Author Topic: TREITS STREAMLINER  (Read 1811120 times)

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Offline Freud

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Re: TREITS STREAMLINER
« Reply #2370 on: July 21, 2017, 02:12:09 AM »
Treit and Davenport will attend SpeedWeek.

With an urgent need to test the chutes and

no other place to do it they will be there and

ready to run when the course opens. The

concern for the new chutes has made this

decision mandatory.

We will see You on the Salt and we will be wearing

the 2017 shirt with our car as one of the

featured vehicles.

FREUD
Since '63

Offline Freud

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Re: TREITS STREAMLINER
« Reply #2371 on: August 21, 2017, 01:44:02 AM »
The week started well enough. We had our usual

huge tent in place. Out in the back 40. Things were

easy enough getting ready for the first run. We were

a bit slow getting in line for the 300 MPH lane but no

serious waiting. We were up to the line and only the

554 roadster was ahead of us.  There was a problem

on the course and so while the course was being worked

they decided to move the course.  We would have been

the second car down the new course but Les Davenport

decided that he would wait and run the following day.

It was late enough in the day that the moisture was

coming to the surface. In the pits the car was readied

for a morning run by only adding the fluids and a

warm up and then change the plugs. We were inline

in time for the 300 MPH cars, easily worked out way

up. Les couldn't see the starter who was signaling

him to steer to the right and was too close to a

marker for the push truck to clear it on the push

of.  The easy practical solution was to cross the

starting line and push off from there. Both

engines running, easy launch and the music

of the two alky  burning Hemis  came to song.

It sounded like he shifted.........wrong. He

turned left about a mile off the line and then

coasted to a stop: clear of the course.

What's this? Engines would run but the car

wouldn't pull itself. Instant diagnosis: transmissions,

that didn't make sense that both of them would

die at the same time, or broken drive train.

Everything about the drive is doubled. Front

and rear are identical. That means that two

shafts had to break.

Ya got it right. Two pinion drive shafts in

the quick changes twisted off. Built at the

same time and identical. The last time was

the pair of long shafts in the QC. They bring

the power to the lower spur gear.


Since '63

Offline Freud

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Re: TREITS STREAMLINER
« Reply #2372 on: August 21, 2017, 11:44:11 AM »
The front drive twisted somewhat differently.

It was difficult to remove by hand but only

because it was slightly longer and hung up

when pulled to remove it. When the gears

and the broken stubs were out it was time to

close up the cases and start packing to go home.

The problem is in the tempering. The solution

has been determined but I have no idea how

far along the fix is. Trailer cleanup is primary

right now. A lot of parts need to be removed to

extract the shaft. With changes to the housings

it requires the broken shafts to get the dimensions.

I'm 240 miles away. I'll go down in a few days

and do some fotos. So check these pictures of the

front shaft and gear. Then You will know as much

or more than do I.  Thanks for your interest.

Oh Ya. I have the 0 MPH Timing slip. Danny doesn't

have that to go with his salt shaking first run but

if he had asked he too could have had a 0 MPH slip

for his second run.

FREUD
Since '63

Offline Harold Bettes

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Re: TREITS STREAMLINER
« Reply #2373 on: August 21, 2017, 06:39:06 PM »
Sir Freud,

I would like to see Marlo and Les and crew be successful with their machine.

One of the very best guys for powertrain and driveline and materials engineering is right up there in Washington state. Name is Jack Kane of EPI.

Because your guys have had driveline and material problems, I highly recommend giving Jack a call. He is involved in aircraft solutions as well, so maybe Marlo might listen to him.

Currently Jack is doing an aircraft targeted V12 engine design and fabrication and has done lots of drivetrain solutions for NASCAR types and others.

Let Davenport know about my suggestion as he will recognize my name if that might mean squat for credibility.

Regards,
HB2
If it was easy, everybody would be doing it.

As iron sharpens iron, one man sharpens another.

Offline charlie101

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Re: TREITS STREAMLINER
« Reply #2374 on: August 21, 2017, 09:21:02 PM »
Sad news that...really wish Marlo and the team had some success.

Offline Freud

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Re: TREITS STREAMLINER
« Reply #2375 on: August 23, 2017, 11:29:39 PM »
Charlie.fear not. We will be successful with Target 550.

This breakage is exponentially more  complex than the

lower shafts because of the pinion gear being part of the

shaft. I should probably say the shaft is part of the pinion.

As I did the fotos of the twisted shafts the pinion was still

buried inside the case and in my haste to report the broken

shafts I failed pinion gear. I haven't talked to Marlo a lot since

We returned because after all I showed the twisted sisters.

