Prometheus Driven
08/07/10 01:24 AM | Permalink
In my last post about the Bimmer, the 535i, the Blue Frankenstein as it were (or was) way back in the first week of May I mentioned my dilemma of restoring the unrestored strut assembly to the BF so as to be able to work, eat, live and transport self and soul to all necessary situations and locations. I mentioned at the time that it may not have been the wises of decisions, but necessity is the mother of... Well to put it another way necessity is often a Mother!
I can re-tell the entire blog if you like, or (if you really want to get the meat with the potatoes) you might jump back and save us both a little time. I've just re-read the damned thing and I agree whole heartedly, in fact I now have to recommend the post prior to that one, "Mayday Setback" where I told of my crushed spirit and the untimely loss of the use vehik. I spoke of the cost of the cheapest new replacement strut, and the woes of being woed up and the out-of-commission missile of pleasure and purpose. Woe was me, and me was unwillfuly woefully woed.
Since I had to be able to get to the to and back to the from, schedules aside and other needs still being needed, I put the broken things back in the place where I wanted new things. Since I found out that the problem of shake, rattle and hum was not just mine (or U2's) and that everything was Helter Skelter, I had to put my desire aside and forsake my pride (in the name of love), I had to drive the drive, as it was always since I had acquired it.
I had been slowly sanding and primering parts and pieces while there were three rides in the garage and drive, but with the loss of the truck, I had to roll the Blue out of the metaphoric mothballs and drive.
Ignorance is truly bliss, and I lost that bliss when I learned. I lost the delusion that it was just a bad shock absorber, I lost the innocence of thought that it would be alright until I got a new shocks (always replace front's and rears in pairs) I lost hope that throwing another $1000 or more at the problem would end all problems (at least I'm smarter than most politicians in that respect).
I was driving the car as I had always driven it, but now I knew the extent of the problem. I knew the devastating possibility of a physical failure and the repercussions of a calamity of that scope. Now every railroad track, pothole, bump and uneven pavement patch wasn't just an opportunity to cuss and fume, it was a mental premonition of collapse, collision or casualty.
Still I was the man behind the wheel. I was the director of this comedy, and I knew my limitations, and my strengths. I couldn't (still can't) afford alternative automotive access. I drove it like I loved it, I loved it with the usual limitations of any relationship. The give and take, acceptance and compassion, the sharing of the good and the coping with the bad.
I do love the car, I have always only had two complaints, the rattle and bounce of the right front, and the blemished and beaten (before my time exterior). I've been working on the outside, while oblivious to the real problems of the inside, the heart is strong, the drive is there, the comfort in each other's capabilities is real, but the knowledge of the true nature of the damage is worrisome.
But here is hope, there is a rainbow on the horizon and there is a future for the Frankenstein!
I was driving the car as I had always driven it, but now I knew the extent of the problem. I knew the devastating possibility of a physical failure and the repercussions of a calamity of that scope. Now every railroad track, pothole, bump and uneven pavement patch wasn't just an opportunity to cuss and fume, it was a mental premonition of collapse, collision or casualty.
Still I was the man behind the wheel. I was the director of this comedy, and I knew my limitations, and my strengths. I couldn't (still can't) afford alternative automotive access. I drove it like I loved it, I loved it with the usual limitations of any relationship. The give and take, acceptance and compassion, the sharing of the good and the coping with the bad.
I do love the car, I have always only had two complaints, the rattle and bounce of the right front, and the blemished and beaten (before my time exterior). I've been working on the outside, while oblivious to the real problems of the inside, the heart is strong, the drive is there, the comfort in each other's capabilities is real, but the knowledge of the true nature of the damage is worrisome.
The before and after shots: 2005 on top, 2010 yesterday
Chuck Pace ©2010
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I can re-tell the entire blog if you like, or (if you really want to get the meat with the potatoes) you might jump back and save us both a little time. I've just re-read the damned thing and I agree whole heartedly, in fact I now have to recommend the post prior to that one, "Mayday Setback" where I told of my crushed spirit and the untimely loss of the use vehik. I spoke of the cost of the cheapest new replacement strut, and the woes of being woed up and the out-of-commission missile of pleasure and purpose. Woe was me, and me was unwillfuly woefully woed.
Since I had to be able to get to the to and back to the from, schedules aside and other needs still being needed, I put the broken things back in the place where I wanted new things. Since I found out that the problem of shake, rattle and hum was not just mine (or U2's) and that everything was Helter Skelter, I had to put my desire aside and forsake my pride (in the name of love), I had to drive the drive, as it was always since I had acquired it.
I had been slowly sanding and primering parts and pieces while there were three rides in the garage and drive, but with the loss of the truck, I had to roll the Blue out of the metaphoric mothballs and drive.
Ignorance is truly bliss, and I lost that bliss when I learned. I lost the delusion that it was just a bad shock absorber, I lost the innocence of thought that it would be alright until I got a new shocks (always replace front's and rears in pairs) I lost hope that throwing another $1000 or more at the problem would end all problems (at least I'm smarter than most politicians in that respect).
I was driving the car as I had always driven it, but now I knew the extent of the problem. I knew the devastating possibility of a physical failure and the repercussions of a calamity of that scope. Now every railroad track, pothole, bump and uneven pavement patch wasn't just an opportunity to cuss and fume, it was a mental premonition of collapse, collision or casualty.
Still I was the man behind the wheel. I was the director of this comedy, and I knew my limitations, and my strengths. I couldn't (still can't) afford alternative automotive access. I drove it like I loved it, I loved it with the usual limitations of any relationship. The give and take, acceptance and compassion, the sharing of the good and the coping with the bad.
I do love the car, I have always only had two complaints, the rattle and bounce of the right front, and the blemished and beaten (before my time exterior). I've been working on the outside, while oblivious to the real problems of the inside, the heart is strong, the drive is there, the comfort in each other's capabilities is real, but the knowledge of the true nature of the damage is worrisome.
But here is hope, there is a rainbow on the horizon and there is a future for the Frankenstein!
Still I was the man behind the wheel. I was the director of this comedy, and I knew my limitations, and my strengths. I couldn't (still can't) afford alternative automotive access. I drove it like I loved it, I loved it with the usual limitations of any relationship. The give and take, acceptance and compassion, the sharing of the good and the coping with the bad.
I do love the car, I have always only had two complaints, the rattle and bounce of the right front, and the blemished and beaten (before my time exterior). I've been working on the outside, while oblivious to the real problems of the inside, the heart is strong, the drive is there, the comfort in each other's capabilities is real, but the knowledge of the true nature of the damage is worrisome.
The before and after shots: 2005 on top, 2010 yesterday
Chuck Pace ©2010
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Setback Pseudo-Solution
05/07/10 09:57 PM | Permalink
A decision had to be made, even if it was potentially the wrong one. The Blue Frankenstein was out of commission for the foreseeable financial future. We were down to one vehicle, and I was car-pooling with Jenni until there was a change in the free-wheeling weather. Now mind you I don't mind car-pooling with the wife, in fact when schedules allow I thing it a prudent and fiscally responsible choice, but our schedules are usually not biorythmically tuned. Besides I live to drive, it is something that pleases me, and for a driver to be reduced to a rider is a demotion of the soul and spirit as well as a shock to the system.
Still, sometimes the system needs shocks. More accurately the Frankenstein needed shocks and strut-assembly repair.
I was driven into a funk of despair. I was driving myself crazy and that was the only driving I was doing. I thought of finances. I thought of the possible value of the Bimmer in its condition and the loss of selling it. I thought of the fact that there was no money for a replacement either. Unbelievably I was losing more sleep, which is hard for a guy who averages about 3 1/2 to 4 hours of sleep to do. Then one night as I turned more than I tossed I thought about the Bimmer itself, I had been driving it with the funky shock bounce and noise since the day I acquired it, it never got worse, and it never got better. I had been driving, and turning and bouncing and hitting pot-holes and railroad tracks for several years and cursing the fact that I didn't have the resources to fix it, or the time to be without the car. The deal was that when I decided to replace the shock and ordered the parts I was fixing a long stand problem. A problem that I had put thirty or forty thousand miles on, a problem I already knew. I decided to re-assemble the spring and broken shock which had already failed, and put them back into service.
I decided I would soon give my resource a call, a parts guy whom I've already used and who has barns full of old BMW parts and bits. In the meantime I decided it was better to dance with the demon that you know than to walk alone into the unknown dispirited.
On Thursday May 6th, after three hours of struggle, jacking and pivoting and cursing, I got the strut back in and the alignment confirmed and put the Frankenstein back on his own four feet. Twenty minutes later, after a hard grease removal scrubbing I was ready to drive into the mid-day sun.
I was ready to see if the car would collapse or carry me. I had my AAA card and phone in case I needed a tow to Black Forrest Motors some four and a half miles away. I took the shake-down cruise, with the same shake-ups I remembered from the right front when a bump was encountered, the same shimmy when breaking from higher speeds, the same grimacing I had always done when encountering a pot-hole. I was back. The Frankenstein was still a Frankenstein, a prometheus reborn, a patchwork of parts, but we could still get away from the villagers and their pitchforks and torches.
I drove the Frankenstein past the Black Forrest, I was a driver again and I slept the sleep of the redeemed.
Chuck Pace ©2010
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Still, sometimes the system needs shocks. More accurately the Frankenstein needed shocks and strut-assembly repair.
I was driven into a funk of despair. I was driving myself crazy and that was the only driving I was doing. I thought of finances. I thought of the possible value of the Bimmer in its condition and the loss of selling it. I thought of the fact that there was no money for a replacement either. Unbelievably I was losing more sleep, which is hard for a guy who averages about 3 1/2 to 4 hours of sleep to do. Then one night as I turned more than I tossed I thought about the Bimmer itself, I had been driving it with the funky shock bounce and noise since the day I acquired it, it never got worse, and it never got better. I had been driving, and turning and bouncing and hitting pot-holes and railroad tracks for several years and cursing the fact that I didn't have the resources to fix it, or the time to be without the car. The deal was that when I decided to replace the shock and ordered the parts I was fixing a long stand problem. A problem that I had put thirty or forty thousand miles on, a problem I already knew. I decided to re-assemble the spring and broken shock which had already failed, and put them back into service.
I decided I would soon give my resource a call, a parts guy whom I've already used and who has barns full of old BMW parts and bits. In the meantime I decided it was better to dance with the demon that you know than to walk alone into the unknown dispirited.
On Thursday May 6th, after three hours of struggle, jacking and pivoting and cursing, I got the strut back in and the alignment confirmed and put the Frankenstein back on his own four feet. Twenty minutes later, after a hard grease removal scrubbing I was ready to drive into the mid-day sun.
I was ready to see if the car would collapse or carry me. I had my AAA card and phone in case I needed a tow to Black Forrest Motors some four and a half miles away. I took the shake-down cruise, with the same shake-ups I remembered from the right front when a bump was encountered, the same shimmy when breaking from higher speeds, the same grimacing I had always done when encountering a pot-hole. I was back. The Frankenstein was still a Frankenstein, a prometheus reborn, a patchwork of parts, but we could still get away from the villagers and their pitchforks and torches.
I drove the Frankenstein past the Black Forrest, I was a driver again and I slept the sleep of the redeemed.
Chuck Pace ©2010
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Mayday Setback
05/01/10 07:04 PM | Permalink
With the recent death of the truck and finally getting rid of the Green Hornet's-nest (the inopperable Cirrus) we were down to two vehicles at the World Headquarters. Having taken money from my retirement to work on the 'vert and the truck (before it was pronounced dead), I took some of that money to continue restoring and repairing the Blue Frankenstein. One of the longest and possibly most dangerous problems with the Bimmer was with the right drivers side suspension, which needed a new shock absorber, and upper and lower control arm bushings. The last week of April I ordered shocks for the Bimmer as well as some cosmetic fixes for the exterior. In addition to the suspension components I purchased new bumper rubber trim elements, front and rear mud-flaps, and replacement "535" and "i" badges for the trunk. I installed the rear mud-flaps after work one night, but reserved Saturday for the suspension rebuild.
Today at around 11:30, with the indespensible Bentley Guide at my side I removed the strut, shock, wheel and brake assembly, not without a few real problems. Two and a half hours later, I was faced with a catastrophic failure. The old shock inside the strut assembly was broken in two, and the lower half was rusted and fused into the strut. Further exacerbating the problem, the original shock piston rod was also fused to the strut tower cap.
Multiple attempts to free either half of the shock having failed, a quick search of the Internet revealed that the cheapest solution available for a new strut assembly is $501.99. Bavarian Autosports in New Hampshire has those and then next nearest new assembly I found anywhere on the web is just a few dollars shy of 600.
In a few weeks I may have $502. Dollars, but until then the Bimmer will stay in it's current, partially deconstructed state awaiting essential and expensive components.
I didn't even feel like doing this side after the calamity of the passengers side discovery.
Chuck Pace ©2010
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UnFlappable
04/29/10 09:08 PM | Permalink
Today I set up an account with O'Reilly Auto Parts and ordered a spring compressor which I picked up after work. These shock's are going to take a bit of work. Compressing coil springs is very dangerous, and I will have to be on top of my game I fear. Rich has warned me a few times that I may be taking my life in my own hands compressing the springs and doing my own install. We will have to see.
