Ordered a new heater control panel.

I backed the El Camino out of the garage to do some cleaning and I turned on the heater blower. Some stuff came out of the dash vents so I let it clear out and went to change the vents to the floor when the knob came out of the panel. It is electronic and can't be fixed so I called Vintage Air and ordered a new panel. Because it got broke some how it's not covered by the warantee.
The dash pad has to come off again but it shouldn't be to hard to replace.
I washed the car while it was in the driveway and gave it a coat of wax for the first time.

pictures of the interior and wheel.

Bought a new horn.

I figured on buying some 30% nitro fuel sooner or later. We took a ride to Ray's hobby shop and I bought a gallon and 3 10x5 wood props. I knew we would be in the area of Coventry auto parts, a NAPA store, on the way home and I brought the broken horn. He had one on the shelf and I ordered a spare tire cover as well. I installed the new horn and wired it up. Works good. The horn button seems to be holding up too.

Another cut.

The test went well until I pushed the horn button. It blew and wouldn't stop. I reomved it and probed between the plates again. I think there is some fingers that make contact between the plates. I made another cut and bent a few things and put another strip of plastic in at the cut to control the fingers. I did another test and it worked normally for a change. I assembled the wheel and let it sit for a few hours. I just tried tooting the horn and it worked normally. Only one horn has been tooting so I pulled wires until I found the non tooting horn. Both are new, last year. I disconnected both for the night.

May have it figured out.

I cut a triangle shaped piece out of the back of the steering wheel pad that contains the horn blow system. I put a feeler gage in between the plates and moved it all around. No good. No continuity in the shop but the horn would blow in the garage. I hooked the Ohm meter up and got a reading. I left it hooked up and probed through the hole between the plates until I found the spot that was touching. I made several passes and left the plastic probe in the spot to keep them apart. I have it hooked to the car now with a jumper to see if it will activate the horn. 3 hours now and still going. What I think was happening was that the foam the horn switch is molded into is old and not as resiliant. It has a memory but it has been changed over the years. When I probed around it pushed the foam down and it took a few minutes for it to go back to where it was. Now with plastic strips keeping the foam compressed where it should be I may have cured it.
We went to the dog track this morning and I tested the changes to the Fox plane. It turned very fast with a wing waggle on some of the corners. The proper term is Hinging. Why, I don't know. I removed the 1/2 ounce tail weight to give it more stability and cut down on the corners a bit without changing the handle or control movement. It flys quite well this way. I removed half of the tip weight to cure the hinging when I got home. I also mixed some more fuel. 2 gallons of 2.5% nitro, 22.5% oil, (20% castor, 2.5% synthetic)

Wheel is in.

We went to Wal Mart to get a cooler and a booster seat. We also picked up some carpets for the front seat of the El Camino. When we got home the steering wheel was waiting. I cleaned it up and figured there would be something out of sorts with it. The horn blower was in a constant blow mode. I did a continuity test and wiggledthings and put plastic insulators between the metal things in contact. I got them separated and as soon as I put a screw in the horn would blow. My Ohm meter still shows no contact but somehow there is a path someplace. Maybe a nylon screw. I taped the wire off and put the piece on to complete the wheel.
We went to the dog track this morning and I got in a few flights and found a problem with the tank. I removed the engine/tank from one plane and put it on the Fox. When I pulled the tubing off the uni-flow vent the tube came out. I installed it back further than it was for good measure. Too far in. The clunk was stopping as it passed by the tube causing the engine to falter and stop in one instance. I noticed the clunk hanging up and pulled the vent tube out 3/8" curing the problem. When I got home I looked at the drawing for the Fox and measured the push rod clevis to the hinge line on the flaps and elevator. I made a new flap horn and drilled the holes in the right places this time. I'll give it a try tomorrow.
Tonight is the last night for the horseshoe league in RI. The end of season picnic is this Saturday. Lots of food and crappy Coors light.

