Above 1200 Sq/FT The Warthog Hidey Hole

[drivesitfar]

even though cats are at the top of the food chain so to speak they can be taught to not scratch furniture or jump on your cars. sure it takes a bit of time, but would you rather deal with the rats and rodent mess all the time?

I actually don't mind when my cat walks thru my just finished cement cause they don't live long and that paw print is a good memory.

I know you guys wouldn't like cat prints on your pristine cars but you can buy tarps or covers for them until your cat is trained not to get on them.

ok I love cats and dogs and rats not so much.

have a great day!!!

 

[jbmatth]

JB: nice work on the fender. probably would have been nice if the person or company selling it to you had mentioned it was a custom fit so good thing you have the skills and made time to do it right.

I still think you need a few cats. might not solve the entire problem, but might send a few to the neighbors that didn't die at your place.

sorry to hear you caught on fire, but happy you are healing and i'm guessing you learned a valuable lesson too.

cheers and have a great day!!

I found a video showing the install after I bought them and it showed the cutting needed but that was after buying. It is done now and I like the look so at this point it is water under the bridge.

Absolutely will not get a cat until all of the stuff with nice paint can be parked in a garage all of the time and that won't happen anytime soon. If only they could be trained not to jump but I don't think I'm that good.

Pretty much all healed up now, the blisters did pop but I haven't lost the skin yet so they are keeping the new fresh skin protected. I'm just being careful not to over work those areas for now. Have a good one as well.

Very nice!

100% why there are no cats on our place.

Told the wife she wouldn't like the outcome of paw prints on my hood!

I'm in the same boat, I had a barn cat for a bit but I didn't have nice vehicles staying outside then, she didn't get along with coyotes though.

Its almost impossible to find one deliberately, but every once in a blue moon you find a great cat that doesn't jump on cars or tractors. Check with your neighbors, maybe they have one they can loan you lol.

I'll suffer through for now, traps and poison seem to be doing an okay job but still to many.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

even though cats are at the top of the food chain so to speak they can be taught to not scratch furniture or jump on your cars. sure it takes a bit of time, but would you rather deal with the rats and rodent mess all the time?

I actually don't mind when my cat walks thru my just finished cement cause they don't live long and that paw print is a good memory.

I know you guys wouldn't like cat prints on your pristine cars but you can buy tarps or covers for them until your cat is trained not to get on them.

ok I love cats and dogs and rats not so much.

have a great day!!!

Not the top of the food chain here, sadly neither are my dogs with as many coyotes as we have. Even Max the bigger dog is only the same size as an average coyote.

For me it is really a no win situation, at least until I get a nice garage for everything to stay safe in but I'll still need traps and poison in there. Oh well just a few more years until that becomes a reality.

JB

 

[HSpencer]

JB:

Thanks for the phone call today. Sorry the area I was in caused some breaking up. Wife has had serious health issues last 18 months. That's why I have been off line on GJ.
Thanks so much for thinking of me.
Herb

 

[mybigwarwagon]

Not the top of the food chain here, sadly neither are my dogs with as many coyotes as we have. Even Max the bigger dog is only the same size as an average coyote.

For me it is really a no win situation, at least until I get a nice garage for everything to stay safe in but I'll still need traps and poison in there. Oh well just a few more years until that becomes a reality.

JB

You might want to consider a Greta Pyrenees. They are great dogs, but are bred to protect livestock and kill predators. When we had ours we never had a single problem with losing animals. Now I just had a dog who barks at everything that moves, and a shotgun. After we move we will have another Pyr.

 

[jbmatth]

JB:

Thanks for the phone call today. Sorry the area I was in caused some breaking up. Wife has had serious health issues last 18 months. That's why I have been off line on GJ.
Thanks so much for thinking of me.
Herb

Herb,
Great to talk to you for even a bit. I wish you and your wife the best and hope she can make a full recovery.

You might want to consider a Greta Pyrenees. They are great dogs, but are bred to protect livestock and kill predators. When we had ours we never had a single problem with losing animals. Now I just had a dog who barks at everything that moves, and a shotgun. After we move we will have another Pyr.

Funny enough the last Great Pyrenees we had actually killed a bunch of our chickens. The one before that was great though and do kinda miss him. The neighbor about a mile away has two, maybe they will have puppies sometime.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

All,
The battery on the tractor was fully charged last night so I decided to give it another go, I wasn't getting anything to hit, making compression and had spark but no fire. I wondered if 2psi on the fuel pressure regulator was too low so I pulled the hose and checked for flow.

Well that's odd, no flow, maybe the line is plugged again. Look at the fuel filter, well that's odd, it is empty. Look in the gas tank...yep dry. put a couple gallons in and we are in business. Sometimes you just get kicked in the balls by your own foot.

