Will Judge

A note to people coming to my place over New Year's... Bring camping gear if you can, there are FAR too many people it looks like and I don't think our house can support them all, we have 8 here just from family... If at all possible it would be great if some people could stay or rotate at one of the two close campsites, or if people could confirm so I know who is coming. Party/entertainment will go on as usual here, just some of the sleeping/cooking might have to be done off site.

Also try bring some food/money for food, 20 people eat a lot!

BACK TO EMOJOURNAL!

My project car is a 1977 RT-104 Toyota Corona sedan. I inherited the car in late 2003 from my grandma, who didn't need to use it any more. It used to belong to my great grandfather and was in PRISTINE condition (just needed a clean when I got it). Stock as a rock and only 117,000km's on the clock, a true gem (bar the poo-esque colour). Here's what she looked like the day I got her.





MINT interior



Not quite so under the hood, where a still running but oil chewing 18-R was coughing out its last days (cold starts on the way to the shops is no way for an engine to live).



I then set about my devious plan of turning the car into a fire breathing (backfires :V), tire smoking (one at least) street cruising machine. And hey, it would give me something to do over summer (or two).

First up were some minor mods, I picked up some Minilites, tires and a tacho, installing it in the dash where the long stopped clock used to live.



As thoughts of lowering, a stereo and suspension upgrades came fluttering through my head, suddenly it hit me, a vision of what I could do to make this project really worth my while, a twin cam 18-RG to replace the 18-R.


(efi, but basically the same)

Months passed and I slowly progressed upon my merry way, burning much cash in the process. I did things one step at a time, tires following the wheels, lowering after that, then tints and an alarm, keyless entry, retractable front seatbelts (thanks dad), a home wired stereo system ($350 all up, I'm not a doof doof kinda goon) and to top it off, my favourite part of the car, a home made parcel tray with rear speakers to replace the rotting cardboard that came stock (sadly no pictures, will update when I next go home).

While all this was happening I managed to source my 18-RG, complete with twin Mikuni-Solex 40mm carbs. The motor itself used to be EFI (meaning the head was of better quality than the original carbed models), but I decided to go carbs for a number of reasons, mainly how bad ass they look and sound, and also how mcuh cheaper they would be to find and set up. The downside of the EFI block/head was that the pistons were a miserable 8.3:1 compression, hardly great NA material. To combat this, I downed some money on the remnents of a rece prepped bottom end that had been rotting at one of the shops I initially rang to get quotes for the rebuild. Although I didn't get the work done there they were happy for me to take the parts off their hands (they had been sitting there for 10 years!) and off I went with a knife edged crank, con rods with big big end bolts, the correct bearings for the whole engine and most importantly 9.7:1 pistons. Yeah baby!

Once the motor was complete I bought a slab of beer, a slab of energy drinks, hired an engine crane and invited a few mates over. None of us had EVER attempted anything like this before and there were a few hic-ups (I now know three ways to destroy my parent's asphalt) but eventually we had the motor in place and ready to be towed to the shop for the exhaust to be welded up, the wiring checked and the relevant certs/warrents given. From taking it off the road to the state it is in right now (just needs running in) I managed a build time of 5 months, 3 of which I was in a different city/country, not too bad eh. At this point I'll stop boring you with the details/drama and get on to the juicy, juicy pictures of what has FINALLY become a finished product.













Now I've just got to survive the last month of university and I can get a chance to drive her. All up I estimate it has cost me about $8,000 to get it how it is today, but I'm sure I'm forgetting some costs (I'm not going to count just in case I remember). From here I've just got to fix a couple of niggles (possible cancerour rust, squeaky wheel bearing, that sorta thing) and possibly install a Hilux rear end for the diff. Oh and maybe some bigger brakes. And make the suspension stiffer. And a nicer stereo. And...

Apple admits its hardware is shitty and shifts to using Intel x86 processors.

EOM

Stolen from that Pom who lives in the garage.

