An important part of why we’re doing this is using the team to spread the word on having folks get regular checkups and for those checkups to include tests for diabetes. I got in touch with Gisela Ayala, an amazing woman in Mexico City who heads up communications for the the Federaci
Since it was 110 degrees out and we weren’t going to be able to make it up to the surprise birthday party in San Francisco, I figured this would be a perfect day to start stripping 1117 in preparation for the art car contest.
The guy at Felton Hardware recommended this stuff that folks use to strip paint off jets. “Should be plenty good for VWs,” I figured.
Watching paint dry is the definition of boring, but watching paint eaten alive by methelyne chloride is the textbook definition of awesome. Either Charlie (from whom I bought 1117) used some really cheap paint or methelyne chloride is the most amazing chemical ever. It stripped the paint as quickly as I could roller the stuff on. It tried to eat a hole in the plexiglass windshield. It nearly ate a hole in my leg. And for the next couple of weeks, I’ll be driving the ugliest car in Santa Cruz County.
Here’s a joke I made up while applying the stuff to the roof.
“Knock, knock.”
“Who’s there?
“Methelyne Chloride.”
“Methelyne Chloride who?”
“I’m getting a little woozy. I think I need to sit down.”
I’m off to Drew’s Used Tools tomorrow to pick up a rotary sander.
Baja Racing News just posted a rough map of the 2007 Baja 1000 course. Unbelievable.
Skid drew our attention to an announcement of this year’s course. I’m calling dibs on the paved parts right now.
And Cary sent over more photos from Sunday’s work day.
Carrie and Charlie attacked the pan, which we think is finally stripped. Scott welded two new jack points for the underside of the frame. Cary fabricated a mount for the 30-ton jack we’ll use to remove and install bearings.
I have no idea what Skid did, but he did it with aplomb. He is, however, picking up a transaxle shipping crate he found on Craigslist.
Photos from today’s work day are here.
At the end of the day, we tipped the pan on its side and found a whole new layer of that tar stuff.