Kevin's Hands

it's been too long

2011-08-24T14:56:00.010-04:00

It's been way too long since my last post so here's a fun youtube
Jesea made of the birthday present Gunnar gave to Kevin this year.

917 restoration - post #22 - slideshow #5

2009-10-16T15:12:00.008-04:00

Come and experience the
2009 Monterey Historic Races with us!

Wishing Bill a Speedy Recovery!

2009-10-12T21:17:00.016-04:00

Our good friend and co-worker, Bill, was injured yesterday when his lawnmower caught fire and the gas tank exploded. His ams and legs were burned and he was airlifted to the hospital burn unit. We are all hoping that he is not in too much pain and that his wounds heal quickly.
We're missing you terribly Bill!

It's just not the same here without you!

We promise not to ever make you
clean out the paint booth again!
Just come back soon!
Love ya!

917 restoration - post #21 - slideshow #4

2009-10-08T13:22:00.012-04:00

Ready to leave for the Monterey Historics

August 2, 2009

For more photos, watch the slideshow, which shows
what we did on the car from July 19 - August 2, 2009.

Youtube - 917 Part 22 - Slide Show #4

Paul Newman Week - Watkins Glen 2003

2009-09-26T13:38:00.027-04:00

Gunnar Jeannette, Paul Newman & Kyle Petty

Bully Hill Vineyards 250 at Watkins Glen
August 8, 2003 - Gunnar Racing G-99

Paul is about to get in the car - it's hard not to notice his hair & beard.
He was in the middle of filming "Empire Falls", where he played Max Roby.

Here's the 2003 version of that famous P.L.N. helmet.

Time to celebrate - we finished 2nd in class!

"I'd like to be remembered as a guy who tried - who tried to be part of his times, tried to help people communicate with one another, tried to find some decency in his own life, tried to extend himself as a human being. Someone who isn't complacent, who doesn't cop out."
Paul Newman

Paul Newman Week - sometimes things don't always work out as planned

2009-09-25T12:57:00.014-04:00

Kyle Petty, Gunnar Jeannette, Paul Newman, Michael Brockman

2004 Daytona 24 Hours

We had custom driving suits made for all 4 drivers...
They were going to look real cool!
Newman loves his white "camp car" suit, so he had been wearing it during all of the practices, saving the new suit and a new pair of driving shoes for the race. So, now it was time to pose for photos. I tell Paul that he needs to put on his new gear. Paul came out of the trailer and his voice seemed a little higher than normal. Somehow, measurements must have gotten mixed up because I think Paul got Billy Barty's suit. There was no way Paul was zipping the suit past his manhood! So, now he puts his "camp car" suit back on and comes out with his new driving shoes. We noticed a stumble in his stride. He looked at me and said "how can I make these things fit?" (Now remember, we're about to start a 24 hour race).

I said "just cut the ends off"...and he did! Minutes later, the toes are chopped off and he says "they're still too tight"...so he went back to the old shoes and the old suit, but he was now in his comfort zone!

Paul Newman Week - 2006 Moroso Fun Day

2009-09-24T10:40:00.032-04:00

February 7, 2006 Paul came to another one of our Fun Days at Moroso Motorsports Park. Here's Kevin & Paul posing by the Gunnar G99. Paul loved to drive this car and he especially loved it because it displayed the logos of all the "Hole in the Wall Gang Camps".

Hole in the Wall Camps and programs serve children that are living with a serious medical condition. The severity of the campers' illnesses varies from child to child. Through intentional programming and therapeutic recreation, traditional camp programs are designed to foster self-confidence, enhance coping and resilience, and help them reach beyond the limits of their medical condition. If you're interested in donating, there may be a camp near you: Double H Ranch, NY; The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, CT; Barretstown, Ireland; Camp Boggy Creek, FL; L'Envol, France; The Painted Turtle, CA; Victory Junction, NC; Over the Wall, United Kingdom; Dynamo Camp, Italy; Ba tor Tabor, Hungary;and Jordan River, Israel.

We always loved putting that smile on Paul's face
by providing him with his favorite race car for an afternoon.

Stan Barrett and Gunnar
One of Paul's good friends, Stan Barrett was also at the track.
"On December 17, 1979 Stan Barrett was strapped into the cockpit of the Budweiser rocket car waiting to make a final run in an attempt to be the first person to drive a land-bound vehicle faster than the speed of sound."

Paul is getting ready for his turn in the G99.

"I've never had any physical grace," Paul insists. "I've done all kinds of sports, boxing, skiing, tennis - everything - and I have no physical grace. The only time I've ever felt graceful doing anything was when I was in a car."

His helmet has evolved a little, but still remains
the same basic design painted by his daughter years ago.

Even though Paul is gone, he'll never be forgotten at Gunnar Racing.

Paul Newman Week - 2000 Daytona Test

2009-09-23T10:44:00.014-04:00

It's Paul's turn to jump back into a Porsche.
He has raced RSR's through the years, so he felt
comfortable climbing into our 2000 Porsche GT3-R.

Paul's coming in after his first stint for tire pressures and a chat.

