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Tootal
Posted on Sunday, March 08, 2020 - 11:27 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

But did the box your axle came in smell like pot!?
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Rick_a
Posted on Sunday, March 08, 2020 - 10:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

No. I thought it smelled like cat piss.
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Rick_a
Posted on Monday, April 13, 2020 - 12:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Did a couple minor things.

Steering wheel cover #3...a sew-on deal. One of the most monotonous and tedious things I've done.
20200411_184503 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
20200411_184644 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

Bought a cheap shifter boot replacement and cut it to fit, mostly. Could've left it about a half inch shorter. Still better than it was.
20200412_164105 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

After two days of staring at stitches and staples, my eyes are strained.

Still have to replace my new replacement axle. It gets worse every day.
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86129squids
Posted on Monday, April 13, 2020 - 02:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I had a nice slip-on steering wheel cover on my old Nissan pickup. Took about 30 seconds to put on, loved it- it had ridges that matched my fingers nicely.
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Rick_a
Posted on Monday, April 13, 2020 - 02:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

My couple pleather ones got killed by my knife clip getting in the car. They both felt good. One laced on and the other a slip-on. This is supposed to be real leather...so we'll see. It's what I originally looked into...but I didn't want to put in the work. $30's in covers later...
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Rick_a
Posted on Saturday, April 18, 2020 - 11:39 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I have a soft spot for the current gen Mini...

It's pretty much my dream car.

However, I appreciate the simplicity, lower maintenance requirements, long term durability, and lower insurance rates with the Fit...as well as the 500lbs lighter weight. Methinks a supercharger down the road would keep it interesting.
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Rick_a
Posted on Saturday, April 25, 2020 - 03:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

On attempting to get my replacement axle replaced...thankfully I didn't remove it in the morning as planned as the local warehouse didn't have the one they showed they had. Disappointing. At least I only have to mow the lawn today.
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Crusty
Posted on Saturday, April 25, 2020 - 03:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

It sure is a good thing you got rid of that motorcycle and got yourself a nice reliable car that you can get parts for easily.

I think about that all the time as I travel all over on my unreliable Hardley-Ableson... NOT!
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Rick_a
Posted on Saturday, April 25, 2020 - 04:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

This is considered the most reliable car in its class. Stuff happens.

...And you don't ride a Harley...you ride a Sportster

I still have a pair of bikes, you know? They're not going to be broken forever.

The Buell shed exhaust parts, ripped engine mounts, blew the forks and shock regularly, and had the occasional nearly catastrophic failure.

The Suzuki, aside from fork seals blowing pretty regularly did pretty well...until it didn't.

Oh well.

You know what happens when you brag about how reliable your ride is, don't you?
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86129squids
Posted on Saturday, April 25, 2020 - 05:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)



Good shot, Rick!

It's hard to beat a DR or a KLR for reliability. I once had a 1990 DR650, kickstart only, rode it to work regularly through winter. Rear shock was clapped out, but once I managed to kick it off, it rode out fine.

That said, I'm sure Roadcrust will figure things out.
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Pwnzor
Posted on Saturday, April 25, 2020 - 06:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Crusty put the Sportster back on the map for me. Until I met him and followed his cross country exploits I'd not have considered it a "real" motorcycle for touring.

Of course, I used to do 2400 mile trips on my Ninja 600R pretty regularly...

That Fit is a great car for mods, and can be a real sleeper hot rod if treated right.
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Pwnzor
Posted on Saturday, April 25, 2020 - 06:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

wait a minute... what is this on the floor of the car....?????





One more infraction like that, and you may have to surrender your Man Credentials...

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Rick_a
Posted on Saturday, April 25, 2020 - 11:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

There are instructions in engrish. They were useless so I watched a video. Sewing isn't my strong suit.

What is most disturbing is that the universal floormat doesn't fit quite right and is always askew.


quote:

That Fit is a great car for mods, and can be a real sleeper hot rod if treated right.



