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Above 1200 Sq/FT Cody's 33'x62' Garage

Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
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OutlawDrifter

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Cody and Bret...pic of tool is a no go, as I was digging through the custom tool drawer, I kind of remembered sacrificing the tool for a spacer when doing work on my Z28.

Basically take a black pipe "T" and affix to a 6" length of black pipe. Where the threads are on the other non "T" end, chamfer the inside and outside with your material removal device of choice, to produce the sharp edge. Pick a size that cuts the hole just bigger than your bolt head. To use, just apply light pressure and twist. Cuts a clean round hole quickly.
 
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madison069

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Cody, I appreciate the heads up. Didn't know I needed that kit and didn't realize I would have to re-organize a couple of drawers for it.
Glad I was able to help spend your money also!
It’s not a bad little kit. Just like any other crimp terminal you just have to be sure the wire and terminal size matches for a good crimp. I figured this reduces the risk of getting solder on the carpet when tinning the ends.
 
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madison069

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Some small updates. I finally got the radio installed. I decided to go with a modern style radio since the retro's reviews was hit and miss. For the coins that the retro was asking for, I just couldn't justify spending that money. The radio is a Sony unit and has all the bells and whistle I was looking for in a radio. Just need to install the antenna when I get the windshield installed. I have two more of the lower dash piece with the original radio opening. So, if it bugs me enough, I can always go the original look in the future.
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I cleaned up the foot well piece that goes under the steering column. I didn't get a pic of it installed, so imagine it is installed and holding the carpet at the lower end.

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I fought the driver side door glass for a long time and during one of my inspection I noticed the plastic wheel had popped off the nub and was out of the glass rail. I wonder how long that's been off the nub? Also, the other glass wheel was loose! No idea why but I guess I didn't tighten it enough. I ordered a new glass wheel guide and maybe I can work on it some more this weekend.

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But I was able to get the passenger side glass aligned properly. It seems to roll up nicely, and I can close the door properly. With all of the new weather seal, I have to slam the door harder then I would prefer. But, base on my reading it seems to be a common issue with these doors and new seals. Then I got the new door panel installed. Overall, I'm please with the new door panels. Only thing I wish it had was the door lock opening peforated in the door card. I made a templet to place the door lock switch as per the old orginal door panels. But, now that it's installed i think it should of went 1/2" higher due to the interference behind the switch. It's not a big issue, but I just notice the switch pushing outward a little. Oh well, it could of been worst! I got new door handle trim cups coming in the mail. The original ones I had was really weathered and new ones were $25 for the pair so I just went the new route instead of refinishing the original.

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Oh and any suggestions on getting rid of the squeaking of the seals as the window is rolled up? Almost like fingernails across the chalkboard.
 
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jcarapet

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Side note, my want of a shop press keeps me watching and I saw this Black Friday sale for the 20 ton press at harbor freight. I might be picking one up.
I literally just succumbed to the temptation and got one of those even though I have no immediate need. Already found a use I didn't expect for it and glad I have it.

Put an alert on the air bottle jack for hfpricetracker.com now to upgrade.

Probably going to steal a couple of these ideas as well https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/harbor-freight-20-ton-hydraulic-press-upgrades.501515/
 
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madison069

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I literally just succumbed to the temptation and got one of those even though I have no immediate need. Already found a use I didn't expect for it and glad I have it.

Put an alert on the air bottle jack for hfpricetracker.com now to upgrade.

Probably going to steal a couple of these ideas as well https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/harbor-freight-20-ton-hydraulic-press-upgrades.501515/
I picked one up also, but it still resides in its box.

I do want to add locking caster wheels so I can move it easily!
 
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madison069

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Well I got alittle bit done over the weekend. Last week I was battling the flu, I even got the flu shot and the flu still got me hard.

So the new door handle cup/trim came in the mail.
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Now, let’s work under the hood some since I have a bunch of interior related parts with no ETA due to one off models….

Let’s get back on the AC system. The compressor bracket requires a spacer on top of the water pump bolt. Same spot a power steering bracket resides. So I had to cut the spacer down to accommodate the power steering bracket. So here’s the spacer taped as a guide for cutting.
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After the cut.
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Instead of juggling two brackets and two spacers in the same spot I elected to weld one of the spacers to the power steering bracket. Welds is ehh, but it holds and I’ll clean it up before painting.
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Reinstalled the brackets and bolted the ac compressor in place.
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As I’m looking at the pulleys, I noticed I didn’t have a good routing path for every belt. Seems I needed a three groove crankshaft pulley instead of the two groove unit I currently have. So I got a pulley on order, never ending part list….

