Dave's Cars for Sale, Dave's News, Drag Racing, Family

Shop Goin’ Ons Late February

Coach & Stacker all polished up and ready to head to Bradenton, FL

The first NMCA race of 2020 is in Bradenton, FL, which is south of Tampa. Since the Stacker trailer is brand new, the thrash was on to finish outfitting it for racing. My coach is 3′ longer than the last one, so the trailer was ordered to be 2′ shorter. That requires optimal space usage in trailer. Below are photos of the finished product.

With the Stacker finished, it was time to load up.

Since the Screamin’ Woody has a new and untested motor, I put the Texas Thug – which had the bugs worked out, on the Lift. I’ll rent the track Wednesday to test the Wagon, but if it doesn’t cut it – then I’ll run the Thug. It was an incredibly tight fit getting both cars and the golf cart into the trailer – requiring many steps. I’ll chop the top of the golf cart 4″ when I get back. That will eliminate one of the steps.

Petty Tribute 1960 Plymouth

I took the Petty Tribute car on it’s first drive after preparing the front tires and getting tires mounted.

As you would expect, there were a few bugs. The clutch lever had to be modified, the shifter adapter needed to be modified, the collectors needed their gaskets changed, as did the headers. The pipes scrape on turns, so I called Laura at Espo Springs and Things to order a pair of new 5-leaf springs with a 1″ height increase and some other rear hardware. The radio antenna sux – so I ordered a windshield antenna. It should be ready for me to enter into the car show at the Atlanta race.

I also have an aluminum 24′ trailer from the 90’s that I’ve been refreshing. I put a front straps hangers, a tire spinner holder in the rear, and some shelving to hold plastic jars of nuts bolts and other hardware. I’ll finish up when I get back from Bradenton.

My son and I own Bloomin’ Blinds of The Woodlands, through our company Daldavco, LLC. Its been a record month in sales, plus we had Dock Side Magazine out for a feature they will run in their March issue. We also have a double size booth at the Montgomery County Home & Garden Show this coming weekend – so a lot of time has been spent preparing for that.

I bought a Gear Vendors overdrive unit for Ginger, my daily driver 1978 Magnum. Got that installed and ordered a new yet shorter Victory Driveshaft. Took it for a 50 mile drive and I’m real happy. Before installing the overdrive, my tire (275/65-15) and gear (3.55:1) combination had me turning 3100 RPMs at 70 and if I cruised at 85 my temperature would shoot up to 220 degrees quickly. My Trans team would also rise to 225-230 degrees. Now I’m at 170 degrees at 85mph and maybe 2100 RPM. At 70 I’m at about 1900 RPM. The Trans oil temp never got above 140 degrees in the 50 mile drive documented below.

The Speedometer reacts slowly as its GPS and the satellite calculates speed. There’s a delay.

OldHippie.com

As many of you know, we typically live at the lake Thursday evening until Monday morning, and then commute (100 miles each way) to our home next to my shop in Beasley. I have 4 containers and a 12×16′ shed full of cars parts, 30+ vehicles, and an attic full of furnishings from the last two homes we’ve sold. The goal is to down-size my life, buy some land close to my lake house, build a shop there to stop commuting, and later build a home to rock on the front porch on. I’m not going to build anywhere near the number of buildings I currently have — and need to dramatically downsize my life by selling what I don’t need and won’t use.

I had an eBay store and all was going well, until they wanted me to charge sales tax and file with every county I collected it from. That’s just not practical. So I’ve created a Craig’s List Style (only even easier to use) classified ad web site, and started to list my stuff. In a purely selfish move, I’ve made it available to anyone in the United States to use COMPLETELY FREE AND WITHOUT ANY CATCH. The reason I’m paying for this for everyone to use is SEO (Search Engine Optimization). The more ads listed on the site, the more visitors (potential Buyers) are bought to the site. I’ll pay for you to help me sell quicker.

So this is you official invitation to register at https://www.oldhippie.com securely and free, and like me, to clean out your attic, shed, garage backyard, storage locker… and convert stuff you don’t need into cash.

