Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

explorerx4 · April 2022

The north side takes a beating, so I have another little rehab job on the same door.

explorerx4 · April 2022

Elantra N is advertised to make 276 HP, but under rated?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ty4T4wGPG8

oldfarmer50 · April 2022

explorerx4 said:
Elantra N is advertised to make 276 HP, but under rated?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ty4T4wGPG8

Ford did the same on it’s big block motors back in the late 60s to save customers on insurance.

qbrozen · April 2022

@explorerx4 said:
Elantra N is advertised to make 276 HP, but under rated?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ty4T4wGPG8

I want to like it … but … FWD

roadburner · April 2022

qbrozen said:

@explorerx4 said:

Elantra N is advertised to make 276 HP, but under rated?

I want to like it … but … FWD

Same here.

jmonroe1 · April 2022

explorerx4 said:
The north side takes a beating, so I have another little rehab job on the same door.

————————————————-

If my house had a door that required that much work I’d move.

jmonroe

explorerx4 · May 2022

@jmonroe1,
I think I'll take your advice on moving!

driver100 · May 2022

————————————————-

If my house had a door that required that much work I’d move.

jmonroe

I'd call "The Guy"

jmonroe1 · May 2022

@explorerx4 said:
@jmonroe1,
I think I'll take your advice on moving!

————————————————-

Smart decision because I’m always right. At least that’s what Mrs. j always tells me. You can’t get more of an authority than that and still be in our universe.

jmonroe

driver100 · May 2022

Speaking of calling the guy, we had water on the floor in the basement.
Called the plumber....said it was a drain pipe....used the snake, couldn't reach it.
He sent two guys the next day with heavy equipment....pressure wash and a camera.
Discovered the blockage is about 120 feet out and is in the cities pipes, fixed it for now...said it would reoccur if not repaired.
Plumbing company seemed honest, they offered to send restoration company to do cleanup.
2 guys show up....estimate $2000 to $2500 to cleanup.
We want it done, it is Friday afternoon, don't want to go thru a weekend like this.
I call insurance company....CAA, which is like AAA.
They have their restoration guy call me...he says the insurance company will pay, they could do it for $600, and do it within the next hour.
They put contaminated stuff outside, take photos, do valuations.
The deductible is $1000, I am not sure there is $1000 worth of junk....maybe just over.
I might be able to get reimbursed by the city. I have to send them a video of the camera view....showing feet that the blockage occurs.
The plumbing expert has to draw on the road in green paint the location of the blockage.
He has to submit a drawing to show how and where it is.
That will cost $320. First plumber call was $350, second was $780.
My only hope is that the city will pay the bills, plus the $1000 deductible. They said submit all the bills.
I get a feeling this won't be easy....and if they don't pay I will go to small claims court on principle.
I have been on the phone for hours, and the paper work and physical work has been enormous.....and it isn't my fault....I should be reimbursed for pain and suffering!

jmonroe1 · May 2022

@driver100 said:
Speaking of calling the guy, we had water on the floor in the basement.
Called the plumber....said it was a drain pipe....used the snake, couldn't reach it.
He sent two guys the next day with heavy equipment....pressure wash and a camera.
Discovered the blockage is about 120 feet out and is in the cities pipes, fixed it for now...said it would reoccur if not repaired.
Plumbing company seemed honest, they offered to send restoration company to do cleanup.
2 guys show up....estimate $2000 to $2500 to cleanup.
We want it done, it is Friday afternoon, don't want to go thru a weekend like this.
I call insurance company....CAA, which is like AAA.
They have their restoration guy call me...he says the insurance company will pay, they could do it for $600, and do it within the next hour.
They put contaminated stuff outside, take photos, do valuations.
The deductible is $1000, I am not sure there is $1000 worth of junk....maybe just over.
I might be able to get reimbursed by the city. I have to send them a video of the camera view....showing feet that the blockage occurs.
The plumbing expert has to draw on the road in green paint the location of the blockage.
He has to submit a drawing to show how and where it is.
That will cost $320. First plumber call was $350, second was $780.
My only hope is that the city will pay the bills, plus the $1000 deductible. They said submit all the bills.
I get a feeling this won't be easy....and if they don't pay I will go to small claims court on principle.
I have been on the phone for hours, and the paper work and physical work has been enormous.....and it isn't my fault....I should be reimbursed for pain and suffering!

