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howehot
10-25-2012, 06:52 PM
Headed out tomorrow for Las Vegas and thought I would start a post about how the little guy, new to the scene, is headed to OUSCI.

For those that don't know me, I have a 1984 Monte Carlo SS with a Schwartz Performance Chassis. The first produced for a G-body. The car has been done since June and has attracted more attention than I ever imagined. You can follow the build in the projects section.

My son, Josh, and I received the Spirit of the Event award at the Sandhills Open Road Challenge in Arnold, NE. I had no clue this was coming as we had 6 days to prepare after our invite. We finished 8 out of 12 cars. A faulty Dakota Digital VHX gauge cluster didn't help. We had a ball all weekend

I want to add that anyone out there building a car, you can get this same opportunity. This car was built in a converted barn that was built by my great Grandpa in 1921. No hoist or high dollar equipment. I have never attempted a build like this although I have turned a wrench or two. Yes, the chassis does add to this build, but that is just one aspect. This was my sons first complete paint job, done at school. I've never touched a fuel injection system or LS motor, mess with AN fittings, or fab mini tubs.

This invite says to me that anyone out there can get an invite to OUSCI. Build your car, attend an event and enjoy your time there. This could be you. I wil add to this post throughout the week.

Other than the chassis and paint, all the work was done in this shop.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/20121025_172939_458-1.jpg


Loading the Monte. Leaving Friday for Vegas, we'll arrive on Sunday.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/20121025_162024_222-1.jpg


My wife had these shirts made for the trip. Yup, she is that awesome.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/20121018_130306_440-1.jpg

analyte
10-25-2012, 07:33 PM
Awesome idea. I can't wait to follow this thread. Subscribed!!

TEXAS PAUL
10-26-2012, 04:30 AM
The car looks great see ya in Vegas!!

Spirit of Event-Arlington
Paul Welch

howehot
10-26-2012, 05:19 AM
The car looks great see ya in Vegas!!

Spirit of Event-Arlington
Paul Welch

Thanks and looking forward meeting you and all the other participants.

Dan

tflyboy77
10-26-2012, 06:32 AM
I'm very jealous. I'm looking forward to following this thread and maybe I'll get my invite next year.

howehot
10-27-2012, 03:36 AM
Not much to post as we left around 4:30pm and drove until 12:15 arriving in Grand Island, NE. The Goat (ram) got an extra scoop of oats last night.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/20121026_161603_387-1.jpg

bret
10-27-2012, 05:50 AM
Dan, looking forward to reading about your impressions of SEMA and the optima event...and to meeting you in Vegas!
I'll be in Sunday as well and will be hanging around the 33 Ford or the Ridetech booth. See you there!

SkinsandJrfan
10-27-2012, 05:51 AM
How does the Ram do pulling that trailer? I will be in the market next year for a new truck and trailer combo. Really wanting a dually but not sure I can afford one or not.

SicMonte
10-27-2012, 07:41 AM
looking forward to seeing how you like SEMA. It can be overwhelming. I went for work in 2006 and was blown away!

I will be out at the OUSCI as a spectator this year for the first time. I'm really looking forward to seeing your car and how it performs out there...

Good luck on the trip and drive safe!

howehot
10-27-2012, 07:09 PM
How does the Ram do pulling that trailer? I will be in the market next year for a new truck and trailer combo. Really wanting a dually but not sure I can afford one or not.

I've had it for 3 weeks. My 2001 Duramax has 210,000 miles on it and it was time for new. It handled the trailer with ease. Plenty of power and very comfy ride. Went with Dodge since they don't require DEF until the 2013 model come out at the first of the year and superior seats. Mileage? 9 average, got 10 with the duramax going to LS Fest. Should improve as it breaks in.

Still have the Duramax. It will still be my main work truck.



, it will still be my main work truck.

howehot
10-27-2012, 07:22 PM
Beautiful drive through Colorado today. You need to do this drive on i70, engineering wonder.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/20121027_152309_137-1.jpg

This is the view we had as we changed a tire that decided it was to tired and wanted to remove its cap.
Put on the spare and bought a new tire in Grand Junction. Later when fueling discovered another was ready to go. Will get it replaced in the a.m. Sure am glad I got a spare!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/20121027_163742_364-1.jpg

Stop at a rest area, the Wife likes to stop and visit them ALL. Really got confused and thought we took a wrong exit and ended up i Hawaii.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/20121027_153245_826-1.jpg

Mike Holleman
10-28-2012, 03:42 PM
Neat stuff Dan. You guys have a great trip. And drive careful.
Mike

howehot
10-28-2012, 07:51 PM
Made Vegas this afternoon, but not without our 3rd tire replacement. That's 3 new tires with broken belts. You can bet that the 4th will be replaced before I leave. All were "made in China." last one we changed in 4 minutes.

