shortykorte
Well-known member
Another satisfied student of Shorty’s School of Safety.Wait, what? People do electrical repairs without getting shocked? That can't be right.
Another satisfied student of Shorty’s School of Safety.Wait, what? People do electrical repairs without getting shocked? That can't be right.
You misspelled "Skool"Another satisfied student of Shorty’s School of Safety.![]()
Cody, your dad would have loved Florida. There is no state law prohibiting you from burying your body on your own property and you can even establish a family cemetery on your property. You can't sell plots and you have to provide ingress and egress for loved ones to visit the graves.Beware of the shipping cost of a body. To transport my Dad back to Odessa where he had a partial paid funeral plan, it was gonna cost $2,500 for 352 miles travel. They were not impressed with my question about just wrapping him up and throwing him on the top of the car.
Instead I found a local cremation place, sent him there for 1/10 of the funeral cost, and had a service with pictures of dad. Then he traveled through the USPS for $45 to PA after they cremated him.
My dad always told me, "don't give them vultures anymore more money then you have to", and so I did as I was told.
Scott, I don't want one of my children sticking me or Liane in a nursing home. I've been paying for long term care insurance for almost 40 years and plan to have a total stranger take care of one or both of us in our home. Hopefully that stranger will help us on our way and I expect there won't be much left after the caretaker embezzles the remaining inheritance.A good friend who passed recently always used to say he didn’t believe in leaving inheritances- enjoy your money while you can- the last check you write should be to the undertaker- and it should bounce.
Kirk, sounds a little like my mother because she was 95 when she died. She had two two children, two grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. As mentioned above, you might check your state and local laws concerning the backyard trench. Because we have a really old family cemetery (started in 1776) with family members who live closer to New Rochelle, they can use the family's small post hole digger to dig my grave. The post hole digger is specifically designed for preparing holes for standard paint can urns.Just got back from a funeral. She was 95, had 9 kids, 23 gkids, and 12ggkids. She was loved. Since everyone we knew is at least 55, so we talked about this. If I had my way, they'd dig a trench out back, and dump my body into it.
Zanyad, Jasmine is looking forward to Sunday morning. She would love to add to her count, which is holding at 14 today.
Odis, thank you. I dread answering the phone more every year. I and my friends and relatives are hitting that age when the averages go against us. My other cousins are in their sixties so they keep close tabs on me.We send our condolence to you, Bob.
Another satisfied student of Shorty’s School of Safety.![]()
Stewart, if it wasn't for your school I would have either bled out or turned myself into a LED (Light Emitting Dude) years ago.Bob looks like you’ll have plenty of Iguana skins by next week.
Scott, Shorty's skool only teeches safe. We lern reedin ritin and ritmetik in the pubic skools.You misspelled "Skool"







Bob, weather checking or dry rot is what you call this condition. Time to go! You can check the date of manufacture of the tire by reading the last 4 numbers on the DOT code on the tire, just to get an idea of how long they have been in service. Although, I'm sure you already know that. The format for the last four numbers is WWYY, where WW is the week of the year (YY) produced. For example, 5221 would mean the 52nd week of 2021. My guess on yours is 0301 or 3rd week of 2001
Mark, our PT Cruiser was built in 2004 and came equipped with Goodyear tires. I replaced those aged-out tires in late 2013 when they had very little wear on them. Three of the tires were from weeks 23, 25 and 32 of 2013 so I must have purchased them in the second half of the year. I foolishly replaced them with the exact same Goodyear tires. A year later (2014) I picked up a nail an inch from the sidewall and the Goodyear place that installed them refused to fix it and they had no warranty so one of the tires is a June 2014 tire. They all have the same severe deterioration. Looks like these tires go bad in less than 9 years.My guess on yours is 0301 or 3rd week of 2001



Mark, you're right but that guy wants a bit more than I'm willing to spend. Tire Rack is shipping four new tires to the Tire Kingdom store two blocks from my home. The factory tire is a 205/55-16 with a 24.9" diameter. Figured a little more tread on the road couldn't hurt so I ordered four Riken Raptor ZR 225/50-16 that are also 24.9" diameter. Found four reviews from PT Cruiser owners and all of them were very positive. Tires totaled $420 but they added tacks. I complained because I don't want them putting tacks in my tires. Turns out I needed to clean my glasses.Bob, It's time to see the Michelin Man![]()
Bob,Mark, you're right but that guy wants a bit more than I'm willing to spend. Tire Rack is shipping four new tires to the Tire Kingdom store two blocks from my home. The factory tire is a 205/55-16 with a 24.9" diameter. Figured a little more tread on the road couldn't hurt so I ordered four Riken Raptor ZR 225/50-16 that are also 24.9" diameter. Found four reviews from PT Cruiser owners and all of them were very positive. Tires totaled $420 but they added tacks. I complained because I don't want them putting tacks in my tires. Turns out I needed to clean my glasses.
