Bob Heine
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Mick, he does get around. As soon as he noticed I was missing a limb he turned back onto the paved road. The organ donor black market is pickier than I thought.
Between 705 & 1200 SQ/FT Mick's Thunderbird Garage
- Thread starter Toothaker
- Start date
Workspaces between 705 and 1200 squarefeet.
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
Haha, Mick and Bob, thanks for the evening chuckle.
In lieu of actually doing anything in the garage that is noteworthy, can I tell stories?
On that same trip to NYC, I was attending a technical conference in the Jacob Javits Center, Networld/Interop, during the day, so my wife went sightseeing. She didn't want to sit around in the hotel all day long, which I understand. So she had already planned out her itinerary, and first thing Day One was the Museum of Natural History. Now, mind you, this is her first time in a major metropolitan area, and she's going exploring by herself. She gets on the B train headed for 81st. Only thing is, she gets on the express. Next stop, 125th street.
Later, as she's telling the story, I know it turns out well, because we're at dinner and she's laughing.
So she gets off the northbound express at 125th, crosses over to the southbound platforms, waits for the B Local and calmly gets off at 81st and goes to the museum. That day she goes to MOMA also, but the Guggenheim was closed for some reason.
I asked her if the station in Harlem was scary, and she said not in the least. It was cleaner than most stations, and nobody took the least notice of her.
On that same trip to NYC, I was attending a technical conference in the Jacob Javits Center, Networld/Interop, during the day, so my wife went sightseeing. She didn't want to sit around in the hotel all day long, which I understand. So she had already planned out her itinerary, and first thing Day One was the Museum of Natural History. Now, mind you, this is her first time in a major metropolitan area, and she's going exploring by herself. She gets on the B train headed for 81st. Only thing is, she gets on the express. Next stop, 125th street.
Later, as she's telling the story, I know it turns out well, because we're at dinner and she's laughing.
So she gets off the northbound express at 125th, crosses over to the southbound platforms, waits for the B Local and calmly gets off at 81st and goes to the museum. That day she goes to MOMA also, but the Guggenheim was closed for some reason.
I asked her if the station in Harlem was scary, and she said not in the least. It was cleaner than most stations, and nobody took the least notice of her.
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xtremek
Well-known member
The ride kind of reminds me of Detroit freeway traffic in the early morning. except there's a lot more of us on the road. Slow lane 65mph, middle lane 75, fast lane 80ish, runners slicing through at 90ish. Just an average day.
Well, this is embarrassing. I knew it'd been a while, but this is ridiculous.
I had a bit of a health setback, but I am recovering and on the mend.
I have atrial fibrillation and cardiomyopathy, and I've had this for years. Every once in a while my heart rhythm goes wrong, and they have to jumpstart me. And it's not like the movies or TV - in real life one paddle goes on your chest, the other on your back. Ker-wham! And they give me drugs that give me short term amnesia - I think so I don't remember the pain and my reaction. Basically they roofie me. After the most recent session of this, they adjusted my medicines, which initially knocked me for a loop. But I'm getting used to them, and I'm feeling a lot better.
Then I had pneumonia which really hit me hard due to all the other stuff I am going through.
I'm not telling you for sympathy, but as an explanation for my absence. Honestly, I hate talking about myself. But there it is.
So after I got back into the regular energy levels I was able to start doing things around the house. Got the garden in, eight tomato plants and 10 pepper plants. Worked on vehicles; changed oil, replaced a battery and fixed the ABS light on my GMC Sierra.
A couple of weeks ago my wife Dawn and I took the 11 year old daughter of ours to Colorado. The little one hadn't ever been there, so we got to see all the sights with someone who was seeing them for the first time. We went to the top of Pikes Peak, saw Garden of the Gods, visited the Royal Gorge, drove around the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, finally ending up in Durango, where we took the narrow gauge train from Durango to Silverton. Much fun was had by all, and if there's any interest I could post some pictures.
