djthumper
Administrator
Out in the boondocks. Had to do some paperwork online so if things get worse I can still come into work without issues. I thought things were starting to let up. I guess we shall see.
What are you doing today?
- Thread starter gmcman
- Start date
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djthumper
Administrator
Since my trailer that was stolen a few weeks ago now had most of my tools in it. Trying to shop for the minimum tools that I need to do a brake job on the Trailblazer. I am waiting on insurance for the payout now... 
Not quite seized up completely this morning. A back pill and heating pad and I am mobile. A bit of a cant to my spine so off to chiro tomorrow as another adjustment should get me back in line. Oh well I loosened up enough that we got a pile of staking done on our pastures and perimeter fence.
northcreek
Member
Finished the garage firewood project and got it all stacked and pretty by the barn also serviced the splitter for storage...now it's time for an Ale... 
Mooseman
Moderator
Went to the hardware store to pick up a garden hose and leaf bags that were ordered on Sat. That's when I saw that my favourite chip truck was open and couldn't pass up getting a poutine and pogo (aka: corn dog). They put so much cheese on their poutine that they should ask "you want fries with your cheese and gravy?". 😋
Then worked some more on the Caprice. The console is as done as I can as some parts were missing or broken from the guy who dismantled it and I'm missing the proper shifter cover. I had ordered some of the missing parts and some of those are discontinued. I just emailed the online dealer and I really hope the cover is still available otherwise I'll either have to McGyver something with the broken G8 cover or the dash cubby. Aussies sure know how to make a complicated setup!
I finished the driver seat and also completed the passenger side a lot quicker since I had the experience now. The driver side I just had to elongate the center switch hole to allow the existing switch to move fore and aft. My jaw dropped when I saw who actually made the switch (see pic). I've seen GM cross-breeding with Suzuki, Honda and Toyota but Chrysler??? I felt sick.
I put both seats in and turned on the ignition to be sure I wasn't getting an airbag error, and I did. Hook up the Tech 2 and it had a bunch of codes. Probably from when I turned on the ignition with the seats out. Clear them and I still had one for the driver track position sensor. Unbolt the seat and yep, forgot to plug it in. I also did a shoddy job of transferring the wiring and didn't reuse the proper loom holder so I redid it properly. By then it was dark out.
Tomorrow I hope to be able to finish before the rain comes.
Then worked some more on the Caprice. The console is as done as I can as some parts were missing or broken from the guy who dismantled it and I'm missing the proper shifter cover. I had ordered some of the missing parts and some of those are discontinued. I just emailed the online dealer and I really hope the cover is still available otherwise I'll either have to McGyver something with the broken G8 cover or the dash cubby. Aussies sure know how to make a complicated setup!
I finished the driver seat and also completed the passenger side a lot quicker since I had the experience now. The driver side I just had to elongate the center switch hole to allow the existing switch to move fore and aft. My jaw dropped when I saw who actually made the switch (see pic). I've seen GM cross-breeding with Suzuki, Honda and Toyota but Chrysler??? I felt sick.
I put both seats in and turned on the ignition to be sure I wasn't getting an airbag error, and I did. Hook up the Tech 2 and it had a bunch of codes. Probably from when I turned on the ignition with the seats out. Clear them and I still had one for the driver track position sensor. Unbolt the seat and yep, forgot to plug it in. I also did a shoddy job of transferring the wiring and didn't reuse the proper loom holder so I redid it properly. By then it was dark out.
Tomorrow I hope to be able to finish before the rain comes.
northcreek
Member
Yeah but,...Still better than Dongfeng Motor Co...right?....
Sparky
Member
- Dec 4, 2011
- 12,927
At least it is just a switch.
Yesterday cleaned part of the house. Mowed the grass. Still trying to get unemployment fixed (and still no luck).
Yesterday cleaned part of the house. Mowed the grass. Still trying to get unemployment fixed (and still no luck).
Got my hip and back adjusted again. Making great progress!! Walking fully upright and able to function.
We are out to finish staking the rest of our yard. The south end will have different spacing and post size to hang barbed wire. We will eventually have a cow or two so we can have a slightly shorter fence and larger spacing than the poly line for horses.
Tomorrow we are off to Crimetown to pick up a few bundles of posts, top up the jerries with gas and then go get the post pounder.
We are out to finish staking the rest of our yard. The south end will have different spacing and post size to hang barbed wire. We will eventually have a cow or two so we can have a slightly shorter fence and larger spacing than the poly line for horses.
