Placecraft Build

[Some Kind Of Monster]

Well 460 has inspired me to post up my progress on the new race boat so I'll keep a record of what's going on in this thread.

I picked up this 1984 Placecraft Spritzer Tunnel about a year ago and have been taking my time rigging it up. At this time I have exactly one month before it's forst scheduled race so this project is now a high priority.

The plan is to move the engine from the old hull to the new one (done) and rig the new hull up. The jet was already built, rigged, and dialed in by the previous owner so I'm going to leave it alone for now.

At this point the boat is just about ready to run. I was going to keep this project sort of a secret until it was ready but I need the motivation so here it is.

 

[Some Kind Of Monster]

The dash needed some help because someone had previously drilled some holes that got ruined over time so I filled the old holes. The previous owner built an aluminum dash cover to cover the holes. I decided to leave it but drill it for gauges (Previous owner had the gauges elsewhere).

 

[Some Kind Of Monster]

A couple more current pics

 

[blownrat505]

Looking good, Sooo your saying its going to be ready? :bowdown:

 

[cave]

blownrat505 its a secret :champagne: I say he gets it done the day of Qualifying What say you all?

 

[Some Kind Of Monster]

blownrat505 its a secret :champagne: I say he gets it done the day of Qualifying What say you all?

Probably about right :champagne:

 

[Dominator]

NICE!:thumbsup Good news it will be ready by April 2nd at least.

 

[jetboatperformance]

SWEET !! Looking Good Keep up the Pics

 

[Outlaw]

:thumbsup:thumbsup:thumbsup

 

[squirtnmyload]

dang billy how big is that thing. its gonna flyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

 

[RiverDave]

SKOM, I didn't know you were a machinist?

RD

 

[cave]

SKOM, I didn't know you were a machinist?

RD

He's OK. No 5th axis shit but yea, he's OK.

 

[Some Kind Of Monster]

dang billy how big is that thing. its gonna flyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

Ever heard of the term "potato chip" I sure wouldn't step on the deck or sides. It can't weigh much more than three bills.

SKOM, I didn't know you were a machinist?

RD

RD,
Remember this thread?

http://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15600

Everything I know about machining I learned from my Dad. He has been a tool and die maker for some 40 years making molds for medical equipment, milk jugs, ink cartridges, just about anything plastic injection mold related with unfathomable tollerances. We have a decent home shop that I've been learning in as long as I can remember. I was hesitant to post those pictures because my Dad would have whacked me for usung that hole saw to cut those gauge holes but it turned out great so there you have it Dad is a wealth of machining knowledge and he has patience that I don't think I will ever have. RD, your stories about your Dad remind me of mine. I bet they would have talked for days. My Dad is a quiet man until he finds a fellow machinist, but once he does, he can talk for days. I'll see if I can get him to dig out some of his past work projects for me to post in the "billet porn" section. It's some interesting shit to say the least.

 

[RiverDave]

Ever heard of the term "potato chip" I sure wouldn't step on the deck or sides. It can't weigh much more than three bills.



RD,
Remember this thread?

http://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15600

Everything I know about machining I learned from my Dad. He has been a tool and die maker for some 40 years making molds for medical equipment, milk jugs, ink cartridges, just about anything plastic injection mold related with unfathomable tollerances. We have a decent home shop that I've been learning in as long as I can remember. I was hesitant to post those pictures because my Dad would have whacked me for usung that hole saw to cut those gauge holes but it turned out great so there you have it Dad is a wealth of machining knowledge and he has patience that I don't think I will ever have. RD, your stories about your Dad remind me of mine. I bet they would have talked for days. My Dad is a quiet man until he finds a fellow machinist, but once he does, he can talk for days. I'll see if I can get him to dig out some of his past work projects for me to post in the "billet porn" section. It's some interesting shit to say the least.

I gotta admit I was a little shocked to see the hole saw in a bridgeport, but whatever works.. LOL

I remember that train thread, but you never posted up pics of the machines etc.. Why not do us up a little home shop tour in teh billet porn section? I know I'd like to see it?

RD

 

[Some Kind Of Monster]

I gotta admit I was a little shocked to see the hole saw in a bridgeport, but whatever works.. LOL

I remember that train thread, but you never posted up pics of the machines etc.. Why not do us up a little home shop tour in teh billet porn section? I know I'd like to see it?

RD

Sounds good Dave. After I get the boat finished and the first race behind me, I will have some time to do a shop tour thread. We just expanded the shop not long ago and there still isn't enough room for everything. :grumble: Give me a month or so and I would be happy to post some pics.

Speaking of racing, the RDs should come out for one of the big races this year. The board would benefit from a good write-up and pictures of the action as you always do, and you would have a great time. I have open bedrooms and an open bar if you need a place to stay. Open invite

 

[cave]

Billy it might be time for an update on the Train :thumbsup

 

[Dominator]

Sounds good Dave. After I get the boat finished and the first race behind me, I will have some time to do a shop tour thread. We just expanded the shop not long ago and there still isn't enough room for everything. :grumble: Give me a month or so and I would be happy to post some pics.

