August 2016 Newsletter

Welcome to the ETCG August 2016 Newsletter!

If you’re reading the email version of this newsletter, it’s not the full version, there’s so much more! This email version has been trimmed down to just the main topics. Click on an image, or ‘read more’ link, and it will take you directly to the topic of choice on my website where the full newsletter is displayed. It’s a nice place, you might want to stay a while.

If you want to read the full newsletter, and you do! Click here.

Past newsletters and the ETCG Blog can be found here. (those are also excellent)

Thanks for reading!

#ETCGMeetUp2016 Biggest Ever!

I started doing the ‘Meet Up’s’ 5 years ago. At that first event, I think about 25 people showed up. Don’t get me wrong, we had a blast. In fact, here’s the video from that event.

This year we had over 300 attendees! That’s quite a change in a relatively short period of time. In fact, we ran out of parking, food, and water, and I had stocked up on all of it. Kind of makes me think I need to come up with a new strategy for next year. I have some ideas, but I also have time to think about them. I’ll be sure to let you know the plan when the time comes.

We had some YouTube celebrities show up as well. Eric O. from SouthMainAutoRepair, ScannerDanner, MotoYam82, and The Disgruntled Mechanic. They all produced videos of their time at the event which you can check out on their channels.

My dad also made the trip for the second time. It seems he’s becoming a celebrity in his own right based on the people lining up to talk with him. I think that’s beyond awesome.

Cameraman Brian brought out his new toy, a drone, and took some footage of the event. I’ve taken a quick glance at this footage and it looks great! I’m hoping to put together my ‘Meet Up’ video in the next couple of weeks.

Till then, you might want to check out the live feed I did during the give aways.

Special thanks to all the sponsors and YouTubers that contributed to this years event. Thank you!!

BendPak/Ranger: http://www.bendpak.com

Longevity Welding: http://www.longevity-inc.com

WD-40: http://wd40.com

TrustyCook: https://trustycook.com/product-category/hammers/

OEM Tools: http://mobiledistributorsupply.com

Grip Tools/MagneticKings: https://www.magnetickings.com

Capri Tools: https://www.capritools.com

Metal Rescue: http://www.metalrescue.com/consumer.aspx

OXX Coffee Box: https://oxx.com

Rockwell Tools: https://www.rockwelltools.com/en-US/Default.aspx

Power Probe: http://www.powerprobe.com

J&B Tool Sales: https://www.jbtoolsales.com

Channel Lock: https://www.channellock.com/default.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=MI_Brand

OTC: https://www.otctools.com

Astro Pneumatic: http://www.astrotools.com

True Effects Hand Shield: http://www.trueeffects.com

MYCanic Tools: https://mychanic.us

Wagner: http://www.wagnerspraytech.com/painting-products/

Blue Driver: http://www.lemurmonitors.com

PK710 Funnel: http://www.fixmyvw.com/pk710-oil-funnel/

ScannerDanner: http://www.scannerdanner.com

The Humble Mechanic: http://humblemechanic.com

The Fairmont Project

With the preparation for the ‘Meet Up’, and all the other stuff going on right now, I’ve put a hold on the Fairmont project.

Truth be told, I’ve run into some issues I need to work out.

The first is getting the front wheels in the correct location. Right now, they’re too far forward and come into contact with the fender when I turn the wheels.

I’ve been talking with the great people at Maximum Motorsports about the problem and we’re working on solutions. I’ll keep you posted on that.

The second issue is the hood won’t close. With the engine and new carburetor hat installed, there isn’t enough clearance for the hood. I need about a half an inch to make it work. I don’t want to cut a hole in the hood as that would go against my ‘sleeper’ look. I’m thinking I might put spacers under the K member to drop everything down enough to clear the hood.

I’m also concerned about the rear suspension. It’s the stock 4 link with tubular control arms. For the most part this should be good, but I’m putting a lot of power through this chassis. It’s known that this suspension can break loose when coming out of turns and applying power, especially with the power my engine puts out. Not cool, as that could put me in the ditch or worse.

After talking with the people at Maximum Motorsports, and with some research on my own, I think I may be redoing the rear suspension. Yea, more money to spend.

This brings me to another problem I need to deal with. The fuel system. If I end up changing the rear suspension, I’m going to have to relocate the fuel pump and fuel filter I just installed because I need to mount the new suspension in that location.

I’ve had reservations about the fuel system since I installed it. The stock steel lines, and the outlet of the fuel tank are 5/16”. I want to run at least 3/8” all the way to the engine. This would require me to modify or replace the fuel tank as well as the lines leading from the tank to the engine.

I’m also concerned about my fuel psi regulator. It’s just a standard one now, but because I’m running a turbo, I may need to use a boost regulated fuel psi regulator. This type of regulator increases fuel pressure with boost. I currently have one, but I can’t seem to find the proper fittings to make it work.