When you register, you are immediately emailed a confirmation link to verify that you’re not a robot spammer. Clicking that link makes you ready to post ads. The knuckleheads at GOOGLE are putting that email in your Spam folder if you use Gmail. The email is sent immediately. If you don’t see it in your Inbox, you’ll most likely find it in your Spam folder.

Spring Cleaning

So I moved four of my bikes so I can move my Street Rod to the garage I keep my ready to drive cars. However, my Shop Rat has not been starting and running every Friday like I asked, so the battery won’t take a charge. New one is on the way.

I have black rolling carts for various jobs. Electrical work, power Tools, sanding and grinding, small detail work… They tend to get disorganized quickly – with crap thrown on them and stuff not put back where it belongs. I straightened out the electrical cart.

I also have red rolling carts that has just about anything from used parts, to mail, to garbage thrown on. I consolidated it to one by throwing out garbage, photo and listing for sale usable parts I won’t need, and putting away stuff I will need.

My 1979 Magnum GT has its drivetrain pulled, and the bumpers pulled. It will get prepped for new paint under the hood and door jams (to match new paint on the body) and the bumpers blaster and powder donated flood black.

Finally, I reorganized where we store new and used hardware and supplies I use at the shop.

So that’s it for the February. I’m about to head to the lake to do some puter work, accounting, and setting up at the Home & Garden Show. This Sunday morning we’ll come back, hop in the motorhome, and get to the NASA rest area in Mississippi to find a spot for the night. Monday morning we’ll finish the trip Bradenton.

Oops

I almost forget. About two weeks ago our family grew by two.

Meet Ole Black Bettie and Billy Sue. Bettie & Billy are sister Black American Labs with a good lineage. Yes that means we currently have 5 dogs, and will be bringing them all to the track.

Buster, Smiff & Wessin are not impressed.

Business, Dave's News, Family, Memes, National News, Technical

Like Craig’s List

Only Better

Oldhippie.com is a new 100% free to use classified ad site. No catches or ulterior motives.

So I’m wanting to build a smaller shop close to my lake house, and stop the 100 mile each way weekly commute. But to do so I have to sell most of my 31 cars, four containers of parts and an attic full of household item I’ve horded over the years. I was selling a lot of it on eBay, but all of a sudden they now want me to charge and file sales tax in the buyer’s home. That’s not practical.

So I created my own version of Craig’s list that I’ll be listing my stuff on. I’ve already sold a bunch on it in just the week its been up.

For Search Engine Optimization to work its best – more is better. The more ads that get listed, the more buyers are brought to the site. As such, it is in my best interest to allow others to post their free of charge.

So from cars to walking dogs, from land to landscaping, from RVs to baby sitting — what ever is legal and ethical can be listed. It operates like Craig’s list — only easier to use and better organized. So clean out your attic, shed, garage. Advertise the products or services your business offers. It’s all free and my only ulterior motive is to bring more buyers to the site so I sell my stuff faster.

Dave's News, Drag Racing, Family

Shop Update Late January & Tool Time With Jake

Time for my bi-monthly shop update.

Screaming Woody

The new motor is in the Screamin’ Woody and I took it for a blast down my nasty rural road. Appears to be fine, but I didn’t take it above 4500 RPM as we’ve had a lot of rain and the 35mph road is pretty rough. Changed the preload a little to help it launch straighter – but haven’t test that. I’ll come to Bradenton a day early and try to work out the wrinkles.

Back at the shop I put it on the rack. Changed the breakin oil for racing oil, cleaned the underside, and found a crimp in the fuel line making a 90 degree turn – so it was cut out and replaced with a couple 45 degree hose ends and a m/m fitting. Polished the wheels, put it back on the ground to clean under the hood, interior and exterior.

She’s ready to go into the Stacker when I finish out-fitting it.

The Thug

Because the Screamin’ Woody will be untested before the race in Bradenton, FL in early March, I’m gonna throw the Thug on the Lift as a backup, in case there’s an issue with the Screamin’ Woody. So it too had its oil changed, wheels polished and a through detailing.