The drive was just as amazing today as yesterday. Sure wish my 11 year old daughter could have experienced it with us. We didn't think that Vegas would be a great enviormental so she is with Grandpa.

We are on the 58th floor of our hotel, wife is a little skittish. But she won $3.00 at the slots so that should ease her nerves. lol

Dan

howehot
10-29-2012, 07:08 PM
The Monte Carlo is now set in its home until Friday afternoon. Met some fellow OUSCI competitors today, what a great group and a very diverse group of cars. Very honored to be a part of this.

We received our Topps cards today. This card should be of great value in the future, limited edition plus it's a rookie card. If you are here, look me up. I have 175 to give away. When there gone they are gone. Might need to take one to Pawn Stars and get it appraised. lol

Josh and I walk around for a few hours this afternoon while all the displays were being setup. Usually when I think about walking that much I lay down until the feeling goes away. There will be many miles traveled inthe next 4 days. This is HUGE. I'm not sure one can see it all. WOW. We met some of the crew from Overhaulin including Chip Foose and Chris Jacobs. Thanked them for the inspiration. I learned a lot watching this and other shows the tips and techniques to complete my project.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/20121029_134709_802-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/20121029_134744_6521-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/cfbd10aecb01946233a9525048f4af2c-1.jpg

silvermonte
10-29-2012, 08:22 PM
That topps card is AWSOME, thats just one more goal added to the millions of car stuff I would want to accomplish one day. If by some odd reason you end up with a few extras you should auction them or something, and are you going back out to Arnold,NE again this year? I would love to see your car in person one day.

howehot
10-30-2012, 05:32 AM
I sure hope to return to Arnold. It was a ball the entire weekend. Super community that treats you like family.

66larkgs
10-30-2012, 05:55 AM
Dan,
Congrats on the whole exsperiance!! its nice to see the everyday guy out thier racing with the bigwigs.. I will be in vegas tonight so i will def try to track you down, should have been thier monday morning but the hurricane grounded all flights. I can't wait to watch the racing on sat, good luck and drive the bag out of it!!!

sr73bu
10-30-2012, 08:44 AM
Awesome story! thanks for the updates... Good Luck at OUSCI!

-Sean

Cobra 498
10-30-2012, 12:50 PM
Beautiful drive through Colorado today. You need to do this drive on i70, engineering wonder.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/20121027_152309_137-1.jpg

This is the view we had as we changed a tire that decided it was to tired and wanted to remove its cap.
Put on the spare and bought a new tire in Grand Junction. Later when fueling discovered another was ready to go. Will get it replaced in the a.m. Sure am glad I got a spare!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/20121027_163742_364-1.jpg

Stop at a rest area, the Wife likes to stop and visit them ALL. Really got confused and thought we took a wrong exit and ended up i Hawaii.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/20121027_153245_826-1.jpg

I used to blow trailer tires all the time. went through 6 on a trip from California to Firebird in Arizona. I was telling a guy who sold trailer hitches about it and he asked if I was using an equalizer trailer hitch. I said yes and he told me to get rid of it especially since I was towing with an F-250 and did not need it. After I took it off had I had zero tire failures because I was not over heating them by dumping too much load on the trailer tires. Hope this helps, have fun at OUSCI !

howehot
10-30-2012, 08:30 PM
I am running an equalizer hitch. May be the issue, I don't know. Several have said to stick to a name brand tire. I now have 4 new tires on the trailer. The one tire that didn't blow had separated and was ready to. Just wasn't showing on the outside yet.

howehot
10-30-2012, 08:49 PM
Optima set is up today with a great goody bag. Mac tool kit, Mothers detail kit, Optima jacket, Optima umbrella, Optima battery maintainer, and more. A huge thank you to them.