Ready for the steering wheel.

I went ahead and painted the steering column. All that's left is to remove the old wheel and put on the replacement when it gets here. The bed looks better after drying too. I hooked up the windshield washer hoses and put some fluid in the bottle. I didn't try the squirters but I primed the system. I think I need a hazard flasher as only one side goes on and stays on, no blinking. I found some more missing screws today and replaced them.

I got an early start.

I started to wash the bed of the El Camino this morning with TSP. I had good luck using it to clean my mothers house. I finally parked it on an incline and used the hose to wash out the wet TSP. It's drying now. I checked the timing and it's about 12 before. I also installed the stroage box behind the drivers seat. It's in poor shape but it fits.. Then I removed the accelerator cable and lubed it with a syringe. Then I took a bend out of the cable so it works a lot smoother.I removed the tach. yesterday as I have to sand the steering column and re paint it.
I got in 4 short flights with the OS/Snow Fox combo. I decreased the handle spacing and it still has plenty of turn.. I'll remove what little tail weight to calm it down even more. It is pretty stable as it is. The sun had a chance to heat up the asphalt and the thermals were kicking the plane all over the place. Just trimming flights anyway.

We have tunes.

I spent 2 hours installing the radio this morning. It took most of the time to run the wires to the proper places. The radio fit the original opening perfectly. I used a piece of copper wire as a hanger for the back of the radio. After re connecting the battery I turned it on and even with the antenna collapsed some station came in loud and clear. I spent most of the day dressing the wires and making the rest presentable. I want to take the accelerator cable out and re do it. It has sticky spots and is annoying. The new steering wheel should be here in a few days. I have to clean up the column and paint it before putting the new wheel on. It is the same shape as the original.
I got in a few flights with the Snow Fox/Fox .40 combo. The engine is new and didn't run that good. I got some inkling of what to trim from the session. The plane turns very sharp and the handle space needs to be increased. A full muffler will help also. I'll put the OS .40 on it and try that. It is running very well and has a full muffler to add nose weight.

Went for a ride.

I called an upholsterer several times before getting him to answer. Anyway he will install the headliner in a few weeks.
I cleaned the engine bay a little and put some armorall on the rubber parts. I removed the paint from the radiator overflow jar and installed it on the right fender and hooked it up to the radiator. We went for a ride to Voluntown and back to test everything. I was amazed that there are no rattles. The vent windows bring in a lot of air when open. I tweaked the carb. when we got home but it was set where it wants to be right now. It's still breaking in.
UPS brought the decals and vent crank from Year One. I put the decals on and matched the vent crank with one of the two I have and installed the pair. I deceided to start the radio install and read the directions. The speakers are polarity marked and I had to find out which wire was what. I had to remove the dash pad again and check the wires. I found some loose screws while I was in there and tightened them. I'll probably finish it tomorrow.

Saved $200.00 more.

I scanned ebay for steering wheels and found one for 60 bucks with no bids. I waited until the last and got it for that. It looks like the Firebird wheel thats hanging from a rafter near the car. I got out voted on the Astro wheel that's in it now. I armoralled the vinyl stuff in the car and bolted the spare tire inplace behind the passengers seat. I priced a new tool tray for the opening behind the drivers seat and will use the old one. $160.00 is too much. $275.00 for a new steering wheel from Year One. The new vent crank should be in tomorrow with the decals for the engine compartment.

Belts are installed.

I got the seat belts installed properly and the front and rear kick panels along with the sill plates. GM saved a buck or two on the kick panels. There are no screw holes near rhe holes in the panels. I set them in and let the sill plates hold them in place.
I gave it the old college try on the headliner. I took it back out and will call around to get an expert to install it. I cant get the headliner to hook onto the hooks and stay put. I do have all the windlace which is a good thing. I also steel wooled some primer off the bumper and side window trim. It's amazing what you find when you are looking real close.
It's a lot drier today and just as hot but it don't feel it.

