sgraber
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 posted on 30/4/07 at 05:53 PM |
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Gentlemen, may I present a Finished La Bala.
I finished la Bala. (well almost... You know they are never finished.) I worked into the early morning hours all last week to prepare for the annual
National Kit Car show in Southern California. This has been my target reveal date for quite some time so I really wanted the car to be as complete as
possible. I wasn't able to finish the headlamp covers or some interior trim pieces, but mostly she was complete. It turned out to be a great
show. I won the editors choice award, which the editors of the magazines vote for the most significant new product... (nice), and the response to the
shape and the car itself was overwhelmingly postive! All in all a good weekend, except for the horrible sunburn on my neck and shoulders...
Here is a link to a video walkaround of the car that I posted on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZC0lDfQLBs
And here are a few piccies for your enjoyment.
In the trailer:
Down the side:
High noon on Saturday:
Overhead across the rear quarter panel:
Anyone recognize this car? 
Steve Graber
http://www.grabercars.com/
"Quickness through lightness"
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GeoffB
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| posted on 30/4/07 at 05:57 PM |
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That is one 'king cool motor..!!!!!!
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Dale
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| posted on 30/4/07 at 06:04 PM |
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I am in aw. Well done is such an understatement it should not even be said.
Dale
Thanks
Dale
my 14 and11 year old boys 22
and 19 now want to drive but have to be 25 before insurance will allow. Finally on the road
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smart51
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| posted on 30/4/07 at 06:09 PM |
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That is just fabulous. Not only that, but its the only car I've seen that looks good in orange.
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 30/4/07 at 06:14 PM |
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Now that DOES look good!
You should be proud, especially when the mag editors give you their prize for your efforts.
Well done,
David
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Marlon
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| posted on 30/4/07 at 06:21 PM |
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That is one fantastic looking car, And it suits the colour so well.
john.
Band Anyone?
Linky to SWMBO 's band
Linky to Brother in laws band
MKoc 1081
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shortie
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| posted on 30/4/07 at 06:23 PM |
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OH YESSS, now that is cool!!!!
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Jon Ison
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| posted on 30/4/07 at 06:23 PM |
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Just like too agree with all the sentiments above, and those that will follow....
That is one achievement too be proud of and an inspiration too all.
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Hellfire
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| posted on 30/4/07 at 06:28 PM |
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Simply astounding!!!!!
Phil
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Gaz 1977
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| posted on 30/4/07 at 06:35 PM |
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finished
That looks great, very well done,
its been alot of work but well worth it.
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ayoungman
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| posted on 30/4/07 at 06:40 PM |
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Its the mutts nuts ! an Old English expression first used by Bill Shakespear !
Simply superb
"just like that !"
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nick205
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| posted on 30/4/07 at 06:44 PM |
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Some words....
outstanding
inspirational
marvellous
...and finally
Hats off to you Steve you must be one happy man every time you see it, get in it, drive it, get out of it, say goodnight to it.
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arrybradbury
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| posted on 30/4/07 at 06:45 PM |
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What they said ^^^^!!
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DIY Si
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| posted on 30/4/07 at 06:52 PM |
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I would insert a we are not worthy smily, but I can't remember how! Excellent work that man, good to see her in the flesh.
“Let your plans be dark and as impenetratable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.”
Sun Tzu, The Art of War
My new blog: http://spritecave.blogspot.co.uk/
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sgraber
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| posted on 30/4/07 at 06:58 PM |
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Well, thank you mates. Not only for the compliments, but for the support of this community of builders. Those of you that know the complete history of
this car will realize that I started building it around the very time that this forum was created as a spin-off to TOL. This is a scratch built self
design that was built mostly in 1/2 of a two car garage and it was only the mold making and parts pulling that help was hired and a company used to
ensure a good final product.
What I mean to say is that with enough dedication, time and yes, money... this type of thing is possible to accomplish as an amateur.
Now I am turning it into a business. If you are interested in knowing more about that, I would like you to contact me off-list as I am not a
registered trader.
Steve Graber
http://www.grabercars.com/
"Quickness through lightness"
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The Baron
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| posted on 30/4/07 at 07:04 PM |
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Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm......
that is dammed sexy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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scotlad
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| posted on 30/4/07 at 07:13 PM |
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Wow its stunning!!!!
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mac1ZR
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| posted on 30/4/07 at 07:15 PM |
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wow, I want one!!!
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James
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| posted on 30/4/07 at 07:32 PM |
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I was mid-conversation on the phone to my girlfriend when opening this link.
My genuine reaction was stopping halfway through a sentence with an open-mouthed "wow"!
That is fantastic! 
Sorry Smart 51, you're wrong.... there's the Mclaren F1 LM- that's orange.... and the Mclaren is good in *any* colour!
Cheers,
James
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses, behind the lines, in the gym and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights."
- Muhammad Ali
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bob
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| posted on 30/4/07 at 07:54 PM |
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she looks stunning 
I am just glad you shared it with us, well done.
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Ivan
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| posted on 30/4/07 at 08:00 PM |
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You should be very proud of a fantastic car - is the handling fully sorted now?
[Edited on 30/4/07 by Ivan]
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Confused but excited.
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| posted on 30/4/07 at 08:12 PM |
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SWEET !
Tell them about the bent treacle edges!
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sgraber
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| posted on 30/4/07 at 08:16 PM |
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A lot of the little problems I discovered during the run out at Phoenix International Raceway have been solved. The rear suspension was binding at the
bellcranks and basically making the rear so stiff it was virtually a solid axle! That will screw up the handling right? so I fixed that problem and
the binding is gone. The missfire was traced to a grounding problem and the fuel smell under lateral g's was traced to a vent hose that was
siphoning in left turns. Solved. The front suspension has some geometry issues that have solutions but these still need to be implemented. A reduction
in KPI, an increase in castor and camber. We will also reduce tire pressures significantly. All of these changes will be done in steps to understand
what makes improvement.
The brakes are another issue all together. Still very soft. And hard to get any heat into them. New pads first. Then the next cars are already
designed to use Wilwood calipers and rotors. I
haven't been back to the track to retest, but I am really looking forward to that day!
This is Fun!
Steve Graber
http://www.grabercars.com/
"Quickness through lightness"
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locoboy
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| posted on 30/4/07 at 08:27 PM |
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One reall ynice and enjoyable project to follow...........
An inspiration to many other 'scratch' builders.
Blood, sweat and tears............. well worth every ounce of all 3 i say.
ATB
Locoboy
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ditchlewis
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| posted on 30/4/07 at 08:31 PM |
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ooooooooowwww real coooool
Ditch
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