Hi everyone, I have been keeping with the forum when I was in Ohio, and I am back to report. Last night my Dad and I with some pics taken by Jessica have split the engine from the transmition ect. All I have to do tonight is drain the fluids, take off the water pump, get the engine block on the engine stand and somehow get that in the truck.... I also have to finish up my Makers Faire display, I have a busy weekend in front of me But let's back track. Just the other day on Tuesday my 3M friend David and his family stopped over to finish bringing me some other supplies. And let's just say I owe 3M a really BIG thank you!! Some of the things they have sent are a custom welding helmet...with yellow flames a resporator, tons of different grit sanding disks, some of the actual sanding pads that the disks attach to on the sander, multiple safty glasses in case I like one design better than another, earmuffs, ear plugs(shaped like pistons!!), abrasive sheets, a filler for dents and things in the panels, a worker safety kit, amoung other things. pictures will be posted soon. thank you everyone for all the support and assistance!! and i look forward to possibly seeing some of you at the Makers Faire!! -kathryn
Dan and I would like to thank you for the letter. It was/is very sweet and we are glad that we could contribute to your project. Keep up the good work. You are well on your way to having a very sweet ride for when you turn 16.
I promised Kathryn I would get some photos up, of some recent events.
Recently as Kathryn I think let you know she recently had a visit from one of her friends at 3M. David and his family stopped by while on family vacation no less to be able to meet Kathryn and drop off a few things to her. Very cool.
One of Kathryn's favorites was this welding helmet
Of course it looks even better modeled...lol!
Then there were some fun other items
Including some nice sound deadening panels that will be going on the firewall.....Kathryn liked that not only will they help cool and quiet down the ride, and they will look better then the old ratty insulation that is in there, but with the black and yellow color scheme, she really like that these look like black dragon skin.
So she also got a lot of nice abrasives all the way to 3000 grit! Should make for a VERY NICE finish!
And of course, the worst part is always saying goodbye to new friends.
A few photos from the last couple of nights progress.
we have been working on getting the engine and transmission out and the 2.8 ready to take down to Makers Faire. She will be pulling it all apart there. A very special thanks to Kathryn's younger sister Jessica for working with us the other night and taking these photos.
Kathryn liked engine disassembly!
In fact, she managed to get the clutch and flywheel off by herself faster than Dad was able to remove the water pump!
Here is Kathryn removing the backside exhaust header
And of course getting the wiring harness completely off is always an accomplishment!
the more you remove the mare the parts start to pile up!
But the reality is that this has been a wonderful project. Kathryn has learned so much about so many things. She has been able to learn how to weld, auto mechanics, engineering, interview skills, interacting with adults, confidence, applied math, tools, etc. I could have never imagined that this would have been as great of an event as it has become. Everyone here has been so supportive, kind and helpful to her and I. It has become one of those events in life that you just reflect on and go...WOW! I wouldn't trade that for anything. At the end of the day, it is all about having fun together. I think the following photos are some of my favorite from the whole project.
Kathryn pulls the engine mount bolts
and it is off the cradle and ready to mount to the engine stand!
Thanks for the updates ! This thread is rather "Special" to me, and I enjoy watching the progress unfold. I believe/hope it builds to something very special for all of you down the road, and that the joys currently, are just the tip of the iceberg.
Some of the best times I had with my father were working on cars. This is going to be something you'll remember the rest of your life. Good job, and keep up the good work!!
Kathryn: here is the invite to MIS you need to be at main entrance on US-12 at 10:15 AM You Can ride with me I will be running class 2 the stock V-6 cars I'm the pace car for this class.
just email me at capitolcityfieros@gmail.com or PM me
CCF, and Montage, thanks so much for that wonderful offer. I know she would love to be there to meet you all and especially to get on the track. We'll talk a bit to see if there is anyway we can get her to break free from the MF for a little bit, and we'll be in touch soon.
For those of you in the Mid-Michigan area, ABC 12 just did an interview with her today. We "think" it is going to be on the 6 o'clock news tomorrow 7/25, but we are still waiting to hear for sure. We'll let you all know when we know.
The story should be airing on ABC 12 at about 4:20 this afternoon, it will later be linked on their website so I'll try to post a link once we have that as well.
Kathryn Both of those interviews are excellent. Congratulations you are coming along so well.
MH I could see the pride in your smile on the ABC interview and from what I see, Kathryn has given you good reason to be proud. But don't forget, the lessons from you and your Mrs. are the full reason Kathryn is turning out the way she is, so give yourselves a big pat on the back for raising such an inspirational daughter!
------------------ Here to support Kathryn's Fiero, You inspire us all
You are both doing a fine job with the interviews and video's !