I’m also concerned about the wheels. I got them at a very reasonable price, but they aren’t round as you’ll see in an upcoming video. I’d like to stick with the stock looking black wheels. I may end up getting them directly from Ford, the ones I have now are aftermarket, or I may decide on different wheels altogether. With that big intercooler behind the front bumper, I’m losing a lot of my ‘sleeper’ status. If I go for some lightweight wheels, it can do a lot for the performance of the vehicle. Still thinking on that one.

The Fairmont Gets a New Transmission

One problem that got solved last month was installing a new transmission. There’s nothing wrong with the T-5 Paul Cangialosi built. The issue is the engine makes too much power as I talked about in last months newsletter. If I were to run that T-5 with my new engine, I would likely destroy it.

Therefore I hooked up with Modern Driveline and got a brand new TKO 600. This transmission WILL handle the power #DarkMatterPikachu puts out. However it came at a hefty price. I also needed to change the transmission mounting bracket to accommodate it.

The saying goes, “How fast do you want to spend?” I’m finding this to be very true with the Fairmont build as the expenses continue to mount.

Still, I love the car and can’t wait to take it down the road. It will happen at some point. I just need to find the money and the motivation to finish it.

I’m Loving My New GSR

At first I wasn’t going to put the car on the road. After thinking about it I said, “Why Not?” I’ve been driving it ever since. It’s a blast to drive as seen in one of my latest ETCG1 videos.

The car was worth the wait. It took 15 years to get it for those of you that haven’t seen the introduction video.

For those of you wondering when the videos with this car will come out, I have a few ideas on tap I can sprinkle in with Fairmont videos. I can’t say exactly when these will air, I still have to shoot and edit them, but it needs some minor repairs I can use to make some videos about.

Some of you are curious what my plans are for the car. I’m still thinking on that. Let’s just say I don’t plan to heavily modify it. It’s a great original car the way it sits. I feel it would be a crime to mess that up.

AutoZone Videos to Air Soon

Over the past couple of months I’ve been producing some videos for AutoZone. 5 total. These videos have been submitted and approved by AutoZone. Apparently they really liked them.

These videos cover some basic, useful, repair information. The titles are “5 Things Not To Do To Your Vehicle”, “Road Trip Inspection”, “Check Engine Light Tips”, “How To Change Wiper Blades”, and “Battery Testing and Inspection”.

I had a lot of fun making these videos. I was able to recruit my friend Gale Porter for these productions. I thought it would be nice to add a female perspective and she did great. I think you’re really going to like these videos. They’ll be airing in the coming months.

Fixing it Forward

No, I haven’t forgotten about the project. In fact, in the next few weeks it’s going to become a non profit. Once that’s complete, I’m hoping to grow the program beyond the borders of EricTheCarGuy so that it can help even more people going forward.

Once I complete the #FairmontProject, I’m hoping to set things up to secure the future of the program.

All donations to the program have been separated and will stay with the program. Once it becomes a non-profit, I’ll move all those funds over.

I’ll keep you updated on it’s progress.

There’s still a GoFundMe for Fixing it Forward. All proceeds go to the project.

ETCG Going on Vacation the First Week of August

I am taking a much needed vacation the first week of August. You’ll still get your regular video postings. I’m just going to be less involved with social media and in the comment section of the videos. I hope to be back and recharged the second week of August.

Premium Member News

In some ways I dropped the ball on the Exclusive Videos last month. I was only able to put out 2 videos during July. I say ‘in some ways’ because last month I put out 5 videos. My apologies for the lack of videos this month. Between preparations for the ‘Meet Up’ and everything else going on, I simply ran out of time.

I actually have some Premium Member videos ready to go. It’s just that they’re suppose to be paired with specific YouTube videos that haven’t aired yet. Please know that you will get your full complement of Premium Member videos in August.

Last months videos were, “Borrowing Parts from the Mustang” and “How #DarkMatterPikachu Got It’s Name (Exclusive/Extended) Version”.

Premium Members get up to 4 exclusive videos per month (maybe more) in addition to early releases of all ETCG and ETCG1 videos. They also get $2.00 discounts on VManuals. Memberships are now $4.99 per month and $14.99 per year. To get more info and sign up, click here.

In Closing

First, I’d like to thank everyone that made the trip to this years ‘Meet Up’. There were more of you this year than ever. On one hand, that’s great. On the other, it made it difficult for me to meet with everyone. That’s my only regret. I’m going to keep that in mind as I plan next years event. I feel obligated to meet each and every person that makes the trip. I feel it’s the least I can do.

I won’t hang on to that guilt though. I think everyone that attended had a great time, including me. That’s what’s important.

Now I’m off to take a much needed break. It’s been a busy year and it’s far from over. I’m going to need to rest up before the second half begins in ernest. I’m looking forward to it though.

So many amazing things I get to be a part of. All thanks to you dear reader. You make this job awesome.

Thanks for reading. Latest videos below.

Be safe
Have fun
Stay Dirty

ETCG

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