Tool Time with Jake

In the above photo, you see Grandson #2 – Jake. He and his twin sister Elwood spent a few days with Deb and I, as their mother was having a medical procedure. Jake spent a 1/2 day in the shop learning a little about tools and cars.

He naturally wanted to grab a seat (including back seat) in the three cars in Shop 1 – where most of the work is done. Afterwards, he learned how to mark a 1/2″ impact wrench holster level on the Stacker door, drill through one panel while stopping before going through the outside skin, and riveting the holster on the door.

As I was trying to show him how to mount and wire up a 9000# winch in the Stacker, I found that a 5-year-old boy’s 1st tool-time (keep in mind I have two sons and three handy daughters – so this isn’t my first rodeo) has limited patience. To get him to stop rummaging through the tool drawers in the Stacker, I used the “Ole Tape Measure Trick” and had him measure some stuff.

After he got bored of that, he decided Tool-Time was over and decided to play on the playground I built in front of my house a couple of years ago.

Stacker

So speaking of the new Stacker, I need to finish out-fitting it so I can load the cars up. Check a couple of previous posts to update yourself where I’d gotten by mid last month. Most is done, but the winch (to get the cars in and out of the trailer) was not.

When I ordered the Stacker built to what I’ve learned about trailers over the years, I had them build an in-floor compartment for a winch with 1/2″ platting. There’s a door that covers it to make for a flat floor. I test fitted the winch and drilled some 1/2″ holes through the plate. The winch was then mounted by bolting in from the under the trailer, using Grade 8 hardware.

Once bolted in, it became obvious that Intech didn’t make the well deep enough for the relay box that sits on top. I took it apart to remove the mount, and the only place it would fit was in back of the winch – only if I removed the lower mounting rod off the winch.

Even then, I only had about 1/2″ clearance from the now neatly rolled spool. Since we all know this will be the last time the spool will be neat – that wasn’t going to work. I removed the relay and rolled under the trailer with it and a mount I had made from aluminum bar stock. After tearing out a clump of hair caught in the creeper’s wheel, I remembered that now that my hair is again Long – that I have to have hoodie up when on a creeper.

I then drilled a 2″ hole through the 1/2″ plate, almost breaking my wrist many times when the broch stopped moving but my big Dewalt drill still wanted to turn.

It would only be Natural that after taking two shots of mounting the relay box under the trailer that the cables to the winch would all be 1″ too short. So work stopped on the winch while I placed an order for 4Ga copper cable butt connectors and a couple options on 2″ hole grommets.

However, there was other work to be done.

Like a couple door baskets, disposable glove holder, magnetic bars for wrenches, and a couple Velcro straps to hold a yoga mat for me to lay on when under the car.

Mounted power tools, batteries and charger on bench splash board, and an oil pan holder on the wall under the oil rack. I should have the Stacker finished and the cars loaded in by the end of next week.

The Old Aluminum Trailer

If you’ve been following along, you’ll know that I have a 25 year old aluminum trailer I’m making new again. A few posts back I showed how the inside and outside was stripped and painted, new LED tail and marker lights, reflective Red/White/Blue stripes, Texas Flag painted on door, and about half of the out-fitting done. Since then:

I cut a 1″ square 3/16″ steel plate into four 6″x6″ plates, punched 1/2″ holes in them, primed and painted White to match the trailer. They’ll be backing plates to the Puck lock, to spread the stress on the inside and outside of the door, inside and outside of the trailer. I’ll be mounting the Puck lock next week.

At the rear of the trailer I mounted a jack pouch, spare tire, and blower on the curb side. On the street side – I mounted a strap holder with a cut down yoga mat as a wall protector. A broom holder and a holder for my director’s chair – in the black bag. Also hung a couple cord holders. I mounted some small D-Rings for bungee cords – to keep stuff from flopping or falling onto my car – as this is a very narrow trailer. I also secured the basket holding the jacks with bungee cords and D-Rings. That’s for in case the car gets too close winching out and I need to get them out of the way. The plan is to be able to quickly get to the spare, two bottle jacks and tire spinner by just opening the rear door – and not having to climb over stuff. I have much experience with flats as I drive fast, for long periods of time, on hot southern roads.