They're only fast with an engine swap or relatively so with forced induction. The 1.5L is notoriously hard to tune, as even with a reflash the stock ECU has built in nanny modes that seem to creep up on people no matter how meticulously the car is tuned. Some turbo cars end up with rods out the side...so any boost creep or over boosting can kill them.

For a car with a Macpherson strut up front and a torsion beam in the rear, it's impressively adept with some minor mods. Most try to tune for some oversteer in deceleration and understeer on hard acceleration (tends to be a natural occurence on FWD cars). Balancing the two can allow for predictable and responsive handling. Mine is a bit on the neutral side as is. For serious track use the Fit lacks some suspension adjustability as far as geometry goes...but there are some work arounds, and it seems to work well enough for the endurance racers.

I'll probably be playing with tire pressures next. Running a little hard in the rear is supposed to liven things up a bit. We'll see.

The Fit is extremely size efficient...that's probably its best attribute. The gas mileage isn't as good as some rivals as it is geared a bit aggressively and mine's not direct injected. My main need for it is going cross state to pick up and drop off my son every month. Hard to do on the bikes...especially in the winter.

Mini Coopers of all generations tend to require about $1500 a year in unscheduled repairs from my research. The Fit is certainly doing better than that. So far I'm down $300 for struts and $100 on an axle.
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Crusty
Posted on Sunday, April 26, 2020 - 10:29 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)


quote:

You know what happens when you brag about how reliable your ride is, don't you?




You mean when you brag about getting "the most reliable car in its class" and have to replace an axle that isn't in stock?

And I'm still trying to figure out if that crack about Harleys and Sportsters is a compliment or a put down. Not that it matters a bit. I've got the right bike for me.

However; you won't see me going on a car forum and bragging about my bike, even though I know how superior it is to being stuck with a car.
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Rick_a
Posted on Sunday, April 26, 2020 - 05:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Nothing personal, fella.

The axle isn't a big deal. It's a known issue on cars used in a salt environment. Getting a bad new axle is bad luck. The replacement axle being disappeared is a bummer. Oh well. It still runs.

Anyway, I'm ordering front camber bolts today and I'll be installing those, my new new axle, and replacing the tranny fluid on my next day off. I'll also have to reset the toe, for which I'll be using the old school method with a tape measure.


quote:

I've got the right bike for me.



That's all there is to it then, isn't there?

If you take my talking about my s**t box econo car as a brag, you have seriously misconstrued

It is fun to drive. It is not riding. That much is obvious.

This isn't a bike vs car thing. They are totally different topics. If you've noticed people here on the Quick Board talk about a great many things. I like hearing other people's perspectives. Mine is currently as a first (used) car owner.

Relax. You don't have to like anything I have to say. My opinion is worth what you've paid for it.
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Pwnzor
Posted on Monday, April 27, 2020 - 06:46 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hey... whoa...

Crusty: I read back through everything carefully, and all I saw was a tired joke... but definitely no ill intent.

Rick: That joke's a bit tired, man.

I've posted quite a bit about my car, my work, my life in general... perhaps ad nauseam. I do it here because other forums just suck, and my posts get censored so it makes me only go to those places seeking parts and then exit.

BadWeB is home, and there are bound to be times when we don't quite understand each other.

OK... let's carry on, shall we?
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Rick_a
Posted on Monday, April 27, 2020 - 07:52 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

If someone can continually post passive aggressive comments about my car, I can make a "tired joke." To "those" people it's no joke, btw. I just think it's funny, either way.

For what it's worth I feel the XL is the best motorcycle HD has made, especially those produced from 1991 to 2003. Some of the reasons for owning a Buell is that the XL lump is relatively inexpensive to hot rod and the parts will be available forever...thanks to H-D and a faithful aftermarket.

Ultimately I have a car because I need it, and also north GA winters are brutally cold and wet...and while I don't mind being wet or cold being both wet and freezing cold sucks.