Before I take the tires to Tire Kingdom I'm going to put the other two metal valve stems on the rims. When I brought the one rim to Tire Kingdom to have the bad valve replaced, the tech said he'd never installed stems like that. He tried to put both rubber washers inside the rim so I had to show him how it needs to be installed. Doesn't inspire confidence.
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No, my wife is the president of "run them til the cord is your traction surface" Camp.Doesn't everyone run them until you can see the cord at the bottom of the dry rot cracks?
That still has some thread on it.
Kirk, I certainly used to do that but in my dotage driving three cars means none of them get driven the kind of miles our one or two cars used get.Doesn't everyone run them until you can see the cord at the bottom of the dry rot cracks?
Mark, I try to keep the stock tire diameter on my cars when possible. My '72 Corvette came with the equivalent of 205/75-15 tires that are 27" diameter. The upgrade on the rear are 255/50-17, with 27.1" diameter. The upgrade on the front are 225/55-17 with 26.8"diameter. The slight rake is OK with me and the mechanical speedometer isn't all that accurate as it is.Bob,
I'm happy to see that you are paying attention to the overall diameter. Too many people don't understand that the 2nd number set (the series or aspect ratio) is as critical as the first number set (the width). Change one, you have to change the other to get your OD to be the same. On older cars this wasn't so critical when the speedometer was cable driven. These days, with the computization and electronics, I'm not sure what the affect of changing the OD would be.....
Cody, Liane said those cracks were the tread pattern.No, my wife is the president of "run them til the cord is your traction surface" Camp.
I tell her to check her tires when she gets gas, but she just don't do it.
Kirk, those are better than the tires that came on my '56 Chevy. There was no sign of tread pattern and I think the threads were cotton. I bought four new tires at Sears and at $9 each they were the cheapest available. The fronts were bald at 1,000 miles and they suggested the car needed an alignment. The alignment shop said the ball joints, bushings and tie rod ends were so bad it would be impossible to do an alignment. Borrowed an electric drill and a couple of wrenches and did the repair myself and then had it aligned. The second pair of $9 front tires lasted 2,500 miles.
Cody, when I was working three jobs early in our marriage, I didn't check the tires as often as I should have. Those tires on the '56 Chevy were tube type and I didn't notice the valve stem had a slow leak. Tires last longer when there's more than 10 lbs pressure in them. With all the other noises that car made, Liane didn't notice the howling tire every time she turned a corner. At 5 lbs they howl when you are going straight. That's when she mentioned it. Took the tire off the car and rolled it the six blocks to the nearest gas station that had an air line (free back then).That still has some thread on it.
No, actually it's not a money issue, it's just she don't care. I usually find the issues while doing monthly checks on the car. This minivan eats front tires like it's candy. I'm lucky if I get 5,000 miles on a set of front tire before the outer edge is gone. It's been to 3 different alignment shops and they all say nothing is wrong with the van. So I just spend $240 for 2 new tires every year due to not going to past the yearly inspection.
