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

[madison069]

This past weekend, the family went to Boston, MA for a weekend getaway. Our AirBnB was right on the shore so I got to watch the sunrise a couple of times on the water. was a very nice place.

I know my ancestors are rolling in their graves as I was sipping on sweet taxed tea in Boston.


First day on the trip we spent it at Salem, MA. We went to the Salem Witch museum and it was a nice show and tell on the Witch trail.

We also did what's called letter boxing, which is like Geo Cashe where we have clues to find a stamp that's been placed through out the city location. during our search we got to see part of the city that's not a common tourist attraction. But we also passed some cool places like this old bank that's converted into a "satan/goth" store where they had the biggest witch on display. You can see the bank vault in the back ground.


THere was some old homes around Salem still and they have this little plaque to mark them.




I did get to eat clam chowder and lobster rolls during the trip.


Here is a cool looking fire truck that was on display at Salem's fire department.


More to come later!

 

[madison069]

The second day was spent in Boston. A lot of walking was done and saw some cool sights in Boston,




This was a coffee shop that was based around the show FRIENDS, and it was alright, but the kids liked it.



John Hancock's grave marker.

Old school meeting place I believe it was.


The controversial statue, that looks like someone hugging a ****.


And nobody knew my name.

 

[madison069]

Third day was visiting these ships in the morning.
USS Constitution aka Ironhorse.

This is a scuttlebutt, which is where the term Buttload comes from. So now you know how much is a buttload.



This is a Destroyer from WWII era called Cassin Young

Maybe the website from this photo will be entertaining for yall?


We also went to Paul Revere house but we weren’t allowed to take photos.

 

[madison069]

Forth day we went to Plymouth, MA to see the famous rock.
Impressive Little Rock, too bad it got whittled down over its lifetime.

This is the house of the rock.



Then we got to see the Mayflower II, such a small boat for the ocean trip for 66 days long. Not sure if I could have handled it being cooped in the ship that long.

Then it was time to head home where life goes back to semi normal.

 

[madison069]

Got back home from the trip and already had a mini project. In my work car I have this small arm rest that has seen better days.

So I took some left over pleather material I had and just re-wrap it. I did this during lunch break so I was working quickly.


Here it is back in the car.


I also got all of my batteries charged and ready for duty.


These two will be getting disposed of during the free disposal day for lithium batteries.


These were my first two batteries and they have served very well. They were manufactured in 2013.

 

[madison069]

So I got 4 cars waiting for some kind of maintenance. First one up is the 2012 Nissan Altima. Apparently the inner CV boot busted and threw grease everywhere.


I had ordered a new boot to install so I needed to disassemble the axle to allow me to install the new boot.


First time doing this and it wasn’t too bad. Just paid attention to how it went back together and made sure to put all of the grease inside the boot that came with the kit.

Back together


I’m not a fan of the bands but it’s what came with the kit. I wonder if I could of found better clamp bands for those boots?

Here we are torquing the axle nut.



I also took the time to clean all of the grease off the arm and engine block.



I also changed the oil and filter, along with the engine air filter and cabin air filter.

The new engine air filter, big difference in the color.


I have a castle nut on order due to who ever worked on this car the last time must of forget to put the castle nut back on. When it gets here, I’ll also install the new serpentine belt and tensioner. But that will be tomorrow most likely.

 

[Xti04]

Cody those band clamps work awesome if you.have the tool for them. You can get them nice and tight with the tool.

So I got 4 cars waiting for some kind of maintenance. First one up is the 2012 Nissan Altima. Apparently the inner CV boot busted and threw grease everywhere.


I had ordered a new boot to install so I needed to disassemble the axle to allow me to install the new boot.


First time doing this and it wasn’t too bad. Just paid attention to how it went back together and made sure to put all of the grease inside the boot that came with the kit.

 

[madison069]

Cody those band clamps work awesome if you.have the tool for them. You can get them nice and tight with the tool.

I have the tool that pinches the band clamps, but these didn't have the pinch deal. It's more of the pull and bend over type of band clamp. I did my best to get it as tight as possible, so we will see how it holds up.

 

[Xti04]

Theres a tool for that as well. I have one that twists to pull that clamp tight and then you fold it over.

 

[madison069]

Theres a tool for that as well. I have one that twists to pull that clamp tight and then you fold it over.

I will have to look for that tool just to have in my toolbox.

