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1

The Lounge / Anyone try Plastidip?

« on: July 13, 2023, 10:41:57 AM »

I am really leaning towards plastidip for my car because the current paint is very rough (clearcoat peeling really bad). I have been doing some research and it seems the stuff from dipyourcar.com is pretty decent and I also like the idea I can add a pearl and also ceramic coat it. I would be doing this myself, and the stuff can be sprayed with an airless paint gun.

Has anyone considered or done this? I am afraid that I would have to do way more prep work if I was to wrap the car, and I have very little interest in learning how to paint, or paying someone to paint the car.

2

The Lounge / 2023 Jetta GLI

« on: April 20, 2023, 11:48:15 AM »

Bought myself a fun daily, 2023 Jetta GLI, technically a Mk7.5, the platform is the same as the GTI and A3. It is nice to own something with plenty of aftermarket support. Overall it is a great car, plenty of fun but still gets 30+ mpg and comfortable. I test drove the new WRX and Elantra N as well, but they were both not as refined as I would like and the Jetta was the only one that offered a leather interior.

The day it was delivered, I bought it from a dealer in Washington state and had it shipped to me in NC

After tint, spacers, and lowering springs

3

The Lounge / Hot Rod

« on: March 21, 2022, 10:38:17 AM »

Anyone ever built a hot rod/rat rod? I want to build something the whole family can take out. I am thinking of some sort of hot rod or street truck. I kinda want to build my own chassis but I know that might take forever

Anyone have any ideas? or have built their own? Should I buy someone's half finished project?

4

Fabrication / Plasma Cutter vs Cutoff Wheels

« on: January 07, 2022, 10:49:40 AM »

Once again I am asking the Norotors brain trust for some help. I am currently building a bunch of rear ends for FBs and want to try to build them more efficiently. By far the worst part is cutting off the existing brackets and cutting the axle tube. I am using a cutoff wheel and flap wheel and I go through 1.5 cutoff wheels and pretty much one flap wheel per rear end, prioritizing speed over conserving the consumables.

Does anyone have experience using a plasma cutter for work like this? I am hoping I can get a closer cut on the brackets so I need to do less flap wheel work and also cut the brackets faster. I know cutting the axle tube might be easier with a nice clamp on saw guide and my portaband but I have not found exactly what I need for that yet and I can get a straight cut with painters tape and a cutoff wheel.

I need a compressor too so I dont even know if spending $1000 on the plasma and compressor would even payoff. One thing I am thinking is that I could eventually get a CNC table for the plasma if I buy one and I also might have a bunch of sheet metal work coming soon doing a body swap

5

The Lounge / Another one, what car for $40K?

« on: December 20, 2021, 09:16:10 AM »

I am dreaming about a new affordable car. I need something with 4 seats, prefer a manual. My short list is Hyundai Veloster N or Honda Civic Type R. Anyone have any other ideas?

6

Drivetrain / High RPM Crankcase Ventilation/PCV

« on: October 21, 2021, 12:58:45 PM »

Got a unique problem. When drifting I am almost always full throttle and very close to the limiter. I am currently running a PCV and vented catch can off of one valve cover, with no recirculation into the throttle body. Right now I leave oil all over my engine bay.

I am wondering if I can just use a sealed recirculated catch can and solve the issue, or do I just have terrible blowby? Engine seems strong to me.

7

Fabrication / Harbor Freight/Northern Tool Drill Presses

« on: May 21, 2021, 08:18:49 AM »

I always value everyone's opinions here on tools. I need to buy a floor drill press for drilling axles. Between the cheap harbor freight and northern tool, what would you suggest? I am thinking the northern tool one, it has a 1 year warranty

$330 https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200659139_200659139

$300 https://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-16-speed-floor-drill-press-38144.html

8

The Lounge / Mercedes AMG cars

« on: March 12, 2021, 01:56:11 PM »

Anyone have experience with these? Have a friend looking at getting one and I might be helping him with an ABC delete on it

9

The Lounge / Tips for a successful self owned business/Drifting Dad Performance

« on: January 12, 2021, 12:57:25 PM »

Hey guys,

Have not been on here much, life is pretty busy, especially when you start your own business! I just formed an LLC to make the side work I do more formal. I am focusing on FB stuff since there are few companies doing it and I have the most experience with that. Business has been decent, but keeping me busy for sure. Does anyone else own their own company? What are some good and bad experiences/tips?

10

Drivetrain / Cathedral Port LS intake

« on: January 12, 2021, 12:51:52 PM »

Working on swapping a 5.3 into another FB, has anyone purchased an LS1 style intake lately?? Seems like its a minimum of $300 to $400 now, Dorman doesn't make one anymore it seems either.

11

The Lounge / Dry Cut Saw

« on: September 21, 2020, 08:10:41 AM »

I am looking at getting a dry cut saw for more production type work of cutting tube and bar. Does anyone have one that they like? I would like to stay away from the abrasive saws because of the dust. I have considered this Makita one https://www.fiskfarmandhome.com/products/makita-cut-off-saw-14--15amp-86855.html

I am sensitive to the price, but need to buy something that is reliable.

12

The Lounge / Need some 8.8 spider gears

« on: May 14, 2020, 10:25:51 PM »

Does anyone by chance have a set of Ford 8.8 open diff spider gears? I foolishy threw mine put and need them again so I can get rid of my mini spool

13

Drivetrain / Accelerated Bearing wear from not using assembly lube

« on: April 24, 2020, 08:19:20 AM »

I did not know better when I rebuilt my engine a few years ago and did not use assembly lube, just coated with 30 weight oil. I am getting gray/silver streaks in my oil so I pulled the pan and a main cap. This is what I saw.

Do you guys think this was the result of poor first start up lubrication? I primed the engine with the starter before starting.

I also have lowish oil pressure when the oil is hot and at idle. as soon as I give it gas, oil pressure shoots up to 50-60psi. I have a stock pump with high pressure spring.

14

The Lounge / 8 Second FB

« on: January 24, 2020, 01:21:41 PM »

so me and my buddy got talking, and we are thinking of building an 8 second FB. He was willing to front the money, I would do a Youtube build series on it, and then hopefully we could sell it at the end for a profit. It could potentially help show my skills to attract more customers.

Anyone think this is possible? I know I can get an FB down to 2400 lbs pretty easily. Basic outline is below

FB shell
NHRA Cage
5.3 or 6.0 truck motor
Big Turbo
Drag fuel cell
Injectors and tune for E85
Ford Explorer 8.8 solid axle
4L80E with stall converter

15

General Tech / Earls Ultra Pro Hose ends are compatible with BMRS hose

« on: December 04, 2019, 07:12:51 AM »

just an FYI, I had a hunch and tried it, successfully assembled and will be testing soon. I really like the convoluted PTFE hose, and am going to try and use it for all of my AN lines

Topics - freeskier7791