Help an engineer out,, $1500 to go in the SAE fundraiser. Options

[slowTA]

I feel kind of funny about asking this, but I’m desperate. I’m the captain of one of my school’s SAE Mini Baja teams and it looks like I wont have my team unless we raise some money real fast. I go to the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and raising money is like pulling teeth. Most of the larger companies only give donations to charitable causes that help out the community in some way. Unfortunately, the engineering community doesn’t count in their eyes, can’t say I blame them really.

Our faculty advisor will not let us build or even order parts unless we raise $2,000 by the end of the year. Right now we are looking pretty good for getting half of that, but we’re still scratching our heads over the other half. Once we raise the 2 grand he will give us access to another 2 grand we will get from the school. If we can’t do so, whatever money we raise, as well as the money from the school, will go to our other team. I’m under the impression he wants to support one team instead of two.

So far my team has most of the frame and suspension designed, we have 2 rock crawler guys on board this year who have a ton of ideas for their trucks that were scaled down some for our buggy. We should be ready to start crunching numbers soon, and start building over the winter break.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the competition, we have to build a buggy from scratch, use a 10hp Briggs and Stratton engine, and follow an 80 + page rule book. The frame has to be made out of 1” OD x .083” wall tubing or better, should be covered with some kind of padding to protect the driver, have a brake light and backup light if equipped… the list goes on forever. There are three competitions in the U.S. (East, Midwest, and West). NJIT participates in the Midwest since the east has a water crossing, and the west is just plain too far, but they have a rock crawling section as well. The dynamic portions consist of braking, accelerating, a sled pull, hill climb… and yes, even an autocross!! Static judging is based on overall design, presentation, craftsmanship, driver comfort, innovation, and feasibility of mass production. The Midwest competition will be held in Ohio during the second weekend of June.

We’re willing to take any kind of donation possible… parts, money, tools, guidance, a box of cookies, anything we can get money from really. If you can help out in any way please pm or e-mail me and I will send you all of the information. Your donations will be tax deductible and should be sent right to the school.

These links are to the rule book and our website for last year’s team.
http://www.sae.org/students/mbrules.pdf
http://web.njit.edu/~ejp2/baja.html


Thanks for reading and any help possible,
Chris.

FYI, I asked trackbird if it was OK to post something like this and he doesn’t seem to mind.

[trackbird]

Chris asked me if it was ok to ask for support from the racing community here. I didn't see why not. If we could get every member of the board to donate $4.00, we'd surpass the goal Chris has set. I know that we'll never see 100% participation, but can we spare $10 or so out of the racing budget?

If needed, we can send it to my paypal address and I'll send one check when we hit the deadline. I'm open to suggestions, if anyone has a way to help Chris and his crew raise funds (I'm open to suggestions? If I can setup a GP [with the blessing of our sponsors of course] and donate the proceeds to the SAE club? Anyone have any thoughts?).

Or, anyone who can spare a few dollars, feel free to post that you can donate (if you don't want to list the amount, send a pm, I'll keep a list, or e-mail me at trackbird (at) columbus.rr.com - replace (at) with @ and remove the spaces).

This is not something I'd usually do on the board, but I know many members are engineers and many more are working on it. Besides, these guys may be desiging our next favorite car when they get out of school.

I'm in for a few dollars. I'll start at $10. Anyone else? (Don't feel obligated, the holidays are a bad time to try to raise funds and I understand that, but if you'd like to help, please do).

[firehawkclone]

I can do $5 just let me know when.

[94bird]

I'm in for $50 if it will get Chris to his goal. I feel for you, since we had a very tough time raising the money for our Mini Baja team at Memphis State when I was going to college. I didn't help build the car, but many of my friends did.

[Crazy Canuck]

you should put a countdown on how much is left... and update it... can motivate more people to participate.
I'll chip in... probably throw paypal is the best.
It's the HOLIDAYS SPIRIT ... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/thumbup.gif)

[trackbird]

That's $65 (plus Eugenio). $1935 to go!!!!

