I do have a blog title

WTF? Its almost May.

2009-04-25T12:07:00.000-07:00

I haven't been idle long enough at the house to keep up with blogging. I have been to numerous crawfish boils, the beach, breweries, sushi, Ken came down, Las Cruces for the Chile Challenge etc. I don't find myself on the internet as much as I used to socializing. They have PEOPLE in Houston with whom I can socialize instead of living in BFE.

The System is down. Down Down Down.

2009-02-10T03:42:00.000-08:00

Work Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad.

Beer GOOOOOOOOOD.

I haven't had a lot of time to blog lately. From the time I leave home to the time I get home from work it turns out to be an 11 hour day.

My weekends are ate up by a front axle rebuild on my Jeep. The axle seals required removal of the ring gear and I have non-standardized and aftermarket parts. I spend the better parts of Saturdays just trying to get an axle parts.

I will be in Las Cruces next weekend for the Chile Challenge off road competition.

No Handlebars

2009-02-10T03:41:00.001-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuK2A1ZqoWs&feature=related

SOLD!

2008-12-26T11:50:00.000-08:00

Belinda and I sold the Nissan today. We were sad to see it go. A 1996 model with 148,000 miles, clean interior, and air conditioning. Minimal leaks from the oil pan seal and didn't burn a drop of oil and no major mechanical work other than a clutch and normal maintenance.

However, Belinda and I have purchased newer vehicles, but it was a great vehicle to run to the grocery store in and not have to worry about dings and scratches. The parking lots here are BRUTAL. Also newer Ford Trucks are the number one vehicle stolen in Houston.

Time to get the Jeep street legal!

Bought a new truck.

2008-12-21T03:39:00.000-08:00

Belinda and I decided that it was time to get a new truck. Turns out we bought A LOT of truck. Its a 2008 F-250 4x4 Lariat with all the bells and whistles except the satellite navigation (we own a nice Garmin) and heated seats (it was 75 degrees above zero yesterday). Powered folding and extending mirrors, back-up camera in the review mirror, powered sliding glass window in the back window, adjustable gas and break pedal, amd a motor with very little rawr! The 6.4L Powerstroke has been muted with tons of sound deadening. If anyone has ever been next to a Cummins at a stop light you know exactly what I mean.

It will be a daily commuter for Belinda because the park and ride is about 2 miles from the house and I will still drive the Jetta 15 miles one way to work. Damn.

Doggie Door.

2008-12-21T03:30:00.000-08:00

Coco and Guinness are large dogs. During the week the dogs are confined to the house or a walk around the block. If they do not get enough exercise they become naughty as a means to expel the extra energy. Belinda and I have found a drainage canal that runs through our subdivision that is mowed and maintained allowing the dogs to run and play. Afterwards they normally get a bath. It had begun to rain that afternoon we took them out there so I slid the steel insert in the dog door so after the bath they couldn't go outside. Little did I know that neither of the dogs paid attention when we let them out of the bathroom and both dogs bulldozed right into the door.

WTF Did we order.

2008-12-09T15:10:00.001-08:00

Went to lunch with some co-workers and they were giving me some flack for not ordering the large order of chicken fried steak. Turns out the joke was on them.

CMT Redneck Wedding

2008-12-09T15:06:00.000-08:00

They call them like they see them. I went to a CMT filming of CMT's My Big Fat Redneck Wedding. Even I cringed a little.

I found an NSX I want

2008-12-04T13:42:00.000-08:00

Daddy likey

The New House.

2008-12-01T14:53:00.000-08:00

Per Raven's Request.

Durty Nelly's

2008-11-16T06:16:00.000-08:00

Belinda and I went to the Riverwalk in San Antonio for Nic and Katrina's wedding. This is the sign that was posted out front of Durty Nelly's.

Hurricane Ike

2008-11-15T04:41:00.000-08:00

I don't really have a plethora of photos from the Hurricane. I think that we were too busy being in shock from buying our new house, coming to Houston, and experiencing a frickin' Hurricane. We were without power for about a week. During that time Belinda and I were still going to work. Its was almost like a long camping trip in a nice house. The evenings were really eerie almost like a bad slasher flick.

