Ron Fletcher

Email: fletch@lambolounge.com
Town & State: Martinez, California (40-miles east of San Francisco)
Web Site: http://www.lambolounge.com

Next random Thought

Type: Lamborghini Diablo SV Jota
Body: CRP
Chassis: first was a 86 Fiero, Second was a custom JLS Motorsport, third and current frame is a NAERC
Engine: Chevy 383
Transmission: Porsche 915
Starting Date: 1/1/2001
Projected Finished Date: 5-1-2009

Influences: Rick Page was a tremendous inspiration to me in the beginning of my build, he was also the one that pushed me to build this web site. I would consider Dale Van Blokland to be the father of kit car builders, when I first started Dale had the only web site with a detailed description of the work that is involved in building a kit. Andy Endre Bujtas is the Professor of builders, we are very luck to have Andy helping us with his technical advice.

Occupation: I am a Mechanical Engineering Manager for Cisco Systems, it's a great job and I love working for a great company. I have access to a sheet metal fabrication shop, and I have the full ability to make 3-D mechanical drawings using Pro Engineer. I hope to use my background and ability to create drawings to help illustrate how to build and assemble parts.

I am 46 years old, married to a wonderful woman (Cindy) who allows me pursue my dreams. We have four kids, the youngest is now thirteen. Side Note - I find that working on my car, while waiting for my older daughters to come home, is a much better way to spend my time (then watching TV).

It has always been my dream (since I was 20) to build a car, back then I was going to build a Bradley GT. I even bought a VW bug for $200 and I sent away for the Bradley manual. After reading the manual I realized that this was a bigger project then I thought, I was going to be in over my head and I didn't have enough support or help to explore this project.

My reason for taking on this kit car project is to give me a better education in the mechanical background of cars. I am not afraid to ask question and for advice, I finally have the time, the money, the ambition to learn, and the drive to pursue my dreams… building my own car.

I bought an 86 Fiero V6 in September of 2000. I slowly stripped it down, at the same time researching every manufacture and web page builders diary to learn all I could before making a decision on which Lamborghini body manufacture to work with. In December I sent out an email to every car builder I could email, and asked for there advice. I would consider that my project really started in January of 2001.

I received my Diablo SV Jota body in September of 2001, from CRP and my frame was started by JLS Motorsports in April 2002. The chass was never finished by Lance Smith of JLS Motorsports, after hiring a lawyer I received my chassic back on 10/10/03 60% comlete.

Engine: This is going to be a tough phase of building for me, I know nothing about engines… yet this is the reason why I am so intrigued about building this car, I want to learn more about things like engines. I have to face the facts, I don't know what I am doing, so I will let the experts handle this job. Maybe with my second car I can build up the engine when I have more confidence in what I am doing.

Transmission: I received my Porsche 915 on 12/2/03 from Greg Kerr.

Chassis: My first plan was to use the Fiero chassis, but have learned that the engine size that I want to use (which requires a beefier transmission) does not fit well on the CRP sub frame attached to a Fiero chassis (lesson learned from Rick). Talking with Lance, he said that anytime you cut a frame (Fiero) and add a different engine, you are asking for the invitation of having your frame shimmy at speeds over 70mph. After learning more about tubular chassis and torque it only makes sense to use a tubular frame.

Time Line: This project was going to be a retirement project, but I am glad I started it now… because I may still be building this car by the time I want to retire. I hoped to have this completed before my daughter graduates from High School in 2009.

My Musical Side:
I have played the drums since the 8th grade, and I just sold my 25 piece kit a year ago, I have had my fun of touring and playing with many bands. The list of people that I have played with is long... and it was so long ago (who cares - I have never been much of a name dropper). Lately I have not been playing them as much and they were taking up some of the room I needed in the garage. Here are some photos of my kit before I sold them, this drum kit was a custom kit built for me using the same design as Chester Thompson (Genesis - Phil Collins 1982 touring drum kit).

A lot of my musician friend have come and gone, I am very proud of one of my friend that I use to play with and I can say that had the pleasure of touring with him in 83' (with another band)... Steve Oliver, check him out.