Jumping into SBP

[Lemming]

Picked the car up from the cage builder today. Took a few quick pics, failed to get on showing bars going to the front strut mounts.

[thstone]

Nice! Looks great!

[Lemming]

I'm pleased with it. There are one or two things I would like to be different. The rear harness bar is straight and nearly against my seat. This setup will not work for a longer-legged person, but the bar can easily be replaced. We did look into an FIA bar, but I did not think there would be enough room for rapid egress (I've been in a car that was on fire, so I want to be able to get out quickly). Now that it is completed, the builder did a great job moving the doors outward and keeping them fairly low, yet safe. I'll run this way for the first few tests and then decide if I need another bar. The car has much better ingress and egress than my 944LS. I am glad he was able to tie in the front strut towers.

[Lemming]

Exhaust system is just about done, just need to decide if I'm using two or one tips, clean up some welds, and black out the entire exhaust with high-temp black paint. Using turbo perforated mufflers and 2" exhaust tubing from the headers.

[Lemming]

Aligned the car on Monday and roll cage painting has begun. Made a plate to insert into the dash for switches and gauges. Photos to come. T-minus 10 days to first real testing.

[PGas32]

What are you using to paint the cage? I was in a rush and didn't paint mine before reassembling the car...will probably make that a project for this winter

[Lemming]

Originally Posted by PGas32

What are you using to paint the cage? I was in a rush and didn't paint mine before reassembling the car...will probably make that a project for this winter

Rustoleum. Cage will need one more coat, but you get the idea, going for a black/white livery. NOTE: I love the ease with which the doors can be removed, makes working on the interior so much easier.

[rastta]

Looks great. Wish I had that style of cage with the lower bars - would make entering and exiting so much easier for this old guy :-)

[Lemming]

Originally Posted by rastta

Looks great. Wish I had that style of cage with the lower bars - would make entering and exiting so much easier for this old guy :-)

And this old guy!

[trygve]

Tip: Apply clear racer's tape to some of the roll bar surfaces that have everyday contact with people and things. Especially the harness bar, cross bar, any unpadded door bars. It functions as a shiny paint protection that will keep the paint in much better shape for a longer time.

[Lemming]

Originally Posted by trygve

Tip: Apply clear racer's tape to some of the roll bar surfaces that have everyday contact with people and things. Especially the harness bar, cross bar, any unpadded door bars. It functions as a shiny paint protection that will keep the paint in much better shape for a longer time.

Not a bad idea.

Still trying to decide if I will paint the interior or not (white). On the plus side, it will keep the interior cooler and aid in finding items dropped on the floor. On the negative side, every time I've painted the interior of a car, it has looked like

[Lemming]

Still need to add all the little bits and pieces to finalize the dash.

[rastta]

What short shifter is that? Looks like the one I have and I don't know what came in my car.

[Lemming]

B&M knockoff

[rastta]

Originally Posted by Lemming

B&M knockoff

Thanks - I was thinking B&M based on photos but could be a knockoff as well. I'll be honest - I don't like it much. It could be just worn out - but it has no real spring "side" assist which makes it dicey going from 2-3. Have to make very deliberate shifts or I'll wind up in 5th.

[Lemming]

Originally Posted by rastta

Thanks - I was thinking B&M based on photos but could be a knockoff as well. I'll be honest - I don't like it much. It could be just worn out - but it has no real spring "side" assist which makes it dicey going from 2-3. Have to make very deliberate shifts or I'll wind up in 5th.

I like the feel, but have not driven on track with it yet. The throws are certainly short, but feel robust. A 2-5 shift won't kill you, but a 5-2 might hurt.

[911monty]

Originally Posted by rastta

Thanks - I was thinking B&M based on photos but could be a knockoff as well. I'll be honest - I don't like it much. It could be just worn out - but it has no real spring "side" assist which makes it dicey going from 2-3. Have to make very deliberate shifts or I'll wind up in 5th.

Tried pulling the end bushings and re greasing yet? Could be dry and adjusted too tight since there is no spring assist built into the shifter. Most likely just dry. I pulled mine and also re greased the bearings in the lever assembly. Like new now.

[rastta]

Originally Posted by 911monty

Tried pulling the end bushings and re greasing yet? Could be dry and adjusted too tight since there is no spring assist built into the shifter. Most likely just dry. I pulled mine and also re greased the bearings in the lever assembly. Like new now.

I have not. Should have the car back by Monday - I'll take a look at it when I get the car back. Thanks for the tip.

[911monty]

Originally Posted by rastta

I have not. Should have the car back by Monday - I'll take a look at it when I get the car back. Thanks for the tip.

You're very welcome! Be sure to pull that pivot bolt on the shaft, there is a roller bearing in there. Mine was so dry the rollers were frozen.

[Lemming]

Rear lexan window is in place (need to update the pic). I used well nuts (rubber) that are often used for motorcycle fairings. Easily removable to replace the window (or to remove to paint the top).

To secure the top, I've decided not to use Dzus fasteners as my experience is that they tend to pop open at the worst times. Instead, I'm going to use rivet nuts and large headed screws. This method will require a bit more time to attach/detach the roof, but at least I won't have to worry about the top coming off at speed.

Pic for attention.