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b_pappy

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Posts posted by b_pappy

  1. Like Daryl, I host clinics whenever car clubs ask. Also, when a novice buys a polisher I spend some time with them making sure they're comfortable and understand how to use it. Location is one of the hardest things, at my house I keep it small, finding a place to hold larger ones is an issue. The issue of liability always is a concern too. I'm close to generating a Release of Liability form for these things. (knocking wood) I have never had an issue, but things can always happen.

    Bruce

  2. Okay, made some measurable progress, with pictures. To recap, it's a 1972 Vega wagon. the engine is a 350, bored and stroked to 383, backed by a 700R4. Out back is a narrowed 10 bolt, 3:73 LSD. It's the large ring gear version, from a S-10 ZR2, so it has bigger carrier bearings too. Custom axles are Dutchman Performance. 4 wheel disc brakes. Coilovers at every corner on tubular control arms. Engine mounts and headers are by Don Hardy Race Cars. It's about the only system that uses conventional mounts, as opposed to a front mount.The headers all fit inside the engine bay.

    Nothing fits though...every header pipe had to "malletized" for spark plug clearance, the mounts had to massaged a bit. Then, since these headers are designed for side pipes we moved the collector forward a bit, and routed them back under the car.

    The gas tank is a repop 1st gen Camaro unit, and looks factory back there.

    There is a ton of little things too, like flipping the heater core around, adding power steering, updating the dash to full GT instrumentation. Should be a fun little car when it's done. I'm hoping we can keep the level of progress going at this rate.

    And I'm so lucky, my wife is still be my side during all this.

    Some pics:

    20170113_123411_001_zps4nxtp8vy.jpg

    20170113_123226_001_zpskghucsst.jpg

    20170113_123441_001_zpsjdurzeap.jpg

     

    IMG_20161216_152408_zpsjn6brzwx.jpg

  3. No pics yet, but it went back to the fab shop. This thing is starting to earn frequent flyer miles with the tow company. Anyhow, he is fitting the headers, plus fabbing the entire exhaust system, also doing the steering column and driveshaft. He will probably pick up a few more things while it's there. Should have pics next Friday.

  4. Nice write up. I'm always trying to judge how much effort new customers want to put into making their cars look great. I don't want to overwhelm them at first, but can't skip important steps. It can seem overwhelming when putting the process into words, either spoker or written. In fact, it is easier than it can sound. But for truly flawless, or even 95% it is a dedication.

    Bruce

  5. I've had a Sidekick for a few years now. I like it, but best for "trouble" areas like mirrors, etc. I love it for doing the Harley though, it's perfect.

    This year I picked up the Master Blaster Revolution and it's amazing. I guess using the Sidekick, and then an electric leaf blower convinced me I would get my money's worth out of it. Makes drying the vehicles a breeze, pardon the expression.

    Bruce

  6. All right, we got the heater core flipped around for engine clearance, and the motor and trans are in the car. I bought several GT dash clusters and sent them out for him to cherry pick the best gauges for rebuilding. They're back now too. The car goes back to the fab shop for us to fit the headers & exhaust, finish the steering shaft, and make a driveshaft. We'll probably give him a few more tasks while he has it.

    The Edelbrock valve covers are just for during the build. Final covers will be PML covers.

    A few pics:

    IMG_20161216_134630_zpsti0xqwgn.jpg

    IMG_20161216_134620_zpsyom2done.jpg

    IMG_20161216_152408_zpsjn6brzwx.jpg

  7. All right, we got the heater core flipped around for engine clearance, and the motor and trans are in the car. I bought several GT dash clusters and sent them out for him to cherry pick the best gauges for rebuilding. They're back now too. The car goes back to the fab shop for us to fit the headers & exhaust, finish the steering shaft, and make a driveshaft. We'll probably give him a few more tasks while he has it.

    The Edelbrock valve covers are just for during the build. Final covers will be PML covers.

    A few pics:

    IMG_20161216_134630_zpsti0xqwgn.jpg

    IMG_20161216_134620_zpsyom2done.jpg

    IMG_20161216_152408_zpsjn6brzwx.jpg

  8. Jon,

    I apply the Tire Shine full strength directly to the pro applicator, only about 2-3 squirts. Then go around the tire about 3-4 times. No sling, not too shiny and, IMHO, lasts longer and looks better than VRT.

    One of my customers has about 70 limos (Flyte Tyme) and they buy Tire Shine in gallons and love the results. Clean, natural looking, and no sling.

    That said, I have a lot of customers who still prefer VRT.

    Just one of those those things.

  9. Welcome Andrew.

    Lots of good choice for you here. There's several good ways to go, I'll toss one your way.

    Revive Polish, a really great polish for bringing up the shine.

    H2O Gloss & Guard, there aren't many easier ways to get a great shine and protection.

    Wash & Wax, you have to wash the car, might as well extend the protection too.

    VRT, protect your Vinyl & Trim

    Glass Cleaner & at least two towels, can't have a clean car without great glass.

    A great white Drying Towel, best way to towel dry a car

    Detail Spray, protect and enhance the shine.

    That should be under budget, and be part of a great starter kit.

    Bruce

  10. I haven't come to my senses yet, so I'm still building this thing.

    Last weekend was great for progress. We got everything on the engine done. It's been run, and is great. It fires right off and sounds wicked. We've only run it open headers, which annoyed all the other shops in the complex. Oh well, it's an auto repair complex, get used to itl. Very healthy sounding, great idle and runs up nice. The front oil seal leaked a bit so we replaced it. The custom made oil pan, with about 10 cuts and welds is oil tight. So we cleaned everything and painted it Chevy orange, except the aluminum heads and intake.

    In the engine bay we cleaned everything. All the spot welds were backed up with 3" stitch welding for better strength. Everything was ground down and panted GM satin black.

    We're waiting on some ARP bolts before we put the engine in.

    I need to get the photos off my phone, but pretty excited with making progress. Still a long way to go.

    Bruce

  11. As a dealer I get asked about dilution ratios a lot. For myself, and typical recommendation is I dilute Rinseless 16:1 using Distilled Water, and I keep two bottles of APC, full strength and diluted 1:1. Everything else I use full strength. But, I appreciate knowing you can dilute some of these if you absolutely have to. My fear is customers will over dilute, and think the product doesn't work.

    Bruce

  12. Nice write up Shane.

    I saw the Nano and Dylan at SEMA. and decided I need one too; the polisher, not Dylan. I have the Flex and the Cyclo, and to be honest the Cyclo is my go to machine for most of my cars. Anyhow, I was impressed with the Nano and seemingly unlimited uses for it.

    Also really excited about the new Adam's Swirl Killer Polisher, which I suspect will be a great machine for most users.

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