FROM FASTDAD'S GARAGE TO YOURS, AMBIANCE AND SEASONS GREETINGS,

I made this video these past few days. Take alook leave a comment over on Facebook if thats better for you. Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-DB5G3bctU&context=C3201aa1ADOEgsToPDskIjSOdPyTSjoLtq8E_ciHTA In the mean time it's back to work here in FASTDAD'S garage.

AMBITIOUS

FASTDAD RISES FROM THE THE TABLE!!! The best holiday is over. There are things to do projects to get done. So lets get started. Over on Facebook I talk about an idea that I have and I'm going to make it happen, as a matter of fact I'm in the middle of right now. It may take a few days so check back. Man, it feels really good to get back in the GARAGE!

TODAYS CARS

Looks more like the back side of a control panel for a small aircraft than the back end of a Volvo SUV!

THE WEEK!!!!!

Check the story out over on Facecook. You have to read it all! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fastdad/132790816771142

AFTER WALK ENGINE TEARDOWN

Ok, walk is over, back to FASTDAD'S GARAGE. Time to teardown the engine, get it ready for some cooling system mods. Take some measurements during teardown, really pretty good shape engine top side. Leakdown was reasonable for this engine. If this was a late model motor for tin tops these numbers would be unacceptable. Anyhow posted these picks, take alook. I'll install the engine in the chassis to start on the cooling system mods, I'll have to build brackets, new fittings and adapters and such for the engine. I'll get done with the mods and then disassemble the rest of the engine. Valve lash was reasonable int .010 - ext.014. All this means is it is time for a refreshing of the engine

GOING FOR A WALK

Went for a walk with FASTMOM this afternoon. Ended up at a little house called the POND HOUSE. It's over on the river bluffs, been there since early 1800's. It's named after a gent Gideon Pond, one of the early settlers. Long story short it was open for a tour learned alot about how they lived back in the day. Had a fire going in the fireplace, smelled of burning wood inside the house, very genuine living quarters. Have a open house at the end of Jan with real dog sled rides, cooking in the fireplace making bread! I think FASTMOM and I will get the grand daughters and attend, should be fun and a great experience for them. I do do things other than work on race cars!

HOME FROM WORK EARLY

Pretty slow at work today, so I left early.  Got home did some computer stuff.  Like I'v said before we are getting ready to do some mass marketing.  Most of the early computer work was learning new web sites, setting up accounts, really boring stuff but very important to do correctly.  Essentially it will be the foundation from which we will build FASTDAD Enterprises.  But now it's into FASTDAD'S GARAGE! BLUE COLLAR AMERICA AT IT'S BEST!

ANOTHER DAY CHECKING STUFF ON THE NET

Spent many hours checking stuff on the internet. This is after I did a oil & filter and a tune up. Anyhow, we are making progress behind the scenes with reaching the masses on the internet. I think we've come up with a good strategy we can implement. The idea being to reach the masses to sell our merchandise and generate an income from FASTDAD MERCHANDISE!

WHAT WAS ACCOMPLISHED

Ya know one of the things I have a hard time to justify is sitting still.  Today was one of those days, meaning I sat and pounded on a key board and searched the internet most of the day looking for info on a strategy for how FASTDAD.NET can reach the internet market place. I got all this stuff to do here in the garage and I sit on the internet, go figure! At any rate I think we've come up with a strategy ( the bride & myself) that will work, hopefully. I'll talk about more soon so you who are following this now will see something larger start to happen, hopefully!

Busy week, family stuff

Yup, it's been busy. Attending grand daughters (3) church Christmas programs (2), setting up my mom's christmas tree, shopping, thats almost done. Now this Sat. AM it's back to the garage and building FASTDAD.NET into a full time ENTERPRIZE!

DOING SOME FRAME WORK

This is the tedious work done behind the scenes to a Formula Continental car. Welded up over 300 rivet holes in the bottom of the frame rails. Cleaned up the welds so a sheet of 6061-T6 cane be bonded and new rivets installed. So this means drilling the holes back in the frame! But before that is done there are more items that need to be done before the aluminum is attached. The frame will eventually be sent out to be blasted and cleaned then painted electrically. A few pictures take a look.

A FAMOUS RACING TEAM CLOSES

Ya know one of the things a person learns is, life goes on, and changes are part of that. Three years ago I drove down to a racing team called Newman-Haas (http://www.newman-haas.com/ ( yes the world famous Paul Newman) and bought my TIG welder from them.  I dealt with the general manager at the time a gentleman named John. Long story short this is the end of one of the most successful Champ Car teams ever. They have a storied history of famous people Mario Andretti, son Micheal, World champion Nigel Mansel etc the list goes on. To older people this is a sad time, to the younger and hungry this is an opportunity to fill a large void. The respect is there for them, they earned it, life goes on. The only thing I can imagine is some how I was part of that history in a very small way.

Thought I'd share a couple of photos. Top one is FASTDAD in the heat of competition. coming up the hill turn 6 at Road America Elkhart lake wisconsin.
Bottom photo is showing the GEARBOX JIG FASTDAD built to hold the assembly. It can be purchased at http://fastdad.net/online-store.html