what did you wrench on today??

[Dave8338]

Dave why an Escort is that run in some sort of stock car racing?

No...no stock car racing for this one. Its' only race events are when I'm runing late to work.

I really like Escorts.

Had my first in 1986 (1981 wagon GL 4-speed 1.6L with factory moon roof) and it has been an obcession, ever since. I've had several and used to burn through them every 5-6 years and 250K miles+. Very easy on the wallet both in fuel economy (with a little tinkering and a few slight mods, the 1.9L 5-speeds will average 35 mpg) and they are FUN to drive! Easy to work on and parts are cheap, a good set of tires will run 50-60k miles easy and...well, you get the idea.

They're a lot like the GS as far as ownership and upkeep.

[koolaid_kid]

Helped bwringer replace the swingarm on his VStrom (with an interesting sidetrip included). Then we replaced the front lower control arm bushings (on my 03 Focus) with Energy Suspension polyurethane bushings (and all new hardened bolts and nuts). We learned a lot doing this, including the fact that it is a very time consuming task and would had been impossible without his 20 ton hydraulic press. Could not test due to damp roads, but we will be doing the rear control arms and trailing arms tomorrow. No more squeaks up front, and since I like to carve the corners in the Focus it should be much more enjoyable now.

[Steve]

For anyone who needs to replace speakers, check out Parts Express. Excellent prices (both pairs totaled $70 including S&H) and broad selection.

I do, just about every time I'm home.

Just over 8 miles from the house.

.

[haggisbasher]

Afternoon all

It warmed up to -2C today so i went out to try and check the plugs and compression on my new to me GS750L. When i pulled the plugs they were fouled. It ran the day I brought it home but after a little while of running it stopped. I presumed no gas as it was really low but I guess it was the plugs.
The plugs were the wrong type so that may also have been a factor.

I tried to connect my compression tester only to find that none of the adapters were small enough. I decided to just put the new plugs in and see what happened. She fired and ran first touch of the starter. AWESOME.

So far I have changed the oil, got a new battery (PO had a 12amp one in there) and changed the plugs. Valve clearances and compression test are next once i get the correct adapter and a replacement valve cover gasket.

I know the carbs should be done and i am reading everything i can find to build the confidence to tackle them.

[physics-teacher]

Put an end to the oil misting around the clutch pinion shaft by changing the oil seal that I have had lying around for months. Not easy getting the old one out......

[Qckslvr]

I installed my clip ons this morning. I like em, I likes em alot LOL

[cowboyup3371]

Well, day's not over yet but I repaired the faucet end of my hose with a nice setup - slide in the new end and slide up a hose clamp to keep it on. Had to do that after my oldest left the hose attached to the faucet and it froze. Went out to water the horses yesterday AM and no water coming through. My smart butt tried to knock the ice from the end of the hose and bent the end that attaches to the faucet.

Also took my carbs apart to record the jet sizes and make sure which carbs I wanted to replace if possible.

Plan on taking the horses for a ride soon as they've been neglected for too long.

[DanTheMan]

Cleaned my shop up so I could put my bike in it, and still have room to work on pianos and other instruments. It also gave me room to work on the Jeep during these cold, dark days. My garage is heated as well as my shop. The bike fired right up, sounded good too, even though I haven't put the next shim size in yet (valves are a little tight, Ray sent me more shims, they're waiting to be installed).
I also tuned my piano and regulated the action so I could stand to play it when I want to.

[7981GS]

Made some progress on the new Suzuki Barn:



Daniel

[cowboyup3371]

Looks good Daniel. I'll be starting on one this spring myself.

I started stripping the paint off of the swingarm and sprocket cover. I'll try to paint at least the cover this week.

[7981GS]

Made some progress yesterday...



And got a tarp on it last night just in time!



The floor has 3 coats of waterproofing on it so it might not be too bad...



Going to frame for another window on the back right also equal distance from the other one. (The Sunny side. )

Daniel

[chuck hahn]

whats the dimensions..square footage?

[Runningdog]

7981GS, looks good, but you know you'll wish you made it 2 feet larger in each direction.

One small issue I noted is at the window framing...frame in a window the same as a door (as you did), with two vertical members at each side of the opening.....that space still has to support roof/snow load, etc. At this stage, it is easy to add a bit more wood.

I think that building your own work space is just as satisfying as working on the bikes.

[7981GS]

7981GS, looks good, but you know you'll wish you made it 2 feet larger in each direction.

One small issue I noted is at the window framing...frame in a window the same as a door (as you did), with two vertical members at each side of the opening.....that space still has to support roof/snow load, etc. At this stage, it is easy to add a bit more wood.

I think that building your own work space is just as satisfying as working on the bikes.

Window frame is not finished yet, we were just trying to make some progress while freezing our buts off...
It started out to be 12' X 12' but that just was NOT going to do at all!
Building codes say that anything over 10' X 10' needs a permit. It's only a shed for cripes sake!
The neighbors building behind it, is the same dimensions, sitting on dirt, no permit, and they actually live in it.
12' X 16' is all that I could rationalize for now. Any further out, and it would be into my driveway.
Going to build an addition where the Explorer is to accommodate 2 full dressers at a later date when $$$ falls from the trees in the back yard.
The roof will be 2 x 6's with double 2 x 6's as a bearing support. The roofer that did our house, volunteered to shingle the barn for FREE! ( He likes bikes. )
Double interlocking 2 x 4 top plates all around. Lots of screws and lag bolts.
The floor is 23/32" Exterior T & G. Everything is 16" O.C. or tighter. (Code, allows for 24" O.C.... screw that.)
About $1,000.00 in materials so far...

[Dave8338]

...and how much $$$ for the Lincoln or Bird??