Roberts Garage TT

01/06/2026

You don't know the importance until trouble starts. ALWAYS use Anti-Seize on the axle spline. Ever since we got the Castrol Fit, I never took out the axle from the spline, until today. If you ever changing a bushing in your suspension and have the ability to slide the axle out the spindle, I highly suggest you out some Anti-Seize.

So why did the axle seize? As I said, it's been many many years (manufactured in 2009) that axle never came out. I'd like to say moisture was the main issue, but to be honest, there wasn't visible 'rust' on the axle spline. What I noticed was a hard black substance on it. Is it corrosion? Maybe. What I will say is that due to the excessive heat cycles the brakes undergo, especially using it on the race track, it would definitely aid in the creation of that black substance which seized it. The rotors were extremely small, thus they would overheat after two good laps. Just look at all the fireworks from the rotors/brake pads under braking! In fact, after 2 hard stops, the rotors would be stained blue/purple. Thankfully, with the new brake upgrade, I shouldn't have brake fade for the level of racing the car undergoes. And with the CRC Industries Trinidad & Tobago high temperature copper anti seize, it would be protected when it does.

Castrol Trinidad & Tobago FT Farfan Ltd.

31/05/2026

A 40tonne press and heating with a torch still wasn't enough. We had to take sacrificial measures.

As we always say, it can't be seized if it's a liquid. Ended up blowing a hole thru the side if the spindle to get heat directly in the middle of the axle spline. After A LOT of heat and a very persuasive junk of steel for a hammer, it finally came out.

Really appreciative to TigWerkz Nigel Ramberan for spending half his rare 'day off' to help me fight with this thing. Imagine we found a machine shop open on a Sunday evening.

Castrol Trinidad & Tobago CRC Industries Trinidad & Tobago Castrol FT Farfan Ltd.

31/05/2026

Just when you thought everything was going so well, I encountered a seized axle. See why I use CRC Industries Trinidad & Tobago anti seize on everything?? (This is the first time taking out the axle on this car btw.)

31/05/2026

There was corrosion building up on the original shock head. To prevent the new shocks from acquiring the same, FT Farfan Ltd. sponsored me some CRC Industries Trinidad & Tobago SP-400 Corrosion Inhibitor. In the future when ever I need to remove the shocks, I know a hammer, torch and grinder wouldn't be needed. (We've all been there working on cars).

Castrol Trinidad & Tobago Castrol

30/05/2026

In with the new......

Castrol FT Farfan Ltd. CRC Industries Trinidad & Tobago Castrol Trinidad & Tobago

30/05/2026

Out with the old.

FT Farfan Ltd. Castrol Trinidad & Tobago CRC Industries Trinidad & Tobago Castrol

30/05/2026

First upgrades for the Castrol Fit after so many years of racing it.

Castrol Trinidad & Tobago FT Farfan Ltd. CRC Industries Trinidad & Tobago

29/05/2026

Some changes need to be made. Stay tuned, suspension upgrades underway. Looking to have this upgrade in before Trinbago Grassroots Autosports on the 7th June.

Castrol Trinidad & Tobago CRC Industries Trinidad & Tobago FT Farfan Ltd. Castrol

24/05/2026

And the verdict? Best I could do was 2nd Place at Castrol Gridkhana Event #2. I'm not down about it though. I was pleased with how I drove and I extracted all I know how to from the Fit.

While the transmission wasn't as aggressive every lap, it still worked strong enough thanks to the transmission cooler and my water spray bottle combo. Lol. The cool night air also helped. As per usual, I was sent to 'Gapplebees' every race on the launch (usual CVT soft launch) and was left to claw my way back up thru the corners. I do catch up quite a lot, but it seems the gap at the start is getting too much, and the competitors are getting faster.

The question is, what do I do now knowing I'm falling behind this bad in the straight? Do I get new tires and replace the beaten into slicks tires I'm currently using? Do I change the bushings in the car so it no longer sounds like a first time steel pan player in the trunk? Do I upgrade the brakes so my rotors don't look blue like a Smurf after every lap? Do I change my shock and springs so the car doesn't wobble like uncle leaving the bar at 12am in the morning? Or do I just do the one thing everyone waiting on and install the engine/gearbox swap? Either way, with Castrol Trinidad & Tobago supporting me, I know I can pull thru.

24/05/2026