And I made it a sticky (and edited your topic to show the total and get attention to the fact that it's an SAE fundraiser).

[Tony99SS]

Count me for $25.00, from an ex-engineering student turned roughneck and part-time grease monkey. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Tony

[Teutonic Speedra...]

I went to NJIT also. Who's the faculty advisor these days? I always wanted to do SAE while in college, but between 18-21 credits and an internship, I never seemed to have time.

[trackbird]

Count me for $25.00, from an ex-engineering student turned roughneck and part-time grease monkey. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Tony

$1910 to go.

[slowTA]

Sweet... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/thumbup.gif) You guys are the best!!

Kevin, thanks for all the help. I didn't expect to get a response like this, every penny helps.

Dennis, professor Miller is the faculty advisor. He's been doing this for a number of years so far.

To everyone who has chipped in so far, you have all my thanks. Since this is a sticky I'll post updates and pics. We're going to cover the car with sponsor's decals so I'll have to get a couple FRRAX logos on there too.

[Guardsman]

Kevin, I just Paypal'd you $10.....good luck Chris, let us know what happens. JOhn

[trackbird]

Kevin, I just Paypal'd you $10.....good luck Chris, let us know what happens.  JOhn

Thanks! I'll add it to the fund.

$1900 left!

[slowTA]

Thanks again for all the help guys, that's $100 in the first 24 hours. I also want to say that this money will ONLY go to my team, if my team doesn't raise enough money then all of your donations will be returned.

Does anyone have a few suggestions for running a fund raiser that would raise money from a bunch of engineering students? We were thinking of a car show, but we would have to make enough to pay for additional security. Newark is the car theft capital of the world!

[trackbird]

I'll keep track of the donations and amounts (most will be in the thread). And, if it does not make the needed total, I'll have the list of who gets what (minus any paypal fees for those who paypal).

Thanks again guys!

[felton316]

Thanks again for all the help guys, that's $100 in the first 24 hours. I also want to say that this money will ONLY go to my team, if my team doesn't raise enough money then all of your donations will be returned.

Does anyone have a few suggestions for running a fund raiser that would raise money from a bunch of engineering students? We were thinking of a car show, but we would have to make enough to pay for additional security. Newark is the car theft capital of the world!

Have you ever seen "The Full Monty"? You might be able to raise some money like that. But, I'll throw in $10, if you keep your clothes on. Do we just paypal trackbird?

[trackbird]

Thanks again for all the help guys, that's $100 in the first 24 hours.  I also want to say that this money will ONLY go to my team, if my team doesn't raise enough money then all of your donations will be returned. 

Does anyone have a few suggestions for running a fund raiser that would raise money from a bunch of engineering students?  We were thinking of a car show, but we would have to make enough to pay for additional security.  Newark is the car theft capital of the world!

Have you ever seen "The Full Monty"? You might be able to raise some money like that. But, I'll throw in $10, if you keep your clothes on. Do we just paypal trackbird?

That's the plan.

Thanks guys!

$1890 left!

[felton316]

Paypal sent...

[CMC#5]

Just sent in $25...I'm a former SAE President with three Mini-Bajas and one Super Mileage Vehicle under his belt, I understand where you're at. Good luck man, sorry I can't do more.

[slowTA]

Thanks again to everyone who has made a contribution. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed.

[trackbird]

$1865 Left!

[bobbylee]

I just sent $50 via Paypal. C'mon guys, you can spare a few bucks. I figure we can worry about the bills after Christmas. All of us who still have decent jobs can give thanks over the holidays. I hope you make it Chris!

[trackbird]

$1815 Left. Thanks Guys!

[firehawkclone]

just sent you a PAYPAL kevin.

