Saijin_Naib

Questions for the gurus:
What process was used to color these Amber Fog Reflector Housings? I've contacted around 6 different anodizing shops as I was under the mistaken impression that this was anodized metal. I was informed that this color is not achieved through anodizing and furthermore, that if anodized, both the intter and outer surface would have the same "finish" and "qualities".

So, this must be some other process. Can anyone help me identify the process? I'm not likely to find a set of the Euro sized Amber Fog Reflectors, so I'm looking to find a shop to convert my stock Fog Reflectors to the Euro Ambers.

Here are some images for reference:

ocpanther

it is tinted chrome electroplate. Anodize is only for aluminium.

Saijin_Naib

Aha! Awesome, thank you thank you

Now I just have to see if any shop around here can pull this off for me.

Hey, just so I know, how could you tell what process was used? Thanks!

RHW

THAT is going to look better than any existing choice. Please KEEP others in mind, at least for the second or third run.

Have always loved the red/gold look...

Saijin_Naib

Absolutely! I've begun to find some shops and begun emailing them inquiries. Once a shop responds to me and gives me a ballpark I will let you guys know if they will do a big batch to cut down on the cost per person. If that is the case, can I get a feeler for how many members would want their Fog reflectors re-chromed to the Euro Amber?

ocpanther

Its something like this :

http://blog.truesupplier.com/full-bl...ate-cover.html


Try looking here:

http://www.thomasnet.com/northern-ne...1541009-1.html

190E 16V

That Thomas locater site is very useful - thx

Saijin_Naib

Still looking for a reasonable shop guys. Sorry, no updates yet.

Update:
Lost yet ANOTHER aftermarket turn signal lens today.
Also, it was so windy on the road my left eyebrow spoiler got ripped off. That got saved and is in my trunk.

I saw a tractor trailer get pushed so hard by the wind that the trailer swerved off into the shoulder (leaving tire skid marks) and some of the wheels got lifted off the pavement. He somehow saved it and kept on going. Props to you sir!

Probably attending my first SCCA AutoX meet since 2 summers ago. Will post Vids/etc.

RBYCC

Brett

Why not pick up a stock reflector and experiment with the Dupli-Color Metalcast anodizing system ?

Ed

Saijin_Naib

Hm, that looks interesting. I'm wondering about the luster of that finish though. I wanted to have it properly chromed so it would not lose any reflectance.

RBYCC

Don't use the ground coat primer, just spray the existing polished reflector with the gold anodized coat until you get the desired color..

Worth a try if you have an old reflector lying around !!!

It will cost you much more to get a professional coating/plating done.

Try the Dupli-Color anodized with a yellow lamp.
Once the lamp is on you can't see the color of the reflector..
More for show when the lamp is off in your application !!!

Saijin_Naib

Very true Ed, very true.

I'll look into this a bit more in the coming weeks. School is winding down for the Summer quarter so I'll have some more time.

Saijin_Naib

Update:
Rear Swaybar (500e bar) and bushings installed today.
Subframe bushings were deemed OK by the shop and not replaced. Kind of a bummer but I still have the parts so I can always have it done later if need be.

Impressions:
Generally a fair improvement in handling and body lean. Still not as stiff as I would like it but it feels worlds better than before. I'm guessing refreshed Shocks/Struts/Springs would get rid of the rest of the slop.

Plan:
SCCA Auto-X meeting this Sunday. Provided Sinus infection clears and I no longer get dizzy when I move my head I'll be throwing Bucky around and getting some times :P

Saijin_Naib

Query:
Would anyone feel like being an Angel Investor and helping out a young, stupid person in their rally/racing dreams?

If so, the STPR is coming up and the registration fee for the Sherwood Forest leg of the Rally is about 350$ US. I'd likely need a sponsor at least to get entered. I'd be competing among the likes of Travis Pastrana and Ken Block and would ultimately get humiliated, but you know what, I want to try it.

http://www.stpr.org/

Let me know what you think. Blatant mockery and criticism expected & welcomed.

