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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

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  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,697
    edited July 2023

    Today I was tipped off about a nice 88 piece tool set that's actually made in the USA - and available at Lowe's. Unfortunately, the Texas factory manufacturing the sets (and some other tools) is now closed so I suggest moving fast if you want a set. I had to ask for assistance to buy my set because they weren't displayed with the other Craftsman tools. A sales associate finally found them in "the warehouse area of the store." For $70 I think it's a great deal.

    Thanks! It looks like there are a few in stock locally. I may get one so that we can give it to my daughter after (if? /sigh) she gets her license.

    The one thing these sets seem to be missing nowadays, but are absolutely essential, are needle-nose pliers. Of course, this one also doesn't have box wrenches, which is maybe a deal-breaker for a keep-in-the-car emergency toolkit.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,330
    xwesx said:


    The one thing these sets seem to be missing nowadays, but are absolutely essential, are needle-nose pliers. Of course, this one also doesn't have box wrenches, which is maybe a deal-breaker for a keep-in-the-car emergency toolkit.

    About 30 years ado I bought my Craftsman tools at Sears (on sale though I can’t remember the price) and it had ratchets, sockets, and combination wrenches that have all served me very well. Nice compact case too. Odd that none of the new sets have combo wrenches unless you go to the $200+/- sets.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,331
    I think I already have most of those tools, but that is a nice find. I managed to lose my first 10mm socket while working on the Prius. Also lost an extension I had borrowed from my dad. There really aren't many places they could have gone. I still haven't replaced either.
  • jmonroe1jmonroe1 Member Posts: 9,373

    @corvette said:
    I think I already have most of those tools, but that is a nice find. I managed to lose my first 10mm socket while working on the Prius. Also lost an extension I had borrowed from my dad. There really aren't many places they could have gone. I still haven't replaced either.

    ————————————————
    Many moons ago I thought I was careful when I was cleaning up one night but I apparently threw away a Craftsman 1/2 inch drive 6 point socket. I’ve since replaced it but every time I use the replacement socket I remember losing the first one. I make myself laugh when I put it away now…usually talking to it saying, “don’t you go jumping into the trash can, you hear?” :/

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's.
    '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,036

    @corvette said:
    I think I already have most of those tools, but that is a nice find. I managed to lose my first 10mm socket while working on the Prius. Also lost an extension I had borrowed from my dad. There really aren't many places they could have gone. I still haven't replaced either.

    Losing your 10MM is a social media trend… lots of “funny”‘ videos about it

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,937
    I bought a Craftsman socket set many years ago - must be close to 20 years now - and it continues to serve me well, thought I did replace one of the wrenches.

    Funny thing is…the case, as you’d expect, had a place for each and every socket. So I took the time to organize and place each one in it’s place, only to find out when you lifted up the case the top wasn’t tight enough to secure them all so they all just fell to the bottom of the case. 😀

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,464
    I need to do the RDX. But that’s complicated, requiring multiple tools and removing parts.

    Should go back to circular cleaners with a wing nut holding the top on. Worked fine in the 70s

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,036

    @stickguy said:
    I need to do the RDX. But that’s complicated, requiring multiple tools and removing parts.

    Should go back to circular cleaners with a wing nut holding the top on. Worked fine in the 70s

    The air cleaner in the Enclave was unnecessarily complicated. I’ve never opened the hood of the XC so couldn’t tell what that is like.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,245
    breld said:

    @xwesx - I am in awe of your mechanic skills and courage.

    I replaced the air filter in my daughter’s Jetta this past weekend. So there.

    I just figured out how to squirt some rust proofing into my son’s rocker panels. Does that count?

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • jmonroe1jmonroe1 Member Posts: 9,373

    @tjc78 said:

    @stickguy said:
    I need to do the RDX. But that’s complicated, requiring multiple tools and removing parts.

    Should go back to circular cleaners with a wing nut holding the top on. Worked fine in the 70s

    The air cleaner in the Enclave was unnecessarily complicated. I’ve never opened the hood of the XC so couldn’t tell what that is like.

    ————————————————
    You gotta be kidding; you never opened the hood of your car? :o What kind of a car guy are you? Are you sure there is anything thing under there?