You can be sure the city will file a counter suit claiming the pain and suffering you have caused them.

Although I hope you win this one.

jmonroe

sda · May 2022

I don't have to use them often, the ability to fold down seats to create additional room is tremendous.

driver100 · May 2022

sda said:
I don't have to use them often, the ability to fold down seats to create additional room is tremendous.

It comes in handy if you carry lattice work frames in the back of your SUV for some reason.

venture · May 2022

explorerx4 said:
@jmonroe1,
I think I'll take your advice on moving!

You are doing a nice job. Drying time always gets you with stuff like that.

stickguy · May 2022

that repair only has to last about 6 weeks (or 1 day past closing). Should make that!

venture · May 2022

sda said:
I don't have to use them often, the ability to fold down seats to create additional room is tremendous.

I had to get a few 8' - 2x4's one day. I just folded down the seats in the Legacy and took that to Lowes. I opened the trunk and put the lumber inside and closed the trunk.

When I stood up there was a guy leaning on his pickup watching me. He said, "I can't even get a 2x4 in my bed with the tailgate closed anymore". He looked unhappy.

explorerx4 · May 2022

I would put 2x4's(or similar) through the sliding rear window on my truck.

stickguy · May 2022

found another advantage of a PU today. ran out of gas for the mower, and was able to put the can in the back of the truck. Somehow the gas station guy always manages to spill gas on it and even with a paper towel wipe down it would make the inside of the car smell like gas for a few days. Not an issue any longer. Put the can in an old milk crate and it was nice and safe (and upright) in the back.

I also took advantage of the Ford "flex bed" finally. They built in some notches in the side wall of the bed, designed to be used for a DIY bed divider. Online had the dimensions and I had some leftover 1x6 fascia boards. Cut 2 pieces to length and hacked the end off an old pool noodle to slip over the ends. Slid into the notches perfectly. nice and tight and not rubbing or squeaks. Leaves just about 12" space from tailgate to the wood. Perfect for something like the milk crate, or grocery bags. I plan to get some collapsible boxes to keep back there for stowing stuff like grocery bags in. No need to worry about stuff rolling all over the bed. And if I put something big toward the front, it won't roll out the back!

henryn · May 2022

venture said:

sda said:
I don't have to use them often, the ability to fold down seats to create additional room is tremendous.

I had to get a few 8' - 2x4's one day. I just folded down the seats in the Legacy and took that to Lowes. I opened the trunk and put the lumber inside and closed the trunk.

When I stood up there was a guy leaning on his pickup watching me. He said, "I can't even get a 2x4 in my bed with the tailgate closed anymore". He looked unhappy.

I have an 8' bed on my truck. Comes in very handy from time to time.

stickguy · May 2022

8' in my bed is either going to be hanging well past the tailgate. Or I open the sliding window and stick them through there. Should be plenty of space from dashboard to tailgate!

if you want 12' I would open the moonroof and stick them out there. From tailgate to infinity, and beyond!

stickguy · May 2022

I almost got to use the Maverick to bring home a rototiller from HD today. Was at my sons and they were renting one to chew up some planting beds. But they were smart enough to take their Fit instead. Only because we were leaving early and they needed to make sure they could get it back at the end of the rental!

Between having a truck, more tools than I know what to do with, time on my hands, and free puppy sitting, they are more anxious to get us moved up there than I am!

explorerx4 · May 2022

Getting there, repair area is now primed(except for brickmold).