(FYI, ran the 2008 Pine Barrens Express Rally in 9th/53 for 10minutes off perfect)

Saijin_Naib

Just a video of me driving around campus testing out my ATC3k helmet camera. Video quality is passable at best :\

However, it doesn't have too much jelly-motion so it does seem like it'd be acceptable for an SCCA meet recorder.

+5 internets to whomever can spot where I got a little drifty.

Saijin_Naib

http://hrsprings.com/scripts/appguid...nz%20|%20300CE

So, H&R now makes a Touring Cup Kit for the US Market.

I'm wondering what the kit consists of (Spring/Damper) and how much of the description is pure marketing spiel or whether or not it would be better than say H&R Sports + Koni Yellows.

ps2cho

I am in total love with my Eibachs and Bilstein Sport setup. It rides very nice and the drop is perfect. Would cost a LOT less than $945 they want for that kit!

$130/each for Sports
~$280 for Springs.

Saijin_Naib

Yeah, what I'm looking at currently is
H&R Sports 29569.2 ($247.00) [TireRack]
Koni 8741-1092SPORT ($180.36) [SoloPerformance]
Koni 26-1198SPORT ($102.60) [SoloPerformance]

For a grand total of 529.96 + about 20$ shipping for the Springs.

What do you think? I think that sounds like a damned good bargain

Saijin_Naib

Good news guys, looks like I have a bite for the custom chrome plating on the Fog Reflector. Right now, it looks like 65$ per reflector done. I'm going to do it shortly and let you guys know how it goes.

Maybe if we get enough interest/volume we can get a deal going.

Anyone interested?

Saijin_Naib

Registered for the SCCA Road Course Race @ Englishtown Saturday 8am.
http://www.motorsportreg.com/index.c...35858B0A9A097E

Who else is in the area? If you are, come on down

ps2cho

I think that is a great deal.

AMGDave

Uh, I think you may need to double-check the math... the KONI prices are likely *each*, not a pair. $360 for the struts, $205 for the shocks, and $247 for the springs for a grand total of roughly $815? The website has fine print which says, "Prices on this site are for individual shocks", but they are only sold in pairs, meaning you have to buy two at a time. They have a lifetime warranty, btw, if purchased from an authorized dealer.

I paid a bit over $600 (including shipping) for my KONI Sports (on sale at Shox.com), your pricing is even better at ~$565 a set. They are quite firm, btw, even at the softest rebound setting. Compression is fixed and not adustable, btw.

Saijin_Naib

Wow, I completely misread that listing then Oh well, 800ish isn't TERRIBLE but its not affordable for me right now. Le sigh...

How firm are we talking? Like, chip your teeth when you drive over a pebble or just not butter smooth like my Sachs are right now?

I got a chance to test out my swaybar upgrade today at the Road Course meet. It was well worth it However, the car has a lot of roll and sway that I am pretty sure a stiffer damper/spring pairing will help eliminate.

I'd opt for the Bilsten Sport + H&R Sport if I could find the PN for my car in the US catalogue. I've heard those run a bit more comfortable.

Ideal solution is the firmest Sportline Shock + firmest Sportline spring but I doubt that I can either A) find them B) afford them.

Saijin_Naib

Bucky Benz @ Englishtown Road Course

I was in drift mode for pretty much the whole day so excuse the crap driving :P I was there more to have fun and really push the car and myself than to post the best times. However, I still managed about a 3s improvement per run at full drift (except Run 5 where I went into the grass).

Verdict:
Sportline + Setup: Totally Worth it
300ce: Drift Car candidate
STX Class: Not fair for two swaybars. 300ce + Bar =\= WRX/EVO

Seriously though guys, I'd be interested in a sponsor if anyone is feeling overly generous

ps2cho

I'd still go with the Bilstein sports. $401.08 said and done free shipping
http://www.mbpartswarehouse.com/part...920+4294965527

$82.95/each rear
$117.95/each front.

Like I said I am very pleased with my ride and this baby corners like a completely different animal now.

--

That event looks crazy fun. I'd love to do something like that soon. Need new ball joints and subframe mounts done before though.