918 May 2002 update

918 May 2002 update 918
May, 2002 Update

At this point the roof hatch is ready to be removed, we are just waiting for our date with the crane (June 9th). All components that were attached to the hatch (electrical and cooling system) have been disconnected.

Now it's time to move on to the side panels...


The panels on the right side were about to fall off on their own.	First panel removed on May 11th, the same day we fired her up for the first time in about 5 years. Mechanically, she's in good shape.


918, before any panels were removed.	By mid May, we had most of the lower panels removed.

Close up views showing frame-work on engine.

	Dirt and rust was trapped in these trough-like areas below the panels. This holds moister and causes the side panels to rust from the bottom up. This had to be scooped out with a small garden shovel before any needle gun work could be done.

Don McPherson and Jon Vlasak work on removing the metal covers that guarded the side trough. It was because of these (we presume these were added later by WP) that dirt and rust was able to collect in this area. These will not be replaced.

	Don removes a rusted section of bracing that holds the sandbox.

Jon chisels away at the thick rust that has built up on the frame.

	Sparks fly as Phil Copple grinds away on the framework above the battery box. In the background, Jon digs out more of the rust and sand that has built up under the side panels.

Photos and text - Dan Furtado (6/02)

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