Thoughts on a late winter/early spring New England meet

[MantAscona]

I would vote for a date in the spring also. The two factors that come into play for me are:

1- My work schedule is very hectic in the winter and I'm on call 24-7.

2- Pretty much everything I own doesn't run currently.

I agree though that the date really should be a time that works for you, the host, and we'll work around it to be there.

Duane

[opelgtguy]

Originally Posted by MantAscona I would vote for a date in the spring also. The two factors that come into play for me are: 1- My work schedule is very hectic in the winter and I'm on call 24-7. 2- Pretty much everything I own doesn't run currently. I agree though that the date really should be a time that works for you, the host, and we'll work around it to be there. Duane

Hey Duane:
You forgot factor number 3 ....... I need to annoy you for a day to do the clutch

Bob:
Whenever you can set this up is fine with me - if the weather dictates, I'll be in the GMC

THANKS !
Rick

[MantAscona]

Originally Posted by opelgtguy Hey Duane: You forgot factor number 3 ....... I need to annoy you for a day to do the clutch Rick

I stand corrected........

Duane

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by MantAscona I would vote for a date in the spring also. The two factors that come into play for me are: 1- My work schedule is very hectic in the winter and I'm on call 24-7.

Still doing the man-whore thing, huh?

2- Pretty much everything I own doesn't run currently.

What about the Kadett? Or Shelby's Ascona?

I'm working towards your other issue, I got a new 1/3rd HP Foredom electric grinder yesterday. Yup, no need for an air compressor to port heads anymore!
I should have bought one of these 20 years ago...it's so quiet. I'd still have some of my hearing left...

I agree though that the date really should be a time that works for you, the host, and we'll work around it to be there. Duane

Well, it's really not a meet unless somebody else shows up. So that's why I put the feelers out there and asked for a time when people are willing to make the trip. As the host...well I just need the time to finish the shop to a degree that is acceptable to me. It doesn't need to be perfect. But the later the better in terms of me getting it done, and the less hectic it becomes.

As far as people driving their Opels here, I agree that to wait until late winter or spring is better to avoid the potential for slop on the roads.

So as it stands let's push towards a later date. I'll have a more complete shop, I'll have more engine projects under way, and I'll potentially even have one of the racecars on the lift to look at.

Bob

[MantAscona]

Originally Posted by RallyBob Still doing the man-whore thing, huh?

Whatever it takes to pay the bills. I feel like I'm only working to pay the heating oil guy these days.

What about the Kadett? Or Shelby's Ascona?

Well, the Kadett runs, but that's it. Shelby's car is a looonnnggg way from being drivable at this point.

I'm working towards your other issue, I got a new 1/3rd HP Foredom electric grinder yesterday. Yup, no need for an air compressor to port heads anymore! I should have bought one of these 20 years ago...it's so quiet. I'd still have some of my hearing left...

Sweet! Things are looking up.

Well, it's really not a meet unless somebody else shows up. So that's why I put the feelers out there and asked for a time when people are willing to make the trip. As the host... well I just need the time to finish the shop to a degree that is acceptable to me. It doesn't need to be perfect. But the later the better in terms of me getting it done, and the less hectic it becomes.

You're kidding me, right? That's a good one.

As far as people driving their Opels here, I agree that to wait until late winter or spring is better to avoid the potential for slop on the roads. So as it stands let's push towards a later date. I'll have a more complete shop, I'll have more engine projects under way, and I'll potentially even have one of the racecars on the lift to look at.

How about mid April? Late enough to hopefully be into good weather and give you, and us, time to prepare, but far enough before Carlisle to not conflict.

Duane

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by MantAscona Whatever it takes to pay the bills. I feel like I'm only working to pay the heating oil guy these days.

I hear ya there! I think my furnace ran non-stop yesterday, thanks to the 15 degree high temp we saw. When I got home last night, it was 2 degrees outside.

Thankfully I keep it pretty cold at 62 degrees in my house, and just add blankets to the bed! 208-year old houses are NOT well insulated! About 6 years ago I tried keeping the heat at 72 degrees and more than doubled my oil bill for the winter.

But being Canadian and all that, I'm pretty tolerant of the cold. Yesterday I only wore a fleece jacket and gloves outside, still haven't broken out my winter coat yet. Denial keeps me warmer, if I don't think I'm cold, I'm not.

You're kidding me, right? That's a good one.

No really. If I spend all my time preparing the shop I'll never get to work in it! Besides, it's not like I own the building, just renting after all. 'Good enough' will have to be good enough.

How about mid April? Late enough to hopefully be into good weather and give you, and us, time to prepare, but far enough before Carlisle to not conflict.

That works for me. I might spend a few days in Clearwater that month however. My father is in Florida for the winter, and he wants me to go down there and visit (prepaid!), since some friends of the family I haven't seen in a long time are visiting him from Canada.

Bob

[samdog]

I'm in...just do me a favor, don't move your shop. I'm quite happy knowing where it is. I might be able to dig up a "fix it "opel but you probably have something interesting in progress

[crliwa]

I'm up for the trip... I may even get Harry to come along.... maybe with yours and everyone else's help the Targa will make the trip back running sweet. Just let me know when you've decided on a date so I can request the day off.

