|
|
|
Ongoing ProgressClick on the buttons below to get the updates for those two weeks. ( I'll put the newest information near the top of the
page so if you want to read the
|
|
|
November 14, 2008 1:30 PM It's My Story
It's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Yesterday when I was moving the boat trailer into the shop, I noticed one
tire was down some. Looking closer, I discovered that the stem rubber had
totally disintegrated. Had I not found that and driven down the highway,
we more then likely would have lost the air in all or most of the tires.
I took the tires over to Les Schwabs today and they noticed they were Les
Schwabs tires and said the new stems would free. If I wanted to up grade
to metal stems, that would be $7 each. The free stems would be the same as
the ones that disintegrated. That seemed like a no brainier.
When I picked the tires back up, he said we'll split the difference with
you because they felt it might have been Les Schwabs fault for not
replacing the stems when the tires were put on. I wouldn't know because
the guy I bought the trailer from worked for Les Schwabs and he purchased
the rims and tires at his cost. So he was the one who more then likely did
the work. Don't know. The problem is fixed now and the trailer should go
down the highway just fine now.
Another development. I went down to see how the cowlings are doing.
Pictures are enclosed. They look MUCH better then the last time I saw
them. Jason said he has a little more blocking to do, then the final coat
of white base coat can be applied, then the other colors before the clear
coat.... SPIFFY!!!!!!!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 13, 2008 3:56 PM Back On Trailer Yippee
Since it was sunny and warm (43 degrees), I thought I would unwrap the trailer from the blue tarp and put the boat back on the trailer. First I had to back out the motorhome, put the NEW truss supports up on both sides of the boat and lift her up.
The supports went right up and I never did detect any movement of the
truss supports. I still don't think I will ever lift the boat with
the engine in the boat. Trust only goes so far.....
Everything went smooth. To make the trailer easier to move around, I took
off two of the four tires, now the trailer acts like a single axle
trailer and it rolled over next to the tool bin just fine.
For the first time, the hydroplane trailer, the hydroplane and the
motorhome are all INSIDE the shop.
After the boat and cowlings are painted, we will put the engine back in.
Then test other ways to get everything in and out easier, because when we
get home from an event, the last thing I want to do at midnight is take
everything apart, just to put things away. If that's the hardest task I
still have to do, not a problem.... LOL
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 11, 2008 12:30 PM Vintage Buttons
Hi everyone. The N-22 vintage pins arrived today. Enclosed are a couple of pictures.
I have decided for those who may want a VERY race and much coveted button,
they will be $2.25 each (since our boat was a 225 hydroplane) + $1.50 for
postage & handling. In case the P & H maybe more, it maybe less,
but it will average out.
Those individuals who are on the N-22 honor roll (helped out in some way)
they are eligible for a complementary button if they want one. If you want
extra's, they are at the above mentioned rate. The honor roll buttons
will be distributed at the races with a BIG hand shake from me. Thank you
to all those who have helped us out. It is MUCH appreciated. Also, the
honor roll will be shown at every event we attend.
Those individuals on the honor roll let me know if you wish one. I will
hold yours in reserve you to set aside.
If you wish to have a button of your own, come over to the house
or send me a note and check. You will receive it shortly.
|
|
|
|
|
November 07, 2008 3:01 PM Security Blanket
Today I built two 4 X 4 supports that will go up each side of the boat, from the floor to the ceiling truss. It provides ME with another security blanket to go along with all the other thing I have done to beef up the ceiling truss's. The 4 X 4 supports are 13'9" long and boy did they become heavy.... I may need help to lift them up and down.
I think the boat is finally ready for the painter and I will be putting it
back on the trailer so that it is ready when that day comes. That day
hasn't been determined for sure yet, but the cowlings are out being
painted as we speak. Attached is a picture from the day we picked up the
boat to begin restoration - do you notice any changes?
Today I picked up the two exhaust shields I had power coated. They are
semi black and help protect the wood from the heat of the exhaust pipes.
Looks spiffy huh??
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 05, 2008 10:46 AM Dinner is @ 5:00
Here are a couple of pictures of the completed wiring (at least @ one end - the engine end).
I just thought you might like a little spaghetti and dinner is @ 5:00 for
those who want something to chew on. Who wants to volunteer to bring the
wine????
As bad as it may look, all the wires are labeled for there eventual
attachment under the dashboard.
I'm now pulling the engine (AGAIN) so that the hull will be ready to go to
the painter after the cowlings are finished (they are currently at the
painter - pictures soon).
(As a side note, after Bob sent this note out several people really thought he was inviting them to dinner. Actually he was talking about spaghetti wire and how wild it looked). |
|
|
|
|
November 03, 2008 4:56 PM Progress Report
Today about 80 % of the wiring (well one end anyway) was finished. The
engine end of the wire is finished - except for three more wires I
need to do after I go to NAPA and get some more red 10 gage and 12 gage
wire. I can't finish the dash (or cockpit ends) until the cowlings come
back from the painter.
All the fuel lines have been installed. All the water in and water out
lines have been built and installed. They are slightly over kill, only
because NAPA doesn't make water lines and fittings. So all of the them are
heavier duty hydraulic hoses and fittings. Good news, they won't break,
bad news, they were about 2/3 more expensive then water lines and
fittings.
You may or may not be able to tell, but the water in line had to fit
around the steering pulley's with a "T" for the shaft log water
cooling. Another picture shows the smaller water line going into the front
of the shaft log.
Following along the water in line, you should be able to see a water check
valve (thank you Rod for the check valve). The check valve keeps the water
in the engine when the boat is pulled back out of the water (keeps other
boats from getting a hot shower as the boat is being lifted back to the
trailer - it also keeps water in the block so that we can test the engine
prior to a heat).
Other interesting news - a painter came by today (after I talked to him
this morning) to give us an estimate. He was recommended by the guy who is
building the NEW Miss Spokane. The estimate came in higher then hoped, but
I guess within reason since 1982 when it was painted last. Tomorrow or the
next day I will be taking the cowling down for him to get started. And
then depending on several things, the boat will go down to his paint booth
for the deck to be finished.
This is not the original painter we were originally trying to hook up
with. That one never came by after being contacted a month ago.
The super TOP SECRET modifications to the trailer are now complete and the
shop is again open for visitors (YES JULIE, that means you, Troy and Trish
are cleared to VISIT)........
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 01, 2008 8:07 PM New Drivers
Hi peeps. Earlier during the restoration process, I asked Marcus if he would to sit in the cockpit. That was before the deck was done. Today I asked Katelyn if she would sit in the cockpit for a photo op. Now that the majority of the work is done, we should be able to see some differences. LOL
Aren't G-kids special when it comes to helping grandparents feel good.
Marcus 9/23/07 |
|
|
|
|
Katelyn 11/01/08 |
|
|
|
|
|
Bolam's Express - Ongoing Progress
|
|
                                                        
|
|
