Sunday, September 25, 2022

The emotional rollercoaster in a workshop. Exemplfied.

We've all been there. We've all grabbed for a cold beer after a day of accomplishment. Comfortably been climbing Maslow's Pyramid only to look at the grand view from the top.

But as you're balancing on the top, you know where it all is likely to go next. Let's just say that the direction is south. To a place where heating cost is likely to be low. 

When you're dwelling in this southern inferno, where celebrations are few, you know that you've reached rock bottom. From here on, it can only get better. 

Need an example? Here's an example:

One sunny Sunday I took my Ford -46 Coupe to the Salt Slush workshop to check the rear brakes. I put the car on jack stands and thought to myself; this might take an hour....

Pictured; One out of three different Ford drum pullers that that did not do the job. I took step after step down the stairs towards the emotional hell, where there's no reward and no cold beverages.
But when you're standing in hell the only way is up. So...I ordered a drum puller from the US of A  A puller that felt like really good technical solution.
It was a step in the right direction and one out of two drums came loose. But still, the golden brew stood safe in the fridge. The technical concept was however correct, but reinforcement was needed. I went over to the a neighbor workshop and bought a 100mm steel shaft and made a stiff ring.
Will this work? Yes! Combined with an impact wrench from hell and a substantial sledge hammer, success was reached.
Epilogue: After a first naive assumption an inevitable journey downwards followed. Tears were flowing. Tools were ordered. Disappointment led to action. Action that were successful. Eventually. 
Now I'm sitting here feeling just fine. 
The glass in front of me is empty but still cold.

I wonder were things are going next? Let me guess...

Sunday, September 18, 2022

In times of darkness: Dream on!

Inflation is reaching two digit number, while interest rate doubles and the energy price is sky rocketing. Consequently, the salary is not the comfort that it used to be. Thoughts related to pure survival hammer your brain as you're about to fall into sleep
 
You feel worried and when you're looking at the sofa you're thinking of its heat value. You try but cannot get thoughts about a deep global recession off you mind. All you see is dark clouds approaching.
 
Something needs to be done. Here are our stay-away-from-depression advises.
    
Take a breake. Sip a coffee or a beer with other gearhead. Pictured: Lasse Davidsson came by today and help out with stuck Ford -46 drum brake
  
 Open up the workshop. Then guys like Bengt arrives. You'll hear stories from the far up north about moose and bear hunting. All while you're working on your project.
 
 Socialize. Light up the barbecue fry some cheap chicken and grab a beer after a day of wrenching. 
 
Do good: Support the Race community with race equipment. 
Even on Sunday's.
Nourish yourself: Buy a Business Coupe. Because you're worth it.
Work on an intriguing or exhausting project that force you to not think about the energy price. Constantly. Pictured; Carina and her Pennsylvania lawnmower.
 
Ensure inspiration: Ask friends with amazing rides to come by. When Johan showed up with one of his Italian cafe racers inspiration was flowing. There was thunder too...when the V2 came alive
 Go to Swap Meet's. When I saw this 392 Chrysler Hemi for sale I was thinking; perhaps I can close a couple of rooms this winter and get a bear fur. I mean...stuff like this makes to feel warm inside anyhow.
 
 Finally some words from Bob Dylan;

May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful...
....and may you stay....forever young.




Friday, September 9, 2022

In search for traction - The Texas Mile

We love land speed racing. Howling engines, high boost pressure and speed is in our veins. White salt, burning sun and crave for water does not stop us. Because we're born and raised to endure difficulties.  We all know how to handle headwind of various kind.

But we are still just normal car guys from Sweden who just want to test our land speed racer , the 449 Amazon, in high speed. To see how it behaves in +200mph (320km/h).  

After years of wet salt, global pandemic and flooded salt, we looked at the US map. Because our land speed racer is in US. Outcome? Well we found Texas and The Texas Mile. Almost never cancelled. Traction.

But It's a long trip from California to Texas. But I guess we need to go see the yellow rose anyhow...at some point in time. Why not next spring?

The Texas Mile.