And Were Back

2008-11-14T15:17:00.000-08:00

6 weeks after the Hurricane I finally have internet at the house. And boy do I have some pictures.

Stay Tuned.

All Aboard! HA HA HA!

2008-09-09T13:17:00.000-07:00

I don't think this is what Ozzy had in mind for his crazy train. Even the pink Chryslers are bigger in Texas.

I-10 What a great place to drive

2008-09-08T12:43:00.001-07:00

Traveling along Interstate 10 back to Houston at 80 mph (the posted speed limit) Belinda and I came across a tractor trailer that somehow caught fire that was full of cases of Bud Light. I guess that one of the tires blew out or bad wiring may have been the culprit.

???

2008-09-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

I was having lunch with some friends at BJ's Brewhouse. When we left I rode with Victor back to his house and met Belinda with a puzzled look on her face. The 'bubble' had started on her way back driving down the interstate. Fortunately we changed the tired before any real or serious damaged had occured.

National Oilwell Varco

2008-08-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

I had a really good interview yesterday afternoon with NOV. It was a change of pace actually having a Certified Personal Consultant helping with my job search. Basically, I have been pre-qualified for the positions that my CPC recommends me for and it skips the 'weeding' out process.

Questions like: Where do you see yourself in five years? Based on a personal experience give an example of conflict resolution you have implemented. and What do you have to offer to the Company?

The position at NOV would require me to design Drilling Rig Manifolds* based on customer specifications. Starting with off the shelf parts from the warehouse, I would create manifolds in Solidworks and then submit them to the customer for assembly in the machine shop located behind the building.

*Rig Manifolds are a way of metering production from an oil or gas well

New House...Again.

2008-08-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

We finally have an offer on our house in Seminole and should close by the 9th of September. We also have a new contract on a house in Spring TX which is the north side of Houston. The Spring home is supposed to close on the 12th of September. The nice thing about that house is its brand f-ing new.

Can we eat them!?

2008-08-19T09:10:00.000-07:00

There has been tons of mushrooms around the apt. complex I am living in right now. I have had none stop steady rain for the past week and it has been AWESOME...the kind of rain that wakes you up.

HOLY CRAP! is the building falling down. NO. But the pool keeps overflowing and the groundskeepers keep getting their golf cart stuck all over the place.

Smart crazy Belgian offroad test

2008-08-07T18:03:00.000-07:00

Ygnition.

2008-08-06T10:08:00.000-07:00

I can have any internet service I want in my new apt as long as its Ygnition. On the front page of the website the guy on the right looks confused while the woman on the left has that smile like she is hoping her Television will work.

I tried to sign up online in Seminole that way it is set up when I get to Houston. If I go that route I HAVE TO HAVE cable before I get internet, which is super lame and they are pricey. Not only that, there only indication of decent internet service is "high speed internet with e-mail account!" The Apt. complex doesn't offer any other service.

Guilded Shame

2008-08-06T07:37:00.000-07:00

Gold-trimmed Camry spotted in Dubai.

Come to beautiful West Texas!

2008-07-29T14:18:00.001-07:00

Were it rains when the sun is shining.

You have proved yourself worthy. Will you join me?

2008-07-13T13:01:00.000-07:00

The secret government Eggo Project!

2008-07-11T16:55:00.000-07:00

Inserting toaster pastry.

Contact Dr. Jemima.

YUM!

Axles

2008-07-10T14:50:00.000-07:00

When I replaced the starter on my Jeep I used one for a 1982 Jeep Grand Wagoneer with a 360 V-8. The battery that I replaced I used one for a 1979 CJ-5 with the 304 V-8.

I now have to replace an axle seal on the driver side front axle. I had assumed that the axles were also off a Grand Wagoneer because few vehicles came with both Dana 44's front and rear axles; Jeep Grand Wagoneers and International Scout II's. The possibility of it being Jeep axles was ruled out by the bolt patterns for the wheels and tires and the location of the front diff. Jeep was on the driver's side and International was on the passenger. Mine is on the passenger side. Jeep also used a 6 on 5.5 bolt pattern and International used 5 on 5.5. My wheels and tires are 5 on 5.5. Furthermore, my Jeep has disc brakes in the front and Scouts only came with front disc brakes from 1974 to 1980 assuming that my front axle doesn't have a drum to disc conversion.