"O.K. Paul, if you want me to be in your next movie,
this is one of my demands...I want to be the hero".

Gunnar is the one who got the most out of the Newman/Jeannette driver pairing. Paul shared his life and racing wisdom with the kid. Here, Paul is telling him about turn 2, or maybe they're just talking about popcorn!

Now they're talking about Newman's movie "Where the Money Is",
starring Paul, Linda Fiorentino and Dermot Mulroney.

Legendary bank robber Henry Manning (Newman) pushes his luck too far and ends up in prison, where he suffers a massive stroke. He is transferred to a nursing home, in the care of Carol Ann McKay (Fiorentino), a high school prom queen who married her boyfriend Wayne (Mulroney), the star of her school's football team, and whose glamour days are well behind her. Carol Ann starts to suspect that Henry isn't as sick as he seems, and she and Wayne are soon working with Henry to plan his last and greatest score.

We all got to attend a private screening of the movie
at our local theatre on January 19, 2000.
That was pretty special for us!

Paul Newman Week - 1995 Moroso Fun Day

2009-09-22T11:01:00.012-04:00

January 1995
Paul came to a few of our Fun Days at Moroso Motorsports Park.
It was always such a pleasure having him join us.

This was his first opportunity to drive a Porsche 917.

917-026 had the pleasure of having Paul Newman behind the wheel,
not many 917's can say that!

Paul's helmet was designed and painted by one of his daughters.

Paul Newman Week - 1994 Daytona Test

2009-09-21T15:56:00.010-04:00

We'll all be remembering a good racing buddy this week.
These photos were taken at the 1994 Daytona Test where we were running our Porsche G-93 mid-engine car with Paul Newman, Charles Slater and John Paul Jr.

Kevin, Paul & Charlie talking about practice strategy.

Paul looks on, wishing he could drive first, but John Paul Jr. was our official test driver for the weekend.

This would have been the driver line-up for the 24 Hour race, but the car was vetoed out because Nissan didn't want it there. Problem was, we didn't find this out until we arrived at the test. (Just for the record, I asked IMSA to O.K. the build of a mid-engined 911 and it was approved.) Nissan was the sponsor of IMSA at the time. Charles Slater is one of my good pals and he owned IMSA, but could do nothing about the politics. Not even Paul could put in the good word.

IMSA said we could practice the car, so John Paul Jr. took a few laps and then we put Paul in and he did one lap before there was a black flag. The black flag gave me time to think about why we were there, especially having Paul as one of the drivers, and then finding out we couldn't race the car in IMSA. So, I pulled the plug and we went home. Good thing was that we got to hang out with our good buddy Paul. He even ate some of our Salsa Verde and liked it too!
He especially liked our slogan..."EAT ME!"

917 Restoration - Post #20 - Slide Show #3

2009-07-19T16:15:00.010-04:00

Music: "Prophecy" by Remy Zero

917 Restoration - Post #19 - Youtube Part 20 - Applying Final Coat of Yellow Primer to Cockpit

2009-07-13T12:21:00.010-04:00

The gang is helping to get the 917 ready for the final coat of yellow primer.

Bernie, Mark, Bill, Andy, & Kevin
Thanks to Mike Sapena, Burlington Landscape Services,
for the hats & shirt!

Here is 917 Restoration - Youtube Part 20

917 Restoration - Post #18 - Youtube Part 19

2009-07-12T15:43:00.016-04:00

Music - Genesis "A Trick of the Tail"

917 Restoration - Post #17 - Youtube Part 18

2009-07-01T16:30:00.003-04:00

917 restoration - post #16 - painting the chassis

2009-06-01T16:59:00.023-04:00

The boys are getting the 917 chassis ready for primer.

Team work again...this time it's Kevin...

and Bill.

The chassis is now in primer.

Another gang bang to get it ready for paint.

Now, it's time for Part 17 of our youtube series.

The chassis is ready and waiting...

Kevin and Bill go to work again.

Ta da!

Take a bow boys!
Watch the latest youtube by following this link:
917 Restoration - Part 17

917 restoration - post #15 - gluing in tail supports

2009-05-22T15:29:00.018-04:00

Kevin is glassing in the support for the tail hinge beam.

Team work...
Kevin & Bret gluing in the aluminum support for the geze clamps.

Bret is attaching the geze clamps with clecos.

Now he's trimming the fiberglass.

More team work.

Now the tail goes back to the chassis.

Attaching the tail for final fit.

Upside down to start repairs on the bottom.

To get more details and commentary by Kevin,
watch the latest youtube video:
917 Restoration - Part 16

917 restoration - post #14 - from sandblasting to the frame table

2009-05-09T19:23:00.020-04:00

The chassis is now sitting on the frame table,
but before it got here...

Kevin had to do a lot of sandblasting...he used
32 fifty-five pound bags of 65 grade silica sand.

And then some more grinding.
Here he is grinding away all the old repairs
on the apron between the doors and the tail.

See him in there...
still grinding!

The car is upside down & this is what the underside of the roof
looked like just before the car was flipped back over.

Bret and Kevin carry it to...

the frame table where Bret gets to work on it.

