Chopped Livery

(Author's Note: Apologies in advance for poor picture quality; Eric's actual camera had a dead battery, so he had to resort to using his lo-res camera phone.)


With some most generous help from Phil Rood, Friend of Nixon and Brother of Proxy Captain¹ Eric, Team Resignation will sport a really sweet stenciled image for the October race that is loosely based on the Thrush Mufflers logo.

So after a quick test, Kiko and Eric sprayed it on the car. Observe:



Since this is the car's second running, Eric thought some stenciled writing might fit the bill, also. A word will probably be added under "RE-ELECT." Anyone have thoughts? "Dick?" "Nixon?" "Checkers?" There is probably not enough room for more than one word or so.


Additionally, Nixon's eyeless stare last year was not nearly disturbing enough for our purposes. But a permanent marker and two ping pong balls created a hairpin turn toward The Fear. Take heed, ye, for Nixon is come.


But it wasn't all livery work yesterday. Kiko and Eric also completed the exhaust system. The car still has no actual muffler and it may actually be a touch louder. Team member Dave showed up a bit later to help tie up some more of the wiring and add roll bar padding.

Kiko added some high-tech panache by installing the OBDII-reading computer in the passenger side footwell. It should be visible to the driver there and will give real-time feedback and confirmation of the instrument cluster gauges. Having run once without functioning gauges to a disastrous end, the Team's Old Fart decided that redundancy is a wiser characteristic than recklessness.

Having completed all of our mechanical tasks, we finally took Nixon for a spin down to the cul-de-sac.


Breathtaking, isn't it?



¹ Our official captain remains Alan, intrepid and important automotive journalist. Alan was recently up for Eric's wedding and spent some time working on the Escort as well. What a captain.

Updates and such

Well, I've been exceedingly busy with life and some such nonsense, but I've worked on the car a couple times in the last month. Accomplished:

- The clutch was bled but didn't disengage properly. Kiko and I worked to replace the slave with one from the donor transmission. It worked like a charm, and the clutch functions as it should.

- The tachometer and temperature gauges both work.

- Windshield wipers work (without any ridiculous devices even).

- Steering wheel put back on. We've opted not to use the aftermarket wheel, which will require us to buy a hub adapter. In the interest of time and simplicity, we've decided to use the current one.

- Nixon is prepared for a new mounting method on the car. It should be interesting, and it looks pretty amazing.

- New dark-matter power source installed.

- Instrument cluster is mounted, though I haven't seen it. Kiko removed the plastic covers and just mounted the black box somewhere near the dash bar.

- 2 spare Falken Azenis RT-615Ks obtained for about $135 all-in, including gas to get them from a long and arduous journey. I call this a victory, though some disagree. Since they retail for $120 each (or so) and these have good tread depth yet, I think I win.

- Preparations made for competition-within-a-competition.


TO DO (from memory, because the actual to-do list is in the garage an hour from here):

- Replace exhaust system/install new header

- Fix fuel gauge, which doesn't appear to work. Not sure what the problem is, but this would sure be helpful.

- Add brake ducting. This will be dryer hose, likely.

- Replace timing belt pulley (maybe).

- Check water pump (with pulley off). Check radiator overflow.

- Finish mounting Nixon to roof.

- Possibly add additional tubing over driver's head.

- Finish roll-bar padding.

- Work on two-way comms for car.

- Obtain bribe(s).

- Find a tow vehicle. This one's kind of important.


Naturally, I'll be gone for the next 3+ weeks, as I'm getting hitched and then honeymooning in the big country. Alan will be around for a week with plans to at least attend to the exhaust system.