Met Kevin Tetz from Powerblock Trucks today. He has a Mustang he just finished with a Schwartz chassis. A super nice guy. Asked how I like mine and said we need to hit some events together next year. Sounded great to me. Took pictures of several other celebs.

Josh and I walked only central hall today and didn't cover it all. I had my TV interview this afternoon so that took about 90 minutes of our day. That was painless and fun.

The Monte is attracting a lot of attention. It is the only G-body we have seen in two days. A lot of interest in the chassis. This as we spent a liitle time before the doors opened this AM and waiting for the TV crew.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/20121030_093249_867-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/20121030_174603_278-1.jpg

66larkgs
10-31-2012, 11:08 PM
Stopped by the car today and it is looking great over thier. Those white seats are a nice touch. Looks like they have never been sat in they are so clean.

Yelcamino
11-01-2012, 03:30 AM
I'll be following along on your adventure as I hope to be in your shoes one of these days!

howehot
11-01-2012, 06:06 AM
I haven't walk this much since hunting in Montana last fall and think it was easier on the legs. 2 days to go and we have not seen half. For the shop out there making a living in this trade I can see how this is valuable to them. I have seen products that I never new of.

Optima batteries unveiled their new battery maintainer yesterday. It wil be out soon, pick one up to save that battery over the winter as you are waiting for the roads to clear and we get that first drive next spring. I already have mine and it is a slick little unit. Thank you Optima Batteries.

I am surprise how many Asian exhibitors are here looking for importers. You name it they have it. Not sure this is a good thing but is is the way of the times.

Met Stacey David. He has Schwartz Performance working on a twin turbo LS7 for a kit car he's doing on Gears. I think it's a SLR but I'm not sure that is right. Showed him pictures of the Monte and he loved the idea of josh and I building it and driving it like we stole it. I always thought from watching him on tv years ago on trucks that he was sincere and this is the impression I left with yesterday. Super guy.

Also when having pictures with Courtney Hansen from Powerblock, Camee Edelbrock came over. Tried lining up drinks later but that failed. Probably a good thing as I'm not sure how I would explain that to the wife.

Today at 1:00 pm we have a press conference at the Optima Battery booth. Not sure what this will entail but I'm sure it will be a fun experience. Pro touring supper is tonight. Looking forward to meeting new faces. Then Friady at 3:00 pm we are off on the road rally.

I would post some pictures the the SD adaptor for my IPad is in the truck. Will post some tonight.

howehot
11-01-2012, 06:11 AM
Stopped by the car today and it is looking great over thier. Those white seats are a nice touch. Looks like they have never been sat in they are so clean.

The seats clean up very easy with vinyl wipes. When we first installed the rear seat, there was tar on the seat belts for the sound deadner that got all over. I used Goo Gone and you could never tell it was there. There is about 2000 miles since June 30 so it is being driven. Procar love the look also when I showed them photos including the matching rear seat.

howehot
11-02-2012, 06:13 AM
Made a short day of the show yesterday and did the tourist deal with the wife. She needs to get her time in to this week and has been more than supportive since the first talk of do the Schwartz chassis. We did attend the Optima press conference for the announcement of the 10 golden ticket winners. They announced the SEMA picks that will now join in the fun. Bill Goldberg did the intros and needed to kill some time and was looking for a filler. When I ask if he wanted to wrestle, he stated we were both bald and to old. Still think I can take him. Been 30 years since I wrestle but I'm ready for a throw down! lol

Today at 3:00 pm we report to our cars with keys in hand and prepare for the road rally to Purhump. The nerves are starting to twitch a little as Saturday approaches but they will settle when the driving begins.

When this project started in July of 2011, the thought never entered my mind I would be here in Vegas as part of the 50 OUSCI entries. I cannot thanks all the sponsors of this great event enough for putting on such a deal. Optima Batteries have been over the top. Jeff at Schwartz Performance made this chassis for a guy who never built a car before. What a gamble for him to take. Josh my son laid down a fantastic coat of DuPont to make the entire package stand out in a crowd, and this was his first complete paint job done at Hawkeye Comm. College in Waterloo, IA.

