Damn, I miss being back home. There, I said it....."home". This freakin' place just doesn't feel like home to me. I'm a true child of the South, born and raised in the deeeeep South, where anything north of I-20 could potentially be a durn Yankee, people not only eat grits, they like them; and Bud Light is practically the state drink. This is NOT the South, despite geographically being about as far South as you can go and still be in the United States. This is a weird little subset of the Midwest that was somehow transported to Florida.
These are not my people. They don't appreciate the necessity for turnip greens and cornbread. They drive like fucking morons, although to be fair, a lot of that may be age related since every time I walk into a room I lower the average age by 10 years. They honestly believe that an HOA is a necessity to living in a development. I on the other hand, would be fine if I never had to deal with these assholes ever again.....and the HOA in my development has never screwed with me once. I just object to the idea of having to check with someone before painting any exterior surface of my home. I paid an ass-load of money (by my standards) for that home and I don't believe I should have to check with anyone for anything I want to do.
Okay, this rant is over. Coming later is family comments, vacation update, jeep, and whatever else I think of once I sit down.
Later
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
What actually got done...
So, what actually got done in the long list of jeep improvements that I posted while the family was out?
Well, a fair amount as it turns our, although certainly not what I wanted. The brake drums and wheels are back on. The exhaust pipe is drilled out (literally drilled out). The easy out did not work, so I drilled out the flange and ran a 1/4'' bolt throught it. I realized afterwards that I probably need to put lockwashers on it, so I will have to fix that, but the drilling is finished.
Got under the hood and ran some wiring, although it is in no way finished. In fact, it really didn't progress all that much. The holes for the marker/turn signal lights are done, and the lights are in. I'm looking for one or more new lights on Ebay right now. Worst case is I'll buy one from Q-tec or somebody. I got the new mechanical oil pressure gauge plumbed and installed in the dash. After that, I cranked the engine and she fired up after pouring a little shot of gas into the carb. She won't stay running, which suggests there is a problem in the fuel system. I'm worried about the feed connection from the fuel tank, so I'll probably loosen up the tank to check that.
Of course the girls are all back. I like the quiet while they're gone, but it's nice to have them back. Unfortunately, my honey started her period about 35 seconds after getting home, so still no "quality time" for me. Hopefully the little one isn't getting sick. She is acting strange, like she does when she isn't feeling well.
I'll update some more later.
Well, a fair amount as it turns our, although certainly not what I wanted. The brake drums and wheels are back on. The exhaust pipe is drilled out (literally drilled out). The easy out did not work, so I drilled out the flange and ran a 1/4'' bolt throught it. I realized afterwards that I probably need to put lockwashers on it, so I will have to fix that, but the drilling is finished.
Got under the hood and ran some wiring, although it is in no way finished. In fact, it really didn't progress all that much. The holes for the marker/turn signal lights are done, and the lights are in. I'm looking for one or more new lights on Ebay right now. Worst case is I'll buy one from Q-tec or somebody. I got the new mechanical oil pressure gauge plumbed and installed in the dash. After that, I cranked the engine and she fired up after pouring a little shot of gas into the carb. She won't stay running, which suggests there is a problem in the fuel system. I'm worried about the feed connection from the fuel tank, so I'll probably loosen up the tank to check that.
Of course the girls are all back. I like the quiet while they're gone, but it's nice to have them back. Unfortunately, my honey started her period about 35 seconds after getting home, so still no "quality time" for me. Hopefully the little one isn't getting sick. She is acting strange, like she does when she isn't feeling well.
I'll update some more later.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Wed/Thurs/Fri
With the family still gone, figured I should keep working on the jeep, hoping against hope (and common sense) that it might be running by the time the family returns. Not likely, but it's a good thought......
with that in mind, I finished grinding off the bumper supports, and painted both sides of the frame black. It's not beautiful, but I don't think it will start rusting instantly either. Got the rear crossmember up, and mounted and test fit the gas tank. Got it all bolted up, now with a hold-down strap to keep it in one place, tightened everything down,and hooked up the fuel gauge, tank ground, and fuel hoses. Still need to cut one hose down to fit correctly, that will be done today (Sat.). Now that all of that is done, I should be pretty much done with the fuel system. Below is a pic of the carnage when it was still going on. Note the creative use of an old speaker to support the gas tank skidplate.......
Well, I guess I'll post the pic when my laptop isn't having brain cramps....
So, also yesterday, I decided to knock out the old broken wheel studs and replace them. This calls for removing the brake drums (with a BFH) and then pounding out the studs with same BFH. Then I put in the new ones, and tried to set them by tightening on the lug nuts. So far, they still haven't set in correctly. I really don't want to take off the axle shaft to seat them, so I'm going to hope that I can tighten down some more today and seat them correctly.