Saturday morning, I went to the church to help with the bathroom remodel. With the upcoming graduation party for the middle daughter being here, I figured we needed to get the ceiling drop tiles back in place. I'm not 100% happy as I didn't have the proper tool to cut the tiles with. I was using my pocket knife when i should of used a sharp utility knife to cut the edge recess. But at least now the ceiling is closed up. Also the drywall screws that was used to attached the trim on the wall was twisting the trim and I think I needed a flat faced screw that wouldn't twist the trim. So I need to pull the screws out and adjust the trim and then level the trim properly before I reinstall the track and tiles. But that will be after the party.

Before,

After


The wall will be covered with plastic for a backdrop for photos, so no worries about the unpainted wall. I'll be going over there this week to move all of the material over to another room to get ready for the party Saturday.

I didn't get photos but I helped a kid out with changing his wheel bearing on his 2010 Honda Civic later in the day. I let him do most of the work, I just only stepped in when it was too tight or just being a pain in the **** to remove or install something. The 20-ton press made the job of removing the and installing the bearing a real breeze compared to the old hammer and punch way of removing the bearing.

Yesterday was spent reflecting and spending some time with the youngest and family.

 

[Blackbyrd]

You been busy post travel! Making me feel lazy haha

 

[Xti04]

This is the one I have. Very basic but gets those clamps nice and tight. https://a.co/d/5LGLsI8

 

[madison069]

You been busy post travel! Making me feel lazy haha

I’ve actually been slow lately. But, I’ve been piddling a lot. I need to bring the forester in the garage to do brakes and maintenance.

 

[madison069]

This is the one I have. Very basic but gets those clamps nice and tight. https://a.co/d/5LGLsI8

Guess who just bought one of those tools to put in his tool box?

 

[madison069]

Don’t you wish you just love cardboard boxes and no care in the world? This is Garold.




Well that’s not me, so on to the next project!

Oldest daughter needed an oil change and the plastic oil filter housing was fighting us on the last oil change, so I bought this aluminum filter housing.



It’s a nice setup. It’s for the RAV4 engines and I recommend it so far. I also got an oil filter socket just for that filter housing since my other ones were not doing the job on this filter. No pictures of the rav4 as I had my oldest do it as much as she could. I did have to remove the old filter housing due to how warped and stripped it was by using the biggest pair of channel lock pliers I got, I think it’s 20”ish.

Then I got this toolbox and winch back on the car trailer. It’s been sitting in the grass since I hauled the steel deck for the other garage.

Still need to clean it up, wire the trailer better and install the battery. Was going to also paint the trailer and pack the wheel bearings, but I might only get the wheel bearing done in the near future.

I bought in the riding mower to look it over since it’s been redone. I took this pic for @zmotorsports since he was asking about how good the fluid film was doing on letting the grass fall off. I’m not impressed with the grass coming off on this deck, but then again the last couple of time the grass was cut was when it was soaking wet. This is Pennsylvania ya know, probably rained the last 2 months with only 8 days of no rain.


Then I gathered up all of the parts and fluid for the forester. It’s got a long list of things to be done to it.

I do need to get some brake fluid as I don’t have anything fresh at the moment.
Brought the forester in the garage and was going to put it on jack stands, but I got tired and decided to call it a night to relax some.


Oh, I got new tires on it before Boston trip. The tire guy said the brakes were worn down 90% and I should let them change them. I declined but I did get new pads and rotors.

Here is the new tire thread on the forester. I’m going to have to rotate these tires more often.

Oh and repaired and sold 3 mowers this past few days. Yall seen those before.

 

[Blackbyrd]

Plastic lids on life of engine components drives me nuts!

 

[madison069]

Plastic lids on life of engine components drives me nuts!

I agree. If it’s something that’s going to be removed often with tools, then it shouldn’t be plastic!

 

[Xti04]

Good call on swapping to a metal filter housing. I used to try and upsell those as so many folks would install the plastic ones so tight they would break when removing them. Half of Toyotas models came with a metal housing, never could figure out why the other half got a plastic one.

 

[zmotorsports]

I bought in the riding mower to look it over since it’s been redone. I took this pic for @zmotorsports since he was asking about how good the fluid film was doing on letting the grass fall off. I’m not impressed with the grass coming off on this deck, but then again the last couple of time the grass was cut was when it was soaking wet. This is Pennsylvania ya know, probably rained the last 2 months with only 8 days of no rain.

Thanks Cody. The fluid film does about as good of a job as the WD-40 that I spray on mine at the end of the season. Sometimes I wonder if treating them with anything at all is even worth it. The only remedy I've found is to mechanically remove the debris multiple times a season as I haven't really found any magic bullet that works well enough as preventative measures.

