Thursday, January 14, 2016

Four Year Anniversary

This anniversary feels a little bitter-sweet. It is always exciting to celebrate another year gone by for the Project, but this time I feel like "Man, has it really been four years?"

Setbacks just happen with any project, I know that, but I think I let the painting fiasco affect me more than it should. I lost motivation as a result. I distracted myself by getting caught up in other things and just did not put a priority on KITT. I tried several times to reestablish the pace Sara and I had at the start of the Project, but so far it just hasn't been the same.

Right now I am all fired up about starting on the wiring, and with the added "kick in the butt" this anniversary delivers I have something to announce:

I am back in the game! :D

We got KITT's 1983 Pontiac Trans Am body four years ago today. Here is what he looked like on January 14, 2012...

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Great Memories

Project: K.I.T.T.'s anniversary is just around the corner and it has me feeling a bit nostalgic. Remember back, about a year and a half ago, when we brought KITT online for the first time?

Thursday, January 7, 2016

KITT Under Wraps

It has been awhile since I have posted a picture of KITT. Well, here is what he looks like right now.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/WpVdkjEH1HfiicqjbrvH66VId4IP_ImgVJRAzJvsZCzLQOXsXJ5EMmz7XBc4NkmH90B8xQL8cxfGlmdC_QLt6JjDmAe1OTFdqjRm3l5fxRQCjHzi_x6afCYZ2zGtJ96ZpGzEUcBZwM0gGt7HHTOZu1hBpDjVrQPnGoGjMby8Vh6I-xeHMe6o5pMeXZ3bxFQ7T9yRmIn9ZdjTTwLxoZwmmBL73NOyWuOnS2ZmltDIPpjPs4S_EnjNQsZPf1LEuOnBvCmbXBXpQ9wt-qRD8vea4kuTUjKITsFKx4ThcSplTP3pWzQ_IspHEMVy5l0tCSTHUZ1rIavmVjors7qqSBHGvIDiDp8lWZS5QLgstROEPZ5fVU3kgT0U3EmPDSmjNGgqNiUX7w-gV9nGrcH3wTQecrQ3IPtVFSidyYDN8UlUhygwThwZLrftcOPkmw20W664Nqlx-d4BnPIMjxaY8IBfysx3VN585hKslw3dDS0J5WMhf4Ne-kWk58HQaS-rPoCHVytoMVm81qT9QDSQ28_zKTBuUkDVxoCzGhLw6QWeeh8gG6p6K3gT52tS3dFm1OqjkEhuqg=w1260-h946-no

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Getting A Harness On The New Year

It has been far too long since there were regular updates on Project: K.I.T.T. That is going to change starting now! We decided to dive right back into the project with something big, so we ordered KITT's new wiring harnesses. This is truly where all the magic begins. KITT would not be KITT without a solid electrical harness powering all his awesome systems and electronics.

As previously discussed, we have decided to go with a new harness entirely and wire KITT from scratch. There are just too many variables when trying to reuse an old harness. We will still need many of the connectors from the old harness, but all the wiring will be new.

We decided to go with harnesses from Painless Performance. I have done a lot of research and Painless Performance seems to have the highest quality custom harnesses, offering the most flexibility and great support.

KITT's chassis harness will be Painless Part #10201 28 Circuit Classic-Plus Customizable Chassis Harness -GM Keyed Column

We are also ordered Painless Part#70920 PowerBraid Chassis Harness Kit

PowerBraid is a flexible, semi-rigid material, with a tough woven texture and appearance to enhance the look and protect the insulation of any electrical wires. I use something similar to this at work for all of our computer cable management. This stuff is awesome and much more resilient that the old plastic style sheathing.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/KDhJBDVvn837cfJGtiaI75SdErzfqPc5ZnK42ep7ZxxMjZQQapY6j4CSap5wyctLfE9ZJ1KfaEgtzyaCGM35QJ5kNVhjXzeDP560Haxq0cxCgq9OMMIBuRhhWlpNylYB3pUFrObeuxQ552wrr6sXvzo9ttVVGLEdeKDWGlInUvmB661ZsAI_WgLiIJTAxcWFJUPIMgtWX8aMOJCrPO9M14yyUMp8Bpe_nbkOZHhgVd0f7gI9K5Fe09KfSjAxp9D8obIxqPDR_J3TXmXMR0cuFj_AeUuoJdzAx3KvPmDzgu7Dk63lYEiCB82s7yjZ9ZSWrnCpjCVah5hPcllOqKgR0Elz6uZWm6UtehQe7vwyCTx4F_EEA5dTp0rex6LRUO7n7QM7akQKYC1oprjq5z0g5wIMrviWPwB1LwSxEDe4dnNo0vd0S35EKkpvtO7XLspPAAJc-HYT50y7E40Bvs45bMOZK80HgVL0vwt3QzPbgzGIbTrEw4xb6PZvmy7pbJrfZybBSgS-EMjcWZrD8ccceVjdSH_Yr8MeaYiCn2mZ0mQkGZFAWdPu4nTxp4V6kggWG58v7g=w900-h550-no


