Slow workers of the world, unite!

[Nashvegas34]

I am slow. To be more specific, I am what you might call a slow wrencher. The first time I do a project, I take my sweet time because I want to know exactly what I'm doing, what all the parts around what I'm doing are doing, and generally how things fit together and why they might have been designed like they were. I also don't like messes, so I try to clean up as I go.

As an example, last week I replaced my radiator, and did the timing belt/water pump/drive belts/thermostat combo, and I did it over the course of 4 days (thanks to my wife for sharing her Altima). When I replaced my spark plugs and wires, cleaned the MAF and throttle body, and did the deckplate a few weeks ago, I took pretty much an entire day. And dang it if I didn't enjoy it. Of course the more times I do a job, the faster I get because I learn from experience. An oil change now takes no time and makes hardly any mess. The first time through, though, I might as well count on it taking a while, whatever it is.

I know there are others out there like me. I've read 4-Ripcord and kball make similar comments. So post up your longest, most drawn-out experiences or projects where you knew it could be done faster but got in no hurry. Don't be ashamed.

 

[JWaldz]

My TRD tranny cooler was (is) mine.. I still haven't put it on































and bought it a year ago

 

[Zachpins34]

SAME HERE! No matter what I do it takes me forever. I installed HIDs today and it literally took me 3 hours.

 

[jonwilly2]

i got a turbo sitting on my kitchen counter and it took me a year to get around to rebuilding it and its sat now for 4 months. All i need to do is bolt it on to my flange and run some oil lines and get a sump pump and she is set. home made skid plate has been going now where for 2 years I got some 8th inch diamond plate and a lot of 8th inch plate ready to be used but just never did it yet. As for other things I figured out the workings long ago.

 

[SJC]

i got a turbo sitting on my kitchen counter and it took me a year to get around to rebuilding it and its sat now for 4 months. All i need to do is bolt it on to my flange and run some oil lines and get a sump pump and she is set. home made skid plate has been going now where for 2 years I got some 8th inch diamond plate and a lot of 8th inch plate ready to be used but just never did it yet. As for other things I figured out the workings long ago.

Its a good center piece, really ties the room together I bet? The turbo that is :boink:

 

[jakknz]

Taking my time and going slowly is exactly how I do it. I double check and triple check my work to ensure it is a quality job and I'm not forgetting anything.

When I read write ups that say "only took me about 2 hours." I automatically figure it will take me around 4 hours.

 

[GladeRunner]

I agree jakknz. Going to replace plugs/wires this weekend (that I've had for 4 months). I figure most people will take 1-2 hours so I'll double that.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Two hours to change out my first CV; it took me forever to figure out how to hit the lip of the inner shaft to get it to go into the diff. Now, 45 minutes on a slow day.

 

[kball]

LOL finally another admitted slow poke!!

Timing belt, wp, rad, oil cooler hoses blah blah took me around 3 days

Toytec Ultimate lift and new LBJ's took 2.5 days (not counting multiple times adjusting the fronts down)

trans cooler install about 4.5 hours

spark plugs about 5 hours

both cv axles (first time ever doing them on any vehicle) about 3.5 hours

 

[fightman80]

I've got you all beat! It took me the better part of April to replace my ubj, lbj, tie rod ends, 1 inner tie rod, both front and rear stabilizer bushings, AND the rear Stabilizer links! I'm still not done either, now I have to do the steering rack bushings.... lol!

Also, it's taken me over 2 years to get my rear tire carrier dialed in, to where I like it! lol!

 

[Nashvegas34]

When I put my fog lights in (http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...lla-microde-fogs-w-new-turn-signal-stalk.html) I literally spent multiple hours aiming them, in the middle of the night so I could see them well. Little adjustment here, turn on and check. Little adjustment there, turn on and check. I'm sure the neighbors loved it.

 

[steezemcqueen]

I have Light Racing UCA's that have been sitting in my garage for over a year.....

 

[Qyota]

Great thread. You are not alone!

I have a hitch for my Prius that's been sitting (in the way) on the workbench for 2 months.

I have a box of parts waiting to be installed on the 4Runner (new fuel lines and filter, valve cover gaskets - just the driver side, I already did the passenger side - various other sensors and gaskets).

Now I'm collecting suspension parts. Got rear coils and 5100s ready to install (maybe next week?), but don't yet have front coils...although the new Tundra isolators are in the mail from Wheeler's.

I have both skid plates just laying around, waiting to be put back on. I was going to work on the rusty undercarriage, but still haven't started that project...even though I have the tools and paint ready to go.

I have a problem. I realize that now. But I take solace in the fact that there are others, just like me.

 

[Hepar]

It took me over a year to install my sliders.

 

[curtperry]

I consider myself a slow worker and usually figure it'll take me double what someone on a forum claims.

But I don't understand taking more than 1 hr to do spark plugs even if you take your time and grease all boots, anti-seize all threads, etc

5 hrs for plugs? Maybe if you bring a 6 pack and drink one after each plug...

 

[Nashvegas34]

5 hrs for plugs? Maybe if you bring a 6 pack and drink one after each plug...

You're onto us... :cheers:

 

[Bandit Runner]

I usually work deliberately slow on things that I am not familiar with. It took me 6 months to design my first front bumper. Then another 6 months to build it. When I see guys posting about building an entire bumper in a weekend, I'm like WTF?

 

[kball]

I consider myself a slow worker and usually figure it'll take me double what someone on a forum claims.

But I don't understand taking more than 1 hr to do spark plugs even if you take your time and grease all boots, anti-seize all threads, etc

5 hrs for plugs? Maybe if you bring a 6 pack and drink one after each plug...

You're right, maybe it was 4.5 hours.. I couldn't remember :jump:

I think my labor hours directly correlate to how far down the driveway I park from my garage. Back and forth over and over because I always forget to bring what I need.

 

[that$pit]

I hear ya, my workbench downstairs is full of projects, Dvr and cameras have been sitting around for over a year, new ar sitting in gun vise waiting on trigger work, bunch of projects on the runner are waiting... Need more time in the day, having two pups doesn't help with the lack of time either

 

[Ironback]

Damn...

I don't feel so bad now. Except that it took me over 24 hours to reply to the OP.

v/r
Ironback