Got back, and still energized I started working down the list of things. I sprayed all the weeds that had grown up where the shed will be going. I had to adjust and move various sprinkler heads for the future location of the garden shed.
Started plumbing the air lines for the compressor. I had jury-rigged a temporary fitting, but I wanted to get it plumbed with two outlets and a hose reel. Pictures of that to follow.
I have some more time off work coming later in the month, which I am gearing up for. If I remember, I'll take pictures and share all the 'progress' of my various projects.
Thanks for following along.
I had a bit of a health setback, but I am recovering and on the mend.
I have atrial fibrillation and cardiomyopathy, and I've had this for years. Every once in a while my heart rhythm goes wrong, and they have to jumpstart me. And it's not like the movies or TV - in real life one paddle goes on your chest, the other on your back. Ker-wham! And they give me drugs that give me short term amnesia - I think so I don't remember the pain and my reaction. Basically they roofie me. After the most recent session of this, they adjusted my medicines, which initially knocked me for a loop. But I'm getting used to them, and I'm feeling a lot better.
Then I had pneumonia which really hit me hard due to all the other stuff I am going through.
I'm not telling you for sympathy, but as an explanation for my absence. Honestly, I hate talking about myself. But there it is.
So after I got back into the regular energy levels I was able to start doing things around the house. Got the garden in, eight tomato plants and 10 pepper plants. Worked on vehicles; changed oil, replaced a battery and fixed the ABS light on my GMC Sierra.
A couple of weeks ago my wife Dawn and I took the 11 year old daughter of ours to Colorado. The little one hadn't ever been there, so we got to see all the sights with someone who was seeing them for the first time. We went to the top of Pikes Peak, saw Garden of the Gods, visited the Royal Gorge, drove around the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, finally ending up in Durango, where we took the narrow gauge train from Durango to Silverton. Much fun was had by all, and if there's any interest I could post some pictures.
Got back, and still energized I started working down the list of things. I sprayed all the weeds that had grown up where the shed will be going. I had to adjust and move various sprinkler heads for the future location of the garden shed.
Started plumbing the air lines for the compressor. I had jury-rigged a temporary fitting, but I wanted to get it plumbed with two outlets and a hose reel. Pictures of that to follow.
I have some more time off work coming later in the month, which I am gearing up for. If I remember, I'll take pictures and share all the 'progress' of my various projects.
Thanks for following along.
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Finallygotit
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Mick, glad you're doing better. One is nothing without one's health.
Sounds like your vacation was a very good one.
Start posting away, my friend. You are behind.
Sounds like your vacation was a very good one.
Start posting away, my friend. You are behind.
I got the car polished. I am really happy with Meguiar's.
Then I started putting the air plumbing system together. I bought one of those RapidAir kits.
Then I started assembling the filtering system. I have a 40 micron, 5 micron and a 0.1 micron filter, and a couple of regulators. Overkill, much?
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AldeanFan
Well-known member
Good to see you posting again
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jbmatth
Well-known member
Glad you are feeling better and will be around again posting progress. I like the term overkill is underrated.
JB
JB
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
Health is important, glad you've got yours back in order! That air setup is awesome! Makes me a bit ashamed of mine, haha!
R. Deschain
Well-known member
I got the car polished. I am really happy with Meguiar's.
Then I started putting the air plumbing system together. I bought one of those RapidAir kits.
Then I started assembling the filtering system. I have a 40 micron, 5 micron and a 0.1 micron filter, and a couple of regulators. Overkill, much?
Bought the kit too and am assembling it. I need a tubing straitener, but not paying $130 for it. Building one quickly this weekend with .75" nylon bearing rollers I already have.
I'd like to see your tubing straightener please. I need one for some brake lines and fuel lines, and I would appreciate ideas.
I've pondered this RapidAir system, too long, so I'm just jumping in.
What had me stuck was the flexy tubing, and how to run it and make it look nice. My garage is not a show place, but I don't want sloppy and haphazard.
I bought 4 packages of the clamps but still I wasn't sure.