Hikeandbikeare4me_ · May 2022

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:
Buyer beware!
Personally, I don't think I'd buy a car from a place that looked like that dealership...KBB.
Also, maybe the real KBB (Kelly Blue Book) could probably go after them for using their name, to sell cars.
I thought you couldn't turn back mileage on today's cars?

This the real website right? https://www.kbb.ca/

Hikeandbikeare4me_ · May 2022

explorerx4 said:
A couple of more work in progress pics.

Cool!

jmonroe1 · May 2022

@driver100 said:
It comes in handy if you carry lattice work frames in the back of your SUV for some reason.

————————————————-

That’s a grate for Southern style barbecue grills; holds half a pig.

jmonroe

explorerx4 · May 2022

Went to Home Depot today to pick up some mulch.
It was on the Honor System. No employees to check how much you loaded.
Yes, I was honorable.

driver100 · May 2022

Hikeandbikeare4me_ said:

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:
Buyer beware!
Personally, I don't think I'd buy a car from a place that looked like that dealership...KBB.
Also, maybe the real KBB (Kelly Blue Book) could probably go after them for using their name, to sell cars.
I thought you couldn't turn back mileage on today's cars?

This the real website right? https://www.kbb.ca/

Yes, that's the real KBB. I don't know how the scam lot could use their name, unless the owner's name is Kevin Kelly Bernard.

driver100 · May 2022

@explorerx4
It's looking pretty good now that you are almost finished.
I was getting worried when I saw the earlier pictures

jipster · May 2022

Here's a question for any home improvement expert. We've had flickering lights for the past week. Yesterday the refrigerator, garage door, select lights went out, but the remainder stayed on. In checking circuit breaker. ...the breakers aren't tripped. In further checking it's the breakers on the left side of breaker box that have gone out , the right side breakers items are fine. I call Louisville Gas & Electric at the advice of my handyman friend. The problem was fixed...at the expense of some shrubbery in the front yard. Can anyone name a possible cause of this problem? A hint would be why would I call L.G&E instead of an electrician.

kyfdx · May 2022

Bad meter?

abacomike · May 2022

@jipster said:
Here's a question for any home improvement expert. We've had flickering lights for the past week. Yesterday the refrigerator, garage door, select lights went out, but the remainder stayed on. In checking circuit breaker. ...the breakers aren't tripped. In further checking it's the breakers on the left side of breaker box that have gone out , the right side breakers items are fine. I call Louisville Gas & Electric at the advice of my handyman friend. The problem was fixed...at the expense of some shrubbery in the front yard. Can anyone name a possible cause of this problem? A hint would be why would I call L.G&E instead of an electrician.

My guess is that the main electric line was frayed causing arcing which caused flickering and eventual outage. I assume your main electric line was a 220 - and the arcing caused a loss of 110 - which caused outage of 1/2 of your electricity. Just a guess!

jmonroe1 · May 2022

abacomike said:

@jipster said:

Here's a question for any home improvement expert. We've had flickering lights for the past week. Yesterday the refrigerator, garage door, select lights went out, but the remainder stayed on. In checking circuit breaker. ...the breakers aren't tripped. In further checking it's the breakers on the left side of breaker box that have gone out , the right side breakers items are fine. I call Louisville Gas & Electric at the advice of my handyman friend. The problem was fixed...at the expense of some shrubbery in the front yard. Can anyone name a possible cause of this problem? A hint would be why would I call L.G&E instead of an electrician.

My guess is that the main electric line was frayed causing arcing which caused flickering and eventual outage. I assume your main electric line was a 220 - and the arcing caused a loss of 110 - which caused outage of 1/2 of your electricity. Just a guess!

I just saw this.

@abacomike, it sounds like you found the problem. The main service to the house is 220 VAC. In short you have two 110 VAC lines and one neutral line. If you lose all of the circuits on one side of the breaker box, you have lost one of the 110 VAC lines. This is usually caused by a loose connection and depending on how much of a load is being drawn from that line the connection will eventually fail and you lose that side of the breaker box.

