Time to get line-X tough
Sitting down to write this issue’s update, I realize that I’m at an exciting stage of the project, and what I mean by that is the last month or so has been more about problem-solving and getting past a few barriers that had snuck up on me.
The great news is the issue with stalling engine has been solved along with the engine stuttering at full throttle on take-off.
What was expected to be a hardware/parts issue ended up being some conflicting software issue. The Tighe engineering cam is going great, but the LS1 has developed a tapping noise coming from what sounds like the lifters. So, it looks like we have solved one issue and are moving on to another.
Unfortunately, the water pump crapped out last week so it has been replaced and things in that department are also now back on track. When you have a car over 14 years old that has received upgrades, it always going to put additional pressure and stress on the original components that are getting long in the tooth and are now being pushed harder than ever. So these kinds of replacements are part and parcel of a process like this.
The tyres are also wearing thin, and I really must put it out there that the Potenza’s from Bridgestone, have been an “accretional” tyre. Looking back, the Potenza S001’s have lasted well over two years and saved my bacon on two separate occasions at speed, once in the dry and once in the wet. They have remained quiet and lovely to drive on the road. But above all, I’m impressed by their longevity on the road.
I have been playing around with the idea of throwing on a nice big set of 4×4 tyres/ wheels, but after looking into the costs etc. of altering the wheel arch and guards and then lifting, it just wasn’t worth it. So I might have to throw on another set of Potenza’s. I will look at that next month.
I was lucky enough to come across a fantastic new product that has stopped my plans to wrap the car in vinyl in their tracks. This product is called Line-X. If you haven’t heard of it, you got to check it out. It’s a spray-on protective product that is used in tube liners and bull bars, but can now be sprayed over all panels. I was at the launch of the new Sydney Inner West Branch Silver water. It was quite the launch with Australian legend and motorbike stuntman Robbie Maddison in attendance hanging out and chatting with those attending about his remarkable career. We had a great chat about his experience in Tahiti riding his motorbike through the line-up and catching waves at Teahupoo. This guy is fearless and a special breed, indeed.
Long story short, this product is a game changer – now with the ability to spray your entire vehicle’s panels for the toughest look possible. It has a similar look to a matt wrap in colour, but the product basically makes your panels bulletproof. Well, I haven’t tested that theory, but the US Military is utilising this product for its protection capabilities.
“I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO COME ACROSS A FANTASTIC NEW PRODUCT THAT HAS STOPPED MY PLANS TO WRAP THE CAR IN VINYL IN THEIR TRACKS. THIS PRODUCT IS CALLED LINE-X.”
The Pentagon has also used it for internal wall protection, so it’s super tough.
So, the Cross 8 is in the queue to get sprayed sometime in the next month, and unlike a vinyl wrap, you don’t have to baby this product in any way, shape or form. I got to have a great chat with the owner of the new Silver water Line-X business Guy Robertson who is about to spray his Ranger in a fierce white colour which is going to look epic. Guy told me that the product is like a super tough plastic superglue and gives a finish so strong that the product has gone gangbusters in the States over the last ten years in areas such as manufacturing, flooring in industrial and workshop areas, and of course the automotive, motorbike and ATV industries. With the introduction of its new Ultra product to Australia, its new thin build, spray-on coating is giving an armour like coating with a cool slightly textured finish. All resistant to fading-UV damage. It’s scratch and dent resistant with endless colour options. I’m really excited about this product going on the Cross 8 in the next month.
Oh yeah, I nearly forgot to mention the headliner has been installed as well. I ended up going for a black option which looks excellent and will tie in perfectly with the dark colour I will be running with for the Line-X coating.
I’m stoked to be at a stage where I’m now well and truly looking at panel coatings and the interior. I guess it won’t be too long and I’ll be looking at the sound systems, speakers and amps. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.