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's.
    '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,464
    Well, I opened the Maverick hood last week. Based on the bright orange cables, there actually is danger under there.

    Air filter, that looked easy. And coils and plugs super accessible. Not even a plastic shroud to remove!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • jmonroe1jmonroe1 Member Posts: 9,373

    @roadburner said:
    Opening the hood is very dangerous- something might catch fire or explode...

    ————————————————
    That’s true for some but I thought @tjc78 could handle it. Guess not.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's.
    '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,697
    edited July 2023
    I made progress last night, but I did not get the transmission reinstalled. I found out, as I was installing the new clutch plate, that there is a small grounding strap that connects between the top of the transmission and the firewall above it. Well, not so easy to see when everything is in there! I apparently snapped it clean in two as the unit was lowered down to the ground with only that little wire trying to provide resistance.

    Much easier to just get another one today and install it first before lifting the unit back into place.

    This is what I did get done...



    I need to clean up the grease a little, just to make sure I don't get stuff flinging, but it started raining last night, so I wrapped things up before it got any worse.





    Here's the old clutch plate.... It's seen better days! Apparently, pulling my 6x12 enclosed dual axle trailer isn't easy on it. Haha!


    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • jmonroe1jmonroe1 Member Posts: 9,373
    edited July 2023

    @xwesx said:
    I made progress last night, but I did not get the transmission reinstalled. I found out, as I was installing the new clutch plate, that there is a small grounding strap that connects between the top of the transmission and the firewall above it. Well, not so easy to see when everything is in there! I apparently snapped it clean in two as the unit was lowered down to the ground with only that little wire trying to provide resistance.

    Much easier to just get another one today and install it first before lifting the unit back into place.

    This is what I did get done...

    I need to clean up the grease a little, just to make sure I don't get stuff flinging, but it started raining last night, so I wrapped things up before it got any worse.

    Here's the old clutch plate.... It's seen better days! Apparently, pulling my 6x12 enclosed dual axle trailer isn't easy on it. Haha!

    ————————————————
    Maybe it’s my phone but those last 2 thingies look the same to me.

    As for the ground strap, you coulda used that aluminum sticky duct tape. o:)

    EDIT: I now see your new pic. Yeah, that thing is wasted.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's.
    '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,330
    I see there is another car carrier ship fire today and the blame is being initially put on one of the 25 M-B electrics on board (not mentioned in the attached story but Reuters reported the claim separately in a different piece):

    https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/one-dead-several-wounded-after-fire-cargo-ship-dutch-coast-guard-2023-07-26/

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,528

    @stickguy said:
    Well, I opened the Maverick hood last week. Based on the bright orange cables, there actually is danger under there.

    Air filter, that looked easy. And coils and plugs super accessible. Not even a plastic shroud to remove!

    Who are you kidding? You were not gonna have that maverick. Long enough to do plugs and coils.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,464
    I might, but I also would not likely be the one replacing them.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,697
    jmonroe1 said:


    EDIT: I now see your new pic. Yeah, that thing is wasted.

    jmonroe

    I was shocked at just how small the clutch plate is on this car. It's only about 8" across!
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,330
    Interesting development here on the EV charging front: a consortium of automakers including GM, Stellantis, Honda, Hyundai/Kia, BMW and M-B have announced a joint venture to build out a charging network to compete with Elon’s.

    https://www.autonews.com/mobility-report/challenging-tesla-major-automakers-launch-ev-charging-network

    Hope they can get the electricity.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • jmonroe1jmonroe1 Member Posts: 9,373
    nyccarguy said:

    @stickguy said:

    Well, I opened the Maverick hood last week. Based on the bright orange cables, there actually is danger under there.

    Air filter, that looked easy. And coils and plugs super accessible. Not even a plastic shroud to remove!

    Who are you kidding? You were not gonna have that maverick. Long enough to do plugs and coils.

    ————————————————
    Leave him alone. He’ll wake up from his dream when he hears a Miata roar by.

    jmonroe
    '15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's.
    '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,367

    @xwesx said:
    I made progress last night, but I did not get the transmission reinstalled. I found out, as I was installing the new clutch plate, that there is a small grounding strap that connects between the top of the transmission and the firewall above it. Well, not so easy to see when everything is in there! I apparently snapped it clean in two as the unit was lowered down to the ground with only that little wire trying to provide resistance.

