Thursday, December 30, 2010
Last Day
Last day of work here in SW FL and I'm bored shitless. Got a couple of small things to finish up, but don't really feel like doing them. I will, but I really don't feel like it. Not a freakin' soul in the office, and I'm pretty much planning on cutting out as early as is humanly possible this afternoon.
The people who are buying the jeep should be over this weekend to pick it up. While I hate to see it go, I really wish they would hurry the hell up. I need the space to start organizing the garage, and also to stage boxes from inside.
I guess I'll continue this blog, I haven't quite decided. It's been kind of fun, and occasionally therapeutic to put this crap out there, so I may continue. I'll need to change the name, or start a new blog and link back. I'm not sure how to handle it, and don't care enough at the moment to look it up.
Later
The people who are buying the jeep should be over this weekend to pick it up. While I hate to see it go, I really wish they would hurry the hell up. I need the space to start organizing the garage, and also to stage boxes from inside.
I guess I'll continue this blog, I haven't quite decided. It's been kind of fun, and occasionally therapeutic to put this crap out there, so I may continue. I'll need to change the name, or start a new blog and link back. I'm not sure how to handle it, and don't care enough at the moment to look it up.
Later
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Kindle
Got a Kindle for Christmas. I really like it, but I can see the attraction for the ipad or something like it. While the kindle is great as a reader, it costs to have the blogs and magazines that I already subscribe to sent to my Kindle. That sucks, since I've already paid for the magazines and the blogs are all free. Why the shit do I have to pay to have free blogs sent to me? I hope I'm missing something here.......
Other than that, I really like it. I've already downloaded a couple of books, and will get more at some point. It's easy to read, and so forth. I think the new job may be getting Ipads at some point, so if I get one, it will be an interesting comparison.
Other than that, just move prep. Painted last night, and ran out of paint about 60% finished. Turns out that 1 quart wasn't enough (dammit!). Then after everything dried, realized that we weren't getting very good coverage after all and it looked lik crap. So I sent my honey to Lowe's today for more paint and I guess I know what I'll be doing tonight.
Tomorrow is my last day here at work, and only about a week left here in SW FL. It's starting to freak me out how much I'm ready to get the fuck out of here.
Later
Other than that, I really like it. I've already downloaded a couple of books, and will get more at some point. It's easy to read, and so forth. I think the new job may be getting Ipads at some point, so if I get one, it will be an interesting comparison.
Other than that, just move prep. Painted last night, and ran out of paint about 60% finished. Turns out that 1 quart wasn't enough (dammit!). Then after everything dried, realized that we weren't getting very good coverage after all and it looked lik crap. So I sent my honey to Lowe's today for more paint and I guess I know what I'll be doing tonight.
Tomorrow is my last day here at work, and only about a week left here in SW FL. It's starting to freak me out how much I'm ready to get the fuck out of here.
Later
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Finishing Up
Back in the saddle now, and ready to start packing. Finishing up my last week of work here in SW FL, and it feels pretty good. I knew we must be getting close when my honey looked at me Sunday and said "Holy crap, we're moving in 2 weeks". Now, I admit that "duh" was not a good answer, but come on. I've only been working on getting everything arranged for 2 weeks or more. I think she was just stuck on Christmas and had to get that over with before she could turn her attention.
So we are full in move mode tonight. I need to paint, and get the jeep project ready for it's final sale. I've dug out the title and I need to print out a bill of sale for the new owners. I'm sorry to see it go, but I really don't have time to finish and I'm scared to death of trying to tow it 900 miles. We've also got the house up for sale, and someone is supposedly interested in it. I'm getting creamed on the price, but if we sell, we would at least be out from under the note and so forth and can save up more money to buy in La.
Later
So we are full in move mode tonight. I need to paint, and get the jeep project ready for it's final sale. I've dug out the title and I need to print out a bill of sale for the new owners. I'm sorry to see it go, but I really don't have time to finish and I'm scared to death of trying to tow it 900 miles. We've also got the house up for sale, and someone is supposedly interested in it. I'm getting creamed on the price, but if we sell, we would at least be out from under the note and so forth and can save up more money to buy in La.
Later
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
White Christmas
Wow.....there is a chance of snow showers on Christmas night where we are going to be. GC #2 is going to lose her little mind just thinking about it.
In the packing/preparation front, not a good day yesterday. Both GCs are ill, and GC #1 threw up in the morning, followed by brown dog peeing all over the kitchen because my honey was too busy cleaning up to let him out. Then he followed that up be eating like 3 packages of pop-tarts, aluminum wrapper and all. That should make for interesting pooper scooping next week! So basically, nothing was done yesterday. Maybe tonight??
Hard to believe there is just over a week left in my tenure here in SW FL. I am very unmotivated here at work, but am perservering because I don't want to leave anyone in a bind.
Later
In the packing/preparation front, not a good day yesterday. Both GCs are ill, and GC #1 threw up in the morning, followed by brown dog peeing all over the kitchen because my honey was too busy cleaning up to let him out. Then he followed that up be eating like 3 packages of pop-tarts, aluminum wrapper and all. That should make for interesting pooper scooping next week! So basically, nothing was done yesterday. Maybe tonight??
Hard to believe there is just over a week left in my tenure here in SW FL. I am very unmotivated here at work, but am perservering because I don't want to leave anyone in a bind.
Later
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Going to miss my baby..
So I think I sold the Jeep, and I am really going to miss her. It's been a huge pain in the ass for the last couple of years working on it, but at the same time it's been kind of therapeutic and I also feel like I've learned a lot about mechanics while doing it.
Just about finalized with our move. Made all the arrangements, and now I guess it's time to focus on Christmas as much as possible and get the holidays behind me.
Later
Just about finalized with our move. Made all the arrangements, and now I guess it's time to focus on Christmas as much as possible and get the holidays behind me.
Later
Monday, December 20, 2010
Movin' on up
To the east side.....technically, we are moving west, but why screw with the song lyrics? Well, I've officially accepted the job offer previously mentioned on these pages, and have given my current employer notice. They are a little freaked out, but not too much which leads me to believe that maybe this isn't a great of a surprise as I thought it might be. Either that, or they're just too tired and too full of the Christmas spirit to argue.
Anyway, we are full into packing, moving, listing the house for sale, fixing all the small, nagging problems with the house and so forth. It's been fun.....really.....no really....all right, it sucks. Got some boxes to start packing with, and about half the required projects for the house are finished. The rest should be done by the end of this week.
The Jeep is also for sale. I decided it was easier to transport a pocket full of cash than tow a 35 year old jeep for a thousand or so miles. Got a few people interested, so we'll see what happens. If nobody makes a decent offer, then the towing prep commences on 12/27. Absolutely will have to take this thing for a test tow prior to hitting the road. I think the front end is in pretty good shape, the rear axle scares me and I don't really have time to dig into it. I may try anyway, just to see what I can do, but time it short.
At least college football season is pretty much over other than the bowl games. Of course, the stupid Saints lost yesterday, but they still have a decent chance.
Well, that's enough for today unless something interesting happens today.
Later
Anyway, we are full into packing, moving, listing the house for sale, fixing all the small, nagging problems with the house and so forth. It's been fun.....really.....no really....all right, it sucks. Got some boxes to start packing with, and about half the required projects for the house are finished. The rest should be done by the end of this week.
The Jeep is also for sale. I decided it was easier to transport a pocket full of cash than tow a 35 year old jeep for a thousand or so miles. Got a few people interested, so we'll see what happens. If nobody makes a decent offer, then the towing prep commences on 12/27. Absolutely will have to take this thing for a test tow prior to hitting the road. I think the front end is in pretty good shape, the rear axle scares me and I don't really have time to dig into it. I may try anyway, just to see what I can do, but time it short.
At least college football season is pretty much over other than the bowl games. Of course, the stupid Saints lost yesterday, but they still have a decent chance.
Well, that's enough for today unless something interesting happens today.
Later
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
holy shit
That's really all I have to say. There is really an awful lot of stuff happening over the last few weeks, and I have not updated this blog as usual.
So here is the deal. I've turned down the offer in the panhandle that I previously mentioned, and am preparing to accept the offer in Lft. Why you say? Well, because I'm tired of SW florida and I really don't love my job the way I used to. I know that may make me a whiny bitch, but I don't care. Opportunities like this don't come around very often, and they've made me an offer I can't refuse (and not in a "Godfather" kind of way).
So, starting sometime in January, your truly will be a resident of Louisiana again. Now don't worry your pretty little heads, I will continue to provide the same inconsistent and irritating blog posts that I provide now. I will just be doing it from a different state. I'm thinking of changing the name of the blog as well, so check back periodically just in case.
A lot of the things I update about have now gone out the window. I'm thinking of selling my jeep project, and have a couple of people interested in buying it. If no one steps up to the plate with a wad of cash, then I'm looking at flat towing it to Louisiana. If I end up doing that, then there will be updates as I work on the rear end to make sure it's passable for a 900 mile tow.