1. Pick five songs that most people would know.
2. Select lyrics of up to but not surpassing 150 words from each one.
3. Go to http://babelfish.altavista.com/tr
4. Enter the lyrics thus:

English to German
German to French
French to Portuguese
Portuguese to English

5. Post the resultant gobbledegook and ask people to figure out what the songs are.

My 5 songs:

1. The world is sent Vampire, to the draining, private torpedo-boat destroyers vocês has, until the a calls and that, I receive for my pain, desire traídos and a piece of the game, even so knows, accepts, me my entire expenditures show and the cold as an old entire job despite my Raserei me still a rat in satisfies a picture, says then about one that is lost, can, never is stored despite my Raserei entire that me still a rat in a picture satisfies.

2. Desire that I could in such a way strong necessarily fly as a level in the sky. On the trees on the seas all the degrees for all part I ask for to fly. OH - that yeah would want would want me yeah to fly distant of distant maintenance yeah

3. The heart is not floraison wires of entrance for the ground pierreux, is superior part a sector sector not to rent there in this city. They are not possibility and the reason that had to be interested, the transport is adhered and to take off them for all the part more. They had thought that it would find a friend, to be overcome by this place, about one that a hand in the return seemed to loan you to be able. They are pretty cases of a day sky, believes you, as a pretty day is it. They do not leave to receive distant

4. It it man who knows, okay is true, explained the metal ring in my vocês hand that cause the same one, however if I do not give Misten in my automobile I am, more the fast thing and could necessarily tear. If I go in step me, keeps however my way, in cuts vocês illustrates to it - me me they open eccentric person to that to the reach handschuhschachtel-Reichweiteinnere of box of glove that I will ruin to the trip of this Bumsers

5. they would know my name, if v-the-to go in the sky? it would be the same, if v-the-to go in the sky? I must be strong and above to lead, cause it that I know that I do not belong here in the sky

My god. I actually finished a project before it was due. Okay, by like a day, but heck, that's a big effort for me, I am King Procrastinator. And with that I retire to the warmth that is my electric bed (one of the few perks of this Antarctic climate)

We finally have DSL at our flat, thank god, 'cause no phoneline (outcome of no DSL) would have sucked. The weekend was pretty good, saw quite a few of you, I'll be up again in three weeks, probably have drinks and see the rest then. It's pretty cold, fingers not liking typing. Yea. Fuck this shit. See y'all soon.

My resurrection is at hand. Good things take time however and it's gonna take 4 days, but yea... Tara's party on Thursday, bon voyage for Amber and Richard on Friday, is there anything else planned for the Easter weekend?

Uni actually seems to have a point this year, actually learning junk and skipping lectures isn't really an option like last year. Economics hasn't been too bad, Classics has been good for Roman history (much prefer Greek history) and my Marketing Research paper hasn't been too boring, but I've been really enjoying my Brand Management paper, looks like I did actually choose a major that I had interest in thank God.

Does anyone know what sort of shit the clubs/pubs in Auckland pull over Easter in terms of closing times?

The internet is on but nobody is home. Four months of holiday really takes a toll on the thought patterns, I've been fine in my classes but at home... I just can't be bothered thinking.

How's everything been up in the tropics? Nothing to report from down here really, for those interested *cough* Amber *cough* Kate is too embarrassedto bring guys back here as the rest of us have girlfriends/boyfriend, don't know how long that will last but the walls seem to work just fine (touch wood). I've basically been alternating my time between playing the guitar, starting fitness for hockey and missing Auckland (oh be quiet, you guys too...). On the bright side, my guitar playing is improving almost as quickly as my fitness :-D

As to the learning side of things I'm taking Classics 224 (Roman Society), Economics 201 (Microeconomics), Marketing 202 (Product & Brand Management) and Marketing 307 (Marketing Research Methods). They're all pretty interesting, aside from MART307 which is going to be a sleeper and a whole lot of work... Weekly assignments, big research report, yuck. Flatting has been pretty mean, food quantity/quality has been good, the place isn't too cold and, because we're not in the central campus area, the place hasn't got too untidy... Yet...