Speaking of racing, the RDs should come out for one of the big races this year. The board would benefit from a good write-up and pictures of the action as you always do, and you would have a great time. I have open bedrooms and an open bar if you need a place to stay. Open invite

Promises promises.

 

[Some Kind Of Monster]

Billy it might be time for an update on the Train :thumbsup

There has been some progress.. I'll see what I can do.

 

[RiverDave]

When are you racing it?

Put the pics up of the machines in the billet porn section.. I've been sitting here stairing at that mill trying to figure out what it is.. The table looks brand new in the pics.

RD

 

[Some Kind Of Monster]

When are you racing it?

Put the pics up of the machines in the billet porn section.. I've been sitting here stairing at that mill trying to figure out what it is.. The table looks brand new in the pics.

RD

LOL Some crazy stories regarding these machines. I'll save them for the Billet porn section.

The first race is March 11-13. This is the first race ever for ADBA and I'm not really sure how big of an event it is going to end up being for a first race ever. The last I heard we are looking at 40+ boats but we'll see.

The May 27-28-29 Race is a national Lucasoil event and will draw a crowd and lots of boats.

Of course the World Finals November 17-20 is a must see event.

Lucasoil's schedule: http://www.lucasoildragboats.com/schedule.html

 

[RiverDave]

I might be interested in the Lucas Oil event..

What is the ADBA? What happened to NJBA and IHBA?

RD

 

[Some Kind Of Monster]

I might be interested in the Lucas Oil event..

What is the ADBA? What happened to NJBA and IHBA?

RD

ADBA is the brand new Arizona Drag Boat Association. If all goes well, we are looking at many, many more races here at Firebird during the season (We usually only have two). The first race ever will be March 11-13.

NJBA Is still operating out of Cali and they hold their own events but will meet with us at the national Lucasoil events.

IHBA is no more. Long story short (and much of it I don't know), they were bought out by Lucasoil. We still have the same events including the world finals, but under the Lucasoil name now.

 

[blownrat505]

hey SKOM,where are you at with your hot rod? Iam hoping to have lake test this weekend, then have to do all safety stuff yet, had problems getting parts this time. :drnkfr

 

[Some Kind Of Monster]

hey SKOM,where are you at with your hot rod? Iam hoping to have lake test this weekend, then have to do all safety stuff yet, had problems getting parts this time. :drnkfr

Wellll, I ordered up a flywheel guard from JBP last night. After I install that, I need to add oil, prime, run the valves, and fire! I might need to wash off all the dust too :grumble:

 

[bp298]

ihba was not bought out by lucas oil. ihba simply close down following the 2009 world finals. lucas oil dragboats now runs a similar program (to the casual observer, it would look the same).

there were several reasons to create the ADBA at this time. this has been a very long road, but ADBA is now a recognized Lucas affiliate club, just like NJBA, CDBA, SDBA, SLDBA, and KDBA.

ADBA's first race will be March 12/13 at firebird raceway in chandler, az. no capsule boats will be run. open boats only, pe through rr, in accordance with the lucas oil rulebook. there's also a "lake racer" class for boats that will only run 80mph or less. circle boats will also run. for more info, visit adbaracing.com.

RD, NJBA will still hold races in Ca. ADBA will hold races at firebird which makes the travel costs a lot less cost prohibitive for Az racers to participate in a series. the alternative would be 800-1000 mile r/t's.

billy, get that thing done...

 

[Some Kind Of Monster]

ihba was not bought out by lucas oil. ihba simply close down following the 2009 world finals. lucas oil dragboats now runs a similar program (to the casual observer, it would look the same).

there were several reasons to create the ADBA at this time. this has been a very long road, but ADBA is now a recognized Lucas affiliate club, just like NJBA, CDBA, SDBA, SLDBA, and KDBA.

ADBA's first race will be March 12/13 at firebird raceway in chandler, az. no capsule boats will be run. open boats only, pe through rr, in accordance with the lucas oil rulebook. there's also a "lake racer" class for boats that will only run 80mph or less. circle boats will also run. for more info, visit adbaracing.com.

RD, NJBA will still hold races in Ca. ADBA will hold races at firebird which makes the travel costs a lot less cost prohibitive for Az racers to participate in a series. the alternative would be 800-1000 mile r/t's.

billy, get that thing done...

Thanks for clarifying that Bob. I guess I should attend a meeting or two and get my facts straight

The boat is done. Fire in the driveway tonight, lake tomorrow I really like how everything turned out. Pictures to follow.

 

[cave]

Sweet. Good luck Billy!

 

[bp298]

Thanks for clarifying that Bob. I guess I should attend a meeting or two and get my facts straight

The boat is done. Fire in the driveway tonight, lake tomorrow I really like how everything turned out. Pictures to follow.