The last time I filled it up I filled it really full and didn't think I'd used it that much since then, well apparently I had. Oh well all fixed now and working like a champ.

JB

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Yeah, I did that on my old 318. It sat with an empty tank for a long time before I drug it in the shop and realized what I had done!

Easy win!

 

[jbmatth]

Yeah, I did that on my old 318. It sat with an empty tank for a long time before I drug it in the shop and realized what I had done!

Easy win!

Easy yes, but a very time consuming one, some of the parts replaced probably needed it anyway. Live and learn, it is crazy in the timing, it had just enough gas to pull into the shop and start for a few seconds during the troubleshooting. There very well may have been something I fixed during this that was the real culprit but all good now either way.

JB

 

[XJSuperman]

Theres a reason most of those 95hp tractors were built as diesels instead of gas. Its gonna be a thirsty gal.

Glad you found the problem! haha

 

[Finallygotit]

.......Well that's odd, no flow, maybe the line is plugged again. Look at the fuel filter, well that's odd, it is empty. Look in the gas tank...yep dry. .......

I almost back flushed my nose with coffee while reading that. Still snickering.....Hahahahaha.

 

[jbmatth]

Theres a reason most of those 95hp tractors were built as diesels instead of gas. Its gonna be a thirsty gal.

Glad you found the problem! haha

Oh yeah, I didn't realize how much I'd used it since the last fill up but many short trips add up I guess.

I almost back flushed my nose with coffee while reading that. Still snickering.....Hahahahaha.

All I could think of after seeing that was this:

JB

 

[mybigwarwagon]

All,
The battery on the tractor was fully charged last night so I decided to give it another go, I wasn't getting anything to hit, making compression and had spark but no fire. I wondered if 2psi on the fuel pressure regulator was too low so I pulled the hose and checked for flow.

Well that's odd, no flow, maybe the line is plugged again. Look at the fuel filter, well that's odd, it is empty. Look in the gas tank...yep dry. put a couple gallons in and we are in business. Sometimes you just get kicked in the balls by your own foot.

The last time I filled it up I filled it really full and didn't think I'd used it that much since then, well apparently I had. Oh well all fixed now and working like a champ.

JB

I towed a guy's truck that broke down. Two days later he was driving it around so I asked him what had been wrong with it. It was out of gas. Cost him a $200 mobile mechanic visit to figure it out.

 

[jbmatth]

Sadly I was about at my wits end on this thing, I verified it had gas at the filter earlier in the troubleshooting process. I was about to call someone to come work on it for me, glad I didn't do that now.

JB

 

[drivesitfar]

Sometimes it’s the simple stuff that we forget. Glad you fingered it out!!

I thank you for calling Herb cause I had just sent him a PM.

What I meant to say is cats rule ( not that they are top of food chain ), but I understand your concerns.

My in laws have a little dachshund that is a rat killer surprisingly.

 

[jbmatth]

Sometimes it’s the simple stuff that we forget. Glad you fingered it out!!

I thank you for calling Herb cause I had just sent him a PM.

What I meant to say is cats rule ( not that they are top of food chain ), but I understand your concerns.

My in laws have a little dachshund that is a rat killer surprisingly.

Drives,
The tractor ran and drove in so it had some fuel, just not enough apparently. Oh well, live and learn.

Glad to hear from Herb too, but I'm also worried about his wife, she is a very sweet woman.

Dachshund's were bread to hunt badgers and I've seen one take out a few big snakes around here, they can be ferocious little devils too.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

Just a small update today, since buying Lever Action I have had to reach into the back to open the extended cab doors from the inside because the outer door handles were broken. Well it was time to fix that, for only $11.36 I picked up two new handles and they work fine for now. I suspect they will break again but for now all is good:

I also installed two more lights on the Chitbox and got them working, but forgot to take a photo as I was pushing my luck on time.

JB

 

[OutlawDrifter]

JB are the handles pot metal or plastic?

 

[jbmatth]

JB are the handles pot metal or plastic?

Plastic, I had to do the same thing on my '06 I had a few years back and replaced them at least twice. I didn't find a better option when buying these reasonably but no more often than I get in the back I expect them to last a while.

JB

 

[XJSuperman]

I thought all GM truck owners kept a stash of doorhandles in stock at all times??? They might even provide you with some at the dealership when you sign the papers.

Im partially joking but seriously, I don't know of another brand that breaks handles so much.

 

[OutlawDrifter]

I thought all GM truck owners kept a stash of doorhandles in stock at all times??? They might even provide you with some at the dealership when you sign the papers.

Im partially joking but seriously, I don't know of another brand that breaks handles so much.