I'm pissed when I don't get at least 60,000 out of my tires, now.Back then I couldn't get them close enough, they would repel themselves, damn magnets!Ahhh, the bad old days when we didn't have two nickels to rub together.
Kirk, we bought the 2004 PT Cruiser used in December 2004. It had 271 miles on the odometer. In the 17+ years we've owned it we put 48,000 miles on it. This will be the third set of tires so around 24,000 miles before the cracks get big enough to see from 20 feet away.5,000I'm pissed when I don't get at least 60,000 out of my tires, now.
Kirk, almost all of our friends (not to mention enemies) had more money than us but partly because both husband and wife had paying jobs. Because we had less, we wanted less and instead of the huge house and leased Mercedes, we lived below our means, paid cash for our vehicles and even our current house. I chose retirement at 50 over working until I dropped.Ahhh, the bad old days when we didn't have two nickels to rub together. But they made us what we are. And for some of us, they weren't that long ago.
Dennis, I lucked out finding it in stock for a reasonable price at Walmart (https://www.walmart.com/ip/VEVOR-Ma...otorcycle-Tool-Without-Taking-Wheel/417370643).Bob, that bead breaker is cool...had no idea they even existed. That is super handy if you're painting rims etc. and want to do a decent job.
Your sense of humour on all of this stuff, including tragedy is utterly refreshing![]()
Dennis, where did you find 5¢ magnets? All I had were the chocolate or wooden ones.Back then I couldn't get them close enough, they would repel themselves, damn magnets!![]()









Yowza! Glad you've kept it going - it's one of my faves.Looks like I have reached six years of therapy in this thread. I told you all you'd be sorry!
Uncle Willie, doing it with four two-armed people seems to be part of the instructions. I looked closer and they appear to be four one-armed people with bad knees. My way means much less arguing and time wasted listening to "I've got a better idea" X 4.I have put up two of those garages with two arms and help, and I hated it. You amaze me.

Roger, you are very kind. You also have a good memory!Yowza! Glad you've kept it going - it's one of my faves.
I remember when it started....
Bugnut, the neighbor behind us tore down a stick-built shed and put up a tan party tent on the other side of his yard, almost behind my shed. Liane saw it and asked why I didn't put one up like his. When she saw this one, she asked why I didn't buy a tan one. I mumbled something about heat and reflectivity but got the stink eye response.Hey All Bobs got the Party tent up to Celebrate 6 years! Liking the new Party Tent, Bob. I would guess the new neighbors and others will be wanting one or wondering if you're hosting a Wedding? Garage Sale? Picnic or &c....
Cody, I thought the windows would allow me to see out into the back yard. I made a mistake erecting the thing (forgot diagonal brace sleeves) and had to disconnect a pair of pipes at the corner. Took about five minutes so replacing the three dinged ones should take 15. The carport came with eight screw-in anchors and I plan to screw down the bases on all eight legs to the concrete squares. When we get a hurricane warning I'll be shuffling everything into the shed and taking down the fabric from top and sides.That's a nice looking carport! It looks like you're getting formal out in the yard with those fancy window details. Hopefully they don't give you any trouble on replacing those legs. What's your plans to keep the carport from flying off in a hurricane?
Philip, I had the same experience with the Goodyear store. When I told them the tires were 14 years old (2007), they wouldn't even look at them. The tires have no signs of wear or decay and I expect the same response from Tire Kingdom. I went to a no-brand shop and they balanced them for $40. I did dismount and mount them myself at home so I could be sure the car would have 20 usable studs when the job was done.I saw a rear tire on my wife's Camry V6 (275K and counting) was low on air. I inspected the tire and found a worn, shiny small steel something in the tread. I removed the tire, and took it to a Firestone store in E. Kendall, next to the Dadeland Mall. The tech showed me the surface cracks in the tire, and the manager said, "these tires are 6 y.o., we're not allowed to make repairs on anything that-old." The tech had busted off one bead from the rim, I told the manager, "well, re-seat the bead and return to me the tire in the same shape I gave it to you." I half-expected he was going to refuse to inflate the tire. However, he did inflate it, and I returned it onto the car. This was Sunday afternoon. Monday I got up early and went to Calle Ocho (SW 8 St) in Miami, to an independent tire & repairs shop, when you need something cheap, head to Calle Ocho. The tech removed the shiny steel sliver, it wasn't even long enough to puncture the casing, that wasn't the cause of my low tire, it was a leaky valve stem. Fifteen dollars to the manager, and a few bucks to the tech.