 

[madison069]

Thanks Cody. The fluid film does about as good of a job as the WD-40 that I spray on mine at the end of the season. Sometimes I wonder if treating them with anything at all is even worth it. The only remedy I've found is to mechanically remove the debris multiple times a season as I haven't really found any magic bullet that works well enough as preventative measures.

My take on spraying the deck is to slow down the rust more than anything else. I’ve seen too many mower decks rusted out but the overall mower is still in good shape. Atleast I hope it slows it down.

Other news, we celebrated yesterday for the middle daughter graduating from high school. She got her freshman credit done in high school and she will start at WVU as a Sophomore in the PharmD program. Proud to say she’s doing great and has advanced in her education faster than I did!


Now I have another reason to go to WVU football games.

Took the camaro out and racked another 50 miles on it. On the highway I noticed the engine temperature was climbing to 230ish so I’m going to retard the timing a few degrees. But consider it was 90*f, had the AC on, and was going 65-70mph on some stretch I can understand why it got hot. But I’d like to keep it 220*f or lower.

 

[kj_mustang]

Since you are from PA, I will assume you know of the Backyard Brawl history and the great rendition of the song "Sweet Caroline" sung by the WVU students.

 

[madison069]

Since you are from PA, I will assume you know of the Backyard Brawl history and the great rendition of the song "Sweet Caroline" sung by the WVU students.

I have since learned about the backyard brawl about 3 years ago I think when they brought the game back in rotation. I’m originally from West Texas and a graduate of Texas Tech University, so I’m more familiar with the southern traditions. My wife is a WVU graduate and so I go to some of the WVU games, specially the WVU vs TTU game. I have a TTU shirt of the same style as the WVU shirt I’m wearing. As for the song, those WVU shout it loud I will say, “Eat “poop” Pitt”

 

[kj_mustang]

Virginia Tech guy here and we have a long history with WVU. Best wishes to your daughter for her college experience.

 

[gearhead1960]

Virginia Tech guy here and we have a long history with WVU. Best wishes to your daughter for her college experience.

Haha...in JMU's territory....

 

[kj_mustang]

I would venture a guess that there is way more VT alums in this area than JMU. And I used to work at JMU also. Always fun times interacting with the college rivalries.

 

[zmotorsports]

My take on spraying the deck is to slow down the rust more than anything else. I’ve seen too many mower decks rusted out but the overall mower is still in good shape. Atleast I hope it slows it down.

I completely agree Cody, that's the main reason I apply a coating of WD-40 after my fall winterization process of deck cleaning, pressure washing and fluid changes, just to keep rust at bay over the winter until the first mow in the spring.

 

[madison069]

Been awhile since I’ve updated this thread. With most of the work going on at the Texas Barn and trying to spend family time, I don’t get much garage time here.

So, awhile back I mention the temperature of the engine in the camaro was getting up to 220*F and it was concerning to me. Well I checked the timing and apparently the distributor walked on me and was now at 28* initial timing! I turned it back to 14* and locked it in place. Took it for a ride during forth of July and the temp was now staying at 195*F no matter how hard I pushed it.


After dinner with the family and some cruising, I took the Camaro to a spot where the municipal firework would be seen better than from home. The oldest daughter’s boyfriend mention that a car show was going to be there. So when I rolled up in the parking lot it was obvious my car stuck out due to being the oldest car there. Lots of photos and videos was taken of the Camaro by the spectators.


There was some nice cars there, even a nice 2018 f150 with super charger and methane injection setup.

Today I was able to start on the forester and got the oil changed and started the brake job.

Here is the back brake, I failed to take any disassembly photos.


But here is the front pads, you can see the uneven wear of the pads. Signs of sticking slide pins.



I got to pick up some new slide pins and rubber boots with the brake fluid tomorrow. Was hoping to get done with the brakes minus bleeding the fluid. Oh well, it can sit for another day.

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Glad you got the heating issue figured out. Always fun to have the only old iron at the show.

Looks like there might have been a Foxbody and a thirdgen Camaro in attendance as well.

 

[madison069]

Glad you got the heating issue figured out. Always fun to have the only old iron at the show.

Looks like there might have been a Foxbody and a thirdgen Camaro in attendance as well.

