Cannonball Run 2016 "The Aussieball" Official Build Thread

[TFchronos]

In all honesty I felt the same way about it too. I didn't want to bend any of the previous rules to much but this time we've only got one officially complete entry and there are quite a few builds that are very close so I thought we could let it slide just once. Everything will be wrapped up before the start of next year's I promise that.    

As for the entry rule I would kinda like to see that remain the same, I think it keeps the playing field pretty level. But I did bump the end date for this one by two weeks so I know I don't have much ground to stand on. I'm good with what ever you chose to do Rob, you are the founder of this amazing cbp. I think I can speak for all of us here when I say we'll go along with whatever you chose to do.

 

As for end game here. Your builds must bee 100% done (or at least appearing 100% and road worthy) by 11:59pm on the 15th nothing later will be accepted period. You will all also need to have your final pictures posted in the completed builds thread by no later then 11:59pm on the 17th. If it's not there it wont be counted in for voting. The voting thread will be up between mourning and noon of the 18th.

If we have more than 5 builds there will be two rounds run for 5 days each. Round one: top 5 proceed to round two. Round two will decide this years overall winner.

If there is only five then there will be one round run for 7 days.

Edited November 30, 2016 by TFchronos

[JTalmage]

I'm good with all of that. Sounds like a plan. I seem to have this knack to not finish something I tell myself I have to finish... and then finish other things. 

Mostly because I also have monthly contests w/ my local club... so I try to incorporate my builds based on the yearly themes of my club. This year, trucks didn't fall under that radar. 

[Lunajammer]

  On 11/30/2016 at 6:08 PM, Jantrix said:

I'll be changing the rules for next year, to allow a model up to 50% complete to participate in the Cannonball.

Thoughts?

Hmm. Mixed feelings. On one hand I have several that could benefit from this rule change, including an unfinished Cannonball car. On the other hand, will half built entries be Cannonball cars or end up being just an old favorite that might be more suited for the Back on the Bench! CBP? Maybe it doesn't matter. Won't effect me.

[Jantrix]

  On 12/1/2016 at 5:06 AM, Lunajammer said:

Hmm. Mixed feelings. On one hand I have several that could benefit from this rule change, including an unfinished Cannonball car. On the other hand, will half built entries be Cannonball cars or end up being just an old favorite that might be more suited for the Back on the Bench! CBP? Maybe it doesn't matter. Won't effect me.

Point taken. I'm just trying to make it so that more people could participate AND complete the build. Because fewer than 50% of people that end up on the roster complete the build, even on our best years. Now some of that is due to modelling ADD that we all seem to suffer from, and some of it is from life in the way, and some of it is a lack of inspiration. 

I'd like more input folks. If everyone is not in favor then I'll keep the rule as is.

[TFchronos]

Well congratulations are in order to Dennis for being the only one to officially finish his before the original end date. Congrats on that Dennis!

However due to popular vote we're in over-time now. Remember folks you've only got 14 days left period. If Dennis is still the only one standing by the 15th then this year is his (rightfully earned).

That said I while mine got close but slipped through my fingers at the end (for the original end date at least). I thought I would at least post a couple of pictures on where mine is right now.

Like I said I'll be changing the look and style going high and 4x4 with the Jeep's components. Might be for the better in the end.

 

The coil overs will at least find there way on the build.

Goodluck in over-time everyone!

[oldcarfan]

I had packed my entry away knowing that I was stuck for time. My work hours changed and I started working on a Master's degree in the last few months and I am drowning. If there is an extension, I might be able to finish it.

[Belugawrx]

Jonathan, thats looking good man

giddy-up

Tramp stamp on

 

[MeatMan]

  On 11/30/2016 at 6:08 PM, Jantrix said:

I'll be changing the rules for next year, to allow a model up to 50% complete to participate in the Cannonball.

Although I've only participated in two runs I feel I must speak out, I'm not a fan of the 50% build. What is 50%, and who determines that? I think it opens a can of worms best left in the ground.

I support extending the deadline this year since there was only one finished build, but come on guys - procrastination (or other priorities), not lack of time was the problem.

I think going with unlimited should bring enough interest to bring participation back up. Like it was mentioned in a previous reply - if you want a sleeper build, then build one. Like I wanted a vintage run, if I want to enter one I can build one. Personally I don't actually participate to win, I love the back and forth and seeing other builds. There was not a lot of that throughout the year.

For what its worth that's my 2 cents (not counting inflation).

[Jantrix]

Thanks Dennis, I'll take yours and the other opinions into consideration.

