Extremes of Large and Small

Had the day off today and spent the first part of the day replacing valve stem seals - and very challenged trying to deal with the tiny #%&^@* valve spring keepers

Then a very large crate arrived from Devon, containing the DBR-Replicar chassis, bodywork, and sheet metal, along with the UK-Miata right hand drive components (front subframe, steering rack, intermediate steering link).

Unfortunately the truck that brought it was not equipped to unload a crate this size and so the driver and I had to perform epic feats of Bubba engineering to get the crate out of the truck.

For now the DBR-Replicar parts will have to wait for the next few tasks on my task list: 1) put the engine and transmission back together, 2) disassemble the rear subframe/suspension assembly, 3) clean and prep the subframes and suspension parts. Then and only then will I be ready to pull the Replicar chassis for priming and painting (and also prime and paint the donor car suspension and subframe parts). 

Intentions for the priming and painting: Pops says that the best way to treat tube frame chassis is two part epoxy primer. He's been building tube frame racing cars for about 45 years, so it's possible he's learned a thing or two along the way. Then for the actual paint, I like acrylic enamel because it's durable and especially chip-resistant - perfect for frame and suspension. And it so happens that the tractor paint one gets at one's local Tractor Supply store is a tough and affordable acrylic enamel. For the color, I really like how Scarab Motors in Kansas City did the frame of their high end DBR-1 replica in a very pale light green (see below). So I got two cans of white tractor paint and one can of John Deere green and plan to mix to taste.