The power company is responsible for the line coming to the house from the pole (when you have overhead electrical service).

It’s possible that the storm that blew over your neighbors chimney that hit your outside AC unit also put too much stress on the electrical connection at the mast head that caused your homes electrical problem.

jmonroe

jipster · May 2022

Well, close enough... if not correct. The L.G&E electrician said I had a meter lug that was broken in the outside meter box. The line was indeed loose, had been arching and was burned in spots, (arched when my friend was looking at it). He said there were 3 lugs ( I suppose positive, negative and neutral?)

My electrical lines are underground. My friend had said L.G&E would be responsible for the repair since it was on "their side" of the meter box. But, the electrician said that we were responsible. Perhaps what jmonroe was alluding to? They are only responsible in cases where the electrical lines are overhead.

I asked the electrician if the recent storm could have made the flickering and loss of power in some breaker panels worse. He said he thought it just a coincidence. Anyhow, it's fixed.

jmonroe1 · May 2022

jipster said:
Well, close enough... if not correct. The L.G&E electrician said I had a meter lug that was broken in the outside meter box. The line was indeed loose, had been arching and was burned in spots, (arched when my friend was looking at it). He said there were 3 lugs ( I suppose positive, negative and neutral?)

My electrical lines are underground. My friend had said L.G&E would be responsible for the repair since it was on "their side" of the meter box. But, the electrician said that we were responsible. Perhaps what jmonroe was alluding to? They are only responsible in cases where the electrical lines are overhead.

I asked the electrician if the recent storm could have made the flickering and loss of power in some breaker panels worse. He said he thought it just a coincidence. Anyhow, it's fixed.

Since you have underground electrical service weather cannot affect your connection.

When the power company connects the meter they should check the two 110 VAC insulated wire connections on both the top and bottom of the meter socket and the bare neutral wires. If tightened properly they will never come loose. These are not maintenance items.

BTW, there is no positive and negative wires for AC. Positive and negative applies to DC power like in your car.

jmonroe

tjc78 · May 2022

Great explanation J. This happened at my Mom’s house right before she sold it. The bad connection was at the pole. Luckily I was able to move a few breakers over to the good side and have her lights on until they came to fix it. The side that went out had most of the interior lighting on it. Nothing I could do for the AC compressor though… house was toasty inside

Sandman6472 · May 2022

Had something similar a few years back. Turned out to be a lose wire up in the attic. Since our contract on the house didn't cover this, we had to call an electrician in to find the source of the problem. Wife said the guy worked his butt off in the hot attic and an hour later, problem solve and check book dinged for $702! We've been in the house since mid-1987, new build, so things are going to go wrong every so often. Our plans to move have been put on indefinite hold now, so will need to fix some minor stuff. Handyman still has to come back to finish the shelving in the garage and check out the outside garage door keypad. Then, need to replace the oven/stove followed by the kitchen cabinets & possibly getting new counter tops. Refacing the cabinets would probably do the trick as long as the boxes are useable. Been wanting to also remove the popcorn ceilings and get some additional insulation in the attic as am sure after so many years, not as efficient as it once was.
Just need to sit down with the better half and come up with a time table & plan to get some of these things done. Haven't really done any major stuff in a long time but a few things do need attention going forward. Now that we've got the pantry up & running again, would like to spruce up the rest of the kitchen.

oldfarmer50 · May 2022

jipster said:
Well, close enough... if not correct. The L.G&E electrician said I had a meter lug that was broken in the outside meter box. The line was indeed loose, had been arching and was burned in spots, (arched when my friend was looking at it). He said there were 3 lugs ( I suppose positive, negative and neutral?)

My electrical lines are underground. My friend had said L.G&E would be responsible for the repair since it was on "their side" of the meter box. But, the electrician said that we were responsible. Perhaps what jmonroe was alluding to? They are only responsible in cases where the electrical lines are overhead.

