We will get some up at the end of the week. From what I can tell (I'm not at the shop this week but I have access to the media drive) at a minimum the front suspension is installed.

Dan - thank you.

I got the call from Hotchkis today that the car is done, and according to them it's handling 100% better! I can't wait to drive the thing. Probably pick it up later this week.

Also - I'd like to say thank you to Rob & Corey at Hotchkis for really taking the time to understand what the car needed and address its specific problems. They explained everything clearly over the phone and did not rush me when I was asking questions. That level of customer support is rare and appreciated.

Jim

Not sure why you are questioning Hotchkis? The work that has shown with a couple of the documented build is top notch. The guys can fabricate as well as weld. I'd be comfortable with them working on my car. Now - If they only would open a midwest location - we'd be talking!

Not sure why you are questioning Hotchkis? The work that has shown with a couple of the documented builds is top notch. The guys can fabricate as well as weld. I'd be comfortable with them working on my car. Now - If they only would open a midwest location - we'd be talking!

I'll be there tomorrow afternoon. My engine is being dropped off tomorrow and I'm dropping off my new door trim.

They are doing general repair and cosmetic stuff for you too?

Very little. They may get my windows addressed (play/misalignment on the driver side) and stick the trim on.

Got back about an hour ago from dropping off my trim piece. I talked with Rob and Corry again and they're great people. Corry, who does most of the work on the cars, is very knowledgeable and really cares for safety and quality.

JF_Moparts... Your car is ready for pick up.

Another good shot...

Oh, and JF...my buddy runs the same wheels on his Ute.
(You can just see it in the background in this pic)

(In 20" though...they come from TWG who we deal with)

MuuMuu what headers are those?

TTI small block shorties.

Getting excited Samy!

Me too! I need to get some more time in autocrossing though.

Is it done yet?

Is it done yet?

Is it done yet?

I'm wondering the same thing.

It's done, and it's much, much better. The front end feels so planted and when I go over a bump I'm not losing my fillings like before.

However, my car still has some issues that are preventing me from really evaluating the suspension. The steering feel is uneven and I'm not sure why - steering column, steering box, idler/pitman? The idler, pitman, and steering box are all brand new (within last 6 months). I need to sort those out before I give the car a work out. These problems are driving me crazy.

Jim

Did you make a shock change? From what to what?

At one time your car didn't have that uneven steering feel?

Oh - here's what Hotchkis upgraded:

- The Upper Control Arms (from older Magnum tubulars)
- Steering Arms (replaced tie rod ends)
- Adjustable Strut Rods (replaced stock)
- Hotchkis/Fox Front Shocks (I forget what I had in there before but they were nothing special)

The uneven steering feel is new and I don't know what to attribute it to. Before the steering was pulling hard to the right, but aside from that the resistance felt uniform, lock to lock. I am assuming that Hotchkis absolutely knows what they are doing. Therefore, perhaps in fixing the alignment and suspension it's made the remaining "weakest links" more apparent? I just started the car and turned the steering wheel lock to lock a few times and it felt like the idler was hitting the exhaust, but looking underneath it appears to be clearing it. When I turn the steering wheel it sounds like something in the steering column is rubbing on something.

Corey at Hotchkis did say that a bushing in my steering column is worn and he suggested getting a new/rebuilt column. He also said he had to remove my steering wheel and remount it to get it properly centered.

Jim