Later
So here is the deal. I've turned down the offer in the panhandle that I previously mentioned, and am preparing to accept the offer in Lft. Why you say? Well, because I'm tired of SW florida and I really don't love my job the way I used to. I know that may make me a whiny bitch, but I don't care. Opportunities like this don't come around very often, and they've made me an offer I can't refuse (and not in a "Godfather" kind of way).
So, starting sometime in January, your truly will be a resident of Louisiana again. Now don't worry your pretty little heads, I will continue to provide the same inconsistent and irritating blog posts that I provide now. I will just be doing it from a different state. I'm thinking of changing the name of the blog as well, so check back periodically just in case.
A lot of the things I update about have now gone out the window. I'm thinking of selling my jeep project, and have a couple of people interested in buying it. If no one steps up to the plate with a wad of cash, then I'm looking at flat towing it to Louisiana. If I end up doing that, then there will be updates as I work on the rear end to make sure it's passable for a 900 mile tow.
Later
Saturday, November 27, 2010
lazy bastard
By that, I mean me. Not just lazy, but busy and just not into posting anything onto the interwebz. Felt different today, so I thought I might uupdate.
Have actually gotten some stuff done on the jeep since the last update. That makes total sense because it's been 3 freakin' months!
Front end is totally put back together. Traded the old calipers for rebuilds, plus bought new pads. All of that is painted ( I painted the calipers just for grins) and put together. I still have no steel line from the prop. valve to the rear. I can't find anyone that sells one separately, so I may have to make one. Not too happy about that, but shit happens. I think todayy and Sunday, I'm going to try and get the old master cylinder out and install the new one. May try to get the front soft lines purchased and installed on Sunday along with the new M/C and the lines from the M/C to the proportioning valve.
On the job front, there has been some major action. Had been contacted by a recruiter representing a position in the panhandle. Had a phone interview, and scheduled an in-person interview for last week. About a week after setting everything up, I was contacted by another recruiter who was representing a different position in Lafayette. Since I was going to Lft anyway, I managed to set up a visit. Everything went really well. Now it looks like I may have 2 competing job offers, one in panhandle, and one in Lft at the same time. Kind of an embaressment of riches, but one I'm extremely grateful for.
I guess I'll try to keep this forward momentum up and post an update later today or Monday to update the jeep work status.
Later
Have actually gotten some stuff done on the jeep since the last update. That makes total sense because it's been 3 freakin' months!
Front end is totally put back together. Traded the old calipers for rebuilds, plus bought new pads. All of that is painted ( I painted the calipers just for grins) and put together. I still have no steel line from the prop. valve to the rear. I can't find anyone that sells one separately, so I may have to make one. Not too happy about that, but shit happens. I think todayy and Sunday, I'm going to try and get the old master cylinder out and install the new one. May try to get the front soft lines purchased and installed on Sunday along with the new M/C and the lines from the M/C to the proportioning valve.
On the job front, there has been some major action. Had been contacted by a recruiter representing a position in the panhandle. Had a phone interview, and scheduled an in-person interview for last week. About a week after setting everything up, I was contacted by another recruiter who was representing a different position in Lafayette. Since I was going to Lft anyway, I managed to set up a visit. Everything went really well. Now it looks like I may have 2 competing job offers, one in panhandle, and one in Lft at the same time. Kind of an embaressment of riches, but one I'm extremely grateful for.
I guess I'll try to keep this forward momentum up and post an update later today or Monday to update the jeep work status.
Later
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Tool rental...not really working
So this tool rental program is not really working for me. Snuck out into the garage last night to try and get the spindle off. Discovered that I had the front wheel drive (FWD) spindle kit and not the four wheel drive kit. Went to Advanced auto to return the puller and see if they hada 4wd item. Since they didn't, I went across the street to Auto zone. They did have one, but the poor guy behind the counter was clueless, and didn't know what went with it. I gave up and went home.
Posted on Jeepforum.com today to ask what tool I needed and had the answer in about 10 minutes. I love that site, you can post a possibly silly question and get a real answer with no, or a minimal amount of fun poked at you. So, off to Auto zone again tonight on the way home to rent the correct 4wd spindle puller and the associated slide hammer!
Bad news on the northern front though. Got a call from my guy and he told me the discussions are on hold pending how the company's interview with another guy goes next week. C'est la vie I guess, but it still sucks.
Later
Posted on Jeepforum.com today to ask what tool I needed and had the answer in about 10 minutes. I love that site, you can post a possibly silly question and get a real answer with no, or a minimal amount of fun poked at you. So, off to Auto zone again tonight on the way home to rent the correct 4wd spindle puller and the associated slide hammer!
Bad news on the northern front though. Got a call from my guy and he told me the discussions are on hold pending how the company's interview with another guy goes next week. C'est la vie I guess, but it still sucks.
Later
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Tool "Rental" or "Loaner"
So, I didnt' really get any work done on the jeep yesterday, but I was able to run by Advanced Auto Parts and use their "loaner" program. As it turns out, the actually sell you the tool, then you have 45 days to return it and get your money back. I'm not sure that really counts as loaning the tool out,but whatever.....
So anyway, I now have a spindle puller, which I hope to put to use tonight by removing the drivers side spindle on my jeep. Although I think I need to replace it anyway, I still want to get it off, check the bearings and check the axle shaft. Hopefully, the axle shaft is okay and I can just put it back in and then sit down and order the new spindle, hub/rotor and associated bearings/nuts/washers etc.
More to come, maybe if I get a chance.
Later
So anyway, I now have a spindle puller, which I hope to put to use tonight by removing the drivers side spindle on my jeep. Although I think I need to replace it anyway, I still want to get it off, check the bearings and check the axle shaft. Hopefully, the axle shaft is okay and I can just put it back in and then sit down and order the new spindle, hub/rotor and associated bearings/nuts/washers etc.
More to come, maybe if I get a chance.
Later
Monday, August 30, 2010
Monday update
Jeep first..
didn't do crap Friday night, or all day Saturday. Sunday was pretty productive though. Got the front axle installed and hanging off the springs on the jeep. That took several hours, but having installed the rear axle already really helped as I knew what some of the problems and pitfalls were. After that, I decided to go ahead and start tearing down the front axle to check bearings and possibly (probably!?) replace the rotors and bearings. After tearing down the drivers side, I realized that the outer bearing in the hub was not in too good of a shape, and the spindle surface looks a little suspect as well. For this week, I need to do the following:
didn't do crap Friday night, or all day Saturday. Sunday was pretty productive though. Got the front axle installed and hanging off the springs on the jeep. That took several hours, but having installed the rear axle already really helped as I knew what some of the problems and pitfalls were. After that, I decided to go ahead and start tearing down the front axle to check bearings and possibly (probably!?) replace the rotors and bearings. After tearing down the drivers side, I realized that the outer bearing in the hub was not in too good of a shape, and the spindle surface looks a little suspect as well. For this week, I need to do the following:
- rent spindle puller and get drivers side spindle off.
- check spindle bearings and seals and replace if necessary. Since I think I will need to replace the spindle, it will likely be necessary.
- drill hub and spindle as outlined in post by JeepHammer off of the jeepforums website.
- Pack bearings and begin reinstallation
- Clean and paint caliper
- Call inline tube and return rear hard line. Get new one sent.
- Finish trying to make deals online for shocks. There are 2 sets out there, hopefully can snag at least one for a minimal amount of money. New shocks are $140 or so plus shipping, picking up a used set for $50 - 100 would be a decent savings.
I think this is enough for the week. If 90% of this gets done, it will have been a good week working an hour or so a day after work.
Got more stuff to update, but will try to post again.
Later
Thursday, August 26, 2010
"expletive deleted"
I believe the title of my post expresses my feelings exactly without using any words to shock and/or offend.
I went out into the garage to try and test fit/install the hard brake line that runs from the prop valve to the rear of the jeep. As I began the process, I came to the almost instant realization that the line is completely wrong. First, it's about 18" too long. Second, the fittings on either end, which are the correct size, are pointing in the wrong directions, so it would be nearly impossible to hook them up without rebending the tube. Since I puchased pre-bent tube with the intent of NOT BENDING THE FUCKING TUBES, I find that really irritating.
So I am calling inline tube today to see what my options are. I'll report back with updates as to the extent of their customer service....
For tonight, I believe I'll switch targets to the front axle and try to get the shackles and springs installed.
Later
I went out into the garage to try and test fit/install the hard brake line that runs from the prop valve to the rear of the jeep. As I began the process, I came to the almost instant realization that the line is completely wrong. First, it's about 18" too long. Second, the fittings on either end, which are the correct size, are pointing in the wrong directions, so it would be nearly impossible to hook them up without rebending the tube. Since I puchased pre-bent tube with the intent of NOT BENDING THE FUCKING TUBES, I find that really irritating.
So I am calling inline tube today to see what my options are. I'll report back with updates as to the extent of their customer service....
For tonight, I believe I'll switch targets to the front axle and try to get the shackles and springs installed.
Later
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Jeep update
Man, I swear, the titles are the worst part of this blog.....it's a real pain trying to come up with something semi-original.