Frame air pressure gauge
to check the chassis tubing for leaks.

Bret has started to repair the left side
of the frame for the luggage tray.

The level is laying on the tail so we can make
sure the tail is level to the chassis.

Click on our latest youtube link to see:

917 Restoration - Part 15

917 restoration - post #13 - the nose comes off

2009-05-04T15:25:00.019-04:00

YouTube video #14 has now been uploaded.
Thanks to Lawrence Stoen for your
"Indianapolis Motor Speedway" hat.
Have fun at your 38th Indy 500 this month!
If you want to follow the race at home,
you can go to: http://www.indy500.com/

Kevin is getting the car ready for nose removal.

Here is a pile of original parts that Kevin will have to repair
& make "like new" before they're put back on the car.

The car has been flipped, nose has been cut away...

and now Bill and Bret are about to take it off the car.

The front of the chassis is now revealed.

Don't forget to watch the latest youtube
to get complete commentary by Kevin.

YouTube link: 917 Restoration - Part #14

917 restoration - post #12 - the belly of the beast

2009-05-01T17:01:00.019-04:00

The boys have turned the car upside down
so that Kevin can start working on the bottom.
Thanks to Taylor Schomann for the CCNY hat.
(City College of New York)

To get the full explanation of these photos,
please watch Part #13 of our youtube videos.
The link is at the bottom of this post.

Kevin is lifting up the fiberglass on the underside of the nose
to reveal the work that has to be done.

As he lifts up the honeycomb panel,
you can see the original chassis.

The ink marks on the firewall show
where the patches went to hold it to the chassis.

In this photo, you can see on the chassis
where these patches were to hold the firewall.

Here is the link to the latest youtube video:
917 Restoration - Part #13

917 restoration - post #11 - spraying duratec on nose and roof

2009-03-28T15:20:00.017-04:00

Kevin is getting ready to apply
Duratec surfacing primer to the headlight area.

Thanks to Tim Pendergast for this ridiculous hat
from "Monty Python and the Holy Grail"...
Here's a great Monty Python youtube of "Tim the Enchanter"

The black tinted Duratec has been applied...

now Kevin is preparing the car for the white Duratec.

Almost done...
now, to see Kevin in action watch the latest youtube:
917 Restoration - Part 12

917 restoration - post #10 - strengthening the doorsill and windshield mounting edges

2009-03-25T15:47:00.010-04:00

Kevin is doing some fiberglass work today
to strengthen the doorsill and windshield mounting edges.

Thanks to John Singer of Klub Sport Racing
for this cool Pennzoil Racing hat!!

You'll have to watch Part 11 of our youtube restorations
to see Kevin's fiberglassing secrets.

Now sanding the "furbies".

Here's the link to the latest youtube:
917 Restoration - Part 11

917 restoration - post #9 - sandblasting

2009-03-24T15:59:00.012-04:00

Kevin has been busy grinding and sandblasting the 917 today.
He just turned it on its side to start on the bottom.

Our "hat of the day" is from Lee Giannone.
His favorite hat is the "Early 911S Registry"

Kevin has uncovered paint striping on the right fender
which proves that this area is part of the original car.

If you watch Part 10 of our 917 youtubes, Kevin will explain.

Here is a more detailed shot.

and it's back to sandblasting again...

and now more grinding...
Kevin is having some FUN today!
Latest youtube:
917 Restoration - Part 10

917 restoration - post #8 - grinding the left side roof & nose

2009-03-23T15:23:00.022-04:00

The 917 is now in the paint booth,
ready for Kevin to get busy grinding again.

Our hat today is courtesy of Rick Wilson of maisonblanche.co.uk
Rick is a long-time friend and a fantastic photographer!

Kevin explains it all in the youtube video linked at the bottom of this post.

grinding away to discover more historical evidence

Uncovering a seam which shows where a new nose was attached.

This seam is where the roof post meets the nose on the left side.

Many layers of paint...the history of this car are being documented.

The left front fender has also been patched.

Kevin has put the green tape on his section
to keep the original colors for a paint match later.

That's all for now...the latest youtube:
917 Restoration - Part 9

917 restoration - post #7 - removing the windshield & wiring

2009-02-07T23:20:00.013-05:00

We're getting ready to tape Part 8 of the 917 restoration for youtube.

Today's hat is courtesy of Phil Kenyon,
www.CKnet.org.uk
"This was the first hat I ever bought and therefore would have been the hat I wore the first time I went to LeMans, back in 1990 to see the first year with chicanes on the Mulsanne straight and the last year of the old pit complex...happy days racing? And this trip to LeMans was probably the start of the sports car bug, and hence the start of my interest in the 917!"

Kevin is showing how he takes the windshield out.

wire & wrenches?
gotta watch the youtube!

Andy is removing the wiring.

Here's the link to the latest youtube:

917 restoration - part 8

917 restoration - post #6 - removing the engine

2009-01-29T06:31:00.017-05:00

Hat courtesy of Ottokar Jacobs
"Historic Porsche Racing"
http://www.youtube.com/ottocars

Ready to start the process of the 917 engine removal.