They all have their issues...I've never been in a Dodge that didn't sound like it was coming apart inside, and I've replaced more auto locking hubs on later model Ford pickups than anyone should have to. The hubs are a great idea in theory, it's too bad they can't get it to last better.

But yes, since the GMT400 platform, both inner and outer door handles seem to be suspect. I can change one out in a matter of minutes.

 

[XJSuperman]

They all have their issues...

Oh yeah, not debating that they don't all have issues, interiors, rust, tierods etc, but I've got a GM truck I will be acquiring soon and I'm already shopping for door handles . I figured by now JB would have a whole shelf full with the fleet he maintains!

 

[jbmatth]

I thought all GM truck owners kept a stash of doorhandles in stock at all times??? They might even provide you with some at the dealership when you sign the papers.

Im partially joking but seriously, I don't know of another brand that breaks handles so much.

I should have a set in stock, but like a lot of my stock, finding it when I need it is the tough part. The only handles close I know of are the inner handle on Ford trucks in the 80's 90's give or take. The welder I worked with for a while had one replaced on his welding rig at work, I was the first person to ride in his truck and broke it off trying to get out.

They all have their issues...I've never been in a Dodge that didn't sound like it was coming apart inside, and I've replaced more auto locking hubs on later model Ford pickups than anyone should have to. The hubs are a great idea in theory, it's too bad they can't get it to last better.

But yes, since the GMT400 platform, both inner and outer door handles seem to be suspect. I can change one out in a matter of minutes.

Yes they certainly do all have their issues...I did find a metal handle to replace the one on my S10 and it has been working great for 3 years now. I think I found some for this truck but at $40 for a set I'm hesitant to pull the trigger. Maybe when these break next week.

JB

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Yes they certainly do all have their issues...I did find a metal handle to replace the one on my S10 and it has been working great for 3 years now. I think I found some for this truck but at $40 for a set I'm hesitant to pull the trigger. Maybe when these break next week.

JB

I'm sure if we all put our heads together, we could engineer and overcomplicated yet simple solution....

Bailing wire or twine comes to mind

 

[jbmatth]

Oh yeah, not debating that they don't all have issues, interiors, rust, tierods etc, but I've got a GM truck I will be acquiring soon and I'm already shopping for door handles . I figured by now JB would have a whole shelf full with the fleet he maintains!

I have scrapped a couple of extended cabs and didn't think to grab them, darn I'll have to do better next time. I do have a stack of HVAC actuators laying around though, those are more expensive to buy but don't go out as often either. Good news is at this point I have a good feel for what commonly breaks on them.

When I went to replace them I knew to get a torx bit set and driver without even looking but couldn't remember the size.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

I'm sure if we all put our heads together, we could engineer and overcomplicated yet simple solution....

Bailing wire or twine comes to mind

I can't keep up

I'm sure we could spend thousands of hours and dollars to make an overpriced part no one would buy.

Now that I think about it a metal plate with a piece of strap bent and a pivot would do the trick.

JB

 

[mybigwarwagon]

But yes, since the GMT400 platform, both inner and outer door handles seem to be suspect. I can change one out in a matter of minutes.

The inner door handle is a breeze, the outer is a PITA. I always wind up bleeding.

 

[bowtiguy]

How about the “chrome”that flakes off GM door handles? Like razors!

I replaced 2 drivers side inners in 160k on my wife’s 07’ Denali xl. Right side mirror in my 08’ H3 alpha is stitches waiting to happen. NoW, the LR exterior handle is heading down the same path!

 

[jbmatth]

The inner door handle is a breeze, the outer is a PITA. I always wind up bleeding.

On the GMT 800 platforms I don't have a hard time with them, but haven't tried any of the others. I don't like having to replace them constantly either but sadly that is it until I find better made ones.

How about the “chrome”that flakes off GM door handles? Like razors!

I replaced 2 drivers side inners in 160k on my wife’s 07’ Denali xl. Right side mirror in my 08’ H3 alpha is stitches waiting to happen. NoW, the LR exterior handle is heading down the same path!

I haven't had any with chrome until my 2014 Silverado I got last year, I really hope it doesn't fail on them. I've had to deal with the flaking chrome on a few grills though and they are like razors.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

This weekend was my last Gambler 500 event for a while due to a couple months of nights coming up so I decided to go despite some predicted cold weather. Made it early on Friday and was able to explore the area around Gibby's Biker Camp in Hodgen, Ok.