I have a pic posted of a Scout II front axle that has been modified to be put into a Jeep CJ-5. I have the same modification on my Jeep.

Something else that is interesting is my OX Locker Manual for my front axle is for a Jeep TJ (1996-present) rear Dana 44.

Tires still off.

2008-07-10T11:03:00.001-07:00

Problems/ Fixes so far on the Jeep

2008-07-09T11:21:00.000-07:00

Fixed Replaced
1. Oil Pressure Line
2. Valve Cover Seal
3. Rear Diff Seal
4. Battery
5. Starter

To Do List.
1. Front axle hub seal
2. Transmission and Oil Pan Seal
3. Ox Locker has forceful engagement
4. Missing Warn Hub screw
5. Stress crack in steering box bracket
6. Bad ground on headlights or faulty switch
7. Brake lights work intermittently
8. BRAKES! Good pressure but needs new rubber lines, rotors, pads, and drums
9. Put front tires back on

IT Guy Vs Dumb Employees

2008-07-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

IT Guy Vs Dumb Employees - Watch more free videos

FREE! GAS!

2008-06-30T07:25:00.000-07:00

I received this gem in the mail the other day.

Car Salesmans/Dealerships have gone so far as to send me advertisements, or rather Belinda newspaper clippings claiming "buy our car/truck and we will buy your gas for a year." There was no return address on the envelope and I have no idea who J is.

Hail Stones. Take Two.

2008-06-30T07:16:00.000-07:00

The storm hit at around midnight. Honestly, I thought someone was breaking into my house because my north windows were busted out my hail stones. I was having flashbacks from Socorro from a few years back.

First Stuck

2008-06-29T11:13:00.000-07:00

It has finally rained enough in Hobbs to take my Jeep in the rain. I was throwing donuts in 2wd and high centered the rear-end. I short pull from a GMC 3500 and I was back to my old antics.

Forecast

2008-05-30T05:44:00.001-07:00

NOAA calls for temperature highs of 104 for the next 4 days. They tell me its a 'dry heat' well, so is a bonfire.

Don't worry, its only burnt popcorn.

2008-05-29T09:07:00.000-07:00

For those of you fortunate few out there that lived in the Altamirano Student Apartments at New Mexico Tech remember the lovely and serene sound of fire alarms at all hours of the day and night. I had flashbacks because at 4 a.m. (insert my best wtf you have to be sh*ttin' me) the fire alarm went off in our hotel suite. I was told by hotel staff that someone burnt some popcorn in their room. POPCORN!

Stealth Tape.

2008-05-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

I was behind this Merc driving around in Houston. Color-matching the duct tape doesn't make it better.

Address?

2008-05-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

The house Belinda and I are considering is in an new area in Spring, TX. So new in fact that you can't find the address with googlemaps or mapquest. This was the best I could do. We also purchased a Garmin GPS and I even did the online updates and was still unable to find the subdivision.

Birthday.

2008-05-28T14:48:00.000-07:00

Fortunately our house hunting trip fell on the weekend of my B-Day. In Houston for my B-Day and Car Bombs with Victor FTW!

Pinche Burger!

2008-05-28T14:46:00.000-07:00

It says it right on the sign.

Sand Dunes FTW

2008-05-11T11:50:00.000-07:00

Belinda and myself took my mom to the Mescalero Sand dunes just outside of Roswell yesterday for Mother's Day. It was the first time I really got to tear into my Jeep. I had to change out the starter (old and wore out) on the Jeep before we left. It performed flawlessly with without any electrical, mechanical, or leaking problems the entire day. The only trouble I ran into was slight overheating because of a heavy foot and some slight fuel injection tuning. Driving around the dunes I was surprised because the majority of the I was in two wheel drive unless I was trying to climb a REALLY big sand dune.

Jeep Vin #

2008-05-09T07:19:00.001-07:00

I was doing some research and found what originally came in my Jeep. It came with a 2 BBL 4.2L 258 c.i. Straight six, , Dana 30 front axle, AMC 20 rear axle, Dana 20 transfer case, Borg Warner T-18 4 speed manual (6.32:1 First Gear) and a gross weight of 3750lbs.

