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Changed oil in engine, see this wrench, Chris, this is the claw of which I was speaking. Got done with it, and was running out of daylight, so I started small work on my utility trailer, working the locks and airing the tires until dark. Shower and pan fried a round steak for dinner and leftovers. I meant to get to regreasing driveshaft yoke again but did not get to it.
I think Monty needs a soundproof box with white noise.
John - I seem to vaguely remember seeing that type of filter wrench in the auto parts section somewhere/sometime, but it's been so long since I've needed one I can't remember when it was. Is that type adjustable to fit any size filter? Thanks for the pic!
I think a soundproof box with white noise would be perfect for Monty. I think he actually tries to do that for himself. Usually when there is alot of thunder he goes into the hall bathroom, which is the only room in the house without an exterior wall, and therefore the quietest.
Chris that wrench takes some getting used to as, when as I have it here, it's a ratchet on a ratchet, so you kind of have to come at it CCW before it grabs. It has great width tolerance, I use it on my tiny Toyota filter and the big old GM cans on our old stuff. Theoretically, it has a max width, those claws can stick straight out sideways.
Chris that wrench takes some getting used to as, when as I have it here, it's a ratchet on a ratchet, so you kind of have to come at it CCW before it grabs. It has great width tolerance, I use it on my tiny Toyota filter and the big old GM cans on our old stuff. Theoretically, it has a max width, those claws can stick straight out sideways.
It looked like it had a ratcheting clamping/opening mechanism, that's why I asked. I'm sure it's very handy once you get used to it. I'm keeping track of 4 different sizes of cap type wrenches to cover 5 vehicles.
Excellent start for me this morning. We have an extra wall guy and he's given me quite a few wheels. I'll take them. My regular wall guy is on vacation this week and my guest wall guy is his buddy, and just as good. Short week for me because I'm off Friday.
I've been using the cap style filter wrench for years. I have a couple different sizes. Why the manufacturers think it's a good idea to mount the filter sideways or upside down is beyond me. The Charger has a cartridge filter right on top of the engine. Very simple.
Speaking of that, I changed oil in the Charger yesterday afternoon. Used too short of a funnel putting in the new oil and it puked back and put a large amount of it on the driveway. I didn't have any oil dry so I dug up some dirt next to the driveway and used that. Note to self, get a longer funnel.
Norm I've heard the thinking these days is to seal up the crawlspace tight as can be. Honestly, half my crawlspace is tall enough to stand up in, I wish I could make it into living space. My crawlspace just has open squares in the tops of the foundation walls, no screens or doors or anything. I'm sure many generations of critters have called it home. The insulation is all falling down and I'd like to come up with something other than the fiberglass roll insulation that's there. Spray in foam insulation would be pretty expensive.
We had Sonny's ribs for dinner last night. Can't beat them. Why make some huge holiday meal for two people? I picked them up a couple days ago and we reheated them. Just like being there.
Okay back to work. Hope everyone has a great week!
It's a Corvair show in Helen, GA. Haven't been in years. Some other friends of mine are coming up from Florida and talked me into going. On the way up I'm stopping at a museum that I've wanted to see for awhile. That will probably be the best part of the weekend.
So I like to have 20 wheels signed by lunch, today I have 42. I think the extra wall guy is giving me all his wheels, and not spreading them out. That's okay. Makes me look like I'm working harder than everyone else, hehe.
Think I'll try some yardwork after work today. I need to get my tractor fired up and move some stuff around at Mom's. Might be a possibility.
It's a Corvair show in Helen, GA. Haven't been in years. Some other friends of mine are coming up from Florida and talked me into going. On the way up I'm stopping at a museum that I've wanted to see for awhile. That will probably be the best part of the weekend.
So I like to have 20 wheels signed by lunch, today I have 42. I think the extra wall guy is giving me all his wheels, and not spreading them out. That's okay. Makes me look like I'm working harder than everyone else, hehe.