    Much easier to just get another one today and install it first before lifting the unit back into place.

    This is what I did get done...

    I need to clean up the grease a little, just to make sure I don't get stuff flinging, but it started raining last night, so I wrapped things up before it got any worse.

    Here's the old clutch plate.... It's seen better days! Apparently, pulling my 6x12 enclosed dual axle trailer isn't easy on it. Haha!

    On the BMW E3 sedans if you disconnected the motor to body ground strap the speedometer cable would act as the ground and smoke would soon come pouring out of the speedometer.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,367

    Update on my friend’s C7: the dealer is replacing the battery fuse block and charging the battery overnight. More news as it develops.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • greg128greg128 Member Posts: 546
    ab348 said:

    I see there is another car carrier ship fire today and the blame is being initially put on one of the 25 M-B electrics on board (not mentioned in the attached story but Reuters reported the claim separately in a different piece):

    https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/one-dead-several-wounded-after-fire-cargo-ship-dutch-coast-guard-2023-07-26/

    I imagine insurance rates for cargo ships transporting electric vehicles are or will be skyrocketing. There was a similar incident a year or two ago which was I think around a half billion dollar loss. There was also a vehicle cargo ship fire recently at the port of Newark, NJ resulting in the death of a firefighter although there was not a mention of EVs that I could find. That does not mean one was not involved or the cause.

    It is probably a better idea to assemble and transport them on the same continent.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,697


    On the BMW E3 sedans if you disconnected the motor to body ground strap the speedometer cable would act as the ground and smoke would soon come pouring out of the speedometer.

    Yikes! Not a kind way to find out!
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 263,286
    greg128 said:

    ab348 said:

    I see there is another car carrier ship fire today and the blame is being initially put on one of the 25 M-B electrics on board (not mentioned in the attached story but Reuters reported the claim separately in a different piece):

    https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/one-dead-several-wounded-after-fire-cargo-ship-dutch-coast-guard-2023-07-26/

    I imagine insurance rates for cargo ships transporting electric vehicles are or will be skyrocketing. There was a similar incident a year or two ago which was I think around a half billion dollar loss. There was also a vehicle cargo ship fire recently at the port of Newark, NJ resulting in the death of a firefighter although there was not a mention of EVs that I could find. That does not mean one was not involved or the cause.

    It is probably a better idea to assemble and transport them on the same continent.
    I thought two fireman died in Newark.

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    2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,245
    ab348 said:

    I see there is another car carrier ship fire today and the blame is being initially put on one of the 25 M-B electrics on board (not mentioned in the attached story but Reuters reported the claim separately in a different piece):

    https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/one-dead-several-wounded-after-fire-cargo-ship-dutch-coast-guard-2023-07-26/

    The price of EVs just went up.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • au1994au1994 Member Posts: 3,714
    https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2023-rivian-r1s-34/

    A poster friend might want to watch this one…

    2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
    2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
    2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,528

    @xwesx - thought of you at dinner tonight

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,036

    @jmonroe1 said:

    @tjc78 said:

    @stickguy said:
    I need to do the RDX. But that’s complicated, requiring multiple tools and removing parts.

    Should go back to circular cleaners with a wing nut holding the top on. Worked fine in the 70s

    The air cleaner in the Enclave was unnecessarily complicated. I’ve never opened the hood of the XC so couldn’t tell what that is like.

    ————————————————
    You gotta be kidding; you never opened the hood of your car? :o What kind of a car guy are you? Are you sure there is anything thing under there?

    jmonroe

    What’s there to do? It’s a lease with prepaid maintenance. I can check the oil from the screen on the dash. It has 18k miles on it .. I’m sure eventually I’d have to do something but it hasn’t needed it.

    Also - it’s the same engine my S60 had so I do at least know what it looks like!

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,464
    that was my question. Being punished?

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,464
    I love this. Not the price but looks immaculate. Would likely rust away in 2 years up here though if I dared take it out in the winter.

