at Silver Springs.

I'm excited about seeing it again this Summer - and building into the giveaway November 10, 2012!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for everybody that has supported this project- details to come as we go. We are working towards having it on the Power Tour 2012. However, I'm looking for an Overdrive Trans before that run. It will be good for everybody - as 11 mpg was not cool on the way down.

long over-due update.

first of all - THANK YOU to those forum members here and many others that donated, helped, and contributed to make this project not only a success...but to be COMPLETED in the first place. THANK YOU!

The fellows from Florida drove it up on June 1 from Florida - drove all night long. It broke an alternator bolt in Kentucky - was fixed in a few and back on the road. Made it here for a promotion on Sunday, June 3 - then it went to pick up the two Illinois legs of the Power Tour. The folks from Dakota Digital were gracious and let us put in the vendor area to show case the amazing gauges.

The fellows rolled back to Florida and arrived safe and sound this last week. Only problem - the alternator bolt.

It went over 2,600 miles - virtually flawless.

Unlike many give-away cars - this one will be well flogged out and every possible silly loose thing dealt with prior to being given to the new owner.

We are marching to November 10!!!!!!!!!

The car has had some cool updates since it left Illinois in September - the interior has been detailed and tricked with one-off R embossed parts - trunk interior detail...I has had the side windows tinted, a boosted stereo system, and more. Just keeps getting better.

Hey guys - the giveaway drawing is THIS Saturday in Lakeland Florida at the First Baptist Church at the Mall car show.

I'm headed down this week to be there when it goes away.

I'd love to see one of you guys pick this thing up.

That is AWESOME!!! Can you poste on how we can get into the drawing buy raffle tickets etc? Must be present to win? Great cause and giveaway!

You can go to www.projectr517.com - You don't have to be present.

It is FREE!

Thanks!!

I'm in SE Orlando now... I'm going to try to bring the FREEDOMBIRD!

Hope to see you Saturday!! :thumbsup:

Awesome! I want to see that fredombird

The event was a success and the car has a new owner! They were not present at the event but we were able to call and put them on speaker phone. They will pick it up next weekend and I will have more info then.

Happy sad event. I said goodbye to the car and my buds and got on a plane back to Illinois. Still trying to get home now.

Thanks to everybody that has been a part of this journey!

Wow awesome! Congrats to the owners (what are their names and location? We would love to welcome another bird owner in the group!!)!!! Amazing story behind the car, and think new owners will be thrilled!!

Gui

We'll get an invite to them to this forum page and see if they will chime in.

They are in the general Central Florida area - so I'm sure you'll see the car around at local shows and events in the future.

I'll also get the main build site updated soon.

Wow, great story. Congrats to the new owners.