[trackbird]

Thanks. I guess everyone from the beginning of the thread can paypal as well, or pm me for a mailing address. We'll gather this up and go from there. I'm not pulling the money out of paypal until I find out if it's needed/enough. If we have to return it, I should be able to refuse the transaction (I think) and send it back.

Thanks Guys!

$1805!

[sgarnett]

If needed, we can send it to my paypal address and I'll send one check when we hit the deadline.
...
Or, anyone who can spare a few dollars, feel free to post that you can donate (if you don't want to list the amount, send a pm, I'll keep a list, or e-mail me at trackbird (at) columbus.rr.com - replace (at) with @ and remove the spaces).

Is that the address to use for PayPal?

[94bird]

Kevin, either PM me or email me with your paypal address and the $50 will be on the way.

[trackbird]

trackbird(at)columbus.rr.com is my paypal address.

Thanks guys.

[sgarnett]

Translating from the anti-spam version was clear enough (if you want to delete the harvestable version), I just wanted to make sure it was the address you use for PayPal.

[trackbird]

$1725

[Crazy Canuck]

i'm in for 50$.
I can send a US$ check... just give me the address.
Paypal, i get screwed on the can-us exchange.

[mitchntx]

Another $25 ...

[slowTA]

Once again many thanks! Within the past week, two of the larger companies I sent sponsor letters to have gotten back to me. It looks like they want to help out, so my team might actually be able to start building soon. They really haven't said how much they're in for yet, but I have a more positive look on things now. Time is also an issue since the big decision makers are out of the office for the holidays. I’ll let you know what happens as soon as I find out anything.

I've posted a few pics of last year’s team
http://www.vilipend.com/~frrax/album36

[trackbird]

$1650 to go. Thanks guys.

[MikeP-99Z]

Add $25

PM'd you Kevin

Mike P.

[trackbird]

$1625 to go.

[rpoz-29]

email me at "cyrcle55@aol", and I'll be in for 25.00. I just need know who to send it to. (I'm not into paypal). Merry Christmas!! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/drink.gif)

[Unbalanced Engin...]

Hey guys,

Sorry I missed this one. For some reason I just don't seem to notice the pinned messages. Unbalanced Engineering would like to contribute $100. Merry Christmas to all.

Jason S.

[trackbird]

$1500 to go. Thanks guys!!!

[Crazy Canuck]

woohoo... figured a new thread (unpinned) would bring some traffic here and probably some more donations. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[trackbird]

woohoo... figured a new thread (unpinned) would bring some traffic here and probably some more donations. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

I noticed that...good work (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) .

Thanks again to everyone so far, it's nice to see a group so willing to give back to support the hobby we love so much. I appreciate it and the SAE team really appreciates it.

[Crazy Canuck]

thanks... did you get my check ?

[trackbird]

thanks... did you get my check ?

Not yet.

[Crazy Canuck]

was sent over a week ago (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[trackbird]

was sent over a week ago (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

It showed up today.

Anyone else feeling generous after the holidays? We are at $500 and depending on the corperate sponsorship, we are hopefully quite close.

Thanks guys!

[94bird]

Just paypaled the money. Hopefully it does some good.

[trackbird]

Ok guys. We'll have the final word in a few days, but it looks like there are enough corp sponsors lined up to cover the difference between what we have raised and the $1,000 they started with. So, if you have not already send your donation, please do so (I have to mail the check in a few days). If you need contact information, please send me a PM and I'll give you the paypal and mailing information.

Thanks for all your support. I know Chris is also very grateful for your assistance.

[Crazy Canuck]

(IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/2thumbs.gif) :drive:

[rpoz-29]

Check went out this morning. Sorry I'm so late with it! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/rant.gif) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/rant.gif)

[trackbird]

No problem....

[slowTA]

WAHOO!!!

Tonight I got notification from our facutly advisor that the corporate sponsor came through for the team. So we'll place an order for steel tomorrow and get this show on the road.