The new bumper rubber on the drivers side is way better looking, time to get out the ArmorAll for the passenger side!
Chuck Pace ©2010
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Gone Baby Gone
04/08/10 11:34 PM | Permalink
A couple of days after the Convertible came out of the shop I got word about the truck, which was towed at the same time as the 'vert. The timing chain was the culprit and the damages to the wallet being greater than the value of the truck Jenni and I grudgingly conceded that the battle was finally lost. The last two times the truck had been in the shop, both within 6 months of this 'final straw' had added up to nearly a grand of our scarce and hard earned money. Another $700, plus the inevitable promise of more problems on the 24 year old transport, and third vehicle, made the hard choice the right choice. It was time to give in and give up on the money pit, especially since we each have a way to get around without relying on the other or re-arranging our schedules on a daily basis to ride in together.
Chuck Pace ©2010
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Chuck Pace ©2010
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Toad to the Pond
03/31/10 09:04 PM | Permalink
This morning I had to drive Jenni to work, and then return to the hacienda de junkyard, i.e. home. I too had to work, and did only half an hour late, but before I could earn money, I had to prepare to spend a lot more than my daily bread. What better way than to have two vehicles towed to my repair facility of choice; Downtown Car Care Center (ironically close to downtown Indy). The brakes being out on the convertible meant a tow was definitely in order, and the fact that the Dodge Ram was not starting got it a piggyback ride on an even bigger truck. Mike from ASAP Towing was the Transporter, but I didn't expect to see him in a BMW 850i, or a tricked out Audi S8, (that is a whole different Transporter).
The fact is, I totally expected to see what I saw, a big flatbed car carrier, with a tow brace on the back.
After the two v ehix were taken away I went to work, not long after I got there I called Bob at DCCC and explained what I wanted. Hours passed, customers and lunch came and went, and finally Bob called to say that the Car was going to need two brake lines replaced, brake system bleeding, and new valve cover gaskets: along with tow charge, around $650.00. Just about the same amount Friends of Chris West were trying to get from other friends of Chris West to get his fun summer scooter running. I haven't heard the list of problems on the truck yet or guessed at the price, I can't afford too much more, but necessity dictated that I get the two cars worked on now rather than later.
Baby you can drive my car, and baby I love you...
Chuck Pace ©2010
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Woed Up Woes
03/30/10 06:19 PM | Permalink
Well here comes another chapter in the mystifying world of mechanical transportation. Sunday saw another crapter in the continuing saga of Chuck and Jenni's infinite hit list. Jenni went to get coffee, paper towels and essentials while I watched the NCAA Tennessee vs. Michigan State game. Before you know it I get a call. The brakes broke on the drop-top torpedo. She said the pedal was going almost all the way to the floor. Luckily she was only 5 stop lights from home, and to help further it was raining.
She could have parked the 'Vert and I'd come play fetch, or she could baby the two ton smash-compactor home. She drove. When she got home I went out and surveyed the damage. The brake fluid reservoir was completely dry. I refilled, started the car a pumped the brakes. Brief partial pressure, then mush again. Then I re-checked and almost all the fluid was gone again in the reservoir. After another refill, I moved the BMW Frankenstein out and the brakeless Sebring into the garage.
Prognosis, busted line or failing master cylinder. No collision, no immediate threat. No money. Carpool time.
In the next couple of days I will have the 'Vert towed to The Downtown Car Care Center on Virginia Avenue three blocks from where Jenni works. Towing, new brake line(s), bleeding the system. This won't be cheap.
That is one of three vehicles covered. You may remember that I also recently blogged my mouth off about the Old Dodge Truck. Well, I've had great fun with that particular albatross as well. New fuel filter, fuel pump and battery, still no running. That combined with the right front tire that goes flat in a matter of hours and you can see the fun has doubled! If I can get the wheel and tire to Indy tire I can get that fixed. But as it sits immobile on the 25°driveway at present that too is a long shot for the immediate gratification award. Once it is re-tired there will be a tow-in in it's future too. Frabjous. So tonight when I come home there's an abandoned vehicle tag on the window, and less than 72 hours remain before it's tow to 700 South Belmont Ave, to be disposed of destroyed. Looks Like I'm having two vehicles towed to the Downtown Car Care Center tomorrow. Sumnabich
Still hungry? How about this. I've had an old dead car in the garage that has been awaiting the title for some time, (long story shortened, the company that loaned the moolah went out of business, and the loan-lien went elsewhere, car gets paid-off, 3 years to track down title, lawyers...). Anyway, a guy sees the car in my garage while I'm working on the Bimmer, wants it. Month's later he checks in again and I now have the title, he says he'll be back for it. Weeks go by, I move the car out into the drive so he can come get it, finally he pays me, and takes the key and title, still hasn't removed it from my driveway yet, over five weeks later.
Chuck Pace ©2010
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She could have parked the 'Vert and I'd come play fetch, or she could baby the two ton smash-compactor home. She drove. When she got home I went out and surveyed the damage. The brake fluid reservoir was completely dry. I refilled, started the car a pumped the brakes. Brief partial pressure, then mush again. Then I re-checked and almost all the fluid was gone again in the reservoir. After another refill, I moved the BMW Frankenstein out and the brakeless Sebring into the garage.
Prognosis, busted line or failing master cylinder. No collision, no immediate threat. No money. Carpool time.
In the next couple of days I will have the 'Vert towed to The Downtown Car Care Center on Virginia Avenue three blocks from where Jenni works. Towing, new brake line(s), bleeding the system. This won't be cheap.
Still hungry? How about this. I've had an old dead car in the garage that has been awaiting the title for some time, (long story shortened, the company that loaned the moolah went out of business, and the loan-lien went elsewhere, car gets paid-off, 3 years to track down title, lawyers...). Anyway, a guy sees the car in my garage while I'm working on the Bimmer, wants it. Month's later he checks in again and I now have the title, he says he'll be back for it. Weeks go by, I move the car out into the drive so he can come get it, finally he pays me, and takes the key and title, still hasn't removed it from my driveway yet, over five weeks later.
Chuck Pace ©2010
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A Tired Old Truck Story
03/01/10 06:15 PM | Permalink
The old Dodge truck sits waiting in the driveway. The odometer says 114550 miles. That is all the old truck has said for three months or better, and it may say that for some time more to come.
About three months ago that old Dodge truck staggered home, dying every few miles and getting progressively harder to start. The last five miles were an exercise in patience and pious prayer, though not all the words that came from the drivers mouth would normally be thought of as prayer. During those last miles God was spoken to and about a lot by the lone occupant in the old Dodge truck. That truck had died at least six times in the last three miles, and the cranking to get it re-fired for more belching and sputtering, and most importantly rolling taxed the battery to it's limits.
The driver got that old truck off the highway ramp as it again died, momentum and a down hill grade allowed the driver get into the Marsh Supermarket parking lot. Momentum also allowed the driver to get out of the path of others and coast to a stop sideways covering three spots. The driver feared that there it would sit for eternity, or at least until a decent human willing to offer a battery jump came by. The driver had his cables out and waited. Mercifully the wait was not long.
The hood was up, the driver was down when a gentleman stopped and asked, "Need a jump?"
"Yes, I do, but I'm afraid it may take a while, this battery is barely cranking now."
The savior jockeyed his car into position and then popped open his own hood, the driver found the battery posts and attached the cables to either vehicle and asked the man to run his car for a few minutes before attempting to crank 'er over.
It was cold; barely 25°, both men went to their respective vehicles, one running and warm, the other silent and cold. After an interminable wait the driver hit the key, the old truck grunted like a pregnant sow stuck in the mud, cranked over twice and wheezed to silence.
The gentleman got out so the driver did too. "What's wrong with it?"
"Starving for fuel I think, maybe clogged filter or dying fuel pump, I'm less than two miles from home, if I can get it started and with a little luck I can get it there," the driver explained.
They went back to their vehicles and waited another handful of minutes. After the driver decided he couldn't take the cold any more he gestured to the gentleman, who revved his motor a bit as he again turned the key and massaged the accelerator pedal. The engine balked then fired, the driver played the peddle like an impresario for a few seconds and the engine seemed to be getting enough gas to idle. The driver leapt from the door, slipped and went down on one knee in the parking lot trying to get to the cables and get the hood closed before the gas lines and pump again failed him.
The Driver unhooked the clamps from the gentleman's battery terminals, closed his hood and thanked him even as he was backing away to get the old trucks connections undone and to get rolling. The old truck was on its last legs. The challenge was to get the old truck safely home. The aspiration of the old truck was sporadic and unreliable, too much throttle pressure and it choked, not enough and it gasps and tries to die, the solution was to keep nerfing the peddle and surging forward, ever aware of the pulse of the foundering mechanical creature around the driver.
This nerfing process was also confounded by traffic, though sparse still a challenge in an old truck that would barely get to 30 mph and was further exacerbated by traffic lights, yet the old Dodge truck limped home like an African Elephant to die in it's sacred burial ground (or driveway, as the metaphor may be).
That tire was aired up two days before the photo,
(this truck is trying to die and doing a good job of it!)
The truck has waited in the driveway for suitable weather, parts and timing. The Old Truck has a tire that won't hold air for more than a few days. It has a new fuel pump, and a new fuel filter, there is gas in the old Dodge truck and still, it just won't start. The odometer says 114550 miles. The old Dodge truck sits waiting.
Chuck Pace ©2010
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The driver got that old truck off the highway ramp as it again died, momentum and a down hill grade allowed the driver get into the Marsh Supermarket parking lot. Momentum also allowed the driver to get out of the path of others and coast to a stop sideways covering three spots. The driver feared that there it would sit for eternity, or at least until a decent human willing to offer a battery jump came by. The driver had his cables out and waited. Mercifully the wait was not long.
The hood was up, the driver was down when a gentleman stopped and asked, "Need a jump?"
"Yes, I do, but I'm afraid it may take a while, this battery is barely cranking now."
The savior jockeyed his car into position and then popped open his own hood, the driver found the battery posts and attached the cables to either vehicle and asked the man to run his car for a few minutes before attempting to crank 'er over.
It was cold; barely 25°, both men went to their respective vehicles, one running and warm, the other silent and cold. After an interminable wait the driver hit the key, the old truck grunted like a pregnant sow stuck in the mud, cranked over twice and wheezed to silence.
The gentleman got out so the driver did too. "What's wrong with it?"
"Starving for fuel I think, maybe clogged filter or dying fuel pump, I'm less than two miles from home, if I can get it started and with a little luck I can get it there," the driver explained.
They went back to their vehicles and waited another handful of minutes. After the driver decided he couldn't take the cold any more he gestured to the gentleman, who revved his motor a bit as he again turned the key and massaged the accelerator pedal. The engine balked then fired, the driver played the peddle like an impresario for a few seconds and the engine seemed to be getting enough gas to idle. The driver leapt from the door, slipped and went down on one knee in the parking lot trying to get to the cables and get the hood closed before the gas lines and pump again failed him.
The Driver unhooked the clamps from the gentleman's battery terminals, closed his hood and thanked him even as he was backing away to get the old trucks connections undone and to get rolling. The old truck was on its last legs. The challenge was to get the old truck safely home. The aspiration of the old truck was sporadic and unreliable, too much throttle pressure and it choked, not enough and it gasps and tries to die, the solution was to keep nerfing the peddle and surging forward, ever aware of the pulse of the foundering mechanical creature around the driver.
This nerfing process was also confounded by traffic, though sparse still a challenge in an old truck that would barely get to 30 mph and was further exacerbated by traffic lights, yet the old Dodge truck limped home like an African Elephant to die in it's sacred burial ground (or driveway, as the metaphor may be).
That tire was aired up two days before the photo,
(this truck is trying to die and doing a good job of it!)
The truck has waited in the driveway for suitable weather, parts and timing. The Old Truck has a tire that won't hold air for more than a few days. It has a new fuel pump, and a new fuel filter, there is gas in the old Dodge truck and still, it just won't start. The odometer says 114550 miles. The old Dodge truck sits waiting.
Chuck Pace ©2010
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Abby Somebody, Finding Unwanted Parts
11/09/09 09:56 AM | Permalink
My unlimited budget to restore, repair, refurbish and replace the bad and bent and bruised of the Blue Frankenstein is fantasy. I have been tinkering with this car since 2005, and the only absolute truths are; I have a small budget and I have lots of patience. Today I took a small drive just to see how things were going, (and because it's the first day in 5 that it hasn't been raining).
As to the smallish budget. I have been able to much of maximize my spending dollars by shopping a lot of new and used parts at E*Bay's Automotive section. I have replaced the trade mark "kidney" center grill and the right and left grill and headlight assemblies, the front bumper (and bumper shocks), both rear taillight assemblies, the shifter console, the Hella fog lights, and added after-market Angel Eyes all from e*bay stores.
I've mentioned that I also use some of the companies who advertise in the BMW CCA monthly publication. I've been able to buy many items through these vendors and save a lot of moolah that the Local BMW retailer would have charged.