I'm back in town on the 24th until the 30th for Easter, then again from the 23rd until the 2nd for mid semester, hopefully you're all over your WoW craze by then, I think you're back at uni by the time I get there anyway... I'm sure that will reduce the amount of time you spend on games, yea... I'm also back sometime around my birthday (20th June) depending on when my exams finish. Either way I'd say there should be a celebration of some variety when I get back.

Thanks for making it a great party guys, nothing (much) too untoward happened, and from observation everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, I think the marquee really helped, sorta contained the party and made tidying a FUCKLOAD easier.

Labouring for Allied has been a weird/dubiously worthwhile experience, it's definitely getting me fitter, stronger and more in shape though. Back up to a decent pay rate (ok so it's like $1.50 more, but the tax is less, I think) with some Dawsons shifts over the next few days, gonna be good when/if my pay comes in for all this, might actually be able to start saving some cash after all.

Damn I could go for some food right now, I'm hungry as an Ethopian. And fucking tired, thank god for a sleep in.

Car project has finally come to a grinding halt, luckily the car is still going... Run out of money basically, the carb rebuild ($400) has fucked me, not looking forward to the $600 head work really, looks like I'm gonna keep the car up here and just wait a bit...

Pretty awesome weekend in Rotorua, back up North again to Tracey's bach next weekend, so at least I'm keeping busy socially... Best thing from the weekend was probably getting a video (cheers Richard) of me going down the luge, from his cart's perspective.

I'm flying back down to Otago on the 21st of February, the Monday of our O week basically, who's hosting a going away party :-D

And on that note; 5th February, my place, Richard's 21st. Nuff said really.

Damn my days have been busy, damn it was beautiful today, felt like 3pm and it was 5. Damn rumors flying around a lot lately, yea I'm random, sue me. Damn the car is coming along well, I've pretty much got the stereo finished now, just gotta hook up the amp and connect the speakers/sub and I'm done. Add that to the belts that have gone in and the alarm/tints that are going in tomorrow and I'd say the project is going very well indeed, I'm actually going to be forced to do the engine out of boredom soon! I've got a pillow (blue, I think) and a grey jacket if someone wants to claim them, IIRC the jacket was thin and synthetic and the pillow was stripy...

Zzzz

Happy New Year everyone, 2004 went pretty quickly didn't it. All in all the year wasn't too bad, good times, bad times, all quite balanced really. For me the one thing that really stood out about 2004 was that it was full of harsh lessons. Although it's let me learn alot about myself and has helped me fix some things that were wrong it hasn't been easy by any means. The fourth term was the point where I managed to actually get on top of all the problems I had, heck I even managed to get some study done and grab some reasonable results, the invitation to join Honours Marketing was really good after everything was over, looks like I'm going to be spending a lot more time working next year...

My only real resolution for 2005 is to not let well enough be any more. I managed for the last part of the year, but the first part of the year was a shambles, it's amazing how screwed up things can get when you aren't really paying attenetion to details. Although it doesn't change the past, I feel a lot better about who I am now so I suppose I've gained out of the year.

Maybe the water isn't so rough now.

Righty. Cocktail suggestions for Thursday 8pm, 22 Bassett Rd Remuera.

I'll get a list then divvy out the ingredients.

Car... Ready... Tonight.. Or... Tomorrow...

Jesus. an entire week, oh well, at least I'll get it to drive to Paihia in.

Quick question, haircut for me, should i keep it long(ish) like it is or shorter? Opinions ->

Man the weather is crap today.

Blah blah car... Looks like the suspension will FINALLY be done tomorrow, custom springs from Christchurch in the front will apparently wort out the height once and for all. The exhaust is on too, looks mint, sounds mint but is a touch too loud. I'll see what it's like at 100km/h, but I'm strongly feeling that I need to get another muffler in there to stop me going insane on the way to Paihia/Dunedin. Going to try get that done Tues/Wed. Also going to try get some real (front) seatbelts put in along with the Low Volume Cert they need (damn safety modifications) before I leave on Friday. And I might chuck my stereo in there too, would be helpful I think.

