<VV> rampy backfire update

[vair65 at netzero.net]

Over the holidays I managed to sneak in some time and work on the rampy.  If you don't remember I was having a backfire (carb and exhaust) issue.  In discussion several of you "voted" for over adjusted valves, Terry Kalp offered to send me a set of valve covers (center cut out) to adjust the valves while running (thanks Terry).  The covers haven't arrived yet, but I couldn't wait and had to back off the valves 1/2 turn on the right bank.  Now the backfire is limited to the left side, pretty good indication that the valves were too tight.  Thanks again for the help!
With the rampy running some what and winter upon us I decided that I should take a maiden voyage in the rampy (all the way to the back yard).  This was quite an adventure since the only brake is the hand brake.  You definitely need some talent to work the hand brake, steering wheel, and PG shifter all at the same time.  Still was a great feeling to get to "drive" the rampy for the first time.  Now I can pull the rear suspension out and rebuild it over the winter, maybe by spring I can start driving it daily.
Keith Hammett