Watch the latest youtube...

as Kevin explains this process.

Thanks to Andy, Bret & Kevin...

for 10 minutes of informative...

917 facts and one of a kind action!

Here's the link to the latest youtube video:

917 restoration - part 7

917 restoration - post #5 - removing transmission and fuel tanks

2009-01-13T10:43:00.016-05:00

Tim, Andy and Bret ready to remove the transmission.

Kevin showing the side shifter and the transmission.

Watch our latest youtube video...

left fuel tank removed
917 restoration - part 6

917 restoration - post #4 - removal of front suspension

2009-01-12T14:14:00.021-05:00

Hat courtesy of Michael Keyser, www.autosportsltd.com
"racing is life...

anything that happens before or after

is just waiting"

Steve McQueen

front left suspension

Bret is starting to remove the right front suspension.

Kevin is holding the Koni shock that was just removed.

left front suspension

917 parts cart
Now watch the latest youtube
and Kevin will enlighten you on many 917 facts.
917 restoration - part 5

917 restoration - post #3 - removal of rear suspension

2009-01-09T19:33:00.021-05:00

disassembly begins

A belt instead of a metal strap?...
Kevin liked this interesting touch.

**note the red paint on the side pods

the oil tank cap...
Kevin will talk about this in the youtube video.

left rear suspension just before Bret removed it

now he's removing the right rear suspension

Ready to watch another video?
917 restoration - part 4

917 restoration - post #2 - driver's door

2009-01-08T13:48:00.029-05:00

Kevin is taking the driver's door off.

beginning weight...

11 pounds

Kevin's palette of race car history.

uncovering the rondel circle

Lucky Strike red

uncovering the number light holes

weight now...

3-1/2 pounds
to see Kevin in action, watch our latest youtube
917 restoration - part 3

the beginning of a new restoration

2009-01-06T13:12:00.034-05:00

This 917 is our latest restoration project.

Kevin is starting with the front nose cover. beginning weight...

7 pounds

Now the grinding begins
to uncover the secrets of this race car's history.

yellow...

green, blue, black, gray, etc. etc.

It's kind of like looking at the rings of a tree after you cut it down...
it's all history!

Significant find...a rondel stripe,
which would have surrounded the number.

The green tape is marking the shape of the yellow rondel stripe.

The order the colors were uncovered.

removing more old paint

a historic pile

ready to flip it over

removing the asbestos heat shield

ready for a little light media blasting

the asbestos heat shield

weight now...

3 pounds... from 7 to 3...not bad!

To better visualize this process, you can watch our youtube videos.
917 restoration - part 1
917 restoration - part 2

night test - PBIR

2008-12-29T22:18:00.015-05:00

We just finished testing the Porsche 917 and 997
at Palm Beach International Raceway.

Under the lights these cars looked so good!

It was a nice change to go out and test at night.

Gunnar had fun giving rides in the 997.

Bret is adjusting the headlights
and it looks like Andy has fallen asleep.

Very, very cool evening...
and I don't mean the temperature!

Here's a short youtube...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxCbd1TM6Vk

Have a Very Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T15:56:00.002-05:00

Everyone here at Gunnar wishes you a Very Merry Christmas!

Porsche 917 test drive

2008-12-18T11:27:00.012-05:00

We will be testing the 917 on the 29th, so Andy has been making sure all systems are go.

Kevin is getting ready to take it for a quick spin on the Westroads Grandprix.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=kqFwN8XTWco

Pure adrenalin rush... Kevin was blown away, to say the least!

Wow...what an awesome machine!

starting a 917 engine

2008-12-12T13:41:00.011-05:00

We had a unique opportunity this morning...

we got to start a Porsche 917 engine...

and this engine hasn't been started in about 30 years!

We're sharing this experience with you...
follow this link to our youtube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tU0r99fyD0U
just uploaded part 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xk4DxZZc9So

an extra helping hand

2008-12-09T07:10:00.003-05:00

Thanks for coming to visit Jesea:)

HSR sebring

2008-12-05T23:10:00.014-05:00

Test day - Sebring HSR weekend
Bret, Mark, Andy and Gunnar sorting the K8

Christian in the 962

It's always nice to see Jesea's smiling face:)

Off goes KJ...have a nice weekend everyone!

kremer k8 spyder

2008-12-03T12:46:00.008-05:00

Kevin, Andy, Bill and Bret...just finishing her up.

What a BEAUTY!

She looks like a completely different car with the graphics applied.

Ready to load her up for Sebring.

Don't you feel like going racing now?

getting ready for sebring

2008-12-02T13:02:00.031-05:00

Dave, our graphics wizard,

is applying the last of the stickers to the K8.

The K8, 962, and 914 will be on their way
to Sebring tomorrow for a vintage event.

What an awesome car!

Kevin is repairing the K8's rear brake ducts.

Here they are installed on the car.

Now he's repairing the K8 nose box.

Andy is getting the 914 ready for action.

She's ready & waiting to be loaded on the truck.

Andy and Bret are bleeding the brakes on the 962.

Just a few more odds & ends
and this one will be ready to load too.