Billy, wish you could have made it out there. lot of hard work, but weather was perfect and it seemed like everybody had a great time racing. river racer was awesome, there were even a couple daycruisers out their racing, having a blast. we have one great crew out there putting this deal on.
get those pics up, and start making plans for may 7-8. if it's anything at all like this past weekend, it'll be awesome...

 

[Some Kind Of Monster]

Billy, wish you could have made it out there. lot of hard work, but weather was perfect and it seemed like everybody had a great time racing. river racer was awesome, there were even a couple daycruisers out their racing, having a blast. we have one great crew out there putting this deal on.
get those pics up, and start making plans for may 7-8. if it's anything at all like this past weekend, it'll be awesome...

Bob, I wish I could have been there too.. I was really looking forward to it. The boat is done but we had an unexpected death in the family a few days before the race and I'm just now starting to have some free time again. Family comes first, racing comes second :champagne: I'll see you in May and pics to follow as time starts to permit again.

 

[bp298]

sorry to hear it billy. next time will be even better than the first!

 

[JDW]

Lookin really nice really like how the PCs look.

JDW

 

[RetroBoats]

Not trying to hijack this thread, but thought I would mention we have the mold for this version of the PlaceCraft as well.

 

[Some Kind Of Monster]

Thanks JDW.

Here is from last weekend.

 

[Some Kind Of Monster]

I made a few passes at Saguaro last night to make sure everything is a "go" for the race this weekend. It was firing on all cylinders so I'll be heading up to Firebird tonight. It's still running rich and can use some more timing but I'll leave it since I don't have any more time to test.

 

[MissB]

hEY skom - How did the race go?

 

[460]

hEY skom - How did the race go?

Word on the street is he won the river racer class yesterday.

 

[MissB]

Word on the street is he won the river racer class yesterday.

can i get his john hancock? LOL NICE JOB SKOM! :drnkfr

 

[Some Kind Of Monster]

can i get his john hancock? LOL NICE JOB SKOM! :drnkfr

Why thank you very much! It was a great weekend with great people. I had to beat some fierce competition to pull it off but somehow made it work. I also went 3 rounds of the first gambler so I'm very happy with the outcome!

I can't thank ADBA enough for putting on the event for us. I see nothing but good to come!

The boat ran consistent but didn't run the numbers I was expecting. It ran much slower than the last boat so I know something is wrong with the engine. It will come apart this week to find the problem. I'm hoping it's just valve springs since the engine sat dorment for a couple years.

I won't make the Memorial day race because I will be out of town but I should be at the lake and river all summer and I'm looking forward to the next race in October.

 

[Some Kind Of Monster]

Oh and Dave will be happy to hear the trophy pictures were taken in my RDP shirt. I'm totally available to be RDP's first race sponsorship

 

[MissB]

Why thank you very much! It was a great weekend with great people. I had to beat some fierce competition to pull it off but somehow made it work. I also went 3 rounds of the first gambler so I'm very happy with the outcome!

I can't thank ADBA enough for putting on the event for us. I see nothing but good to come!

The boat ran consistent but didn't run the numbers I was expecting. It ran much slower than the last boat so I know something is wrong with the engine. It will come apart this week to find the problem. I'm hoping it's just valve springs since the engine sat dorment for a couple years.

I won't make the Memorial day race because I will be out of town but I should be at the lake and river all summer and I'm looking forward to the next race in October.

AWESOME!!! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE PICS! RIVER? MARTINEZ?

Oh and Dave will be happy to hear the trophy pictures were taken in my RDP shirt. I'm totally available to be RDP's first race sponsorship

 

[cave]

Get some AZ Numbers on that race pyle and lets get this summer stuf going on the SAG!!! Way to be Billy ! CONGRATS

 

[Some Kind Of Monster]

I owe credit for these pictures to Eric Neidhart and Josh Letterly took the ones on the start rope.

 

[blownrat505]

You looked good out there Billy!! i will get you when i get the lights figured out! LOL!!

 

[cave]

OK PAL,, Where the video. Post that video up. !

 

[bp298]

great job billy. you made it through a pretty good field of boats to take that win. see ya Oct 2!!!

 

[Some Kind Of Monster]

You looked good out there Billy!! i will get you when i get the lights figured out! LOL!!

You did great too! As always I know you impressed a bunch of peope with your lake rocket. It was great running with you. Now lets plan some lake time!

OK PAL,, Where the video. Post that video up. !

Eric had the Gopro on the boat for a couple runs but I'm not sure how much video it actually took. We'll have to wait to hear if it actually took some good video or not.

great job billy. you made it through a pretty good field of boats to take that win. see ya Oct 2!!!

Thanks Bob. Congrats on your win as well. I'm looking forward to October. I'll see you there with the backcut shoe you recommended. It turns out I had a 3degree in my box of parts to test out

By the way, best of luck Memorial weekend. I wish I could make it.