my low budget dream car build

[tobluforu]

Low budget may ass! You want low budget, take a look at my car. But seriously, this is one hell of a project build. Great job!

[chrisbalich]

Originally Posted by 75 911s

So excited for the boxes! :-D

I'll tell the whole tale on these once I have all of them.
Until I have them all, I'm not excited....just frustrated.

Originally Posted by LukasM

The 997/991s are fantastic cars and lots of fun to drive, most likely with fewer problems than our air cooled ones...

However they sure will never have the character of the LBDC and give you the memories associated with building, repairing and driving it - even if there are ups and downs. I'd guess you are way too much of a tinkerer to enjoy a nice stock 911.

Looking forward to seeing the content of the boxes and you taking the car to the next level Chris!

I've never failed to inject character into my cars. But I do understand what you're saying.

Originally Posted by AG81

"I'm on the right".......LOL NO CHIT !!!!

Hey, man. It's 2024. You can never be certain anymore.

Originally Posted by TeeJayHoward

I've got two of those sitting on my toolbox right now. Paid out the wazoo for a new Porsche dashboard, and the studs ripped out the first time I pulled the thing out. (Just so ya know it's not because your dash was an eBay budget dealio.) My plan is to JB weld them back into place - could something similar work for you?

Oh, and RE: 997/991. Owned a 997 Turbo a few years back. Hope you never have to do anything in that engine bay, because access is HIGHLY restricted. The air-cooled cars have 2-3 times as much room "under the hood" as the newer models. (And it keeps getting worse with each new release!)

That's wild that a new Porsche unit did the same thing. That's super frustrating, but makes me slightly less upset about the quality of the unit I have.
You make a strong point about the room to work underhood, but I wouldn't be totally averse to having a project car that didn't need that type of work!

Originally Posted by Jonny042

I could see wanting a LBDC AND a 997. Kinda like you need an A5 and a Taco.

Or like my wife always says - "yeah, that'll match the other hole in your head perfectly!" So maybe if you need to choose just one, LBDC all the way. Do more with less.

This is the plan. I'd like to replace the Q5 with a 997/991...but I have some financial goals to hit first.
My plan has always been to have one car that does it all. (sports car) The curent status of this project is me sussing out how far I am from that goal so I can do a cost (money, time, emotional trauma, etc) vs benefit analysis. Still working on it.

Originally Posted by Jonny042

Thinking more about LBDC AND a 997... when's Kelly's birthday?

You could call it "Homer", after Marge's bowling ball!

This is a good idea, and buys me a few months to shop/save. (Kelly's bday is mid-December.)

Originally Posted by tobluforu

Low budget may ass! You want low budget, take a look at my car. But seriously, this is one hell of a project build. Great job!

HA! I challenge anyone to do what I've done for what I've spent...and have a car that can go to the track or across the country with only a fluids and tire check.
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MINI UPDATE
Big box


brought me a little box


More boxes due at some point.

[TeeJayHoward]

Originally Posted by chrisbalich

I need a room like that in my house.

[chrisbalich]

Originally Posted by TeeJayHoward

I need a room like that in my house.

Full disclosure, that's not my house.
But I am working on a room like that for my house as well.

[chrisbalich]

Good morning, Pelican!
My watch (and phone) indicate that it's Tuesday. But I gotta tell you, I'm not convinced.
Last week I was rapt with the decision of whether or not to install a spicy battery in the LBDC. Well, Joe came through and got one to me Wednesday...less than 24 hours before I would leave for Road America.


That's an Antigravity ATX-30. No, this is not the final resting place. (as of the time of this writing) It's been flawless since install and was a significant reduction in weight. I even reinstalled the (curiously heavy) smugglers' box lid so I could haphazardly pack the trunk for the trip. I did have to modify the bar that secures the battery so I could reach the ReStart button should need arise. (see the big f-n hole in the middle) After the battery install, I cut the grass, showered, packed, and sat down to a markedly late dinner with Kelly. We had an early call time the next morning, but I still managed to stay up a bit too late.

Thursday, we drove straight to the track. I was so excited, I shared this photo with the Summer Vintage group text I was in. (it got mixed reviews)


Matt was only a couple minutes behind me, so it wasn't long before we showed RA what real fashion looks like.


Speaking of haute couture, check out [Achtungkraft] Bryan!


Thursday was vintage racing and catching up with friends



...some a little closer than others.