However, I was finally able to verify the stock engine block displacement by a 360 (no confusion there) casting under the engine mount brackets. AMC engines installed in Jeeps generally have the engine block serial numbers stamped on a plate riveted on the back of the valve covers. I don't have the stock valve covers, which is probably why it leaks, so it doesn't do me any good.

Coincidence?

2008-05-08T14:58:00.001-07:00

I THINK NOT! And people wonder how I named Guinness.

Watering mah yard.

2008-05-08T14:53:00.000-07:00

Out in West Texas this is what you call an underground sprinkler system.

P.S. Actually is has rained REALLY hard in the past two days and managed to cover it in loose soil

I can tow my Jeep again.

2008-05-05T13:06:00.000-07:00

My truck was running like it was firing on 6 or 7 cylinders. No power, lots of puttering, and exhaust was very rich. Luckily the internals such as the timing chain have appeared to still be in working order after I had replaced a the ignition module. The ignition module opens and closes the circuit to the ignition coil to fire the spark plugs. It certain applications it can advance or retard the timing (probably my problem). ~$60 later the problem was corrected. I plan on going to the sand dunes this weekend to take the Jeep and fourwheeler.

However this does add to my vehicle situation. Belinda and I have four vehicles and 3 of the 4 will pass inspection. I guess I will just keep them because the GM and Nissan truck are paid off and sell one or the other or both until I find something better. Having the extra money around instead of paying for full coverage and car payments is pretty awesome.

P.S. The ignition module on my truck is located under the distributor cap.
P.P.S. I didn't buy the Accel module.

Be very very quiet, I'm hunting houses.

2008-05-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

Belinda and I are planning a house hunting trip to Houston at the end of next week. For now its the hurry up and wait game to get our current house sold.

State VS. (Withheld until proven guilty)

2008-05-01T13:54:00.000-07:00

I posted a few months ago about some credit card identity theft. Belinda had been contacted by an Secret Service Agent after we had made the report. Anyway, we were informed of the charges. Here is a shortened list: Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Four or More Incomplete Credit Cards, Possession of Credit Card Machinery, Dealing in Credit Cards of Another, 8 Charges of Forgery to a Credit Card, 26 Counts of Forgery (Making or Altering), 11 Counts of Identity Theft, Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card ($500-2500), Speeding (11-15 mph Over Limit), Concealing Identity, Driving on Suspended or Revoked License, Evidence of Regis/Signed and Exhibited on on Demand, and No Insurance.

Belated Earth Day Post

2008-04-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

SAVE OUR PLANET! Its the only one with beer.

IRS Refund

2008-04-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

As you may have heard we are getting an additional refund on our tax returns this year to help 'stimulate the economy.'

Well here's the breakdown on where we can spend it:
Wal-Mart: China
Gas/Diesel: Arabs
Computer: India
Fruits & Vegetables: Central America
'Good' Automobile: Germany or Japan
Toys: Taiwan

So you ask, well how do I keep the money within the US Economy?

YARD SALES.

I know what I am growing, dammit.

2008-04-30T08:06:00.001-07:00

Actually I didn't know what I was watering and fertilizing until the neighbor had asked me not to cut it down. It wasn't that I was going to cut it down, I had been cleaning up the yard, trimming the trees, etc. and I was informed that Belinda and I have a pomegranate tree in our backyard.

Holy Resale Batman!

2008-04-30T07:57:00.000-07:00

Our old realtor that we used to buy our house is now our new realtor to sell our house. We have lived in this house for about 8 months. It has undergone many changes. The bathroom has been remodeled with fresh paint, new tile, and new hook-ups for a washer and dryer. The carpet in the hallway, kitchen, and dining room was removed and the wooden floors that lay beneath were sanded and refinished. Lastly the hallway, kitchen, living room, and dining room were retextured and painted. You may ask if I am sad to see it go, no. It will be remembered as the first house that I ever bought with Belinda, but that just means that we can U-P-P-G-R-A-Y-E-D-D when we get to Houston.

P.S. We already have people driving by to look at the house and we don't even have a for sale sign in the yard yet.

Plastic Guns Need Not Apply.

