In to the Garage, again.

It was about time. We had one big cruising ahead but as I was yesterday in our department's recreation day I heard some bad noise from the engine and I decided not to go ahead on Lakeside Cruising this year. I might been just loose rocker arm but I didn't wanted to risk left on the road miles away from the garage, so we didn't participate Lakeside Cruising this year and put El Camino on early winter hibernation and had a great time at the garage.

Leaking rear window, dammit.

I was yesterday at the garage to do a clean up on those rear window corners and as I scrape and poke that surface rust away, I noticed how the sound was a different on that tight corner. As I poke and scrape a bit more it revealed a rusty edge of sheet metal.

As you can see it's straight through, but that light that you can see is inside c-pilar which doesn't lead to inside the cabin. And it wasn't that bad before I started poking it with a screwdriver. So now I have to cut it up and make a template from cardboard and make a small piece from the sheet metal to fit in and spot weld it in place. And same thing to the other side.

I was affraid that it was this bad and I was relieved that it wasn't as I post on my last post, but now I am a bit of stressed. I know how to use welder and bend the steel, but it's always a bit of work for me as I am not used to fabricate sheet metal for tight spots and corners. It takes time and patience. I was hoping that this would have come to me when I have planned whole stripping down to bare metal and do it propeply.

Well now I guess I have to do it because I have the window off and there are still time left before I'll take her out in the open road for a drive. Driving season is planned to start in mid-May. So till next time I'll be in the garage and keep you updated on how this little project goes on.

Garaged.

Yesterday I drove to the garage and settled in the spot. It's a bit of tight spot but few back and forth movement, it was in the spot. First thing was to disconnect battery for the winter. Basically that was it. As I have a problem with the water seeping on passanger side of the car, both back and front of the seat, I opened both windows so that it would evaporate before I start to take interior a part.

Hibernation.

 

Garage spot.

So, I got a spot on a garage for this winter. It's close to home, warm and rent is below average around here.

Shelves were empty but those are now filled with dashes, vents, exterior trim, interior stuff and all the small things I might need during long dark night. I just can't wait to go in to the garage and start working on something. Just about anything!

Social Media.

I have been posting a lot of small things on Facebook and haven't been posting here much. It is just that easy to post something on Facebook.

But, I have been driving round and round. A lot.

Garage for the Winter!

Has been awhile. Okay that starter finally gave up on end of the driving season, couple of weeks ago and I bought a new one. Should have done that a long time ago. Tomorrow I get keys to garage where my El Camino is going to hibernate during this winter and best part is that it is close to my home! Last winter I had a warm garage that was about 40 km away and out of public transportation and since we don't have any other car... This is only six bus stops away and it's warm and there are six other American cars so there a plenty of help and know how around. Can't wait for getting my hands dirty! YAY... I guess I'll be posting more on my progress to this thread! Sorry no pictures yet...

Yearly inspection 2013

Took her out of the garage yesterday and went inspection station. 8 minor faults. Since our system allowes 3 minor faults, but no more I didn't get passed. The inspector was novice, since he had to ask from a older inspector should he write up this and that, and what not. Okay, I knew there are few issues but didn't expect that much. I got permit to drive her home and I started fixing these issues and 7 out of 8 are now fixed and I went back. Now I got passed. Same time I finally fixed my AC blower motor switch, which has been sitting in my locker for good year now. I guess I should wash her now...?

Open roads here we come!

Spring is here!

Okay. I haven't been quite hardworking with this blog in the past. I try to be more active in posting and what's happening. I just visited El Camino where it has been hibernating past winter. Althought this winter was quite low snow and mostly no snow, I didn't take it for daily use. Not until April. There aren't any shows, cruisings or gatherings where I would go with it. And I need to get it yearly inspection first. There are few things that need addressing too and after I have taken it out of the garage there is no point putting it back there for few weeks, so I'll wait till time is right. Sorry I forgot to take a new picture so you'll have settle for one I got when I put her in the garage.

Keeping on the road.

Wow. It has been a long time since last post. To fill the cap, here's the re-cap from last post:

Power steering, working. Driver's side door latch from inside stopped working, made quick fix. Fuel gauge working. Passanger side exhaust leaking. Installed roof insulation/noise cancelling. 50 k on odometer. Flat tire. Bought new set of tires on a 15" steel wheels. New battery, melted (-)-pole. Installed old battery. Starter broken, starter fixed from three different starter. Installed H4 lamps. Drived 1303 miles in 12 days on summer vacation. Fixed leaking vacuum hose. Finded whole inside lamp assembly from a swap. Quick fixed squeeky hood noises. Burnt AC/heater fan switch. Bought new AC/heater fan switch.

So, there has been something fixing going on but few new things come up to light. Well, everyone knows that old car is a working progress.

Cheers!

Starter broken?

Well, About two months ago we had a problem with a starter and problem was that when I started her up, starter wouldn't stop, even if I turn ignition off and took keys off. Starter still turned the engine. Only thing that I could do was to disconnect battery + terminal. Then I did try it again and she would start up nice and easy. But then we went to a mall and when we get back from the shops, she wouldn't start up at all. So I had to call a towing service. And I have to say that service was excellent and even the cheapest one, from half a dozen that I called through. So, What have I done to her, to make her roar the streets again? Sadly, nothing. I guess little troubles affect me such that I get depressed about it. Last year when she broke her water pump, it took me whole two weeks to change it, after I had the replacement part. Now it has been almost two months... and it's almost time to put her on her winter hibernation too...

Facebook

So, I have made a Facebook page for Kelly, my El Camino. And after yesterday we had over 25 people that likes it and that let's me have a username for it. Sadly all the obvious were taken, but I managed to get this: Camino70, which is easy to remember and to write. I think with the ease of use it will be main source to updating what's going on and so on. Although I prefer use and layout of this blogging.

Currently El Camino is sitting on the garage and waiting for a new starter motor, since I had a problem with it a week ago and yesterday it broke down finally.