I asked the electrician if the recent storm could have made the flickering and loss of power in some breaker panels worse. He said he thought it just a coincidence. Anyhow, it's fixed.

I had something similar happen years ago. The electric company nicked one of two underground wires when replacing a pole that had been hit by a drunk (long story). Over several years the wire corroded and failed. Half the power to the house was lost. Lights were dim and the electric heat was only luke warm. I located the problem right at the base of the pole and requested the power company fix it. They refused but put a new temporary line across my lawn to restore full power. They also removed the meter.

Long story short it took me 2 months to get a new line installed and buried. They reinstalled the meter and since my power hadn’t been metered for two months (no electric bill) I asked what I owed them. I was told that since there was no meter they had no idea and hence no bill. The amount I estimated I owed was just about equal to what it cost me to install the new line.

explorerx4 · May 2022

Yesterday, I kind of got caught up in a street takeover.
I was coming up to a green light to take a right onto the main road.
Across the intersection, the cars were just sitting there.
Then I noticed a motorcycle blocking the first car, then one did it to me too.
A large group of motorcycles followed by some weaving cars then came up and ran the red light.
I ended up behind them and they did this for the next few intersections while I could see them.

explorerx4 · May 2022

I see how you fit long dimensional lumber in a sedan now.
https://www.motor1.com/news/583152/car-carrying-wood-planks-crashes/

kyfdx · May 2022

@jipster
@jmonroe1

I just want to mention that I called it. Bad meter.

"electrician said I had a meter lug that was broken in the outside meter box"

graphicguy · May 2022

explorerx4 said:
Yesterday, I kind of got caught up in a street takeover.
I was coming up to a green light to take a right onto the main road.
Across the intersection, the cars were just sitting there.
Then I noticed a motorcycle blocking the first car, then one did it to me too.
A large group of motorcycles followed by some weaving cars then came up and ran the red light.
I ended up behind them and they did this for the next few intersections while I could see them.

So, not sure I understand what that is? You mean some vehicles blocked other vehicles from progressing? Why would they do that?

kyfdx · May 2022

graphicguy said:

explorerx4 said:
Yesterday, I kind of got caught up in a street takeover.
I was coming up to a green light to take a right onto the main road.
Across the intersection, the cars were just sitting there.
Then I noticed a motorcycle blocking the first car, then one did it to me too.
A large group of motorcycles followed by some weaving cars then came up and ran the red light.
I ended up behind them and they did this for the next few intersections while I could see them.
So, not sure I understand what that is? You mean some vehicles blocked other vehicles from progressing? Why would they do that?

Sounds like a group ride, and they were all trying to stay together.

Either that, or a funeral procession.

explorerx4 · May 2022

Definitely not a funeral procession. More like outlaw bikers.

jmonroe1 · May 2022

I have a correction to make about the breaker box wiring but I can’t get into it now because I have to get over to the flip to take care of a few things first.

Maybe someone in here knows what I said that ain’t exactly right and will correct me. If not I’ll get back to you guys later about this.

jmonroe

stickguy · May 2022

Question for the detail geeks. I got some wax on the black plastic cladding on the Acura and did not catch it in time before it dried. Now I got some white haze. Just a few small spots. What’s a good way to remove that?

carnaught · May 2022

Try a black trim detailing product.

venture · May 2022

Mothers Back to Black worked for me.

jmonroe1 · May 2022

explorerx4 said:
I see how you fit long dimensional lumber in a sedan now.
https://www.motor1.com/news/583152/car-carrying-wood-planks-crashes/

That’s what happens when the forman says, “the last time you took the company truck you screwed it up. This time take your car since it’s faster and you better be back here in an hour if you want to keep your job”.

jmonroe

qbrozen · May 2022

On the subject of contractors and electrical stuff...

