HM-2032 - Texas Storm Chaser

[Redstang69]

Looks really good Jim. I too hate masking. You really have to plan a couple days ahead of when you want to paint to be able to take the time necessary to mask it well. Something I usually don't plan very well for haha.

[NTX-CLANK]

Looks awesome Jim! Hard to believe you've never done body and paint before. Takes some big ones just to attempt it! But to attempt and have come out as well as yours has is really something to say the least. Takes a bit of natural talent

Now get it put together so we can go for a drive:)

PS:(without chipping or scratching. And don't drop the doors on their edge) 

Thank you, Bruce.  That means a lot coming from you.  Your guidance has been spot on and very timely during the process.  Thanks for keeping the bar raised for the rest of us.  Even your dropped door has been helpful each time I handle my doors.  I am so ready to get this thing on the road.

[NTX-CLANK]

Looks fantastic.Great job!

Thank you, Sam. 

[NTX-CLANK]

Hi Jim, car looks great, and hats off to shooting the paint yourself!!  What size tires did you use, and any issues with going 8" with the larger rear tires?  I like the look and leaning heavily toward that size.
Also, a general question on going with the 15" wheels, I have the larger Wilwood brakes w/12.19" rotors.  Do you think there will be any clearance issues with 15" wheels?  Thanks.

Thanks, Clark. 

My tire sizes are:
                       F: 235/60/15 Cooper Cobra
                       R: 295/50/15 Cooper Cobra

I had no mounting issues with the 8" wide wheels on the rear and I do like the look as well.  I am no tire/wheel expert, however, but will report any handling issues if they come up.  I do not plan on road racing this thing, but I am interested in it holding the curvy roads I would like to run on.  I am having to use 1.5" wheel spacers on the rear to get these wheels / tires to have a meaner stance.  I am not sure about your dimensions for your Wilwood calipers, but they would need to be a low profile design.  Let me know if you need me to measure the wheel ID.  Attached is the wheel specs I have. I was not able to get the 10" version within my time line.

[NTX-CLANK]

Looks really good Jim. I too hate masking. You really have to plan a couple days ahead of when you want to paint to be able to take the time necessary to mask it well. Something I usually don't plan very well for haha.

Thank you, Ben.  I learned about buying good quality masking tape. It sure makes a difference.

[yamrad44]

Jim, if you could get me the wheel ID that would be great, I really appreciate the help, thanks!!

[FFR428]

Jim, great job on the car!! That's a nice shade of yellow. Pops with the black stripes. Very cool. Enjoy.

[NTX-CLANK]

Jim, if you could get me the wheel ID that would be great, I really appreciate the help, thanks!!

ID=14" at wheel mounting surface and tapers to 14.5"

Jim

[NTX-CLANK]

Slow progress on color sanding and polish.  I am a bit concerned that I may not have enough clear coat build to sand all of the orange peel that is left.  I have worked on one area so far working from 1000 grit to 3000 and it looks promising...next, I will try my hand at buffing and polishing....more to come soon.

[NTX-CLANK]

Paint correction and buffing mostly complete, so am currently working on final assembly. I am very pleased with how it is turning out.  Next, I will be working on panel alignment, trunk detail and interior.  I am anxious to get her registered and street legal!

[Bruce N]

lookin real good Jim! Be cruising in no time Now....If it would just cool down a bit so we can enjoy these things! Took mine out yesterday for quick trip to store and about burnt up 

[NTX-CLANK]

lookin real good Jim! Be cruising in no time Now....If it would just cool down a bit so we can enjoy these things! Took mine out yesterday for quick trip to store and about burnt up 

Thanks, Bruce.  I think I should be ready for cruising this fall if all goes well.  My wife is enjoying me "putting the jewelry on" her after seeing it so ragged for so long.

Jim

[NTX-CLANK]

I did a cursory front alignment myself and trailered her to Christian Brothers for final alignment and ASE inspection that failed for some steering interferences and a leaking fuel pump. I took the opportunity to reposition the new pump below the bottom of the tank, letting gravity be more friendly. I got a one-trip tag and drove it back this time (such a blast) and PASSED. Took all needed docs to TXDMV and now am waiting Austin approvals.

Finally set timing at 10 base 30 full btdc and it runs great. Am currently fighting some rattles and working interior features.

[Redstang69]

Pretty awesome milestone Jim, congrats.
What was the steering interference issue? I know my caliper banjo bolt will hit my coilover spring. Alec said it should be ok once I get weight on it, I don't have the engine in yet so we'll see.

[NTX-CLANK]

Ben,
  My steering shaft was rubbing against the driver side fender skirt.  When I riveted the fender well panel just behind the front wheel, it kicked the skirt in too much.  I just drilled out the rivets and trimmed the panel and re-attached. 
  The shaft also comes very close to my headers, so watch that area as well.