I like your bead breaker. I have about 10 different tire irons, short ones for carrying on my enduro motorcycle, for on the spot repairs, and longer ones for in the shop repairs. I have a couple, no, three HFT tire-changing machines, one for cars, with a motorcycle attachment, another for motorcycles, and one for small-dia. wheels/tires, like lawnmowers, yard trailers, etc. They all involve sweat.
I've seen that style of bead breaker but I've never used one. I am tempted to buy one of those 'air-cannons,' a bead-setting tool, but they're a bit pricey. Still, using it for a couple sets of your own tire mounts, and it's paid for itself. I also have a static wheel-balancing tool.
Your white tent looks like those you see at the country clubs or pari-mutuel racetracks for weddings and things like Gulfstream Racetrack's Florida Derby, or the Breeder's Cup, yours is just smaller. Theirs are air-conditioned, when is that being added to yours?
Jim, I can always get more stuff. Now I can keep more of my stuff dry.Now you can get more stuff Bob!
Dennis, I have nine grandchildren age 18 to 30 but fortunately our son already has two wedding tent setups. When he celebrates a holiday and everyone brings a few friends and a significant other -- not to mention the great grandchildren -- two party tents isn't enough. My tent would be just big enough for the dogs, cats and miscellaneous pets.Get more stuff, but host a wedding in there first while it's nice clean and white sirQuite an improvement!
Scott, this is Florida, where old people go to visit their parents. Most parties involve walkers and portable breathing equipment.Party tent!
I’m sure the invitations are in the mail.
I’m bringing a bag of chips…
Alan, it's more like crazy. That and Mark (@floridafarmer) hooking me up with Kink-Ease ointment. Seems to calm my arthritis pain.Wow, you are amazing!
Kirk, bring oxygen. Our place is on a 28-foot high ridge so a little extra oxygen helps. Maybe someone else can bring an acetylene tank -- not that I've been too lazy to fill my OA torch tanks -- it just makes lighting the charcoal easier and faster.Do we have to bring anything to the party? With all these guys lining up for your party, you might need a bigger tent.
Bob - thanks for the comment - glad to hear it's still working... I have a buddy headed down from STL who is arriving tomorrow then on Friday he will be headed to Boca to talk with a dog breeder then he's off to the keys to fish for a week.. If your Kink-Ease supply is running low - let me know and I'll give him another dispenser to drop off while he's passing thru your neighborhood.Alan, it's more like crazy. That and Mark (@floridafarmer) hooking me up with Kink-Ease ointment. Seems to calm my arthritis pain.
Mark, I'm thrilled with the Kink-Ease but very surprised at how little I use. One application and my hand is good for several days and sometimes more than a week. I notice Liane grabs mine when she gets an achy spot. I suspect she's hoarding hers. I think we're good for at least another year. Your friend should work on making it less effective so we use more.Bob - thanks for the comment - glad to hear it's still working... I have a buddy headed down from STL who is arriving tomorrow then on Friday he will be headed to Boca to talk with a dog breeder then he's off to the keys to fish for a week.. If your Kink-Ease supply is running low - let me know and I'll give him another dispenser to drop off while he's passing thru your neighborhood.
Dennis, I don't remember exactly when I i saw the stink eye for the first time but pretty sure a nickel for each one since then would put a new mid-engine Corvette in my garage.Ahh, if I had a good old loonie (Canuck buck) for every time I got that same stink eye from the boss here….