Anyone else feel overwhelmed?
- Thread starter ShooterMcGavin
- Start date
A.Wilson013
New member
On the 4Runner I do not get overwhelmed because I take a LOT of pride in it. Every little thing I do to it, even if not visible to the average Joe, honestly makes me smile for a few days. Wash it? I feel like it gained 10hp. Sound deaden the inside? Take my wife for a drive to see if she can tell the difference. I love it. Every bit of it.
Where I get overwhelmed is my 1986 Pickup. That ugly SOB fights me at EVERY turn.
Example: Wanted to replace the front main last week (and this week).
Simple task- 1 hour job or so.
Get the tools out, drain coolant, remove radiator and fan, remove belts, SPEND NEARLY 30 HOURS REMOVING THE SEIZED CRANK BOLT. Could not pop it with the starter, sheared a 1/2" ratchet, ebrake set in 4th gear that truck would try and crawl over the chock blocks.
Finally had to take it to a friend's shot where he welded together a tool the held the pulley with both frame rails. After breaking a craftsman socket, a snap-on impact socket with about 6' of breaker bar did the trick.
Now I need to do the head gasket, rear main, and timing cover.
Just awesome.
Where I get overwhelmed is my 1986 Pickup. That ugly SOB fights me at EVERY turn.
Example: Wanted to replace the front main last week (and this week).
Simple task- 1 hour job or so.
Get the tools out, drain coolant, remove radiator and fan, remove belts, SPEND NEARLY 30 HOURS REMOVING THE SEIZED CRANK BOLT. Could not pop it with the starter, sheared a 1/2" ratchet, ebrake set in 4th gear that truck would try and crawl over the chock blocks.
Finally had to take it to a friend's shot where he welded together a tool the held the pulley with both frame rails. After breaking a craftsman socket, a snap-on impact socket with about 6' of breaker bar did the trick.
Now I need to do the head gasket, rear main, and timing cover.
Just awesome.
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You didn't happen to say the fatal words before you did that did you? "Oh it'll be a piece of cake" or.... "It'll only take me like 20 minutes tops". I think literally every time I've heard someone say that about a project it was doomed to disaster from the start.
ound:-Steve
theBEAR
New member
You didn't happen to say the fatal words before you did that did you? "Oh it'll be a piece of cake" or.... "It'll only take me like 20 minutes tops". I think literally every time I've heard someone say that about a project it was doomed to disaster from the start.
-Steve
Working on machines is a love hate relationship. I laughed as I read these posts! I have had a few nightmare projects, but those are also some of the best memories that I've had. I love solving problems so when all the cursing, bleeding, and searching is complete I love the feeling of accomplishment. I've never had a 30 hour issue, but I've had some doosies. There are those devil projects, but I'll never stop loving working on my vehicles!!
In response to the OP - I love having a TO DO list on my vehicles. It doesn't overwhelm me at all. If I don't have stuff TO DO on my vehicles I automatically begin thinking about getting rid of it. Enjoy the journey.
Perspective is everything my friend.