Also today, get the brakes assembled, tires back on and push this beast into the garage where I can get this POS 1-piece hood open enough to go back to work on the headlights, turn signals and marker lights. I'd like to get them completely installed today. I also need to drill out the stud in the exhaust pipe down pipe so I can reconnect to the exhaust manifold. That should wrap up the exhaust, so then the fuel and exhaust systems will be finished. Need to put oil in the front axle and see if it leaks still. If it does, get a new gasket and fix. If not, we're good. Then change oil in the rear axle.
If all of that gets done today, it's been a pretty good day. That leaves wiring behind the dashboard, mechanical oil gauge, seats, seatbelts and the clutch as vital problems.
In other happenings, LSU beat Bama last night in baseball. I'm not going to go into detail, mostly because you can find that stuff somewhere else. What I am goin to say, is that this is one of the first times this year where they seemed to get some breaks, and got some hits. Maybe they are starting to come out of the slump(s) that they have been in.
Personally, I'll also be working on an IFRS study guide this weekend. Hope to finish it by tomorrow and get the credit as part of my push to become a licensed CPA in the state of FL.
Later
with that in mind, I finished grinding off the bumper supports, and painted both sides of the frame black. It's not beautiful, but I don't think it will start rusting instantly either. Got the rear crossmember up, and mounted and test fit the gas tank. Got it all bolted up, now with a hold-down strap to keep it in one place, tightened everything down,and hooked up the fuel gauge, tank ground, and fuel hoses. Still need to cut one hose down to fit correctly, that will be done today (Sat.). Now that all of that is done, I should be pretty much done with the fuel system. Below is a pic of the carnage when it was still going on. Note the creative use of an old speaker to support the gas tank skidplate.......
Well, I guess I'll post the pic when my laptop isn't having brain cramps....
So, also yesterday, I decided to knock out the old broken wheel studs and replace them. This calls for removing the brake drums (with a BFH) and then pounding out the studs with same BFH. Then I put in the new ones, and tried to set them by tightening on the lug nuts. So far, they still haven't set in correctly. I really don't want to take off the axle shaft to seat them, so I'm going to hope that I can tighten down some more today and seat them correctly.
Also today, get the brakes assembled, tires back on and push this beast into the garage where I can get this POS 1-piece hood open enough to go back to work on the headlights, turn signals and marker lights. I'd like to get them completely installed today. I also need to drill out the stud in the exhaust pipe down pipe so I can reconnect to the exhaust manifold. That should wrap up the exhaust, so then the fuel and exhaust systems will be finished. Need to put oil in the front axle and see if it leaks still. If it does, get a new gasket and fix. If not, we're good. Then change oil in the rear axle.
If all of that gets done today, it's been a pretty good day. That leaves wiring behind the dashboard, mechanical oil gauge, seats, seatbelts and the clutch as vital problems.
In other happenings, LSU beat Bama last night in baseball. I'm not going to go into detail, mostly because you can find that stuff somewhere else. What I am goin to say, is that this is one of the first times this year where they seemed to get some breaks, and got some hits. Maybe they are starting to come out of the slump(s) that they have been in.
Personally, I'll also be working on an IFRS study guide this weekend. Hope to finish it by tomorrow and get the credit as part of my push to become a licensed CPA in the state of FL.
Later
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
It's so quiet
When there's nobody else in the house...
So my honey and the GCs are up in N. Florida visiting the in-laws. I've been reading, eating and working on the Jeep.
On the Jeep, I took off the back bumper (which weighs about 14 million pounds!), took off the rear crossmember, and dropped the fuel tank. It was a pretty funny picture, I have to tell you.
Once all that was done, I pounded the crossmember kind of back into shape with a hammer, then took the grinder to it to try and clean it up a little. Then I painted it along with the mounting brackets. So tonight, got to reinstall it, along with the fuel tank, the grounding wire foer the tank, the fuel gauge wire and the hold-down strap for the tank. Once all that fun stuff is done, the fuel system should be finished with the exception of the hose from the fuel inlet to the tank. That is on order and should be here tomorrow.
I guess the next project(s) is to get all the under-hood wiring for the lights and so forth finished. I've partially run the headlights and marker lights, but I decided to install the front turn signals also. I bought a hole saw and I'm ready to make the cut I think. May do that tonight also, depending on how long the cross member/fuel tank takes. Will probably have to space the radiator back 1/4 inch or so to let everything clear properly. Should be able to use washers for that. Once that's done, I can put the rear tire back on and roll the jeep into the garage so I can open that stupid one-piece hood and get at the broken off bolt in the exhaust. Then, I think everything under the hood will be done for now.....then it's back to the dash area to continue running the wiring and start some soldering maybe.
