August 13th: I spent about an hour cleaning the engine compartment. It doesn't look bad on the surface, but I remember the mechanical judge wasn't impressed last October. I hand wash parts with a lot of water, along with some Simple Green and some Griot's Garage Oil and Grease cleaner. It does look better.

I'm remembered today that I need to get the cigarette lighter working—the single most annoying thing about this car.

39 days to go.