2008-04-25T13:26:00.000-07:00

Belinda and I have our hallway, living room, kitchen, and dining room all taped off with plastic drops clothes so we can texture the walls. This took pretty much a full day to cover everything. We started to texture and finished the hallway and part of the living room with the trigger on the texture gun broke. DAMN. Well, its epoxy to the rescue!

Used Razor....Clean.

2008-04-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

So I finally found my old cell phone. It turns out that it got washed, but when our front loading washer went into the spin cycle it wedged itself into the thick gasket that seals the door. I am glad I found it, however I was beginning to REALLY dislike the phone.

What the U-Turn?

2008-04-21T07:54:00.000-07:00

I got a good laugh out of the GPS in our rental car.

I just wanted some gas.

2008-04-21T06:18:00.000-07:00

I still don't know what is going on at this gas station in Florida. What was even more confusing were the prices.

Shotgun Photography

2008-04-21T06:14:00.000-07:00

I was playing with some settings on our camera at a Tony Roma's in Orlando and managed to get this picture.

We don't need no water let the mo..

2008-04-21T06:03:00.000-07:00

When we took off from Midland International Airport we got a chance to see some of the local grass fire damage, and an Albq area fire. When our plane departed from Albq to Orlando we saw more extensive wildfires in the Florida panhandle.

Used Car Lot

2008-04-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

So between the two of us Belinda and I have 4 vehicles. We have our 2002 Jetta TDi with 90,000 miles, 1996 Nissan King Cab with 140,000 miles with broken glass, 1993 GMC 1500 Sierra with no A/C and valvetrain problems, and a 1979 CJ-5 that runs like a champ but needs work pass inspection. Furthermore I have a 7,000 lb 20 foot trailer that I have been using to tow the Jeep with until my GMC crapped out.

Hess expects Belinda and I to be fully moved to Houston by the end of July. I don't want to haul the two extra pick-ups to Houston and try to sell them there. Belinda does have whats called an X-Plan through Hess that allows us to purchase a Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda, Volvo, Jaguar, or Land Rover for roughly cost. The Jetta has tremendous fuel economy, sunroof, heated seats, power everything, and we don't want to get rid of it, however its starting to get some mileage on it. We have planned on selling both our trucks and purchasing a vehicle that will tow 7,000lbs and be a reasonable daily driver.

Houston...WAGONS EAST!

2008-04-09T13:13:00.000-07:00

Its pretty much official, other than Belinda signing the paperwork, that she reports in Houston June 1st. The great thing is there will be a moving package involved.

As for the house, it was on the market 3 days when we bought it back in Sept less than a year ago. We have made some major improvements with numerous 'details' around the house that haven't been finished. The walls in the kitchen, living room, and hallway need to be textured and painted along with the installing the baseboards that we removed to finish the floors.

Snoop Dog's Favorite Rain, Drizzle

2008-04-09T08:24:00.000-07:00

This morning is the first time it has rained in Seminole all year. The area has been plagued with some pretty extensive wildfires consuming thousands of acres.

Sexy Bikini.

2008-03-31T12:26:00.001-07:00

I got bored the other day and decided to put the extra bikini top on the Jeep .

New Camera.

2008-03-31T12:23:00.000-07:00

Belinda and I are looking at a new digital camera to replace our aging our Pentax Optio 60 before we go to Florida. I don't have any idea were to start.

Jetta B.

2008-03-31T12:17:00.000-07:00

This flying insect (bee?) has been in this exact spot in the Jetta for about 4 months now. I have cleaned the Jetta since then but I haven't had the heart to remove it. Serves as a warning to others, when you fly into my car I will roll up the windows and leave you in there.

Ms. Teen Philippines answers a question.

2008-03-14T12:18:00.000-07:00

http://www.glumbert.com/media/msphilippines

Before Staining

2008-03-13T09:34:00.000-07:00

4 days chock full of sanding, sanding, and more sanding we finally are ready to stain.

Lyre Bird

2008-03-11T11:08:00.000-07:00

Identity Theft

2008-03-11T11:03:00.000-07:00

Belinda and I had someone from Albq. charge a hotel room in Arizona on our account. Luckily we caught the transaction before it cleared so we weren't out any money. The good news is they caught and arrested the guy (Go FBI!). Apparently he stole some receipts and credit card information from a La Quinta in Albq that we stayed in over a year ago. When they arrested they guy they found more than 200 other indentities and credit information.

