ZMotorsports Shop Projects 2.0

[zmotorsports]

The plan was to run around the lawns yesterday afternoon since the last mow was Wednesday of last week. With the wet weather over the weekend while we were away the lawn really thickened up and grew. I had to go slow with the walk-behind mower for the first pass around and I got a few raindrops but it stopped.

About halfway through the front lawn it started sprinkling but I figured I could make it. With about 4 back and forth passes remaining the sky opened up and I got drenched. Figured the front lawn will have to wait until tonight.




With the mowing plans changing I figured I would detail the Jeep from the weekend's mud encounter. I had pressure washed it as soon as we came off the trail to get it before it dried and hardened, then a more detailed pressure wash once we got home. Mainly the undercarriage to ensure I had all of the nooks and crannies clean, which is nearly impossible if truth be told.

I wiped down the interior, run a vacuum through it and then grabbed the Meguiar's Final Inspection and hit the paint. Lastly, I grabbed the 303 Protectant and gave the fenders and trim a quick wipe as it has been a few months since the last application.






About that time the wife came home from work so we took a few minutes to sit on the deck and watch the storm roll through the valley. There was quite a lot of lightening and thunder which made a cool storm to watch for a bit.

 

[ScepterToad]

Jeep is looking good as always Mike. Couple of questions...

I've noticed your rock sliders before and meant to ask about them. Happen to remember what brand those are? The ones that were on mine weren't put on correctly (apparently) and rubbed through the paint. I need to rectify that but I'd also like to get something else to put on there. As I type this, I vaguely remember they may be built by you.

Second thing is, reading your posts, you don't use any type of wax or coating on your vehicles aside from polishing and then the Final Inspection, which is a "glaze" and not a "wax". I suspect that by experience, you've determined that a wax type of coating on paint is either not necessary or perhaps even detrimental to paint. Could you expound on the pros/cons that have made you decide t use a "glaze" instead of a "wax"?

As always, thanks for sharing your knowledge!

 

[zmotorsports]

Jeep is looking good as always Mike. Couple of questions...

I've noticed your rock sliders before and meant to ask about them. Happen to remember what brand those are? The ones that were on mine weren't put on correctly (apparently) and rubbed through the paint. I need to rectify that but I'd also like to get something else to put on there. As I type this, I vaguely remember they may be built by you.

Second thing is, reading your posts, you don't use any type of wax or coating on your vehicles aside from polishing and then the Final Inspection, which is a "glaze" and not a "wax". I suspect that by experience, you've determined that a wax type of coating on paint is either not necessary or perhaps even detrimental to paint. Could you expound on the pros/cons that have made you decide t use a "glaze" instead of a "wax"?

As always, thanks for sharing your knowledge!

Thank you Keith.

I have the aluminum Teraflex sliders on my Jeep. They have been trouble free and just now a bit of the powder coating is starting to show signs of wear from dragging leg across the area adjacent to the driver's and passenger's doors where the wife and I get in/out. Other than that they have worked well. Not that being said, these are not as heavy duty as some of the frame mounted sliders. I don't slam down onto them nor use them as pivot points on the rocks as I don't think they would hold up well to that kind of abuse. If you plan on using them in that manner I suggest either building some frame mounted sliders or installing one of the more robust commercially available ones.

As for the Meguiar's Final Inspection, that really isn't a glaze or wax, it is merely a spray on detailer for cleaning. There are other forms of quick detailer available from companies like Lucas Oil that work in the same fashion. I have used the Meguair's Final Inspection (# 34) for about 30 years now. I started using it as a quick detailer back in 1995 when I completed my first street rod. It worked great for using at car shows or before a cruise night. Simply spray a light mist onto an area and wipe with a soft towel or microfiber towel. The quick detailer is designed to lift any dirt or dust and suspend while wiping to avoid grinding it into the painted surfaces. At least that is the way it was described to me when I was looking for such a product. I've used it ever since and have been very pleased with the performance. I used it heavily on our custom built snowmobiles, sand quads and sand rails as well out in the desert. Worked great after a run through the dunes, come back to camp and give the toys a quick detailing so they looked good sitting outside the trailer for passerby ooglers.