Tomorrow we are off to Crimetown to pick up a few bundles of posts, top up the jerries with gas and then go get the post pounder.
Mooseman
Moderator
And done! (mostly)
Once my local fastener supply store opens back up, I'll look for a black plastic cap to close off that hole from the original lumbar knob since it's now electric. And I got the good news that the shifter cover plate is available so ordered that. Right now with the G8's cover on there now, I can't put in the cubby. Still have to wire the tap up/down shift to the BCM and the switches for the traction control and sport shift mode. That I'll be able to do when my local electronic supply store opens back up.
These seats are way more comfortable, especially for the back. And finally an armrest and cup holders! You don't know how much you miss those until you just have your arm just hanging there.
Next up, booked an appointment to have the headers and exhaust installed on Monday. I usually do almost everything myself but I hate exhaust work with a passion and without a lift, it's almost impossible to do it. The tips need to be extended so stainless welding is required and I want it done quickly. This thing is way too quiet.
I'll try and get some before and after videos. And I also have the leather steering wheel from the G8 to replace the cheap plastic covered cop wheel. Tomorrow I'm having some tires installed on the sport wheels.
Once my local fastener supply store opens back up, I'll look for a black plastic cap to close off that hole from the original lumbar knob since it's now electric. And I got the good news that the shifter cover plate is available so ordered that. Right now with the G8's cover on there now, I can't put in the cubby. Still have to wire the tap up/down shift to the BCM and the switches for the traction control and sport shift mode. That I'll be able to do when my local electronic supply store opens back up.
These seats are way more comfortable, especially for the back. And finally an armrest and cup holders! You don't know how much you miss those until you just have your arm just hanging there.
Next up, booked an appointment to have the headers and exhaust installed on Monday. I usually do almost everything myself but I hate exhaust work with a passion and without a lift, it's almost impossible to do it. The tips need to be extended so stainless welding is required and I want it done quickly. This thing is way too quiet.
I'll try and get some before and after videos. And I also have the leather steering wheel from the G8 to replace the cheap plastic covered cop wheel. Tomorrow I'm having some tires installed on the sport wheels.
HARDTRAILZ
Moderator
- Nov 18, 2011
- 49,665
Teleworking from the couch today with a nice fire in the fireplace while it rains outside.
Mooseman
Moderator
With my son's Silvy, brought wheels and tires for his truck as well as a set of tires for the Caprice's aluminum wheels to the tire shop to install on the wheels. Then went with my wife to her office to pick up some files and office supplies. HQ is a ghost town. Picked up a chicken lunch for the both of us at her favourite place, St-Hubert. Picked up all the wheels and tires and installed the Caprice's wheels. Better than the cop steelies.
Surfed on the Book of faces Marketplace and found a guy parting out a G8. Got the missing console parts as well as a better console lid and shifter knob. Should be shipping them tomorrow. Sweet!
Surfed on the Book of faces Marketplace and found a guy parting out a G8. Got the missing console parts as well as a better console lid and shifter knob. Should be shipping them tomorrow. Sweet!
Matt
Member
- Dec 2, 2011
- 4,025
Got a line on a new bike for the boy, so we're heading out to get a wheel alignment and see if we can snag said bike.
That's looking damn fine there Moose!! I had a G8 bought new in 2009, loved it!!! Except in winter...
We picked up 1700 bucks worth of posts from Crimetown yesterday. Was cold as fu$%, heavy north wind and rain. Got drenched trying to hitch up the triaxle. Then picked up the post pounder. Of course the agro store gave us the shittiest of the 3. Pounds like shit to be Frank. Still managed to finish the evening out by completing a paddock extension and the north line.
Will hopefully crush the east line today.
We picked up 1700 bucks worth of posts from Crimetown yesterday. Was cold as fu$%, heavy north wind and rain. Got drenched trying to hitch up the triaxle. Then picked up the post pounder. Of course the agro store gave us the shittiest of the 3. Pounds like shit to be Frank. Still managed to finish the evening out by completing a paddock extension and the north line.
Will hopefully crush the east line today.
Mooseman
Moderator
Not much today. Drove about 35 minutes to pick up a used wireless router as mine keeps freezing. It'll be a nice upgrade. Nice drive except for the SNOW SQUALLS! At least it wasn't enough to cover the roads since I was driving the Caprice. Never thought it would ever see snow again.
Then drove around with Mrs. Moose looking at some sheds. Might get one big enough to use as winter car storage.
