Texas drivers vs California drivers 
Tuesday, March 24, 2009, 03:01 AM
Posted by Administrator
After a trip to San Francisco, I made a few observations on the drivers there. There have been many stories of road rage on the overcrowded highways of California, more so in LA but in SF is not much different. In particular I would like to talk about rush hour traffic in and out of the city. The number of people commuting into the city is mind boggling, but I noticed a distinct lack of aggression. Everybody seemed to work together to move the whole at the best rate possible. Let’s compare this to a similar commute into Austin. The distance is the same, the number of lanes may be 1 or 2 less than their CA counterparts, but there are half as many cars on the road. Then why is it so much more dangerous in Austin. The drivers are much more aggressive; change lanes more often, cut corners and generally drive with no consideration of the ones around them. Why is this so? Are Californians more laid back, are they smarter, are they more skilled drivers? Or, are they just more experienced. They have been where we are and learned to handle the situation positively. So, does this mean Austin is on its way to better days, I can only hope. In any event I will start. I will change: Slower speeds, less tailgating, less lane changes. I trust it can work, I have seen it.
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Use the correct tool! 
Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 02:52 PM
Posted by Administrator
You know those lessons you learn (possible the hard way) that you figure you will never forget.

Write them down.

So here's one...

When dealing with a stubborn tie-rod end, use a pickle bar.

And that's all I'm going to say about that so don't ask, just mind your own business.
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Happy New Year 
Wednesday, January 14, 2009, 04:21 PM
Posted by Administrator
Hope 2009 is treating everybody well. The holiday season can be so stressful. A time when you should really be slowing down a bit to catch up with family and friends seems to be so frantic that you forget to actually slow down. You work so hard to have a great holiday that you work right on through and miss it in the end. For our family the holiday season keeps rolling right on through January. Last count of birthdays and anniversaries celebrated by my family in January is up to around 7. So things really get back to normal in February, but being the shortest month of the year it never seems like it is enough. So everybody that feels there is never enough time, I feel your pain. Let’s make 2009 a year for planning ahead, reconnecting and taking a few deep breaths. Think about it and get back with me, you know, when you have time.
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Radiator Hose Burst 
Monday, November 17, 2008, 05:05 PM
Posted by Administrator
Blown radiator hose on the way to work this morning. Almost made it but ended up 2 miles short. Nice refreshing morning walk. I'm sweating when I get to work and soon realize the heater is out again so quickly cool off and head toward freezing. The hose is not a big deal to replace if you can find one. Apparently they are just not kept in stock at your typical chain stores or even the dealer. I'm going to try out a generic flex hose to at least get it off the side of the road and back home.

Flex hose was a no go, had to order one overnight. Car survived the night out in the open. replaced hose and clamps, removed thermostat just in case it was bad. Filled with water, dex-cool and water wetter. Back on the road now, will double check everything when I get home tonight.
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Automotive Legends Replica 
Monday, September 15, 2008, 09:10 PM
Posted by Administrator
So I'm watching a show on discovery channel(I think) called Celebrity Rides. They make Porsche replicas, namely the 550 Spyder (The one James Dean died in. If you watch the show they will mention it about a thousand times.) Anyway, the car is great and they do a magnificent job on the finishing. They actually reuse an old vw bug for a lot of the base parts. I'm thinking "How very green of them to reuse". Then an idea hits me. Why not offer an electric engine for this vehicle! It's extremely lightweight and not likely to be used for long trips. I'll pitch the idea to them and let you know how it goes. A full turnkey from them is about $50k. Not bad for a custom built replica of a currently million dollar plus original.

http://www.automotivelegends.com/
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