This picture is the best way for me to describe what this project looked like for the longest time. I thought I’d share.
Rally computer, intercom, and skidplates. Those are the last big things. Don’t get me wrong, there is a “little shit” list that goes out past the Sun, but there is no more “rollcage”, “suspension”, or “head gasket” on the top. The car has touched the ground again and we’ll begin suspension testing this weekend. First reports look good. She sits a lot higher in the front now. I’m trying to source a stock rear swaybar to curb the impending expected understeer from the front being stiff and the back being stock. (Thanks for the info Nate!)
Speaking of rally computers: I decided to resurrect the ol’ Topeak Panoram bicycle computer that I bought a while back. I couldn’t seem to find the mount, cable, or magnet from it. I went on Topeak’s website and sent a nice email to them regarding it’s destruction. I then searched for a replacement part number. I found one site that wanted $28 for it! (The whole computer + mount new was $50 shipped.) Further searching revealed 3 matches. $28, $24.99, or $9.99. Hmm. *Click – order. At this price I was considering ordering 2, one for the WRX, or as a backup.
This morning my email bings. It’s Neal from Topeak. “Give me your address! We can send something out.” Sweet. Two for (one third) the price of one. This will get some sort of mileage device in the Neon. Compete with it?? I dunno. I would love for a Brantz International Pro to show up via FedEx, but until that happens…
So this weekend we have some brake bleeding to do, install some new headlights, maybe get the rally rims and tires on her for testing. I don’t know if the weather will cooperate, but I’d like to do a photo shoot – get some snazzy pics for sponsorship bids.
Finally I was going to quote some Led Zeppelin lyrics, but it seems that the “correct” lyrics to “Trampled Under Foot” are as much on an enigma as my rally Neon project.
“Greasy, slicked down body, groovy leather trim“
– or –
“Grease me straight down, good electric“
“Feather-light suspension, Konis couldn’t hold“
– or maybe –
“Feather-light suspension, Coils couldn’t hold“
Too bad Mr. Plant didn’t actually write lyrics for the song down anywhere. It’s about a car… I think.