2 Sluggo's Garage
- Thread starter rmalkow2
- Start date
New Old Radio for my New Old Ride
I recently bought a 2004 Ford Expedition for my winter driver and it badly needed the stock radio replaced It worked ok as far as that goes but has no provision for plugging in an iPod or similar and I love to play podcasts on long trips or dreary drives home from work during rush hour. I figured it would be a good project for the weekend.
So out came the old Ford brick.
Bought the right wiring connector and made up a mating harness to the aftermarket radio with all connections soldered and covered in shrink tubing.
Connected with harness and antenna wire for a test to make sure everything lights up and works.
And the final installation with the trim panel back in place.
Sounded good today to and from work.
I recently bought a 2004 Ford Expedition for my winter driver and it badly needed the stock radio replaced It worked ok as far as that goes but has no provision for plugging in an iPod or similar and I love to play podcasts on long trips or dreary drives home from work during rush hour. I figured it would be a good project for the weekend.
So out came the old Ford brick.
Bought the right wiring connector and made up a mating harness to the aftermarket radio with all connections soldered and covered in shrink tubing.
Connected with harness and antenna wire for a test to make sure everything lights up and works.
And the final installation with the trim panel back in place.
Sounded good today to and from work.
Attachments
taumac
Well-known member
Wow, you been a busy bee haven’t you. Those cabinets are just great. I’m kinda disappointed and you done such a good job that the 32 won’t be spending the winter In Florida. Keep up the good work my friend.
jon72vega
Well-known member
Bob,
Good job on the stereo for your winter ride!
I have a decent stereo system in my Trac, and it can sure make the driving more enjoyable.
Good job on the stereo for your winter ride!
I have a decent stereo system in my Trac, and it can sure make the driving more enjoyable.
Yep I'm trying to keep busy as the long cold days of winter approach. Sorry your dream of a visiting roadster is dashed. It has a snug place to live out the winter now.
Bob,
Good job on the stereo for your winter ride!
I have a decent stereo system in my Trac, and it can sure make the driving more enjoyable.
Definitely. I hate having no way to plug in another device and Ford was badly late to the party to upgrade their radios with extra inputs.
Bessy
Well-known member
All I can say is WOW. I think I started going through this thread on Sunday and have now caught up to date. Congratulations on the build, I only can dream of having space like that right now.
Cheers,
B.
Cheers,
B.
New Old Radio for my New Old Ride
I recently bought a 2004 Ford Expedition for my winter driver and it badly needed the stock radio replaced It worked ok as far as that goes but has no provision for plugging in an iPod or similar and I love to play podcasts on long trips or dreary drives home from work during rush hour. I figured it would be a good project for the weekend.
So out came the old Ford brick.
Bought the right wiring connector and made up a mating harness to the aftermarket radio with all connections soldered and covered in shrink tubing.
Connected with harness and antenna wire for a test to make sure everything lights up and works.
And the final installation with the trim panel back in place.
Sounded good today to and from work.
Well done!
patrickg20
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 4, 2013
- Messages
- 509
Nice job! I look forward to seeing the new cabinets, and signs in your workspace.
Not a whole lot going on in the garage lately. Just busy with work, some travel over a long Thanksgiving weekend and getting snow blower ready for use. Just in time too as we got 4-5 inches yesterday, getting another 4-8 inches today.
I did take a little time to start getting into the Christmas spirit and decided to create a different Christmas tree.
I decided the theme should be a Rootin, Tootin, Shootin Christmas!
Of course my kids told me it would not be up to their standards so I guess we decorate a real tree when they arrive for a visit.
I did take a little time to start getting into the Christmas spirit and decided to create a different Christmas tree.
I decided the theme should be a Rootin, Tootin, Shootin Christmas!
Of course my kids told me it would not be up to their standards so I guess we decorate a real tree when they arrive for a visit.
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jon72vega
Well-known member
Not a whole lot going on in the garage lately. Just busy with work, some travel over a long Thanksgiving weekend and getting snow blower ready for use. Just in time too as we got 4-5 inches yesterday, getting another 4-8 inches today.
I did take a little time to start getting into the Christmas spirit and decided to create a different Christmas tree.