Bill is still cherry'n out the floor of the '72 911.

Looks like he's napping, but he is working hard.
We give this job to the young one in the group
because his body can still take this abuse.

It's getting close to seam sealing and then primer.

doing it again...

2008-11-25T14:28:00.017-05:00

Because of an oil leak, the engine had to come back out of the 962.

The boys have had to do this way too many times recently.

Eric from PMNA came to the shop and fixed the leak a few days ago.

Kevin is setting up the limited slip, with a little help from Andy.

Andy is working on the transmission.

Hopefully, after it is assembled this time, it won't have to come apart again.

Yesterday, Kevin and Bill were having some fun
stripping the floorboard of the '72 911.

Their hard work paid off because it sure looks good today.

Next, Bill will start the bodywork on the floorboard.

testing the K8

2008-11-24T06:58:00.020-05:00

Yesterday, we took the K8 to the newly re-designed
Palm Beach International Raceway
(formerly known as Moroso Motorsports Park)

Gunnar, Mark, Andy and Bret worked on the car's set-up.

Even though this was a private test day,
the track was a busy place.

This car is BEAUTIFUL...
and FAST too!

Next event...
HSR Sebring, the beginning of December.

another BEAUTIFUL day in Florida!

2008-11-20T15:35:00.016-05:00

K8 nose is painted and Bill has started to put on all the doo-dads.

say cheese!

This nose is looking mighty fine!

the tail was catching the morning light...ooh..aah!

This gold heat shielding is BEAUTIFUL!

Now the K8 is up onto the scales for alignment, etc.

Kevin is making a new mold for a 904 floorboard.

He had to alter the last one, so here he goes again.

K8 progress

2008-11-19T13:17:00.018-05:00

Bret and Andy are making sure the tail fits the car perfectly
before final paint is applied.

The tail is now in final paint.

Kevin is making a cover for the oil fill cap.

Bill is getting the nose ready for paint.

There's always something to grind.

Kevin has also been working on the nose.

Bret continues the assembly...

with Andy, who is temporarily distracted by a phone call from Gunnar.

more K8

2008-11-14T13:47:00.019-05:00

All you're getting is images today...
I'm off for Texas to visit our daughter.

Have a great weekend!

it's all K8

2008-11-12T12:44:00.017-05:00

All the guys have been working hard to get the K8 painted
before the special delivery arrives...

Kevin didn't think we had to paint the whole car,
but the clear coat is coming off everywhere,
so we have no choice.
Bill is about to start working on the nose.

graphics have been removed

tail is primed... needs a little more body work before final paint

misc. body parts primed

misc. body parts painted

Andy is the wiring master.

Here it is...
that special delivery that we've been waiting 7 months for.

Awesome!!

Bret and Kevin are hooking up all the potato salad.
We'll have her running soon!

daytona weekend - HSR

2008-11-10T23:25:00.023-05:00

Here's a few photos from our weekend...

at Daytona

Gunnar

Andy, Bret, Mark & Gunnar

group photo

Christian

mandatory 5 minute pit stop

Here's a summary of our weekend on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HI5z0fQ1QSU

tuesday afternoon

2008-11-05T10:38:00.013-05:00

getting greasy...

undercoating the '72 911

taking a break to appreciate our pal Bruce

getting cars ready for Daytona

showing off the trophies the '73 RS Carrera won at the Porsche Parade
just a typical day at GPR...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPHGsS8DP_U

few odds and ends

2008-10-31T10:54:00.020-04:00

engine is back in the 962

Andy and Bret are doing an alignment and weight and balance.

She's ready for Daytona!

Bill is prepping one of the RSR doors for black paint.

and...here is one after Kevin painted...

door jams

dash

floor...progress!

RSR in final paint!

2008-10-30T11:15:00.014-04:00

Final prep for final paint

She's soooo ready!

I have my instructions...
I can take photos but I can't move and I can't touch the wall.
Kevin told me that this paint process is called
"single stage metallic silver"

Wow...awesome!!

I shot a short youtube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqLBy1VqdJ8

I'll say it one more time...Wow!

training day

2008-10-29T10:47:00.003-04:00

Gunnar just posted this cool video on youtube...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7kxfUuA41U

no fires today

2008-10-28T14:57:00.021-04:00

Bret adjusted the "bump steer" on the 962 last Friday.

The left side was easy,
the right side didn't want to cooperate,
but the setup is finally primo!

The engine came back from Porsche yesterday morning,
so in it goes again.

Andy is working on cleaning up the rear section.

Bill just cherried up a scuffed running board.

Group cheese shot!

Andy is doing some taping off and detail work
to prepare this RSR for another coat of primer.

Kevin's working on one of the fenders.

Now applying a coat of primer.

Pretty!

Next step is to get this baby ready for final paint!

just another day at gunnar

2008-10-23T11:37:00.010-04:00

Kevin is doing some repair work on the K8 tail.

Bill is doing body work on the Martini RSR.

Andy is taping off struts for paint.

Bruce is cruising...as usual.

Bret is preparing part of the K8 tail structure for gluing.

