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So this is what a weekend worth of work looks like? |
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 The weekend started out with a quick mock-up of the exhaust system in it's new configuration. The twin stacked system was cool IMHO, but when I chopped the rear fender off and shortened the overhang, the rear bumper simply would not accept the exhaust in that configuration. Placing the exhaust as shown in the photo helps a couple of ways. The main one is that it's one of the few positions it actually fits. The other is that it aesthetically works to pull the top heavy nature of the rear end downward.. We'll see more of this later when I get the bodywork out of the mold and back onto the frame.
 I found this shot on the camera. It's from a week ago when the rains were here. It was close to 35 degrees Farenheit The lighting is cool and really shows off the lines of the car. Especially the side intake, which is one of my favorite areas of the car and the front fender, which has a strong arch over the front wheel. I think it speaks well for the shape of the car that it looks so well in flat white with splotches of black paint...
I tried the NRG steering quick release with the standard momo hub adapter and it was simply too long. The steering wheel was in my chest. I had a few options, but only one made sense. I chopped the hub adapter apart, removed 2 inches from the center and welded it back together. Viola short hub adpater. I realize that the momo hub adapter is designed with a crush zone, and that I have removed it. It would be better to leave it in, In future models, the steering assy will be shortened to allow the unmodified use of the proper hub adapter.
 
Continuing with the roof theme. I had a few people drop by the Grabergarage over the weekend and in a unanimous voice they all agreed that the shape of the car takes really, REALLY well to being a coupe. So, it will be done. Not right away, but as a secondary project probably created by James and Jason Zweib. James and Jason are the confirmed builders of the second La Bala. Powered by a Grand National GNX motor with an Audi 5000s transaxle. My neighbor Justin has also agreed in principole to build a La Bala. His will be powered by a Honda B18 from an Integra. Looks like La Bala is gaining some popularity. Anyone else care to build a La Bala? Let me know.
 
In reality, much of my weekend was spent sanding this area of the car. Those humps are very difficult to make symmetrical. The shape difference is subtle, but significant. They just "feel" right now. The shape of the humps are now convex instead of concave. I have started using a 20 minute hat mud and it is fantastic. It doesn't go rock hard like the fix-it-all, and it doesn't air dry like the standad gypsum. It starts to thicken after about 5 minutes, so it can be worked out and then I can come back 10 minutes later and it can be shaped with a trowel and a straight edge. Really cool material. Wish I had tried it earlier.
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