Mike - That sounds like a fun weekend you have coming up. Shows like that are always more fun when you have the company of car buddies to walk around with. Man, you're tearing it up at work today! 👍
I think this pic is a good illustration of how much the Soft Palate and Nasal surgery is helping Monty already. The pic was taken during the height of the thunderstorm last night. He was definitely scared and trembling, seeking comfort with Dawn, but you will notice he is not heavily panting and struggling to get his breath. A dramatic and welcome change. Wish now that we had had it done earlier, but at least he will have a better quality of life going forward.
Here is a link to Monty's surgeries if you would like to view it. You will only be able to view it if you have an Instagram account or sign up for one. I don't have one, but Dawn was able to "cast" it to our TV so I could watch it. Pretty amazing!
StL Blues are playing their 2nd game of their NHL playoffs series against the Winnepeg Jets tonight at 6:30 CDT. The Blues really need to win this one after blowing multiple leads in their last game, giving up the game winner to the Jets with only 1:27 left in the 3rd Period. It's a best of 7 series.
I have one of ea. of these filter tools, as well. 3-Jaw Gear/Bearing/Pulley extractor arrived today. Still not 100% it's large (long) enough until I disassemble the slip yoke. Spent the day week whacking (again) then chasing down an EGO hedge trimmer attachment rabbit hole @ Lowe's. Came home w/ nothing (saved money - LOL). Still haven't ordered the propeller shaft center carrier bearing/bracket assembly & h/w. Baby steps...babe steps.
I don't have an Instagram account & I won't be signing up for one.
Ya, like I said, I don’t have one either, and I won't be signing up for one, but it was very interesting to watch when Dawn cast it to our TV. Monty's Surgeon was educated in the UK, and recently immigrated to the US. By what I saw on video, and how Monty's doing at home so far, I'd say she's extremely skilled and would recommend her to anyone.
Yes, that worked. I see you can also login via Facebook credentials, but I don't have a Facebook account either. Thanks for making the link work correctly Norm!
I have facebook and instagram just to keep up with some folks. I don't pose to instagram.
Got a slow start today, then Amazon showed up with my mower parts. Pulled the deck and the cotter pins were good this time. Broke the bolt loose and replaced the blade. Put that back on, and heaved the thing on my picnic table for rebelting, then put it under the mower. Finished mowing.
Grabbed my push mower and noticed I have half the power in my back garage. After a long diagnostic, the 60 amp 220 volt breaker that feeds the sub panel out there is bad on one side. It appears to be older than all the other breakers, I suspect the electricians reused it as a 60 amp breaker is stout. I will order another.
John - I have Square D, also, Luckily the Lowe's near me (5 miles) sells Square D. I also have a decent electrical supply house almost across the street from Lowe's.
This is for a detached building? You might/should examine your sub panel ground rod & it's bonding clamp. A detached building sub panel requires a separate dedicated ground rod - just mentioning this because sometimes the old school guys may not have used a dedicated ground rod and/or might have used the plumbing (if there is any) as a ground bond. At any rate, good time to evaluate.
--Monday morning at 2 am got a group text, then a call from Red Cross boss. Multiple family fire in Alma MI. I replied about 7 AM after Buddy and I got up. There is a apt complex in Alma that is quite large with (I'm' guessin') 80-100 units in it. One building with 16 units in it burnt. Completely ruined at least one unit (No roof left) and probably ruined 2 or 3 more. But for a time the entire 16 unit building is uninhabitable, with smoke and water damage, etc. Another volunteer and I went down to St. Louis Michigan- which is right next to Alma to a Church where shelter was being set up.
-- Got there about 10 AM Monday. Very big church with a big gymnasium. Boss was tending to some of the clients needs. Six people -and 1 dog- stayed the night (Monday after the fire). A different local church has a clothing supply deal set up for situations like this. We called that church and gave them the sizes etc for the clients who needed some clothes. That was very amazing how it turned out- they got some nice clothes. The boss and another volunteer stayed the day. Shifts were set up for Monday. I had to be back at 8PM and my shift was 8PM to 8AM .My friend and I left and we went home.