Then drove around with Mrs. Moose looking at some sheds. Might get one big enough to use as winter car storage.
gpking
Member
TrailBlazer was overdue for an inspection, so I ran it in and it failed for a "brake fluid leak". Ok, whatever, it's probably just residual fluid/spray from where I replaced the front calipers and got a little messy while bleeding. I'll clean it and come back.
Nope! The ENTIRE passenger's wheel was soaked in brake fluid.
Evidently I forgot to torque down the banjo bolt last night and it worked its way loose on the way to the shop and was hemorrhaging fluid!
The shop quoted like $50 just to diagnose this repair which took me all of 5 seconds to fix at my house. I came back and passed! Legal for one more year.
What a day.
Nope! The ENTIRE passenger's wheel was soaked in brake fluid.
Evidently I forgot to torque down the banjo bolt last night and it worked its way loose on the way to the shop and was hemorrhaging fluid!
The shop quoted like $50 just to diagnose this repair which took me all of 5 seconds to fix at my house. I came back and passed! Legal for one more year.
What a day.
Taking a break from post pounding. The shit pounder had rattled itself loose. After tightening the post clamp I found the main slide or what ever it's called was loose. No worries because the bolts were missing the washers and the holes were all elongated. The thing couldn't pound straight and was cracking our 5" expensive posts. Called the store and it was like pulling teeth. Dropped it off and had some words with the staff and left. Thankfully the ag rental in a neighborhoring town had one. One that was in actual working shape.
djthumper
Administrator
Went and picked up a few tools so that I can do a brake job tomorrow.
Matt
Member
- Dec 2, 2011
- 4,025
Got it. When we got to the Walmart (in a rough part of Akron) one of the associates was bringing out the exact model, but different colour than we wanted, out. Connor wanted a blue one and this was silver. The guy went out back and looked but couldn't find any blue, even unassembled. So we grabbed the silver one and ran.
northcreek
Member
Had two boxes of hardwood flooring left over from my Fall home upstairs re-do. So since we're locked down and the weather is crappy....I tore all the carpeting out of the motorhome and I'm installing it in there where it's nice and cozy with good tunes... 😷
Sparky
Member
- Dec 4, 2011
- 12,927
djthumper
Administrator
Yesterday...
Took the wife and my son for a long mountain drive, and then went for a short hike when we got to where we were going to turn around. Was a beautiful day for it,,, until I realized just how out of shape (and fat) I am. Getting old sucks!
Saturday...
Picked up the Wives Aztek from the tranny shop. 2600 bucks for the tranny, and I still have to go to another shop for an alignment. My wife loves her Aztek, but I know I sure could have found other places to spend 2600 bucks, especially on that Aztek...
Took the wife and my son for a long mountain drive, and then went for a short hike when we got to where we were going to turn around. Was a beautiful day for it,,, until I realized just how out of shape (and fat) I am. Getting old sucks!
Saturday...
Picked up the Wives Aztek from the tranny shop. 2600 bucks for the tranny, and I still have to go to another shop for an alignment. My wife loves her Aztek, but I know I sure could have found other places to spend 2600 bucks, especially on that Aztek...
Mooseman
Moderator
Took the Caprice to the Custom Exhaust Shop this morning to install the system I had bought 2 years ago, Headers to tips. Said it would take 4 hours. He keeps calling me with new problems. First was tight quarters to get one manifold out. Then the O2 sensor wires weren't long enough to get them in to their new locations. Then can't get the dispstick out to get the other manifold out. I have a feeling that I won't get it back today and will turn into an 8 hour job. In a way I'm glad I'm not doing this in my driveway on jack stands but it'll cost me
Eric04
Member
I keep saying I'm not doing anymore f&%$ing exhaust work for the same reasons you hate it Moose, but I've been roped into doing some in the past year. I can tell you that it will still be worth it because it does suck as much as you remember.
Mooseman
Moderator
Yup. And latest news, I may not get it back till Friday! Because it's taking more than a day, he'll have to work in between other jobs to finish it. So it's already 6 hours @ $80 per! He's not the swiftest. The O2 sensors were a little farther than the original locations and he proposed to weld in new bungs. Ah, no thanks, I'll just extend the wires. And then was going to cut and re-weld one of the header tubes because the steering shaft is in the way. Um, no, just disconnect the shaft and move it out of the way. I think he's just used to putting cat-backs on ricers.
One day, I'll have my garage with a lift.
One day, I'll have my garage with a lift.
