Seriously looking for Fabricator...

[entropy]

I posted this topic in the "build diaries" section:
http://www.landracing.com/forum/index.php/topic,13291.150.html

But SSS suggested the topic may have interest to others and more people may see it if I post it in other sections.

TFA Racing had a great time at WOS in our new Lakester, 8 clean passes!
My Partner & I REALLY had fun and we are best of pals, but after the event he decided to do other stuff and sold his 50% to me.
This leaves TFA without his huge fabrication skills.
Predictably, WOS gave rise to a do-list and I need to locate a fabricator.

I'm in Houston, but will travel just about anywhere to meet up with the right person.

The kind of stuff TFA is looking to do is:
1) check/set front & rear alignment.  
     - possible handling problem, or maybe i just have to learn to drive...
     - Note that rear axle is fully adjustable.  
     - May mean reconfig of steering rack or other major steering-related components,
     - May be set it and forget it.

2)  Resolve #1 above, then build a ballast rack inside nose
     - pack it full of lead which is piece-wise removeable, 300-500#???

3) tighten steering column;  its pretty good but can it be made tighter?

Anyone have a lead on such a fabricator??
Thanks for your help,
Karl

BTW:  This is the car (thanks to Gregg Adams for pic)

[Kansas Bad Man]

ROB NORTH National City California.

CHEERS Max

[Freud]

Joe Timney, Delaware Chassis

FREUD

[Glen]

George Fields,lives in Texas owns Trackmaster Fabrication co. also a racer.

[GH]

What is your weight bias, front and rear?

[entropy]

Thanks guys,
I am taking note of all that you suggest.

GH,
F/R weight bias is currently about 51/49; adding 225# would bring it to 55/45 but i'm hoping more than 225 will fit.
Karl

[Dr Goggles]

How fast did it run?

Always thought this car had some big numbers in it once it got shaken down......

Was it a lively ride?

it's an auto box isn't it, or does it have some way of freewheeling when the throttle is off?

[Glen]

The USFRA shows that car number at 193 MPH.

[entropy]

How fast did it run?
Always thought this car had some big numbers in it once it got shaken down......
Was it a lively ride?
it's an auto box isn't it, or does it have some way of freewheeling when the throttle is off?

Dr Goggles,
On the 8th pass (our last at WOS)  the ticket says:
178, 194, 200, 203, 208, 209.
I'm guessing there is a bit more in it if driven by someone who knows how to drive.  I'm a complete noob at this 4 wheeled stuff.

For me it was a very "lively ride", wandering/jinking more than i had imagined for 4 wheels. 
It was easy to plant my foot on the throttle but spooked me to keep it there; i need practice for sure.

It has a 3 speed automatic and (to my knowledge) doesn't freewheel off-throttle.
After passing the 5, i powered into parachute deployment, then completely got off the throttle.
I surely will not do that again...
Karl

[55chevr]

While you may be new at 4 wheel racing, you have probably made 100 passes on a bike at 200. On just about every land speed venue ... This is just different.   The mentioned handling issues are a concern but there is an adjustment period that I am sure you will get through.

[entropy]

While you may be new at 4 wheel racing, you have probably made 100 passes on a bike at 200. On just about every land speed venue ... This is just different.   The mentioned handling issues are a concern but there is an adjustment period that I am sure you will get through.

Joe,
thanks much for the vote of confidence! 

I do believe i will get through it, but ding-dang it, I expected 4 wheels to be point & shoot, mash the gas and drive to the 5.
It was surely not that!  And on a bike, i know dang well enough NOT to abruptly kill the throttle at the finish line.  Why I did that in the lakester is beyond me.  I found the whole experience down right intimidating as heck, but more fun than i've had since i sold my bikes.
Karl

[SPARKY]

I would talk to the fabricator who built Copeland's FWD chassis ---he lives in or around Tucson AZ  I am pretty sure he has a lot of experience with driving frt axles  pretty sure he has been around a lot of 4x4 off road stuff

[superleggera]

fabricator who built Copeland's FWD chassis ---he lives in or around Tucson AZ 

http://strangefabmetalcrafts.com

[kiwi belly tank]

How fast did it run?
Always thought this car had some big numbers in it once it got shaken down......
Was it a lively ride?
it's an auto box isn't it, or does it have some way of freewheeling when the throttle is off?

Dr Goggles,
On the 8th pass (our last at WOS)  the ticket says:
178, 194, 200, 203, 208, 209.
I'm guessing there is a bit more in it if driven by someone who knows how to drive.  I'm a complete noob at this 4 wheeled stuff.

For me it was a very "lively ride", wandering/jinking more than i had imagined for 4 wheels. 
It was easy to plant my foot on the throttle but spooked me to keep it there; i need practice for sure.

It has a 3 speed automatic and (to my knowledge) doesn't freewheel off-throttle.
After passing the 5, i powered into parachute deployment, then completely got off the throttle.
I surely will not do that again...
Karl

Setting the toe is something you need to experiment with to get it right for your tank, no two cars will be the same. If you have a spool in the front that will lessen the amount of response to steering inputs as well. If you're spinning the tires that is also relevant.
FWD takes getting used to, you just need to get your head around the fact its "not" the back end thats trying to pass you, just the front end hunting. You already know it needs more nose weight so do that & mess with the toe, it will feel good when it's right.
  Sid.

[55chevr]

Kind of radical for a first time salt flats race car but you will sort it out.    First time on the salt flats, on a very wet year,  reminded me of riding on loose dirt.  Bike seemed to go where it wanted to. I just gently corrected to keep going straight.   You are from Texas and therefore know no limitations.