What is the CRAZIEST thing you have done in a week to make a race

Island Dragway, back in the 70's. Had a 60 Chevy 283 2bbl stocker with a 4 spd. Nhra changed the rules and said no 4 speeds in the low HP cars. Had a 3 sp setup, but no shifter (none available). Ran time shots, and a fellow came over with a 3 sp shifter, which he sold to me for a low price. Changed the trans during "lunch" break, and made first round. Blew the tires off the car. 4 speed had a 2.20 1st gear, 3 speed had a 3.09 1st gear. rear was a 5.13.
Done many things over the years.
Rebuilt trans in the bathtub, at the motel.
Changed a piston and valve, in the hauler, after a valve broke, in a gas station parking lot 1,000 miles from home.
ETC.