Once again I would like to thank everyone for their donation, it will definately go to a good cause. If anyone owns/runs a business please let me know and I'll make some kind of decal to put on the car as well as a few FRRAX decals. I know Unbalanced Engineering will get a spot as well, anyone else?

[trackbird]

I'm waiting on one last check. PM me a mailing address and I'll get it headed your way. What is the "must have date" (so I can hold for this check). I'm glad we could help.

[felton316]

Post pics of the build.

[MikeP-99Z]

Congrats! Now go build a winner!

[trackbird]

Thanks again for all the support everyone. I'll be mailing the check out on Monday. Keep us posted on how it goes!

[Crazy Canuck]

WAHOO!!!

Tonight I got notification from our facutly advisor that the corporate sponsor came through for the team. So we'll place an order for steel tomorrow and get this show on the road.

Once again I would like to thank everyone for their donation, it will definately go to a good cause. If anyone owns/runs a business please let me know and I'll make some kind of decal to put on the car as well as a few FRRAX decals. I know Unbalanced Engineering will get a spot as well, anyone else?

I, with some friends, just started a business.
I'll send you the logo so you can do something if you don't mind.
the business is http://www.moparplace.com
Please spread the word if you know anyone anyone in the Mopar world.

[slowTA]

I have to advertise for Mopar now!??!? (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)


Not a problem... I'll come up with a decal after the car gets painted. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/thumbup.gif)

[trackbird]

Mail is sent. I CC'd you on it. Check was mailed today after work.

[Guardsman]

Sweet, congrats Chris. Keep us up on the car, and good luck. John

[slowTA]

Here is an update on the progress so far. We have some of the frame assembled and as soon as we get some of the suspension pieces in we'll make jigs for the A-arms. Hopefully the frame will be much closer to completion with the drivetrain sorted in 2 weeks... I'll keep everyone up to date.

http://www.vilipend.net/~frrax/album36

[transam2k4]

Good luck man. I now what you are going through. I'm a Freshman in University of Dayton, Ohio and we have a SAE Team The baja team already have 2 functional car but only one up to date in the rules. WE are starting a SAE Formula and that one is really expensive but anyway i feel ya.

**EDITED TO REMOVE SIG PIC**

sig pics are not allowed at FRRAX

This post has been edited by robz71lm7: Jun 28 2005, 04:05 AM

[slowTA]

Yeah, every few years you have to start from scratch again. I think you earn points for entering a new frame every year instead of using last year's. I would prefer to build the formula, but we have enough trouble raising enough money for the baja! Good luck.

[Ackattack]

I just saw this thread. Congrats on getting the donations to make things happen.

I was on the Mini Baja team when I was in college (Kansas State University). Did that for 2 years, and then helped put on the competition 2 years. It was a lot of fun and and met some pretty cool people.

Good luck with the build and at the competition

[slowTA]

It’s time for another update. I know it’s been a while since the last one so that should mean we were busy building and that we should be testing it now. Unfortunately that isn’t the case yet. There were some setbacks with machining time and availability of all my teammates. We got the build schedule down pretty well for now, Tuesday through Friday most of the day long. I can say that most of the time we spent in the shop recently was used to make parts that will be bolted to the frame when the sub systems are completed. A lot of time was spent staring at the frame deciding just how everything will be fitted together. You can do all the planning you want with CAD, but somethings have to be held in place while you’re sitting in the car.

The frame itself went up pretty quickly, I would say we had the majority of the main supports were built within 3 weeks during the semester. Remember we didn’t get our first load of steel until the end of January. Most teams, like the school’s other team, were building since September or October. They just brought the car out for testing last week!