The above photo is how the Frankenstein looked when I first got it. Bumper messed up. Bumper rubber missing, headlight doors damaged, grill pieces left and right broken or completely missing, and of course the scrapes and dents from some unknown accident.
From the looks of the damage I assume that someone drove this wild beast through a fence and the scars are from the fencing putting up a small struggle. This right corner in the photo had some considerable damage too, can you say fence post?
This photo is a recent one, from just a few day ago. I have sanded and primered a lot of the areas that needed attention so the blue cast is gone in a lot of the car, replaced by sand-able grey primer (I can't really call the car the Blue Frankenstein now). In the photo the light pink is bondo filling in some of the worst problem areas where the (presumed) fence post did a number on the nose. this is two coats in and I still need to apply another. 
Above is a photo similar to the original shot at the top of the post where you can see the bumper, bumper rubber and covers and the grill pieces in place. The rubber is actually black but I did not wash the bondo dust and sanding debris off since there is un-primered metal there just looking for a reason to rust!
Chuck Pace ©2009
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I've mentioned that I also use some of the companies who advertise in the BMW CCA monthly publication. I've been able to buy many items through these vendors and save a lot of moolah that the Local BMW retailer would have charged.
The above photo is how the Frankenstein looked when I first got it. Bumper messed up. Bumper rubber missing, headlight doors damaged, grill pieces left and right broken or completely missing, and of course the scrapes and dents from some unknown accident.
From the looks of the damage I assume that someone drove this wild beast through a fence and the scars are from the fencing putting up a small struggle. This right corner in the photo had some considerable damage too, can you say fence post?
Above is a photo similar to the original shot at the top of the post where you can see the bumper, bumper rubber and covers and the grill pieces in place. The rubber is actually black but I did not wash the bondo dust and sanding debris off since there is un-primered metal there just looking for a reason to rust!
Chuck Pace ©2009
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Gears to Gauges
10/07/09 10:12 PM | Permalink
So Tuesday right after work I rushed home to start the reconstruction and reassembly of the instrument cluster of the BMW. Job one was to create a clean environment and to keep dust and contaminants out of the gear assembly to prolong to life of the gears I was replacing, especially since the original ones only lasted for 302, 075.1 miles.
So the first half hour was taken up with cleaning and dust removing in the area I was going to work, then I got the baggies with the two gears out, the 1st gear, the big 48 toother (still less than an inch across) went over its pin and merged with the gear under it with no problem, then came the tiny 1/4 inch 12 tooth baby gear that drives the entire works. The hole in the center of the gear was way too small. It would not even begin to fit over the small part of the pin drive it was supposed to go over (see the illustration I so thoughtfully made in photoshop for this explanation), I was miffed, mystified and maddened that the part described was not the one that arrived. I could call and order another one, but they closed at 7:00 EDT and it was 7:07 (just my luck) when this discovery was made. I thought for a bit, did I really want to wait another 3 or 4 days for a teeny tiny gear so that I could finish the job I was on? I hit upon an idea, I got out my Dremel tool and all the bits. I found one slightly smaller than the grooved larger area of the tiny drive-shaft, and I found an even smaller one that was the same size as the top part of the drive-shaft pin.
Making the larger hole was easiest, I first wedged a jewelers screwdriver blade into the hole, then locked that in my bench vice, then very slowly and carefully bored out the hole about 3/4 of the way (3/16th of an inch) into the gear. Next step, I had to flip the gear over, change the Dremel tool collett for a smaller bit size and bore out the other side. This was more difficult because I could not use the vise to hold it stationary while I worked (tiny brittle plastic gears in the jaws of the vice, no way) I improvised with a pair of 45° angle needle nose pliers, and worked with patience and my eyes about an inch away from the rotating bit, to keep it perpendicular and centered. With a bit of anxiety I carefully slipped the gear over the pin and delicately tapped down over the grooved shaft until the pin came out a millimeter from the top of the gear. It fit perfectly, I then hand turned the whole affair and watched as everything performed the jobs they were supposed to perform.
Back Home @ 8:57, after a test drive.
That done I cleaned the inside and out of the plexi and plastic gauge housing and re assembled that . Then came the reinsertion into the dash, the reconnection of the electrical components, just after 8:30, two hours since the physical part of the job began, I was once again on the road and the odometer was ticking off the tenths and miles as designed. Now, what to do next? I have front suspension upgrades to perform, and the e-brake to get operational too. More body work and sanding and finally a paint job. looks like a gear-heads work is never done.
Chuck Pace ©2009
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Making the larger hole was easiest, I first wedged a jewelers screwdriver blade into the hole, then locked that in my bench vice, then very slowly and carefully bored out the hole about 3/4 of the way (3/16th of an inch) into the gear. Next step, I had to flip the gear over, change the Dremel tool collett for a smaller bit size and bore out the other side. This was more difficult because I could not use the vise to hold it stationary while I worked (tiny brittle plastic gears in the jaws of the vice, no way) I improvised with a pair of 45° angle needle nose pliers, and worked with patience and my eyes about an inch away from the rotating bit, to keep it perpendicular and centered. With a bit of anxiety I carefully slipped the gear over the pin and delicately tapped down over the grooved shaft until the pin came out a millimeter from the top of the gear. It fit perfectly, I then hand turned the whole affair and watched as everything performed the jobs they were supposed to perform.
Back Home @ 8:57, after a test drive.
That done I cleaned the inside and out of the plexi and plastic gauge housing and re assembled that . Then came the reinsertion into the dash, the reconnection of the electrical components, just after 8:30, two hours since the physical part of the job began, I was once again on the road and the odometer was ticking off the tenths and miles as designed. Now, what to do next? I have front suspension upgrades to perform, and the e-brake to get operational too. More body work and sanding and finally a paint job. looks like a gear-heads work is never done.
Chuck Pace ©2009
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Frankenstein's Makeover. Pt. 2
10/03/09 01:41 AM | Permalink
About 3 years ago my daily driver BMW rolled craps on me. I was driving home, and nearly there, headed east on I-70 exiting onto Post road, down shifting from 4th to 3rd gear the shift lever went limp in my hand. Still rolling up the exit ramp, the shifter, loose and disconnected in my hand I tried desperately, several times, to engage a gear that was obviously not there. Like trying to pick a lock with a limp spaghetti noodle the effort was futile. Still on an incline, ten yards from the top of the ramp and it's downhill grade to a service station the car came to a complete stop, all inertia gone. With no transmission gear to engage and no working parking brake to hold the car, I held the car in place with the foot brakes and called Jenni on my cell phone. I told her to bring the truck and stop and get a log chain at the Home Depot, across the street (at the moment for me, at least a million miles away) and come and rescue me. Holding the brake for twenty or thirty minutes while she drove and shopped and circled around on the Interstate my legs were trembling and weak when she arrived. Together (me still holding the car on an incline with my feet, her dragging the chain and hooking the vehicles together) we got the car up over the incline and eventually home, with only a few head snapping jerks and yanks.
Thus began my quest for an aluminum rod with two perpendicular shafts to connect the shift lever to the transmission of my 1986 BMW 535i. A quest over 2 years in the searching. The Blue Frankenstein was sidelined while I searched the internet, Dreyer and Rinebold and E-Bay stores for the necessary piece. Apparently very few 3.5 liter BMW engines were coupled with the manual transmissions of the 5 series automobile from 86 to 88 and imported to the United States.
Here I quote myself from a post from my Blog archives: Other than that Mrs. Lincoln..., 10/13/2006
At just before 8:00 I jumped into the Bimmer, for a ride to remember, as I got to the interstate I noticed the car would not go into 5th gear, so I drove home in 4th. At my exit at Post I down shifted, or at least tried to, that's when the shifter disengaged from any mechanical relationship to the transmission, and became a flippy floppy knob on an aluminum stick, Joy, Joy! I will take that frustration to the bowling alley tonight and try to smash some of the pins.
And again from another Blog Archive: Biting My Tongue, 11/02/2006:
I tore into the BMW on Sunday, when the weather was nice and the sun was out. The shifter and center console are are all in the back seat, the actual shift mechanism is still in the vehicle, but that is where my problems lie. The lever on the bottom of the shifter is snapped off, and I could not find the connection point to the tranny, but I wouldn't be able to do anything with it even if I had. I'm going to have to call Edwards and have them put on a new one, or a used one or something. Maybe I can find one at Brothers and put it on myself, maybe pigs can fly. Maybe tomorrow, maybe someday.
About a month and a half after the "shiftless" incident Jenni and I bought a newer BMW 5 series on E-Bay, and drove it for another year and some months before a tragic accident of my own doing had me rear-ending Jenni (in our own truck) and "totaling" the vehicle. The insured value of the Mädchen was not high enough to repair the damages, and I could not keep the vehicle and repair her both, therefore we accepted the insurance pay-out and a concentrated effort to rebuild the Blue Frankenstein was again underway.
Above: The Blue Frankenstein's nose after a tangle with a fence or something worse. Prior to my ownership. Chuck Pace ©2006
Stay tuned for part 3: Abby Somebody, finding unwanted parts.
Chuck Pace ©2009
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Thus began my quest for an aluminum rod with two perpendicular shafts to connect the shift lever to the transmission of my 1986 BMW 535i. A quest over 2 years in the searching. The Blue Frankenstein was sidelined while I searched the internet, Dreyer and Rinebold and E-Bay stores for the necessary piece. Apparently very few 3.5 liter BMW engines were coupled with the manual transmissions of the 5 series automobile from 86 to 88 and imported to the United States.
Here I quote myself from a post from my Blog archives: Other than that Mrs. Lincoln..., 10/13/2006
At just before 8:00 I jumped into the Bimmer, for a ride to remember, as I got to the interstate I noticed the car would not go into 5th gear, so I drove home in 4th. At my exit at Post I down shifted, or at least tried to, that's when the shifter disengaged from any mechanical relationship to the transmission, and became a flippy floppy knob on an aluminum stick, Joy, Joy! I will take that frustration to the bowling alley tonight and try to smash some of the pins.
And again from another Blog Archive: Biting My Tongue, 11/02/2006:
I tore into the BMW on Sunday, when the weather was nice and the sun was out. The shifter and center console are are all in the back seat, the actual shift mechanism is still in the vehicle, but that is where my problems lie. The lever on the bottom of the shifter is snapped off, and I could not find the connection point to the tranny, but I wouldn't be able to do anything with it even if I had. I'm going to have to call Edwards and have them put on a new one, or a used one or something. Maybe I can find one at Brothers and put it on myself, maybe pigs can fly. Maybe tomorrow, maybe someday.
Above: The Blue Frankenstein's nose after a tangle with a fence or something worse. Prior to my ownership. Chuck Pace ©2006
Stay tuned for part 3: Abby Somebody, finding unwanted parts.
Chuck Pace ©2009
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Frankenstein's Makeover, Intro
10/02/09 06:57 PM | Permalink
So, do you watch those makeover shows? I do, sometimes. I watch the ones about older, saggy, unexceptional men and women who have low self-esteem, bad habits and poor work ethics and still have good enough letter writing skills to get someone to rework them into something (slightly) less hideous (hmmm, maybe I should start writing some letters). I watch the mass marketed ones too, the biggest loser's and the lot. These fall into the Reality TV genre's I guess, but I watch very little of that (other reality crap) usually, but these are kind of different. In the shows I like to watch people have to work for something other than greed and money. Self improvement and awareness are keynotes in the makeover shows I like to watch. I like the HGTV rebuilds and the pimp my ride and auto resto shows too, but those are primarily on the west coast, so I'll never see that kind of stuff here in the boring mid-west (I could send my share of letters and photos to those shows, I tell ya). I have watched the Extreme Home makeover shows for years, and was delighted to meet Ty Pennington and his bud's while they were in town last year.
Still, I am only one man, living the true reality of reality. I have no producers, directors, camera-men or corporate giants behind me shoving the latest, coolest most efficient and green items into my lap so that I can upgrade my junk! Hell, most of my junk is just that, junk. Still I persevere.
I have a budget that would rival none of those I have mentioned, they spend more on catering in one episode than I can for upgrades and repairs in an entire year of scrimping. I have to wait for a really good bonus from work (off the sweat of my own labors and toils; there are no atta' boy bonuses, nor do I expect them) to buy a few parts for my old car, or to replace dying or decaying pieces of my crappy 17 year old mass consumption house.
That is why, when asked if I've got the old Bimmer finished I say I'm still working on it. I think a true car guy is always working on it, even when it surpasses most others' expectations that guy is still working on it. I'm not that guy. I dream of being that guy. I could soo be that guy with a little better budget...
My daughter got married in September of 2005, by Thanksgiving of the same year they were headed to Florida to live. Her then husband (retired) left behind a beater of an old BMW, a 1986 535i with over 290,000 miles on it. In April of 2006, after another Automotive tragedy (My Lebaron Convertible bursting into flames as I drove to work) I learned that the BMW was mine if I could get it to run. It took a $78 BMW battery to get it to start, that is what I tell people it cost me to own this monster. Of course there was a lot more money sunk into the enterprise of driving a 20 year old foreign auto with any regularity.