So you out there building that pro touring vehicle in your own garage, this could be you next year. Once your project is done, get to a qualifier event and have the time of your life. You don't have to be the best driver or have the best car. Have fun, help others, and who knows, this could be you.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/41f4955116c89b25e4ee043ace6ffdd1-1.jpg

howehot
11-02-2012, 10:02 PM
Another over the top day in Vegas. The Optima group led the way out of SEMA. We had thousands of people watching, many camera crews filming and some people interviewing. Made you feel like a million dollars. First stop, Las Vegas Motor Speedway for three parade laps on a road course. I had Janice, Josh, myself and a young man named Blake who ask for a ride to Pahrump. Needless to say Janice and Blake got to know each other really well sliding around the back seat. What a hoot. Then we got a guided tour of Shelby American Museum. This is also where they build all the Cobras and Mustangs. Looks like they will have a new product soon, I'll keep you wondering a bit. We then proceeded to Indian Springs Casino and then onto Pahrump. Total travel around 116 miles.

speedy79
11-03-2012, 02:19 PM
Congrats on all the success with your car, my dad and I came to your place to buy that transmission. The car turned out great. Hopefully we will run into you at a couple shows this summer.

Josh Omans

Sales-TCI-Eng
11-03-2012, 04:38 PM
I really enjoyed watching you run the car today. I'll have some pics up of it shortly.

-J

howehot
11-03-2012, 07:38 PM
D
Congrats on all the success with your car, my dad and I came to your place to buy that transmission. The car turned out great. Hopefully we will run into you at a couple shows this summer.

Josh Omans

Thank you. It has been one heck of a ride. I hope that we will meet again.

howehot
11-03-2012, 08:06 PM
Today sucked, but only because it had to end. This was one of the best days ever. Although I DQ d in tha wilwood speed stop, fail to stop in the box on all 3 runs. On the road course I spun twice, once doing a smokey 360. Just like Earnhardt did in his Monte. Wife said the crowd stood up and cheered. My autocross times were pretty good. Received $100 gift certificate from BF Goodrich for 3rd place using tires on the road course. WOW and THANK YOU!

Thanks to everyone who stop and looked at the Monte Carlo. All your positive comment really meant a lot to myself and Josh.

The wife has lots of pictures on the camera and I will post them once we can sort through them. Also have Go-Pro footage I will link to.

Once again I wish to thank Jimi Day, BF Goodrich, and Optima Batteries. This has been an incredible week.

Also a shout to Schwartz Performance for building the only chassis available for a G-body. I think it opened some eyes this week that will only strengthen the aftermarket.

Dan

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/20121103_154628_510-1.jpg

SicMonte
11-03-2012, 10:05 PM
Let me first say that you and your monte did a great job today!! I can't explain it but after talking to you for awhile...that I'm very proud of you for what you have done. It's a great story with you and josh building the car and here you are at the pinnacle of our sport putting on one hell of a show and performance! Very good job and way to make us fellow g body owners proud! I look forward to sharing the track with you some time in the neat future.

Once again...great job buddy! You should be proud.

Martin71RS
11-04-2012, 12:29 AM
Your car sure does look good and ran well! It was nice to meet you and your family, I think your story explains what this hobby is all about :-)

xxxturbo6
11-04-2012, 06:13 AM
Nice G-Body! I also look forward to meeting you & Josh sometime and sharing the track with you.... You should try to make it to the RTTH9 event next year, so far at that event they have had the most G-Body"s attend.. It would be great to have all three at that event...

howehot
11-04-2012, 07:31 AM
Your car sure does look good and ran well! It was nice to meet you and your family, I think your story explains what this hobby is all about :-)

Great meeting you also. Really enjoyed our conversations. Have a safe trip home and may our path cross again.

Dan

howehot
11-04-2012, 07:32 AM
Let me first say that you and your monte did a great job today!! I can't explain it but after talking to you for awhile...that I'm very proud of you for what you have done. It's a great story with you and josh building the car and here you are at the pinnacle of our sport putting on one hell of a show and performance! Very good job and way to make us fellow g body owners proud! I look forward to sharing the track with you some time in the neat future.

Once again...great job buddy! You should be proud.

Thank you Doug.