[Belugawrx]

Yep I agree with Dennis,.. that's 4 cents.... next one has the 6th

Had time to work on this last couple of days...

Bench Time ROCKS...

front end needs steering......and cleaning, but she's on all fours!!

Added a reservoir, and some more batteries,... you can never have enough,... 

Glues all drying now.....

I think Jake is about to quit,...

Any whoo...See you at the starting line people

Cheers

Edited December 5, 2016 by Belugawrx

[wrecker388]

To go on with what Rob was saying about the 50% completion, that would be cool if the vehicle used was to be from a prior Cannonball race. In other words, started for one but wasn't finished, and was able to run in the next competition. Considering my Cannonball cars almost never seem to be finished within a year, I'd be up for this. My F-1 Rally truck that was meant for this year would be perfect for that. I'd think it would be even cooler if you would be able to accomplish two for that purpose, for example running a 2016 entry that wasn't finished until 2017 and an individual 2017 entry. Just my .02 cents. Best of luck to everyone in the competition! I didn't even get mine to wheels this year. 

[TFchronos]

Nice work Bruce!

Got the front end on mine, should have the rear end in by tonight.

[Misha]

Looks like Jake is doing a great job for you Bruce! Really looks great with the detailed suspension.

Hoping to get the Canuck Blazer to the start line. Today was busy dry fitting the drive train, so far so good. Still a number of hoses and wires to hook when it all comes together. Also busy with painting still, plus so many details that I have a list.

Cheers Misha

[Jantrix]

  On 12/5/2016 at 4:48 PM, wrecker388 said:

To go on with what Rob was saying about the 50% completion, that would be cool if the vehicle used was to be from a prior Cannonball race. In other words, started for one but wasn't finished, and was able to run in the next competition. 

That's an interesting option. Thanks.

[MeatMan]

Wow! Now we're cooking with gas!!

[JTalmage]

Unless I can paint it this weekend... things aren't looking good for me. 

Oh, does anyone know a good place to find pictures of current Australian license plates? I have tried to google them but I don't really know what I'm looking for, and descriptions are vague.

Edited December 7, 2016 by JTalmage

[TFchronos]

That's something I've meaning to look up for a while. Found this little Wiki page for anyone interested.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Australia

 

Summary of current standard issue plates

General

State/territory	Text/background color	Format	Size	Current slogan	Current series	Notes
Australian Capital Territory	blue/white	Yaa·nna	372 mm × 134 mm	ACT Canberra – The Nation's Capital or ACT Canberra – Heart of the Nation	YLS·00A	Slogan embossed on plate
				ACT Canberra - An Age Friendly City	YLP·00A	Slogan embossed on plate
				ACT – Celebration of a Century 2013	YIQ·00A	Slogan screen printed on plate
New South Wales	black/yellow	aa·nn·aa		New South Wales	CK·00·MC	No slogan
	black/white	aaa·nna	372 mm × 84 mm (front) 372 mm × 107 mm (rear)	NSW	DKY·00A	"Premium" slimline; no slogan
Northern Territory	ochre/white	Ca·nn·aa	372 mm × 134 mm	NT – Outback Australia	CC·50·AA	Slogan embossed on plate
Queensland	maroon/white	nnn·aaa		Queensland – Sunshine State	000·WZZ	Slogan embossed on plate
South Australia	black/white	Snnn·aaa		South Australia	S000·BNR	black/white
		Sa·nn·aa		SA Heavy Vehicle	SB·00·ME	Slogan screen printed
Tasmania	blue/white	a nn aa		Tasmania – Explore the possibilities	F 00 NT	Background screen printing of state logo (a thylacine walking through reeds)
Victoria	blue/white	naa·naa		Victoria – The Education State	1JE-1AA	Slogan screen printed on plate
	white/black	aaa·nnn	372 mm × 100 mm	Vic	ALN-000	Slimline; no slogan
Western Australia	blue/white	1aaa·nnn	372 mm × 134 mm	Western Australia	1GEO·000	Decorative motif of desert sun and blue skyline along top of plate.

 

Common features

Plates tend to bear the State or Territory name and perhaps a state motto or slogan at the top and/or bottom of the plate. Recent issues of plates (since the 1990s) also often use the state's colors and may include some imagery related to the state (such thing as the state's logo as the dot separating the groups of numbers).

