[TPR] Finally.... work begins on the Racing Against Autism Pantera for 2012

[Asa Jay Laughton]

Yes, it's lonely being both the driver -and- chief mechanic up here in 
sPodunk Washington.  But today brought some really nice sunshine and 
warm temperatures.

While Shelley stepped out to visit a girlfriend, Sam and I did a little 
garage cleaning and then put the Pantera in the air at about the limit 
of the jack stands.  Sam helped get the lug nuts off the car by showing 
me what a "star" pattern was.  :)  He then helped take them off one side 
of the car after Daddy got them loose.  Sam also helped with getting 
some tools, helped me re-route the work light when moving from one side 
of the car to the other, and helped keep the air hose out of my way when 
I was using the air tools

We got the wheels off, coil-over shocks out and brakes out today.  We 
have a new set of coil-overs coming in from Pantera Performance Center 
to arrive next week or the week after.  I need to order new brake pads.  
The Porterfields I put on nearly three years ago still look great, but 
are getting just a little worn.  Might as well put new pads in while I'm 
in there.

I ordered a safety wire drill fixture and will be drilling all the 
caliper bolts for safety wire.  The rear locking tabs can probably take 
one or two more bends but the fronts are gone.  Last time I put the 
fronts on, I used a drop of blue Locktite and they were still in tight 
when I went to take them off today.  The rears felt awfully loose, but 
they had to be in the right spot for the tab to fold over.

Next, we have to drain the cooling system to pull the radiator and check 
for leaks.  I've seen a bit of green near the front drivers bottom 
corner.... time to check it out.

I have a new (used) set of wheels coming from another TPR member.  
17x9.  Now I just have to find the right rubber to wrap them with.  No 
rush on that though.

Then, well.... there's that pesky issue of swapping engines with the 
Mach I.  Good time to do it is now....except the car is way too high in 
the air to get it out at the moment.  :)

I picked up a Petronix Ignitor III module to drop in the distributor too.

Let's see, things on the list to be ready for SSCC now are:
- new tires
- possibly new or repaired radiator
- may need a new harness (old one may be expired, I need to remember and 
check that)
- new brake pads
- Front wheel bearings.... geez I better not forget those... been on 
there for 10 years, time to replace them.
- New steering rack tie-rod ends (about the only joints I've -not- 
replaced on the car yet)
- Some headers would be nice (though not necessary)
- A mezier water pump would be nice (though not necessary)
- Gas, hotel costs and entry fees

Well, I can dream can't I?  :)
Asa Jay

-- 
Asa Jay Laughton, MSgt, USAFR, Retired
&  Shelley Marie
Spokane, WA
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