But now that Korey has disassembled the drives and aligned

all the pieces I see the entire picture. The Vesco team called

me first and set the stage for the repairs. Marlo has  talked

to the  M A J O R supplier  for this kinda' stuff.  Apparently

it resembles a painter at the top of an extension ladder and

we are at the bottom looking up. Seems that the painter has

enough to do, he is hard of hearing and just won the lottery.

It's difficult to get his attention and a job like this ain't the

highest priority. Shouting doesn't help. His ear plugs are

connected to Def Leopard and a climax is soon. Another

suggestion, much closer to home has been suggested. I

will map out an approach to see if the supply time can be

reduced by the Seattle Company.  Our problems still exist

in this order:

The Lake Gairdener's event has been scheduled.

The shafts are broken.

People who can supply the parts are busy and don't need

a side job.  Bribing has limited influence.

We still need to test the chutes and until the drive

system is repaired it isn't happening.

Even if we were ready we may not have a suitable

course.

Legalized marajuania does not provide any relief.

So it's back to my cell fone.  Let's just hope that

the most recent suggestion can shorten the supply time.

If not, we may need snow tires capable of 400 MPH

to finish our testing. Our driver's license is punched

for snow and I-80 has a 58 mile stretch that has no

curves.  Just stay with me as I continue to report.

You think You are anxious, I assure You that I am.

I'm hoping for a vision to provide a solution.

FREUD
« Last Edit: August 24, 2017, 01:43:12 AM by Freud »
Since '63

Offline Freud

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Re: TREITS STREAMLINER
« Reply #2376 on: September 14, 2017, 01:18:01 AM »
Marlo will be on the Salt for WOS. He is planning ahead in case

his parts are done soon enough for the next event. The material

for the new pinion shafts has arrived at the machine shop in San Diego

and as soon as the finished parts get to Oregon the car will be assembled

and in the trailer if it's soon enough for the Shoot Out. He really doesn't

need a timing slip. There is enough on board data collection that any

information that is needed can be downloaded. Les can pretty much

fly by the seat of his pants on a test run. They just need a good course.

After this weekend I will report Marlo's conclusion.

Just wait.... I am.

FREUD
Since '63

Offline tauruck

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Re: TREITS STREAMLINER
« Reply #2377 on: September 14, 2017, 01:57:11 AM »
Thanks Pop. Sounds good. :cheers:

Offline Mr. Schimstock

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Re: TREITS STREAMLINER
« Reply #2378 on: September 14, 2017, 01:14:45 PM »
What material and heat treatment is being used on the pinion shafts?   Based on the appearance of the fracture it looks like they were not hardened or too soft.  Through hardened material will likely not provide the durability and strength needed.   These should really be case carburized 9310 or 4820H. With the deformation shown in the pictures there should be cracks in the case layer, not just a bend.   I hope they are taking a different approach with your new parts.
Sproing, crack, ouch!

Offline Freud

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Re: TREITS STREAMLINER
« Reply #2379 on: September 18, 2017, 02:33:00 PM »
Monday, September 18th, 2017  11:30 AM PDT

Target 550 Owner, Marlo Treit and crew chiefs Korey Bligh

and Dick Milne attended the WOS event, while the car

awaits new drive system parts. The reason for the trip was

 to give Marlo an opportunity to evaluate the course for the

 needed parachute tests. With speeds above 400 MPH being

 achieved by the Vesco team, the course conditions needed

 to be related to Target 550. They are on the road this

morning and I'll get Marlo's evaluation in the next few days.

I am 200 miles from Treit's hanger.  I talk to him frequently

but some of the details of the replacement shafts are not

discussed. Just know this: Marlo isn't standing behind the

door related to these new shafts. He spent a week discussing

them with people who were capable of producing them.

All of the steps necessary to produce the best items available

have been covered. I also know that a supplier was chosen

that has adequate experience and equipment to make them.

The timeline of the producer also came into consideration. With

as many years and as many decisions necessary to build this car

Marlo isn't going to tell his supplier how to do it. The new material

will require a different manufacturing process than the ones made

years ago.  Certainly, we plan for the best, including suggestions

from our fans. I just think the process is underway and we will

hope it's the best available.

I'll tell more when I know more.

THANKS

FREUD
Since '63

Offline Freud

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Re: TREITS STREAMLINER
« Reply #2380 on: September 19, 2017, 08:53:18 PM »
This answers several questions.

1) The entry for Target 550 for World Finals has been dropped in the USPS mail slot.