66larkgs
11-05-2012, 08:47 AM
http://s917.photobucket.com/albums/ad19/66larkgs/
thier are video of all three runs for the wilwood speed stop. One foot shorter and that would have been a hell of a run. you where within 1 second of the best time!!! Great talking to you and your son and congrats on the great performance

RobNoLimit
11-05-2012, 11:23 AM
Nice to meet in person. As crazy as Optima is I did my best to get to everyone, even if only for a minute. Great looking car, and a strong performer. Heck of a run on the speed stop. Glad you had a great time.

jb@ridetech
11-05-2012, 11:47 AM
67128

Dan, here is a good pic :)

BonzoHansen
11-05-2012, 12:26 PM
sounds like you won regardless of 'place'! congrats!

howehot
11-05-2012, 08:52 PM
67128

Dan, here is a good pic :)

This must have been after my 360 on my last lap. The flagman for pit road congratulated me on the great save. I new the wall was coming so I just stood on it and it came back around. 100% luck but it sure is great on the GoPro. I will get this up as soon as I can. Leaving Vegas tomorrow.

howehot
11-08-2012, 08:22 PM
Josh and Janice flew home from Vegas Tuesday morning and I started the drive home arriving this this morning at 2:00. Long haul but the election results kept my blood pumping and not in a good way! Zero tire issues on the return trip. Really enjoyed seeing the beauty of this once great coountry.

Thank you all for the great pictures of the Monte. There are some really great shots. Optima Jim is amazing and I can't thank him enough.

Now for some results on my performance. 25th in the autocross, 30th on the road course, and DNS on the speed stop. Not the greatest but on a fun scale of
1-10, it was borderline 11. I had the time of my life and still laugh at my spin of lap 3 of the road course. Looked like I knew what I was doing, I just wanted to avoid the pit wall. Oh, I spun on lap 2 also. Even with the spins I was 3rd fastest on BF Goodrich tires good for $100.

Video of my 3 autocross runs
http://youtu.be/zXMTRG37Ukc
http://youtu.be/F0Pdkm19X-M
http://youtu.be/NiEq9ZDP_gQ

My road course adventure. First but won't be the last.

http://youtu.be/72Q7I5Rzdr8

SicMonte
11-09-2012, 11:04 PM
Josh and Janice flew home from Vegas Tuesday morning and I started the drive home arriving this this morning at 2:00. Long haul but the election results kept my blood pumping and not in a good way! Zero tire issues on the return trip. Really enjoyed seeing the beauty of this once great coountry.

Thank you all for the great pictures of the Monte. There are some really great shots. Optima Jim is amazing and I can't thank him enough.

Now for some results on my performance. 25th in the autocross, 30th on the road course, and DNS on the speed stop. Not the greatest but on a fun scale of
1-10, it was borderline 11. I had the time of my life and still laugh at my spin of lap 3 of the road course. Looked like I knew what I was doing, I just wanted to avoid the pit wall. Oh, I spun on lap 2 also. Even with the spins I was 3rd fastest on BF Goodrich tires good for $100.

Video of my 3 autocross runs
http://youtu.be/zXMTRG37Ukc
http://youtu.be/F0Pdkm19X-M
http://youtu.be/NiEq9ZDP_gQ

My road course adventure. First but won't be the last.

http://youtu.be/72Q7I5Rzdr8

Very nice save!

So the OUSCI was your first experience on a road course?

howehot
11-10-2012, 07:43 AM
First time EVER. I still giggle when watch the video. There are many more planned in the future. As I look at the video, my foot was controlling my brain. Drove way to hard into the corners which cost me coming off. Same training I received in the autocross school I attended. I am happy with a 30th place finish and ready to go again.

howehot
11-10-2012, 06:10 PM
Wife's pictures of OUSCI. Martin, the first two pictures are what you took at Las Vegas Speedway, thank you.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/22f31c09f5f751e3a90c82d4c2466d1b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/f5dab522cad1dca662946bfa0620d52f-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/6efa0a3c296250bc2b3bab607144ccef-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/0ce2dbbde0b91c440df496b7ed8d26a6-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/82efaf5f6a4399682e8d927a3f327feb-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/3399a027cc0bd7a99a44202e99604489-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/1fccba84f2f363e6981c985cf9748fa9-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/742addabe78ce76b2f93d20d92f118f6-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/48a5c9638a8eef5fd0b8ca32b7051a61-1.jpg

The end of a fantastic day. THANK YOU OPTIMA BATTERIES!!!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/f5c9930d3c91af8b673326e3315c32ce-1.jpg

Martin71RS
11-12-2012, 02:37 AM
One of the many movies I made that day

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kM9uYTjiNMs?list=UUX-zEySPibaUsId_PC7I89g&amp;hl=en_GB" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>