tsumner

Ron ,how much would a fiberglass dash run ,and how much heavier would it be?How reflective is the carbon fiber?It would be a shame to have to paint it to avoid glare on the windshield.Later Tom

David you did everything perfectly,now if asked to do laundry, remember everything goes in the washer together at the hottest setting. Later, Tom

I would not recomend driving a car that you want to keep nice, during the winter .The salt used on the roads eats cars up pretty fast.This is why so many people drive a beater during the winter months.Not to mention theidiots who can't drive in snowy conditions. Good Luck with the car ,you may have cought the rust early enough for an easy repair. Later Tom

I would like to see solid band across the front directly under the hood ,followed by an oval opening split horizontaly by the bumper. Ive always wondered why the designers stuck a large square grill on the car. It could probably flow enough cooling air at half the size. Why not fill the area above the bumper completly,then bring all the air in thru an air dam with integral scoop? Tom

You might try Dakota Digital Guages .They are the most popular digital guage supplier for the street rod crowd.Hope this helps . Later,Tom

HI John, Sorry to hear about all the problems your having.Other than the obvious customer service problems,how do you like the wheels? Do you have a picture of the wheels?They are very light, is this a street wheel or track only. When looking for wheels did you find anyone selling a style simular to the original slotted rims that were light weight? I realy want to use an old style look on my car,but would like to keep the weight down if possible. Later,Tom

Congratulations Tom,remember you may not see your z brothers but we are all rooting for you. listen closely and you will hear us --- GO TOM GO, GO TOM GO,GO TOM GO.Good luck at the next round. Later,Tom

So does this mean we'll be seeing a light bar on the z?

Looking at that car makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. T

One down ,one to go. Well,I picked up the tranny from the freight depot yesterday.It took 6 months to get here so it's arrival is a great relief. Now what will I do with two t-56 trannys? Mike Kelly's tranny will go into the Z.The other will most likely go into the 75 chevy pickup I bought last spring.The truck has only 32,000 miles it's a 1/2 ton long bed with a 350 3speed (on the column).It was going to stay stiock but,,It revs kinda high on the freeway, and theres an old school LT1 350 in the garage,and it wouldent hurt to, and , and,and .Well you know how it goes. Later Tom

After the (incident) farmer Brown vowed never to try deer jugling again.

Update 1-15-03 I recieved a call from Mike Vondran this afternoon.The tranny is supposed to be going out fed ex ground today.I will let every one know when it arrives. I want to thank everyone that responded with advice and words of support. Thanks,Tom

Mike Kelly are you feeling a little guilty? I want every one to know that I am not worried. We have done buisiness before,Mike explained his situation to me when our deal was made. I would not hesitate to recomend for anyone to do buisiness with you .I have also done buisiness with other venders and private parties on this site,and never had any trouble before. So Mike, other than the full time job ,small buisness, garage building ,wife ,kids ,etc.,what exactly are you doing with your spare time? Later, Tom

Update Today I filed fraud charges with the U.S.Attorny Generals Office Tom

I have purchased several tools from harbor freight,cutoff saw,small sheet metal brake ,bead roller,misl.clamps etc..I would not recomend these for full time production work, but for hobiest level work they offer great value.I will buy cutoff blade replacements localy as theirs are not very good. Tom

I spoke with Mike in early Dec.This is only the 2nd time I have been able to speak directly to him. The first time was in early July,he returned my first call.This was ten days after sending the check,I wanted to know when the tranny was going to arrive.He told me that he had been in the hospital for a couple days and promised to pick up the lumber to crate it up on the way home.Well the tranny never showed and he hasn't contacted me since,despite repeated messages left at his work and on his home phone. His wife did leave a message about 3 months ago after I had left amessage stating I would take legal action unless the tranny or my money was sent. When contacted in Dec.he made excuses about having been sick.When asked to return my money if he couldent ship the tranny, he said he couldn't do that,but promised to get the tranny shipped. I told him he could have 10 days and then I would seek legal action. I think that if he realy wanted to ship the tranny he would have been able to find a way by now. I have given him a lot of time because of his former position as an administrator,and because of my belief that this would be a criminal matter. If there is a member in the Huston area that would be willing to help him crate and ship. it would save us both a lot of hassle.(that is if the tranny even exists) Thanks Tom

Thanks for your replies.David is correct in identifing the culprit. I was also suprised that fraud is a civil matter.I was told that because it is between two individuals,and doesn't involve a buisiness it had to be handled in civil court. Locutus aka Mike Vondran has been claiming health problems.I last made contact in mid December,I gave him a last chance to make good on his obligation. Obviously he didn't follow thru.Now I am forced to follow up by pursuing him in court. Are there any lawyers or cops who can give advice? I will be sending him a registered letter detailing my intents to file suit. Thanks again,Tom

I need advice.I have been ripped off by a member of the board that lives in texas.I sent him money for a t-56 with the flywheel clutch and pressure plate,and he never sent it. I have filed a complaint with the US postal fraud inspectors office.Contacted the local (texas)sherrif,was told it is a civil matter which means I'll have to take him to court myself.Has any one here done this before Can I sue for the cost of legal council,and my expenses to travel to texas from minnesota where I live. I would love to hear from anyone that has been in a simular situation. Thanks, Tom

Steve,why don't you just remove the sunroof and pick up a section of roof from a local junkyard.A good rod shop could tig weld the replacement into the existing hole.Much easier than replacing the entire roof. Tom

Hi Mike. Have you mounted your electric outlets yet? If not run them 5 feet high.This will allow room to store plywood,drywall etc.without blocking acces to the outlet. Tom

Cryus, have you replaced the old rubber bushings in the suspension yet? You might find that installing a fresh set of bushings (stock or poly.)is all thats needed .Install them before spending on new springs and shocks or at the same time you upgrade the rest of the suspension. Tom

Mike, SHHHH don't tell any one.Now I won't be able to buy your car piece by piece as you upgrade. A friend at work suggested bolting a piece of plywood across the front of the trans as protection for the bolt flanges. Tom P.S. Mike I made it to the post office today.You should see the check by thurs at the latest.

Time for my 2 cents worth.Several of you have mentioned using pvc piping for air lines.There was a discussion on the metal shapers forum about air lines. The general consensus was to use black metal piping as the pvc is known to fatigue and explode. Better to spend a few extra bucks than risk injury or death. AS for compressers I bought a scratched one from sears for $200+change,its the upright 6hp oilfree model,and yes it is very loud. If or when the pump fails I'll replace the with a 2 stage 220 unit on the same tank. Mike please post the results of your attempt to quiet the beast.I am thinking of doing something simular. I am looking for a thick rubber pad for the compressor to sit on.The walls will use layers of 3inch styrofoam seperated at allow for air flow in a serpentine patern. My concern is how to allow heat to escape so the pump doesnt burn up .Any ideas out there? Later, Tom

I believe him it probably does get noticed a lot ,,,only people dont laugh when a ferrari passes by.

Hi Mike , I would recomend you look into having the garage insulated with isocene foam.this is a pro instalation only but gives a higher r value and acts as its own vapor barrier .Its a realy great product,my sister and her husband used it on their new house and garage,and are very satisfied.It's also a good sound barrier,and itch free. Tom