Yard Work.

2008-03-04T14:14:00.000-08:00

Belinda and I trimmed the bushes, trees, and raked the dead debris around the house and was amazed on how much we had to hauled off. We filled our 18 foot trailer about 4 feet high with limbs and brush, along with the back of my GMC with a 6'6" x 5'4 bed once. Then three trips in my Nissan with 6' x 4'5" bed. 75% were from the Juniper bushes we have in the front yard that needed trimming.

Breaking Bad.

2008-03-04T12:52:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across an episode of Breaking Bad on AMC and have been hooked. Its about an Albuquerque high school chemistry teacher that starts making meth with a former student. It has quite a bit of footage of the Albq/Santa Fe area that is quite recognizable. I also get a kick out of the main character being the Dad from Malcolm in the Middle .

The Ice Cream Men are Coming!

2008-03-04T12:29:00.001-08:00

I thought I was going insane the other day because I was watching a movie on my TV that had an Ice Cream Truck, however when the scene ended the Ice Cream Truck kept getting louder and louder until it drove in front of my house.

Fuel Prices, Sky High.

2008-02-21T09:51:00.000-08:00

The Alon (formerly Fina) petroleum refinery in Big Springs, TX caught fire at the beginning of the week. The plant opened in 1929 and has numerous close calls on being shut down. Over the past 15+ years the refinery has been scavenging for parts trying to keep pace with larger more modern competitors with larger capacities on the Gulf Coast. Luckily this incident injured 4 and sent 1 worker to the hospital for burns. What this equates to is higher fuel prices because this area gets a large portion from this plant. Diesel is currently $3.50 a gallon and gasoline is $3.09 for 86 octane.

I will not help you move.

2008-02-21T09:42:00.000-08:00

Belinda and I picked a trailer with the intentions of hauling our Jeep and ATV. Its 18 feet long, 83 inch wide deck, brakes on rear axle, and a 3,500 lb GAWR. Also included powder coated frame and sexy as hell diamond plate fenders.

Trip to the ER.

2008-02-21T06:57:00.000-08:00

Belinda came home from work yesterday and was about to start dinner when she damn near cut her thumb off trying trying to sharpen a knife to cut some chicken. Personally I think she was trying to get out of cooking. 10 stitches, some painkillers, tetanus shot, and an hour later and we were back home.

Blogging's been slow.

2008-02-21T06:52:00.000-08:00

I have been fairly busy the past few weeks. Taxes, car registration, traveling, trip to the ER (more on that later), veterinarian trips, family visits, and so forth. Expect a flood of posts.

Texas Inspection FTW!

2008-02-11T08:48:00.000-08:00

Just a short list a things that my Jeep has to pass.

1. Horn
2. Windshield Wipers
3. Mirror
4. Steering
5. Seat Belts
6. Brakes (system) (Parking - beginning with 1960 models)
7. Tires
8. Wheel Assembly
9. Exhaust System
10. Exhaust Emission System (beginning with 1968 models)
11. Beam Indicator (beginning with 1948 models)
12. Tail Lamps (2); (1) if 1959 model or earlier
13. Stop Lamps (2); (1) if 1959 model or earlier
14. License Plate Lamp (1)
15. Rear Red Reflectors (2)
16. Turn Signal Lamps (beginning with 1960 models)
17. Head Lamps (2)
18. Motor, Serial, or Vehicle Identification Number
19. 1988 & newer - inspect for window tinting or coating
20. Gas caps on vehicles 2-24 model years old.

The biggest problem that I am having right now is the "Exhaust Emission System" which is an EGR valve for my Offenhauser 360 Intake and Holley Projection. I do not have one and need one for Texas Registration.

Any suggestions?

Kenji

2008-02-08T13:20:00.000-08:00

In response to Dan's Tomorrow's Drift Kid, Today, I remember some past photos of Ken.

First Time Out With a Camera

2008-02-05T08:39:00.000-08:00

I took the Jeep out on Saturday and forgot my camera. I went back out again yesterday and took a few shots after Rob and I my mom got home from work.