Got a couple of quick things done last night. Removed the hard line that runs from the prop. valve to the rear crossmember. Also, got the front axle down off the jack stands and onto a dolly and rolled it under the front of the jeep. The rest of the time was spent cleaning up dirt and newspaper and so forth and sweeping. One of the key things to keeping my honey happy with the non-functional jeep taking up her garage is to try and keep things relatively clean.
The plan is to try and get one or 2 things, preferably relatively small things, done each night, and save the weekends for the larger or more time consuming things. That may not work tonight, as I have a eye dr. appt. I assume they are going to dilate my eyes, which means I won't be doing crap tonight most likely.
LSU football in less than 2 weeks. I know a lot of the rantards are convinced we are going to have a crap season, but I am feeling pretty positive for some reason. I think we go 9 - 2 or 10 - 1 this year.
Saints preseason continues. If the Saints lose any more running backs, I'm going to start to believe that we are cursed.
Got a couple of quick things done last night. Removed the hard line that runs from the prop. valve to the rear crossmember. Also, got the front axle down off the jack stands and onto a dolly and rolled it under the front of the jeep. The rest of the time was spent cleaning up dirt and newspaper and so forth and sweeping. One of the key things to keeping my honey happy with the non-functional jeep taking up her garage is to try and keep things relatively clean.
The plan is to try and get one or 2 things, preferably relatively small things, done each night, and save the weekends for the larger or more time consuming things. That may not work tonight, as I have a eye dr. appt. I assume they are going to dilate my eyes, which means I won't be doing crap tonight most likely.
LSU football in less than 2 weeks. I know a lot of the rantards are convinced we are going to have a crap season, but I am feeling pretty positive for some reason. I think we go 9 - 2 or 10 - 1 this year.
Saints preseason continues. If the Saints lose any more running backs, I'm going to start to believe that we are cursed.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Getting a little less lazy
Ok, you got me....I'm still pretty lazy. But it's getting better.
Spent several hours today working on the jeep, and got a few things accomplished. Got the rear hard line for the brakes disconnected, got the old soft line disconnected. Got the new soft line put together and connected to the axle, and connected the hard lines also, so the rear end is complete. I still need to remove the old hard line, as the PO had it hooked up with several zip ties, and I didn't go in and disconnect them all as one is also holding up the muffler. Once that is out, I can run the new one and the rear brakes will be complete from the proportioning valve down. The front hard lines are run. Since there is no front axle yet, I didn't worry about purchasing the soft lines. A pic is below, showing the new front lines. In the background you can see the front axle waiting patiently to be installed, plus some of our crap.
I think for this week/next weekend is getting the front axle put in. That requires getting it off the jack stands, bolting up the new shackles, the springs and the new bushings in the main eye end. I think once that is finished, I'm going to work on the front bearings and brakes and get that rebuilt.
A few interesting developments on the job front over the last few weeks. Been contacted by a GC who needs a new CFO. I'm very interested, waiting to see if I'll be able to land an interview. I should be able to, but you just can't tell these days. In the meantime, an old interview I had has resurfaced. I drove over to Ft. Lauderdale Saturday for a conversation with the owner. The company is based in Cincy, which is a pretty major fucking stretch of my preferred area, but I'm not sure I can turn down an almost billion dollar company when the come calling. I do know that if one of them offers a job, and I like the people during the interview process, I'm out of here. I may have to change the name of the blog, but so be it.
Later
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Man I'm friggin' lazy
Its been over a month since my last post, and I'd say that I feel bad, but I don't want to lie to you.
Been pretty busy, had a week off of work, and adopted a new lab from Lab Rescue of Florida.
On the jeep front, I've still not installed the "new" front axle, although I'm just about there. I've painted the front part of the frame of the jeep, and test fit the new shackles. I've purchased new hard brake lines, and test fit them. Then removed the old proportioning valve, got the new one ready for installation, and set it in place. One of the front hard lines is installed, but just sitting in place, and once I get the other line in, I'll bolt them up.
I was going to set the axle in place, but decided to finish the brake lines prior to setting it in place so I would have more room to operate. I hope to get the axle off the jack stands this weekend and start bolting it up. Once that is done, I'll decide what's next. I've made a pretty comprehensive list of what still needs to be done.
**note, this was written on 08/19 and posted on 08/22
Been pretty busy, had a week off of work, and adopted a new lab from Lab Rescue of Florida.
On the jeep front, I've still not installed the "new" front axle, although I'm just about there. I've painted the front part of the frame of the jeep, and test fit the new shackles. I've purchased new hard brake lines, and test fit them. Then removed the old proportioning valve, got the new one ready for installation, and set it in place. One of the front hard lines is installed, but just sitting in place, and once I get the other line in, I'll bolt them up.
I was going to set the axle in place, but decided to finish the brake lines prior to setting it in place so I would have more room to operate. I hope to get the axle off the jack stands this weekend and start bolting it up. Once that is done, I'll decide what's next. I've made a pretty comprehensive list of what still needs to be done.
**note, this was written on 08/19 and posted on 08/22
Saturday, July 10, 2010
I am getting better at this
By this, I mean working on the Jeep. I have done a heck of a lot over the last few days, and I'm pretty pleased with myself. While I realize that if I were comparing this to a pro mechanic, it would probably be pitiable, I'm not. I'm working by myself in a 2 car garage with not a lot of room and no air tools, lift to get the jeep up in the air, and none of the other cool tools that make it look so easy on Xtreme 4x4. So fuck 'em, this is the real "small 2 car garage" project, not that overhang they turned into a work area. Besides, if they leave all their shit out in the shop, it kind of defeats the purpose of a garage, doesn't it? I mean I have to clean up all my stuff and move it back into the garage, and then stuff the trash cans in there also.
So, back to the work, and I'll try not to pull any muscles patting myself on the back. Since Tuesday, I got the rear springs hooked completely up. the only thing I still need to do is go back in and finish tightening up the bolts on the U-bolts that I loosened to make it easier to get everything hooked up, and finish tightening the bolts on the rear shackles. Got the tires back on, and presto!, the Jeep is sitting on it's wheels again for a little while until I pull the front axle.
I've also wire brushed the "new" front axle (again), and painted it. Again, this is the difference between TV and real life, as I spent most of 45 minutes taping newspaper the floor of the garage so I could paint in there without having to get a divorce when my honey returns. While I was at it, I finished cleaning the shifter for the transmission, and have painted it silver. I think it looks pretty good.
Friday night, and today, I got the Jeep jacked up and did a bunch, that I am going to list out below. Some of these steps may not seem like much, especially if you do this a lot, but it's my first time and I'm pretty excited so bear with me.
So, back to the work, and I'll try not to pull any muscles patting myself on the back. Since Tuesday, I got the rear springs hooked completely up. the only thing I still need to do is go back in and finish tightening up the bolts on the U-bolts that I loosened to make it easier to get everything hooked up, and finish tightening the bolts on the rear shackles. Got the tires back on, and presto!, the Jeep is sitting on it's wheels again for a little while until I pull the front axle.
I've also wire brushed the "new" front axle (again), and painted it. Again, this is the difference between TV and real life, as I spent most of 45 minutes taping newspaper the floor of the garage so I could paint in there without having to get a divorce when my honey returns. While I was at it, I finished cleaning the shifter for the transmission, and have painted it silver. I think it looks pretty good.
Friday night, and today, I got the Jeep jacked up and did a bunch, that I am going to list out below. Some of these steps may not seem like much, especially if you do this a lot, but it's my first time and I'm pretty excited so bear with me.
- Pulled wheels
- Disconnected the brake lines
- Removed shock absorbers
- Unbolted the Main Eye end of the springs and used the 2 floor jacks to let the axle down gently onto some wood pieces piled on the floor. Axle is sitting about 10 inches off the ground.
- Unbolted one shackle end, and had to cut the other one off.
- Unbolted the frame attachments for the shackles, removed the shackles.
- Decided (at least as of right now) not to remove the front hangers, clean them up and paint them. One bolt for the drivers side also holds on the steering box, and I'm not sure I want to screw with it. I may just hit it with a wire wheel while still attached and then paint it.
- Hung the new shackles to test fit them.
- Took "new" springs out onto the ddriveway and removed the old shackle bushings. Then drilled out the Main Eye bushings.
Now, what's not shown on this list is the trips to Ace and Northern tools looking for sockets that would fit the Pitman arm. Of course, once I found one that fit, I decided I could probably get away with not removing it.
So I guess for tomorrow through Tuesday the list is something like this.....
- finish painting the "new" front axle
- Get the axles into the pickup truck and get them to a junkyard or metal recycler.
- Get new front axle into position
- Cut out the metal bushing or liner in the main eyes of the springs so I can put the new polyeurathane ones in.
- bolt up springs to axles
- Jack up springs and install the shackle end.
- reinstall tires, get new brake lines parts ordered. Definitely need new hard line for passenger front, as it was in really bad shape when I started working on it and just twisted off. will also need new soft lines for the front and a new one for the back.