Kevin is doing the gluing.

Oh, and then there was a small titanium fire...
just another day at Gunnar.
You can see the boys in action by watching this youtube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14-nc64Ipdo

making a 962 dashboard

2008-10-21T16:47:00.022-04:00

Here is the plug, the original dashboard,
which Kevin glued down to this plywood to keep it flat.

Now, he is making the mold (from the plug).

The mold has now been pulled from the plug.

Kevin is getting the mold ready to make the new dash.

He sprays the mold with gray duratec,
which will add color to the new part he is making.

Spreading the mold with cabosil to fill up all the imperfections.

Now applying two layers of 3/4 oz mat.

One layer of cloth has now been applied.

The new part has now been pulled from the mold.

The part must now be trimmed.

Here's a youtube video of part of this process:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddqc_ILTm-U

Here's the car before the new dash...

Ta da!!

962 progress

2008-10-20T10:53:00.027-04:00

Last Friday, the boys moved the 962 roof into the paint booth.

This was Kevin's weekend project.

Bruce says, "don't worry Kev, I'll be around to help you".

now in white duratec surfacing primer

after red primer was applied

back to...

G R I N D I N G !

Bret has been rebuilding the uprights.

Andy and Bret are installing the fuel cell.

Because of the tight fit,
it's much easier to install before the body has been attached.

Now it goes back on the tub for fitting again.

taking a break

2008-10-19T10:49:00.009-04:00

Kevin actually wanted to go with me to Lion Country Safari yesterday.
(in-between paint drying of course)
It's not often that he lets himself do something other than "work"
on the weekends, so I was very happy:)

He's got the beat!

Before work this morning,
Kevin joined me on my traditional Sunday ride.
Life is good!

904 - almost there

2008-10-16T21:23:00.015-04:00

Checking off a few last things before the 904 leaves for its new home.

Andy, Kevin & Bret discussing what needs to be done next.
youtube video of a short test drive...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNmPG5sQ1t4

904 test drive

2008-10-13T07:55:00.014-04:00

It's time to take the 904 out for a short test drive.

Time to get one more down the road.

It's a beauty!

Kevin is finding out that there is a little problem shifting...

needs a different clutch

Won't be leaving today, as planned, but we're close!

Oooh, aaaah!

wordle

2008-10-13T07:01:00.005-04:00

You can really have fun with this...

http://wordle.net/

video of our PLN tribute

2008-10-12T08:48:00.010-04:00

I finally had time to download the short video I made
during our Petit LeMans and Talladega trip.
Here's the video I posted on youtube...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb0VQUx7Sbg

By searching "Doc Hudson" on youtube,
I found this video that someone from Talladega posted.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7TAwAB0w9g

testing at daytona

2008-10-08T08:11:00.019-04:00

We went to Daytona yesterday to test Christian's 962.

Gunnar flew in to do the driving duties.

Bret and Mark were the crew.

We had beautiful weather,
despite the weatherman's threat of rain.

Here are a couple of shots of this BEAUTIFUL car.

Going home early because of an engine problem.

The 997 ran great...

and is ready for its next race.

Our Tribute to PLN

2008-10-06T14:42:00.015-04:00

We took the G-99 and Doc Hudson up to the Petit LeMans
over the weekend so that the fans there could say goodbye to Paul.

The G-99 drove one lap around the track
before the start of the race as a tribute to Paul.

Brock, Paul's best friend, flew in to drive the car.

We were all touched by the fans' reactions to seeing the cars there.

Then, we took Doc Hudson to the Talladega Superspeedway.

Mark, Paul's engineer and our very good friend, got to do one lap of the speedway just before the drivers were told to "start your engines"!
Bret lucked out and got to ride shotgun.

An incredible weekend for us all...
one we will never forget...
for a man we will never forget.
Love you Paul

Paul Newman Week - Moroso Test 2004

2008-10-02T06:32:00.021-04:00

Just before the Daytona 24,
we took the Porsche Fabcar to Moroso for a test.

Paul getting ready to take her out
on a day that just happened to be his 79th birthday!

Make a wish!!

Then, out came the silly string...
which happened to be a birthday tradition for us at the time.

Now, how many people do you know
who can say they silly stringed Paul Newman?

Great day, good friends, and a lot of laughs!

Now lets eat some cake!

So long for now Paul, we will miss you!

I'd like to share with you some Paul Newman Quotes:

"I'd like to be remembered as a guy who tried — tried to be part of his times, tried to help people communicate with one another, tried to find some decency in his own life, tried to extend himself as a human being. Someone who isn't complacent, who doesn't cop out."

"I had no natural gift to be anything — not an athlete, not an actor, not a writer, not a director, a painter of garden porches — not anything. So I've worked really hard, because nothing ever came easily to me."

"I don't think there's anything exceptional or noble in being philanthropic. It's the other attitude that confuses me."

"I never ask my wife about my flaws. Instead I try to get her to ignore them and concentrate on my sense of humor."