After we were happy with how the frame was taking shape we moved onto making the suspension components. The front A arms were built utilizing a jig we made, tabs were machined, another jig was made to hold the arms and tabs onto the frame. Once the tabs were welded onto the frame we located the rack and pinion. The goal here was to make sure there was plenty of room for our brake and gas pedals as well as controlling bump steer. As the front end sits now the bump steer is hard to notice but the camber goes positive during compression. Not exactly a bad thing, we’ll just have to add a bunch of negative camber at ride height. Suspension travel is about 8”, this is limited by the ball joints and tie rod ends. Unfortunately the arms spread a little during welding so we have to fix that before we can finalize the suspension. The rear control arms are almost completed, hopefully by the end of the week we’ll have the rear tabs welded to the frame. The end of last week we set up the upper front shock hoop, it still needs a ton of bracing but we’re confident its in the right position.

The engine and driveline are being assembled this week as well. The motor and intermediate shaft have to be positioned within 1/32” so the belt of the CVT can do its job. This held us up some because we didn’t have all of the bearings on hand, then we didn’t have access to the shop to use the big caliper. Tomorrow the motor should be bolted down assuming there is no more bad news heading our way.

Our order of sheet metal is coming in this week to do the floor board, firewall, and motor guards. Hopefully some of the team can complete them this week as well while other get the motor and rear suspension together.

While all this is going on I made hotel reservations, rented the trailer, and talked my dad into letting the team use his Tahoe to tow the trailer. The school won’t let us use one of their passenger vans since the trip is more than 150 miles. However they do give out gas cards for all school functions. That means I now have to coordinate 2 more events. Installing the hitch and getting the brake controller installed. We can save money by installing the hitch ourselves, but we’ll save more time by having the brake controller installed by a trailer place. Imagine that, a Tahoe (with the tow/haul mode switch on the shifter) that doesn’t have a hitch installed from the factory!

Anyway, the competition is June 16th to the 19th in Troy Ohio. Since we’re leaving on the 14th that gives us exactly 2 weeks to skin the frame, finish the front and rear suspensions, mount the motor, steering wheel, electrical, mirrors, and do ‘some’ testing. Lets not forget we also have to paint the car somehow. My co-captain wants to have it powder coated, I can’t argue except for the time needed. We heard that it takes 3 days to get parts powder coated. This past summer I painted my engine compartment so I’m leaning towards painting it ourselves.

Thanks again for all of the donations. I’ll keep everyone informed of our progress and a final update after the competition.
http://www.vilipend.com/~frrax/album36

[Teutonic Speedra...]

That means I now have to coordinate 2 more events. Installing the hitch and getting the brake controller installed. We can save money by installing the hitch ourselves, but we’ll save more time by having the brake controller installed by a trailer place. Imagine that, a Tahoe (with the tow/haul mode switch on the shifter) that doesn’t have a hitch installed from the factory!

Chris-

What year is the Tahoe? If it's a 98 or newer, I'm pretty sure that it should be a plug and play for the brake controller. You can order it with a GM harness and plug it in right under the dash, no cutting, soldering, or anything. It's also very likely you can plug a 7 pin connector right into a harness that should be located near the rear bumper.

-Dennis

[slowTA]

It's a 2000 and I just found the connector behind the rear bumper, it has 7 wires going into it but doesn't look like the standard 7 pin connector. It's been a while since I've done any trailering stuff. However, I don't see where the other end is under the dashboard. I do see a 'relay box' that has a few open connector ports, and the label inside the cover says something about a trailer plug. I want to assume that's where the adapter would go to the brake controller, is that a safe assumption?

If it really is that easy then I think I'll start kicking myself now, I would have included the controller in the order with the hitch! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/nutkick.gif)

Now I'm confused, after finding this page I think the truck had a hitch on it once but the previous owner took it off. I think it's time to make another post in the towing forum.
http://www.etrailer.com/faq/cbc.asp

[Teutonic Speedra...]

I'm not 100% sure, but there should be an adapter that goes directly from the brake controller to something under your dash. I just installed a new one in my truck on Friday and I know it was an option if my truck had been newer (97). I just installed a Tekonsha Prodigy and since I had previously had one in, it was as simple as putting a new eyelet on the ground and splicing the other 3 wires together.

