How the Road Runner beats the Coyote - Page 2 - Lateral-g Forums

RaiderLefty · #11 12-23-2008, 12:23 PM

Thanks for all the comments, I really appreciate them. There will be plenty more pictures to come.

I've been chomping at the bit to get her running again so that I can see the difference that all the changes make.

Here's a few more pics of the car prior to all the changes to keep ya'll occupied.

motorheadmike · #12 12-23-2008, 12:56 PM

Nice.

It is unfortunate that you had to find out the hard way what happens when you allow others to do your work. The only person you can really trust is yourself, that is also the only person you can hold accountable at the end of the day for the decisions made.

Your new direction is a good one! Keep going...

craigs73 · #13 12-23-2008, 08:20 PM

what wheels did you go with

lhkustoms · #14 12-24-2008, 12:49 AM

more pics please were all a little impatient

RaiderLefty · #15 02-08-2009, 09:22 PM

Been a while since my last update but between traveling with work and running into problem after problem there's not bee much to update.

In trying to install the Wilwood rear disc brakes I discovered that the stock rear 8-3/4" axle shafts were not cut to the most exacting standards. The passengers side caliper fit but wouldn't center.....it was off by .015. The driver's side was even worse.......it was off by .125 which wouldn't work at all. After much debate and discussion amongst 3-4 engineers we decided it better to order new axle shafts then to try and machine enough off the stock shafts to make fit.

So it was time to make a quick call to Moser and order some new axle shafts. Once I got the new shafts & bearings in it was funny how much better the Wilwood kit fit. I got all the rear calipers installed, the hard lines run, and the brake system bled.

So now with everything done that I originally set out to do it was time to get to the step I've been anticipating for a while.......the wheels/tires.

As I'm sure most of you do.......I spent a TON of time trying to figure out the look I wanted for my car. I knew that I liked the monochromatic black look but wasn't sure about doing the black flat to match the Mopar hood. After quite a bit of discussion with Jon at Driver's Inc we decided it would be a great look if I diamond-cut the edges to give the rims some depth.

Forgeline SS3Ps with Nitto N555 tires. 255/45/18s on the front and 305/40/18s on the rear.

And the obligitory money shot

I really would like to thank Jon for all the discussion and thoughts on what would/wouldn't work in terms of the wheels. I honestly could not be happier with the way they turned out.

RaiderLefty · #16 02-08-2009, 09:34 PM

Now it was time for the moment I've been waiting for close to 3 months for........sitting the Chicken back on the ground, adjusting her stance (torsion bars) and getting to see if she came out like I'd pictured in my mind.

Now before I get any flack for the car being on a trailer this needs to be told. Apparently despite my best efforts and research I apparently sized the master cylinder incorrectly. I went with the 7/8" MC instead of the 1" or 1-1/8" and once the brakes were completely bled the pedal goes almost to the floor the first time (though it's solid at the bottom) and then the next several pumps it builds pressure in the calipers and is solid. I think going with a larger MC will allow more fluid to flow. So I had to trailer the car from Dallas to Houston despite feeling like one of "those guys".

Last pic before I pulled out of the driveway

I would also like to extend a special thank you to Frank at Prodigy Customs for all his help on the Wilwood brake kit. I saw all the good things that were constantly said on this board about him and have to say I completely agree with all of them. He's been nothing but helpful. I truly appreciate it.

As soon as the weather gets nice in Houston I'll get her out and washed and see how all the upgrades make the car feel/handle. You can be sure a few more pics will be posted. Enjoy!!!

TreySmith · #17 02-08-2009, 09:45 PM

Where do you live in Houston? I would love to see the car!!

Also, this weather really does suck.. It is so damn windy!! I can't work on my car at all because it is so annoying, and had to give up my stereo install on my camaro up 'till next weekend.

71duster · #18 02-08-2009, 11:26 PM

beautiful car! are you going to drop it any? i can suggest fat man customs drop spindles. i have them on my duster,nice units. i have a 1969 gtx clone myself that is in pieces. maybe i will finish it one day. great start on your car!

RaiderLefty · #19 02-16-2009, 08:26 PM

Well the weather finally cooperated enough so I could get her out and get a good wash and wax done. Amazing how much better black looks when it's freshly washed then when it's been towed home in the rain!!

What's amazing though is the comments the wheels are getting. I can't thank Jon at Driver's Inc enough for the help on them. I can't go anywhere without getting multiple comments on them.

RaiderLefty · #20 02-16-2009, 08:30 PM

A few more detail pics......

My only problem is that I'm still having issues with the brakes. The pedal occasionally gets soft on the first push and then much harder on subsequent pushes. I thought I still had air in the rear lines somewhere but I've tried both the normal "pump" method as well as gravity bleeding them and am about 99% sure all the air it out yet I can't get rid of the problem.

Any thoughts or ideas are welcome.