2) That happened after the call that said the new shafts were shipping today.

They should be there by Monday or Tuesday. Remember I said, "should be there."

Assembly should make it possible to frequent the World Final event.

Don't hold my nose to the grinder. I didn't say we would run but we plan to.

So, I will send any knowledge that I can as soon as  I can.

I'm headed to the airline reservation page for a trip to Wendover.

Hope we see each other there.

FREUD
Since '63

Offline Freud

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Re: TREITS STREAMLINER
« Reply #2381 on: September 20, 2017, 01:19:58 PM »
Marlo presents the current situation:

I think it is important to let those who follow the meets and the car to realize that lighter suspended cars have less problems when course conditions are what they are today.  Rough.  This car weights 8500 pounds and so the condition of the course, in areas where Les needs to put the pedal down, need to be smooth.  Our data recorder shows that between 360 and 385 mph the throttle position went from 8% to 60% over 20 times.(in less than 10 seconds)   Les' foot is bouncing and his vision is diminished to the point that he can't take time to focus on the mile markers. He must memorize where he is as a mile is 10 seconds and that does not allow much time for sight seeing.  The mile at 385 was at 50% throttle  and when he added throttle the car spun the tires and then it does not steer properly since it is full time 4 wheel drive.  Again, course conditions have to be very consistent for our test program. 

We put out 9 chutes in 6 passes last year and NOT one of them is reusable.  The salt crystal blasted the fabric right out of the canopies in less than 2 seconds.  Things happen fast. We know the car will go fast, but we have to be able to stop it and that is what our current testing program is all about:  "stop the car" and have reusable drag chutes.  The new sets are all Kevlar.  Our current goal here in the USA is to have a car we can get some runs done without damage that can't be fixed trackside.  Tires have been good for ONE run. Chutes not at all.  We have some new tires we hope will be good for two runs.  But when we load up to go to Australia we have to have enough chutes and tires for up to 10 runs. 160-200 quarts of oil, 300 gallons of alcohol, 300 spark plugs and the list goes on.
 
We are going because we have to, not because we have nothing to do this winter.  The course conditions at Wendover will not allow us to use full throttle nor allow us enough space to stop.  The salt bed size has been reduced so much and is so thin and fragile that you can't even run in the same track two runs in a row.  The condition of the surface, after a run by a high powered car, is devastated.  It is like skating on thin ice and too risky for our intended speeds.
Just some facts most folks don't think about. 

Marlo
Since '63

Offline Freud

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Re: TREITS STREAMLINER
« Reply #2382 on: September 24, 2017, 11:22:58 PM »
Today is Sunday, September 24, 2017

Here is a quote from an earlier post:


This answers several questions.

1) The entry for Target 550 for World Finals has been dropped in the USPS mail slot.

2) That happened after the call that said the new shafts were shipping today.

They should be there by Monday or Tuesday. Remember I said, "should be there."



Well the Monday or Tuesday in the above quote were 5 days ago.

When Marlo left the hanger at 6 PM Saturday September 23 the parts had not arrived.

What's the answer?  Even the Shadow doesn't know.

There are many things that can be done, .................but.

The priority is the drive system and it's difficult to concentrate on

anything else.   Well twelve hours from now the fone will be on fire.

Caller ID may make the decision for the calls recipient ,"let the

answering machine handle this one."  Then again they may have

been shipped and the delivery company may get the next call,

if he knows who the delivery company is. No tracking number so far.

My solution to this dilemma? H E L L ..........I don't know.

FREUD







« Last Edit: September 24, 2017, 11:30:58 PM by Freud »
Since '63

Offline Milwaukee Midget

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Re: TREITS STREAMLINER
« Reply #2383 on: September 25, 2017, 12:43:27 AM »

My solution to this dilemma? H E L L ..........I don't know.

FREUD


A solution is a combination of substances.

You're awaiting a precipitate.

I would not want to be the one on the other end of Marlo's phone call if something doesn't fall out of suspension.

Or at least off of the back of a FedEx truck.
"Problems are almost always a sign of progress."  Harold Bettes
Well, I guess we're making a LOT of progress . . .  :roll:

Online jacksoni

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Re: TREITS STREAMLINER
« Reply #2384 on: September 25, 2017, 07:55:27 AM »
Ahhhh, the "brown truck" with s--t service.

May be moot considering the condition of the track anyway. Australia or Bolivia, me thinks.....
Jack Iliff
 G/BGS-250.235 1987
 G/GC- 193.550 2021
  G/FAlt- 193.934 2021 (196.033 best)
 G/GMS-182.144 2019