Location: 10.70 @ 124mph, Stock Bottom End @ 3620lbs, ECS Racing Team Member. The 1st NMCA LSX Index Rumble World Champion 2011
My VETTE Went up in Smoke
It was a very interesting commute to work this morning at 6am.
As I was going into a narrow exit ramp, A large orange glow and pop was in my face. I thought something orange hit the windshield, I hit the brakes and the anti-locks where activated. The idiot lights where on and then the car was running normal. As I am driving to work which is only another 1 mile away, I am thinking to where the orange glow/explosion was that went off in my face. Did it come from the dashboard or the steering column?
The car is now filling up with smoke from wires burning (A smell we all know). I pull into work, Disconnect the battery and start looking for the area where the smoke is coming from. I see that all the smoke is coming through the area where the signal indicator is and also the tilt laver. I call a shop to have them look at the car, I am told to bring it down. I grab a fire extinguisher and try to turn the key. The key will only go into the on position.
It will not go beyond that to the crank position. Now I also see that the steering wheel can turn 1/4 turn each way w/o moving the front wheels. Oh Great. What is going to happen now. I call the tow truck. As I am going to push the car - As I turn the steering wheel - I hear a loud snap. Now the steering wheel spins like a pin wheel. What ever the steering wheel was attached to is now detached. Thank God there was no C/C challenge on Sat 10-16-04.
Hmmmmm, Was JP in the area last night???? Was this a freak thing or did someone do this to me? I will keep you posted on the outcome of this. I guess I am not going to NH. I guess I will stay local and race the Fords At Englishtown.
Location: 10.70 @ 124mph, Stock Bottom End @ 3620lbs, ECS Racing Team Member. The 1st NMCA LSX Index Rumble World Champion 2011
Thanks Frank, I am fine. Just don't know how I did not hit the guard rail or the Jersey barriers.
Here is the latest update from the mechanic. "Your lucky." Your lucky you disconnected the battery because it was so hot inside the column that it melted the plastic/teflon knuckle for the tilt steering. "How this car did not burn up - I don't know" The mechanic said that the ignition just blew up inside the column, Then created all the problems after that.
As of 2pm, The mechanic was looking for the parts and told me that the car will be done around 10am tomm. No price yet. I can just imagine. I will bring the parts to the track for everyone to see. I will also take pictures and post them.
I did not call the insurance co. since it was not a total loss. If the damage was more then $500.00 I would have called.
Last edited by 89NYFINESTVETTE; 10-15-2004 at 04:30 PM.
Thanks Frank, I am fine. Just don't know how I did not hit the guard rail or the Jersey barriers.
Here is the latest update from the mechanic. "Your lucky." Your lucky you disconnected the battery because it was so hot inside the column that it melted the plastic/teflon knuckle for the tilt steering. "How this car did not burn up - I don't know" The mechanic said that the ignition just blew up inside the column, Then created all the problems after that.
As of 2pm, The mechanic was looking for the parts and told me that the car will be done around 10am tomm. No price yet. I can just imagine. I will bring the parts to the track for everyone to see. I will also take pictures and post them.
I did not call the insurance co. since it was not a total loss. If the damage was more then $500.00 I would have called.
Sorry to hear all this. I hope you mechanic is going to replace your entire column. GM ignition switches are crap. They run to much power through small weak contacts. Did you have you defroster on or anything?
good luck, hope to see you next week.
J
Location: 10.70 @ 124mph, Stock Bottom End @ 3620lbs, ECS Racing Team Member. The 1st NMCA LSX Index Rumble World Champion 2011
Thanks for the link Frank.
JP, It was the trans break, Line lock and the delay box wired all in one.
C5PILOT, I had nothing on but the radio. I have no heat in the car for over a year after the heater core blew out at the track.
Cyclerage, I just read the post Frank sent me about the crap that was used. It was more towards the wire used. But, I bet the ignition switches used where made in China by 6 year old kids. I have not heard many good things about the ignitions.
Since the car is in the shop, I asked the mechanic to give me a price on replacing all the U-Joints. I know if I don't get it done they will break at the next CC. That is my luck.
I have been holding onto a trans kit for the Vette. I waiting till after the season to install it. Again, My luck - I will install it and only have reverse.
I do need to install the line locks, I see that the rear rotors are turning colors. Not like I don't have it. I have had it for two years. That is next weeks project.
Thanks for the concern, As we all know I would rent a Vette at the this point to finish the season. I have a friend that said he would lend me his ZO6 if I ever need it. I think he really would like for me to race it, I think he is scaredd to run it. He is always asking me if I need it.
Last edited by 89NYFINESTVETTE; 10-15-2004 at 07:15 PM.
Location: 10.70 @ 124mph, Stock Bottom End @ 3620lbs, ECS Racing Team Member. The 1st NMCA LSX Index Rumble World Champion 2011
I hope to have it reaady for Saturday Vic. But while I was driving to work today (Wed) Smoke came from the steering column again - No orange flash this time, Just heavy smoke. Funny how it was at the same location as the last time. The Vette is at the shop now and I have my fingers crossed for it to be ready for Saturday.
Corvette Store
My VETTE Went up in Smoke
I will keep you posted on the outcome of this. I guess I am not going to NH. I guess I will stay local and race the Fords At Englishtown.