Moving to the front curbside of the trailer, I have a door cabinet with drop down table top, wrench/oil rack, fire bottle holder and a disposable glove holder on the door. On the side of the cabinet, I have rubber hands to hold the Weather station pole that extends above the trailer. Outside the door I have a White Board to leave and receive messages when I’m not in my pit. Inside next to the door is a strap rack with a yoga mat protector.

On the front street side:

I have hangers for my power tools, racks for papers and my log book, double helmet rack with stereo under and speakers to the side, a couple magnetic bars and some hand tools mounted. I still have to wire in two batteries, an inverter, a charger, the roof fan, the stereo, a pair of charging lugs and other incidentals. I also need a cover for the radio and plumb for compressed air receptacles under door and rear of trailer.

The Petty Tribute

The gas sending unit in tank was swapped so the gas gauge now works. The shifter was hitting the steering wheel in 1st and second, so a spacer was made to fix that. The retro tach still doesn’t work, so I need to deal with that. The car was cleaned up.

I dug up three old 15″ Mopar wheels for the front, and spare. I took them down to Discount for my bud Gregg to dismount the rotted tires. They were cleaned up, prepped and I hit with rust colored primer. Next week I’ll play around with cream paint and primer to make look rusty like the back wheels and then take to Discount for some new Goodrich T/As to get mounted. Then the car is done.

Ginger, my Magnum XE

The Gear Vendors overdrive is in the car, just waiting for the Driveshaft from Victory. It arrived yesterday, and that car should be back on the road next week.

The Skipper – My Magnum GT

The engine and Transmission was pulled.

All of the under hood parts were pulled.

Under the hood will get cleaned, wire brushed and scuffed before receiving a fresh coat of urethane to match the exterior. The engine will cleaned resealed and painted – as will the transmission. Then gets stabbed back in. The AC compressor cleaned and painted. The wiring cleaned – maybe replaced if I can find new authentic. Power steering pump replaced, hard lines either made to look new or replaced. I want under the hood to look as new as the exterior.

So I think that catches me up on the shop reporting. Next report in about two weeks.

Dave's News, Drag Racing, Technical

Old is New Again

The refurbishing of a early 90s aluminum race trailer

About 18 months ago, I bought an early 90s Aluminum Trailer from a racing buddy. The reason was that I had a Motorhome and a Stacker Trailer for week long races, a pick-up truck and gooseneck for weekend races, and a Toy Hauler and pick-up for motorcycle trips. The Toy Hauler needed to be replaced because it was shit and cost me money every time I took it out. I came up with brilliant money saving idea that buying an older, quality, aluminum trailer would allow me to sell both the Toy Hauler and Gooseneck. I could take the Motorhome and trailer (If I set up to carry both my son’s and my Harleys) on motorcycle trips and pull it behind the pick-up for weekend racing.

So I buy this early 90s trailer from Jim Bailey. I paid a premium for it, but it was well cared for and I felt I could freshen up reasonably. To this date, I modified the interior floor to accept the “Lock ‘N Loads to transport bikes, added a winch, some D-Rings, and move the wheel stops to accommodate a bigger car. I then scuffed, prepped and painted the exterior walls white with Red & Blue Stripe. It cost me a gallon of Rustoluem white and a quart each of red and blue Rustoleum – plus some supplies. I also painted the A-Frame gloss black. I later replaced the red and blue stripes with red, white and blue reflector tape – and wrapped the bottom in red/white safety tape. Electrically, I replaced all marker and tail lights with LED and the 7-blade trailer wiring. Finally, I installed an electric jack. Below are a list of shop update links on Maniacal Ravings of Dave Schultz, where I posted Details and Photos of this work.

So the above brings you up until this last week. Everything on the wall was removed and the interior walls were scuffed with 400 grit on a DA Sander, wiped down, taped off, and painted while with a roller.