Just found this on their site.....guess this is only if it came from the factory with the tow option.

"O.E.M. Style Wire Harness for GM models equipped with trailer tow option."

http://www.tekonsha.com/tbsabrakeconwireharn.html

Oh, and I got the Prodigy model on ebay for $93 shipped.....much cheaper than anywhere else on the internet and it was NIB.

Good luck!

[slowTA]

I'm going to need some decals from Unbalanced Engineering and Mopar Place to put on the car as sponsorship decals. I tried printing them but the images I have are just too small.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

[slowTA]

I had a great write up ready to go about our experiences this year, but it takes up 3 pages in word and I doubt anyone would want to read a post that long.

The short version of the good news is that the team had fun and learned a ton. Everyone on the team learned their way around a lathe and a few of us even became fairly handy with a MIG. The last few weeks consisted of long days and we even left a full day later then what I wanted. We still made it to the competition on time.

The bad news is we broke the transmission four times, couldn't compete in any of the events, and finished 116th out of 118 that showed up. 141 teams registered, so I guess I should be happy that we have something to show for our efforts.

http://www.vilipend.com/~frrax/album36
http://minibaja.saedayton.org/teams/ptsummary.htm

There is rumor of a rule change for the frame that makes this year's car illegal. We're going to work on a transmission that holds up, bought or built, and test it in this car. Then possibly make a new frame if we can't modify this one.

[trackbird]

Sorry to hear of your transmission troubles. That's a real bummer. The good news is that you weren't DFL. There's always a bright side.

:drive:

[slowTA]

Thanks Kevin. After we fixed the transmission for the third time we were just waiting to see what would break next, unfortunately it was the transmission again. I thought the team spirit was still Ok but half the team left on Saturday night. I guess I don't blame them, Sunday (the endurance) was only fun for those teams that had something to do.

I guess what hurts most is that we didn't finish the endurance last year (broke a shock mount), all I wanted was to do better this year. I wasn't sure if I was going to be on the team next year but it's my last chance to finish one. So now I have to be on the team. :drive: (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/nutkick.gif)

[trackbird]

Well, we will gladly help out again next year if we can.

[Teutonic Speedra...]

Why are there (2) NJIT's on the list?

40. NJIT Newark - Brick City Racing (#66)? (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

[trackbird]

Why are there (2) NJIT's on the list?

40. NJIT Newark - Brick City Racing (#66)? (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Slow TA was on the second team (which they were not sure would have funding to participate). We took donations here on frrax to assist with their goals and to help insure that the second team made the event as well. Chris may have a better explanation, but that's it in a nutshell.

[Teutonic Speedra...]

All along I never realized they were starting up a 2nd team. Thought they were just getting the 1st one funded.

[trackbird]

I feel kind of funny about asking this, but I’m desperate. I’m the captain of one of my school’s SAE Mini Baja teams and it looks like I wont have my team unless we raise some money real fast. I go to the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and raising money is like pulling teeth. Most of the larger companies only give donations to charitable causes that help out the community in some way. Unfortunately, the engineering community doesn’t count in their eyes, can’t say I blame them really.

Our faculty advisor will not let us build or even order parts unless we raise $2,000 by the end of the year. Right now we are looking pretty good for getting half of that, but we’re still scratching our heads over the other half. Once we raise the 2 grand he will give us access to another 2 grand we will get from the school. If we can’t do so, whatever money we raise, as well as the money from the school, will go to our other team. I’m under the impression he wants to support one team instead of two.

It was buried in the original post....

[slowTA]

This was actually my team's second year in existance, but the captain from last year didn't leave any of his contact info around. Most of the sponsors were for parts anyway and we still had those parts from last year. Our advisor wouldn't let us list parts we already had before we could start building. That's why this car turned into such a rush job, it looks like we won't even be able to use it next year. I have some contact information for another large sponsor I'm looking into for next year.