- Get under hood and install the booster and new M/C
- Get under Jeep and remove old proportioning valve, then install the "new" one that I bought off of Ebay.
- Clean and paint the t-case, transmission and skidplate, then install those bitches.
Clearly, this is not all going to happen, but it's a heck of a list and a great start towards finishing up this project.
I think that's all, so Later.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The girls are on the road
Putting the girls on the plane to VA this morning. Ahhhh, blessed quiet.
Should be a bunch of updates this week concerning the jeep project, as the plan is to work on it every evening and all weekend.
Over the 3 day weekend, got the spring main eye bushings out and got the springs mounted to the axle. Connected the shackle end, and was in the process of connecting the main eye end when it turned out that the bushings are about 1/2 an inch too wide to fit. So I guess I"m going to have to trim them using a grinder or hacksaw or something. Hopefully, that can get done either tonight or tomorrow night. Once that is done, plan is to fit the springs into the main eye end and be done with the rear axle. Then I need to start loosening everything on the front axle, get it out, replace it with the "new" axle and haul the old axles and the old springs off to the recycling yard.
That's it for now.
Later
Should be a bunch of updates this week concerning the jeep project, as the plan is to work on it every evening and all weekend.
Over the 3 day weekend, got the spring main eye bushings out and got the springs mounted to the axle. Connected the shackle end, and was in the process of connecting the main eye end when it turned out that the bushings are about 1/2 an inch too wide to fit. So I guess I"m going to have to trim them using a grinder or hacksaw or something. Hopefully, that can get done either tonight or tomorrow night. Once that is done, plan is to fit the springs into the main eye end and be done with the rear axle. Then I need to start loosening everything on the front axle, get it out, replace it with the "new" axle and haul the old axles and the old springs off to the recycling yard.
That's it for now.
Later
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Happy July 4th
This posting once a month is getting to be a habit. Been trying to update more often than that, but it's not working. My be updating more frequently over the next 10 days, as the girls will be out of town and that allows me to update when I fell like it.
On the new job front.....got a call a while a month or more ago about a job that I had discussed with the recruiter 10 or so months ago. I realized that after his most recent call that they were moving forward, but weren't in a big hurry. I left the recruiter alone, figuring it was one of those things where I would either hear back from him or not, but calling him every 3 days wasn't going to help. Then this past week, I got a call from a partner at Deloitte who worked with the company and wanted to discuss my background. Apparently patience was the right move. So now that is moving forward. In addition to that, a CFO job just popped up in Baton Rouge. I saw it Thursday mornign and put in an app that morning. No sense in waitin around I figured. Have not heard anything bacck, but since I reacted so quickly, I may not for a while. And of course, I may have just sent my resume into the internet void, never to be seen again.
Hopefully, something will happen with on, or preferably both.
On the jeep front, I've got the entire rear axle out, and the "new" axle in, although not attached to anything. I pulled the shackle hangers off the frame, and cleaned and painted both them and the frame that was underneath them. I've got them back on, with new bolts. I then loosely bolted up the shackles and tested all the shackle bushings to make sure they fit. Then I drilled out the bushings in the main eye end of the springs, which was fun.....no really. There was a metal sleeve in the stock springs that kept the new bushings from fitting, so I had to get that out, also a lot of fun. I used a sawzall to make a cut in the metal bushing , then used a combination of penetrating oil, a Mapp gas torch, 4 lb sledge and a bunch of punches, chisels and a very large socket to drive them out. Just got them out and was ready to start bolting up the springs to the axle, but it's getting ready to rain which means I have to shut the garage door and stop for a while.
Later
On the new job front.....got a call a while a month or more ago about a job that I had discussed with the recruiter 10 or so months ago. I realized that after his most recent call that they were moving forward, but weren't in a big hurry. I left the recruiter alone, figuring it was one of those things where I would either hear back from him or not, but calling him every 3 days wasn't going to help. Then this past week, I got a call from a partner at Deloitte who worked with the company and wanted to discuss my background. Apparently patience was the right move. So now that is moving forward. In addition to that, a CFO job just popped up in Baton Rouge. I saw it Thursday mornign and put in an app that morning. No sense in waitin around I figured. Have not heard anything bacck, but since I reacted so quickly, I may not for a while. And of course, I may have just sent my resume into the internet void, never to be seen again.
Hopefully, something will happen with on, or preferably both.
On the jeep front, I've got the entire rear axle out, and the "new" axle in, although not attached to anything. I pulled the shackle hangers off the frame, and cleaned and painted both them and the frame that was underneath them. I've got them back on, with new bolts. I then loosely bolted up the shackles and tested all the shackle bushings to make sure they fit. Then I drilled out the bushings in the main eye end of the springs, which was fun.....no really. There was a metal sleeve in the stock springs that kept the new bushings from fitting, so I had to get that out, also a lot of fun. I used a sawzall to make a cut in the metal bushing , then used a combination of penetrating oil, a Mapp gas torch, 4 lb sledge and a bunch of punches, chisels and a very large socket to drive them out. Just got them out and was ready to start bolting up the springs to the axle, but it's getting ready to rain which means I have to shut the garage door and stop for a while.
Later
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Happy June
Yes, I know it's been a really long time since I posted. Sorry about life intruding and all that.
What's been up? Well, I've put in applications on a couple of jobs. Can't seem to get any traction though, or even a call back. It's rather depressing considering I'm only applying for construction type CFO spots that I'm pretty well qualified for. I guess something will happen sooner or later.
With the project jeep, I've removed the rear axle pretty much. I cut off the u-bolts holding the original axle in rather than try to unbolt them after looking at the threads. So the axle is literally just sitting on the ground under the jeep. Can't exactly figure out how to get it out and get the other one at the moment, just a lack of transportation since all of my jackstands and dollies are in use. I plan to borrow a dolly from work, and maybe another set of jackstands and I'll be in pretty good shape. Need to borrow a truck from work to transport the axle to a junkyard/scrap dealer.
Later
What's been up? Well, I've put in applications on a couple of jobs. Can't seem to get any traction though, or even a call back. It's rather depressing considering I'm only applying for construction type CFO spots that I'm pretty well qualified for. I guess something will happen sooner or later.
With the project jeep, I've removed the rear axle pretty much. I cut off the u-bolts holding the original axle in rather than try to unbolt them after looking at the threads. So the axle is literally just sitting on the ground under the jeep. Can't exactly figure out how to get it out and get the other one at the moment, just a lack of transportation since all of my jackstands and dollies are in use. I plan to borrow a dolly from work, and maybe another set of jackstands and I'll be in pretty good shape. Need to borrow a truck from work to transport the axle to a junkyard/scrap dealer.
Later
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Happy Mothers Day
So it's mothers day and I just don't give a damn. I really woke up on the wrong side of the bed (and possibly the tracks) this morning. Naturally, that means that the Golden Children were up at or about the crack of freakin' dawn. I'm struggling through this, and hopefully I'll be better after the coffee kicks in.
Made some progress on my axles Friday evening and yesterday. Got the rear axle painted and it looks reasonably good. Got the 3 screws that hold the drum brakes drilled out on both sides, since they were totally rusted in and flat refused to turn. Got on drum off with no problem, the other is being a little more stubborn. I've been beating on the f-ing thing for a couple of days now with no appreciable results. got the calipers off of the front axles, and pulled one set of brake pads and anti-rattle clips off also. Left the other side on as a comparison, plus the weight is negligible. Since reducing the weight is one of my primary goals, I don't care about the other set of pads. The only other reason I'll need to get them off is to check them and see if they have some life left. The first set did, so there is no reason to think these won't.
Today, if I can get my buddy to come help, I want to move the "new" rear axle around the front of the house and start trying to install it under the jeep. It's a pain, because to do that I have to move the axle to free up the jackstands I need to support the jeep when I jack it up to start removing the old axle. I tried to turn some of those bolts, and they are so rusted I busted the socket prior to the bolt turning even a little. Enter the sawzall as soon as I can get things jacked up and supported properly....If I can't get him to come over, I may look at buying a heavy duty wagon of some sort at a tool place that I can slide the axle on and then tow it around the house myself. I'm not excited about that option, but it may be what I have to do. I am going to be in trouble with my honey if I leave the axles, as we are supposed to be having sod put down next week.
All right, I guess that's enough for today
Later
Made some progress on my axles Friday evening and yesterday. Got the rear axle painted and it looks reasonably good. Got the 3 screws that hold the drum brakes drilled out on both sides, since they were totally rusted in and flat refused to turn. Got on drum off with no problem, the other is being a little more stubborn. I've been beating on the f-ing thing for a couple of days now with no appreciable results. got the calipers off of the front axles, and pulled one set of brake pads and anti-rattle clips off also. Left the other side on as a comparison, plus the weight is negligible. Since reducing the weight is one of my primary goals, I don't care about the other set of pads. The only other reason I'll need to get them off is to check them and see if they have some life left. The first set did, so there is no reason to think these won't.
