Hi All,
Firstly, thanks to all who donated to the Shitbox Rally 2011 for Teams America and The Knack.
Having failed to break down (terminally) and die in the outback this year, we are planning to try again next year. The trip is from Melbourne to Cairns.
I now have an Alfa 90, Frank, don't look at what I do to it!
I have setup a blog (http://www.siriuscybernetics.org.au/Siriuscybernetics/Shitbox_Rally_2012/Shitbox_Rally_2012.html)
Of course, should you feel the need to donate (there's plenty of time, but if you've got heaps of cash...) http://www.everydayhero.com.au/fat_boy_racing
Cheers
Stuart (Fat Boy #1)
Way to go Stuart, I like many contributed some $$$ to the cause last time, though for Sheldon's Scuderia. But this time it will have to be yours, especially if it is once again the lone voice of Alfa in the wilderness. Should be a top trip.
Was dead envious of all of you heading off on such an adventure. Perhaps one day I might as well.
Hi all,
I have updated the blog, here's some pictures from it.
Cheers
Stuart
And more ...
And more ...
Yep that rust in the B pillar was worse than mine ;D
Hi Brad and Stuart,
Good luck to both of you and congratulations on choosing one of the finest and most underrated Alfa sedans to run in the rally.
Just a couple of things from the "ask me how I know" file; the 90's didn't come with headlight relays as standard and I really recommend their installation. The headlight switch melts if the headlights are on for too long and you end up with no lights apart from high beam, by using the "flash" function.
(I am assuming that while running in the rally, headlights will be on.)
Second, and more serious, the fuel supply and return lines follow the right hand side inner wheel arch, as does the exhaust. (About 25mm clearance to the exhaust) Great in cold old Europe, but if you are pressing on in warm Australia, you can end up with a vapour lock, which goes away after a 25 to 30 minute wait on the side of the road. Don't think that will help your times in the competitive stages!
I got around this by making up a simple sheetmetal heat shield following the same wheel arch curve. I also put one under the fuel pump as well, to protect it from the heat radiating off the road.
Just a couple of thoughts.
Cheers
Steve Weedon
Adelaide,
Currently the proud owner of four 90s and some other Alfas.
Quote from: four90s on September 05, 2011, 04:09:20 PM
Hi Brad and Stuart,
Good luck to both of you and congratulations on choosing one of the finest and most underrated Alfa sedans to run in the rally.
Just a couple of things from the "ask me how I know" file; the 90's didn't come with headlight relays as standard and I really recommend their installation. The headlight switch melts if the headlights are on for too long and you end up with no lights apart from high beam, by using the "flash" function.
(I am assuming that while running in the rally, headlights will be on.)
Second, and more serious, the fuel supply and return lines follow the right hand side inner wheel arch, as does the exhaust. (About 25mm clearance to the exhaust) Great in cold old Europe, but if you are pressing on in warm Australia, you can end up with a vapour lock, which goes away after a 25 to 30 minute wait on the side of the road. Don't think that will help your times in the competitive stages!
I got around this by making up a simple sheetmetal heat shield following the same wheel arch curve. I also put one under the fuel pump as well, to protect it from the heat radiating off the road.
Just a couple of thoughts.
Cheers
Steve Weedon
Adelaide,
Currently the proud owner of four 90s and some other Alfas.
Hi Steve,
Thanks for the heads up.
I owned a 2.5l 75 and have had the headlight switch melt on the freeway on the way home one night, so relays are going in. I'm also installing spotlights, it got very dark last year, with one working headlight on the Dolly, holding the high beam on (on flash) for 200km wasn't fun.
Hmm... there are no competitive stages to the rally, it's really just a touring run.
Will insulate the fuel lines (and maybe give them some protection as well).
Check out the blog regularly to see where I'm at, I got some nice blue hoses today!
Cheers
Stuart
Work has recommenced on the Alfa 90. The B-Pillars were shot, and to keep the roof off our heads we have decided that we need to fix them. Fortunately safety related items aren't covered in the $1k budget.
I've updated our blog, which also includes a driver change, my original Fat Boy #2 has had a better offer, so I've dragged another guy from work in to help out.
I really need your help too, we've cracked the $1500 mark, but need another $2500 to get a start in the rally.
Download the sponsorship offer from http://tinyurl.com/6q72yt5 (http://tinyurl.com/6q72yt5)
Or visit the Everyday hero website at http://www.everydayhero.com.au/fat_boy_racing (http://www.everydayhero.com.au/fat_boy_racing)
I'll be painting the car soon, what do you think about "Carabinieri" blue?