Then I started to outfit to my convenience. I started with buying a black Yoga mat, cutting it in half, and riveting into place (with 1″ aluminum stock) at the back of the trailer. I then mounted a broom holder, strap holder, cord and hose holders and the Spare tire. I also mounted a hanger for the Director’s chair carrying case.

Moving to the front, I mounted a double helmet closet next to the bench. Onto it I installed a Kenwood stereo and a pair of speakers. To pick up the track radio from pitted in the Boonies, I mounted a high quality antenna on the street side – extending above the roof.

You’ll also note the 12,000 pound winch with a wireless remote mounted against the wall and a removable snatch pulley in the center. Also on the floor are the Lock ‘n Load plates for the removable motorcycle chocks.

Moving to the door, I mounted a door cabinet with fold down table. Below that is an oil bottle shelf, which also holds wrenches and screw drivers. That should alleviate some of the running in and out of the trailer for the most basic tools.

And speaking of convenience, I bought another cheap Yoga mat with carrying strap and riveted the sprap above the door. That makes it easy to grab for those times in the pits when you need to lay on the ground or work under the car.

I still need to:

  • Replace the trailer lights junction box with waterproof new
  • Mount dual batteries with cutoff switch under bench
  • Wire stereo and speakers
  • Wire roof exhaust fan
  • Run air lines under the trailer from rear and side door to air compressor under bench, and wire a on/off switch on bench
  • Make a rack for a set of 4 jack stands
  • Mount a rack for two bottle jacks and tire spinner under the spare
  • Mount a front strap holder and wall protection
  • Mount a 12V fan under upper cabinets
  • Mount a intelligent trickle charger for when the trailer is plugged in
  • Mount a set of Charging Lug on A-Frame to charge batteries
  • Install an inverter to provide AC power from a pair of DC batteries
  • Replace 4′ florescent ceiling lights with LED
  • Mount a LED pit light
Business, Family, Humor, National News

Valentine’s Day Special

Guys, it’s that time of year again. Yup another day where you’re suppose to break your balls for her – and yet she won’t honor our one day – Steak & Blowjob Day.

Since she expects you to take matters in hand on March 14th, you may as well return her the favor on February 14th. Here’s this year’s special. We’ll pick you up on the evening of February 13th, and return you the morning of the 15th.

Family, Humor, Political

How to tell if someone is a Republican, a Democrat, or just a Southerner

Are you a Republican, a Democrat, or a Southerner? This little test will help you decide:

You’re walking down a deserted street with your wife and two small children. Suddenly, a Terrorist with a huge knife comes around the corner, locks eyes with you, screams obscenities, raises the knife, and charges at you… You are carrying a Kimber 1911 chambered in .45 ACP, and you are an expert shot. You have mere seconds before he reaches you and your family. What do you do?


Democrat’s Answer:

Well, that’s not enough information to answer the question! What is a Kimber 1911 and what does .45 ACP mean? Does the man look poor or oppressed? Is he really a terrorist? Am I guilty of profiling? Have I ever done anything to him that would inspire him to attack? Could I possibly swing the gun like a club and knock the knife out of his hand? What does the law say about this situation? Does the pistol have an appropriate safety built into it? Why am I carrying a loaded gun anyway, and what kind of message does this send to society and to my children? Is it possible he’d be happy with just killing me? Does he definitely want to kill me, or would he be content just to wound me? Should I call 9-1-1? Why is this street so deserted? Can we make this a happier, healthier street that would discourage such behavior. I need to debate this with some friends for a few days and try to come to a consensus. This is all so confusing!


Republican’s Answer:

BANG!

Southerner’s Answer:

BANG!
BANG! BANG!
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
Click…..

(Sounds of reloading) BANG!
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
BANG!
Click. Daughter: “Nice grouping, Daddy! Were those the Speer Gold Dots or Federal Premium hollow points?!” Son: “Can I shoot the next one?!”

Wife: “You are NOT taking that to a Taxidermist!”

Welcome to my world….