Sunday, November 29, 2009

Thanksgiving Day drive

1941 Chevrolet Business Coupe

While I was out on Thanksgiving day I spotted this 1941 Chevrolet Business Coupe in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. It was at a small garage that was selling other vehicles too. Being a holiday no one was at the garage to ask any questions. This looked in excellent shape. The paint looked in great shape and I didn’t see any major flaws. I thought the vintage 70’s Monte Carlo hubcaps was a bit odd. The interior was in very good condition.  There was a for sale sign in the window but, it gave no price. I hope it finds a good home. I just thought I’d share what I found. Enjoy!

1941 Chevrolet Business Coupe

1941 Chevrolet Business Coupe

1941 Chevrolet Business Coupe

1941 Chevrolet Business Coupe

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

2000 Ford Windstar oil change

Well I finally got around to changing the oil in my wife’s 2000 Ford Windstar. I took some pictures and thought I’d share them here. This isn’t a strict “by-the-book” type of “how to” post. I thought I’d share my experience and thoughts. I hope this would give some who’s considering doing this themselves or perhaps some with my experience some helpful points(or laughs).

DSCN0472 

Prior to tackling this task you’ll need a few items:

  • Oil Filter: In this case I used a Bosch Premium Oil Filter Part No. 3422. This Windstar is equipped with a 3.8 Liter engine, if you have a different engine you may have a different filter. Most places you buy a filter have a book you can look up your vehicle or just ask a store associate (if you can find one).
  • Oil: This vehicle calls for 5W-30. I don’t usually get too picky picking out a particular brand name. I change my vehicles oil every 3000 miles so I try and stay in a reasonable price range.
  • Oil filter wrench: There are many types of filter wrenches out there. In this case I had to use a “cap-type” of filter tool that you use with  a 3/8” ratchet wrench because of the tight spot the filters in.
  • Rags and hand cleaner: Your going to get some oil on your hands. If your squeamish about getting a little dirty stop here.
  • Dirty oil container: You’ll need a pan to catch the used oil.

First you’ll want to raise the vehicle to gain access. I use a set of steel ramps, chock the wheels and set the hand brake. Of course you’ll also want to do this on level ground.

DSCN0473

I crawled under on a creeper and used a 5/8” socket w/ratchet and removed the drain plug(placing oil drain pan underneath before hand of course).I usually let the oil drain out for a few minutes and then I replace the drain plug.

DSCN0474

I then locate the filter which is just behind the front passenger tire. It’s in an odd angle and tight spot so my favorite strap-type oil wrench won’t work. I had to pull out the type that fits on top of the filter and is turned by a 3/8’ ratchet wrench on top. I had to use an extension. I’m hitting myself on my head because I didn’t take a picture of it. I’ll add one at a later date.

DSCN0479

After I prep the the new filter by filling it part way with oil to prime it. Being sure oil up the gasket too. This can come out too help drown it in oil. I replace the filter and tighten it with the wrench, not too tight though. You can bind up the gasket which will leak, which is very bad. Not to mention the next time you go to change the oil it will be difficult to remove.

I then fill it up with recommended amount of oil, which is 5 qts. for this vehicle. I start it up and let it run for a bit. I usually take this time to clean up my area. Stop the engine wait for 10-15 minutes and check the oil level and add if necessary.

Some notes:

  • I goofed and didn’t check to see if I had oil spill cleanup stuff. I usually have some but when I went to clean up a small spill I didn’t have any. I need to pick some up before next oil change(my car this weekend).
  • I’ll also need a new drain plug. This one won’t last too much longer as some threads didn’t look too good. It’ll hold but, I’ll replace it next oil change.

Well that’s all for now. It’s a pretty straight forward oil change. Feel free to comment or ask a question. Like I said it wasn’t a strict how-to article but it’ll give you an idea of what to expect should you need to to this yourself. Have a great day!

Saturday, November 7, 2009

You Drive What?

funny_Car_4

It would seem that I spoke too soon. From the same people that bring you People of WalMart have now started a sister site called YouDriveWhat.com. It just started up the same day as my last post about there website..hmmm maybe somebody read my post, I don’t know. Here are some samples:

 funny_Car_11

funny_Car_13

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Car's of Wal-Mart

If you need a good chuckle be sure and check out Peopleofwalmart.com. Most of it shows the uh..um..unique customers that Wal-Mart seems to attract. I personally avoid the place like a plague. Yes I've seen people like those shown at the site. They also show the special types of vehicle shown like the one above. I'm still going through the site as I write this and I had to share this. Maybe they should have a spinoff website called cars of Wal-Mart?