-- Came back to church about 7PM Monday- Me and another volunteer from Jackson, Mi (Jim) to do the night shift. Ended up being 7 People (5 clients- 2 volunteers) staying in the "Shelter" Tuesday night. Right now it is 5:38 AM Tuesday. The clients ended up sleeping in some other rooms- some on cots and some on some nice furniture. I did get a few "Z's" and so did Jim- nothing going on. Don't know what will go on now or how long shelter will be open.
-- The clients who stayed Monday night were : ( by family unit)
A 80's something woman and her 60's daughter (and cute little Pomeranian dog),
A 70's woman who's 60's brother was in the hospital at time of fire who may be back.
A 30's young man.
A 40's woman.
The others- who didn't stay with us had family or friends they could stay with.
Well still here and bored so I'll tell some more. The 30's young man was picked up to go to work. The others are still sleeping 'cept for Jim and I . No one knows what will happen.. I think that the shelter will be open for a couple nights at least. Can you imagine what this must be like for the clients? The 80's woman had only her robe and slippers on. (At least now she has some clothes). They had to get out NOW and couldn't take stuff with them. I will take the night shift for at least a few more days if asked, which I think I will be. Some of the local restaurants and bakeries, etc have donated food. This church is a designated shelter which is set up with the Red Cross- there are lots of them around- Thanks to all the good people- yes there are still a bunch left....
I'm loving this. I'm about the same place I was yesterday at this time, plenty of wheels, everyone working. The lead is pleading our case to get overtime back, this will help.
Greg that's a tall order. Good on you for helping. Why do you call them clients?
Chris there's a truck in Union, MO, I'd love to go look at. Dodge diesel, longbed, 4x4, straight shift. They want 28.5 for it. That's about 6000 more for a comparable automatic with 200+ miles. Dealerships are swine. When you trade in a straight shift vehicle they give you next to nothing for it because no one wants a straight shift they can't get rid of it. But when someone wants to buy a straight shift they tack a premium onto it because oh it's a straight shift it's rare and everyone wants one. But this guy is beautiful. Doesn't look like there's a commercial airport close to Union.
Norm does the gear puller do a good job with oil filters?
Okay gonna get ready for lunch. Hope everyone has a good day.
Truck I can get to oil and filter easy on the ground; the Santa Fe I could probably do on the ground but it's easier if it's up 3 or 4-inches; the 4-4-2 no way, it's way too low and really needs to be lifted at least 8 to 10-inches. The motorcycles need extra height too, just to be able to get wrenches on some of the drain plugs, but the wheels stay on the ground. I only need a couple extra inches, so I drive them up on a long 2x10 I keep just for that purpose. The damn Yamaha has 3 separate oil reservoirs to drain, the Indian 2. Believe it or not, the Yamaha holds more oil than the 4-4-2, 6qts vs the 5.
Hope Monty is ok Chris . Talking about Indian motorcycle , a friend called me a couple of month ago and said that i
have to come and look in his garage. I went to him there was an very nice 1947 Indian . He have tried to purshase
this bike for over 30 years and now the owner had called him and said he could buy it. There were also baskets
with new NOS parts to the bike.
The nice story about this is that my friends father owned the same bike and now he got it back to the family. His father
has past long time ago but his mother lives over 90 years old now. So he picked her up and said i have something to
show you in my garage mom , and when the old lady realise that this was the bike she and the husband had fun with
for over 70 years ago she fell in tears.
The old licence number that he´s father had long time ago was also vacant so now the bike have it,s old number again.
Glenn - Nice story. I tried to buy a 1947 Chief. The old guy didn't want to sell it. It wasn't running, needed some work but he did have a brand new 1947 engine completely packed in grease inside a thick plastic bag inside a full wooden Indian Motorcycle shipping box/crate. Oh well....