I've decided to run the tubing through the attic and down the outside of the walls. That will also minimize the number of junctions, as the runs will just go up, over and down. So the big thing for me is to get the anchor points in place so I can get the flexy tubing run.
I'll take lots of pictures.
Thanks for following along.
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jbmatth
Well-known member
Thanks, JB. I like the quote so much I've added it to my signature.
Wow, I'm honored!
JB
xtremek
Well-known member
Looks like you're having fun. The car looks great.
Me, too, BD! My family went to Colorado when I was six and again when I was 8 years old, and they are among my favorite memories from my childhood. And yes, it feels great to feel better!
Wow, I'm honored!
JB
Actually, JB, it is me that is honored by all the visitors I get to this thread.
Thanks, Kirk. Yes, the car really cleaned up nice. I was genuinely surprised it came out as well as it did.
Thank you for following along!
Ford52PU
Well-known member
Hi Mick,
Not sure why I never saw your thread until today but just read it from start to finish. Take care of yourself, heart thing sounds scary. My father died at age 44 (I was 15)from a undiscovered heart issue but in 1972 things were not so advanced.
Love the T-Bird. I've thought about a early 60's Rocket Bird for a long time its on my to do list. Currently have a 1952 Ford F1 Pickup, in pieces in primer in my garage.
I also installed a RapidAir system and I've had good luck with it.
Subscribing. Take care of yourself.
Not sure why I never saw your thread until today but just read it from start to finish. Take care of yourself, heart thing sounds scary. My father died at age 44 (I was 15)from a undiscovered heart issue but in 1972 things were not so advanced.
Love the T-Bird. I've thought about a early 60's Rocket Bird for a long time its on my to do list. Currently have a 1952 Ford F1 Pickup, in pieces in primer in my garage.
I also installed a RapidAir system and I've had good luck with it.
Subscribing. Take care of yourself.
Question for the group: what can cause a low voltage condition to come up, and then go away? Here's the full story:
My 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 has 215,000 miles. The battery was about 6 years old; last winter the were a few mornings I was unsure it would start because of the slow cranking. But it kept going. I was telling myself I would replace it 'soon' but since the truck was running fine, I put it off.
Yesterday I washed the truck; I went through an automatic car wash near my job. I've used this wash many times with no issues. After washing the vehicle, I went to lunch. After lunch the Message Center displayed a red battery warning, and the volt meter showed about 11 volts.
Knowing the battery was at the end of its life and hoping the warning was for a bad battery, I replaced the battery. However, the warning light continued to display on the dash, and the volt meter was low, and went lower the more I drove as I went home.
I called my favorite mechanic, and he was unable to see me that day. The next morning (this morning as I write this) I got in the truck to drive it to the shop, and the warning light wasn't showing, and the volt meter showed nearly 14 volts, which is normal, since alternators run at +/- 13.8 volts.
So did some water get splashed up on something (the alternator) and after it dried out overnight, all is well? Or is this just wishful thinking on my part?
My 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 has 215,000 miles. The battery was about 6 years old; last winter the were a few mornings I was unsure it would start because of the slow cranking. But it kept going. I was telling myself I would replace it 'soon' but since the truck was running fine, I put it off.
Yesterday I washed the truck; I went through an automatic car wash near my job. I've used this wash many times with no issues. After washing the vehicle, I went to lunch. After lunch the Message Center displayed a red battery warning, and the volt meter showed about 11 volts.
Knowing the battery was at the end of its life and hoping the warning was for a bad battery, I replaced the battery. However, the warning light continued to display on the dash, and the volt meter was low, and went lower the more I drove as I went home.
I called my favorite mechanic, and he was unable to see me that day. The next morning (this morning as I write this) I got in the truck to drive it to the shop, and the warning light wasn't showing, and the volt meter showed nearly 14 volts, which is normal, since alternators run at +/- 13.8 volts.
So did some water get splashed up on something (the alternator) and after it dried out overnight, all is well? Or is this just wishful thinking on my part?