KITT's Fuel Injection harness will be Painless Part #60101 1982-93 GM 4.3L V6; 5.0,5.7 and 7.4L V8 TBI Harness Std. Length

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/VV-R0IlXPlKVfWYnITC-AExrzywyB6Gac1e_XXuL5kFPchrrbEdz3GL73Qd-kqj4AelJA9ZuzVxEbVeHidTeBgOFd-yY1e1TiQ3kU_1IumeqhHuTI-1EBSG7c2sLTzJWO5Kk0Exz5aTehdEWEM3uxgTrhKH-m3-AsBua4w3x-mEaTwC9iep8dk1-8cbz-4iwcQ516p8joQpvRhlAJG_eDTycCziSDBIw4lBdclbfH8FSoAYkSb1W6cd2dIMqCA8N01EFuzmYCuPOHw27wvFXBhSJ1uO0mRoSnBN5duyTmHLMQmA_ebNh4l50Tp3t1OZXzbT1RLrwLMX24_RqmIa4aEmB06PU7cBUDvpnK4PWRUksR8ESalMkrbalQ737RlTwS8yL04hp5xJiMHsm_oAYosHxfG3R9htan9K7cReaCFrMZqCqHL7iN2bzZzJhbnZ-msP9x2oDBhNC3PsG2DFY1fjXIArdSC8JL-s1fchQNAj8T5lM3SuViVUeI4qttOpsP_puuaiIYq4Wb17RH4zKpmtYZqL-aKghAtXJLSih8YwWyjyfUJ7jS0EMSkRxRoRT6rodCA=w900-h576-no

We are also ordered Painless Part#70921 PowerBraid Fuel Injection Harness Kit


Painless called me today to verify my order, and told me it should ship out today. I am really looking forward to receiving it, and I will do an unboxing video when it arrives!

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Merry Christmas 2015


Wishing each and every one of our followers a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year! Enjoy your time with family and friends! If you are traveling for the holidays, please do so safely.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

This Is Your Chance To Say "Hello" To KITT

We have been working with KITT on perfecting his vocal recognition protocols and he is getting really good at recognizing and responding to just about everyone that stops by. However, he would benefit from hearing more vocal samples as there can be so many variances in the way we talk, and also with our varying accents.

There was enough interest from our followers, so we are hosting a video Hangout to give anyone interested a chance to say "hello" to KITT. Please keep in mind that because KITT will be learning your voice all you will be able to say is "hello", but if we have enough people help with this we might be able to let you talk to him more in the future.

Mark your calendar and join us on Hangouts on Sunday, December 13 at 7:30 PM CST.

Are you going?

Yes   Maybe   No

Sunday, November 1, 2015

My New Gullwing Knight-Head Hat

Mark Puette creates the coolest Knight Rider stuff and his latest collectible is no exception!


Saturday, October 31, 2015

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Introducing K.I.D.

Introducing the Knight Industries Drone, or K.I.D. for short. K.I.D. is a Syma X8C remote controlled drone.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

An Update On KITT's Engine

I stopped down at Troy's shop on my way home from work and he had a surprise for me. He had resumed work on KITT's engine rebuild. He has the chrome valve covers and Renegade intake manifold installed. Looking pretty sweet if you ask me. :D

I have been slowly going through the parts boxes in the garage and attempting to better catalog and store them. Once I have that finished we are going to get to work on a few more things for KARR before diving back into KITT.

Here are the items I still want to get done on KARR this fall:

-Install new door glass for both doors
-Clean and lube all door/window hardware
-Tint both side windows and rear glass
-Replace or repair windshield weather strip
-Install remote starter
-Paint gullwing steering wheel