Also, at car shows I found a California Duster to be an invaluable tool to remove dust throughout the shows, especially outdoor shows. I continue to use a California Duster even on my Camaro after removing the cover and giving it a quick dust-off before a drive.

As for waxes, I don't have a particular favorite. In fact, many of the paint seminars I went to back in the 90's and into early 2000's that were put on by PPG, they highly recommended against most synthetic waxes and especially those that contained silicone. They demonstrated how the paint needs to continue to "breathe" and that some of the more popular "waxes" at the time would prevent the paint's ability to breath and actually expedite the UV fading and oxidation process. I remember one class they took a black hood from a Cadillac and masked it down the center. They applied a name brand wax to one side and nothing to the other and let the hood sit outside for a year. Upon the next year's seminar, the hood's finish on the side with the wax was almost white from oxidation whereas the other side merely needed a little wipe with some detailer to look nearly new. Granted, I only have to believe there was nothing done throughout that year as they claimed but it made sense to me at the time.

In my past life of car shows, I really liked the 3M Imperial Hand Glaze for a quick polish job. It was a very fine polishing compound that provided a smooth and almost wax like depth but removed those hard to see very, very fine scratches from normal everyday use. I still use the 3M Finesse-It fine polish as a last step after paint corrections or a cut & buff of new paint but generally don't apply waxes per se. However, I still don't use a lot of waxes on my vehicles even though I am certain that there are some good ones out there with the technology available today. I have used the Meguiar's Carnauba Wax on my Harley's over the years as the wax was natural and didn't contain any silicones. I liked the depth that the wax brought out in the paint and the ease or removing bugs and/or road tar on the paint's surface between rides, more so than merely the Finesse-It or Imperial Hand Glaze from 3M.


Now that being said, I have purchased some Meguiar's #21 Sealant that I have heard and read good things about and will be using it on the coach to provide not only a bit of extra UV protection, but also to aid in cleaning and chamoising afterwards as it may help to keep the deep shine and gloss protected. I think a good natural wax tends to give a deeper and richer gloss to the paint's natural appearance, providing it was laid down and in good condition to begin with, whereas a sealant will give a bit longer lasting protection but not quite as deep or wet look of the paint. The wax I used on my Harley's over the years really give almost a wet look to the paint and really popped in the sun. Much more than merely the hand glaze I had been using alone in earlier years.

Sorry for the long answer to a rather short question or two.

 

[Dodge]

FYI: 3M now owns Mequiar.

 

[ScepterToad]

Sorry for the long answer to a rather short question or two.

On the contrary! Perfect! Thanks!

I've used carnauba wax on the boat for a long time and it has definitely helped with the gel coat and oxidation. In fact, the only place it really oxidizes is where it runs in the water at speed. All of the other gel coat surfaces are smooth and shiny year after year (I actually only wax it every few years, and other than a cover it sits outside).

I've used the rain x version of a spray detailer on the coach and that seems to work well, but didn't make the bugs any easier to get off the front. Two years ago, I washed and compounded the entire coach (including the roof), and hit it with ReJex. That lasted about half a season and I wouldn't use that product again. Just not worth the work it takes to apply and buff it off. On the Jeep, I used a "ceramic" wash and gel detailer (supposed to be like wax) and it lasted, again, around 3 months.

Since I don't typically get (or take) the time to wash and wax cars, I think based on what you've said, I'm better off giving the Jeep a really good old fashioned wax using straight carnauba. From there, hopefully I can get on a regular detail schedule. We'll see though....I recently forced myself to write down all the projects I have going on a whiteboard and it ain't pretty. I'm pushing 50 items on the list between the house and the shop and every day I wake up I think of at least one more. I suppose I'm getting too old to keep all that **** in my head any more. Working in the consulting business basically full time and starting 2 companies doesn't help. At all.

I'd really like to try my hand at building some rock sliders. However (speaking of projects), I probably don't have the time at this point. I'll dig around and look at what's out there. I don't necessarily plan on sliding or pivoting, but I'm fairly new to the wheeling world so I'd rather have the protection against an inevitable mistake.

Thanks again!

 

[zmotorsports]

FYI: 3M now owns Mequiar.

Thank you. I did not know that.

