Motivation

July 28, 2013

Well the engine went in without any drama.  I placed block under the chassis so as I lowered the engine, if it fell if would land on the blocks before crushing all the push-rod tubes - I hoped.  As it was everything went well and the engine slid right int he first time.  The exhaust is just there to make sure I have the bolts in the

right way on the suspension so nothing hits.  I think I am going to use this one as it looks like it fits better than the one I had - although I might swap out collectors - this is a megaphone and the other is a 4 into 2 into 2 style.  Had to clean up the roll hoop braces but so far everything fit without shimming.  Nothing is tight, just snug, in case I have to take it apart again.....

Two steps forward - one step back

July 27, 2013

Okay - set a goal of putting the tranny in.  One hour later it was in and ready for the next step - no?

Ooops - first clue was the bolt for the tranny bracket was the wrong size - not problem - 

just find the right one.  

Next while tightening the lower transmission bolts, I did not like the grip length of some of them - then the shock, the bracket was cracked where it attaches to the trapezoid.  Now everything had to come back apart, the parts cleaned and ground down for welding.  My new cheap mig welder is going to get another workout.  

One and a half hours later, the tranny is going back in where it was before.

So what had happened?  Due to the bolt not being the right size and the grip length not being right on some bolts there was just enough movement in the assembly to flex and eventually crack the bracket.  The Citation is very well designed when everything is tight and fitted - when things get loose - everything suffers.

1. Make sure the bolts are the right size for all parts they pass through.

2. Make sure that the grip length for all bolts are correct - you should never bottom on the threads - you weaken the bolt and also do not develop the clamping force necessary to keep the parts from moving.

Now to clean up and prepare for engine installation.

Small Progress

Well got some work done this weekend - stripped the car down and prepared it for parts reassembly.

First was to make a new electrical terminal system.  I didn't have to but I am tired of having to unwire the whole dash to take it out - so I am going to make a connection for all the dash wires.  More as this develops.

Next was installing the front end - it came off easily but remember - the complete front end is HEAVY - should have stripped it before trying to move it over. 

I also got the log book and found out the original owner of the car was Bill Noble!  So hope to have the tranny and engine in next weekend and then decide what will be the first race this year. 

Next Step

 Okay - after 600 miles of driving her is the result:

Now after everything of importance is taken out - we clean the garage and put most back in the trailer because:

The next thing to do is a transplant - not as hard to do as you think as the engine is already out and would have to go back in and I have to change gearboxes anyway - but - whenever you work on someone else's car you find things that you would not do - so look forward to learning what I have to go through to put this back on the track.

Jeff Bower

SALISBURY— A crash at Lime Rock Park has claimed the life of a 70-year-old New York man .......Jeffrey Bower, 70, of Chester, N.Y., was fatally injured about 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Our belief is that the crash was caused when Jeff suffered a medical emergency.  Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful and the FV community lost one of our fellow competitors.  

From the blogs:

Jeff was a good man and a tough competitor. And a master bodywork man, too. His restoration of the D13 was remarkable. He was really proud of that car and gave Ann Marie and I the full story and rundown on it on Friday AM. It was hard to deal with his passing on Friday PM. It was even more difficult to race on Saturday especially during and after the Missing Man formation on the AM pace laps.  - Harry White

I took some solace without knowing Jeff that this was his passion as evidenced by his restoration of the D13.  - John Stofka

He was good Friend and a solid "car guy" that I will miss every day. He loved that D13 and was really proud of how it turned out, he put the same kind of passion and effort into everything he did. He was an interesting guy for sure and like all good friendships we figured out a way to deal with each other, and it worked for twenty years. My life is better for that. - Bob Dowie

I remember last year when Jeff twisted his car very badly at the Glen and contacted me about my D13 as he loved those cars and mine was for sale. He decided to rebuild his I believe as he called me back and asked if I had any spare parts. I sent him a spare exhaust system for the cost of shipping because that's how the FV people are, someone (well many have helped me) and this was my chance to help someone and make a new friend. Jeff was a very nice guy on the phone but I never was able to meet him in person. Just remember that he was doing something we all share passion for. - Mark Filip

I feel blessed that I was able to talk to him twice on Friday. Tom and Nick Galuardi went out and got number 58s for the Vee drivers, and Mike Rand and Mike Brent asked for them also for the Fords and F500s. As Mike Rand put it, " We are all family " Dave Panas, a steward came up with the idea of putting the Vees out front with the missing man formation for the first pace lap, and at the start of the second pace lap, the Vees split apart, and the CFFs and F500s went up the middle, and took their qualifying spots. It all worked very well, and I was very moved by the workers all being trackside with their hats off, and hands over their hearts. Thanks to all of your for the gesture of respect.  - Bruce Rodman

Sorry to here the passing of Jeff Bower, He was a good man, always willing to lend a hand when needed. My condolences to his family and friends.  RIP Jeff, you will be missed. - Roger Siebenaler , FV-72

Jeff will be missed. The missing man formation lap was extremely emotional for me as we circulated slowly around the track.
It was a great trubute to Jeff to see all the workers and Stewards pay their respect and salute Jeff.
Thank you to the F500 and CFF guys for putting on Jeffs "58". - Tom Galuardi

I was not at the race, but did race with him over the 20 odd years he was involved.  Looking at the picture of the car and hearing the effort he put into it - he wanted to make it perfect.  I will add to this post if I learn more.

Godspeed Jeff