I know Project: K.I.T.T. has been quiet lately, so thanks for sticking with us.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/lEdwaZGc8T42clTWJuhMAgM36y2PB-HY15z4uwbGThx-SIvdQhWh--GROXGnaVexIpLLB3ZWqWtd5XXYUtQdLPIRDUbtYXgmBruieiVF9sgGU19PwE-WcHK_Vvi_hYVdZTSgKkPozWNxMJia9EA7rQEacE61H3AbKx9xzLYXqYrcb-PIDTlpo1Rf-vhKjR_y4z4YjXRYu797JI5Z7p6gsZ8qID27NFAvxIbI4vp98zqIEO0nlc0k4QhhCpRYAWjI0S0sWG_7VBJTon7kRYhd9iszelOrtsT2Y7g77xWjdeGYCjT6b3qxJWDYYQlaDLaLqIgEUxUKJd2er2No3VVN4Cen6uzUvcQWO4bIgRRpC34fh0_qF-6Ux_2qXWAFQ9WJ8cY7S2-0rIR37IEv5q3VPdnDf35HF3_dUl5eYV_LLx_4Jjvm9weXweJZR152ySfdJr6cq_hOG_FUDzB6MB5sfEJS6_Ymq8WhS3iWoJ6rIfp5qSMXt9LcN8DP4tQc2qwi9P3WvMBdHGtawOZmQ012CLMr3ciLNAEYsaI9NKe6QyYj=w1199-h900-no

Saturday, September 26, 2015

KITT Turns 33 Today! Happy Birthday Buddy!

Knight Rider debuted on September 26, 1982 and as a result KITT was born!


Monday, August 24, 2015

KARR Get New Tinted GT Sail Panels

I know Project: K.I.T.T.​​ has been quiet lately, but that is only because I have been busy with other smaller projects, like giving KARR some much needed love and attention. New door glass is also on my list for KARR before the summer is out.


Tuesday, July 28, 2015

KARR's Gullwing Installed

KARR is finally back home tonight! He has been at the mechanic getting some much needed maintenance. KARR received a catalytic converter, new water pump, new thermostat, new spark plugs, new brake pads, a coolant flush, a tune up, and a replacement line for the damaged high pressure A/C line so KARR now has working air conditioning!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/lRFxsdiku-rotPqElEmHelCJ0X9BVhNGKiBscmK_h3gO=w2521-h1419-no

Sunday, July 19, 2015

My Birthday = KARR's New Gullwing

I thought it would be cool to put a gullwing steering wheel in my Fiero (KARR). It was an idea I was toying with, but I really could not justify the expense of putting a gullwing in my daily driver just to have a gullwing. This summer the leather-wrapped GT-style steering wheel in my Fiero started oozing whatever glue was used to hold the leather in place on the steering wheel. It oozes out of the pores where it is stitched and looks like melted chocolate, in both consistency and color. It also stains clothing. One day while trying to get a "chocolate ooze glue" stain out of my dress pants, Sara said, "How about for your birthday present this year you get a gullwing steering wheel for KARR?" Got to love my wife!

I had decided before starting Project: K.I.T.T. that all of KITT's conversion parts, both interior and exterior, will be from Billy at Knight Designs. Billy's parts are the true "Cadillac" of conversion parts. They are not only the highest quality and most screen accurate, but feature all the bells and whistles, too. The downside to having "Cadillac" parts is the "Cadillac" price that goes with them.

When it came to choosing a gullwing for KARR, I was not looking for the ultimate in screen accuracy, but rather a cost effective, functional, quality gullwing. Also, I needed a customized gullwing, as I was putting it in a Fiero and not a Firebird, and would not have the dash and the rest of the conversion parts.

I turned to João at Knight Passions. I liked the look of his 3rd season “Gullwing” steering wheel and he was willing to customize the steel neck of the gullwing by shortening it for my Fiero. He also had an unbelievable turnaround time for a customized part. I had my customized gullwing in just three weeks!

Here is the box from Knight Passions. João wrote "Very Careful!" or "Extremely Careful!" on every side of the box, including the bottom. I have never seen a box marked that well. Very impressive!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/P8EWNTCZiH6GmWK5Rp_wAGNcdDjqlaovKPA0gbyktRvM=w1679-h945-no

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Google+ And YouTube Custom URLs

Project: K.I.T.T. has new Google+ and YouTube custom URLs!

https://plus.google.com/+ProjectKITTblog

https://www.youtube.com/c/ProjectKITTblog

June has been crazy busy for us and all the while KITT has been very patiently waiting in the garage. We hope to be back at work on him soon, so stay tuned!

Sunday, May 31, 2015

Fixing The Front Bumper (Again) And Applying (More) Sound Deadening

When we mounted the front bumper, we used fender washers to replace the brackets that spanned between each bolt pair. Unfortunately the fender washers, because they are thin, bent and/or cracked when the bolts were tightened down.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Gps--qtUz6WJzgmGggow1MkuDAj8hnRENu4hGToBb-zE=w1597-h899-no

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Finishing The Heater Box And Blower Housing

This morning we went to Menards to get the hardware I needed to finish the heater box and blower housing. Because the receiving nut stripped out, I needed to create a stud in the blower housing that would reach through the firewall so that I could secure the heater box with a nut and washer from the inside.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Zs7XAs160p58Evie6Wu_xmsPBVgJjZYT9VZLlDD2E-sw=w1679-h945-no