I have too many pots on the stove at the moment - juggling time, appointments, buying parts, blah blah blah. Spent two hours with my phone taking videos of my golf swing at the golf range this afternoon. My initial feedback is I suck. Will transfer to my PC for a better eval.
Greg - Again, good on you for being a Good Samaritan!
Mike - Unfortunately, I think you are right. I think the closest you could get would be the main StL AP. Let me know if you decide to head this way.
Glenn - Thanks for inquiring about Monty, he's doing great so far. He has a re-check on Thursday. Great story about the Indian. I love stories like that!
Norm - I here ya about many irons in the fire, right there with ya. Don't worry about your golf game, you'll get back in the groove. I have complete faith! Wonderful looking dinner by the way.
One of my least favorite days of the year, Annual HOA Meeting. Budget review/vote, need to nominate/vote some new trustees, and other associated bullshit. I hate it, but I'm going.
Last edited by Dream67Olds442; Apr 22, 2025 at 03:27 PM.
Back again, I prolly will give a update in AM- will be bored... Mike I dunno RC people seem to call them clients. Seems like more accurate than customers or victims...
As a modestly interesting (RC) sidebar when I moved to North Carolina (1998) I lived for two years directly across the street from Mary Hanford, Elizabeth "Liddy" (Hanford) Dole's mother in Salisbury, NC. She had a lovely Southern Tudor home.
My pots on the stove don't compare to your irons in the fire - you've had a rough month.
Thanks Norm! I couldn't count the number of times my Dad said, "Son, there isn't anything about life that's easy, so put on your big-boy pants and get on with it!" Truer words were never spoken!
As a modestly interesting (RC) sidebar when I moved to North Carolina (1998) I lived for two years directly across the street from Mary Hanford, Elizabeth "Liddy" (Hanford) Dole's mother in Salisbury, NC. She had a lovely Southern Tudor home.
Norm - Interesting, I didn't remember Liddy being a former President of the Red Cross.
Once I got done with a work meeting, working from home, the power company bangs on my door and said they were cutting power. After I flippantly replied do I get a choice, they told me they were replacing the transformer that took a hit from one of the pine trees in the storm. Down the power went. Outside I went. I took them a 4 pack of bottled water when they got done and thanked them for the work.
I trimmed a piece of soffit fascia to replace the ripped off chunk and hung it. It's the white piece at the junction of the two roofs.
I then got under the Tacoma and marked and pulled the driveshaft as I still have half the clunks. My fellow engineer friend and I think that a bone dry joint needs more grease than spec, so I looked and you can see it's fairly dry after a week. I lubed it up again and put it in.
Then I got into the front end. The parts are arriving tomorrow. Loosened shroud, pulled fan, then pulled clutch. Clutch bolts were on, again, tighter than the fastener is rated due to that shitty dealer a decade ago. Clutch off, then shroud off. Loosened both idlers, and confirmed there was no weird left handedness on the tensioner, and off its pulley came too. Ready for parts for tomorrow. Both idlers spin smoothly and stop, the sign of a bearing that is tight and nice. The tensioner spins and grinds and goes for a while, the sign of a sloppy failed bearing starting to eat itself.
I'll get the parts and hopefully be done tomorrow with truck maintenance for a bit.
Spent the last couple of hours searching Amazon Prime for various items to support the coming car season:
- I bought 2 back-up high temp silicone rubber cap off nipples, 3/4" for the front intake and 5/8" for the rear. When I did the heater delete this past winter and posted about it I had more than one person comment it would be prudent to carry back-up caps, so I am.
- I bought a 12-pack of 15oz Lucas Octane Booster. I've been running it for 3 seasons now and I'm sold on it. In the refresh of my engine a true 10.5/1 compression was achieved using custom copper shim head gaskets. Even with optimal tune, and using 93 Premium gas, I could sometimes hear a slight detonation during light acceleration, going uphill. Mixing a ratio of .6oz Boost/1 gal gas, is supposed to raise the Octane level 3 points to ~96. Once I started using it, not even a hint of detonation, the engine runs smoother, and I can feel the extra power. I went through 9 bottles last year so I should have plenty to get me through the season.