The river next to us was pretty nice as well:

Here is one of the coozies I got for helping a guy with his tent waiting on others to show up, I really dig the design:

This is the only photo I got out on the trails:

Shortly after this photo the road got really rough, lots of banging and hitting rocks, the new skid plate took an absolute beating. We only did this one trail and called it for the day. That one alone took the group of us about 3 hours between picking up trash, moving rocks and planning how we were going to get out. There was a gnarly river crossing with lots of rocks right at the end that we had to pile a bunch of rocks in to make it through. Shortly after getting back to camp the rain turned to snow and this was my plan for the night:

The car and truck with me had come from the Dallas area but 4 of the 6 of them had flown in from Portland, Or. just to do this trip, kinda cool that they were able to make it work out.

I found out someone had canceled on their cabin that night at the campground so I happily paid the extra $35 to sleep in a dry warm bed. It was a great weekend all around again and got to meet some really cool people.

When I made it home I put the Chitbox on the lift to check out the damage:

What only became apparent when I was pulling it in was that I had a wheel sticking in the rear. I'll inspect it tonight, it was 21°F (-6°C) this morning with no above freezing weather in the forecast for 10 days so I'll probably be working slow for now.

JB

 

[XJSuperman]

Looks like a blast. I spent saturday in the woods too, but on much larger rigs.

 

[drivesitfar]

it looks and sounds like you had a great time beating up yourself and your car.

also i'm guessing you got the skid plate when Oklahoma changed it's speed limit from 65 to 90mph?

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Looks like the skid plate did its job!

 

[Grizz1963]

Just ****** brilliant JB.

That bash plate took a beating.

I hope it becomes a trophy in your shop.

 

[jbmatth]

Looks like a blast. I spent saturday in the woods too, but on much larger rigs.

It was a good time XJ, the whole group ~60 people sure seemed to have a good time as well with no major damage and no injuries. A larger rig would have certainly helped get through the rocks we encountered.

it looks and sounds like you had a great time beating up yourself and your car.

also i'm guessing you got the skid plate when Oklahoma changed it's speed limit from 65 to 90mph?

It sure was drives, I picked that one up when it was taken out by a car near the house. They left the bumper and a few other parts on the side of the road so I picked up the trash. The sign wasn't in great shape when I picked it up, I just saved it from a melting pot...for now.

Looks like the skid plate did its job!

Outlaw I certainly helped, I probably should have built one from steel rather than aluminum but didn't have any good options at the time. Glad I had it though even with it some of those hits were pretty intence.

Just ****** brilliant JB.

That bash plate took a beating.

I hope it becomes a trophy in your shop.

I will certainly give it a place of honor when it can no longer be used, but it should still have one more event in it at least.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

With the very nasty cold (for us) coming I haven't been doing much in the shop. I did pull the wheel off of the Chitbox to have a look at the sticking brake. Turns out I think the E brake was just stuck/frozen. I warmed it up a touch and it spins free, perfect a cheap fix.

I have been trying to get more ready for the really low temps this weekend. Rather than breaking ice and carrying out buckets of hot water from the house I picked up a submersible water tank heater like this one:

It seems to be working well and is much easier than the other options.

I also decided to flip the breaker for my air compressor so it doesn't kick on while this cold out, I proved to myself I need to label the breakers. I accidently flipped the water well pump off and spent 20 minutes running around trying to find out why I had no water in the house thinking it had frozen somewhere. Realized the mistake and all good now.

So what does the weather forecast show, well it hasn't been over 25°F (-4°C) since Saturday (Feb. 6th) afternoon and isn't supposed to get over freezing until Friday the 19th. The lowest high is 7°F (-14°C) and lowest low is -5°F (-21°C). This is the longest coldest spell like this here since the early 80's.

JB

 

[OutlawDrifter]

JB we are having the same weather...and I'm ready for Spring!

 

[jbmatth]

No joke Outlaw, I'm not built for this weather. I looked in SW Louisiana where we have another refinery and they are even expected to get into the high 20's for the lows this weekend. Burr.

JB

 

[drivesitfar]

crazy weather here too. snowed monday morning, 50's and sunny yesterday and supposed to snow again tomorrow.

my pencil scratching on our service panel need to be redone and I need a master sheet put somewhere too cause like you sometimes I have to flip a few breakers to make sure i'm working on dead lines (occasionally I used to be in a bit of a hurry and I'd work on live lines, but i'm still here and kickin at 65).

stay warm!!

 

[jbmatth]

crazy weather here too. snowed monday morning, 50's and sunny yesterday and supposed to snow again tomorrow.

my pencil scratching on our service panel need to be redone and I need a master sheet put somewhere too cause like you sometimes I have to flip a few breakers to make sure i'm working on dead lines (occasionally I used to be in a bit of a hurry and I'd work on live lines, but i'm still here and kickin at 65).

stay warm!!

Nuts indeed, but summer will be here soon and I'll really enjoy the sweat and sun.

I have worked on live lines before both on purpose and on accident, I do not intend on doing that again.

JB