On a few less car related notes, the party on Thursday looks all set to go, I'll get a green light in the next day or so, I've finished work now so I've got a shitload of time on my hands to sort this stuff out. I finally managed to sell my guitar this week, to the guitarist from the band The Fanatics, who are playing the BDO among other things. Good to see one part of my setup is destined for a bit of fame ;-). Turned out it was a really quick trade too, only took 45 mins after the close of the auction to have the cash in my hand and the guitar in his.

I can't find my Sconz yearbook '03 :-(

Oh, and all going to plan: Movies Tuesday and Parnell Wednesday. Pity I won't be able to hit the town again this year, last night was well needed thanks Nikhil/Amber/Jess/Richard. Oh and Tom, you're getting that kick in the nuts :-)

Anyone got any ideas for my Sister/Richard for Christmas?

Neglected journal...

Roadtrip to Tauranga last weekend was pretty sweet, thanks for all the help Amber and Rich. Was kinda a bad thing buying that motor though... Now I've spent $2000 in 4 days on my car! For those interested here's a list of what I got for that money:

Engine (18-RGEU Twincam 2L) w/out EFI gear
Twin 40mm Mikuni/Solex sidedraught carbs with manifold and pressure equalizing tube
Tubular extractors (may need customization)
Various engine bits incl. fuel pump, alternator, fuel pressure regulator, electronic dizzy, chain tensioner, choke cable...
Munroe GT gas shock absorbers all round
Lowering blocks for the back
Lowering springs for the front
205/60R13 Cooper Cobras (tires) w/white lettering all round
Dytech dumper muffler

Will also be getting the rest of the exhaust (pipes and a resonator) done this/early next week, bringing my total expenditure on the car to over $2500. Wow. Amazes me. At least all the I have to do now is get the engine in and maybe get a 5-speed gearbox, not thaat much more expenditure there. My initial plan for this project called for $2500 to be spent, but that did not include shocks or tires, so I guess I'm ahead of my budget. I don't want it to run over $3000 all up though, from next January I'm saving for Otago.

My Great Grandfather died today, he was 98. I'm really pissed off that I wasn't there, I was pretty close to him over this year, nothing I could have done but it still feels shit. Although he was only my step Great Grandfather he was the only one I ever knew and I don't think the blood makes a difference. This guy was fucking amazing. Lived on his own, working since he was 12, all the way to the end, living on his own, cooking for himself, cleaning the house himself, gardening himself, shopping himself. He could remember events and names and people back to before World War I, god, if my mind is anywhere near as good as his when I get old I'd be mightily thankful. At almost 100 the only thing wrong with him was slightly poor hearing and a completely fucked disc in his back, not that you'd ever know, not ONCE did he ever say anythign about what must have hurt like a bitch. Fred was everything anyone could possibly want to be when they are old, most of all 100% with it mentally. Just after his 98th birthday his house caught fire while he was in the shower, he managed to unplug the heater that caused the fire and chuck a bucket of water on it before they got him out of the house. Thanks for the car Fred, thanks for the conversations, thanks for showing me that being old couldn't be all that bad. Rest in peace.

I've been awake a long time. All nighter last night in lieu of the party (sorry guys, but the sacrifice will be worth it; 2 weeks), watched Kill Bill 1+2 and played a whole lot of Monkey Ball 2 and Mario Party 4. I've got no damn work this week! For some crazy reason there are no functions on until Friday, very weird and gonna leave me a bit out of pocket, especially considering I HAVE FOUND A COMPLETE, RUNNING 18RG WITH CARBS AND EXTRACTORS OH YEA! Gonna be great, I'm also looking at the suspension (goodbye HiCar) the seatbelts and the muffler this week, but getting that engine sorted will be awesome. Sleep calls loudly. 500, squash and an engine inspection call next week, if I've missed any appointments, remind me.

Internet has been down for a few days and I've been hella busy. Results, some great, some ok some crap but oh well. Gotta get a Classics recount, think something funny has happened to my score. Movies drinking work hockey busy busy