I'm a bit camera shy, but that got tested out by a TV Crew at the GM Employee Car Show this past Wednesday. I was so rattled that I didn't even get Channel name or their business card, LOL!!! If I ever find the video, and if it's any good, I'll post it on the forum. Crew said I did a real good job, and I'm like "really, it didn't feel good".
took me most of my work day to read thru this entire thread on my phone at work (i probably should have been working, but this was far more interesting lol) and i gotta say, it was the greatest thread I've ever read! My son will be 18 tomorrow and he isnt even interested in cars much less having bothered to buy or work on one. Keep the great work you 2
I noticed a huge spike in traffic again today and at first I thought it was because of the Makezine interview. But oddly enough, all that traffic came from a Polish blog where there was a link to this thread.
That link brought 17,610 visitors in about an hour. At its peak, 1,342 visitors were reading this thread at the same time.
I noticed a huge spike in traffic again today and at first I thought it was because of the Makezine interview. But oddly enough, all that traffic came from a Polish blog where there was a link to this thread.
That link brought 17,610 visitors in about an hour. At its peak, 1,342 visitors were reading this thread at the same time.
WOW ! They have that many computers over there !
LOL, just kidding and I know the Polish have a great sense of humor.
hey guys Cliff i seriously only turned my back on them for a minute and now look at all the trouble that's gotten stirred up again...seriously though sorry about that And i would really like to thank you all for the great offers encouragement and support!! So updates...I have started grinding down my frame rails and they are actually way better than I thought they would be from the looks of them. My 2.8 liter is pulled and in the truck ready to go down to Makers Faire with me tomorrow, and I have been working on getting my front bumper put back together along with finishing things for Makers Faire. I hope to see some of you there on Saturday and Sunday if possible Thanks again everyone and I will have a lot to update over the weekend I'm sure. -kathryn
Hello. I would like to put a few things straight. Firstly, wykop.pl is not a blog, it is a very popular Polish social media site where people share links that they find interesting (sth like digg.com or reddit.com). Secondly, I would like to deny that Poland is in Southern America (I've heard that many US citizens think so as they are not very good at geography, so I thought it might be useful when I clarify that). Jokin' of course, I know you have a good sense of humor too Regards, Maciej
Hey everyone, Makers Faire is almost at the end of it's first day and so far i have almost completely torn down my original engine everything is off except for pistons, oil pump, and crank. I have also somehow managed to have two interviews FOX and CNN. Thanks for everything and I hope to have more updates tomorrow!! also i will try to find the times for the interviews!! thanks again -kathryn
Just have read the whole topic on this build and wanted to give thumbs up ( ) for the progress so far! Can't wait to see the end result, Congrats on the torn down engine and interviews!
Just have read the whole topic on this build and wanted to give thumbs up ( ) for the progress so far! Can't wait to see the end result, Congrats on the torn down engine and interviews!
I also came from Hackaday yesterday around 5pm and didn't finish reading until 2am today. I wanted to wish you good luck and that you're doing a wonderful job.
You have also inspired me to find a Fiero and work on it and to start working on my current car again, but I'll leave that out of here.
Edit:
When I started working on vehicles, I could not even change a tire or the oil, and I too have came along way, however you outshine me more than the Sun and the Moon.
I'm glad that you are enjoying MF, they are really fun for all.
Please keep up the great work Kathryn and Dad! ヽ(*⌒∇⌒*)ノ
[This message has been edited by 05STiDemon (edited 07-28-2012).]
Another fan here from Hackaday. Wow, your story is inspiring as many have already noted.
I also started working on cars as a young teen (switched from ham radio). Many moons ago. The bug bit hard. I've rebuilt many engines since then but never a project as fine as yours!
You're fortunate to have a gearhead dad and all the tools you have available. Rock on!
Edit: I'm originally from MoTown, MI but live in CA now.
[This message has been edited by NxieToob (edited 07-28-2012).]
Saw your story on Fox 2 this morning. I'll say great choice on your first car! I like your determination and focus on setting your dreams and the ability to learn new skills to achieve them. You know what you want and are willing to take your time to get them. I'm sure there's plenty of things you can't wait to get now but the effort on troubleshooting the complete rebuild of a car is a huge undertaking that you're well on the way of completing. Those skills will translate into great opportunities for you in the future.
Well, we arrived home safe and sound. Kathryn had a great time I think. She'll have some photos to post soon, and she has now officially torn down her first engine from start to finish. She learned a lot along the way. Now to tear down and rebuild the 3.4 I see we have a good thread going so that will be some good reading material. We know that she wants a bigger cam, etc. So it should be fun!
It was so cool meeting you at Maker Faire today! Very inspiring. If I decide to part out my 86, you'll be the first to know
--NASA Shirt Guy with CMU GF
I'll second that! Great to meet you and your family. It really is cool to meet you guys. Your famous now you know! Good luck with the work ahead of you.