Also, my childs mother would likely be less than thrilled having her son go across the state on a bike in bad weather and bad traffic (I.E. Atlanta). Riding across the state in the middle of winter on the DR was my worst traveling experience ever. I was so cold, my girlfriend commented that it was the coldest she'd ever felt anyone that wasn't dead

Little tweaks really change the character of this car and it tickles me some. Sorry to disappoint. I like making the most of things, even when they kinda suck. I've been riding bikes continuously for eighteen years. I can take a break for a minute, aye?
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Pwnzor
Posted on Monday, April 27, 2020 - 07:58 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I ride mine twice a year. It's not even registered right now.

Since moving from California, the advantage of riding a motorcycle in traffic is... well, there is no advantage here. In fact, it's a detriment.

If I have to stare at tail lights and can't pass between the lanes, then I'll do it with climate control, a stereo and a beverage.
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Rick_a
Posted on Monday, April 27, 2020 - 10:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)


quote:

If I have to stare at tail lights and can't pass between the lanes, then I'll do it with climate control, a stereo and a beverage.



That there is funny. I have a ~2000 song "favorites" playlist that keeps me relatively sane as people do stupid things in traffic. Lately it's been slamming brakes and signaling at the last second to make a turn.

I love doing cheap, simple mods that enhance performance...especially handling...even if time consuming. I hate fixing things that wear out or break...especially if time consuming.

I'm looking at my spec sheet for alignment, and after researching the topic some in comparing performance set ups and factory numbers, the leeway given for factory specs is a little shocking. These things can come from the factory with pretty sloppy alignment specs. I'm going to go for the maximum recommended spec for negative camber and keep a little toe out up front...is supposed to work best. I would need a collision shop to twist the rear beam...and I'm not ready for that.
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Rick_a
Posted on Monday, May 04, 2020 - 07:37 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I have camber bolts (that I got double charged for), have paid for my warranty replacement axle so that it doesn't get sent back again (which I supposedly get reimbursed for), and now I just need to find an import spec manual transmission fluid, which is proving quite difficult. I guess OEM is the only option.
20200503_173546 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

The camber on my car is -0.9° on one side (good) and -0.3° on the other (not so good)...both figures within factory specs but certainly not ideal. 1.2 to 1.3 is what I'll shoot for. I think I'll set toe at zero. The car toes in/out under acceleration/deceleration naturally due to flex in the suspension/bushings so I'll leave it to whatever wears the tires least. I think it's a poor place to tune handling characteristics.

I'll also have to bleed my brake and clutch systems. The brakes feel fine, but the fluid looks dirty, and the clutch fluid looks clean, though the pedal doesn't always respond like it should.
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Rick_a
Posted on Sunday, May 10, 2020 - 12:18 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Yesterday afternoon was spent replacing my replacement axle, installing camber bolts, and replacing the transmission fluid. Having a failing jack complicated things. Another thing to buy.

I still need to re-set my toe. One of these days. The outside edge of my tires were really getting scorched (McPherson struts get positive camber when cornering). This should alleviate that some.

My new new axle isn't making any noises. Hopefully it stays that way.

I also still need to add some air to my rear tires. It promotes a little more front weight bias, decreases traction some, and can help fuel mileage slightly. Worth a try.
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Rick_a
Posted on Sunday, May 10, 2020 - 07:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Camber bolts. $24.99 well spent.
20200503_173546 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
20200509_181348 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
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Rick_a
Posted on Thursday, May 21, 2020 - 02:52 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I aligned the car yesterday. The camber bolts were found to make little difference. I was able to dial in a little more camber, but only ended up a fraction of a degree from where it started. I'm getting a set of factory "crash bolts" as well. They're slighty undersized in the center to allow for some adjustment. That should get me what I need. I don't feel confident putting the aftermarket eccentric bolts on the top and bottom.

My steering wheel points straighter now, which is nice.

I also replaced some underbody clips as the car lost some due to large puddles and bottoming out a couple times on a neighbor's gravel driveway. One of my control arms hit that sucker hard

My bumper also now sags on both sides (used to be only one). Some high density foam atop the inner bumper is supposed to be the fix. One of these days. Until next time.