- I bought myself a magnetic swivel 3/8" drive spark plug socket. The engine has always started and ran great, so I've never had a need to pull a plug. But I'm getting curious on how they're looking. I already have multiple spark plug sockets, but I thought the swivel head could really come in handy.
- I bought myself a much nicer folding chair with a nice attached foldable canopy. This will be a great addition for all day Shows where there is limited or no shade. Been putting this off for far too long.
So I thought I would share this for Mike. He seems to like Corvairs.
Here is a picture of a 1966 corvair convertible that I remember my dad working on it in the garage when we lived in Long Beach, CA. When we moved to Oregon it got put aside until my brother fixed it up. He drove it for a little bit and then parked it and it has been sitting since 2001.
It is sitting in the same warehouse that my Cutlass was sitting in.
My dad has another Corvair in the same warehouse, it is a 1964 Corvair Monza Spyder with a Turbo engine. My dad's friend had parked it in downtown LA and when he went out to it someone
had stolen the seats and the motor, so my dad bought it from him and he got another turbo motor and was going to fix it but never did. It has been sitting since the early 70's.
And this is an image of the other 10 Corvairs he has.
The building in the back ground with the green doors used to have an upholstery shop in it and it is where I got the seats for my cutlass redone back in the early 80's
Another night in shelter. I planned on doing this until it is done but now I dunno.... 12hrs is a long time and it was cold here last night- colder than the night before, and I am older... We lost the Mom and Daughter with dog, and the 60's something woman. The woman went with the others to a Hotel. The 2 gals w/dog had insurance and their insurance co. bought them a room, they took 60's woman with them- her bro is still in hospital and wasn't involved with shelter- yet. We still have the 32 yr old man and 40 yr old woman and gained another 30 something woman, so only 3 clients in shelter last night. Any of those that left could come back, Actually any of the people affected by the fire can come- but I doubt it- most apparently were able to stay with relatives, I guess. No word on how long some of them may be able to get in to try to salvage stuff. These people were all neighbors so some are quite close- some are enemies... Anyway I think I won't do any more nights, we'll see.
John - Nice job on replacing fascia. I finally ordered my propeller shaft center carrier bearing/bracket & opted for three new U-Joints, as well (although I replaced the most rearward U-Joint last time I greased the slip yoke splines ~10 yrs. ago). The U-Joints "look" fine, but what often happens when you remove the propeller shaft I'll not minor/questionable areas & since it's going to be off the truck I MAW R&R new U-Joints - just seems like the right thing to do (I guess). I'm not 100% I have a correctly sized 3-Jaw pulley/bearing extractor to remove the center carrier bearing. In case I don't I'm going nuclear on that thing with a cut-off wheel (very carefully I'll add). Parts arrive Friday.
The front-end of my truck has more play in the steering than it ever has, despite having replaced ball joints & significant "other" parts. They (the shop) replaced rotors, brakes & installed new tires just 1.5 yrs. ago. Without a bunch of "to-do" about the work, parts, etc. I've scheduled another "evaluation" w/ the shop - since sump'n ain't right. Spoke w/ the owner (it's a good shop), he asked has it gotten worse since ball joint replacement to which I stated yes. Ball joints may have loosened up (he stated) & it does sound reasonable - it's a very heavy truck especially the front-end w/ that diesel engine sitting in there. I mentioned the front-axle U-Joints & they'll evaluate those, also; although, he (Jesse) believed they would/should evaluated those U-Joints when they initially replaced the ball-joints & worked on the front-end. At any rate, seems more work is required to address the front-end & I scheduled the appointment for next Monday morning. It shouldn't take me longer than two days to drop the prop. shaft, R&R U-Joints, R&R center carrier bearing/bracket, grease the slip yoke splines & reassemble - even if I have to go nuclear on the center carrier bearing. I hate not having the correct tool but sometimes brute force becomes an option.