The $78 Car I dubbed the Blue Frankenstein went to the shop a few times for minor inconveniences, (like not running at all) but for the most part it was reliable for a year and a half. That was before the shift selector lever to the transmission linkage snapped while I was driving home one night, as luck would have it (and this was a lucky bit of luck in and unlucky happening) the car was in neutral when the shifter broke. After that the car sat for 2 1/2 years until I could find the elusive part, that even Dreyer and Reinbold BMW in Indianapolis said was unavailable. The Story Continues tomorrow.
Chuck Pace ©2009
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Still, I am only one man, living the true reality of reality. I have no producers, directors, camera-men or corporate giants behind me shoving the latest, coolest most efficient and green items into my lap so that I can upgrade my junk! Hell, most of my junk is just that, junk. Still I persevere.
I have a budget that would rival none of those I have mentioned, they spend more on catering in one episode than I can for upgrades and repairs in an entire year of scrimping. I have to wait for a really good bonus from work (off the sweat of my own labors and toils; there are no atta' boy bonuses, nor do I expect them) to buy a few parts for my old car, or to replace dying or decaying pieces of my crappy 17 year old mass consumption house.
That is why, when asked if I've got the old Bimmer finished I say I'm still working on it. I think a true car guy is always working on it, even when it surpasses most others' expectations that guy is still working on it. I'm not that guy. I dream of being that guy. I could soo be that guy with a little better budget...
The $78 Car I dubbed the Blue Frankenstein went to the shop a few times for minor inconveniences, (like not running at all) but for the most part it was reliable for a year and a half. That was before the shift selector lever to the transmission linkage snapped while I was driving home one night, as luck would have it (and this was a lucky bit of luck in and unlucky happening) the car was in neutral when the shifter broke. After that the car sat for 2 1/2 years until I could find the elusive part, that even Dreyer and Reinbold BMW in Indianapolis said was unavailable. The Story Continues tomorrow.
Chuck Pace ©2009
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Best Time to Test Your Luck!
07/30/09 06:08 PM | Permalink
The last couple of times I drove the Blue Frankenstein (my term of endearment for my '86 BMW 535i) it was missing out pretty badly in slow idle, would try (often successfully) to die on take off from a stop. I talked to bowling buddy and BMW enthusiast Clayton Hamilton about this situation a few times at All*Star Bowl and the Chatterbox, he recommended fuel injector cleaner and a drive of 20 or 30 minutes minimum, well that's fine if you are driving in circles, but to drive 15 minutes away in a car acting wonky and then hoping to get back in another 15 minutes (or at all) takes a bit of a leap of faith.
Well I was planning on doing some yardening after my bowling outing ended at mid day, but the weather told me not to bother. So after puttering around I decided to take the Blue on a trip since I had put a bottle of injector cleaner in the tank. It was 3:50 PM and it was raining. The Car had been on a battery Charger in "maintain mode" for a few days because the battery had died before the last attempt to drive, about a week ago. This time it started right up, I put the windows up and closed the sunroof to vent position then backed out of the garage, two block later as the care started to warm up it also started to miss a bit, but I wanted to give the treatment a chance to treat so I stayed with it. Six blocks from home it died as I was getting ready to turn after waiting for a light, some anxious cranking then back under way.
This being a shakedown, and fuel-system clean-up check I did the only logical thing, I got on the interstate heading away from town with the early rush-hour 8 to 4 crowd. The maximum speed with this bunch was around 50 miles per hour because of traffic and
road work. I took I-70 east from Post to the Mt. Comfort Exit and back to 465 Northbound and the Shadeland exit ansd a quick loop at 71st St. then back to Shadeland, then 16th St. and home. Total travel time 52 minutes plus another 8 or 10 ofwarm up before leaving, and the prognosis is good. The idle smoothed out and the shi-shimmy's settled down too, I'm planning on driving it to work on Saturday.
You may have noticed that the Blue is kind of gray in places, that is primer on the hood and fenders and in some other spots as well. Some day I will either finish restoring it or sell it.
Chuck Pace ©2009
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Well I was planning on doing some yardening after my bowling outing ended at mid day, but the weather told me not to bother. So after puttering around I decided to take the Blue on a trip since I had put a bottle of injector cleaner in the tank. It was 3:50 PM and it was raining. The Car had been on a battery Charger in "maintain mode" for a few days because the battery had died before the last attempt to drive, about a week ago. This time it started right up, I put the windows up and closed the sunroof to vent position then backed out of the garage, two block later as the care started to warm up it also started to miss a bit, but I wanted to give the treatment a chance to treat so I stayed with it. Six blocks from home it died as I was getting ready to turn after waiting for a light, some anxious cranking then back under way.
This being a shakedown, and fuel-system clean-up check I did the only logical thing, I got on the interstate heading away from town with the early rush-hour 8 to 4 crowd. The maximum speed with this bunch was around 50 miles per hour because of traffic and
You may have noticed that the Blue is kind of gray in places, that is primer on the hood and fenders and in some other spots as well. Some day I will either finish restoring it or sell it.
Chuck Pace ©2009
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Rounder
07/03/09 07:37 AM | Permalink
July 2nd was a day of displacement. One of those days where everything aligns, but it doesn't matter. I had chores to do. I had Lots of time to think and imagine. I had no inspiration. Even though it was a scheduled day off, one of my alternating Thursday's off to be exact if felt all wrong. The weather was mild, the sky semi-threatening all day but that was just a meteorological head-fake for most of the State. I got up at 8:20, grabbed an over-shirt due to the mild temps, walked the dog, scoped out the yard and ended up staking Charlie and weeding the vegetable garden for 35 minutes before heading back inside. While weeding I made a discovery of sorts. tiny little spiders that to the naked eye looked like glistening jewels as the scurried away fro the place where the grass plant they inhabited was yanked out of the earth. I thought I'd try to photograph them later.
Inside I dragged around still with no purpose, the night before I scanned more photos so I formatted them for my Facebook site, and moped about a bit and before you know it it was 10:45 and I still didn't feel like making breakfast. I thought about lunch as an opportunity to get away from the hollow hacienda, but where to go? I went on-line to find out why my iPhone won't connect due to an exasperating error code, one that many people have been getting (and not seeing any solutions for them either). I thought I'll drive to the Apple store and see what they can tell me. Then I though I will e-mail Cigh, she works right there on Haverstick two blocks from the Fashion Mall and kill two birds with one phone. Her company was being sent home early to start a 3 1/2 day holiday so that quickly conceived plan was right out the window.
The new construction Round Barn in Henry County, noticeable from the Interstate 3/4 of a mile further south.
At 11:55 I decided to drive somewhere, anywhere. I grabbed the Indiana and Illinois Atlas and Gazetteer's and got in the car. I sat looking west on the maps, still no inspiration. Finally I started the car and headed east on US 40.
Lacking inspiration I thought I'd maybe grab a bite at Culver's and go from there. When I got to county road 525 W. I headed up to 200 N. and took a scenic drive instead of the highways, 200 N. turns into New Rd in Greenfield and empties out on highway 9 across from strip malls and the Home Depot. At that intersection and light I made a first real decision. I went to the Quiznos's in the strip for lunch, then the Starbucks right next to it.
After lunch I stepped up my game, I remembered a round barn that we saw when we were driving to Hagerstown a couple of weeks ago. I was determined to find it again, and did. I documented it's existence, realizing it is a new structure and not an old one after all when I arrived. it is in the middle of a soy bean field and a good job so for to this point in the building process.
Having found my mojo at the button of a camera again (like so many times before) I wound my way back home satisfied that I had wasted a day of in the most enjoyable way. Once home IO took some flower shots, weeded in the garden again for 3 more hours and did get a few shots of the "jewel'"spiders.
Butterfly Weeds, rescued from Paradise Kentucky over a decade ago.
An Asiatic Lily about the same color as the Barn I photographed in Henry County
Inside I dragged around still with no purpose, the night before I scanned more photos so I formatted them for my Facebook site, and moped about a bit and before you know it it was 10:45 and I still didn't feel like making breakfast. I thought about lunch as an opportunity to get away from the hollow hacienda, but where to go? I went on-line to find out why my iPhone won't connect due to an exasperating error code, one that many people have been getting (and not seeing any solutions for them either). I thought I'll drive to the Apple store and see what they can tell me. Then I though I will e-mail Cigh, she works right there on Haverstick two blocks from the Fashion Mall and kill two birds with one phone. Her company was being sent home early to start a 3 1/2 day holiday so that quickly conceived plan was right out the window.
The new construction Round Barn in Henry County, noticeable from the Interstate 3/4 of a mile further south.
At 11:55 I decided to drive somewhere, anywhere. I grabbed the Indiana and Illinois Atlas and Gazetteer's and got in the car. I sat looking west on the maps, still no inspiration. Finally I started the car and headed east on US 40.
Lacking inspiration I thought I'd maybe grab a bite at Culver's and go from there. When I got to county road 525 W. I headed up to 200 N. and took a scenic drive instead of the highways, 200 N. turns into New Rd in Greenfield and empties out on highway 9 across from strip malls and the Home Depot. At that intersection and light I made a first real decision. I went to the Quiznos's in the strip for lunch, then the Starbucks right next to it.
After lunch I stepped up my game, I remembered a round barn that we saw when we were driving to Hagerstown a couple of weeks ago. I was determined to find it again, and did. I documented it's existence, realizing it is a new structure and not an old one after all when I arrived. it is in the middle of a soy bean field and a good job so for to this point in the building process.
Having found my mojo at the button of a camera again (like so many times before) I wound my way back home satisfied that I had wasted a day of in the most enjoyable way. Once home IO took some flower shots, weeded in the garden again for 3 more hours and did get a few shots of the "jewel'"spiders.
Butterfly Weeds, rescued from Paradise Kentucky over a decade ago.
An Asiatic Lily about the same color as the Barn I photographed in Henry County
Breakfast Drives
06/12/09 06:43 AM | Permalink
From the title you might think I'm starting a fund-raiser program to fed the poor. Noble as that is, I often have to worry about just being able to feed myself and my wife. So no, that is just the title of todays post. 
Muddy Boots in Black and White.
Anybody who knows me knows two things about me. I like cars and I like to drive. I like to drive so much that o my mid week days off from work I make myself little road-trips for breakfast just so I can come back through the countryside. I have to have a camera with me and the day must be fairly nice, otherwise I just go local. The vehicle of choice is either the '99
Sebring JXi convertible, or the '86 BMW 535i that I'm slowly (also know as poor) restoring. I've made trips to the Kokomo area, Matthews Indiana (where there is a beautiful Covered Bridge, another reason-passion to drive) and last week to Nashville Indiana just to have two eggs over medium, spicy diced potatoes, two sausage patties and two cups of really good coffee. I also went to see my friend Dick Schaffner's late 80's (original, real) right hand drive British Mini and to get a ride from Beanblossum to Muddy Boots restaurant in Nashville.
Muddy Boots in Black and White.
Anybody who knows me knows two things about me. I like cars and I like to drive. I like to drive so much that o my mid week days off from work I make myself little road-trips for breakfast just so I can come back through the countryside. I have to have a camera with me and the day must be fairly nice, otherwise I just go local. The vehicle of choice is either the '99
Above, The 86 Mini in a storage box, not running.
I tinkered with my Bimmer the night before, but it is having some issues so I drove the Vert, when I got to the storage facility where Dick parks the mini he was there also tinkering, and like my experience and disappoint with the Bimmer, he to was a little anguished at his mini Mini ride. She wouldn't start, no gumption, no go. So instead of taking a small car fast down terrifically winding roads I followed his Honda in my convertible to the restaurant. After breakfast he took me down more winding hilly roads to his home, and after that I was on my own to discover Brown county's beauty. 
Figtree Fire Dept. in Helmsburg,
...they had a few more fire engines in back from other places too.
I found Helmsburg (right where they left it) and shot a few fun shots, then went back to Nashville proper and did the tourist run, ending up with a gift for my mother and another for my bride, who was diligently plodding along at work. The drive home was equally off path, to no surprise I found a covered bridge on Covered Bridge Road in Beanblossum, after that I found my way to Edinburgh and Amity before coming back to the chuckpace.com World Headquarters from the west side of the Hancock county. Who knows where I will get my breakfast on next Thursday, when I again have the day to myself. Could be anywhere, or right at home only time and weather will tell. 
This Marker and grave is in the middle of a road east of Amity, the ancestors was petitioned and it wa s left undisturbed, the road splits around it from either direction.
Chuck Pace ©2009
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Curb Side Service
05/31/09 10:03 AM | Permalink
Brooks got all righteous brother, and unchained his melody to exhibit both his balance and bipedal brilliance, he made a run to the presses that were even then just cooling off, to deliver the latest in Urban Times published palaver. The DiNicola's had dietary designs and deemed to depart as did the Hurst's, leaving empty chairs and idle hands and one quasi-evil mind. As Idle hands are indeed the devils playground, Mr. Satan worked his mischief through one of his favorite vessel's. Mel and I were inside at the end of the bar when Rich came in and said, it's time to move TD's car. I said, There aren't enough people to move it. Rich says, David's going to help, and there are a couple of other guys willing to lend a hand. So unwillingly I had to step up to due to the overwhelming peer pressure, I mean if Travis's best man at his wedding is in, who am I to say no?