I'm not sure what I've shared, if any, but we had another room built in the basement within the past few weeks to serve as an office for the friend staying with us. One existing wall, so 3 walls of an 8x12 room, 6 outlets, 2 doors, and 5 recessed lights.

One contractor came and quoted $14k. I just about choked. I can’t fathom how that is even possible. On that note, I went to home depot’s website and filled my cart with everything I would need. Materials came to $3k. And that’s not basic stuff. Decent lights, heavier than necessary wiring, vinyl plank flooring, and even sound-deadening insulation.

Wife wound up finding a guy to come build it out and paint and trim for $3k using our materials, and he suggested someone else do the electrical for another $1k. So half the first estimate.

Thing is, as usual, it wasn’t up to my personal standards, construction is ok, but paint needs touching up. What really bugs me is the electrical. I had wanted 2 circuits since she has a lot of equipment. He did one. I asked what happened and he said “it will be fine.” Huh?! I didn’t make a huge stink mostly because I didn’t want the women getting all worked up.

So, while he was here, inquiries were made about installing a ceiling fan in the guest bedroom. The electrician texts me last week about being free and he can come and he’ll need x y z and charge $375. I looked in the attic over the garage and came to the conclusion that he could easily tap into existing wiring and run through one tight spot about 2 feet to get to the center of that room’s ceiling. Wouldn’t be tough. He starts talking about another switch and cutting into walls ….. oh no. So I send a video showing exactly what I’m saying, giving measurements, where to run the wire, etc. He says “I’m going to have to come take a look but…” and I gave up. After doing that much homework for him, I decided I might as well just do it myself. So I did. Took me like 2 hrs and I spent $80 on a couple of new tools for myself in the process.

jmonroe1 · May 2022

qbrozen said:
On the subject of contractors and electrical stuff...

I'm not sure what I've shared, if any, but we had another room built in the basement within the past few weeks to serve as an office for the friend staying with us. One existing wall, so 3 walls of an 8x12 room, 6 outlets, 2 doors, and 5 recessed lights.

One contractor came and quoted $14k. I just about choked. I can’t fathom how that is even possible. On that note, I went to home depot’s website and filled my cart with everything I would need. Materials came to $3k. And that’s not basic stuff. Decent lights, heavier than necessary wiring, vinyl plank flooring, and even sound-deadening insulation.

Wife wound up finding a guy to come build it out and paint and trim for $3k using our materials, and he suggested someone else do the electrical for another $1k. So half the first estimate.

Thing is, as usual, it wasn’t up to my personal standards, construction is ok, but paint needs touching up. What really bugs me is the electrical. I had wanted 2 circuits since she has a lot of equipment. He did one. I asked what happened and he said “it will be fine.” Huh?! I didn’t make a huge stink mostly because I didn’t want the women getting all worked up.

So, while he was here, inquiries were made about installing a ceiling fan in the guest bedroom. The electrician texts me last week about being free and he can come and he’ll need x y z and charge $375. I looked in the attic over the garage and came to the conclusion that he could easily tap into existing wiring and run through one tight spot about 2 feet to get to the center of that room’s ceiling. Wouldn’t be tough. He starts talking about another switch and cutting into walls ….. oh no. So I send a video showing exactly what I’m saying, giving measurements, where to run the wire, etc. He says “I’m going to have to come take a look but…” and I gave up. After doing that much homework for him, I decided I might as well just do it myself. So I did. Took me like 2 hrs and I spent $80 on a couple of new tools for myself in the process.

And folks wonder why I like to do things myself. Plus, as you found out it’s a great way to collect tools you don’t already have.

We’re about wrapping up some concrete work that a contractor wanted 2500 bucks to do and we had already cutout the old concrete and removed it. 10 bags of 80 pound concrete mix (just under 5 bucks a bag with my discount) and not even 2 hours work and all we have to do now is clean up. Too bad we had all the tools but sometimes you win or lose depending on how bad you wanted new tools.

jmonroe

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