Friday, I signed up for the Touring Laps. Unfortunately, I got stuck behind some slow cars. So no 2min laps this time out.

A few friends did confirm that the wide open Yikes pipe was louder than, and very distinguishable from, the RSs' wail.

The actual race cars were not so slow. Here's a couple before I run out of space to upload pics.



That's ten. I'll be back in a few minutes.

[chrisbalich]

Friday, continued.

One of these was my personal fave. (you'll have to guess)



Here's some more junk that was just parked on the street.



Matt and I stared at this Capri engine for 15 minutes. What a marvel of engineering...and what a noise it makes.


After having to do some negotiating and rapid adjustments on Friday to park before the parade, we had a plan for Saturday. This is five cars in ~3 spots.



I was planning to get this all in two posts, but it looks like there's one more.
BRB

[chrisbalich]

This is the part that is oft mentioned, but less documented on forums. The friends you get to meet, make, and see because of a mutual love of all things automobilia.

I can neither confirm, nor deny, the intended use of the pole in this picture. I can confirm it was unused during our time in the bar/pub/restaurant/watering hole/place.


Sidewalk hangs...


...are just an extension of porch hangs.


Have I mentioned how hot it was? The look on Tony's face (middle) is an indicator. He's super serious about vintage racing, but it was oppressively hot. The sticker on Andrew's back is likely something he rolled onto and definitely not something placed there by a friend with a well-developed sense of humor.


After a long weekend of racing and heat and friends, we made a detour through Chicago to visit Pawel who was in town for work. I was in a pretty foul mood after 2+ hours of traffic and heat and FIP drivers. But just seeing my friend sorted me right out.


The LBDC is due an oil change and is still waiting on parts. I'll work on it again soon and be back to posting about its progress. I will say that it was flawless all weekend, even in bad traffic and 90+ degree temps.

[Oheggem]

Originally Posted by chrisbalich

I can confirm it was unused during our time in the bar/pub/restaurant/watering hole/place.

Sure. We hear ya, sure

[shoooo32]

I was sent objective evidence of pole use. There were adult themes depicted which have no place on this upscale thread.

[chrisbalich]

Jiminy Christmas, it's been nearly five weeks since I posted an update.
Work has been busy, shooting has been busy, bowling has gotten busy, my dang-on grass won't stop growing, I had an anniversary, bunch of friends' bdays, I reckon I shot a round of golf, I've absolutely hammered the FSS with whinging and bishing about my widebody kit (which finally showed up at 25 weeks + one day....after being told 10 weeks...more on this later), plus whatever other shenanigans I've been up to since Summer Vintage.
I have been driving the car, but not working on it. I tinkered minorly with the EFI and it's better than ever. It's developed a very small oil leak that I haven't looked at. The LBDC is overdue for an oil change and the LR tire leaks about 4-6psi every week. And frankly, I'm ok with all of it. It's been nice to just not worry about the car itself for the majority of the summer. I haven't messed with my lists. I haven't ordered more parts in weeks (months?). I've just been driving it and being a person**. I owe you lot an update, but we're way too busy at work for me to do it here. After I get the grass cut tonight, knock out a couple honey-do items, shower, and eat, I'll try to gather my thoughts enough to make a sensible post.

I think of all my Pelican friends often. I just haven't made the time to catch up on threads and make an update. I'll be back sooner than later.








** - mostly

[Porkshop]

Cant wait.... This should be good....

[YellowBee69]

Ive been waiting on updates.. I check pelican daily and was starting to get worried!! Those spring plates cleaned up and installed nicely. Although I think I screwed up the drivers side. I must have overdone the JB Weld and it squished out. Im no longer able to remodel the spring plate.. It moves fairly freely with nothing else attached. But when I try to slide it out of the rebel bushing.. It wont come. I used a hammer until I said screw it and just left it in. I'm just gonna send it so they say.. If something goes wrong Ill be going to 935 style plates I suppose. Regardless, It was nice to meet you in person! Cant wait to see the kit. I'm going to assume its along the lines of an RSR kit... Time will tell I guess!!