This is the diagram I’ll be following.
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Since I was under the engine I figured I’d change another use what I had moment when I was a kid problem. The timing tab is made for a 8” unit and I have a 6 3/4” harmonic balancer. So I installed a timing tab that’s made for a 6 3/4” balancer.
The difference between tabs, not much but enough to make it hard to align with the mark on the balancer.
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The new tab closer to the balancer.
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Luckily there is big clear marking on the balancer.
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madison069

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So, I started the process of installing the ac condenser. First let’s drain the coolant.
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Removed the fans and radiator.
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So why not just push the radiator forward and install the ac condenser? Well, I put this transmission cooler in the same place where the condenser needs to call home.
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So out comes the cooler…..
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That’s where I left off for the night so the kitty litter can absorb the fluid on the floor. I got it cleaned up but I had to work on other stuff so I’ll have to wait before I put the condenser in place.

Progress is progress even if it’s undoing a bunch of stuff I already completed in the old days.
 
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madison069

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Been fighting a check engine light for catalyst failures but I knew the catalyst weren’t failing base on readings. Well while driving around with the live meters on I saw the bank 2 O2 sensor drop out. Checked for pending codes and sure enough the PO430 code was on standby.
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I got a new sensor on order, but hoping the damn van pass inspection as it’s sitting at the shop waiting for inspection and emission. The CEL wasn’t on but who knows what will happen when they start their inspection.

But, with this recent round of trouble shooting. I got to wondering what can record these readings for me while driving so I can review back to catch it? Along with show when the pending code was triggered? Also, is the autel maxipro mp808bt pro able to communicate with sensors like emission related to activate them and check their function?

The Bluetooth deal does a good job for basic things, but I want to get something that can do more. With Christmas on the way, maybe I can get it on my list. I know Santa will buy it eventually but hoping Mrs Claus might want to spoil Mr Claus….
 

OutlawDrifter

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The Autel will do a lot, but I found out it won't cycle(for a bleed) my ABS system on the 2003 Tundra last weekend, even though it says it will on the website. Might just need another update? Still a good tool for the amount of money I paid for it. I was able to track down and diagnose the airbag issues on my buddy's 2005 Sierra 1500, so that saved him some money.

I don't think there is any end all be all tool, I also looked at some later model Snap-On stuff...and still might end up with a used one at some point.
 
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madison069

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The Autel will do a lot, but I found out it won't cycle(for a bleed) my ABS system on the 2003 Tundra last weekend, even though it says it will on the website. Might just need another update? Still a good tool for the amount of money I paid for it. I was able to track down and diagnose the airbag issues on my buddy's 2005 Sierra 1500, so that saved him some money.

I don't think there is any end all be all tool, I also looked at some later model Snap-On stuff...and still might end up with a used one at some point.
You are right, there isn't a do all end all machine. Wish there was one though.

What was your solution to do the cycle of the ABS system on the Tundra then?
 
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madison069

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I’ll do some more reading on that one Brett, the price is nicer for sure.

Well the van failed inspection due to too much rust on the rear passenger side corner. Seems the lift point is rusted a good bit and he didn’t trust putting it on his lift. Honestly I’ve been surprised that he passed it the last three years. I’ve always known it was junk in that corner, but I didn’t want to open that can of worm cause I’ve always wanted to kick it to the curb. But, wife didn’t want to sell it and I figured I’d let the middle daughter drive it til she wrecks it or something major happened.

Oh well, I’m now on the hunt for either a nice cheap car for the step daughter or a nice newer car for the wife.

On that note, I need to go through the other cars/truck and spray them all in fluid film. Guess I should grab a 5 gallon bucket of FF.
 
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madison069

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We lost Friskie the cat on Friday. My wife called me at work around 4:09pm to come home cause Friskie wasn’t acting right. I got home to find drool everywhere in the kitchen and the dogs were attacked by Friskie. This isn’t normal cause Friskie has never attacked anyone no matter what they did to her. I found her clawed to the couch and biting it. So I grabbed the crate and some welding gloves to get her to the emergency vet. I got her there and they took her straight back to the rooms due to her poor breathing. In the crate she never moved just laid there hissing. I told the vet what happened when they brought me to a room and he said it appears Friskie suffered a stroke or seizure and that explained how she was acting and her health. They brought me to Friskie as she stopped breathing and within a minute her heart stopped. This transpired from 4:00pm til 4:50pm.