Today, if I can get my buddy to come help, I want to move the "new" rear axle around the front of the house and start trying to install it under the jeep. It's a pain, because to do that I have to move the axle to free up the jackstands I need to support the jeep when I jack it up to start removing the old axle. I tried to turn some of those bolts, and they are so rusted I busted the socket prior to the bolt turning even a little. Enter the sawzall as soon as I can get things jacked up and supported properly....If I can't get him to come over, I may look at buying a heavy duty wagon of some sort at a tool place that I can slide the axle on and then tow it around the house myself. I'm not excited about that option, but it may be what I have to do. I am going to be in trouble with my honey if I leave the axles, as we are supposed to be having sod put down next week.
All right, I guess that's enough for today
Later
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Macamoni (things kids say)
I guess that's just like Macaroni as we know it, except it's coming from the mouth of a child. Just thought I would post some of the funny things the GC's say periodically.
And by periodically, I mean monthly apparently, as it's been a solid month since I posted anything.
A fair amount going on since Easter. I've been to Tulsa and Lafayette. I'm going to San Diego coming up here in the not too distant future.
Picked up a set of wide trac jeep axles with disk brakes to replace the NT drum brake axles that are on the project jeep now. Amusingly enough, they are sitting on jack stands in the back yard. i've started painting one, and will start the other this weekend. Hopefully, may get the rear installed this weekend. The front would be nice, but it doesn't look too promising.
Sold my JK and replaced with VW, primarily for fuel mileage. I miss the JK, but I sure don't miss filling it up once a week if not more.
Planning a "guys weekend" in Key West. Not too sure about this, mostly because the boat to Key West doesn't get back until after 9:00pm Sunday night. We'll see and I'll update as I go.
Not a thing going on in the ongoing search for new employment. I'm bored shitless at work a lot of the time. I actually feel like I'd be doing them a favor by moving on, because I've handed so much stuff off that I don't have enough to do. The boss man was supposed to hand some things off, but I do not see that happening. I'll keep at it, something is going to shake loose sooner or later.
Saw another graphic example of why you can't let your kids watch TV today/tonight. Got home, and wanted to watch the news to see about the 1,000 point fall in the Dow, plus the flooding up in Nashville and so forth. Put on CNN, but it's commercials.....but there is Headline News, which as the title implies should be covering the headlines in theory, right??? Put it on, and they are having an in-depth discussion of Miley Cyrus's new video. So there is Hannah Montana herself writhing in a cage in a minimal outfit while my girls are watching and thinking that Hannah looks a little funny. Thanks both HLN and Miley for moving my girls a little closer to the stripper pole....Shitheads.
I mean I know they have to grow up, but can't they be sort of childlike for a while? Maybe until they are in double digit ages??? I don't think that is too much. It's gotten so all I can watch is sports and the DIY network or kids shows, and I hate most of the kids shows on today. Plus it seems like most of the clothes for 6 year olds are designed for hookers, and then shrunk down to fit.
Ok, rant over. If you obbject, tough, this is my blog and I do what I want. Plus, didn't you notice the title??
That's all for now.
Later
And by periodically, I mean monthly apparently, as it's been a solid month since I posted anything.
A fair amount going on since Easter. I've been to Tulsa and Lafayette. I'm going to San Diego coming up here in the not too distant future.
Picked up a set of wide trac jeep axles with disk brakes to replace the NT drum brake axles that are on the project jeep now. Amusingly enough, they are sitting on jack stands in the back yard. i've started painting one, and will start the other this weekend. Hopefully, may get the rear installed this weekend. The front would be nice, but it doesn't look too promising.
Sold my JK and replaced with VW, primarily for fuel mileage. I miss the JK, but I sure don't miss filling it up once a week if not more.
Planning a "guys weekend" in Key West. Not too sure about this, mostly because the boat to Key West doesn't get back until after 9:00pm Sunday night. We'll see and I'll update as I go.
Not a thing going on in the ongoing search for new employment. I'm bored shitless at work a lot of the time. I actually feel like I'd be doing them a favor by moving on, because I've handed so much stuff off that I don't have enough to do. The boss man was supposed to hand some things off, but I do not see that happening. I'll keep at it, something is going to shake loose sooner or later.
Saw another graphic example of why you can't let your kids watch TV today/tonight. Got home, and wanted to watch the news to see about the 1,000 point fall in the Dow, plus the flooding up in Nashville and so forth. Put on CNN, but it's commercials.....but there is Headline News, which as the title implies should be covering the headlines in theory, right??? Put it on, and they are having an in-depth discussion of Miley Cyrus's new video. So there is Hannah Montana herself writhing in a cage in a minimal outfit while my girls are watching and thinking that Hannah looks a little funny. Thanks both HLN and Miley for moving my girls a little closer to the stripper pole....Shitheads.
I mean I know they have to grow up, but can't they be sort of childlike for a while? Maybe until they are in double digit ages??? I don't think that is too much. It's gotten so all I can watch is sports and the DIY network or kids shows, and I hate most of the kids shows on today. Plus it seems like most of the clothes for 6 year olds are designed for hookers, and then shrunk down to fit.
Ok, rant over. If you obbject, tough, this is my blog and I do what I want. Plus, didn't you notice the title??
That's all for now.
Later
Monday, April 5, 2010
Happy Easter
So easter has come and gone. I still haven't gone to church, which probably makes me a sinner of some sort.
Not a lot happened over the 3 day weekend. Girls did not go to visit the panhandle, which was disappointing only because I really wanted to do a 3 day push on the jeep and that clearly did not happen. In fact, I did basically dick on the jeep. I pulled some of the clutch pivot parts from where they were stashed underneath the jeep and wire wheeled them reasonably clean and then painted them. And that is pretty much it.
Had a nice Easter, the girls got to have baskets and an Easter egg hunt. They really enjoyed both, in fact I don't think they ate any actual food until last night when we finally had dinner. Everything else was pretty much chocolate and/or marshmallow candies of some sort. We were supposed to go eat Sunday dinner at some friends, but that fell through literally on the way there when they called to tell us that one of the little ones was sick. Since GC #2 has just gotten well, we didn't want to have a fun spring break with another virus.
I did get to watch LSU baseball all weekend, and that was nice. Won 2 games from Georgia. I won't get into any detail, but I can handle 2 of 3 all the time. I don't need sweeps every weekend.
Later
Not a lot happened over the 3 day weekend. Girls did not go to visit the panhandle, which was disappointing only because I really wanted to do a 3 day push on the jeep and that clearly did not happen. In fact, I did basically dick on the jeep. I pulled some of the clutch pivot parts from where they were stashed underneath the jeep and wire wheeled them reasonably clean and then painted them. And that is pretty much it.
Had a nice Easter, the girls got to have baskets and an Easter egg hunt. They really enjoyed both, in fact I don't think they ate any actual food until last night when we finally had dinner. Everything else was pretty much chocolate and/or marshmallow candies of some sort. We were supposed to go eat Sunday dinner at some friends, but that fell through literally on the way there when they called to tell us that one of the little ones was sick. Since GC #2 has just gotten well, we didn't want to have a fun spring break with another virus.
I did get to watch LSU baseball all weekend, and that was nice. Won 2 games from Georgia. I won't get into any detail, but I can handle 2 of 3 all the time. I don't need sweeps every weekend.
Later
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
End of the quarter
Damn, how did it get to be 3 full months into 2010 already?
Been a couple of weeks since I've put anything down. Here's what's been going on ....
GC #2 is sick. Again. Shocking, I know.
My wife's grandfather is deathly ill with pneumonia. Not looking good and it has been a miserable week for both of us. I just want her to be in a better mood, which is difficult when we canceled our cruise weekend because her parents, who were supposed to babysit, had to drive up to where her grandfather is. My honey was very happy.....in addition, there were some raging hormones as it is also monthly cycle time. Yes, I'm being very polite in that phrasing. I don't know why.
I did get a little work done on the jeep last weekend. Not much, and certainly not what I wanted. But a little.
This weekend, the girls were supposed to be out of town, giving me a 3 day weekend to work on the jeep and lie around watching sports. Instead, due to the illness mentioned above, they will be with me. I expect this to be a serious crimp in the "work on the jeep" plans. What I would like to do is get the body centered, and start the process of mounting the new body mounts, finish cleaning up the transmission and transfer case and get them put back in, and finish cleaning and painting the skidplate to get it put back in also. In addition, I'm thinking of running up to the Tampa area to check out a couple of axles. Waiting to hear whether or not they are 1 piece axles in the AMC 20. If they are, I am them like a wolf. IF not, then I'm about 50/50.
Later
Been a couple of weeks since I've put anything down. Here's what's been going on ....
GC #2 is sick. Again. Shocking, I know.
My wife's grandfather is deathly ill with pneumonia. Not looking good and it has been a miserable week for both of us. I just want her to be in a better mood, which is difficult when we canceled our cruise weekend because her parents, who were supposed to babysit, had to drive up to where her grandfather is. My honey was very happy.....in addition, there were some raging hormones as it is also monthly cycle time. Yes, I'm being very polite in that phrasing. I don't know why.