You can see the forced enthusiasm on my face in the final shot which was taken by Melissa Shoffner.
Chuck Pace ©2009
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Axis of Activities
03/18/09 07:23 AM | Permalink
The weather outside was wonderful. The onboard computer in the Convertible said 77° (which means it was 74°
, the stars were aligned just right and most of the crazies were elsewhere where the beers were green. I was driving home on the surface streets enjoying the open air. Jenni was already home haven left earlier and driving the truck. I pulled over at Post and Washington Streets to text a one word message. "Food"
Jenni knows what food means, she knows that I'm in the car, she knows. I sat looking at the Nails place and the Church's Fried Chicken place waiting for a minute or two to see what her response might be. Late in coming I lifted iPhone to ear after hitting the call button that would magically find Jenni among the 5 billion plus peeps on terra firma. The thing buzzed in my ear revealing that a message had been replied, just then her phone rang too so I deemed not to read but to hear the dulcet golden tones from her throat.
"I sent a message back, said why don't you come get me and we will go for a top down drive to food."
I did, we did. We tossed around some ideas then nothing came to pass. We started heading towards Greenfield, when I thought Pendleton Pike. I thought it loud enough that Jenni said sure, so it was up German Church to 67.
She said, "I don't know."
I said, "I'm looking."
She said , "Chinese" which actually encompassed all oriental cuisine.
We headed back toward the city on 67 (Pendleton Pike) until just at Post Road I pulled into the little strip mall where Hisago is. #% minutes later we were full and happy, then it was drive home time.
Hisago: Right top Jenni's Beef and Noodles, Bottom: My Shrimp Teriyaki
After returning home I once again donned breathing mask and work shirt and resumed sanding the hood of the Blue Frankenstein Bimmer, One or two more rough patches and it will be ready for primer. I've been advised to take Blue to a professional for the final paints. I probably will. It is coming along nicely, the new grill looks better now that there is a replacement bumper in place with the rubber trim elements, and before long that paint will really revitalize the old gal. Here's to manual labor and cheap nights away form the amateur night loonies.
Three Quarter view in the bay at home. (Hey you are getting a deal I charged the neighbors a dollar)
Looking in.
Detail, just abstract enough to make an old art student ponder .
Chuck Pace ©2009
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, the stars were aligned just right and most of the crazies were elsewhere where the beers were green. I was driving home on the surface streets enjoying the open air. Jenni was already home haven left earlier and driving the truck. I pulled over at Post and Washington Streets to text a one word message. "Food"Jenni knows what food means, she knows that I'm in the car, she knows. I sat looking at the Nails place and the Church's Fried Chicken place waiting for a minute or two to see what her response might be. Late in coming I lifted iPhone to ear after hitting the call button that would magically find Jenni among the 5 billion plus peeps on terra firma. The thing buzzed in my ear revealing that a message had been replied, just then her phone rang too so I deemed not to read but to hear the dulcet golden tones from her throat.
"I sent a message back, said why don't you come get me and we will go for a top down drive to food."
I did, we did. We tossed around some ideas then nothing came to pass. We started heading towards Greenfield, when I thought Pendleton Pike. I thought it loud enough that Jenni said sure, so it was up German Church to 67.
She said, "I don't know."
I said, "I'm looking."
She said , "Chinese" which actually encompassed all oriental cuisine.
We headed back toward the city on 67 (Pendleton Pike) until just at Post Road I pulled into the little strip mall where Hisago is. #% minutes later we were full and happy, then it was drive home time.
Hisago: Right top Jenni's Beef and Noodles, Bottom: My Shrimp Teriyaki
After returning home I once again donned breathing mask and work shirt and resumed sanding the hood of the Blue Frankenstein Bimmer, One or two more rough patches and it will be ready for primer. I've been advised to take Blue to a professional for the final paints. I probably will. It is coming along nicely, the new grill looks better now that there is a replacement bumper in place with the rubber trim elements, and before long that paint will really revitalize the old gal. Here's to manual labor and cheap nights away form the amateur night loonies.
Three Quarter view in the bay at home. (Hey you are getting a deal I charged the neighbors a dollar)
Looking in.
Detail, just abstract enough to make an old art student ponder .
Chuck Pace ©2009
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The Two Day Pass
03/08/09 11:01 AM | Permalink
Like Pavlov's pups I pounced from the pillows with pre-sunrise precision. A response conditioned to be sure. I work every other Saturday, and so the body electric sang at the normal starting gun's conditioned percussion (even though the alarm was off). I woke and decided it was to be a day of achievements. The month before Good Friday is surely a good Saturday morning to get things done. Mentally I made a list of the key tasks awaiting me.
Rumors of rain ran rampant in the reportage of regional relevance, regardless the day, the morning and it's sky were clear and beckoning.
The convertible had been longing for a day like Saturday. I had been longing for a day like Saturday too. One of the curses of throwing out bread crumbs and filling feeders for the winter birds is that they like to stay close enough to anoint the vehicles in the driveway. That being said the 'Vert was indeed truly blessed. With mid 60's weather at 8:00AM and expected highs of 75° I decided it was spa time for my girl. There is a coin operated car wash over by the All*Star Bowl where I bowl, and I figured at this, the earliest of times I could get a bay and give the old gal a sponge bath and all over massage and even a wax treatment. Quarters flowed like whiskey on St. Paddy's day and before you know it she had that sparkle in her eye again. With two lint free towels I stroked her curves and long straight bits, caressed her hips and patted her trunk, then it was time to get her drop her top and apply suction to her inside reaches. By the time the task was done I was wet and sweating and she had a glowing shine outside and in. The ride home was glorious, the air cool and dried me as fellow convertible drivers raised their hands in recognition and praise as I wheeled home.
Later with the 'Vert begging to show off her moves Jenni and I took a micro-safari to photograph three mid-century homes on the far east side of Marion and Far west side of Hancock counties. In the process we found a fourth but I didn't want to drive far enough to play "bridge."
Four Mid-Century houses on the far east of Indy. Chuck Pace © 2009
Photos captured, we made our return to the World HQ, where garage work awaited me. Any "normal person" knows a garage in the winter will collect the most unsavory items just waiting for a spring cleaning. I'm sure Felix Unger and Martha Stewart can eat off of their garage floors, but I'm just not that fastidious in the parking salon of the World Headquarters. After 4 hours of garage attention it looked like I had spend a decent half hour at my labors, so it was time to come in and watch "28 days later" on blu-ray DVD in the home theatre area of the mess I call home.
Later that same night I was back in Meredith's old room in the continuing deconstruction of the wall application that was never finished, removing wall paper and glue from the areas not finished, and building a considerable ache in the favored right arm for all things physical. After midnight I didn't let it all hang out, I leave that to the likes of J.J. Cale and Eric Clapton. I didn't need to know what it was all about, my aspirations leaned more to aspirins or Rapid Release Gels and a bed to toss and flop around in until all hours of the burgeoning new day. I woke up an hour later than usual; but only because Time Bandits had entered through the closet well of infinity and moved the hands. Still I felt slothenly for allowing time to get away from me, even in a theoretical reckoning of such, but there's no time to go about that.
Hope you enjoyed my return to this blog. Sorry for the 16 day hiatus, I did start two posts 10 days back but never got to the end of them (regardless I have posted today one of those 2/26/09 partials). I have many excuses for this delinquent behavior, but they are in the end still just excuses.
Chuck Pace ©2009
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Rumors of rain ran rampant in the reportage of regional relevance, regardless the day, the morning and it's sky were clear and beckoning.
The convertible had been longing for a day like Saturday. I had been longing for a day like Saturday too. One of the curses of throwing out bread crumbs and filling feeders for the winter birds is that they like to stay close enough to anoint the vehicles in the driveway. That being said the 'Vert was indeed truly blessed. With mid 60's weather at 8:00AM and expected highs of 75° I decided it was spa time for my girl. There is a coin operated car wash over by the All*Star Bowl where I bowl, and I figured at this, the earliest of times I could get a bay and give the old gal a sponge bath and all over massage and even a wax treatment. Quarters flowed like whiskey on St. Paddy's day and before you know it she had that sparkle in her eye again. With two lint free towels I stroked her curves and long straight bits, caressed her hips and patted her trunk, then it was time to get her drop her top and apply suction to her inside reaches. By the time the task was done I was wet and sweating and she had a glowing shine outside and in. The ride home was glorious, the air cool and dried me as fellow convertible drivers raised their hands in recognition and praise as I wheeled home.
Later with the 'Vert begging to show off her moves Jenni and I took a micro-safari to photograph three mid-century homes on the far east side of Marion and Far west side of Hancock counties. In the process we found a fourth but I didn't want to drive far enough to play "bridge."
Four Mid-Century houses on the far east of Indy. Chuck Pace © 2009
Photos captured, we made our return to the World HQ, where garage work awaited me. Any "normal person" knows a garage in the winter will collect the most unsavory items just waiting for a spring cleaning. I'm sure Felix Unger and Martha Stewart can eat off of their garage floors, but I'm just not that fastidious in the parking salon of the World Headquarters. After 4 hours of garage attention it looked like I had spend a decent half hour at my labors, so it was time to come in and watch "28 days later" on blu-ray DVD in the home theatre area of the mess I call home.
Later that same night I was back in Meredith's old room in the continuing deconstruction of the wall application that was never finished, removing wall paper and glue from the areas not finished, and building a considerable ache in the favored right arm for all things physical. After midnight I didn't let it all hang out, I leave that to the likes of J.J. Cale and Eric Clapton. I didn't need to know what it was all about, my aspirations leaned more to aspirins or Rapid Release Gels and a bed to toss and flop around in until all hours of the burgeoning new day. I woke up an hour later than usual; but only because Time Bandits had entered through the closet well of infinity and moved the hands. Still I felt slothenly for allowing time to get away from me, even in a theoretical reckoning of such, but there's no time to go about that.
Hope you enjoyed my return to this blog. Sorry for the 16 day hiatus, I did start two posts 10 days back but never got to the end of them (regardless I have posted today one of those 2/26/09 partials). I have many excuses for this delinquent behavior, but they are in the end still just excuses.
Chuck Pace ©2009
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There and Back Again
02/26/09 08:18 AM | Permalink
Here is the partial post (not parcel post) that I started and never finished on Feb. 26th......
Sunrise February 25th. Dumpling Clouds and a bird in flight.
Chuck Pace © 2009
On the sunny Sunday morning that ushered in the last week of February 2009 I got up just like it was a work day, this was not a day that the snooze button would be employed. After the mornings essentials, I dressed. Thermal long-johns, cargo pants, a tee shirt ,over-shirt and wool socks. I loaded up camera gear, doffed sunglasses and placed cameras and batteries on my belt. All of that out of the way I sat in front of the computers I now sit in front of again. At my left shoulder the G4 Titanium laptop which I use to do my posts, house my massive music collection (and off of, on two external hard drives) and iPhoto and Photoshop imaging libraries and programs. At my right shoulder my (second) 1st gen iMac with Facebook as it's home-page, shared library for music (from Jenni's second gen iMac, the laptop and it's own sparse iTunes library), internet connection and wireless router hub. Slightly off center above those two computers the LCD TV/computer monitor fed additional images and screen savers from the laptop. With this menagerie I post my Things are Indeed Looking Up post, while I wait for the clock to tell me it's time to head downtown to meet up with the Chicago Auto Show bound Chatterboxers.
The drive in on I-70 westbound from Cumberland was fast and uneventful. The sky was clear and blue and for the last 5 miles of the inbound run I was able to watch helicopters placing large house-sized HVAC boxes on top of the AUL Tower. I arrived on Mass ave. without unpleasant incident, stopped at the Fireman's CU money machine for some cash. With a bit of time to kill I stopped in at the Starbucks for Java and waited fro David Andrichik to arrive in the Chariot that would wisk us away to the Windy City.
Chuck Pace ©2009
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Sunrise February 25th. Dumpling Clouds and a bird in flight.
Chuck Pace © 2009
On the sunny Sunday morning that ushered in the last week of February 2009 I got up just like it was a work day, this was not a day that the snooze button would be employed. After the mornings essentials, I dressed. Thermal long-johns, cargo pants, a tee shirt ,over-shirt and wool socks. I loaded up camera gear, doffed sunglasses and placed cameras and batteries on my belt. All of that out of the way I sat in front of the computers I now sit in front of again. At my left shoulder the G4 Titanium laptop which I use to do my posts, house my massive music collection (and off of, on two external hard drives) and iPhoto and Photoshop imaging libraries and programs. At my right shoulder my (second) 1st gen iMac with Facebook as it's home-page, shared library for music (from Jenni's second gen iMac, the laptop and it's own sparse iTunes library), internet connection and wireless router hub. Slightly off center above those two computers the LCD TV/computer monitor fed additional images and screen savers from the laptop. With this menagerie I post my Things are Indeed Looking Up post, while I wait for the clock to tell me it's time to head downtown to meet up with the Chicago Auto Show bound Chatterboxers.
