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I got the fascia off and found the problem.  I must have gone over a speed bump a little too fast (check out the pictures).  The hole in the coolant recovery bottle is bigger than it looks in the picture.  Unfortunately, I already gave up my spot at Buttonwillow (assuming I would not be able to get the fascia removed timely).  I'm going to see if I can locate a Permatex plastic bottle patch kit in town early in the morning and, if successful, call Speed Ventures and see if I can get back in.

It seems like this must be a typical problem with the GEN2 Vipers, or at least the 1996 GTS.  Has anyone seen or heard of this?  If so, anyone know what the solution is?  I'm going to patch and get a shorter fascia mounting screw, but I wonder if a new bottle was made for newer model year Vipers that might have the corner reduced so that it can't get punctured by the fascia mounting screw.  Perhaps they just changed over to shorter screws.

Ken

Well, I've developed a coolant recovery tank leak.  If anyone out there has ever serviced one of these, or at least has removed the front fascia of a GEN2, and you are willing to give a little instruction, I'm at 805/685-2030 and I'll be up all night.  I've got the fascia 80% off and I'm stuck.  Service manual doesn't match up and I'm running out of ideas.

Also, if you want to go, but didn't get a spot, let me know and you can probably take mine.

Thanx!
Ken

Dave at Speed Ventures just called and I'm in for Saturday!  Now just waiting for a spot to open on Sunday.  I sure hope it doesn't rain.

I just booked my room and Lena can come with this time!

If I can get out of here on time this year (no all-nighters this time working on the 6-point harnesses or suspension since I finished it all last time!) I'll see if I can't meet up with you as you go through the Victorville area (I don't think you'll blend in real well on the freeway - I should be able to pick you out).  Otherwise, I'll see you in Barstow.

Anyone leaving from the Santa Barbara or Ventura areas (or going through Santa Clarita or Pearblossom) want to caravan to Barstow?

Ken

Hey guys, my CPA just told me that I made good progress on taxes last week, and I can probably go (as long as I'm good this week)!  However, I just went to sign up and they are out of BLUE run-group spots.  I'm on their electronic waiting list.

I noticed that Speed Ventures' web site states that "instruction is required" and it says that there may be more information given when registering.  I could not complete registration since my run group is full.  Anyone know how they work this?

Thanks!
Ken

Are fire suits truly going to be required this time, and if so, does anyone have any suggestions where to find one for a reasonable price?  I only have time to run the car 2-3 times per year, so I don't want to spend a fortune.  Plus, Lena is coming with me this time so we'll need two!  (Which means I need to find another helmet too).

We don't have any stores in Santa Barbara that cater toward this hobby so I will probably have to head down to Ventura, Oxnard, or Camarillo.  Perhaps online is the best these days?

Anyone have anything used for sale?

Thanx!
Ken

Thank you for the birthday wishes!  I've been so darned busy I haven't checked in until today, a full month later.  My son and his girlfriend took Lena and me to Disneyland for my bday.  We stayed in the hotel overnight and got early admission to the park because of it (we went on three rollercoaster rides before breakfast including Space Mountain twice; I'm too old for this).  The park redid several rides (including Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain) just for my visit (or maybe because it was Halloween  ;-).  I also learned all about "ride hopper" passes (whatever happend to E tickets?).  It was a blast.  I hope everyone had a treat TG!

Ken

Happy birthday!  I'm amazed at all of the time and energy you put into the club, and just as appreciative!

Happy birthday, and thanx for all you do for the club!

 =26 Happy birthday, Jose!

Hey Ken,
Did you leave on Sunday too? or were there still guys riding bikes on Monday ?

We passed a bunch of them and I thought to myself...These guys are NUTS !

Yep; I left Sunday after the last (4th) run (plus about an hour of de-taping my car!).  They were still peddling away.... 

[I only made it to Palmdale before I had to hit a hotel; I was too tired to go all the home to Goleta (Santa Barbara).]

[I]

Did you guys see the bicycle race on your way from Pahrump to Baker?  Every few miles I would pass a minivan with a banner on it stating something like "CAUTION; BICYCLE AHEAD" and "Frigate Bird".  I was trying to figure out what these people were doing out in the middle of nowhere pushing pedals.  I finally found some links.  These people are amazing.  Check this out!  

I pushed my pedal about 250 miles over the two day weekend, yet these people pushed their pedals a full 508 miles; and they did it on BICYCLES!  Now I'm feeling like a sloth.

The fastest person finished the race in 29 hours, 10 minutes and was racing SOLO!  Well... I guess that's only 17MPH, so maybe I don't feel so bad after all; at least I know our Vipers can beat them .

I was up for over 40 hours the two days before Friday prepping my car and I thought I was nuts; many of these people were PEDALING for over 40 hours; through the desert!

http://www.the508.com
http://www.the508.com/2009web/index.html
http://dbase.adventurecorps.com/results508.php?bib=&lastName=&gender=&ageGroup=&country=&state=&veteran=&division=&fcr=Go&last=50

continued from previous post...

And for those who missed the Quarter-Mile of Mopar at the Cannery on Friday night (along with the Disco band; which actually wasn't bad... brought back memories).

Oh - make sure to look very closely at the window sticker (look at the last item on the list; it is "priceless"!)

Ken

Here are a few pictures I took with my iPhone.  They are pretty crummy, but I still can't get over the "Hemi under Glass" Barracuda with the engine in the back and the dual drive-shafts to transfer the rotational energy BACK to the differential.