I did get a little work done on the jeep last weekend. Not much, and certainly not what I wanted. But a little.
This weekend, the girls were supposed to be out of town, giving me a 3 day weekend to work on the jeep and lie around watching sports. Instead, due to the illness mentioned above, they will be with me. I expect this to be a serious crimp in the "work on the jeep" plans. What I would like to do is get the body centered, and start the process of mounting the new body mounts, finish cleaning up the transmission and transfer case and get them put back in, and finish cleaning and painting the skidplate to get it put back in also. In addition, I'm thinking of running up to the Tampa area to check out a couple of axles. Waiting to hear whether or not they are 1 piece axles in the AMC 20. If they are, I am them like a wolf. IF not, then I'm about 50/50.
Later
Friday, March 19, 2010
Mild work panic attacks
Yesterday, got an email from the head IT guy at work that they were fixing the electronic lock system on our building. Thought nothing of it, and continued to work. This morning, came into work and my fob wouldn't work. Now that's on OH Shit moment, especially with the number of layoffs we've had over the past couple of years. Wakes you up better than coffee.
Nothing too amusing from the golden children since my last post. One of the things I want to try and do is continue to post the amusing things they say. Another good one that was early in the week was GC #1 eating rye bread and not liking it....."This tastes like dishwater with butter". I laughed out loud at that and told her she didn't have to eat it, but she wasn't getting anything else.
Going to continue to work on the jeep. I just found a guy over on the east coast that has a pair of axles, regeared and supposedly ready for use. I'm waiting for some e-mails from him with pics. May have to buy them and replace mine. Not sure what else is going to get done this weekend, the new throwout bearing won't be in yet. May pull the trans and transfer case out and try to clean them up good so they are all ready to go when the new bearing does arrive.
Later
Nothing too amusing from the golden children since my last post. One of the things I want to try and do is continue to post the amusing things they say. Another good one that was early in the week was GC #1 eating rye bread and not liking it....."This tastes like dishwater with butter". I laughed out loud at that and told her she didn't have to eat it, but she wasn't getting anything else.
Going to continue to work on the jeep. I just found a guy over on the east coast that has a pair of axles, regeared and supposedly ready for use. I'm waiting for some e-mails from him with pics. May have to buy them and replace mine. Not sure what else is going to get done this weekend, the new throwout bearing won't be in yet. May pull the trans and transfer case out and try to clean them up good so they are all ready to go when the new bearing does arrive.
Later
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Things the GC's say
Get home Tuesday night, kids are in the #1's room. She comes out, bawling her head off, followed by her sister. She has a composition notebook in her hands. She holds it up and declares to my wife "How could you give this to GC#2, this is my POETRY book". Now, I'm standing there with my mouth open just looking at her. She's f-ing 6 for pete's sake, I know she's not composing poetry. And you should have been there to behold the drama of the crying and carrying on. Turns out that the book had some poetry from school that they had been given, and asked to draw what the poetry meant. What could we do but take back the book and apologize for being so unfeeling? I mean WOW!
Update on the jeep, and also my excellent customer service note of the day.......in my last post, I was pissed that the throwout bearing didn't fit on the transmission. So I call AMS, who is the manufacturer to find out if I ordered the wrong part or what. They listen to my describe the problem, ask some questions, and without any further ado ship me out a new bearing. So I ask, should I ship the old one back? And the sales guy, without missing a beat, says, No, just throw it away. Holy crap! have I fallen into some sort of vortex? I mean I really liked the call. So all I can say, Gold star for AMS clutch people.
Not much else going on other than work, work on the house, work on the jeep, etc. Weather has been really nice here in SW FL until this morning. But it's clearing up now, an promises to be 3 or 4 more really nice days.
Later
Update on the jeep, and also my excellent customer service note of the day.......in my last post, I was pissed that the throwout bearing didn't fit on the transmission. So I call AMS, who is the manufacturer to find out if I ordered the wrong part or what. They listen to my describe the problem, ask some questions, and without any further ado ship me out a new bearing. So I ask, should I ship the old one back? And the sales guy, without missing a beat, says, No, just throw it away. Holy crap! have I fallen into some sort of vortex? I mean I really liked the call. So all I can say, Gold star for AMS clutch people.
Not much else going on other than work, work on the house, work on the jeep, etc. Weather has been really nice here in SW FL until this morning. But it's clearing up now, an promises to be 3 or 4 more really nice days.
Later
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Sat update
I'm very annoyed with the entire drivetrain of the project jeep, but specifically the throwout bearing. It's been a pretty good day, got 95% of the dash finished, and hung the dash neatly. Then installed the clutch. So far, so good....until I went to test fit the throwout bearing on the transmission and realized it's a little too small to fit on the shaft. FUCK!! so, now have to call tech support I guess and find out what part I need. Hopefully, I won't need to get a whole new clutch and uninstall what I already did.
Later
Later
Sat. Morning
So, been in Orlando most of the week at a conference sponsored by CFO magazine. Good stuff for the most part, other than a couple of presentations that felt a little too much like sales pitches. Met a couple of people who coule prove helpful in future endeavours, otherwise just tried to learn.
Back at the office Thurs/Fri. Finally managed to get some work done. I've been very unmotivated, which has meant large amounts of amusement for me when reading articles about how to keep your employees motivated and/or engaged.
Friday, March 5, 2010
drought update
Not sure if I mentioned it before, but I've been in a bit of sexual drought. Sure, I could go back my previous posts, but I'm pretty lazy today and don't feel like it. So if this is duplicative, tough shit.....anyway, I'd like to announce the drought is over!! I guess my honey felt guilty for the last 4 weeks of no sex, or was just horny, or maybe was worried about me going out of town this week and thought I might have to find a girlfriend. I don't know or care, all I know is I got laid.
Life is good.
Other than that we are pretty much in an SS/DD holding pattern. Children are in school, work still kind of sucks, working on the project jeep etc. I am trying to sell my daily driver jeep now. I anticipate that gas prices are going up this summer and now that I have to pay for my own gas, I want something that gets better than 17 mpg. It's really too bad too, because I like my 4 door jeep a lot and hate to get rid of it.
Finished SuperFreakonomics last night. While this is off my usual topic, I can only recommend both of the Freakonomics books highly. I don't know that I've ever enjoyed books relating to economics more. 2 enthusiastic thumbs up!! I'm also almost finished with "Too Big to Fail"....this book is a great read if you are curious about the events of 2008/2009 with the financial companies. It's also really scary if you have to deal with these assholes. I recommend this book also, but not as wholeheartedly. Check it out if you have time and want to get the purportedly inside scoop on these events.
Later
Life is good.
Other than that we are pretty much in an SS/DD holding pattern. Children are in school, work still kind of sucks, working on the project jeep etc. I am trying to sell my daily driver jeep now. I anticipate that gas prices are going up this summer and now that I have to pay for my own gas, I want something that gets better than 17 mpg. It's really too bad too, because I like my 4 door jeep a lot and hate to get rid of it.
Finished SuperFreakonomics last night. While this is off my usual topic, I can only recommend both of the Freakonomics books highly. I don't know that I've ever enjoyed books relating to economics more. 2 enthusiastic thumbs up!! I'm also almost finished with "Too Big to Fail"....this book is a great read if you are curious about the events of 2008/2009 with the financial companies. It's also really scary if you have to deal with these assholes. I recommend this book also, but not as wholeheartedly. Check it out if you have time and want to get the purportedly inside scoop on these events.
Later
Monday, March 1, 2010
got sometthing done
So I guess this would be the post where I tell you how much I got done on the jeep, and so forth. And I would, if I had actually done that. But here's what did happen. The fuel sender wiring is now complete, and has been extended to reach the fuel tank. I reran the dash wiring to the fuel gauge, and it now works. I still have to create a little splice of some sort, as the same wire runs the + side of the ammeter as well. Also got the brake switch wires cut to length, got fittings put on and got the switch installed. It works like a champ, so all that remains for that little sub-system is to put some sort of cover on the wiring and tape it up.
More or less over my piss-off at all the women in my life, but something is still sticking in my craw and I don't really know what it is. I'm still working on this, and more may be forthcoming as soon as I know what to type.
Since it's only been one day, not much else to update.
Later
More or less over my piss-off at all the women in my life, but something is still sticking in my craw and I don't really know what it is. I'm still working on this, and more may be forthcoming as soon as I know what to type.
Since it's only been one day, not much else to update.
Later
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Bitches
I am really pissed off with all the women in my life at the moment, hence the title of this post. I was actually pretty good with things until about 12:00 midnight Saturday when my honey decided that she was not ready to leave the party we were at. Now normally I would have stayed, but we really needed to cut the babysitter loose and we weren't going to be home until around 12:30 with drive time already. So she says she wants to stay and spend the night. Maybe I'm overly unreasonable, but that just pissed me off. So we had a quiet, but very intense conversation that ended with my saying (in a nutshell) do what the fuck you want, but I'm going to call and come pick you up tomorrow morning early. I didn't really expect her to, but she changed her mind and came home. She did not speak much to me and I'm not sure if it's because she was drunk, or because she's pissed at me......or both. To be honest with you I really don't care. I don't believe I was wrong and I think the idea of her staying over was dumb.