Super Happy Fun Time TIRES!

2008-02-04T11:50:00.000-08:00

Whats that sound?

2008-02-04T09:58:00.000-08:00

Who says that jobsite tunes can't be cool? Well Bosch sure doesn't, "More than music with a remote!" Looks like an upside down head of a failed robot. Good music not included.

The Drive Back From Lubbock

2008-02-01T09:26:00.000-08:00

And this is what I awoke too.

The Drive to Lubbock.

2008-02-01T09:14:00.000-08:00

I drove to Lubbock wednesday. evening to spend some time with a friend that just moved there. On the way there the dust was TERRIBLE.

Turbo Boost once per episode.

2008-01-26T10:57:00.000-08:00

There is supposed to be a new Night Rider movie/tv series coming to a tv near you. I find it funny that the most sophisticated car in the world is supposed to be a Ford Mustang. I guess its why that call it fiction. At least Tom Selleck from Magnum P.I. drove a Ferrari 303 GTB.

My Precious!

2008-01-24T09:31:00.000-08:00

...

Full Spool, Full Spool, Full SpoOOOoOoOool.

2008-01-18T18:27:00.000-08:00

The diff cover was leaking so I removed the cover and preparing to reinstall with some black RTV.

Moving Along

Soo.....

I am having trouble identifying my rear axle on my Jeep because some of the serial numbers have rusted out. This is a result of the Jeep being bought out of Michigan. This becomes a problem when purchasing some items such as brake pads.

Hugs and Kisses

2008-01-16T12:45:00.000-08:00

The neighbor and his wife came over the other day and I got a good laugh. The front Dana 44 has an OX Locker cable locker. Next the steering column there is a lever with an X and an O for engaging and disengaging. The lighting was bad and its cold and windy outside so you can't see the letters in the photo. His wife said that my locker was powered by Hugs and Kisses (XOXOX).

Success, Finally

2008-01-16T12:33:00.000-08:00

I finally got the oil to stop gushing out from the valve covers. I have a new pinhole leak from the radiator that started last night. It doesn't look major and I will probably just dump some radiator goop sealer in it to avoid having to pull the radiator.

I suck at Valve Covers.

2008-01-14T11:15:00.000-08:00

So I pulled the valve cover back off of the motor, again. Turns out that the gasket didn't seat itself in the right place when I put the cover back on. The weird thing was that I waited about 15 minutes after I had put RTV sealant on the heads and the valve cover itself before I tightened the bolts. Perhaps I overtightened the bolts and the gasket squished itself out between the cover and head.

Jeep Rear-end thingy.

2008-01-14T08:05:00.000-08:00

I haven't the foggiest idea what this is on the rear suspension. My guess is that its some type or cheap anti-roll system.

Update: The Rear Diff Cover is now leaking.

Where do I sign up!

2008-01-10T10:06:00.000-08:00

Progress is slow, but steady.

2008-01-09T12:49:00.000-08:00

I fixed the oil pressure line on the Jeep that was cracked and spewing hot crude all over the intake. My new problem is getting the valve covers to seal properly. They are leaking worse now than before when I replaced the gaskets. The original ones were cork and I bought the rubber Fel-Pro kind. Perhaps some of the problem is the mixed bolts for the valve covers, poor placement of the bolts themselves on the head, and not being liberal enough with the black RTV sealant.

Since that project has ground to a halt for the day I started to change the drum pads on the GMC. I was in for quite a surprise because there are 3 required specialty tools for the job. You can damn sure take it apart but forget putting them back together without the specialty tools. Luckily the mechanics at Hess (where Belinda works) used to have a fleet of GM pick-ups and have all the tools readily available AND the accompanying mechanics handbook. To hell with you Chilton's and Haynes!

Mechanical Oil Pressure Line

2008-01-08T13:36:00.000-08:00

Turns out whoever installed the oil pressure gauge used a plastic line from the bottom of the front of the block, up the front of the motor, supported by electrical tape to the across the intake manifold, through the firewall. The line rubbed on an intake bolt until a leak ensued and the accompanying hot pressurized oil helped increase the leak.

Direct quote from my brother: "Who puts plastic on a jeep?"

