Warm weather at last!

[clocker]

Le singe est sur la branche.

My tree is burned?

[j2k4]

Le singe est sur la branche.

My tree is burned?

The monkey is in the tree would be closer, I think.

[clocker]

My tree is burned?

The monkey is in the tree would be closer, I think.

My, hasn't this taken a turn down Strange Lane lately.

Anyways...
The new alternator is almost ready for installation.
Even the simplest "plug 'n play" swap involves a bit of modification- in this case, my v-belt pulley was slightly too small (about .060", actually) to fit the FD's center shaft (the FD uses a serpentine belt instead of multiple v-belts).
Machining the pulley to fit was a matter minutes but I lack an impact gun to torque down the nut so I'll stop on the way to work and have the mechanic zizz it on tight.
Tonight I'll install the new alt.

I was going to change all my belts at the same time but decided to wait till I confirm that the new pulley is correctly aligned and the alternator is operating right (it is a used part after all).
Changing the belts- four altogether- looks to be a royal PITA what with the fan and it's shroud in the way, should make for a fun Sunday afternoon.

There IS light at the end of the tunnel but it's dim and flickery right now.

Assuming that all goes well my last big project before my trip will be radiator replacement...still mulling my options on this.
The stock rad (and I'm assuming that mine is the original) is one of the dreaded aluminum core/ plastic end tank designs which are prone to sudden catastrophic failure instead of the slow warning leak which the older, all metal units used to exhibit.
Both Koyo and Fluidyne make larger (thicker, actually) all aluminum replacements that are easily purchased on eBay for around $300 and seem like a better option than the all metal (brass) units available at local radiator shops for $200-250.
There is also a very intriguing setup from a race car available on the RX7 forum which, under normal conditions, I would jump on in a heartbeat but it looks like there would be significant fabricating involved to accommodate my street accessories (specifically the AC and power steering- two things I'm undecided about keeping anyway). The coolest thing about this setup (and yes, the upcoming pun is intended) is that it incorporates a true cold air intake setup- highly desirable and not easily done on my car.
I could get this setup- which includes a Griffith alloy rad, all the custom ducting, two K&N airfilters, an electric fan and some misc. bits- for about $300.
Money is getting tight this month though, so I'm not sure what to do.

[clocker]

Pics...albeit my trademark crappy ones...at last.


I believe the wheels are from a Mustang but there is nothing definitive on the wheel to prove it. I'd like to come up with some center caps so it's kinda important that I find out.

Here's one that only goes to show that I do have an engine...

...although what kind of engine, you'd be hard pressed to tell from this shot.

That is the new alternator in place here although you'd have to be a student of the marque to notice.
I'm rather fond of the color coordination between the battery and the paint- a small touch, but they can be so telling.

[crimsonhelkyte]

Cars, I wish I had pics of my 1970 chevelle ss
I love my car, too bad my brother took the engine
out. I wish i was good at fixing cars all i need is a
wire harness and ill be good to go.

[clocker]

Cars, I wish I had pics of my 1970 chevelle ss

So does j2, I'll bet...that is his era and style of automobile.

too bad my brother took the engine
out

He had a few spare hours and just decided to rip out the motor or what?

I wish i was good at fixing cars

"Wishing" won't get you very far...doing, will.
The biggest trick to learn is knowing what you can't do and when it's time to bring in the pros.
Stopping before you fuxxor something up is as big a sign of experience as anything else.

[j2k4]

So does j2, I'll bet...that is his era and style of automobile.

too bad my brother took the engine
out

He had a few spare hours and just decided to rip out the motor or what?

I wish i was good at fixing cars

"Wishing" won't get you very far...doing, will.
The biggest trick to learn is knowing what you can't do and when it's time to bring in the pros.
Stopping before you fuxxor something up is as big a sign of experience as anything else.

But nonetheless:

Start with the purchase of a few basic tools, taking care to get beyond the standard (for lots of people, regrettably) three-piece set.

Better yet, ask for help with that.

Then, after well-securing your temper and fear with duct tape, proceed to the operating theater...

[Snee]

Start with the purchase of a few basic tools, taking care to get beyond the standard (for lots of people, regrettably) three-piece set.:

Hammer, club, and...?

[j2k4]

Start with the purchase of a few basic tools, taking care to get beyond the standard (for lots of people, regrettably) three-piece set.:

Hammer, club, and...?

Vise-grips or any flat-bladed screwdriver-like utensil.

Even the most basic kits have options, you see.

For instance, you could occasionally switch off between your hammer and club.

It's really just down to one's creativity.

[clocker]

Even the most basic kits have options, you see.

Just so.
After years of financing my Snap-On driver's mistress I finally realized that there are really only two tools necessary to properly maintain my vehicles...


and



Evertything else is just windowdressing for poseurs.