The drive in on I-70 westbound from Cumberland was fast and uneventful. The sky was clear and blue and for the last 5 miles of the inbound run I was able to watch helicopters placing large house-sized HVAC boxes on top of the AUL Tower. I arrived on Mass ave. without unpleasant incident, stopped at the Fireman's CU money machine for some cash. With a bit of time to kill I stopped in at the Starbucks for Java and waited fro David Andrichik to arrive in the Chariot that would wisk us away to the Windy City.
Chuck Pace ©2009
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Things are Indeed Looking Up
02/22/09 08:53 AM | Permalink
Listening to ''Sand Castles In The Snow'', by Public Image Ltd. (Play Count: 1)
Today, in a matter of hours actually I am northbound therefore I will be looking up. The Interstate and the Chattervan are taking me to The final day of this years Chicago Auto-Show. I have attended a few of the Indy Auto-show but have never been to the regions premier event until later today.
Listening to ''Mr No'', by John Foxx (Play Count: 1)
I have to tell you I'm excited. As I sit here trying to think of things to say I realize that, while I always have something to say, I will have much more to report after the show. Also as I type I listen to extensive iTunes Library on shuffle.
Listening to ''Concerto No. 3 in E-Flat Major for Horn and Orchestra, K. 447: III. Rondo: Allegro vivace'', by Vienna Volksoper Orchestra (Play Count: 2)
My 13462 songs that would take slightly over 302 days to play from one end to the other form an unbelievably eclectic mix of styles, so I've decide to list the songs as they come up.
Listening to ''Is There Something I Should Know?'', by Duran Duran (Play Count: 1) from Arena the Live album.
In other news, the RSS feed I tried to attach through my web publishing software does not seem to have taken effect.
Listening to ''Black & Gold (Marcussen Album Version)'', by Sam Sparro (Play Count: 1)
I have to do a full website upload to get it to show I think, that usually take hours to perform, I'll have to wait until I have a couple of hours to sit and baby sit the world HQ mainframe to make sure it doesn't fall asleep in process.
Listening to ''Codeine'', by Love Spit Love (Play Count: 2)
It' been 24 minutes since I started this post, the songs are starting to stack up and I'm betting most of my readers are lost already. Yesterday Jenni and I went to Greenfield for breakfast (it makes more sense than you think) and to change to change things up we listened to her iPod Touch through the interface in the 'Vert.
Listening to ''Faithless'', by Altered Images (Play Count: 1)
I gave her a hard time about all the songs being from 1974 to mid 1980's, she has a paltry collection of songs compared to the audio-filer but then again who doesn't?
Listening to ''Dreamville'', by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (Play Count: 1)
If you questions about any of the songs I have faithfully listed (regardless of what Clare, our pixie voiced lead singer of Altered Images says) send me an e-mail or ask me in person. You will be answered to the best of my abilities.
Listening to ''Freslin (original mix)'', by TechScaper (Play Count: 1)
Well I've rambles all over this canvas of light and not painted to many connecting images, so I guess I better get my gear in gear ad any gear-head would, and get to Mass Ave. to meet up with Mister A, Mister B and Mister B's father. It should be a fun trip, filled will all sorts of conversational avenues and automotive insights.
Listening to ''Two Doors Down'', by Dwight Yoakam (Play Count: 3)
You will of course be privy to at least some portions of this dialog and insight as I embellish on the inter-webs in the near future. I have to say I'm a bit disappointed that not one of the songs played here was about cars, or by The Cars.
Listening to ''Ecstasy'', by Rusted Root (Play Count: 0)
Chuck Pace ©2009
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Listening to ''Somebody To Love'', by Queen (Play Count: 0)
Today, in a matter of hours actually I am northbound therefore I will be looking up. The Interstate and the Chattervan are taking me to The final day of this years Chicago Auto-Show. I have attended a few of the Indy Auto-show but have never been to the regions premier event until later today.
Listening to ''Mr No'', by John Foxx (Play Count: 1)
I have to tell you I'm excited. As I sit here trying to think of things to say I realize that, while I always have something to say, I will have much more to report after the show. Also as I type I listen to extensive iTunes Library on shuffle.
Listening to ''Concerto No. 3 in E-Flat Major for Horn and Orchestra, K. 447: III. Rondo: Allegro vivace'', by Vienna Volksoper Orchestra (Play Count: 2)
My 13462 songs that would take slightly over 302 days to play from one end to the other form an unbelievably eclectic mix of styles, so I've decide to list the songs as they come up.
Listening to ''Is There Something I Should Know?'', by Duran Duran (Play Count: 1) from Arena the Live album.
In other news, the RSS feed I tried to attach through my web publishing software does not seem to have taken effect.
Listening to ''Black & Gold (Marcussen Album Version)'', by Sam Sparro (Play Count: 1)
I have to do a full website upload to get it to show I think, that usually take hours to perform, I'll have to wait until I have a couple of hours to sit and baby sit the world HQ mainframe to make sure it doesn't fall asleep in process.
Listening to ''Codeine'', by Love Spit Love (Play Count: 2)
It' been 24 minutes since I started this post, the songs are starting to stack up and I'm betting most of my readers are lost already. Yesterday Jenni and I went to Greenfield for breakfast (it makes more sense than you think) and to change to change things up we listened to her iPod Touch through the interface in the 'Vert.
Listening to ''Faithless'', by Altered Images (Play Count: 1)
I gave her a hard time about all the songs being from 1974 to mid 1980's, she has a paltry collection of songs compared to the audio-filer but then again who doesn't?
Listening to ''Dreamville'', by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (Play Count: 1)
If you questions about any of the songs I have faithfully listed (regardless of what Clare, our pixie voiced lead singer of Altered Images says) send me an e-mail or ask me in person. You will be answered to the best of my abilities.
Listening to ''Freslin (original mix)'', by TechScaper (Play Count: 1)
Well I've rambles all over this canvas of light and not painted to many connecting images, so I guess I better get my gear in gear ad any gear-head would, and get to Mass Ave. to meet up with Mister A, Mister B and Mister B's father. It should be a fun trip, filled will all sorts of conversational avenues and automotive insights.
Listening to ''Two Doors Down'', by Dwight Yoakam (Play Count: 3)
You will of course be privy to at least some portions of this dialog and insight as I embellish on the inter-webs in the near future. I have to say I'm a bit disappointed that not one of the songs played here was about cars, or by The Cars.
Listening to ''Ecstasy'', by Rusted Root (Play Count: 0)
Chuck Pace ©2009
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Listening to ''Somebody To Love'', by Queen (Play Count: 0)
Trying To Be More Everything
02/18/09 11:13 PM | Permalink
I have mentioned that I might be changing and updating my look here at the "old" web-site. Well, I'm not doing that just yet. Mainly because I don't even remember exactly how I "built" the current template, and secondly I really need to stay with the whole, posting more often. To that end I have (attempted to) provide a service for my disenfranchised or reluctant readers.
If I was successful I think I have added an RSS feed which you can subscribe too which will let you know when I have updated the blog, and provide a bit of the latest entries. That way you could just check the feed link and see if I have gone another week without posting. You may have to ask your browser's help menu to learn more about RSS, how to set yours, and how to be alerted by it to new entries. Mine should say Thoughtpukes in the title somewhere. Remember this is a learning curve deal for me too. Feel free to contact me with suggestions or problems. I will try (anything) to resolve them for a better blogging experience. Who knows, maybe videos or next, or podcasts or...
O.K. baby steps again, I have grown complacent, but I don't want to over reach my new goals. Ve shall zee vhat ve shall zee!
Chuck Pace ©2009
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If I was successful I think I have added an RSS feed which you can subscribe too which will let you know when I have updated the blog, and provide a bit of the latest entries. That way you could just check the feed link and see if I have gone another week without posting. You may have to ask your browser's help menu to learn more about RSS, how to set yours, and how to be alerted by it to new entries. Mine should say Thoughtpukes in the title somewhere. Remember this is a learning curve deal for me too. Feel free to contact me with suggestions or problems. I will try (anything) to resolve them for a better blogging experience. Who knows, maybe videos or next, or podcasts or...
O.K. baby steps again, I have grown complacent, but I don't want to over reach my new goals. Ve shall zee vhat ve shall zee!
Chuck Pace ©2009
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White Death '09 Really this time.
01/28/09 07:31 AM | Permalink
Well the State Police are saying unless you are Medical, Emergency or Public Works you have no business being on the road, so I'm going out to shovel out right now, because selling camera is one of those things, if you didn't know. It's 7:30 and no texts or calls saying don't die today for three customers who are more stupid than you. So I start the arduous task of making tracks from my unplowed cul de sac street to the unplowed secondary street it runs into to get to the neighborhoods unplowed entrance street.
No time for pictures I have to die for retail...
Chuck Pace ©2009
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No time for pictures I have to die for retail...
Chuck Pace ©2009
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With a Wimper
12/31/08 07:30 AM | Permalink
An inviting trail head near Cross Plains Tennessee says "Come on".
Boy howdy! This has been some kind of roller coaster (say what) ride of a year. Remind me to tell you about the cyber collpase of the 1/2 decade. The incorrect solution and the inevitable rebirth! Like the terrestrial orbit itself on the brink of rebooting; the world headquarters is fresh for another run. I'm even thinkin'.... Facelift in '09. It's been an upheaval battle at times, but we made it to the reset switch. T minus 16 and a half!
Chuck Pace ©2008
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Me Too! Me Too!
05/02/08 10:08 PM | Permalink
Hey Look! Those Bloomin' Trees are still there!
Chuck Pace ©2008
Maintenance
04/27/08 08:20 AM | Permalink
Clutch Time, time for a check-up.
Thursday: So I had Thursday off, which means I was crazy busy Thursday. Crazy being the operant word for some of you I'm sure. None the less I was busy. I had to stop at the bank. I had to run downtown to take my bride to lunch in the open air ride during the mid 70's weather we were enjoying. I had to get a terrible sunburn souring the days exercise. I also went to Ress Motor works, a BMW specialist at 724 N. Capital Ave. after John Gentry recommended them for my BMW needs. I got there and met Fred, who was detailing his beautiful early 70's 2002 tii. He told me he would not be able to help me. He said he just doesn't want to work on those old cars. That the oldest he will take in now is 1995s so even if I had not killed the Mädchen, he would not have worked on her. I then drove to Black Forrest Motors who used to work on my Mädchen and have no qualms about tightening the "neck" bolts on the Blue Frankenstein Bimmer. I arranged to have the BFB towed to BFM to find out what the bfd was with the hydraulic clutch. After the tow guy left I decided to try to get some of the tar off the white skirts of the Convertible. So it got its first hand bath. All this fun in the sun led to some pretty bad burns on my arms. When I wasn't in the sun I was in the garage, at least until Jenni came home. Then it was time for Smallville and later on Lost (with another Buffy episode in between). That is how my Thursday came and went and I slept well even with the burns, I was beat.
Friday: Another beautiful 70's day. Another day driving with top down, a day with SPF 20 on the arms and SPF 15 on the noggin. The convertible spent the night in the garage bay where the BFB should be sleeping, but since it is in for a check-up the 'vert slept in the BFB's bed. Friday was another good day for all three of us, Jenni the C-car and me. After work, while Jenni was in the convertible running errands I again puttered in the garage, making more room and getting rid of things that no longer mattered to the Pace family in the long run. We free-cycled the old truck rims and two good tires on Friday, on Thursday we did the same with the mag rims from Meredith's Avenger that was being traded in on her first ever brand new car.
Down in Florida where the weather is fine, Meredith was haggling with a Dodge dealership over two cars. A 2007 Black Caliber SXT loaded with only 40 miles on it, or a Base 2008 which would qualify for the family "green-slip" employee discount since my Father (ergo Meredith's Grandfather) worked for Chrysler for 20 some years. She got the '07 for less and is already happier with the choice. Last night she called us and gave a rundown on all the things this car does. It is very cool. I said it must be weird not feeling or hearing any shifts since the CVT2 transmission is seamless in its shifts, and power levels just build without any surges. She said that from 40 to 65 on the highway is amazing. I can't wait to get down there in May and drive her new baby. She will no doubt want to take a spin in the convertible too.
So back the the BFB for a bit. I got a call from BFM and they said it was a clutch cylinder slave unit that was leaking and that the part is on its way. With labor, re-pressurization of the clutch system and also replacing all the belts up front my bill is $450.00 and I can pick it up on Tuesday.
Isn't that beautiful? Hey the trees are blooming too!
Saturday In the Park: It must have been the 26th of April. It was cold in the morning, I wimped out and pulled over and raised the top after a couple of miles. That's when it became apparent that I was blinded by my clear view in the open air...
What! you say? That makes less sense than the usual Chuck invectives we all know and love (to ignore). I know invective means violent abusive language, but using this as an example also reiterates my example in the first place, I chose invective to mean violent abuse of language on my part. So if you are not totally lost by now follow me to the brink and we'll use the GPS unit to get home, mmmkay?
