What have you done to your car today?

[Perfect Balance]

Use mothers aluminum polish and it will repair those wheels in a matter of minutes. I use it on any aluminum and it works miracles. You can make dull oxidized aluminum look like chrome with almost no effort.

This is what it looks like used on stainless steel.

This stuff is great, I used some on the back of my Ipod today, it's back to it's mirror state now.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

Once in a while I would hear some noise from the rear of my Camaro. So last night I found an unpleasant surprise while looking under my car for the noise. I saw some bumps in the rear diff cover pushing outward and paint missing which is never a good sign. I took the cover off to find out 3 bolts were missing from the ring gear. The picture doesnt show it very well but the rear cover was tore up really bad inside. You can also see what 1 of the bolts looked like that was laying in the bottom.
I removed all the bolts and put red locktite on them. Then bought 3 more bolts to replace the missing ones. I also bought 75-140 weight fluid for the rear.
Luckily the ring and pinion gear are in excellent shape. I couldnt see any visible damage at all and the bearings seemed in good shape too. The car should be fine but it was a little scary to find this a week before my next Grattan road track event.

 

[nd 4 holden spd]

Used a lot of gosh darnded fuel. According to Top Gear Australia I'm a Boofheadus Erectus, and since buying my car I have been spotted in quiet moments at fuel stations mouthing at the sky "Why? Why?"

 

[ferrari_chris]

Lucky escape with those bolts, Adam!

 

[Keef]

This morning my dad machined me a shifter exention from some aluminum round stock. On Friday one of our designers was bored so he drew up a design for me. The whole thing is 4.75 inches long. The 1 inch diameter shaft flares out at a 45 degree angle and then there's a 2 inch diameter hemisphere on top. For good measure we decided on a Japanese sun/starburst design right on top.

He wrote a program for dad's mill in order to make the hemisphere and design. Old Man turned the shaft and angle on a lathe than clamped it up in his mill where we sat for nearly TWO HOURS while it machined the top. Yes, even on a higher-than-normal feed rate it took that long because the program was so complex . But now it's done. I just need to paint it or polish it or do something with it. I'm going to cover it with some sort of coating soon because aluminum likes to rub black stuff all over your hands. Sorry, but no pictures. The ol' computer is down for a while. Just know that it's sweet and none of you fools have one!

 

[Omnis]

This morning my dad machined me a shifter exention from some aluminum round stock. On Friday one of our designers was bored so he drew up a design for me. The whole thing is 4.75 inches long. The 1 inch diameter shaft flares out at a 45 degree angle and then there's a 2 inch diameter hemisphere on top. For good measure we decided on a Japanese sun/starburst design right on top.

He wrote a program for dad's mill in order to make the hemisphere and design. Old Man turned the shaft and angle on a lathe than clamped it up in his mill where we sat for nearly TWO HOURS while it machined the top. Yes, even on a higher-than-normal feed rate it took that long because the program was so complex . But now it's done. I just need to paint it or polish it or do something with it. I'm going to cover it with some sort of coating soon because aluminum likes to rub black stuff all over your hands. Sorry, but no pictures. The ol' computer is down for a while. Just know that it's sweet and none of you fools have one!

'Least I have chicken.

 

[DKX]

I took my car to a car show and some dude in a Diablo roadster complimented my car. It was a great day!

 

[ferrari_chris]

'Least I have chicken.

Leeeeroooooooy Jeeeeenkiiiiiiiiiins!

... I'm going to cover it with some sort of coating soon because aluminum likes to rub black stuff all over your hands. ...

That black stuff will stop coming off after a while. And polished aluminium looks tits!

Also, if you have access to these facilities, why are you not getting many more parts machined up?

 

[Thirdeye]

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

This morning my dad machined me a shifter exention from some aluminum round stock. On Friday one of our designers was bored so he drew up a design for me. The whole thing is 4.75 inches long. The 1 inch diameter shaft flares out at a 45 degree angle and then there's a 2 inch diameter hemisphere on top. For good measure we decided on a Japanese sun/starburst design right on top.