 

[aka Larry]

FWIW Mike, my wife just bought a '22 JL. I'm not really a 'Jeep Guy" so like it 'OK', but it's quite a change from driving her '21 Maxima! It won't be used for off-road like yours, but the modding has already begun. One thing about Jeeps is there is a HUGE aftermarket to make it custom and my wife and I are those kind of people.

 

[Ohmthis]

I love seeing your pictures with the mountains in the background. We have some pretty views, but definitely no gorgeous mountain views.

 

[zmotorsports]

FWIW Mike, my wife just bought a '22 JL. I'm not really a 'Jeep Guy" so like it 'OK', but it's quite a change from driving her '21 Maxima! It won't be used for off-road like yours, but the modding has already begun. One thing about Jeeps is there is a HUGE aftermarket to make it custom and my wife and I are those kind of people.

It's started now Vincent. Just remember what Jeep stands for "Just Empty Every Pocket". It's a slippery slope and you're teetering on it now.

 

[zmotorsports]

I love seeing your pictures with the mountains in the background. We have some pretty views, but definitely no gorgeous mountain views.

Thank you. I love the views our Wasatch Mountains here from my back yard as well.

 

[zmotorsports]

Yesterday upon arriving home I wanted to rack the Jeep and give her a once over. Also, wanted to see how good a job I did pressure washing all of the mud off from last week's adventure.



All in all, I got the vast majority of the mud off with the pressure washer at the car wash. There were only a few areas where I missed to access or the wrong angle of the wand. The only nice thing about that mud is that it clumped together really, really well so just a poke with a long screwdriver and the clumps let loose from the plastic or suspension component and fell to the floor only leaving a faint remnant behind which will easily wash off.






Not nearly as much as I expected when I lifted the Jeep in the air.




After checking everything over I pulled it back into the attached house garage. I actually don't mind showing her in the garage now that the garage is completed and something I can be proud of.


On another subject, Anders reminded me that I was going to post about Wix and NAPA Gold filters a few weeks ago after talking with my NAPA rep, but to be honest, with everything I had going on, I completely forgot. Thanks for reminding me Anders.

For those that follow me know that I am a fan of the NAPA Gold filters that were manufactured by Wix and labeled under NAPA's logo. Well, unfortunately that has changed. I don't know if the contract run out or what happened but they are no longer manufactured by Mann-Hummel and I understand are now made by a company overseas and still labeled as the NAPA Gold.


Fortunately, I still have a bit of NOS of the ones made by Mann-Hummel to give me some breathing room before I have to start purchasing from a different supplier. Just thought I would share this as I forgot mentioning it until Anders reminded me yesterday. Thanks again Anders. We gotta watch out for each other.

 

[LXCam]

As always the jeep and now the garage look great Mike.

What a shame about the filters. Hopefully the quality won’t go downhill but we all know how this normally goes.

Not that this story parallels that direction but I’m installing a product that was founded in America. I’ve installed thousands of their products over the last few decades. One thing that wasn’t even a second thought was everything was SAE hardware. So imagine my surprise when i whipped out my tools only to find out everything became metric.. what the heck?

Now I’m not saying the quality went to ****, but it makes me wonder.

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Good to know on the filters. Recently I've been buying the Napa Golds on sale when they are cheaper than Wix. I only have to stock 4 different filter numbers for my vehicles. Both Toyotas use the same part #, same with the '49 and Z28, the Suburban and Mustang have their own.

My dad was a Baldwin man, mostly because they used to be made in Kearney, NE (not sure if that is still true or not).

 

[Jgaz]

Thanks for the heads up on the NAPA Gold filters.
Will you switch to the hi end WIX?

 

[ScepterToad]

Interesting. Did the rep say who was actually making them? A quick Google and I couldn't' come up with an actual answer. One said Baldwin, one said Premium Guard. I typically run Fleetguard in the diesels and have only had the Jeep long enough to do one change. I typically go with Mobil on the gassers. They appear to be still made by MH.

 

[aka Larry]

Mike, on the filters notice the lower RH corner of the box where it says "Gastonia, NC". I actually started using Wix because they had a good reputation and were made 'locally' (200 miles away, but I consider anywhere in my state 'local'). I noticed when I buy them at O'Reilly's the box is indeed labeled "Gastonia, NC". However If I buy them from Rock Auto they are labeled "Made in Mexico", therefore I try to get mine at the local O'Reilly's.