[Queefchief]

Originally Posted by YellowBee69

Ive been waiting on updates.. I check pelican daily and was starting to get worried!! Those spring plates cleaned up and installed nicely. Although I think I screwed up the drivers side. I must have overdone the JB Weld and it squished out. Im no longer able to remodel the spring plate.. It moves fairly freely with nothing else attached. But when I try to slide it out of the rebel bushing.. It wont come. I used a hammer until I said screw it and just left it in. I'm just gonna send it so they say.. If something goes wrong Ill be going to 935 style plates I suppose. Regardless, It was nice to meet you in person! Cant wait to see the kit. I'm going to assume its along the lines of an RSR kit... Time will tell I guess!!

Off subject but I sent you a PM while back about a fuel cell. Saw your name pop up and jogged my memory. PM me when you can. Thanks

[chrisbalich]

The yard is cut.
I'm showered.
Dinner is in the oven.
Honey-do been tabled temporarily.
I have 14 pics to share and a couple yarns to spin.

Update: Dinner is out of the oven.

Let's start miserable and finish positive.
This part of the post has been a long time coming.
The FG roof of the car is from GT Racing. It arrived quickly and Joel & Doreen were an absolute pleasure to deal with. I prefer to spend my money with small businesses, and American businesses if possible. GT fit that bill exactly and they told me 10 weeks to make and deliver the parts. Compared to a little more than double the cost and six months lead time, I chose GT over Sunburst and on March 5th, I ordered all the requisite pieces from GT Racing to widen the LBDC. While I'm not a categorically patient person, I waited the ten weeks and let them do their work...or so I thought.

May 14 was ten weeks. I reached out for an update as I was traveling and didn't want to leave the guys at work in the lurch accepting a big delivery without me there to check it in and take it home. I was advised it would be a few more weeks. So I went on my trip and figured it was a normal delay. I was frustrated that Joel couldn't be bothered to drop me a call or email to advise there would be a delay...but I'm probably not the only order delayed, and I'm sure they're working on my order...right?

I wait the weeks and reach out again when I don't get any tracking info. I'm told there's more delays, but they'll send out the parts of my order that are ready ASAP. This is when my front bumper showed up on June 20. It didn't come from GT in Colorado. It came from somewhere in California...and it wasn't new FG. New FG outgases for a while and the smell is strong & specific. It was dusty (dirt) and had some chips on the corners like it had been kicking around a warehouse for a while. :/

I ask for an update and I'm told a story about a storm in Minnesota that knocked down trees and damaged buildings and losing a laminator and a bunch of other excuses that would have never come into play had my order been taken seriously and fulfilled on time. Another several week delay and I finally get the front flares and rear bumper on July 8. Those parts also did not smell like fresh FG, were covered in warehouse dust, and had chipped corners. I reached out for an update and I was told end of July to get the rest. I got the last shipment of parts on August 15. August 15 was 26 weeks and one day after my order was confirmed. (26 weeks & 2 days after it was placed)

At no point was I ever given an update without sending multiple emails and leaving multiple voicemails. I never had a single phone call returned. I sent three or four emails to every reply I got. I have every email and my call log going back to March. IDK why Joel decided my order wasn't important and that it was ok to hold my money for six months without even returning a single phone call.

To say that I will never ever recommend GT Racing is an understatement.


In other news, my new position has afforded me insight into how YouTube videos are made.


Kelly and I went on a date a few weeks ago to a very fancy Taco Bell.


Zach & I cerakoted my competition rifle. (which I promptly tore up by competing with it and hogging out the fore-end and filling it with two pounds of lead shot sealed in epoxy)


Here's Kelly sitting on the porch reading a book, casually watching the dog.


I learned some updated geographical info.


One of our marketing people managed to come to the shop on a day when I drove the 911 to work and he realized it was mine. (I'm not sure who he thought it belonged to prior.) He was all excited and took some pics.





My friend Corey was texting me about preparing his car for CIO this coming weekend, so I had to flex on him a little that mine was already ready...save being dirty.



There's always more, but I've been staring at this screen too long already. So this will have to get everyone by until after this weekend's event.

[AG81]

Nice update Chris.

[LJ851]

Man, that's a bummer about your GT Racing experience. Hopefully the end result will be satisfactory.

[shoooo32]

Great hang yesterday at Checkeditout. LBDC was looking sweet as always, but I'm excited for the project to get started!

[Showdown]

Phase 2 or 7 or whatever iteration of the car Chris is heading into will be bonkers. Lots of brainstorming and creative lightening was had. It will not disappoint.

[chrisbalich]

Originally Posted by AG81

Nice update Chris.

Thanks. It hasn't felt the same in some months, but I'm trying to get back into the swing.