...With the side windows up for the first time in daylight I realized that I had not ever cleaned them and they were filthy. Especially the passenger door window. I have to assume that a large shaggy white dog or an abominable snowman (Yeti if you, will) with a head cold had been pressing up against the glass in the cars last incarnation. (See: Wild Aside Thoughts at end of post ). Did you go to the end or are you waiting it out? Your choice completely, I grant you free will. ... You're welcome.
So anyway by Saturday noon the weather and temperature were much better, so with the top again in the stowed position I went to lunch. For lunch I popped over to Garfield Park after hitting the Rally's at East and Troy (there was no damage since I actually just used the drive-up window and hit nothing, I repeat I hit nothing). So anyway again... I had window cleaner and paper towels in the trunk for just such an eventuality and after consuming my 2 for $4.00 burgers I put the top up and cleaned the windows (the rear one is glass and I had to have the top up to do it).
When the day was done for camera dispersal I once again doffed the canvas and open aired my way back to the World HQ. Where once again I tried to make the garage a better home for which ever car was sitting in the open bay. Be they Bimmer or Convertible Chryco. It is working too, with the free cycle and the efforts the spaces are opening up and the trash bags are filling up.
Sunday: Today I have to finish tech-editing my next "For Dummies book, the Nikon D60, once again brilliantly explained and simplified by Julie King. So no fun in the sun or garage until I have done my "real home-work".
Chuck Pace ©2008
Wild Aside Thought #1: Yeti are probably just terribly introverted, I don't think seclusion and privacy are in themselves abominations? Now maybe if the Snowman was in fact the Yeti-Uni-Bomber, but ...
Wild Aside Thought #2: If you finish your milk and your glass automatically refills are you drinking ReinCarnation Instant Milk?
Grilling
04/13/08 12:41 PM | Permalink
Thursday I got the Bimmer back on the road. There is still more to be done. Tons more. I have ordered parts from Bavarian Autosports (a company that advertises in the BMW CCA magazine Roundel) which will show up at Roberts while Jenni I are on the mystery vacation. Also arriving at Roberts while we are out, a replacement center console (to replace the groaty one that was there) and wheel center cap logos to replace the faded ones on the wheels now.
Of the parts I've already received; there is the replacement tool kit for the trunk, a trunk emblem, a coin holder, right and left tail light assemblies (complete), a complete front grill assembly on three pieces. In all 8 auctions on e-bay and one bav-auto order. The car is coming along.
I drove it to work on Saturday, sort of a shimmy shake down cruise.
Sunday I armored alle th e grill parts and installed them.
Sunday was a good day.
P.S. After the vacation and I will have added the photos that goes with this post!
Chuck Pace © 2008
Of the parts I've already received; there is the replacement tool kit for the trunk, a trunk emblem, a coin holder, right and left tail light assemblies (complete), a complete front grill assembly on three pieces. In all 8 auctions on e-bay and one bav-auto order. The car is coming along.
I drove it to work on Saturday, sort of a shimmy shake down cruise.
Sunday I armored alle th e grill parts and installed them.
Sunday was a good day.
P.S. After the vacation and I will have added the photos that goes with this post!
Chuck Pace © 2008
Rolling Thunder
04/10/08 10:58 PM | Permalink
As I sit here at the World HQ the weather outside is vicious. For the last half hour the thunder had been a constant soundtrack, and at times not back-ground music either I might add. Today was my last day off before my vacation. I work Saturday and them I am off like a shot. It is mystery Vacation Time again. I have laid the ground work. We have found a kennel for Charlie and a rental car is reserved for the means to the End (and Back).
Today was a most rewarding and busy day. I got up as if I were driving to work but I of course would have to be a fool to do that on my day off. Instead I took Charlie to the Doggy Daycare @ 717 Capitol Ave for a acclimation visit. Then I drove to the Beech Grove License Branch to plate the Blue Frankenstein Bimmer (I thought what better than Colts plates). Then on the way home I stopped in at Ralph's Muffler shop on E Washington to ask what they would charge to hang my exhaust system i got from Clark's Classic Cars two week's ago. The price was right and the time estimate was appealing. I still had to go get breakfast, stop at the bank, go home and put the muffler and exhaust pipes in the BFB, put the plates on the BFB, call the insurance company and add the BFB back to our coverage and drive back to Ralph's. By the time I got back there, 11:45 they had a few people in front of me and I would have to wait longer than the estimated hour.
Wait I did, I had a book and they had a TV. That took some of the sting out of waiting. Still it was a lot of seat time, but at 2: 20 the BFB was finally in the bay. I rolled out of there quietly at 3:00 PM. So the weather is making up for my arrival at Ralph's. I was rolling Thunder on the way in, but tip toed out. Another stop at O'Reilly's for wiper blades, since the rains had started while the BFB was in the bay, (and my old ones were frayed and rotting). Finally when I made it home, one of my first E-Bay packages was waiting in the mailbox. I played in the garage near the BFB for a bit and drank a perfect half'n'half, then it was inside for more chore elimination, which turned into a nap and two episodes of Buffy when Jenni got home.
Chuck Pace © 2008
Today was a most rewarding and busy day. I got up as if I were driving to work but I of course would have to be a fool to do that on my day off. Instead I took Charlie to the Doggy Daycare @ 717 Capitol Ave for a acclimation visit. Then I drove to the Beech Grove License Branch to plate the Blue Frankenstein Bimmer (I thought what better than Colts plates). Then on the way home I stopped in at Ralph's Muffler shop on E Washington to ask what they would charge to hang my exhaust system i got from Clark's Classic Cars two week's ago. The price was right and the time estimate was appealing. I still had to go get breakfast, stop at the bank, go home and put the muffler and exhaust pipes in the BFB, put the plates on the BFB, call the insurance company and add the BFB back to our coverage and drive back to Ralph's. By the time I got back there, 11:45 they had a few people in front of me and I would have to wait longer than the estimated hour. Chuck Pace © 2008
Back on the Horse-power
04/03/08 06:50 AM | Permalink
Club members drove in in a variety of BMW's and other vehix as well (we were in Rich's borrowed Pontiac). There were two very cool old 2002's(model not year) a black 1972 and a white 1968. Then of course there was the main event the new 1 series coupe and convertible. yumm. I think my next driver will be a convertible of some sort.
The location was Dryer and Reinbold and they had a very cool 1937 fully restored Bimmer on hand too. As we were leaving I also ran across a nice little car behind the Used car lot building. It was parked next to a Cooper Mini, which gives you a bit of scale.
That is a Lamborghini and a mini, ohhh.
That's my story and I am stuck to it.
New Beginnings
03/31/08 07:21 AM | Permalink
A process has begun. I just needed to gripe about stagnation and the waters began to move. I should gripe about other problems. Maybe change will be my new cause.
After yesterdays whining post I decided to head out Bruce Clark's way even without a call. Jenni and I called when we got there. His house is beautiful. His collection of parts and the antique watercraft he is restoring are amazing.
Within five minutes of arriving I had located the elusive shift selector rod on a transmission he had out of a 5 series. Next came a replacement grill, a window motor for the drivers rear door, and then the much needed exhaust pipes and mufflers and lastly a whole door for the passenger side. Tonight after work I will be dropping the drive shaft and getting a look at the shift selector tranny coupling point. Hopefully the hard part will be the drive shaft and not the transmission with the limited working space in the hump-tunnel. If that goes well then the exhaust system will be next. If that does not go well then I may need to drop the transmission to get a better working angle. Wish for me a well going. I hope to have the care rolling under it's own power before the end of the week, and my supreme wish is that you not hear me coming form three blocks away when it does.
This is all wishing on a star part. The hard to find selector rod. This is the process begun. I will most likely have mechanics knuckles for a few days so don't think me unclean, it is just grease in cuts caused by tender loving an old BMW back to health.
Wish me luck.
Chuck Pace © 2008
After yesterdays whining post I decided to head out Bruce Clark's way even without a call. Jenni and I called when we got there. His house is beautiful. His collection of parts and the antique watercraft he is restoring are amazing.
Within five minutes of arriving I had located the elusive shift selector rod on a transmission he had out of a 5 series. Next came a replacement grill, a window motor for the drivers rear door, and then the much needed exhaust pipes and mufflers and lastly a whole door for the passenger side. Tonight after work I will be dropping the drive shaft and getting a look at the shift selector tranny coupling point. Hopefully the hard part will be the drive shaft and not the transmission with the limited working space in the hump-tunnel. If that goes well then the exhaust system will be next. If that does not go well then I may need to drop the transmission to get a better working angle. Wish for me a well going. I hope to have the care rolling under it's own power before the end of the week, and my supreme wish is that you not hear me coming form three blocks away when it does.
This is all wishing on a star part. The hard to find selector rod. This is the process begun. I will most likely have mechanics knuckles for a few days so don't think me unclean, it is just grease in cuts caused by tender loving an old BMW back to health.
Wish me luck.
Chuck Pace © 2008
Doing Something At Least
03/09/08 03:06 PM | Permalink
Jenni and I went to the place where the little '85 325e (E30) was waiting. I had the money in my pocket. I drove the car. I liked the car. It needed some TLC just like I predicted. I could have done most of the TLC stuff I'm sure. I could have bought the car. Jenni was cramped in it. It is too small, needs work and... I didn't buy the car.
The Blue Horror, 5er is ready for a push into the pod bay HAL.
So back home yesterday I rolled the '86 535i (5er) blue horror down the drive and into the street. Then with the truck behind and Jenni steering the 5er I slowly pushed it up the drive slope and into the garage. Once in the lair of the Missing Madchen I started assessing the "needs" of the 5er (a better knick-name than Blue Horror for the '86). Jenni (the cyber-geek) found me a great parts resource for BMW parts, I sent them a want list. Hopefully I will get a price list on Monday. I plan on using the insurance face-slap Madchen money to bring parts from California to The World HQ and getting the "Blue" on the grey ribbon before the green returns to the garden. That would get me into the pink again.
The 5er is ready for reconstruction. Parts, sweat and cursing to follow.
To that effect, after I redeposited the 325e money into bank. I bought a battery to get the now garaged 5er running again. After priming the EFI (electronic Fuel injection) for a minute she fired up. The noise was deafening in the garage since she lacks a full exhaust system (on the list), and I immediately had to shut her down since the fuel lines were starting to deteriorate and there was gas leaking. I have had one car burn up in front of me and I wasn't going to have another one burn up inside my garage! Another trip to O'reilly auto parts and hoses and new clamps were purchased. By 5 o'clock I had the 5er running without drooling. By nightfall I had the computer reprogrammed, and the windows (that used to work) re-wired and working too. Soon I hope to have the transmission parts to get motive again, and depending on the price-list more parts will be coming too. If I had the money to buy the little 325e and fix up this beast I would have two Bimmers again that need some TLC. As is I hope to get the 5er rolling soon. We shall see where this latest adventure takes me. At least I'm not just sitting and moping any more. Life goes on. Like the Dude, I will abide. I will abide.
Text and images
Chuck Pace © 2008
The Blue Horror, 5er is ready for a push into the pod bay HAL.
So back home yesterday I rolled the '86 535i (5er) blue horror down the drive and into the street. Then with the truck behind and Jenni steering the 5er I slowly pushed it up the drive slope and into the garage. Once in the lair of the Missing Madchen I started assessing the "needs" of the 5er (a better knick-name than Blue Horror for the '86). Jenni (the cyber-geek) found me a great parts resource for BMW parts, I sent them a want list. Hopefully I will get a price list on Monday. I plan on using the insurance face-slap Madchen money to bring parts from California to The World HQ and getting the "Blue" on the grey ribbon before the green returns to the garden. That would get me into the pink again.
The 5er is ready for reconstruction. Parts, sweat and cursing to follow.
To that effect, after I redeposited the 325e money into bank. I bought a battery to get the now garaged 5er running again. After priming the EFI (electronic Fuel injection) for a minute she fired up. The noise was deafening in the garage since she lacks a full exhaust system (on the list), and I immediately had to shut her down since the fuel lines were starting to deteriorate and there was gas leaking. I have had one car burn up in front of me and I wasn't going to have another one burn up inside my garage! Another trip to O'reilly auto parts and hoses and new clamps were purchased. By 5 o'clock I had the 5er running without drooling. By nightfall I had the computer reprogrammed, and the windows (that used to work) re-wired and working too. Soon I hope to have the transmission parts to get motive again, and depending on the price-list more parts will be coming too. If I had the money to buy the little 325e and fix up this beast I would have two Bimmers again that need some TLC. As is I hope to get the 5er rolling soon. We shall see where this latest adventure takes me. At least I'm not just sitting and moping any more. Life goes on. Like the Dude, I will abide. I will abide.
Chuck Pace © 2008
I Got No Car and it's Breakin' my Heart.
03/07/08 06:54 AM | Permalink
The prospects are few. The candidates are mostly lame, unqualified and or out of reach. There were four in the running at the beginning that had my interest. One turned out to be a total scam artist and a liar, she is disqualified and should probably be exposed as the crook that she is. She was even selling herself as continuing her husbands good work. She is not, she will say anything to anyone to get the deal sealed. Jenni caught her in a simple but damning move yesterday. She asked for the vin number and she supplied it. It is not even the same car, the one that was on Craig's List was black (too good to be true) coupe in pretty great condition. The vin # belongs to a convertible in NYC. Don't lie to my cyber-geek wife Allison.
