Don, DV, like this?

Jack21 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-31-2004, 06:33 PM

Here's how my Tech Support Team looks. With about a dozen of us, you guys can get some sleep, and concentrating on getting cars shipped.

Slow Dawg · #2 (**permalink**) 01-31-2004, 07:33 PM

OK. I'll bite. I don't see anything!

dscott · #3 (**permalink**) 02-01-2004, 10:15 AM

Jack21, I don't see anything either. I had Brent change the heading so anyone that feels that they can answer a question please do. I appreciate the help. I think the CR owners are the best!!
Don

Jack21 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-01-2004, 02:59 PM

Lower left side under car particulars, added CRII Tech Support Team. Identifys those of us as Factory Authorized Santas Helpers.

It's a lot of fun, and it's rewarding to bring a dose of reality and How To to these fantacy machines.

The other side of the coin (as I know you're well aware of) is getting some of the component and assembly improvements that we collectively have come up with to the Factory engineers to incorporate into Factory updates, both major, and minor. (For instance, I have the most reliable, easy to install, and adjust clutch cable there is. I have power steering that works marvelously. That '79 - up steering rack works far better than the MII, and weighs about 30% of the MII. I've revamped the electrical system for easier install and reliability. I designed new frame mounts to use late artermarket 5.0 polyeurethane motor mounts with the 351W engine. Etc., Etc., and I'm just one of many who have come up with better solutions.)

One thing I'd like to get my place in line for is Tech Review, and Editorial Staff on the parts shopping guide, and Assembly Manual. Perhaps a detailed assembly video. You're going to have to tackle this sooner or later.

dscott · #5 (**permalink**) 02-02-2004, 09:37 AM

Tell you what guys, I will start a file for all suggested upgrades and changes and we will start building them in if they make sense. I'll need to have the suggestions e-mailed or faxed to me. If they are put on here I know I'll forget them. My e-mail is dscott@mainstreetcom.com or info@classicroadsters.com. My fax is 320-352-3841. I appreciate all the input. I am open to anyone willing to help with a video or new manual. I'm sure we could work out some creative way to pay people for their time.
Don
PS. I like the CRII tech support team idea.

moparmaddnes · #6 (**permalink**) 02-02-2004, 03:24 PM

DSCOTT SO HOW MUCH SNOW DID YOU GUYS GET UP THERE? wE HAVE GOTTEN ROUGHLY A FOOT FROM YESTERDAY AND TODAY. i HAVE A QUESTION. I'VE SEEN TALKES ABOUT UPGRADES ON CARS, FROM YOUR CO. AND OTHERS AS WELL. MY QUESTION IS WHAT DO THE UPGRADES USSUALLY CONSIST OF AND DO I HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT IT OR A COMPANY THAT SHOWS THEY HAVE ALOT OF THEM.

dscott · #7 (**permalink**) 02-02-2004, 07:40 PM

mopar, we got maybe 2" of snow. You guys got the good hit this time!

Most of the time the upgrades are to replace discontinued parts or to enhance the building process. When the 427 Roadster was designed it was built around Mustang II components using a complete donor car. Since they are almost impossible to find anymore we needed to upgrade many of the parts to ones that are readily available. We changed the motor mounts to the newer style Mustang since Ford no longer makes the Mustang II units. We upgraded to an aluminum radiator with a Spal fan. We have changed the wire harness because Packard Bell no longer makes the ones we used. Many of the things are not noticed like adjustable hood hinge, a stop pin on the trunk hinge, adjustable latch plates, etc. We need to change things like adjustable door plates, upgrade to newer type suspension if the customer wants it. There are still many options for Mustang II suspension because it is used so much in the street rod industry. But, I know there are customers that would like the fox body Mustang type suspension.

We have changed to a new style muffler in the sidepipes so they don't rob so much horsepower. We have added a new style gas tank vent that is splash proof with a one way valve. All of our headers with a couple of exceptions will all have mandrel bent tubes. All frames are being powder coated instead of painted.

Sometimes an upgrade is needed, a few years ago the doors didn't fit well so the door jigs had to be redone. It should have been normal maintenance but Classic of old didn't do anything until enough people complained. We are trying to take a proactive approach and catch things before they become a problem. I think this is what most companies do. Factory Five is a good example of constant and consistant upgrades. They have made so many improvements over the original car and all for the better. That isn't to say the first cars were bad they just found improvements to enhance the product and to make the car safer.

I sure wouldn't take upgrades as a negative factor with any company. To me it says they are staying on top of their product, using new products available to them and enhancing the build process for the customer.
Don

moparmaddnes · #8 (**permalink**) 02-02-2004, 07:57 PM

DSCOTT
I WAS WONDERING IF IT WERE OK TO COME UP THIS SATERDAY? IF NOT WHEN IS THE BEST TIME? WEEKENDS ARE USUALLY BEST FOR ME.

dscott · #9 (**permalink**) 02-02-2004, 08:17 PM

mopar, sorry I won't be around this weekend. Since I'm the guy in the family with a truck and enclosed trailer I got elected to help my sister-in law move this weekend. Most weekends I am here on Saturday.
Don

moparmaddnes · #10 (**permalink**) 02-02-2004, 08:27 PM

HOPE THE SNOW STOPS BY THEN SO THE MOVE GOES WELL FOR YOU. WE WILL JUST HAVE TO TRY AND HOOK UP ON ANOTHER SATERDAY OR MAYBE A FRIDAY. MY WORK LIFE IS A LITTLE COMPLICATED IT WOULD TAKE ME A COUPLE OF DAYS TO TYPE IT. JUST TO LET YOU KNOW IT PROBABLY TAKE ME ABOUT 3 HOURS TO GET THERE. I ALSO HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION. IS THERE SOME SHOW OR A GET TOGETHER IN MN SO THAT I WOULD BE ABLE TO GET UPCLOSE TO SOME COBRAS.

Double Venom · #11 (**permalink**) 02-02-2004, 08:34 PM

Don,
Shame on you! What has been done for the "builder is great! Easier mounting of the motor, more horsepower, easier alignment of the panels. The stop for the trunk is a nice touch, but...
After years of prodding, "you" have finally instituted a major safety factor. Seat belt mounting. Pure and simple, one of the few cobra kits on the market that actually mount, and correctly so, the seat belts into steel! Now you can mount a three-point, or four point with ease.

DV... it WILL only get better!

dscott · #12 (**permalink**) 02-03-2004, 08:19 AM

Oh ya, I forgot about that one. We are welding in a 3" angle between the frame rails in the rear just for seat belt mounting. I forgot to mention I am going to change the roll bar mounting also.
Don