Automotive Restorations
1971 Dodge Challenger
So First things first, the big project I am determined to complete in the near future, the complete restoration of my 1971 Dodge Challenger. I got it in 2015 from a guy that owns a salvage yard but he was selling it for a friend so it still had a clean title. It came with a 318 v8 but I was able to obtain a 440 v8 from a 1972 Chrysler Imperial along with the 727 3 speed automatic transmission. my plan is to convert it into a clone of an R/T model and stroke the 440 to a 500 cid v8. A lot of research has been done on identifying unique markers on how an R/T looks and what options they came with, the positioning of front spoilers and the rear faux vents. I also desire to make it safe with the addition of modernized brakes with front 6 piston calipers and ideally rear 4 piston calipers, along with a modernized suspension kit so it will handle like a modern vehicle. But aside from those hidden upgrades, it will look like stock.
![DSCN0658[1]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/de5758_6c45372322744899aa87b2d2e87b8f6c~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/de5758_6c45372322744899aa87b2d2e87b8f6c~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.jpg)
1950 Ford F-3
My first Car Restoration Project, 2014 up until 2016, was my grandfather’s 1950 Ford F-3 pickup. Since the original 239 cid flathead V8 block was cracked back in the mid 70s and presently heavily rusted, we replaced it with a ford 302 v8 from a mercury grand marquis. In order to do that upgrade, we had to find a 70s era Ford truck rear end and during that search is when I found my challenger. The engine has EFI as it originally did in the mercury and the pickup was modernized to a 12v system since it was originally 6v. I added a DVC component speaker and had purchased a head-unit designed to look like the original radio but with options like RCA connections for amplifiers, AUX cable for connectivity, older iPhone cable, and connections for a 6 CD changer. We also got Vintage Air A/C system installed for additional comfort, and we installed visors and seat belts in the cabin. In most car shows, we are able to lump the entire drivetrain as a single modification, so with the A/C being a second modification, we typically can still get into the stock ford pickup class. We don’t always win, but we have won several 1st place trophies, including “Best Ford” at one car show.
![DSCN0358[1]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/de5758_ed1507a86c2d401f844628df0031169f~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/de5758_ed1507a86c2d401f844628df0031169f~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.jpg)
![DSCN0424[1]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/de5758_ec6cb21dc7194aea952d89388d62bcb0~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/de5758_ec6cb21dc7194aea952d89388d62bcb0~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.jpg)
![DSCN0437[1]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/de5758_5a7dba7a9775495b9a754d12c943a825~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/de5758_5a7dba7a9775495b9a754d12c943a825~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.jpg)
![DSCN0624[1]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/de5758_869ebc9368ff410c9e78a79b99601a4b~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/de5758_869ebc9368ff410c9e78a79b99601a4b~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.jpg)
Mechanic Work
So in the past I used to do a lot of maintenance and repairs on my car and help my father do the same thing to my parents cars. Lately it has been more rare since we’ve replaced those cars with relatively newer vehicles that have warranties and some aspects are just cheaper at the dealership. However, we have accumulated many tools and have done tasks ranging from simple brake pad/shoe replacements to CV axles and I’ve rebuilt my parent’s pickup 2.2L i4 engine, and waiting on parts to rebuild the 440 v8 for my challenger.
Computers
My Computer
My other pride and joy when it comes to technology, is my desktop. Built my first computer in 2009 and that computer has been upgraded in small increments(gpu, storage, ram, etc) and every few years(2011, 2013, 2018) bigger upgrades such as motherboard, cpu, watercooling. If you want to see more details on my desktop, feel free to check out my twitch or builds.gg profile.
Other Builds
I have also built plenty of computers for other people including a dual socket cpu workstation. When compiling a build, I first start with their budget limit +/- leeway range. If they have any particular preference on certain hardware components or applications they need to run then I will determine if their needs can be built at the budget they've provided. Once that is taken care of, I will compile a list of components needed, and if approved, then they can purchase the components. Some of the people I assist with this phase already know how to build a computer and don't need my assistance on that stage but others do or its a unique system and they ask if I want to join. Those unique systems are usually the most fun. Here are some pictures of some of the builds that I still possess images of, the first 3 builds all used an Antec mid-tower case. A product of its time which didn't leave much room for cable management. The workstation, my friend just wanted it up and running to begin running his server and progress on his dissertation as soon as possible so cable management was something he would do himself sometime in the future.
Wood crafting
Due to my passion for working with my hands and eventually getting into car audio, I started learning how to craft with wood. First I built some basic subwoofer enclosures before I eventually mastered it through autoCAD and replicating it in the real world to get this
However, that wasn’t the only items I’ve built from pieces of wood. For example, this table for storage and placing my printer on the top and since I was using space MDF wood, staining and varnishing wouldn’t look very good so I wrapped it with a wood vinyl wrap.
Recently I also set out to build a dual Huawei Smartwatch charger stand. It needs some buffing; however, I have not been able to get around to that task as of yet, so some parts are a bit rough with some dust caught on the final layer of varnish