He wrote a program for dad's mill in order to make the hemisphere and design. Old Man turned the shaft and angle on a lathe than clamped it up in his mill where we sat for nearly TWO HOURS while it machined the top. Yes, even on a higher-than-normal feed rate it took that long because the program was so complex . But now it's done. I just need to paint it or polish it or do something with it. I'm going to cover it with some sort of coating soon because aluminum likes to rub black stuff all over your hands. Sorry, but no pictures. The ol' computer is down for a while. Just know that it's sweet and none of you fools have one!

Any pictures of your new shifter? As mentioned above that black stuff will come off after a little while. Especially if you wipe it with Mothers aluminum polish first.

Last night I put the rear diff cover back on and added the 75-140 weight gear fluid.
I drove my Camaro to work today because I am taking it in to get a new control arm bushing installed, center the steering wheel, and get a front end alignment. I would usually do this myself but I dont have time before the event and I dont like pressing in control arm bushings myself.
I am also going to order the orange carpet for Heathers Mustang today as soon as the place opens.

 

[Barracuda]

Yesterday I changed my transmission gasket again, and this time I used some blue stuff that came in a tube. I'll have to test it later on today but it should be fine now.

Now to get a new windshield and figure out why none of my interior lights work.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

Yesterday I changed my transmission gasket again, and this time I used some blue stuff that came in a tube. I'll have to test it later on today but it should be fine now.

Now to get a new windshield and figure out why none of my interior lights work.

Its better to put the gasket on too loose then too tight. They should have specific inch pounds you can torque them to. If you dont have a torque wrench its a good time to get one. They have one for inch pounds and foot pounds.
For the lights I would say start with your fuses.

 

[Barracuda]

Its better to put the gasket on too loose then too tight. They should have specific inch pounds you can torque them to. If you dont have a torque wrench its a good time to get one. They have one for inch pounds and foot pounds.
For the lights I would say start with your fuses.

That was the mistake we made with the other rubber gasket. This time we torqued it to the correct specifications, but I still think that other stuff should work better then just a rubber gasket.

Yea, I was planning on driving to autozone today and getting all new fuses. Plus it will give me a bit of driving time as I need to get my license before August 18th.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

I just bought these BOMZ racing seats for Heathers 67 Mustang. We will eventualy get the black part covered in white. The price of these seats was very cheap.

 

[Barracuda]

This morning I changed out all of my interior light bulbs. I also filled the transmission with fluid and took her out for a test drive. She's got some good pickup, but it could be a lot better. I didn't get any wheel spin on my go around the block, but my dad did with a roll back when I let him drive.

It would be nice to get her registered and insured so that these drives can be a lot longer

By the way Camaroboy, what look are you going for with her mustang. Are you going to do a full interior with the works, or are you going to make it more towards racing. I only ask because in my opinion I don't think a full interior with those seats would look too good. That's just me though.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

By the way Camaroboy, what look are you going for with her mustang. Are you going to do a full interior with the works, or are you going to make it more towards racing. I only ask because in my opinion I don't think a full interior with those seats would look too good. That's just me though.

Her car is going to be set up a lot like mine for road track racing. Its going to be low, with at least 18" wheels, a shrifter, an electric 4 speed tranny, and built for the track. We already have the 5 point seat belts for it. We also already ordered the carpet which should be here next week. Building a car to stock specifications is not in my vocabulary.

 

[Barracuda]

Her car is going to be set up a lot like mine for road track racing. Its going to be low, with at least 18" wheels, and built for the track. We already have the 5 point seat belts for it. We also already ordered the carpet which should be here next week.

Sounds like it's going to be great. Can't wait to see the finished product 👍

 

[Revheadnz]

Not everything for today but an update on what has been done recently.

Bought and fitted some 13x6 Minilites

Note. Looks much more choice in real life

As you can see in one of the pics the 1600 doesn't have a radiator (an electric fan is being fitted) so she's not really driveable at the moment.

But she's also got a new brake master, clutch master and clutch slave.

Not visible are the new wheel cylinders, new shoes, machined drums, new thermostat and also an electric fuel pump (old one was leaking). Hoping for back up and running for the end of the month

 

[ferrari_chris]

Sounds like you're having to replace a lot of the parts I've had to replace on my Mini.