Saved hundreds more.

I was preparing a list of left over parts that were replaced or not used in the El Camino. In a box was a pile of seat belts that just didn't make sense. I have spent some time trying to figure out what belt went to what belt to no avail. I gave it one more try and found the secret that's been there all the time. The belts are the original ones that came with the car. Each belt, and there are ten of them, has a part number on the tag hidden on the underneath. I took a belt with a tab end and looked for a belt with a buckle end with the same part number and I had a set. I was amazed that all the belts were still there and in good condition except for some pretty bad fading on the shoulder belts. We have been planning on adding a center belt and the originals included a center belt. I washed the belts in hot water and dish soap. Now they look better but still faded. I called a "family meeting" to discuss the fading problem and to see if dyeing the belts would work. Off to Norwich to the fabric store and got some liquid Rit dye that didn't say not for nylon. I used 1/4 the amount of hot water and 3 times the amount of dye. I put the belts in and stirred it for 45 minutes then rinsed the belts and hung them on the line to dry. After a couple hours the belts were damp so I put them all up stairs to dry overnight. This morning i checked on them and the belts look great. The webbing moves in the buckles for adjustments and everything. I can install the three lap belts permanently but the shoulder belts have to wait for the headliner. All the GM logo are still on the buckles too. Good as new.
I got the hood latch adjusted so it closes without having to pull the release. I elongated the bolt slots so the pin could move forward to miss hitting the latch The weather is supposed to start cooling a bit too.

I saved $100.00.

At o600 the temp. was 75 degrees. Very warm for this part of the country. The trees are losing their leaves and needles. I removed the wire bows that hold the headliner inplace and sanded the rust off. It was too warm to do much more but I grabbed one of the visors and we made a new cover for it. The other was still in good shape and after a cleaning it is usable. New ones are $90.00 in the Year One catalog. I glued the insulation to the roof and the headliner is ready to be installed. If it cools off.

A new wrinkle.

While groping around inside the El Camino I noticed the spare tire wasn't there. I did find both visors, which are in pretty bad shape.
This morning I figured out how to run the seat belts through the seat like they are supposed to. I unbolted the belt and put the tab end through from the top instead of trying to get the buckle through from the bottom.
We went to Lizzy B's for breakfast and then almost forgot to go to NAPA for the other door lock knob. Then I went to New London and got the spare tire, which is still holding air. By the time I got home the temp. is above my limits so we finished putting the tonneau cover on and looked at the headliner and gave up for the day. I think I can install all the kick panels and sill plates before the headliner after all. I got several washers painted black to match the plastic panels as the holes are worn pretty big. I have to cover the interior to put glue on the roof and insulation before putting the headliner up. That is the last major project on the car. The radio isn't too much trouble as it is a replica of the original only modernized. It should fit perfectly. I hope it's not defective. I have to lube the speedometer where the cable connects to it. It worked good after warming up on the drive home. Then I can install the new dash pad. I will probably need new seat belts again as the ones I bought got painted a bit.

We have door panels.

I went to NAPA this morning to get the panel clips. No sense getting the screws and door lock knobs I need while I'm there. I got the left panel on and had to come up with a method to get 5 screws to go through the panel and hold it to the door without making a bunch of holes trying to find each hole in the door frame. I cut off a #8 sheet metal screw about 3/4 inch long. I also drilled a 7/16" hole in the end of a 3/4" dowel. Then I lifted the bottom of the panel and started the #8 screw into the #6 hole. I didn't get far which is what I planned. With the screw sticking out of the hole I let the panel rest against it. I tapped the panel over the screw until the screw poked through the cardboard backing but not through the vinyl covering. I took the dowel and put the hole end over the screw bulge and pushed to poke the screw through the vinyl marking the exact location of the screw hole in the door. 5 times on each door panel, install the screws and I'm done.
Of course I had to go to NAPA and get the screws. No sense getting the door lock knobs while I'm there. I figure that Benny's should have the knobs as that is what Benny's is there for. Nope. Back to NAPA. Only got one and another on order, should be here in the morning.
I removed and replaced the parking brake and brake pedal rubber. I looked at the gas pedal but it has to come off the car to be replaced. It's in good shape so it can wait. Maybe I'll try the headliner tomorrow. That will allow the installation of the rest of the trim pieces.
I got in two flights at the dog track this morning between trips to NAPA. The plane is flying good and the engine is running very well.