 

[zmotorsports]

Thanks for the heads up on the NAPA Gold filters.
Will you switch to the hi end WIX?

I will more than likely stick with the actual Wix filters, not sure where I'll get them from but I have also had good luck with Donaldson and Baldwin lately as they are high quality filters as well.

Interesting. Did the rep say who was actually making them? A quick Google and I couldn't' come up with an actual answer. One said Baldwin, one said Premium Guard. I typically run Fleetguard in the diesels and have only had the Jeep long enough to do one change. I typically go with Mobil on the gassers. They appear to be still made by MH.

I think he told me it was a company called Microguard or something like that but they are now made in China. The filters remaining in my inventory are older and have the Mann-Hummel and Made in America on the labels whereas the last one I looked at while at my local NAPA stated in print Made in China.

 

[zmotorsports]

About a month or so ago, my son had a CEL his new to them 2015 Acura RDX. The code was for a VVT oil pressure switch and after some investigation, we learned that it was quite common on these. Fortunately, their RDX did not suffer from going into limp mode or any adverse driving conditions due to the VVT phasers being locked in position like many that have an issue report.

We had ordered new oil switches and they've been on the bench for a few weeks but the code hasn't returned. Last night he brought it over and we threw the new switches in because they are preparing for a vacation and I didn't want them to have an issue while on vacation.

Engine cover removed to access the switches. There are two in total, one for each bank.


Easily accessed once the engine cover is removed. Unplug the connector and remove from bank 1 (rear).


New OEM switches at the ready along with new O-rings. The original O-rings didn't look terrible, but we ordered them along with the switches.


One removed and ready to install the new switch.


The bank 2 (front) switch is diagonally across from bank 1.



Thanks for looking.

 

[zmotorsports]

Before closing up the shop I performed a thorough cleaning in preparation for the next project that will commence in a couple of weeks.


I also snapped a couple of pictures of the plaque that I mentioned a week or so ago that was presented to my dad in 1996 from the car club I belonged to back in mid-90's. It was a Father of the Year award that the club presented to my dad on my behalf.


The plaque resides alongside my toolbox so I can view it often and as a remember I didn't get here alone and I'm still not traveling this path alone. I have had some amazing people and still have amazing people in my life, but I find myself thinking about my dad more and more these days in hopes he would be proud.


With the attached garage now complete and the shop cleaned I am ready to get back to work in the shop.






I also have an upgrade coming to my lathe in the near future. More on that to come in a few weeks.






Thanks for looking.

 

[MrPink]

Yesterday upon arriving home I wanted to rack the Jeep and give her a once over. Also, wanted to see how good a job I did pressure washing all of the mud off from last week's adventure.



All in all, I got the vast majority of the mud off with the pressure washer at the car wash. There were only a few areas where I missed to access or the wrong angle of the wand. The only nice thing about that mud is that it clumped together really, really well so just a poke with a long screwdriver and the clumps let loose from the plastic or suspension component and fell to the floor only leaving a faint remnant behind which will easily wash off.






Not nearly as much as I expected when I lifted the Jeep in the air.




After checking everything over I pulled it back into the attached house garage. I actually don't mind showing her in the garage now that the garage is completed and something I can be proud of.


On another subject, Anders reminded me that I was going to post about Wix and NAPA Gold filters a few weeks ago after talking with my NAPA rep, but to be honest, with everything I had going on, I completely forgot. Thanks for reminding me Anders.

For those that follow me know that I am a fan of the NAPA Gold filters that were manufactured by Wix and labeled under NAPA's logo. Well, unfortunately that has changed. I don't know if the contract run out or what happened but they are no longer manufactured by Mann-Hummel and I understand are now made by a company overseas and still labeled as the NAPA Gold.


Fortunately, I still have a bit of NOS of the ones made by Mann-Hummel to give me some breathing room before I have to start purchasing from a different supplier. Just thought I would share this as I forgot mentioning it until Anders reminded me yesterday. Thanks again Anders. We gotta watch out for each other.

You should be able to cross reference those filters to an actual Mann p/n. Mann Hummel actually makes some Wix filters too. i was surprised to see that on the last filter i bought for my VW.