Colin Moffitt live by the same motto for his Scout.

Rock-er-um-n-Roll?

2008-01-07T14:22:00.001-08:00

The oil, its EVERYWHERE, its getting into my raccoon wounds.
I pulled the valve cover off to to replace the seal on the drivers side. Much to my delight I found roller rockers. Schweet. The gasket that was on the motor was a cork type with black RTV sealant gobbed all over the place.
My plan is rubber Fel-Pro gaskets with black RTV sealant gobbed all over the place. Hopefully my driveway will soon be oil free.

Continued Oil Leak

2008-01-07T10:29:00.001-08:00

I am not 100% percent sure if the oil is leaking from the just the Valve Covers alone. It is possible that its also leaking from the back of the intake manifold, but I am hoping its not. Something that put a frown on my face is the back valve cover bolt is only accessible from reaching in between the firewall and motor which makes me wonder why those goofy wing-nut bolts were used. However there is plenty of room to work....so far.

I almost forgot

2008-01-06T17:49:00.000-08:00

I bought a 1979 Jeep CJ-5 today and I am PUMPED!

List of parts thus far:
Dana 44 Rear Axle with a Full Spool (man the tires bark around corners)
Dana 44 Front Axle with OX Locker and Warn Hubs
Twin Stick Dana 300 Transfer Case (low range ratio is unknown)
3 speed Torqueflite 727 with Manual Valve Body
35x12.50 Goodyear MTR's
AMC 360 V-8 Bored .030 over with a "Holley Pro-Jection 2D" Kit
Offenhauser Intake Manifold
LOUD exhaust
4 inch Procomp Suspension Lift
3 inch Procomp Body Lift

Burely Fits

2008-01-06T16:49:00.000-08:00

The top of the roll bar hits the bottom of the garage door when parking in the garage.

Whew!

Oil Leak

2008-01-06T16:06:00.000-08:00

Maybe Justin can help me seal my valve covers.

Turns out the bolts were loose on the valve covers and oil is now on the back of the engine and everything under the Jeep has oily film on it. Luckily I have a pressure washer.

Oh yea, he's good.

2008-01-04T13:40:00.000-08:00

1979 Jeep CJ5

2008-01-04T11:02:00.000-08:00

I will be traveling to Snyder, TX this sunday to make an offer on this Jeep. I have a few concerns about the vehicle, mainly why the guy is selling it. Some issues I will be willing to let slide because I want the Jeep for a 'toy' and do not need it as a daily driver. On the plus side the entire drivetrain is not stock to a CJ5. The engine and transmission were factory options in Jeep Wagoneers and the short-lived J-Series pick-ups. The axles were upgraded from the Dana 35 (front) and AMC 20 (rear) to a pair of Dana 44's. Furthermore the transfer case is a gear driven Dana 300. Other than the engine transmission combo this is what I have been searching for, for some time now.

Any suggestions on purchasing the used vehicle would be greatly appreciated. I know there are going to be a things that I am going to overlook on Sunday from possibly 'fine print' to 'smoke on start-up' to 'who knows.'

Big News in Seminole

2008-01-02T17:23:00.000-08:00

Hollywood producers are coming to Seminole, TX in a, "casting search for spirited, interesting, rural boys (ages 10 to 14)," and not too mention, "for story reasons, we are only looking for Caucasian boys at this time."

Chickens Anyone?

2008-01-01T14:47:00.000-08:00

I have been searching for a new vehicle, emphasis on a Jeep CJ or Wrangler. Belinda has a company vehicle and we have the Jetta, Nissan, and GMC between the two of us. I am looking into selling one of the trucks for a Jeep here in town. However I was searching the classifieds and managed to find this mode of transportation, here.

Head'em Out...Rawhide!

2007-12-28T08:07:00.000-08:00

The way Belinda's work is progressing we should know by the end of next month were we are going to be relocated. Right now there is a 50/50 chance between Houston, TX or Port Redding, NJ.

Staind

2007-12-16T14:12:00.001-08:00

No not the band, the floors. Its a little dirty because of remodeling in the rest of the house. Next step is to seal the floor which is going to SUCK. Normally it is a 2-3 day process with multiple applications of the sealant with time constraints.

YUM!