It's here.

Iwill attempt to add some pictures of the El Camino. I tried to put these on a forum but can't get the url stuff. And guess what, I found the other vent crank handle. Now I got a new one to carry around.

The color of money.

I took my bi weekly trip to the body shop in New London this morning. The owner was in the office and the secretary said the car was ready. John said the seat still needed to be put in and the car cleaned and that I could pick it up today. I didn't have a ride so I said I would pick it up tomorrow. It will take a while to finish the car. Then I asked him if he would take cash hoping for a discount. $3500.00 plus $900.00 for the upholstery. I got the money from the bank and will be there in the morning. I don't expect the car to be ready but I want to pay him before he finds out how much work went into the paint job.

New pump works.

As the temp climbed into the mid 80's I gave up doing anything. We went to the turkey farm on Ekonk hill for a snack and back home. The race wasn't going to start for an hour so I decieded to remove the old pump and install the new one. After an hour I finished the job and started the engine. 5 psi again. I managed to contain all the gas spillage from the lines into a pan so nothing got on the carpeting on the floor. Probably a first.

Fuel pressure.

I started the hot rod yesterday and it wasn't right. I shut it off and looked at the carb bolts but they all felt tight but I gave them a tweak anyway. It re started and ran normal after that. When I got back home I shut it off and turned the fuel pump on and looked at the pressure gauge in the line. It is showing 3 psi down from the 5 psi when it was new in 1997. I had bought a spare pump back then and will swap it out before taking it out again. The 502 doesn't have provisions for a mechanical pump. I have a filter before and after the pump plus one near the carb. I'll get new filters at the pump too.
I stopped at the mini-bluegrass festival a couple miles from home yesterday. All local CT bands I saw 3 bands including the one a childhood friend plays in. The same one we saw at the Foster, RI fair. Plainfield alone has 2 bands that I know of, Shady Creek and Cedar Swamp Bluegrass. My friend is from Oneco and he says he plays in 3 or 4 bands. This was the 2nd annual festival at this site. Should advertise it better though.

A definition.

A group of people or a single person who believes without question everything he is told even though the truth screams in their face. I.E. a liberal is a Farkel.
And from the rumor mill. Criss Dodd is suing the doctor that operated on him recently for not pulling Dodd's head out of his ass after finding it there. Dodd is a fine example of a Farkel.
The spelling of the word farkel is used as well as farkle. Either or is correct.

It's summer again.

The sun came out around 9 am and the temp started to climb up to 80. I headed for the dog track and got in 3 flights. The engine run was the same for all flights. The fuel can insulation must be working.
I built a new fuel tank for the plane. It is wider so the fuel isn't so far from the needle valve. It's got a 5 ounce capy. for bigger engines if needed.

It's the end of summer, again.

Yesterday was high 60's and cloudy, today is 70 light winds and light mist all day. Kind of Octoberish.
After reading the responses on my post about the cooled fuel one of them showed a container insulated with a thermometer inside to keep track of the fuel temp. I cut some plastic foam into 1/4" thick strips and spray glued them to my fuel can. The whole can is covered with insulation to keep the fuel from heating up on the hot asphalt. With no hot asphalt in sight I went to the dog track anyway. The engine ran well and even pulled the plane through the pattern while running slower than normal. That's a good thing.

Cool fuel.