Following that little bit of piss off up, this morning when I finally pulled my lazy butt out of bed, I went to get the GCs. I realized that most of the stuff they were playing with had come from downstairs. Since they are not supposed to be downstairs if no one else in the house is up, I asked them if they had been downstairs. They indignantly replied "No". Now I didn't go to MIT or anything, and I may not be the most perceptive person ever, but I can tell when they are lying to me. And they were lying to me with straight faces.
So now I sit here at my kitchen table, updating this blog and being a little steamy at all the women in my life. I'll get over it after a while, I always do, but I wanted to express myself a little first.
Not a lot going on other than this. I really can't get over the fact that today is the last day of February. How the heck did we get this deep into the year?
Going to go out for a run later, then try to get some work done on the jeep. I'll hopefully update that later in the week.
Later
Following that little bit of piss off up, this morning when I finally pulled my lazy butt out of bed, I went to get the GCs. I realized that most of the stuff they were playing with had come from downstairs. Since they are not supposed to be downstairs if no one else in the house is up, I asked them if they had been downstairs. They indignantly replied "No". Now I didn't go to MIT or anything, and I may not be the most perceptive person ever, but I can tell when they are lying to me. And they were lying to me with straight faces.
So now I sit here at my kitchen table, updating this blog and being a little steamy at all the women in my life. I'll get over it after a while, I always do, but I wanted to express myself a little first.
Not a lot going on other than this. I really can't get over the fact that today is the last day of February. How the heck did we get this deep into the year?
Going to go out for a run later, then try to get some work done on the jeep. I'll hopefully update that later in the week.
Later
Monday, February 22, 2010
First things
First things first.....Avatar is really good. Of course, I think I liked it better when it was called "Dances with Wolves", but still the colors and 3d technology are amazing. Not sure I want to see it 8 times or anything, but definitely worth seeing in the theater. In fact, I believe it must be seen in the theater.
Got a little work done on the jeep this weekend. The spacer and flywheel are both back on. I started to put the clutch back on, then took a good look at the bolts and decided not to reuse them. I unpacked the new clutch pieces, they look good, so hopefully everything fits once I have the new bolts. I think this week I'm going to try to get the fuel gauge connection cut and refitted, and test the electrical signal to make sure everything is working. Then this coming weekend, try to get the new clutch on, the transmission cleaned up, and the skidplate cleaned up also. If all of that gets done, it will have been a productive weekend in terms of jeep work.
Been a bit going on with job calls, thought I might update that. First, got a call from a guy in Cincy about a job in Indiana. This was interesting enough that it made me consider moving to Terre Haute, but at the end of the day I have elected not to even try. I don't think my honey would ever forgive me.
Last week, got an e-mail from a guy I'd worked with about a year ago for another search. He was not really looking to place me, but I'm really interested in the job he has. I'm trying to help him instead and be one of his favorite people.
Also last week, got a call from a recruiter in Mobile. He is recruiting for a job in Orlando, which is where I sit right now. CFO spot for a road contractor. Since I've come to the conclusion that the boss man is never going to share the responsibility liked we discussed 18 months ago, I've been very open to all of these calls. And this one may be interesting. I'll update later, as I'm scheduled to have an interview/discussion at 8:30 this morning with the CEO/Owner.
Later
Got a little work done on the jeep this weekend. The spacer and flywheel are both back on. I started to put the clutch back on, then took a good look at the bolts and decided not to reuse them. I unpacked the new clutch pieces, they look good, so hopefully everything fits once I have the new bolts. I think this week I'm going to try to get the fuel gauge connection cut and refitted, and test the electrical signal to make sure everything is working. Then this coming weekend, try to get the new clutch on, the transmission cleaned up, and the skidplate cleaned up also. If all of that gets done, it will have been a productive weekend in terms of jeep work.
Been a bit going on with job calls, thought I might update that. First, got a call from a guy in Cincy about a job in Indiana. This was interesting enough that it made me consider moving to Terre Haute, but at the end of the day I have elected not to even try. I don't think my honey would ever forgive me.
Last week, got an e-mail from a guy I'd worked with about a year ago for another search. He was not really looking to place me, but I'm really interested in the job he has. I'm trying to help him instead and be one of his favorite people.
Also last week, got a call from a recruiter in Mobile. He is recruiting for a job in Orlando, which is where I sit right now. CFO spot for a road contractor. Since I've come to the conclusion that the boss man is never going to share the responsibility liked we discussed 18 months ago, I've been very open to all of these calls. And this one may be interesting. I'll update later, as I'm scheduled to have an interview/discussion at 8:30 this morning with the CEO/Owner.
Later
Friday, February 19, 2010
This weekend
As I said before, look at last weeks ambitious list of jeep stuff to gauge this weekend.
Other than that, in-laws still in town through Sunday I think, so quality time will be limited. I like them, and like having them, but sometimes I just want the house to myself.
Might go see Avatar tonight, as my honey and I seem to be the only people on the face of the earth who haven't seen it. I knew it was getting bad when even some of the older (60-ish) guys I work with had seen it. I'm actually looking forward to it, I wanted to see it all along.
Been reading a lot of the blogs and news outlets recently. I'm probably not as smart as they are, and certainly I'm not going to put the kind of effort into it they do. That being said, I believe a number of them are missing the boat. They keep harping on new home sales, and I think that's incorrect. We need to focus equally, if not more so and existing homes prices and sales. My reasoning is this....the vast majority of the homes out there are "existing" meaning that they are built (duh) and occupied. Since a major portion of peoples wealth is tied up in the existing homes, shouldn't we continue to do things for existing homes and not so much for new homes? Especially since we have a huge excess of homes already? Why the fuck are we adding new homes to a 12+ month excess? Screw cash for caulkers, let's start reposessing homes for taxes and so forth and paying people to tear them down.
Start of college baseball season this week, at least in Baton Rouge. Really looking forward to it, especially since watching the basketball team is enough to cause real physical pain. I think we've got enough to get back to Omaha this year. Don't know if we have enough to win it all, but it should be a good team. We need one more starting pitcher, a lefty would be nice, and we need the young infield to come around. If they can hit for some power that would be nice also.
Later
Other than that, in-laws still in town through Sunday I think, so quality time will be limited. I like them, and like having them, but sometimes I just want the house to myself.
Might go see Avatar tonight, as my honey and I seem to be the only people on the face of the earth who haven't seen it. I knew it was getting bad when even some of the older (60-ish) guys I work with had seen it. I'm actually looking forward to it, I wanted to see it all along.
Been reading a lot of the blogs and news outlets recently. I'm probably not as smart as they are, and certainly I'm not going to put the kind of effort into it they do. That being said, I believe a number of them are missing the boat. They keep harping on new home sales, and I think that's incorrect. We need to focus equally, if not more so and existing homes prices and sales. My reasoning is this....the vast majority of the homes out there are "existing" meaning that they are built (duh) and occupied. Since a major portion of peoples wealth is tied up in the existing homes, shouldn't we continue to do things for existing homes and not so much for new homes? Especially since we have a huge excess of homes already? Why the fuck are we adding new homes to a 12+ month excess? Screw cash for caulkers, let's start reposessing homes for taxes and so forth and paying people to tear them down.
Start of college baseball season this week, at least in Baton Rouge. Really looking forward to it, especially since watching the basketball team is enough to cause real physical pain. I think we've got enough to get back to Omaha this year. Don't know if we have enough to win it all, but it should be a good team. We need one more starting pitcher, a lefty would be nice, and we need the young infield to come around. If they can hit for some power that would be nice also.
Later
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Weekend update
Like the SNL play on words?
so I had posted a number of pretty ambitious plans related to work that I wanted to get done on the jeep in my last post. I'm proud to say that absolutely none of it came true.....
Okay, not really proud, but it's just funny how clear the vision is in my head sometimes, then you get home and it's time to prep for the Mardi Gras party Saturday night and you spend all day working on that with an hour or so to screw around on the tail wiring Sat. Sun I was too hung over and tired to do crap and spent the whole day lounging around.
So, the in-laws are in town, and this weekend seems like a good time to try and get some work done. Take the list I posted previously and move it all back a week and maybe some of it will actually happen. At least I can move in the garage now that all the furniture we moved out for the party is back in the house.
I had previously promised some sort of update on the GCs. GC#1 is my subject this morning and it's mostly good. It's just funny how they pick up stuff....she's 6, but she acts sometimes like she's 15 and I think a lot of it comes from the TV she watches on Disney and Nick. She watches some shows that are aimed at teenagers, and no matter how much I bitch at my honey she doesn't always make her change the channel. Really, in my opinion, kids TV these days sucks, but I guess parents have pretty much said the same thing for years. GC#1 only really has one problem these days, and that is she just isn't trying hard enough in school. I know it's first grade, but this is where good habits can start and maybe continue. I don't want to push so hard that she starts to hate it, but I also don't want her to get credit for crappy work.