Cheers
Fat Boy #1
Hi All,
Like Sheldon, the Two Amigos (and presumably the other teams) we have been busy working on the 90.
The full blog is at http://www.siriuscybernetics.org.au/Siriuscybernetics/Shitbox_Rally_2012/Shitbox_Rally_2012.html
Sneak peek pics below.
Suffice to say that Hugh Harrison and Mick Aarons donated some time and parts to the resurrection of the gearbox.
And I have worn off the skin from my right hand from...
sanding the car back several times (not what you were thinking you dirty, dirty people)
Cheers and don't forget to donate...
Stuart
Geez Stuart - with that lovely paint job its looking less like a shitbox every day!
Is starting to look like an Italian Flag, cool. Just send a pledge for $30; how do I/when can I pay this via bpay/direct deposit Stu ?
What Italian flag??? I thought it was the Tajikistan flag.
Quote from: Davidm1750 on March 28, 2012, 10:58:42 AM
Is starting to look like an Italian Flag, cool. Just send a pledge for $30; how do I/when can I pay this via bpay/direct deposit Stu ?
Hi David,
Hopefully they sent you details on how to pay. I just use my credit card, so no problems. The email I got said that you had been sent something, does this have the info?
Cheers
Stuart
Quote from: Neil Choi on March 28, 2012, 11:11:19 AM
What Italian flag??? I thought it was the Tajikistan flag.
No crown in the middle Neil, and you're looking at it side on you idiot!
Quote from: aggie57 on March 28, 2012, 09:53:06 AM
Geez Stuart - with that lovely paint job its looking less like a shitbox every day!
Hi Al,
No, it's still a shitbox, just a shitbox with a fresh (quite shoddy) paint job.
Cheers
Stuart
Update...
Flag complete, car now in bake oven (or driveway in the sun, depends on your point of view really).
Check out the blog http://www.siriuscybernetics.org.au/Siriuscybernetics/Shitbox_Rally_2012/Shitbox_Rally_2012.html
Cheers
Stuart
Alls well guys, the paint has the odd run or two, and plenty off the gun orange peel, that is sufficient gloss to qualify as still being a shitbox. If the odd bird or two flew over and dropped some guano that too would add to the patina while baking in the sun. ;D
Hey Stu can you send me a PM re payment to the cause perhaps, thanks dave
Good to hear!
With a bit of fadding under the aussie sun it will be an irsish flag
Quote from: Stuart Thomson on March 28, 2012, 11:42:42 AM
Quote from: Neil Choi on March 28, 2012, 11:11:19 AM
What Italian flag??? I thought it was the Tajikistan flag.
No crown in the middle Neil, and you're looking at it side on you idiot!
Like me, you looked up what the Tajikistan flag is, didn't you!!!!
When you wear your Presidential Crown, it would look the part. Or it could have been a Hungarian flag.
Updated the blog at
http://www.siriuscybernetics.org.au/Siriuscybernetics/Shitbox_Rally_2012/Shitbox_Rally_2012.html
Less than two weeks to go, the excitement builds...
Cheers
Stuart
Much work done on the car over the Easter weekend, which is about to finish for me as I have to go to NZ tomorrow :-(
Radio installed (twice, see blog), CB installed and working.
New water pump and thermostat installed
Car test driven, seems OK, though the temp does seem a bit hot, need to check it out with a proper temp gauge.
Packed the car roughly, still have room for some stuff!!
Made bash plates for sump/exhaust and fuel pump.
Stuck some trim back on
Cleaned out the car
Less than a week to go, can't wait. Hope the roads dry out!
More picture in the blog (see previous post for link)
It's not too late to donate as well!
Cheers
Stuart
A good video update on the rally by the Alfa's on day 4.
Pretty good footage of the guys and their Alfa's.
http://www.shitboxrally.com.au/day-4-video-innamincka-to-windorah/
loved that, and 34 seconds in an the 90 has a fuel prob, bet they are all happy that sheldon is there with his 90 knowledge.
I have finished (at least for now) the blog of the trip.
http://tinyurl.com/7um8rv9
Plenty of photos on the website, the above link starts at day one.
Share and enjoy!
Stuart
And the trailer for the video is also done...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_LKnIb_o9s
Cheers
Stuart
Nice work on the blog Stuart! Video looks promising...
Hi All,
The car is now displayed at Stuckey Tyres in Brunswick.
Go and have a look if you like. Russell will try to sell you tyres though, please consider them at your next tyre purchase, they have been long time supporters of the club.
Cheers
Stuart