Welcome to the club. 👍

What year?

 

[nd 4 holden spd]

I just bought these BOMZ racing seats for Heathers 67 Mustang. We will eventualy get the black part covered in white. The price of these seats was very cheap.

Nice seats.👍

Her car is going to be set up a lot like mine for road track racing. Its going to be low, with at least 18" wheels, a shrifter, an electric 4 speed tranny, and built for the track. We already have the 5 point seat belts for it. We also already ordered the carpet which should be here next week. Building a car to stock specifications is not in my vocabulary.

4spd?

 

[Revheadnz]

Sounds like you're having to replace a lot of the parts I've had to replace on my Mini.

Welcome to the club. 👍

What year?

1969.

What kind of Mini do you have?

 

[The Porko]

Replaced my spark plugs in the cappuccino with HKS Iridium in time for my track day this saturday woot! car is ready to go! and cant wait.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

I actually replaced the spark plugs and wires in my 96 Saturn. Only took about 10 minutes and it runs a lot better now.
Picked up my 69 Camaro from the alignment shop after they replaced the driver upper control arm bushings. They also did an alignment and tried to straighten my steering wheel. He said he wont do a full alignment until I get the passenger control arm bushings in. So for now my steering wheel is still off. The car does feel better over bumps but it seems to handle strange now.
Tonight I have a lot planned for the Camaro to get it prepared for my road track event in 4 days.

 

[eiriksmil]

Washed it. Have put 120 miles on it this year and I've washed it like 4-5 times. Probably driven it 4-5 times too.

 

[Joey D]

It's July and you've only put 120miles on your car? Hell I do 120 miles every couple of days.

 

[eiriksmil]

What did I do to it today? I drove it. I figured out that when you drive cars that little it becomes more special to drive them than doing anything else on them

 

[homeforsummer]

What did I do to it today? I drove it. I figured out that when you drive cars that little it becomes more special to drive them than doing anything else on them

Have you seen your car's thread? I posted a scan (ish) of a mini feature you got in Retro Cars 👍 Well done

 

[The Porko]

I actually replaced the spark plugs and wires in my 96 Saturn. Only took about 10 minutes and it runs a lot better now.
Picked up my 69 Camaro from the alignment shop after they replaced the driver upper control arm bushings. They also did an alignment and tried to straighten my steering wheel. He said he wont do a full alignment until I get the passenger control arm bushings in. So for now my steering wheel is still off. The car does feel better over bumps but it seems to handle strange now.
Tonight I have a lot planned for the Camaro to get it prepared for my road track event in 4 days.

I gotta do my leads soon as well but first i got fix a couple of oil leaks!

eiriksmil - i totally agree!

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

Made a lot more progress on the Camaro last night in preparation for the road track event this weekend.
Did an oil change using racing Valvoline 20/50 oil and Fram oil filter, added about a quart and a half of auto tranny fluid to the 6 speed tranny, topped off the power steering fluid with Valvoline synthetic fluid, greased all the ball joints, universals, tie rod ends, and anything else that needed grease, topped off the radiator and checked all the hoses. Also checked the rear end to make sure it was in good shape and not leaking. Relocated some spark plug wires to clear the headers. Then I organized and secured the Hydraboost lines so they would not rub anything.
I still have a list of at least 7 major things to do tonight but its getting there. Engine compartment is still too ugly to post pics of.

 

[stumpydino]

my dad and i have a lil project
now what do you get when you mix these together

exactly, something scary

the plan is, axles and suspension sections off range rover chassis and combine with the series one chassis, which is in great nick also the fuel tank will go on too as it goes above the rear axle and will spread weight a bit better plus space under the driver can be freed up. swap wings, someone had fun with mountains of filler ages ago it seems. the interior needs a bit of a clean, still has the original 'luxury' fabric headliner! brand new bulkhead, old one was folded up and chucked lol though almost a years wait on that bit. take engine out and put in dads other series one, put in the 3.9 plant which came from a discovery i think and we have a manual box around somewhere...
theres many many more details lol but thats the jist of it