Later
so I had posted a number of pretty ambitious plans related to work that I wanted to get done on the jeep in my last post. I'm proud to say that absolutely none of it came true.....
Okay, not really proud, but it's just funny how clear the vision is in my head sometimes, then you get home and it's time to prep for the Mardi Gras party Saturday night and you spend all day working on that with an hour or so to screw around on the tail wiring Sat. Sun I was too hung over and tired to do crap and spent the whole day lounging around.
So, the in-laws are in town, and this weekend seems like a good time to try and get some work done. Take the list I posted previously and move it all back a week and maybe some of it will actually happen. At least I can move in the garage now that all the furniture we moved out for the party is back in the house.
I had previously promised some sort of update on the GCs. GC#1 is my subject this morning and it's mostly good. It's just funny how they pick up stuff....she's 6, but she acts sometimes like she's 15 and I think a lot of it comes from the TV she watches on Disney and Nick. She watches some shows that are aimed at teenagers, and no matter how much I bitch at my honey she doesn't always make her change the channel. Really, in my opinion, kids TV these days sucks, but I guess parents have pretty much said the same thing for years. GC#1 only really has one problem these days, and that is she just isn't trying hard enough in school. I know it's first grade, but this is where good habits can start and maybe continue. I don't want to push so hard that she starts to hate it, but I also don't want her to get credit for crappy work.
Later
Friday, February 12, 2010
More catch-up
So, I guess in 2009 my last post was in November. A lot of crap has gone on since then, mostly not all that important in the overall scheme of things, but some of it was at least blog-worthy.
Spent thanksgiving in LFT. Had a GREAT time, I duck hunted and the family came out to the hunting camp for a couple of days and had a great time. The GCs really enjoyed it, the weather was nice and cold and a good time was had by all.
Christmas went well, GCs got all their presents, My honey got here presents, the in-laws were in town. I got gift certs for jeep parts.
Went to see the Tigers play Penn State in the Cap One Bowl New years day. Spent new years eve in the RV with the in-laws, drank a little champagne and called it a night.
The Cap One bowl was a lot of fun, the weather sucked, but the game was pretty good until PSU won, then we had to listen to all those assholes walk around yelling "We Are" and answering "Penn State". I had some other answers for them but was with the girls and couldn't let them hear it. Spent the night in the team hotel that night, got to sit down in the bar, drink beer and watch the players walk around. That was pretty fun trying to identify them if they weren't wearing something with their number on it.
Made New Years resolutions to get in better shape financially. As of now, still haven't really made any of the moves, but they are still on my list so I guess that's better than nothing.
More to come, about job and LSU basketball and whatever else pops into my head.
Later
Spent thanksgiving in LFT. Had a GREAT time, I duck hunted and the family came out to the hunting camp for a couple of days and had a great time. The GCs really enjoyed it, the weather was nice and cold and a good time was had by all.
Christmas went well, GCs got all their presents, My honey got here presents, the in-laws were in town. I got gift certs for jeep parts.
Went to see the Tigers play Penn State in the Cap One Bowl New years day. Spent new years eve in the RV with the in-laws, drank a little champagne and called it a night.
The Cap One bowl was a lot of fun, the weather sucked, but the game was pretty good until PSU won, then we had to listen to all those assholes walk around yelling "We Are" and answering "Penn State". I had some other answers for them but was with the girls and couldn't let them hear it. Spent the night in the team hotel that night, got to sit down in the bar, drink beer and watch the players walk around. That was pretty fun trying to identify them if they weren't wearing something with their number on it.
Made New Years resolutions to get in better shape financially. As of now, still haven't really made any of the moves, but they are still on my list so I guess that's better than nothing.
More to come, about job and LSU basketball and whatever else pops into my head.
Later
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Slowly trying to catch up
This is going to be an ongoing effort to catch up with this blog. Clearly, judging by my readers (none!), this is more for my mental health than for anyone's entertainment. I'm fine with that, it's nice to be able to take months off at a time and not have anyone nagging you.
I guess I'll start with project jeep....
over christmas pulled out the driveshafts, skidplate, transmission and transfer case, clutch and flywheel. Had the flywheel turned and ordered a new clutch plus the little ball the clutch pivots on so I can rebuild this silly bastard. After that, I haven't really done a hell of a lot, mostly because I've been busy and/or sick. The wiring on the ass end of the jeep has been worked on, and is pretty much in working order. This isn't really much of a change from what I had previously, except that I realized that in stock configuration the wiring runs inside the cab and to the back. To match that, I pulled what I had done back apart and re-ran everything. I also bought some of the old school trailer wiring harnesses (the flat 4 wire kind) and used them to hook up the taillights. This gives me a nice water tight connection, especially after I squirted a bunch of dielectric grease in the connector. This gives me taillights, brake lights and turn signals. Still no reverse lights, as I'm apparently not smart enough to figure out what the hell type of connector goes on the switch. I'll hit the jeepforum for that one.
Next is to get the pretty new flywheel with the new starter ring back on the jeep. I'm going to try and do that Saturday, and I will probably try to get some work done on the dashboard as well. I'm not too far from having that done, but I still have to figure out where the power side of the fuel gauge comes from and check/recheck/triple check the grounds. Sunday I'll probably try to finish cleaning up the skidplate and get it painted. Probably going to go with a flat or semi-gloss black on that. That will also save me money, since I have those paints, but don't have any bedliner spray cans which are what I'd really like to use.
If time permits Sunday, I think I'm going to try and install the clutch on the flywheel. If I can get that done, I have the option of working on the electrical some more, or I can work on getting the fiberglass body mounted squarely on the frame. I really need to get back under the hood and finish the final electrical pieces (mostly grounds), but there is so much crap under the jeep that pushing it further into the garage to open the hood is almost impossible.
I just dropped 3 dozen roses on my honey, so I have a fighting chance of being able to spend some time really working on the Jeep.
I think this is enough for now and I really should go do what they actually pay me for. More will be forthcoming on end of the year activities, the GCs', in-laws and other fun personal stuff that few people really give a crap about.
Later
Later
I guess I'll start with project jeep....
over christmas pulled out the driveshafts, skidplate, transmission and transfer case, clutch and flywheel. Had the flywheel turned and ordered a new clutch plus the little ball the clutch pivots on so I can rebuild this silly bastard. After that, I haven't really done a hell of a lot, mostly because I've been busy and/or sick. The wiring on the ass end of the jeep has been worked on, and is pretty much in working order. This isn't really much of a change from what I had previously, except that I realized that in stock configuration the wiring runs inside the cab and to the back. To match that, I pulled what I had done back apart and re-ran everything. I also bought some of the old school trailer wiring harnesses (the flat 4 wire kind) and used them to hook up the taillights. This gives me a nice water tight connection, especially after I squirted a bunch of dielectric grease in the connector. This gives me taillights, brake lights and turn signals. Still no reverse lights, as I'm apparently not smart enough to figure out what the hell type of connector goes on the switch. I'll hit the jeepforum for that one.
Next is to get the pretty new flywheel with the new starter ring back on the jeep. I'm going to try and do that Saturday, and I will probably try to get some work done on the dashboard as well. I'm not too far from having that done, but I still have to figure out where the power side of the fuel gauge comes from and check/recheck/triple check the grounds. Sunday I'll probably try to finish cleaning up the skidplate and get it painted. Probably going to go with a flat or semi-gloss black on that. That will also save me money, since I have those paints, but don't have any bedliner spray cans which are what I'd really like to use.
If time permits Sunday, I think I'm going to try and install the clutch on the flywheel. If I can get that done, I have the option of working on the electrical some more, or I can work on getting the fiberglass body mounted squarely on the frame. I really need to get back under the hood and finish the final electrical pieces (mostly grounds), but there is so much crap under the jeep that pushing it further into the garage to open the hood is almost impossible.
I just dropped 3 dozen roses on my honey, so I have a fighting chance of being able to spend some time really working on the Jeep.
I think this is enough for now and I really should go do what they actually pay me for. More will be forthcoming on end of the year activities, the GCs', in-laws and other fun personal stuff that few people really give a crap about.
Later
Later
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Holy Crap
So the Saints won SB XLIV. Holy shit, I never thought I'd see the day, or actually live long enough to see this happen.
I watched the game from start to finish, and then basked in the post win coverage. I really can't believe I'm stuck in the hellhole while back at home my Saints have just won the Superbowl.
Shit
I watched the game from start to finish, and then basked in the post win coverage. I really can't believe I'm stuck in the hellhole while back at home my Saints have just won the Superbowl.
Shit
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Just very quickly
Just quickly....
It's been a really long time since I updated anything, and I think I'm going to try and get a good one tonight. I'd really like to get back on this, since sometimes it allows me to pour out some aggravation that otherwise gets expended on people in my life.
It's been a really long time since I updated anything, and I think I'm going to try and get a good one tonight. I'd really like to get back on this, since sometimes it allows me to pour out some aggravation that otherwise gets expended on people in my life.
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