I got the bright idea to cool the fuel for the planes before going to the dog track. I put the can in an ice chest. I think the cool fuel helped the engine runs. I mentioned this on a forum and some have tried it with no change that they could figure. One guy in Brazil does keep his fuel in an insulated case to keep the temp. stable. I cut some plastic foam strips and glued them to the fuel can for insulation. Can't hurt. The plane did fly the best it has with the cool fuel.

Summer's here again.

The two tamarack trees in my yard have been dropping needles for a month now. Maybe they have Dutch larch disease or something.
I bought some wood props and an electric 10x5 prop yesterday. I put a 10x5 wood on the yellow Primary Force and then re balanced it and re set the leadouts to the plan specs. It took one and 3/4 ounces in the tail to balance but it flew a lot better. I could remove some of the weight if I use a lighter muffler but I don't have one.
I was thinking about more nitro fooling the engine by adding oxygen. I'm going to try cooling the fuel before using it. That will make it denser and get more to the engine hopefully the same as more nitro. I plan to wrap the tank with aluminum foil for insulation while flying.
I saw some helicopter fuel at Ray's hobby shop too. 30% nitro and 23% oil. Perfect for my experimenting. $40.00 a gallon. I can make 6 gallons of 5% nitro with it.
2 hot and humid days in a row. Nothing in the 90's yet though.

Early morning flight.

I went to the dog track after breakfast this morning. The wind was light and switched around a bit but it was flyable. I got in 3 flights with the .40 powered Primary force and it went well. I timed the run with 90 cc of fuel and got over 6 minutes at 9500 rpm. The plane was a lot slower but still had good control through the maneuvers.Lap times were in the mid 5 second range. I found that the push rod was touching the exit hole in the wing and creating a little binding or sticking. I removed enough wood to clear the pushrod and it feels a lot better now. That may explain the wandering up and down during level flight. Better known as hunting.

Bad flying weather.

I went to the dog track this morning. The wind showed coming from the north as I arrived. When I unloaded a plane the wind was coming from the south. I got in two flights and the plane was rocking all around the circle. The lines were the tightest 90 degrees to the wind that was hitting me. I tried a loop and the plane came into the circle but I saved it. I left early. I took the .25 off the yellow Primary Force and installed one of the OS .40's. I had originally set it up for a .40 anyway. We will see how this works.
No call from the body shop yet.

A twofer, hours apart.

I went to the school in Sterling and got in some flights. The Christmas idea plane roofed again doing the reverse wingover. I built a new rudder and repaired the wing then took it to the dog track in the afternoon. This time I got up to the square eight and roofed it for the last time. No damage to the engine so I was lucky there. I readied the second Primary Force and put an OS .40 in it. I had set it up for a Fox .35.
Still waiting for the call from the body shop. That all depends on how much time they have to put the seat in.

Picture blackout.

I went to the body shop this morning. I found that the seat is finished and ready to be picked up. The car should be ready by Friday. Once it's on the road and cleaned up I will be able to post some pictures.

Almost worked.

After having success with moving the elevator horn up to and in fromt of the hinge line i tried it on the Primary Pupster that I retired a while ago. I put a free engine on it, an OS .40 LA. I went to the dog track this morning and got in 4 flights. The change worked well as the up had a lot more authority but so did the down. I moved the push rod to the outermost hole but it didn't calm it down enough. I tried the clover leaf and the plane as a whole wouldn't do it. So I gave up and put it back into retirement. I removed the needle valve from the engine and found some crap on it so I cleaned out the whole assembly and reassembled it. So when it comes time to use the 576 ringmaster it's on it will be ready.
I mixed the rest of the 20% nitro fuel and have a gallon and a half ready to use. I almost got into it today but stopped too soon. I need to get more castor from Brodak plus other stuff.
I'm planning on going to the body shop tomorrow and hope to remember to take a camera. The seat should be ready soon by my estimate.