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Dennis, thanks for reading and for contributing to the thread. Much appreciated.
Sorry to hear about your dad. I was about 35 when I first discovered my heart situation, and I'd likely had something wrong since my youth. Up to about that point in my life I had a job that involved many miles of walking every day, from 9 to 13 miles, and all that low impact exercise probably saved my life.
The Rocket Birds and Square Birds are a lot more popular that the fifth generation Thunderbird I have. The older ones are sure a lot easier to get parts for.
Thanks for stopping by.
Finallygotit
ALLIANCE MEMBER
You might want to take a peek at the alternator. Sounds like it's cutting in and out on its way permanently out.
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
I agree with Dan, sounds like the alternator or a connection to the alternator. Replacing your battery was a good idea, I was doing the same thing on my Sierra and waited too long!
Finallygotit
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Mick, double check all of the connections to the alternator.
If it were me, I would pull all the connectors on and off multiple times to re-establish a clean connection. I would pull the main positive terminal and clean that. And, if it's not too bad to do so, pull the alternator and clean any surface that it grounds to the engine.
If it were me, I would pull all the connectors on and off multiple times to re-establish a clean connection. I would pull the main positive terminal and clean that. And, if it's not too bad to do so, pull the alternator and clean any surface that it grounds to the engine.
I've owned this truck since it was new, and I know the alternator has never been replaced. I've certainly got a good life out of it if I do have to replace it.
I will remove and clean the wires to the alternator. I'd not thought of that. Thanks to both Outlaw and Dan!
I will remove and clean the wires to the alternator. I'd not thought of that. Thanks to both Outlaw and Dan!
R. Deschain
Well-known member
Will do. Am putting it together this weekend and will post on GJ
oldironfarmer
Well-known member
Because the time from car wash coincided with return to good voltage I vote for a wet connection. Are the battery cables in good condition and clean? I'd look all around including fuse and relay boxes under the hood. A good cleaning never hurts with dielectric grease protecting the contacts.
Lyndon
Well-known member
Mick
I'm very glad to see you posting again. Yours is one of the threads that I look for in my subs list, and it seemed to have gone very quiet... So, sorry to hear about your health issues, and glad to hear they are on the mend. Been there, done that. And a good attitude and family support will get you by every time!
The holidays sound like a great drive.
I can only agree with all other posters (especially people like Andy), sounds like the connections to your alternator got wet, and maybe went dry socket.... But the alternator could be in it's death throes as well.
Keep posting mate!
Lyndon
Very quiet, but definitely still here!
I'm very glad to see you posting again. Yours is one of the threads that I look for in my subs list, and it seemed to have gone very quiet... So, sorry to hear about your health issues, and glad to hear they are on the mend. Been there, done that. And a good attitude and family support will get you by every time!
The holidays sound like a great drive.
I can only agree with all other posters (especially people like Andy), sounds like the connections to your alternator got wet, and maybe went dry socket.... But the alternator could be in it's death throes as well.
Keep posting mate!
Lyndon
Very quiet, but definitely still here!
jbmatth
Well-known member
Along with what others have said you can check the little red box on the drivers side kinda above the valve cover to make sure the contacts are in good shape there. I'm sure you are aware most auto parts stores will test an alternator for free and many can even do it on the vehicle. I have a couple of spare alternators if you find out your's is faulty you are welcome to swap me out.
JB
JB
Well, yesterday everything was fine. Got up this AM, and saw this. Red battery indicator on the left, 11 Volts on the right. The glare makes it look orange in the picture.
Since it's Thursday, and I have plans this evening and again Friday night, I've opted to take it to my mechanic. This is my daily driver, and it has to be available. I could fix it myself, but it would be Saturday before I could really roll up my sleeves and dig into it.
I'm confident my shop will let me know if it's a loose cable or a faulty alternator or some third issue.
The glare makes it look orange in the picture.Since it's Thursday, and I have plans this evening and again Friday night, I've opted to take it to my mechanic. This is my daily driver, and it has to be available. I could fix it myself, but it would be Saturday before I could really roll up my sleeves and dig into it.