    Already expensive and I assume it goes well over the 31K current bid.

    https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1982-toyota-4x4-pickup-36/

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,464
    and here is something QB motors needs. can fit lots of oddball little Japanese cars in this thing!

    https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1973-international-harvester-loadstar-1700/

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • jmonroe1jmonroe1 Member Posts: 9,373

    @xwesx said:

    I made progress last night, but I did not get the transmission reinstalled. I found out, as I was installing the new clutch plate, that there is a small grounding strap that connects between the top of the transmission and the firewall above it. Well, not so easy to see when everything is in there! I apparently snapped it clean in two as the unit was lowered down to the ground with only that little wire trying to provide resistance.

    Much easier to just get another one today and install it first before lifting the unit back into place.

    This is what I did get done...

    I need to clean up the grease a little, just to make sure I don't get stuff flinging, but it started raining last night, so I wrapped things up before it got any worse.

    Here's the old clutch plate.... It's seen better days! Apparently, pulling my 6x12 enclosed dual axle trailer isn't easy on it. Haha!

    On the BMW E3 sedans if you disconnected the motor to body ground strap the speedometer cable would act as the ground and smoke would soon come pouring out of the speedometer.

    ————————————————
    That might lead to some folks bragging that they went so fast they smoked their speedometer.

    jmonroe
    '15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's.
    '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
  • jmonroe1jmonroe1 Member Posts: 9,373

    ab348 said:

    I see there is another car carrier ship fire today and the blame is being initially put on one of the 25 M-B electrics on board (not mentioned in the attached story but Reuters reported the claim separately in a different piece):

    https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/one-dead-several-wounded-after-fire-cargo-ship-dutch-coast-guard-2023-07-26/

    The price of EVs just went up.
    ————————————————
    If this continues they might want to fix the problem or ship the batteries on another boat. When trouble shooting electrical bugaboos, isolating the problem usually helps.

    jmonroe
    '15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's.
    '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
  • jmonroe1jmonroe1 Member Posts: 9,373
    stickguy said:

    and here is something QB motors needs. can fit lots of oddball little Japanese cars in this thing!

    https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1973-international-harvester-loadstar-1700/

    ————————————————
    I always get a kick out of the adds for old vehicles that say, “XXXXXXX miles shown”. For once I’d like to see, “miles shown has been shown many times before”.

    jmonroe
    '15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's.
    '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,464

    Looks pretty

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,751

    @stickguy said:
    and here is something QB motors needs. can fit lots of oddball little Japanese cars in this thing!

    https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1973-international-harvester-loadstar-1700/

    Kinda neat, but too small. Needs 264” inside to fit 2 Kei cars.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,245
    stickguy said:

    that was my question. Being punished?

    My question is what was he doing at that pawn shop in the previous Subie picture.😫

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,245
    stickguy said:

    I love this. Not the price but looks immaculate. Would likely rust away in 2 years up here though if I dared take it out in the winter.

    Already expensive and I assume it goes well over the 31K current bid.

    https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1982-toyota-4x4-pickup-36/

    That generation of Toyota had a welded seam running the length of the bed. They didn’t rustproof it at all so it would corrode within a few years completely destroying the bed.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,528

    I know it’s on the Cape and is an ex rental and has had (5) owners, but it is priced decent and a private seller:

    https://www.autotrader.com/marketplace/buy/ford/escape/2009/1FMCU93G59KB62234?listingId=683755414

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,528

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,464

    First one looks clean. I always liked the boxy escapes. An honest car. Though I have in my head that you are better off with the 4 cylinder. And that old for a kid, I would rather have FWD. less to go wrong.

    Use the rust spot to hammer down the price on the 2nd one!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,528

    @stickguy said:
    First one looks clean. I always liked the boxy escapes. An honest car. Though I have in my head that you are better off with the 4 cylinder. And that old for a kid, I would rather have FWD. less to go wrong.

    Use the rust spot to hammer down the price on the 2nd one!

    I’ve messaged both sellers on Autotrader to see if they can provide me with any additional information.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,528

    The one from the Cape is gone. At least the seller messaged me back.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

This discussion has been closed.