I decided the theme should be a Rootin, Tootin, Shootin Christmas!
Of course my kids told me it would not be up to their standards so I guess we decorate a real tree when they arrive for a visit.
Bob,
I like that alot!
I showed it to my wife... her not likey quite so much
Strouty
Well-known member
Careful, you’ll shoot your eye out!
Bob Heine
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Bob, I like the Christmas theme. When our children became adults we didn't feel the need to do traditional trees. The first Christmas our son came home on leave from the Navy we decorated one in a "Red, White and Blue Christmas" theme.
A few years later we did one up in "The Christmas Spirit", with lots of airline-size bottles of liquor (I got them for a good price from the local liquor store). Our guests got to pick their drink of choice from the tree. Putting away the remaining decorations in January was real easy.
I couldn't find a photo of the other one. We bought a few stacks of giant-size play money and turned them into bows on the tree. My wife called it the "True Meaning of Christmas" tree.
A few years later we did one up in "The Christmas Spirit", with lots of airline-size bottles of liquor (I got them for a good price from the local liquor store). Our guests got to pick their drink of choice from the tree. Putting away the remaining decorations in January was real easy.
I couldn't find a photo of the other one. We bought a few stacks of giant-size play money and turned them into bows on the tree. My wife called it the "True Meaning of Christmas" tree.
Attachments
Not a whole lot going on in the garage lately. Just busy with work, some travel over a long Thanksgiving weekend and getting snow blower ready for use. Just in time too as we got 4-5 inches yesterday, getting another 4-8 inches today.
I did take a little time to start getting into the Christmas spirit and decided to create a different Christmas tree.
I decided the theme should be a Rootin, Tootin, Shootin Christmas!
Of course my kids told me it would not be up to their standards so I guess we decorate a real tree when they arrive for a visit.
I definitely like this Christmas tree!
I like your tree themes Bob. My effort was less serious in reality and more to start the usual conversation going amongst my grown up kids about what type of Christmas tree is acceptable. Growing up they always looked forward to the day we'd go look for and cut down our own tree. Now that they are grown and gone I'm glad to say they keep the tradition alive in there own homes. For me, I would succumb to the post modern tradition of an artificial tree but they still won't let me. So I try to come up with a new way each year to poke a little fun into the pre-Christmas conversation before they get here.
Two out of three coming home this year so we'll go out and see what sort of Charlie Brown real tree we can find that is left and they get to decorate it.
But, I do sorta like that whiskey bottle theme there. I would even help un-decorate that one.
I definitely like this Christmas tree!
Thanks Vieux, If it were just I alone it would likely end up being my actual tree for this year but my children will insist on finding a real traditional tree.
Hope all GJ friends around the world are preparing for a joyful Christmas with family and friends!
Adding more tool storage.
After moving all my main tool cabinets down to the new garage I've been pondering various solutions to having a set of tools remain in the house garage. To date I've been using my small carry box tools and then having various loose extra tools lying around which is not ideal. I don't want to overwhelm this garage with too many cabinets again but thought about various solutions. The HF large tool cart was a good option and not a bad price on sale but then I'm doing my usual scan through CL this morning and up pops this ad, 2 hours old for a top and bottom Craftsman set for $100 total. Comes with keys that work and just needs cleaning and lubrication.
I got the seller to respond quickly and off I went about 35 minutes away. I like working out of this style box set so I think this will be a good solution and definitely cheap. I like the bottom box has 9 drawers instead of the big storage cabinet. I'll use the drawers more for individual tools.
After moving all my main tool cabinets down to the new garage I've been pondering various solutions to having a set of tools remain in the house garage. To date I've been using my small carry box tools and then having various loose extra tools lying around which is not ideal. I don't want to overwhelm this garage with too many cabinets again but thought about various solutions. The HF large tool cart was a good option and not a bad price on sale but then I'm doing my usual scan through CL this morning and up pops this ad, 2 hours old for a top and bottom Craftsman set for $100 total. Comes with keys that work and just needs cleaning and lubrication.
I got the seller to respond quickly and off I went about 35 minutes away. I like working out of this style box set so I think this will be a good solution and definitely cheap. I like the bottom box has 9 drawers instead of the big storage cabinet. I'll use the drawers more for individual tools.