A lot happening at work, but I feel I've rambled enough for this post, so I'll have to hit it later.
Later
So my honey and the GCs are up in N. Florida visiting the in-laws. I've been reading, eating and working on the Jeep.
On the Jeep, I took off the back bumper (which weighs about 14 million pounds!), took off the rear crossmember, and dropped the fuel tank. It was a pretty funny picture, I have to tell you.
Once all that was done, I pounded the crossmember kind of back into shape with a hammer, then took the grinder to it to try and clean it up a little. Then I painted it along with the mounting brackets. So tonight, got to reinstall it, along with the fuel tank, the grounding wire foer the tank, the fuel gauge wire and the hold-down strap for the tank. Once all that fun stuff is done, the fuel system should be finished with the exception of the hose from the fuel inlet to the tank. That is on order and should be here tomorrow.
I guess the next project(s) is to get all the under-hood wiring for the lights and so forth finished. I've partially run the headlights and marker lights, but I decided to install the front turn signals also. I bought a hole saw and I'm ready to make the cut I think. May do that tonight also, depending on how long the cross member/fuel tank takes. Will probably have to space the radiator back 1/4 inch or so to let everything clear properly. Should be able to use washers for that. Once that's done, I can put the rear tire back on and roll the jeep into the garage so I can open that stupid one-piece hood and get at the broken off bolt in the exhaust. Then, I think everything under the hood will be done for now.....then it's back to the dash area to continue running the wiring and start some soldering maybe.
A lot happening at work, but I feel I've rambled enough for this post, so I'll have to hit it later.
Later
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Is this really the end of the recession?
I really doubt it. I know that there is some positive econ news out there right now, but it seems to me that if the best you can do is "Well, it was not as bad as we thought", then there is still bad stuff out there. Besides, when is the last time you saw a Wall St. rall over a change to some pretty complex accounting rules.
Honey left for her parents today. I plan to enjoy the peace and quiet for as long as it lasts. Should be about a week, maybe 10 days.
Things are weird at work. I have had the worst case of the fuck-its I think I've ever had....but only for a couple of projects. Going to come in this weekend and see if I can beat it. Hopefully, once I get started, I'll get over this.
On a related topic(sort of), there is dick out there for new jobs. I know that is surprising, here in the middle of the worst economy in the last 20-30 years, but it's true. What is out there, is not paying as much and doesn't want to move your ass either. Going to submit to a CFO position in LFT. I don't expect much, but we'll see what happens. The alex. thing is still lurking out there, haven't heard from them in about 3 weeks. I think I'll send out a reminder e-mail tonight just to see what's happening.
Big plans for the Jeep this weekend, next week and next weekend. Hopefully, can make some serious progress while the girls are not around to bog things down. I love 'em, but they sure can keep you from actually getting stuff done. I'm not going to screw with posting the whole list, but I hope to be done with all the hood wiring (ALL the lights), the exhaust, the gauges, wipers and most of the dash lighting by the time people get back. With luck (ok, a lot of luck) I'll have seats and maybe seat belts in too!! Of course, I may just sleep the whole time.
Not much else happening. Leg is feeling better, so I'm back to walking on a daily basis. Not running yet, I don't want to pull that damned muscle again, so I'm trying not to make it angry.
Later
Honey left for her parents today. I plan to enjoy the peace and quiet for as long as it lasts. Should be about a week, maybe 10 days.
Things are weird at work. I have had the worst case of the fuck-its I think I've ever had....but only for a couple of projects. Going to come in this weekend and see if I can beat it. Hopefully, once I get started, I'll get over this.
On a related topic(sort of), there is dick out there for new jobs. I know that is surprising, here in the middle of the worst economy in the last 20-30 years, but it's true. What is out there, is not paying as much and doesn't want to move your ass either. Going to submit to a CFO position in LFT. I don't expect much, but we'll see what happens. The alex. thing is still lurking out there, haven't heard from them in about 3 weeks. I think I'll send out a reminder e-mail tonight just to see what's happening.
Big plans for the Jeep this weekend, next week and next weekend. Hopefully, can make some serious progress while the girls are not around to bog things down. I love 'em, but they sure can keep you from actually getting stuff done. I'm not going to screw with posting the whole list, but I hope to be done with all the hood wiring (ALL the lights), the exhaust, the gauges, wipers and most of the dash lighting by the time people get back. With luck (ok, a lot of luck) I'll have seats and maybe seat belts in too!! Of course, I may just sleep the whole time.
Not much else happening. Leg is feeling better, so I'm back to walking on a daily basis. Not running yet, I don't want to pull that damned muscle again, so I'm trying not to make it angry.
Later
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