After our trip to town to patch up the trailblazers tire, we returned the triaxle to our friends place and ran into Crimetown for some shopping. We treated Big Blue to a wash. Still filthy but better than she was. 
Matt
Member
- Dec 2, 2011
- 4,025
Ripping out all the edging in the front garden with the boy and replacing it with powder coated metal edging.
HARDTRAILZ
Moderator
- Nov 18, 2011
- 49,665
Lil telework. Some online shipping for things I cant get at our limited local stores. Taking a hard look at some quad tips for the Trans Am. Decided i am going to just pay someone to do the header install and exhaust so I get it right or they get to fix it.
Mooseman
Moderator
Hope you know the shop well. Look at my posts above. Guys on the Caprice forum did it in 5 hours whereas my shop is currently at 6+ hours and still going. Have them look at it on the lift first before quoting.
HARDTRAILZ
Moderator
- Nov 18, 2011
- 49,665
I got two options. One is family and the other is a shop that specializes in Pontiac and I could help them do it or at least drink beer and watch. I just want to let someone with experience on mine. It is common enough for a 4th gen f-body LS, but its tight clearance tells me a good toolbox and experience would be helpful I do believe.
--I am ditching O2 sensors and adding a Y pipe and an electric cutout. Already had the O2 tuned out years ago in prep for this.
--I am ditching O2 sensors and adding a Y pipe and an electric cutout. Already had the O2 tuned out years ago in prep for this.
djthumper
Administrator
Moved about 750 more trees from the christmas tree shop warehouse, which donated them to the campground for a total of 2148 trees. Guess I will be digging another 1500 holes this week. Good thing we have a auger for the skid steer.
Had a beer after work and assembled the hubs on the trailer I bought from my neighbor for $100 bucks. Already sanded and POR-15'd this weekend.
Had a beer after work and assembled the hubs on the trailer I bought from my neighbor for $100 bucks. Already sanded and POR-15'd this weekend.
m.mcmillen
Member
Had a toothache, went to the dentist, wound up getting a crown. Yay.
Mounce
Member
Kept busy on my off day and make some extra change. Finished that trailer wiring / light job, done a tune up on a Yukon for a regular, and swapped my brother's new camper trailer wiring from 7 pin to a 4 pin connector. It doesn't have brakes, only had the 7 pin to charge the on board battery but it's just as simple for him to charge the battery before an outing as it would be for me to run a wire and put a 7 pin plug on his truck.
Mooseman
Moderator
Celebrating our 25th silver wedding anniversary. Not much of a celebration though because of, well, you know. I'll try to sneak out to get her a bouquet of beautiful blue roses I saw at Costco the other day and picking up a fajita dinner at our favourite restaurant Lone Star tonight. For dessert, probably will get their great churros.
Other than that, might work on the TB a bit or cleanup, again, in the garage.
Other than that, might work on the TB a bit or cleanup, again, in the garage.
Matt
Member
- Dec 2, 2011
- 4,025
Cleaning out the garage today...everything will be taken out and only what we actually use will be put back. What doesn't make it back will go on either FB marketplace or in the trash.
Sparky
Member
- Dec 4, 2011
- 12,927
Working from home. I got notice that my unemployment claim for the past 3 weeks just got processed to be paid out this week. Nice. They finally got it fixed.
We wouldn't have been in financial trouble without it per se, but nice to not have to chew up the bank account so badly.
We wouldn't have been in financial trouble without it per se, but nice to not have to chew up the bank account so badly.
Blckshdw
Moderator
Getting through some new projects, which is a nice break from busy work. We've got some new managerial folks, so I've had a few training sessions this week to get people familiar with our systems. 2 more sessions to go, tomorrow and Friday.
CEO sent out an office update, we're going to continue working remotely through June 1st, and then we'll enter our phase B, with having a max of 25% of employees onsite at any given time. Phase C bumps that number up to 50%, but timing will depend on what federal, state and local mandates are. They're hoping to have everyone back in the office by mid August, so who knows what will happen between now and then.
CEO sent out an office update, we're going to continue working remotely through June 1st, and then we'll enter our phase B, with having a max of 25% of employees onsite at any given time. Phase C bumps that number up to 50%, but timing will depend on what federal, state and local mandates are. They're hoping to have everyone back in the office by mid August, so who knows what will happen between now and then.
HARDTRAILZ
Moderator
- Nov 18, 2011
- 49,665
Working and then dropping a friend off at the airport this afternoon
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