The next candidate is a beautiful '84 533i currently in Angola, right in our price range but with a foible in the tranny, she won't take 3 gear. Owner says he will probably replace the tranny in the summer if she doesn't sell as is. Says there are trannys available for $500. The latest entry into the race is a peoples car, the little man, the conscientious mans BImmer. This one will need little at the start to just be a daily worker-bee, and could grow into a formidable presence with a few bucks and some TLC.
This guy? A '85 325e which should get around 34 mpg highway and over 22 in town work-outs. Definitely in my budget and ready to drive and ride the hours away. With a little work I could triple the value of this pretty nice foundation. And Gas prices are a big concern too.
The last entry, and Jenni's favorite, is the blue '86 535i in the drive that will take as much moolah to get road worthy again as the little '3' costs, and that depends on finding the parts for the transmission (sounds like the Angola nominee has the same problem that sidelined the blue horror) and getting a real deal on the exhaust system too. Ev en on the road and in peak shape again the Blue is going to drink a lot more gas. Speaking of which, she has a gas leak at the tank or filler neck which could cost me lots of gas in evaporation.
My problem is the primaries are over on Monday morning when I return the Spec-Kia and pay that mini bundle of much needed green for the favor of tempo-transpo.
I like number 3 and I know, like all cheep used cars, (anything in my range money wise) there will be more problems soon, but that will be true of any of the legit choices in my future. If I win the lottery this weekend then we have way more choices, don't we?
Chuck Pace © 2008 |
The next candidate is a beautiful '84 533i currently in Angola, right in our price range but with a foible in the tranny, she won't take 3 gear. Owner says he will probably replace the tranny in the summer if she doesn't sell as is. Says there are trannys available for $500. The latest entry into the race is a peoples car, the little man, the conscientious mans BImmer. This one will need little at the start to just be a daily worker-bee, and could grow into a formidable presence with a few bucks and some TLC.
This guy? A '85 325e which should get around 34 mpg highway and over 22 in town work-outs. Definitely in my budget and ready to drive and ride the hours away. With a little work I could triple the value of this pretty nice foundation. And Gas prices are a big concern too.
The last entry, and Jenni's favorite, is the blue '86 535i in the drive that will take as much moolah to get road worthy again as the little '3' costs, and that depends on finding the parts for the transmission (sounds like the Angola nominee has the same problem that sidelined the blue horror) and getting a real deal on the exhaust system too. Ev en on the road and in peak shape again the Blue is going to drink a lot more gas. Speaking of which, she has a gas leak at the tank or filler neck which could cost me lots of gas in evaporation.
My problem is the primaries are over on Monday morning when I return the Spec-Kia and pay that mini bundle of much needed green for the favor of tempo-transpo.
I like number 3 and I know, like all cheep used cars, (anything in my range money wise) there will be more problems soon, but that will be true of any of the legit choices in my future. If I win the lottery this weekend then we have way more choices, don't we?
Chuck Pace © 2008 |
Roads Unraveled, Times Traveled
02/25/08 09:40 PM | Permalink
I was once published in AutoWeek magazine. I had a subscription to Motor Trend before I had a license. I have been in two car clubs. Painted a race car, and worked on a sprint car crew for a few races. I actually used a tree and hoist to replace rear leaf springs on an old car once (a true shade tree mechanic).
I have driven econo-boxes, and $70,000 sports cars, giant engined maxivans, and four cylinder VW's that only hit on three cylinders until they were over 1500 rpms. I have had a brake line break at 40 mph and driven on a sidewalk around a corner until the vehicle ran out of momentum. I have bought cars for under $125.00 that I drove for two more years. I got so good at de-gunking a '62 Falcon fuel filter that I could pull over and disconnect, flush and reinstall it in under three minutes. I've owned VW's, Fords, Dodges, Chevys, Chryslers, Plymouths, Toyotas, Nissans (Datsuns) and BMWs. I've driven a 1965 Ford Ranchero with a Hi-Po 289 engine that my father, brother and I dropped in from a real race car I bought for $125.00 over 130 miles per hour with just one left front and one right rear brake. I short block rebuilt a R22 Toyota truck engine in two weekends. I have pushed, pulled and towed more cars than some people have owned in the thirty years I have been driving. I had a car stolen and abandoned less than a mile away because the thieves didn't know enough to release the parking brakes. I had that same car catch on fire and successfully called the fire-department as I drove it into a parking lot where they arrived to finish it off with their dasher bars and axes.
I totaled a 65 Chevy C10 when I slid into a car-carrier semi after a newer vehicle stopped in the middle of an interstate and made a 90° right turn to get to an exit they passed. I bounced off the rear wheels into the concrete center barrier than careened all the way across the highway to end perfectly in the breakdown lane with fire coming through the floorboard from the broken engine exhaust manifold. When I got out I saw that the 3/8 inch thick steel bumper was curled around and poking through my left front tire like a shovel blade.
I've bought two cars new off the show room floor, and one that never made it to the floor, the 14th 1993 Dodge Intrepid ever sold in Indiana (it took two months before the DMV had excise info and I could plate it), it was on a ramp in front of Western Dodge in Marion Indiana September 3rd 1992, they got it in that afternoon.
I've driven Penske and U-Haul and rental cube vans, Pontiac, Chevy, Hyundai, Toyota and Chrysler rental cars. At 15, with just a learners permit drove a 30 foot 12 speed delivery truck when my Uncle slipped a disk in has back while I was with him.
But I've never had to pay a deductable or had an insurance claim, or repair.
This is a new experience for me. I upgraded my rental Chevy Aveo (speck) offering this morning at Enterprise, Jenni thought I'd get a Nissan Versa after looking on the Enterprise web-site, instead I got a bigger speck or should I say Spec-tra. A smallish Kia Spectra four door with a lot of pep, side curtain airbags, bright vacu-florescent displays and three inch thick, barely padded, cloth seats that are hard. Harder than Chuck Norris after bitch-slapping a Kodiak Bear for half an hour hard. It will take about a week for my Mädchen to get out of her re-hab, about a week to fix what I did in less than five second lapse. About a week to make me whole again too. 'Til then I will ride in quiet psuedo-comfort instead of walking, and long for my baby and her handling, poise and power. I will long for my cruising and cruise-control my on board computers and my leather seats, my sun-roof and a car I can drive all day and not feel tired, cramped or unsafe in.
I guess I am spoiled even after all those trials and tribulations behind the wheel because I can not imagine a single drive of more than twenty or thirty miles in this tiny but efficient econo car.
Bis dahin bin ich nicht fahren Ich bin Reiten.
(Until then I'm not driving I'm riding.)
Chuck Pace © 2008 | |
I have driven econo-boxes, and $70,000 sports cars, giant engined maxivans, and four cylinder VW's that only hit on three cylinders until they were over 1500 rpms. I have had a brake line break at 40 mph and driven on a sidewalk around a corner until the vehicle ran out of momentum. I have bought cars for under $125.00 that I drove for two more years. I got so good at de-gunking a '62 Falcon fuel filter that I could pull over and disconnect, flush and reinstall it in under three minutes. I've owned VW's, Fords, Dodges, Chevys, Chryslers, Plymouths, Toyotas, Nissans (Datsuns) and BMWs. I've driven a 1965 Ford Ranchero with a Hi-Po 289 engine that my father, brother and I dropped in from a real race car I bought for $125.00 over 130 miles per hour with just one left front and one right rear brake. I short block rebuilt a R22 Toyota truck engine in two weekends. I have pushed, pulled and towed more cars than some people have owned in the thirty years I have been driving. I had a car stolen and abandoned less than a mile away because the thieves didn't know enough to release the parking brakes. I had that same car catch on fire and successfully called the fire-department as I drove it into a parking lot where they arrived to finish it off with their dasher bars and axes.
I totaled a 65 Chevy C10 when I slid into a car-carrier semi after a newer vehicle stopped in the middle of an interstate and made a 90° right turn to get to an exit they passed. I bounced off the rear wheels into the concrete center barrier than careened all the way across the highway to end perfectly in the breakdown lane with fire coming through the floorboard from the broken engine exhaust manifold. When I got out I saw that the 3/8 inch thick steel bumper was curled around and poking through my left front tire like a shovel blade.
I've bought two cars new off the show room floor, and one that never made it to the floor, the 14th 1993 Dodge Intrepid ever sold in Indiana (it took two months before the DMV had excise info and I could plate it), it was on a ramp in front of Western Dodge in Marion Indiana September 3rd 1992, they got it in that afternoon.
I've driven Penske and U-Haul and rental cube vans, Pontiac, Chevy, Hyundai, Toyota and Chrysler rental cars. At 15, with just a learners permit drove a 30 foot 12 speed delivery truck when my Uncle slipped a disk in has back while I was with him.
But I've never had to pay a deductable or had an insurance claim, or repair.
This is a new experience for me. I upgraded my rental Chevy Aveo (speck) offering this morning at Enterprise, Jenni thought I'd get a Nissan Versa after looking on the Enterprise web-site, instead I got a bigger speck or should I say Spec-tra. A smallish Kia Spectra four door with a lot of pep, side curtain airbags, bright vacu-florescent displays and three inch thick, barely padded, cloth seats that are hard. Harder than Chuck Norris after bitch-slapping a Kodiak Bear for half an hour hard. It will take about a week for my Mädchen to get out of her re-hab, about a week to fix what I did in less than five second lapse. About a week to make me whole again too. 'Til then I will ride in quiet psuedo-comfort instead of walking, and long for my baby and her handling, poise and power. I will long for my cruising and cruise-control my on board computers and my leather seats, my sun-roof and a car I can drive all day and not feel tired, cramped or unsafe in.
I guess I am spoiled even after all those trials and tribulations behind the wheel because I can not imagine a single drive of more than twenty or thirty miles in this tiny but efficient econo car.
Bis dahin bin ich nicht fahren Ich bin Reiten.
(Until then I'm not driving I'm riding.)
Chuck Pace © 2008 | |
Facial
02/25/08 07:41 AM | Permalink
Today I have an appointment at the Performance Collision Center on 421 at the edge of Zionsville. I will be dropping the Mädchen off for her facial reconstruction from the bump and still run incident of a week and a half ago. She gets a face lift, I get a rental car and PCC gets my deductible. I have been reluctant to give her a bath in the last 10 days because it would most probably wash away pieces that I want to keep. She will be getting a new hood, bumper and grill. New side markers and headlight doors. I feel really bad for putting her through all of this, she didn't deserve it. Now a new phase of her life begins, and mine too.
Rental Car: The insurance company told me they would cover $20 per day for a driver while my Mädchen Machine was in metamorphosis. They also told me that Enterprise (which has an office and facility right inside of PCC) has a $16.99 offering. I opted to pay and additional $4.19 per day to not drive a Chevy (Speck) Aveo, and will soon be seeing what the additional $4.20 puts around me and on the road.
I will keep you posted my friends.
Chuck Pace © 2008
Rental Car: The insurance company told me they would cover $20 per day for a driver while my Mädchen Machine was in metamorphosis. They also told me that Enterprise (which has an office and facility right inside of PCC) has a $16.99 offering. I opted to pay and additional $4.19 per day to not drive a Chevy (Speck) Aveo, and will soon be seeing what the additional $4.20 puts around me and on the road.
I will keep you posted my friends.
Chuck Pace © 2008
Push Comes To Shove
02/15/08 07:20 AM | Permalink
Well I told you about the early needs of my Valentines day. The later day needs changed after I bashed in the front end of Madchen following my wife to her auto repair guy. I had Charlie with me because our two appointments were 1 hour and 30 miles apart. One and a half blocks from the repair center Jenni stopped at the light at Jefferson on 10th. The problem with the truck (Li'l Darling) was that it needed a carburetor adjustment it would not idle when warm. So the technique to keep her running is to left foot brake and right foot nerf the gas while stopped.
Harm and Foul
Meanwhile in the Madchen 1 spot back. Charlie who was later diagnosed as 70% blind now and will be totally blind in 6 to 12 months was on his retractable leash in the passenger seat with just enough lead to move comfortably on the seat as we came to the stop behind Jenni. The light changed and the brake lights went off in front of me, at the same time Charlie tried to jump out of the seat into the foot well and got his backside into the floor well but had hid head and neck at the front of the cushion because of the short leash. As I looked down I heard the sound of peeling out as Jenni in the truck had over gassed as she released the brakes to drive and instead of moving the already accelerated accelerator activity caused her wheels to find no purchase on damp pavement. At less than 10 mph I smashed into her solid steel truck bumper with my hood, grill and bumper demolishing them in the process. I buckled the hood and caused between the two estimates I got later that same day off, $2900 to $4000 in damage to my baby.
More to come as the process goes on.
I've had better Valentines days. I hope yours was swell and less stressful.
Harm and Foul
More to come as the process goes on.
I've had better Valentines days. I hope yours was swell and less stressful.