Needless to say this hit me hard as this was my moms car and she was the nicest cat I’ve ever had in my life. I was just petting her that morning when she came to my bed when I woke up. Saw her at lunch time just sleeping in the bed with my wife like any cat does.

Charlotte would have that cat with her all the time, taking her on her leash, in her cat bag carrier, took her trick or treating, and would take baths together every once in awhile. That cat never showed a claw at us or but any of the kids. Was always gentle and would just low growl if they were agitating her. She came into our lives only 1.5years ago but it made a big impact in all of us. She will be greatly missed.

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Halloween she was the devil while charlotte was an Angel.
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Here she is in her backpack carrier at church,
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madison069

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So, as it is, life goes on. Currently I’m looking for another cat. That cat was my youngest’s emotion pet so to speak. So, I’m sure I’ll find a suitable car for the family.

In the mean time I went ahead and sold the van. Needless to say it was more work then I wanted to take on for a vehicle that old. Could I have fixed it, sure. But it was 17 years old and I’m sure something else would come along and fail on it.

Sold the van within a day of listing on Facebook. Got more then what the junk yard wanted to give me so that’s a plus. Went riding in several new cars for my wife. I’m looking for a compact SUV for her. She wants sunroof, remote start, heated seats, and I’m sure something else I’m forgetting. I’m looking to ensure it can handle a hitch for a wheel chair lift and ability to put a luggage storage on top, and an actual spare tire.

So far we have looked at a Hyundai Kona, I wasn’t a fan of by the way, Buick Encore, Buick Envision, and a GMC Terrain. I liked the Buick Envision for the nice leg room in the back as the encore was really cramped in the back. GMC Terrain was really nice and I had no problems with it, but the wife said it felt too big and gas mileage was the worst of the 4 we looked at. So far the Envision could check all of our boxes but we still got a Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Chevrolet Equinox, Mazda CX-50, and a Subaru Outback. Hoping to find something in the low $30,000 price so if you have any suggestions I’m open. The goal is to get her something new or newish with really low miles cause she doesn’t change vehicles often.


In some spare time I got the garage cleared for the boat and put it inside before the winter really set in around here. Along with got the shop press assembled. I just put the wheels on it for now. I already found afew mods I’d like to do, but for now it’s easier to move and less chance of loosing parts while assembled.
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I am having to do some training so I will have less shop time until the holidays. Oh and I’m also looking for a put up carport so I can contain the fluid film spraying in the garage. I thought about doing it outside, but fighting the weather and gravel on my back just don’t sound like fun.
 
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madison069

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I’m leaning to the Toyota and Subaru myself. Wife doesn’t like the forester look which is why I picked the outback. Toyota overall has been a good brand for me, but just wanted to cover my bases with other cars. Of course in these type of decisions, wifey-poo wants me to make the calls. It’s too much for her.

My pass Toyota didn’t have remote starts, so please tell of your experience!
 

gearhead1960

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We have a 2022 Outback Touring XT. We love it. The wife wanted the power seats and the brown leather. Only available on the Touring XT. You can't buy this one new for $30k, however if you can find one used for that range, check it out. In case you don't know, the difference between the XT models and the non XT models is the engine. With the XT, you get the 2.4l Turbo motor from the WRX. Non XT model gets the 2.5 normally aspirated engine. HP/TQ difference 260hp/277lb-ft vs 182hp/176lb-ft. Substantial difference that even the wife notices and likes.....more power!
 

Sifan

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"I’m looking to ensure it can handle a hitch for a wheel chair lift and ability to put a luggage storage on top, and an actual spare tire. "

If it helps:
Wife's mid size powerchair weighs 295#
aluminum receiver hitch basket weighs 50#
Steel wheelchair lift weighs 50#
 
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madison069

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"I’m looking to ensure it can handle a hitch for a wheel chair lift and ability to put a luggage storage on top, and an actual spare tire. "

If it helps:
Wife's mid size powerchair weighs 295#
aluminum receiver hitch basket weighs 50#
Steel wheelchair lift weighs 50#
I’m very familiar with the wheelchair lift weight as my mother in law has one that we been using. Not most people would know it, but a hitch can be installed on a Jaguar S-type and it can also carry the lift with the scooter on it with no issues! I thought that was not possible but they sell the hitch for them and I was able to get it installed and setup where she can put the scooter on the lift by herself when she wants to go to the grocery store!
 