"Paul likes to test himself. That's what makes Paul run. He's got a lot of courage, a highly underrated element in people's lives these days."
Joanne Woodward

Paul Newman Week - 2004 Daytona 24

2008-10-01T13:34:00.018-04:00

Porsche Fabcar
Kyle Petty, Gunnar, Paul & Brock

"He was dedicated to giving back to those less fortunate,
and with each child we see, we honor his spirit and vision.
Undoubtedly he has touched millions of lives."
Kyle Petty
co-founder of the Victory Junction Gang Camp

Paul's craft was acting. His passion was racing. His love was his family and friends. And his heart and soul were dedicated to helping make the world a better place for all. Paul had an abiding belief in the role that luck plays in one's life, and its randomness. He was quick to acknowledge the good fortune he had in his own life, beginning with being born in America, and was acutely aware of how unlucky so many others were. True to his character, he quietly devoted himself to helping offset this imbalance. An exceptional example is the legacy of Newman's Own. What started as something of a joke in the basement of his home, turned into a highly-respected, multi-million-dollar-a-year food company. And true to form, he shared this good fortune by donating all the profits and royalties he earned to thousands of charities around the world, a total which now exceeds $250 million."
Robert Forrester, vice chairman
Newman's Own Foundation

"Paul was a very fine actor and a really good race driver.
But mostly, he personified humanity -
always taking care of those who were less fortunate.
For me, this will be his legacy."
David Letterman

Kevin & Paul
We feel honored to have known him at all.

Paul Newman Week - 2001 Daytona 24

2008-09-30T15:54:00.011-04:00

Porsche GT-1
Wayne Jackson, Gunnar, Brock and Paul

Paul is probably sharing some of his racing wisdom with Gunnar...
"Newman's first law:
It is useless to put on your brakes when you're upside down".

Unfortunately, we had big problems with oil leaking
and had to withdraw the car before Paul got to drive.
The risk of fire was just too great.

In racing, the fastest person wins.
It is very simple.
Paul Newman

Paul Newman Week - 2000 Daytona 24

2008-09-29T11:26:00.027-04:00

In honor of our friend and fellow racer, Paul Newman,
I am going to designate the last week of September
"Paul Newman Week".

Gunnar and Paul

In response to hearing of Paul's passing, Gunnar said:
"I probably wouldn't be racing today if it wasn't for Paul Newman. The first time I got in the car that year, he was faster than I was. Even recently, he was still incredibly quick and could get around Lime Rock (his home track) better than anyone. He has been such a huge influence on my career and has been a close friend of our family for a long time."

Paul, Michael Brockman, Gunnar & Kevin
Porsche 996 GT3

Paul and Gunnar being interviewed,
via video, by Jane Clayson of the Early Show.
Referring to Gunnar, Paul said,
"He brings wisdom and speed,
and I bring treachery and bad intention."

These two made it into the Guinness World Records 2001
as the Oldest (75) and Youngest (17) Racing Drivers.

back to the old grind

2008-09-25T16:10:00.031-04:00

Bill has been working on the G-99 dash this week.

Munch is lending a paw.

looking good!

Andy, Bret and Kevin have been working on the 904.

Andy is getting ready to install the headlight backing plate.

ready to install

one more thing to check off the list

Bret is sizing up the plexiglass headlight cover.

installing the headlight

Kevin is ready to install the tail lights

lights are ready

nice!

P O R S C H E
hey...where's the "P"

Andy and Kevin have also been working on the 962 roof.

Kevin is working on the support.

Happy, as he always is...

now fit on the car, the bodywork continues...

using that finger spreader again

Bruce says, "I might have my own blogspot now,
but that doesn't mean that I'm not around
to help my best friend, Kevin".

One more shot before I call it a day.

just a few more utah shots

2008-09-23T13:30:00.011-04:00

Mark, Kevin, Andy, Christian, and Bret waiting on the pit wall.

Gunnar worked hard all weekend
to get the newly installed Motec working properly.

High altitude and cooler temperatures were a challenge for the team.

Kevin was on a bike...
1st time in "I can't remember how many" years.
He was really liking it too!

The crew cleaned up real good...
Bret, Andy, Jesea, Gunnar, Mark, Sharon & Kevin

congratulations are in order

2008-09-20T09:47:00.033-04:00

HSR - Miller Motorsports Park - September 14, 2008
CONGRATULATIONS to Christian and Gunnar
who placed 1st in the Rolex GT/Historic Enduro

Christian started the one hour enduro

pit stop to change drivers

Gunnar leading the pack

We take the checkered flag!

The Team
Kevin, Gunnar, Christian, Mark, Bret and Andy

The Car
Porsche 962-123

Loyal Fans
Gunnar's local friends, Sher and Dan

Here's to you...no, here's to you!
Christian was also presented with the
"Checkered Flag" award,
given by the HSR corner workers.
CONGRATULATIONS!

A team photo suddenly turned into...

a champagne assault

Phil thought he was sneaking up on Gunnar,
but Gunnar was prepared to launch the attack first.

a little taunting going on...

Phil got it from all sides.

He was experiencing a weapon malfunction...
that's just not going to get the job done Phil.

What a sport Gunnar...
do you feel better now Phil?

Christian was having nothing to do with any of this!