I'm confident my shop will let me know if it's a loose cable or a faulty alternator or some third issue.
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Andy, I hope you're right, that a loose connection will be found and that will fix it. And I also wish I had a week of Saturdays like someone I know.
Lyndon, thanks for posting. Your thread is certainly one I enjoy and subscribe to.
My daughter is 11 years old, and for the first years of her life, 4 hours driving was about all she could tolerate. Even with frequent stops, she just didn't like being cooped up in a car seat. We regularly go to Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas, and these were all 90 minutes to 5 hours drive. That last hour on a 5 hour journey to Arkansas was difficult with a frustrated child hollering to be let out. Now that she'd older and tolerates the long drives, we were able to take this long driving trip. In fact, more than once she wanted to know why we'd not taken her to the Rockies before.
JB, that is very generous. If the alternator had worked today and died tomorrow (Friday) I would probably taken you up on your offer. I have a DC ammeter; I think I could have done some troubleshooting.
But a man needs to know his limitations. It would have taken my whole Saturday's worth of time and energy to fix. Now I have a Saturday to work on the garage.
I looked closely at the cables when I pulled the battery. I don't think that's the issue, but I certainly have been wrong before. Bret, I appreciate your knowledge and experience, and I don't doubt that could be the issue. Thanks for following along.
Ok, class, today we're going to present What did you do over your summer vacation. Who wants to go first? 
A certain someone who is having a blast wearing a coat in June, playing in the snow. This is over 14,000 ft elevation.
We were actively scouting for good camping sites for next year. This is Taylor Reservoir north of Gunnison. I went camping here in 1966 and 1968 with my family as a youth. Yeah, I know... I don't look like someone who is turning 60 years old in a few weeks.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. In continuous operation since the 1880's and steam powered all along.
A sample of the scenery seen from the window of the train.
Abandoned mine near Silverton.
Edit: In looking at these pictures, I realize I have a hazy idea of what "level" means. It sure explains why the things I build look the way they do.
A certain someone who is having a blast wearing a coat in June, playing in the snow. This is over 14,000 ft elevation.
We were actively scouting for good camping sites for next year. This is Taylor Reservoir north of Gunnison. I went camping here in 1966 and 1968 with my family as a youth. Yeah, I know... I don't look like someone who is turning 60 years old in a few weeks.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. In continuous operation since the 1880's and steam powered all along.
A sample of the scenery seen from the window of the train.
Abandoned mine near Silverton.
Edit: In looking at these pictures, I realize I have a hazy idea of what "level" means. It sure explains why the things I build look the way they do.
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Finallygotit
ALLIANCE MEMBER
A new serpentine belt?
don long
Well-known member
Catching up on your thread tonight.
Your Tbird has a 429 motor??
My 1950 ford C.O.E. has a 429 all shined up sitting in it
Here is a link to that thread https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=221122
I drove the corvette to Colorado springs and rode that train back in 1985
It was a fun ride.
I've never just tinkered on a car before. I just dive all in when I start a car project
Your car is looking pretty good. Did you get the bodywork on the right side done?
Your Tbird has a 429 motor??
My 1950 ford C.O.E. has a 429 all shined up sitting in it
Here is a link to that thread https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=221122
I drove the corvette to Colorado springs and rode that train back in 1985
It was a fun ride.
I've never just tinkered on a car before. I just dive all in when I start a car project
Your car is looking pretty good. Did you get the bodywork on the right side done?
Lyndon
Well-known member
.
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.
.
.
Yeah, I know... I don't look like someone who is turning 60 years old in a few weeks.
You turn 60 in a couple of weeks????
I turn 60 in about 8 weeks.......
So there ya go!
Lyndon
Another old fart!
oldironfarmer
Well-known member
When it needs a new alternator no amount of fiddling with connections seems to help.
jbmatth
Well-known member
Glad it worked out to be pretty simple for ya.
JB
JB