Vehicles running on autogas or compressed natural gas must have a metal diamond with a white lettering LPG on a retro-reflective red background or metal disc with white lettering CNG on red background. The tag must be mechanically fixed (and is usually riveted) onto both of the registration plates. If multiple gas tanks are fitted to vehicle, multiple tags are required – one tag for each tank installed. Subsequently, vehicle manufacturers who manufacture cars with LPG as standard fitting, provide LPG stickers already stuck to the vehicle's registration plate areas, and some state and territory registration authorities also are producing plastic "flat" printed registration plates, and therefore need to provide LPG stickers to avoid damage to the plates if drilled for pop rivets.

All hybrid electric vehicles must have a green diamond sticker with the word "Hybrid" written in white letters. This became a mandatory requirement on all hybrid vehicles registered in Victoria from 1 April 2009,^{[citation needed]} and is designed to warn emergency services in the case of an accident that the vehicle contains high voltage cabling throughout the vehicle.

 

 

The Wiki page also shows custom plate combos you can have

• Coloured plates chart

Offered in colours are:
Colour on black: AAA·nnn AAA·nnn AAA·nnn AAA·nnn AAA·nnn AAA·nnn AAA-nnn
Black on colour: AAA·nnn AAA·nnn AAA·nnn AAA·nnn AAA·nnn AAA·nnn
Coloured on white: AAA·nnn AAA·nnA AA·nnn AA·nnnn nn·AAA nn·AAAA nnn·AAA cccccc
Coloured range: AAA·nnn AAA·nnA AA·nnn AA·nnnn nn·AAA nn·AAAA nnn·AAA cccccc AAA·nnn AAA·nnn AAA·nnn AAA·nnn
Premium Range: AAA·nnn AA·nnnn AAA·nnn AAA·nnn AAA·nnn AAA·nnn

Exclusions & choices: Motorists can choose any combined letters and numbers including solely letters (max 6 characters). Plate customization has also been added into the colored, premium range and recently motorcycles (7 March). Certain restrictions about combinations have been put in place to prevent people from designing plates which appear too-much like numeral-only plates which are auctioned off separately (e.g. 9I2 would not be allowed as it is too similar to 912). There are also restrictions preventing people from picking combinations that are too similar to special plates issued by the Authority (for instance, HC-nnn and HC-nnnn combinations are reserved only for accredited hire-car operators).

 

 

[JTalmage]

That's handy!

[Jay's Customs]

I figure that it's time I show some of the progress. Custom driveshafts, scratch built shocks, sway bars, and skid plate. It has custom scratch built steering and it has the Jeep's rock sliders. I fully scratch built the Warn M8274.

[Belugawrx]

Jeremy that is SAHWEET !!

[Belugawrx]

Got a bit more done to the Perch...

I'm going to try to wrap things up here this weekend,...

Cheers AussieBallers

[TFchronos]

Awesome stuff Jeremy and Bruce!

Just a friendly reminder everyone but 11:59pm on the 15th is the end date. If it's not at least announced here that your entry is done (preferably with a picture to boot) (or a picture of it at least appearing finished) then it will not be counted in for voting. Not to sound evil or anything but we've had 11 1/2 months to get them done I think that stipulation is plenty fair.

 

Mine is back to the point it was on the 28th of Nov. hopefully lady luck will be forgiving this time and let me finish it. haha

 

Yes I know the mirror was crooked, I fixed it after taking the picture

Still got the add the steering wheel (might be a good idea to have one in the car )  Rear sway bar, skid plates, drive lines, bumper, Roo-bar and some engine detailing. Down to the wire like last time.

Not sure If I'll add mine to the voting mix though, still disappointed in myself for not getting it done by the 1st.

Goodluck everyone!

Edited December 10, 2016 by TFchronos

[Belugawrx]

Jake finally found a use for all of those guitar nut ends

Theres the gd Vice Grips !!

.

Gonna role this over to the start line boys,..

Good luck,and  Godspeed 

 

[Jantrix]

I don't know if I missed this news or if it was just buried in all the election BS, but we lost Brock Yates back in October. I know he was suffering from Alzheimer's disease, so this was not unexpected. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/09/automobiles/brock-yates-dead.html?_r=0

[TFchronos]

  On 12/11/2016 at 3:01 PM, Jantrix said:

I don't know if I missed this news or if it was just buried in all the election BS, but we lost Brock Yates back in October. I know he was suffering from Alzheimer's disease, so this was not unexpected. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/09/automobiles/brock-yates-dead.html?_r=0

Yeah I didn't see that either to much "he did this" or "she did that" with the election I guess. Very sad to hear, I hope he's running a Cannonball in the stars above.

Edited December 11, 2016 by TFchronos