Love you Gunnar...
What a fabulous weekend we had in your neck of the woods!

And then there was Jesea...
So glad you could join us sweetie!
Loved having you be part of the team again!

go-kart fun at miller motorsports park

2008-09-18T07:01:00.028-04:00

We don't always just race cars at the track...

During the HSR weekend,
our boys entered the endurance go-kart race.

Kevin was the crew chief.

Gunnar started...

four drivers per team - one-hour race

each driver ran for 15 minutes

Bret got in next...

It was great watching our guys having so much fun!

"time to come in yet?"

Mark jumped in the kart 3rd

He's an old hand at go-karting.

oops...sorry guys...(just after a spin)

Christian got to drive 4th

He was having a good old time.

I think he waved to us on every lap...
just couldn't contain his happiness!

Great job team!
Bret, Kevin, Mark, Christian & Gunnar

Here's a youtube video of our weekend...
sorry about the video resolution, I'm still learning

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kzo2-YLmwVE

side-tracked by storms

2008-09-08T17:06:00.023-04:00

The guys were busy preparing the shop for "Ike" last week. Thank goodness, for us, he is headed below Florida, but unfortunately, a lot of others are having to endure his wrath.
Kevin, Andy, Bret and Bill still managed to get a little work done.
Kevin repaired a duct in the 962
before it left for the upcoming HSR race.

Bill got the G99 cockpit ready for paint.

Looks like new!

Bret started installing the Motec system on the K8.

The custom-made fuel cell arrived for the K8.

Looks very interesting in there.

Kevin even cleaned up some clutter in the engine room!

what a wednesday

2008-09-03T17:02:00.030-04:00

Andy is on window caulking duty because we have a line-up of tropical storms and hurricanes coming our way.

He was having a good time until he spotted this...

gigantic wasp nest!!

Bret is making sparks once again

time for more sandblasting

Kevin does his share of the fun stuff

sand reload...used 8 bags this time

this restoration stuff is hard work

starting to look like a solid piece of machinery

this morning

Andy & Kevin taping off for primer this afternoon.

Here's a short video for you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68BTQ7H69K4

happy labor day

2008-09-01T14:26:00.010-04:00

just taking it easy at the shop today...
can't take the whole day off, but won't work all day

Bruce is keeping me company
cuz everyone else is off doing a little bit of this...

That's o.k. cuz we'll be lighting up the BAR-B-Q later too!
Happy Labor Day!

right front clip is in!

2008-08-31T12:37:00.010-04:00

The piece is fit and now Bret is welding the right front clip
to the front of the '72 911.

inside view

outside view

front view

another inside view with more done

Here's the fender that Kevin was working on.

O.K...now we've got to get ready for the possibility
of Hanna hitting us. Better to be safe than sorry.

piece by piece

2008-08-28T14:08:00.023-04:00

Kevin is finishing up the RSR fuel cell.

Touching up the edges.

Nice!

Andy is doing some work on the front section of the '72 911.

Bret is starting to remove a bad section.

It looks like a very difficult jigsaw puzzle to me.

To these guys, it's just another day's work.

I like it when they make sparks!

Andy is burning off old undercoating. We need to strip this piece down to bare metal. After the fire, he will put this piece in the sandblaster.

Here is it all ready for Bret to fit to the car.

Takes a few cuts to fit perfectly.

Kevin is working on the inside of one of the fenders.

That's all I've got for today...
you'll have to check Bruce out on his blog:

http://brucethecat.blogspot.com/

calm?...after the storm

2008-08-26T09:59:00.030-04:00

Now that Fay has passed and the cleanup is complete,
the guys are back to work.

Bret is rebuilding the brake calipers for the Kremer K8 spyder.

AP6 racing caliper

made in England

The assembly progresses.

thermostat

water pipes

Kevin is working on the '72 911.

Since we are putting an RSR fuel cell in the car,
we don't need this fuel door.

a little more welding by Bret

Andy is removing rust and bad sections of the body.

Now he's getting a replacement piece ready to weld in.

Kevin got to do a little sandblasting yesterday afternoon.

This is the mold for the RSR fuel cell.

duratec surfacing primer has been applied

getting ready to apply some fiberglass

Yesterday, he applied one thin mat.
Today, he is adding one thin and one thick mat
along with one thick cloth.

Andy is helping with the final layer.
It takes two to get this done before the resin goes off.

Let me out!!

hebmuller weekend

2008-08-24T10:36:00.009-04:00

Kevin sandblasted the Hebmuller body yesterday morning,
but I wasn't there to take pictures.
This is the aftermath...18 bags of sand later.

Now it's time to primer the newly sandblasted areas

before they have a chance to rust.

He was going to try to finish the sandblasting today,
but he ran out of sand yesterday,
so that will have to wait for another day.

I say..."good thing" because with the Florida heat and humidity and the sandblasting suit he has to wear, I am glad he's got a couple days of rest before he does that again. His clothes from yesterday were entirely dripping wet from sweat after he was done.

I can't end a post now without including Kevin's
trusty dog...I mean cat, Bruce.
Have a great day!