New bus debut was a success!

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

The new rig drives dramatically better now with the weight distributing hitch and sway control. It's *almost* as stable as my own Suburban / car trailer setup now in a straight line and around corners. It is still affected by crosswinds and passing traffic, but I do believe that adding dual rear wheels will greatly improve that. But for now it's easily driveable, so the other contingency items on the list for stability aren't an urgent priority any more.

Like every vehicle I have ever driven, it could use some more power. It gets off the line quite well and accelerates great below about 55 MPH, but above that the wind resistance is a, ah, drag

On flat road I took it up to 80 as an experiment, but over 70 isn't recommended the stability gets noticeably affected. 65-70 seems to be a sweet spot. It was full throttle in OD up some of the slight grades on 40E to keep it at 65 MPH. FYI, it will not kick down from OD at more than about 60 MPH. That trailer is HEAVY!

At the event, the new bus seemed to work very well! Had some good discussions about table size and placement, tested the new-old PA, wireless, and new speaker arrangement. The cool side-door with announcer "lounge chair" was especially well received! Loading and unloading the whole rig is FAR easier now than the old bus and it is a lot easier for several people to be working at once - less bumping elbows.

So obviously, look for some more messages about bus work days and special projects that need to get handled any time in the next week or so. Following is a list of the items taken care of in the last few days:

DONE
----
PA speaker plate test - successful as-configured
PA "big black amp" test - works great
Wireless PA tested - problems - hum + range
Steering box adjustment - added 1/4 turn - helped some
Finished sway control install
Set tire pressure (70/80 bus, 50 trailer)
Checked turn signals and brake lights
Re-adjusted front toe - added 1/4" in for 3/8" total
Tested trailer wiring - is OK
Organized keys and locks - MW
Test drive

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

I was about to lock the old "special projects" thread, and Kevin Hoff beat me to it! His response is more appropriate here:

Quote:

Thanks a million Mike for taking on this huge project and doing such a GREAT job. Nice job, you make us all feel slack with your above and beyond work. I don't know how you manage a real job, family, young child, and club business without ending up with zero sleep.

The bus was very nice yesterday at the rallycross. I'll have to admit I was dubious about the separate trailer decision but seeing the end result is most impressive. Functionally it is already far better than the old bus and the clutter in the bus is _much_ lower now that all the cones and course supplies are out in the trailer.

--Kevin H

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

Anyone have pictures of the new setup from yesterday? Post 'em here!

Keep in mind that the trailer is 95% done and the bus is 80%, so don't be surprised at some unfinished stuff!

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

Also - here is the list of "new discoveries" yesterday that I can remember. I am adding these as appropriate to the master list-o-stuff-to-do.

Anything else anyone noticed to add to this list that wasn't covered previously?

NEW(ER) PROJECTS
----------------
Rebuild front calipers - slight pull under braking
Turn front rotors - there is a little vibration under braking
Top running lights replace 2 out
Side exit exhaust, source 3" hose for remote running
Right turn signal dash light sporadic
Steering box adjustment - further adjustment? Need shop manual
AC pressure switch bypass, test compressor operation
AC N2 fill, test for leaks - Mitch Moore?
Side door fold-out step - fabricate
Continue to diagnose steering play / feel - Dustin F?
Make spare keys for batt tray, wiring panel

Scott Johnson · **Posted:** Sun Feb 06, 2005 4:16 pm

Excellent report Mike. I'm glad that the new hitch was:

1) Installed quickly.
2) Did what it's supposed to!

Special thanks goes out to all who have assisted on this project, but the Whitney's deserve extra credit for all the work/hassle!

Mike still has several items on his "to do" list, lets knock them off as quickly as possible, there's nothing worse than letting a project fester at 95% complete!

Scott

Karl Shultz · **Posted:** Mon Feb 07, 2005 1:16 am

Let me be clear.

The Whitneys OWN.

You guys have no idea what a headache this bus thing has been for Mike and Kendra and Nathan (and the dog, and...). NO idea.

--Karl, one of the slackers so far, but I'll get there...after I've got this Integra working...

Diane Hall · **Posted:** Mon Feb 07, 2005 10:39 am

Any pictures taken at it's debut (for those of us that are too far away to see it)?

Good work Mike!

Diane

Arthur McDonald · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 1:54 am **Posts:** 2052

Karl Shultz wrote:

Let me be clear.

The Whitneys OWN.

You guys have no idea what a headache this bus thing has been for Mike and Kendra and Nathan (and the dog, and...). NO idea.

--Karl, one of the slackers so far, but I'll get there...after I've got this Integra working...

It's true, the Whitneys own a lot of vehicles! But not as many as their neighbors think

We gave Mike the BGSA in December, but instead of resting on his laurels, he just turned it up the boost. Let's all pitch in and help him wrap up the rest of the needed repairs and mods so he and his family can get some sleep.

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New bus debut was a success!

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