Originally Posted by LJ851

Man, that's a bummer about your GT Racing experience. Hopefully the end result will be satisfactory.

Absolutely not what I expected. It's super disappointing, but it's time for me to learn how to FG and make the kit more mine than theirs.

Originally Posted by shoooo32

Great hang yesterday at Checkeditout. LBDC was looking sweet as always, but I'm excited for the project to get started!

Thanks, Tony! CIO is about the homies for me. Julian and I tend to wander around and shop colors/mods, but really I only go to spend time with the homies.

Originally Posted by Showdown

Phase 2 or 7 or whatever iteration of the car Chris is heading into will be bonkers. Lots of brainstorming and creative lightening was had. It will not disappoint.

Oh hey there! Funny you should bring this up. I reckon it's time for some early-stage progress pics. But let's start with some CheckedItOut snaps.

Here you can see one freshly washed LBDC, including the lips being freshly rubbed with red scotchbrite because I'm sophisticated AF.


And here, you see one of the perils of being one of the Achtungkraft homies. Displays of extreme personality are oft captured on sneaky camera phones and then made into stickers. *picture intentionally left fuzzy to protect the identity of the guilty.


This car had some rowdy megaphones driven by some lumpy bumpsticks.


I'm looking through these pics and I'm picking up a theme...


Another one!


This one is a little different, but also a little the same.


I clearly have a type.


Here's a pic of me waiting to get in.


And I have no idea where this pic is from. Kelly didn't go with me to CIO, but it's a new pic and I clearly didn't take it. Maybe a Ruchlos 4 pic?


I have another eight pics to share that are more topical to the LBDC build. Just have to type it up. (no work tomorrow, so I'll stay up late and get the job done)

[chrisbalich]

At this point, it's pretty clear that I'm making a significant change to the exterior of the 911. I got home from CIO last weekend and wasted very little time before heading out to the garage and breaking out the masking tape.


All gas


No brakes


A wider angle view into the mind of a madman.


I've circulated these pics for the last week while I've not had enough time to work on the car. It was pointed out by more than one person that I should have installed the bumpers first. What you can't see in these photos is that the skirt is still on Kelly's side.

So today when I got home from the match, I pulled the stock bumpers, final skirt, and exhaust. I wanted to jump straight into the kit, but I had to put all the narrow bits into storage to make room in the garage. Then I started clamping & taping pieces onto the car.


I started sending out this pic whilst sitting on the floor staring at the car attempting to digest my feelings. I felt really good about the position of the flares and the general fitment of the bumpers...but then I got to the skirts. What the actual fork is going on with the skirts? The long piece is extra long. The shark fin is extra long. Both have their flanges (which one would assume are for making a lap joint at the vertical seam between the long and fin) go the same way so they occupy the same space. wtf. So I just layered it up and taped it as best I could to get an idea what I was in for. (it's a lot)

The texts started coming in F&F, so I've had an opportunity to bounce ideas off some friends and reflect on what I want. Out came the china marker...and I ordered another set in white.




I wish there was a way to tuck the front all the way to the edge of the hood. Alas, that's not reasonable. The sick part is that those tucks are probably among the easier mods I have planned for all this glass. I have no shortage of small (and large) touches I want to implement on basically all the pieces. But first, I have to admit a misstep and then correct it. The LF flare is too far forward by ~19mm. I lined it up with the corners of the stock arch and I just missed. I should have cleaned up my space better and been more diligent, but the holes I've made are small, even if there's a bunch of them. In a twist of fate, the front bumper is ~19mm forward of the flange for the smile. So of the 2" (50.8mm) that I want to tuck, I'm going to get 19 for free by properly installing the bumper.

So tomorrow, I'll mark up the bumper for position and maybe the tuck. I'll then make the necessary adjustments to the bumper to flush it up to the body. Once the bumper is hard-mounted, I'll reposition the LF flare and then adjust the skirt. If all that looks acceptable, I'll mount the RF flare and RR flare and then push the car outside to get another look at it from further back. If all that looks good, I'll mark the body and prepare myself emotionally for cutting off the stock flares...and then unceremoniously cut out the flares. Somewhere along the line tomorrow, I'll change the decklid for the ducklid as that's what I really want to run with this setup...although I won't be selling my smoothie as I love that clean look also.

Here's another shot of the car all taped and clamped into shape to hold us all over until I take a couple more steps down this path of increased girth.
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