Attachments
jon72vega
Well-known member
Bob,
Good score on the Craftsman tool boxes!
Good score on the Craftsman tool boxes!
taumac
Well-known member
Man, that’s a nice stack and good price to boot.
patrickg20
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 4, 2013
- Messages
- 509
Great deal on the new boxes!
Rocket Mania and the age old question - Does Size Really Matter?
I freely admit to having rocket envy ever since Don Long acquired and then restored that fabulous old military rocket and hung it in his totally fabulous garage. It was just too cool in my mind and I did search the internet for something near me but no luck and I gave up the dream.
Then a couple weeks ago at a local auction I saw this almost cool model rocket. It's a whopping 30" tall.
But hey, it's all I got and it does have the Captain America shield on it! That should count for something!
No need for restoration here as I'll just go with the vintage patina. Now it hangs from the rafters in its new home.
So I guess size does really matter and I humbly admit Don's rocket is bigger but I gotta keep the dream alive and have something to aspire to.
I freely admit to having rocket envy ever since Don Long acquired and then restored that fabulous old military rocket and hung it in his totally fabulous garage. It was just too cool in my mind and I did search the internet for something near me but no luck and I gave up the dream.
Then a couple weeks ago at a local auction I saw this almost cool model rocket. It's a whopping 30" tall.
But hey, it's all I got and it does have the Captain America shield on it! That should count for something!No need for restoration here as I'll just go with the vintage patina. Now it hangs from the rafters in its new home.
So I guess size does really matter and I humbly admit Don's rocket is bigger but I gotta keep the dream alive and have something to aspire to.
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jon72vega
Well-known member
So Bob......
Do we start calling you Rocket Man now?
I like the rocket BTW!
It's a nice touch.
Do we start calling you Rocket Man now?
I like the rocket BTW!
It's a nice touch.
jon72vega
Well-known member
Bob,
From my side of the state to yours, MERRY CHRISTMAS!
From my side of the state to yours, MERRY CHRISTMAS!
1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Heat Wave = Garage Time
After 2 weeks plus of deep freeze temps we finally got up to mid 30's F today. What a relief!
With a little help from a couple small heaters I could get the garage temp warm enough to work without a coat and finally get the drawers cleaned and lubricated on my newly purchased Craftsman tool box set. Got them all vacuumed out and wiped down with some spray cleaner that did not actually freeze into ice for a change.
Some of the drawers had foam rubber liner material that I cleaned and re-used. The bottom roller will need liner material cut for each drawer but now that they are clean I can work on that each day after work. I did get a few started with some typical useful tools from my overflow supply. I guess it will pay off to me now that I previously bought all those tools at garage sales and estate sales. I should be able to fill this box from my own supply for cents on the dollar.
After 2 weeks plus of deep freeze temps we finally got up to mid 30's F today. What a relief!
With a little help from a couple small heaters I could get the garage temp warm enough to work without a coat and finally get the drawers cleaned and lubricated on my newly purchased Craftsman tool box set. Got them all vacuumed out and wiped down with some spray cleaner that did not actually freeze into ice for a change.
Some of the drawers had foam rubber liner material that I cleaned and re-used. The bottom roller will need liner material cut for each drawer but now that they are clean I can work on that each day after work. I did get a few started with some typical useful tools from my overflow supply. I guess it will pay off to me now that I previously bought all those tools at garage sales and estate sales. I should be able to fill this box from my own supply for cents on the dollar.
Attachments
1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Bob, that's a neat job.
That's one thing that really peeves me and that is digging through a bunch of tools in a tool box to find something, what you have done will work well.
I will send some heat your way..
That's one thing that really peeves me and that is digging through a bunch of tools in a tool box to find something, what you have done will work well.
I will send some heat your way..
jon72vega
Well-known member
Bob,Heat Wave = Garage Time
After 2 weeks plus of deep freeze temps we finally got up to mid 30's F today. What a relief!
With a little help from a couple small heaters I could get the garage temp warm enough to work without a coat and finally get the drawers cleaned and lubricated on my newly purchased Craftsman tool box set. Got them all vacuumed out and wiped down with some spray cleaner that did not actually freeze into ice for a change.
