This was the fourth and final true demolition derby modification session, so we had to make it count. And we did, thanks to the efforts of PF (way to get out the windows!) and RP (way to drag me along on ideas I think are incredibly stupid but work out!).

Chain Everything Down
Securing the various probably-required points on the car has been a task on which we’ve been working for some time. Yesterday, though, we can remove it from the to-do list. Because the preparation had been done already, the actual securing was fairly simple. In fact, the hardest part was the trip to the hardware store to buy chain and a few connectors. Even though we can take this task off the list, there are a couple minor related items I’ll do this week:
(1) Buy washers to add to the nuts and bolts that connect/secure the wires.
(2) Cut the chain to the correct length.
(3) Based on my re-reading of the rules, I think we need to add two more fastenings to the trunk. I think we have the wire and just need the nuts and bolts. I’ll figure this out.

Removing Glass
Some of the glass had already been removed when we ripped out the front and rear lights, but the windows and windshields remained. PF did a great job w/ the windows, which he did while RP focused on the front and rear windshields. It was the windshields that required the most amount of work and time.

My research suggested using WD-40 would eat away some of the seal, making it easier to remove the glass. Well, that’s true, but it doesn’t eat away enough. In addition to the corrosive, we used utility knives and screw drivers, with the latter probably being the main reason the rear windshield shattered. We learned from this, though. In doing the front windshield we taped the outside and inside of the windshield and then kicked out–yes, kicked out–the glass. This went extremely and surprisingly well, leaving very little cleanup and additional work.

To-Do Items
I started by mentioning that yesterday was our last mod session. This is sorta true. This coming weekend is the last last mod session, but it is reserved for tying up loose ends and not major work. Here is what is on the agenda, although I’ll knock out what I can in between now and then:

(1) Flush radiator and cooling systems; add water
(2) Double check for loose wires hanging that need to be trimmed
(3) File sharp edges
(4) Have RP and PF paint their bits on the hood, which is reserved for people who directly contributed to the effort.

Update: Additional To-Do Items
(5) Clean inside of car, especially of glass.
(6) Consult CC’s email w/ derby advice.
(7) Apply additional coats of paint to existing paint.

The third demolition derby modification session was a slow but steady success, as we knocked out a few to-do items and made it easy to finish a few others in the next session. Thanks to both RP and PF for their brains and brawn.

The Battery
Finally, the battery requirements can be scratched off our to-do list! Although we had a few hiccups, we mounted the battery box to the floorboard and put in the battery. There are no more battery-related requirements.

Remove Front Header Panels
The rules require that the front header panels be removed, which we interpreted to mean remove all the header panels. It took us some time, but the process was relatively straightforward and manageable. In the end, we learned that drivers of Honda Accords are protected by Styrofoam. And now I’m not even protected by that.

Chain Everything Down
In order to secure the hood, trunk, and doors–as the rules possibly require, depending on one’s interpretation of the poorly written list–we had to remove the header panels. Once we finished that, we were able to identify the holes through which the wire and chains will run and exactly how we will do it. Unfortunately, my drill’s battery decided to die a permanent death and we weren’t able to finish the job. We did, however, identify where the holes will be, and I’ll drill them as soon as I buy a new drill (another Amazing Prime purchase, here I come!).

In addition, we chained down the engine mount.

Next steps:
(1) Jason buy a new drill.
(2) Jason drills and deburrs the holes that will be used to run the chain and wire.
(3) Jason buy the bolts and nuts we will use to secure the chain and wire.
(4) Jason measure and cut the wire for the securing.
(5) At the next mod session, we determine when each point will be secured (we still need access to certain areas and inspectors must check the hood and trunk before securing those areas).
(6) Remove the hood latch, as required by the rules, once appropriate.

The Agenda for before the Next Mod Session
(1) Jason take care of all relevant to-do items for securing the various parts of the car.
(2) Jason continue to research the gas tank dilemma.

The Agenda for the Next Mod Session
(1) Assess and finalize the securing of various parts of the car, which may include leaving some parts unsecured until day of. This includes dealing with the hood latch.
(2) Remove windows.
(3) Reinforce the driver’s and front passenger’s doors.
(4) Determine timeline for flushing the various systems and filling them with water (e.g., radiator and cooling system).
(5) Gas tank decisions.