2009 :   Details... Details... Details...

January

     Not much to tell this month.  I partially installed a camera this month so I could see behind me.  I fit it neatly in the key opening for the deck lid so it actually makes it look more like stock.  Hope one tries to put a key in it .  That would be bad.  I thought it turned out pretty good (If I do say so myself :) )

March

     I finished adding the backup camera and the changing the thermostat to a 1" hole "doughnut". That should help the cooling.  While I had it appart, I noticed that there was some rust starting to build up on the inside of the water outlet.  Since I didn't want that in the cooling system and I can't seem to leave things alone, I POR15ed The cast water outlet inside and out.  The original POR 15 with a high temp engine paint will have no problem standing up to the temperature.  Here is a picture from the outside (after installation).

I also finished installing the transmitter for the camera.  This back up camera is a simple $70 job from Advance Auto.  Nothing special, but I found that it worked well on my trailer and decided to use it on the race car.  With the wing and the scoop it is very difficult to see out the back of the car.  

Here is how I set up my monitor:

      I used the old mount for the 4 panel rear view mirror and made a bracket from a 1/4 - 20 bolt.  Everything is very secure and the visibility is great. 

      I also spend quite a bit of time (about 20 hours) to fabricate "mud flaps" (I know, I know....) for the front and rear of each wheel opening.  They just slide on for protection and remove easily for shows. 

   Rear DS Aft

    Rear DS Fore

They just slide right on......      No problem.  :)

Here is what they look like off the car:

July

      Well....   I finally got around to taking pictures of the IMSA.  My intent was to take some really nice pictures, so I decided to go visit the local lake for some better backdrop.  I left the house at 3:30 pm and didn't get home until 8:45 pm!  I spent 3 and a half hours just moving the car around in different positions for different angles in the right light.  I took a total of 122 pictures.  Here are some samples.

November

      I participated in the Thunder Alley Custom Bike and Hot Rod show in Belleville Illinois.  This is the same show I went to last year.  I knew it was a good one to go to mainly due to the people involved.  I met some cool people there last year and was looking forward to going again this year.  I am very please to say that I won Best of Show!  The award was sponsored by Full Throttle Magazine.  There is a possibility my picture will be in one of there issues.

December