Some of the drawers had foam rubber liner material that I cleaned and re-used. The bottom roller will need liner material cut for each drawer but now that they are clean I can work on that each day after work. I did get a few started with some typical useful tools from my overflow supply. I guess it will pay off to me now that I previously bought all those tools at garage sales and estate sales. I should be able to fill this box from my own supply for cents on the dollar.
Good job on cleaning & filling up the tool box!
I think the filling up with tools is fun.
It's been fun for me organizing and deciding what else I need to buy. (gotta thank GERARD for that)!
Thanks 1/2Cup and thanks Jon,
I agree it is fun filling empty drawers of a new tool box. This time around I'm trying to start out with the theme of less is more. I would usually cram way more than I need in every drawer. This time I'm going to try just selecting the basic amount of each type tool that I would likely need and leave space in each drawer for minimal growth. If one wrench or tool becomes really useful then it can join the others in the box. Or take out something less used and replace with a new piece. That's my plan anyway so we'll see how that goes.
Anyway it's fun right now making these decisions for each drawer.
I agree it is fun filling empty drawers of a new tool box. This time around I'm trying to start out with the theme of less is more. I would usually cram way more than I need in every drawer. This time I'm going to try just selecting the basic amount of each type tool that I would likely need and leave space in each drawer for minimal growth. If one wrench or tool becomes really useful then it can join the others in the box. Or take out something less used and replace with a new piece. That's my plan anyway so we'll see how that goes.
Anyway it's fun right now making these decisions for each drawer.
patrickg20
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 4, 2013
- Messages
- 509
Great work on the new tool box. I had to do a double take at your "hammer drawer". At first glance I thought you had my hammer.
[/url]IMG_2643 by Patrick Graham, on Flickr[/IMG]
Keep up the good work!
Keep up the good work!
Socket Organization
I'm continuing the process of building a tool set for my (new to me) Craftsman box and decided it was time to put together a socket set. I've got lots of sockets that were purchased at different Garage and Estate sales over the past couple years. They needed sorting by brand and SAE vs Metric and then a good cleaning.
So I started by sitting down and doing a lot of sorting, bagging and labeling.
Starting with a collection of deep well Craftsman for my own use it was time to clean off the years of grease and dirt so out came the ultrasonic cleaner. I mixed up Dawn dish soap and hot water in two plastic cups and then set them in the tub of the cleaner that was also filled with clean hot water. Put 4 or 5 sockets in each cup and 280 seconds later they come out clean.
The soapy water started out with a slight blue color from the Dawn dish soap but after cleaning two sets of sockets it was pretty brown and dirty. But the sockets sparkle except for a few with some surface rust. I'll hit those lightly with some steel wool and the wipe them all down with some light oil on a rag to prevent future rust and they'll be ready for the tool box.
Next up will be the short socket sets in 3/8 drive and maybe some extra 1/4 drive sockets trying to have enough of all types.
I'm continuing the process of building a tool set for my (new to me) Craftsman box and decided it was time to put together a socket set. I've got lots of sockets that were purchased at different Garage and Estate sales over the past couple years. They needed sorting by brand and SAE vs Metric and then a good cleaning.
So I started by sitting down and doing a lot of sorting, bagging and labeling.
Starting with a collection of deep well Craftsman for my own use it was time to clean off the years of grease and dirt so out came the ultrasonic cleaner. I mixed up Dawn dish soap and hot water in two plastic cups and then set them in the tub of the cleaner that was also filled with clean hot water. Put 4 or 5 sockets in each cup and 280 seconds later they come out clean.
The soapy water started out with a slight blue color from the Dawn dish soap but after cleaning two sets of sockets it was pretty brown and dirty. But the sockets sparkle except for a few with some surface rust. I'll hit those lightly with some steel wool and the wipe them all down with some light oil on a rag to prevent future rust and they'll be ready for the tool box.
Next up will be the short socket sets in 3/8 drive and maybe some extra 1/4 drive sockets trying to have enough of all types.
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1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Bob, way to go.
Its great to see as it is just one of those jobs that seem to be always are put on the back burner.
Its great to see as it is just one of those jobs that seem to be always are put on the back burner.