I was forced to look up 0-60 times as a lady in a newer Ford Explorer beat me in a stoplight drag. I was slipping the clutch at 3k to start and frantically banging gears near redline while she just floored it and went . Oh well. That's the slow car life.
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Rick_a
Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 - 03:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Installed these "crash" bolts. They're supposedly good for about a quarter degree of camber adjustment. With the camber bolts it's about one degree. I've finally got things set where I want them.
20200527_110746 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
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Rick_a
Posted on Friday, May 29, 2020 - 11:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The car has a bit of the "rail like" handling with my latest tweaks. Instead of oversteering and four wheel plowing through corners it steers very directly...so much so that my previous cornering limits are now void and I'm cautiously exploring new ground.

I need to learn how to heel/toe shift. I'm going to experiment with using a 9:3 hold instead of 10:2. It makes sense. I think 10:2 is still the ticket for highway droning. We'll see.

Next things may be an exhaust and polyurethane motor mounts.

If I ever supercharge it, it would have to include a limited slip differential and probably some chassis bracing. The most challenging part seems to be finding a proficient local tuner. These things. It seems they never end

A long highway stint over the past weekend really illustrates how improved the car is in straight line stability as well. Highway cruising used to be a nerve wracking ordeal. Now it's no big deal and semi enjoyable.
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Rick_a
Posted on Monday, June 22, 2020 - 10:18 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

My biggest issues with my fellow drivers lately are left lane losers and people trying to merge off ramps at much lower than traffic speeds. Both are massive butt holes. My car is not powerful, so when people kill my momentum it's annoying.

Coming off an on ramp slow because the guy ahead of me wants to merge into 75mph traffic at 45 mph is maddening.

Anyway, I'll soon have a front strut brace, braided brake lines, and polyurethane engine mounts. The strut brace should sharpen the steering some, the brakes could use a firmer pedal and a fluid change (anyway), and the engine mounts should transmit power more effectively and make shifting a bit more positive under load. The engine/transmission shaking wildly about with a cable operated shifter is not ideal.
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Rick_a
Posted on Wednesday, July 08, 2020 - 12:38 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Now with axle back exhaust.

The car has been making a clunk over speed bumps, etc. Kicking the muffler revealed it was busted. So...on with the HKS. It makes some sound...but the main complaint has been it being too quiet. Perfect. Of course, things always get complicated.

20200707_100030 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

Apparently, these bolts are some $15 a piece. Some temporary hardware was found.
20200707_100005 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

Rust weld
20200707_100505 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

Looks a bit ricer, but gives some tone without being obnoxious.
20200707_095940 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
20200707_105929 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
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Rick_a
Posted on Tuesday, August 04, 2020 - 12:37 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Lately the girlfriend's car has been eating up a bit of my time. I've done a transmission filter/fluid change, rebooted/re greased CV axles, changed the battery, flushed the coolant, and replaced the accessory belt. Despite just having signed up for AAA coverage, she ran the car until it overheated and the battery died after the belt broke

The lack of mechanical sympathy was disturbing. I explained to her that if she sees engine temperature or oil warning lights to stop the car immediately.
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Pwnzor
Posted on Tuesday, August 04, 2020 - 01:09 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I explained to her that if she sees engine temperature or oil warning lights to stop the car immediately.

...never gonna happen. My wife's car is 7 years old and has a little over 100,000 miles on it now.

I have replaced the 60,000 mile tires 5 times.

I have replaced all four brake pads 4 times, and all four rotors twice. Oh yeah, and two calipers one time.

I most recently had to replace both motor mounts and a transmission mount.

To say that she drives her Ford Flex like a Roush Mustang is an understatement.
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Court
Posted on Tuesday, August 04, 2020 - 06:58 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I replaced the girlfriend.

Sure . . I don't have warranty on the brakes . . but, I also have no squealing.
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