[markandson]

Count me in unless I still need time to finish the Golden Beauty for Carlisle. It is taking way longer to do each piece then I would have thought. Almost finished with electric mirrors and windows on both doors. Then it's time to finish the electrical and then start the mechanical stuff....long way to go...Carlisle seems like tomorrow.

[RallyBob]

Some good news.

I got my car lift in on Thursday afternoon, and yesterday finally started to set it up. Got all the cables run, the hydraulic lines plumbed, and the motor/pump mounted, plus with a little help I got both posts uprighted and roughly in position. Today I get to drill a bunch of 3/4" holes in concrete with a hammer drill to secure and true everything up...oh joy!

Bob

[BQS4]

Originally Posted by RallyBob Some good news. I got my car lift in on Thursday afternoon, and yesterday finally started to set it up. Got all the cables run, the hydraulic lines plumbed, and the motor/pump mounted, plus with a little help I got both posts uprighted and roughly in position. Today I get to drill a bunch of 3/4" holes in concrete with a hammer drill to secure and true everything up...oh joy! Bob

Bob;
Duane, Rick and I were talking about your lift on Sunday, and we were wondering where in your shop are you going to mount the lift?

[jordan]

Originally Posted by RallyBob Some good news. I got my car lift in on Thursday afternoon, and yesterday finally started to set it up. Got all the cables run, the hydraulic lines plumbed, and the motor/pump mounted, plus with a little help I got both posts uprighted and roughly in position. Today I get to drill a bunch of 3/4" holes in concrete with a hammer drill to secure and true everything up...oh joy! Bob

Bob, if you have never used a rotary hammer drill before you would be amazed! The weight of it would practically drill the hole by itself. We drilled all (16) 3/4" holes for our lift and it was about 45 seconds to 1 minute per hole. It is very quiet as well and almost fun to use. We have a hammer drill and never even thought about using it because of the existence of rotary drills. They are usually around $30 a day to rent including the bit of your choice. FREE SHIPPING — Milwaukee Rotary Hammer — 385 RPM, 3400 BPM, 13 Amp, Model# 5345-21 | Rotary Hammers | Northern Tool + Equipment

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by BQS4 Bob; Duane, Rick and I were talking about your lift on Sunday, and we were wondering where in your shop are you going to mount the lift?

Right in the doorway, about 11 feet in from the garage door. It's really the only place to put it without losing valuable floor space. Also makes for less messy winter tire change-overs (dripping snow and slush, but you wouldn't know about that would you!).

Bob

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by jordan Bob, if you have never used a rotary hammer drill before you would be amazed! The weight of it would practically drill the hole by itself. We drilled all (16) 3/4" holes for our lift and it was about 45 seconds to 1 minute per hole. It is very quiet as well and almost fun to use. We have a hammer drill and never even thought about using it because of the existence of rotary drills. They are usually around $30 a day to rent including the bit of your choice. FREE SHIPPING — Milwaukee Rotary Hammer — 385 RPM, 3400 BPM, 13 Amp, Model# 5345-21 | Rotary Hammers | Northern Tool + Equipment

I'll have to look into that. I had to cancel drilling holes today because I don't have a straightedge long enough to square up the posts anyway. And because there's an office next door I can only do this at night or on weekends.

Bob

[BQS4]

Originally Posted by RallyBob Right in the doorway, about 11 feet in from the garage door. It's really the only place to put it without losing valuable floor space. Also makes for less messy winter tire change-overs (dripping snow and slush, but you wouldn't know about that would you!). Bob

We were thinking that if you put it in front of the door, what about if you were to just bring in a car to work on? Or just park? Wouldn't you have to go through the lift?

[Tru-Craft]

Originally Posted by RallyBob I hear ya there! I think my furnace ran non-stop yesterday, thanks to the 15 degree high temp we saw. When I got home last night, it was 2 degrees outside. That works for me. I might spend a few days in Clearwater that month however. My father is in Florida for the winter, and he wants me to go down there and visit (prepaid!), since some friends of the family I haven't seen in a long time are visiting him from Canada. Bob

Bob, when are you coming to Clearwater?
Let's meet up for a beer at least!
I'm sure other Florida Opeler's would like to meet you.

Maybe we can do a Clearwater RallyBob meet!
My shop would be a good place to get together.
Got a cool Opel you can drive, instead of renting a boring car.
Pm me when you get a chance.
Lyle

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by BQS4 We were thinking that if you put it in front of the door, what about if you were to just bring in a car to work on? Or just park? Wouldn't you have to go through the lift?

I could either drive through the lift area, or work on the car in the lift area. OR, if I had a car on the lift, just bring it to the top and work under the lift area!

Not an issue really, this is why I bought the 12' wide model, plenty of elbow room with an Opel.

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by Tru-Craft Bob, when are you coming to Clearwater? Let's meet up for a beer at least! I'm sure other Florida Opeler's would like to meet you. Maybe we can do a Clearwater RallyBob meet! My shop would be a good place to get together. Got a cool Opel you can drive, instead of renting a boring car. Pm me when you get a chance. Lyle

My father wants me to come down for a few days, he's there for 3 months this year. So I guess I will be there at some point, just don't have exact dates yet. But I expect April.

Bob