 

[zmotorsports]

You should be able to cross reference those filters to an actual Mann p/n. Mann Hummel actually makes some Wix filters too. i was surprised to see that on the last filter i bought for my VW.

That is who is currently making the Wix Gold filters. Easy to cross-reference, just add another number to the front of the NAPA Gold part #, 7 if oil and 3 (I think) for fuel filters.

 

[ScepterToad]

Mike, I'm certain your dad would be proud of you!

Also, I'm over here drooling over your shop!

 

[zmotorsports]

Mike, I'm certain your dad would be proud of you!

Also, I'm over here drooling over your shop!

Thanks Keith. I try to keep it that clean, but it doesn't always work out that way. Especially in the middle of big projects or multiple projects. I just can't seem to work or function well in chaos.

 

[zmotorsports]

Does anyone follow a YouTube channel called Tool Box Tours? I was contacted by the creator and asked to come to my shop to do a tour. Kind of thinking of doing it.

I've watched a few of his videos and it seems he showcases a wide range of tools from a wide range of mechanics. Not sure why he'd be interested filming a lot of my old and worn tools as it seems many of his videos seem to be of younger and newer mechanics (sorry, "technicians") that have new and fancy colored toolboxes, but might be kind of fun.

 

[Scuderia-F1]

Yesterday upon arriving home I wanted to rack the Jeep and give her a once over. Also, wanted to see how good a job I did pressure washing all of the mud off from last week's adventure.



All in all, I got the vast majority of the mud off with the pressure washer at the car wash. There were only a few areas where I missed to access or the wrong angle of the wand. The only nice thing about that mud is that it clumped together really, really well so just a poke with a long screwdriver and the clumps let loose from the plastic or suspension component and fell to the floor only leaving a faint remnant behind which will easily wash off.






Not nearly as much as I expected when I lifted the Jeep in the air.




After checking everything over I pulled it back into the attached house garage. I actually don't mind showing her in the garage now that the garage is completed and something I can be proud of.


On another subject, Anders reminded me that I was going to post about Wix and NAPA Gold filters a few weeks ago after talking with my NAPA rep, but to be honest, with everything I had going on, I completely forgot. Thanks for reminding me Anders.

For those that follow me know that I am a fan of the NAPA Gold filters that were manufactured by Wix and labeled under NAPA's logo. Well, unfortunately that has changed. I don't know if the contract run out or what happened but they are no longer manufactured by Mann-Hummel and I understand are now made by a company overseas and still labeled as the NAPA Gold.


Fortunately, I still have a bit of NOS of the ones made by Mann-Hummel to give me some breathing room before I have to start purchasing from a different supplier. Just thought I would share this as I forgot mentioning it until Anders reminded me yesterday. Thanks again Anders. We gotta watch out for each other.

You are most welcome Mike, friends don't let friends risk having inferior stock on the shelf.

 

[Scuderia-F1]

I will more than likely stick with the actual Wix filters, not sure where I'll get them from but I have also had good luck with Donaldson and Baldwin lately as they are high quality filters as well.



I think he told me it was a company called Microguard or something like that but they are now made in China. The filters remaining in my inventory are older and have the Mann-Hummel and Made in America on the labels whereas the last one I looked at while at my local NAPA stated in print Made in China.

O'reily (I don't know if I spelled it correct) is supposed to have WIX in stock.

 

[Scuderia-F1]

That is who is currently making the Wix Gold filters. Easy to cross-reference, just add another number to the front of the NAPA Gold part #, 7 if oil and 3 (I think) for fuel filters.

MANN-Hummel purchased WIX quite some time ago.

 

[Scuderia-F1]

Does anyone follow a YouTube channel called Tool Box Tours? I was contacted by the creator and asked to come to my shop to do a tour. Kind of thinking of doing it.

I've watched a few of his videos and it seems he showcases a wide range of tools from a wide range of mechanics. Not sure why he'd be interested filming a lot of my old and worn tools as it seems many of his videos seem to be of younger and newer mechanics (sorry, "technicians") that have new and fancy colored toolboxes, but might be kind of fun.

I subscribe to that channel, now I'm looking forward to see him visit you.

 

[Graham08]

O'reily (I don't know if I spelled it correct) is supposed to have WIX in stock.