Sifan

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I have a lift that barely fits inside our Honda Pilot. It has two electric motors, one turns in and out, the other winds lift strap up and down.

lol different way to buy a vehicle ... if lift doesn't fit, nothing else matters.
 
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madison069

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I have a lift that barely fits inside our Honda Pilot. It has two electric motors, one turns in and out, the other winds lift strap up and down.

lol different way to buy a vehicle ... if lift doesn't fit, nothing else matters.
Called priority!

You mention it going inside, sounds like the kind I would see on the back of a bus almost.
 
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madison069

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Well we finally pulled the trigger on the 2024 Subaru Outback. It checked all of mine and most of my wife’s requirements. It don’t have a heated steering wheel, 🙄.
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But, what it does have that the rav4 didn’t have was the bigger cargo space. Has all of the fancy bells and whistle. If it wasn’t for my wife’s want of a sunroof and heated seat, I would of gotten the base package. She’s not that big in technology so this is like a space ship to her.

I haven’t gotten to play with it cause I had to leave the dealership after signing to take the youngest one to basketball. We’re gonna keep it a secret from the kids to see how long it will take them to notice. Trust me, the two older ones aren’t very observant with changes around the house. Middle one wants to get the Nissan, but it’s at the body shop cause the oldest one backed into it, 🤦‍♂️.
 
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madison069

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Sweet! Nice lookin and great lookin color. I gotta ask...which drivetrain?
It has the 2.5L 8 speed transmission. She don’t need the turbo, so I didn’t elect to get the touring package. Coming from a 2006 sienna it’s plenty fast for her. Plus, I’ve never had an issue with the 2.5L in my 2018 Forester with 68,000 miles on it, so it just seemed smart to go with the 2.5L. I think it’s the limited XT trim, with comfort convenience package. I have to look at the papers again to be sure.

I was looking at so many cars I started going cross eye reading all of the trims and packages between the different makes/models.
 

jblnut

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Sweet ride !! We have a 2019 Ascent Limited and it's been a great rig so far. Mama wanted a few options that only the limited had and the local dealer had a new dealer demo that the owner was driving for the same price as the Premium so we did that. It had 1,200 miles on it so new as far as we were concerned !!

I don't know how Subaru does what they do with the AWD but it works very very well. I drive junk so Mama Bear can have something neither of us have to worry about breaking down ...... Hopefully .....
 
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madison069

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Sweet ride !! We have a 2019 Ascent Limited and it's been a great rig so far. Mama wanted a few options that only the limited had and the local dealer had a new dealer demo that the owner was driving for the same price as the Premium so we did that. It had 1,200 miles on it so new as far as we were concerned !!

I don't know how Subaru does what they do with the AWD but it works very very well. I drive junk so Mama Bear can have something neither of us have to worry about breaking down ...... Hopefully .....

When we talked to the dealer, they had some specials going on and we also got a couple of thousand knocked off because we said we would finance with them. I also had them throw in the remote start and the rubber floor mats cause with the snow and salt I knew the carpet floormat was going to look gunky in short time. So, it was a no brainer to go ahead and get it before it disappeared.

If it wasn't for me buying my dad's truck and then getting the Subaru Forester when my mom passed, I'd probably be driving a beater truck (70's Ford or Chevy) for pulling and a beater car that's easy to work on. I can get myself out of situations, not so much for my wife.

Those AWD are pretty sweet! my wife's parent lives on a steep hill with a steep hill driveway. When I go up the driveway in the truck, I usually loose traction and it gets a little hairy sometimes when it's wet or icy. My Subaru forester just climbs that driveway like it's the quarter mile track that properly prepped.
Good choice Cody, best part is they are safe...things are built like a tank!

That is another deciding factor for me. My mom was in a bad wreck with her last Subaru and her and my cousin walked away with just a bruise shoulder from the seatbelt, the engine was ripped of the frame and basically went under the cab of the car instead of going inside. Dad got hit in his 2019 Ascent where the front end was ripped off the car basically and walked away with sore shoulder and hip from the seatbelt. Subaru has shown to be very safe vehicles when they are in wrecks, so it does give me a little peace of mind.


Now to get the hitch installed and I'm going to put an aluminum cargo rack on the hitch that has a ramp for the wheelchair to ride up on. This way my wife can put the rack on the car when she needs it without dealing with the very heavy lift and everything. Trying to make it easier for them to do things without me around.
 
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