March on in March

 March has come and gone and as of Monday April 8th, I am sure I will not be ready for the Midwest ProMod race at our local track. I have been pushing but my work pace is not what it used to be. Also, the supply chain in the racing world still has not recovered to pre-Covid standards and I am not sure it ever will. Every critical item that you order is weeks away from delivery.

I gave it my best shot but it is what it is! I will live to race another day!

Because it looked like I was not going to make it, I have been evaluating and making more decisions about the final electronics and fuel setup. As of today, and after a lot of seeking Mikey’s approval (which I did not get), I have purchased Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) components to replace the mechanical fuel injection setup currently on the car. 

Several things led to my decision. One is that I just like learning new stuff and moving forward. 

Second, after working so long to get EFI working on The Blue Banana, I feel comfortable tuning electronically. I understand fuel tables now and like how quickly changes can be made. 

Third, I had already upgraded the ECU to a FuelTech system and their EFI system is made to work together seamlessly. I know there are a lot of things to go wrong with EFI, but I also know it is here to stay. 

So, for the record, if I fail miserably, Mikey told me so!!!!

I think I have a fair chance of being successful because I have the Dynocom hub dyno to test on. It was a game changer for getting The Blue Banana right. I didn’t say it would be easy, I just think I can figure it out. The Fueltech system is a more modern system than the system I put on The Blue Banana.

Even though we are not going to be ready, major progress has happened. I have been dreading doing the body work and preparation for a long time and it is all done now! The body is straight and smooth as can be. The body was rough from shipping damage and certainly not straight where the seams were! 

Last weekend we had a great weather day with no wind and we put up the paint booth to spray the black primer/base for the wrap. I am currently sanding this base coat to make it smooth for the wrap going over it. The body looks great after only minor sanding. I am so glad to have that done!

Final bodywork done

Ready to tear apart for black primer!

Harder than it used to be!

Gotta love the anti-sweat on the paint job hat!!! Fashion statement!

It has been a few years since I did big paint work but it is like riding a bicycle. Only one tiny run in the whole job that will sand out!

Just out of the paint booth

Just after spraying the primer, still has to be sanded to take tiny specks and imperfections out.

Let the sanding begin, ugggggg!

Smooth as a spanked baby’s behind! Ha!

I think Mikey even thought it turned out good! Maybe! It doesn’t look pretty because it is primer/sealer that has been sanded with 400 grit sandpaper, but it is very smooth and will be a good foundation for the wrap!!!

Traci and I will be breaking new ground in the next few weeks as we learn to do vinyl wrapping on a car. I know it looks easy on YouTube videos but I believe wrapping is a very difficult skill to learn. We can’t wait to get some color on this thing. I am tired of looking at and sanding primer, ha! I know God will give us the skills and patience to do it right.

The next update should reveal the basic scheme we are using on the car. It is going to be EPIC! I love it!

As always, God has blessed me beyond belief with the resources and ability to do this silly hobby. 

Luke 1:37 For nothing will be impossible with God.