My local O'Reilly carries Wix filters.

 

[zmotorsports]

O'reily (I don't know if I spelled it correct) is supposed to have WIX in stock.

That is what I understand. I don't deal with O'Reilly but my son mentioned that they do carry the actual Wix brand filters. Good to know.

MANN-Hummel purchased WIX quite some time ago.

That is what I was told as well Anders, and all of the older NAPA Gold filters remaining on my shelf are labeled under the Mann-Hummel brand. I cannot remember exactly who my rep told me is now making them but they show Made in China.

My local O'Reilly carries Wix filters.

Thanks Graham, that is my understanding.

 

[zmotorsports]

I subscribe to that channel, now I'm looking forward to see him visit you.

Thanks Anders. I was uncertain about doing it when he first reached out and contacted me. However, the more I think about, it I am leaning towards doing it. I've only seen a few of his videos and he seems to do a good job and he interviews a wide range of people from a wide range of mechanical backgrounds so it may allow me to throw another perspective on things and show some of my more unique tools that I've made my living with.

 

[aka Larry]

I subscribe to that channel, now I'm looking forward to see him visit you.

Ditto. I just subscribed just to see him visit Mike!

 

[LXCam]

I’ve never watched. But I will if you do it Mike.

 

[zmotorsports]

Ditto. I just subscribed just to see him visit Mike!

I’ve never watched. But I will if you do it Mike.

Thanks guys, I'm flattered.

He first reached out to me about 2 months ago when I was in the middle of finishing the attached garage and my shop was a mess and told him it wasn't a good time. I had waffled on doing it then kind of just shrugged it off and hadn't given it another thought actually. Well, he contacted me again a couple days ago asking if I would have time for him to visit and interview me and take a look at my toolbox. I didn't realize he is local to my area as well. I have a big project coming up so maybe I'll message him back and agree to a visit.

 

[Finallygotit]

I think you will find a lot of views on that channel if this actually happens.

 

[Scuderia-F1]

Thanks Anders. I was uncertain about doing it when he first reached out and contacted me. However, the more I think about, it I am leaning towards doing it. I've only seen a few of his videos and he seems to do a good job and he interviews a wide range of people from a wide range of mechanical backgrounds so it may allow me to throw another perspective on things and show some of my more unique tools that I've made my living with.

I watch them all, many videos aren’t that interesting but that’s down to sloppy messy kit, the guy making the videos does a great job. The videos that I do like, I like a lot and have found lots of great information and or inspiration via them.

 

[JCQuick]

I will have to check out that YT channel. Mike i have been using Wix filters for about 15 years now i have never had an issue. yes oreillys carrys them. i weas getting mine from 1 of our whole sellers before i retired from the parts biz. But i cab still get the owner to order them for me as he is a good friend of mine

 

[rixtrix1]

Man- Hummel bought the largest filter manufacturer in China shortly after they bought WIX, according to the fleet publications we got when I did fleet maintenance for CenturyLink. I don't think it matters where the filters are made as much as are they manufactured to Mann-Hummel standards; or has Mann-Hummel just become a holding company branding product manufactured by various companies they bought around the world!

As stated above by OutlawDrifter( we grew up in the same town), I, too, always used Baldwin filters in Nebraska when my dad managed the local Tri-State Supply farm store. I got them for free for my 1966 Chevelle racecar after telling the rep at a demo that I had a 7500rpm SBC; all I had to do was send them the old filters and oil samples. Weird thing was when they asked me if I started using N2O( different engine). Didn't know an oil sample would show anything related to that, lol. Never had an oil system related problem and I'm ready to resurrect that original engine shortly.

 

[JCQuick]

I checked out that TB tours channel can be a bit long but i liked it a lot even hit the subscribe button

 

[Scuderia-F1]

I checked out that TB tours channel can be a bit long but i liked it a lot even hit the subscribe button

It's the length that makes them interesting to me. A 15 minute toolbox tour is in my opinion rather useless. It's great channel in my opinion, not all videos has been to my liking. But that's mostly down to that messy kit is a hard limit for me. On the other hand there is a few, that really like A LOT, like the McLaren guy with Extreme Green set up the guy with the tank that has the Royal Blue set up etc (yes I'm partial towards Snap-on)...