Yep, there was two fox body at the show and a 1988 firebird. I talked to the guy with the 88 Firebird and it still had the original TPI setup and was pretty much stock. One of the fox body was covered in Autozone cartoon duct tape in the engine bay, which I found strange but that's what the kid wanted so he did it. The tuner crowd was heavy in this group, it was funny listening to them run up and down the parking lot with their exhaust popping and so on. I'm sure they make some serious hp to weight ratio, seeing how they had turbo's and chargers on the engines. But, that sound just cracks me up. A few of them was Anime themed and I for sure thought one of them was a girl's car, but apparently it wasn't. The light effects at night were cool to see, a lot has changed from the old days of neon light bars from Walmart that we used to play with in high school. We thought we were cool with our 12" red neon light in the grill of the truck.

 

[madison069]

Working on the front brakes, the slide pins are stiff specially the one with the little rubber guide sleeve.

Here it is before disassembly.


Slide pins taken out.

Stripped the rubber pieces off the slide pins and cleaned them with brake clean and paper towel.

New rubber bits on the slide pins.


I also cleaned the slide pins holes on the caliper bracket and I also cleaned the mounting area and pad contact area. I like to put a little anti-seize on pad mounting area before I clip the little shims/springs on the bracket.



Then the shims/springs

A little anti-seize on the pad tabs that rides in the shims/spring.

Then load it up!




Of course I did use sil-glyde on the slide pins.

 

[madison069]

Then it was time to assemble it all back together.

I cleaned the mounting surface of the wheel hubs and put a thin coat of anti-seize here due to well, rust belt ya know.

Cleaned the rotors and slipped them on.


After cracking the bleeding screws and pushing the caliper pistons back in their place, I prefer to push the fluid out of the bleeding screw instead of pushing it back into the system. Then it was time to put the loaded caliper bracket and calipers back on.


I did my best to remove most of the fluid from the reservoir before I filled it with fresh fluid. Unfortunately, due to dividers in the reservoir, I couldn't get it all out.



I used my mity-vac vacuum bleeder and went around all 4 corner and sucked as much fluid out as I could until the fluid cleared up. I also topped off the reservoir as I went to prevent air getting into the system. I will bleed the brakes tonight with the help of someone to pump the brakes and while I opened the bleeders to ensure no air is in the system.

But here it sits after this morning work with new brake rotors, pads, and fresh brake fluid in the system.


I need to do a cleanup in the garage.

 

[madison069]

Local tire shop wanted me to buy brakes from them when I got the new tires, but I prefer to do the job myself. For $200 in parts and supply, I can do it myself, go over the car and give it a once over inspection. Plus I save $700 due to the place wanted to charge me $900 for brakes. I was already bent over the barrel with the new tires prices, I didn’t feel like taking it again on brakes.

I could of done it cheaper by reusing the rotors, but I prefer to change them out on each job to ensure the rotors last for awhile and also provides a good break in surface for the new pads. Rotors was $110 but it’s worth the peace of mind. Plus, living in the rust belt, rotors usually go to **** quickly.

 

[gearhead1960]

Brakes are one of the easiest things to do! I agree on saving the money. I hate spending $$ on something I can do!

 

[madison069]

Brakes are one of the easiest things to do! I agree on saving the money. I hate spending $$ on something I can do!

Completely understand Mark, it chaps me when I pay others to do something I can do.

 

[Xti04]

Nice work there. Use the savings for digging help at the other shop!

 

[madison069]

Nice work there. Use the savings for digging help at the other shop!

That would be smart huh.

 

[madison069]

Swapped the headlight bulbs on the forester during lunch. Which side looks brighter? These are basically the best bulb before going to LED setups. Hopefully I will see the difference at night time.

 

[madison069]

Seems it's hard for others to tell too, but supposedly the passenger side is the brighter bulbs in the photos. We will see.

Seems Subaru has a gasket for the radiator drain plug that should be changed when it's removed, so I'll call the dealer part store and see if they have one in stock.

 

[madison069]

All I was able to get done was bleed the brakes to make sure no air had entered the system, and get the tires back on the car. Need to torque the lug nuts when it gets on the ground.



I did print out the service manual sections for the coolant flush process, spark plug replacement process, and the belt and tensioner replacement steps so I can make sure I get them done correctly and got the torque specs for all the bolts and gap specs for the plugs. I should be able to finish this weekend as long as I can stop getting interrupted.

One of these days, I should make up a maintenance check list for each vehicle I have so I can check it off and put it in a binder for record keeping. For now it's photos and white dry erase board.

 

[Xti04]

Get a radiator drain plug too. They can disintegrate with age