The Monte and the Cutlass2005--0-9-T20: 1:4:-08:00buzznet:user:id:98226http://www.buzznet.com/Copyright (c) 2005, Buzznet, Inc.dmchenryNew Orleans 2006Florida tripCamera phoneInto the sunsetbuzznet:user:entry:id:40066222006--1-2-T30: 2:0:-08:002006--1-2-T30: 2:0:-08:002006--1-2-T30: 2:0:-08:00dmchenry I don't plan on updating this site in the future.
Catch me at http://www.davinmchenry.com]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/dmchenry/default/thumb-msg-116754116753.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/dmchenry/default/synd-msg-116754116753.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/dmchenry/default/mob-msg-116754116753.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/dmchenry/default/gallery-msg-116754116753.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/dmchenry/default/large-msg-116754116753.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/dmchenry/default/feat-msg-116754116753.jpgThe Monte in its new homebuzznet:user:entry:id:36716442006--1-1-T05: 1:9:-08:002006--1-1-T05: 1:9:-08:002006--1-1-T05: 1:9:-08:00dmchenry Finally got a good chance to drive around in the Monte this weekend. Still haven't found time to do the weatherstripping so it's still a bit noisy. But it'll be quiet soon.
Check out the new walk-around video.]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/dmchenry/default/thumb-msg-116278486363.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/dmchenry/default/synd-msg-116278486363.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/dmchenry/default/mob-msg-116278486363.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/dmchenry/default/gallery-msg-116278486363.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/dmchenry/default/large-msg-116278486363.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/dmchenry/default/feat-msg-116278486363.jpgOil change from hellbuzznet:user:entry:id:36697912006--1-1-T05: 1:4:-08:002006--1-1-T05: 1:4:-08:002006--1-1-T05: 1:4:-08:00dmchenry I headed out to change the oil on the Monte today. I don't have a jack down here so I had to do it without lifting it.
No problem, I thought. I used to change the oil in the Monte all the time without jacks.
Well, there were a few new wrinkles. First, the drain plug was metric (for godsake this was straight from GM too!) Then I discovered that the new headers dip down much lower than the old exhaust manifold. I scorched my arm on it a few times.
Then the new oil pan I got decided it could not handle the flow of the oil and dumped about half of it on the ground. Thank god that isn't my parking spot.
And don't get me started on how many places I had to go to get the correct AC Delco filter (about five.)
In the end everything came out ok, except for getting old on the headers. That sucks.]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/dmchenry/default/thumb-msg-11627663419.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/dmchenry/default/synd-msg-11627663419.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/dmchenry/default/mob-msg-11627663419.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/dmchenry/default/gallery-msg-11627663419.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/dmchenry/default/large-msg-11627663419.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users13/dmchenry/default/feat-msg-11627663419.jpgThe Cutlass is still aroundbuzznet:user:entry:id:34776462006--1-0-T01: 2:0:-08:002006--1-0-T01: 2:0:-08:002006--1-0-T01: 2:0:-08:00dmchenry It has been a long time since my last Cutlass update. Not much happening here. I have done a few small projects, including a new battery, cable, tray this weekend.
The most visible change is that I have stripped off all the chrome trim and am ready to start some sanding. Given the fact that it rained for the first time since the heat of summer, I think it may be time to start moving on that front.
I would like it to be painted by the time the real rains start. I may have to take some time off work to put in some sanding/filler/priming time.]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/thumb-msg-115976020812.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/synd-msg-115976020812.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/mob-msg-115976020812.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/gallery-msg-115976020812.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/large-msg-115976020812.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/feat-msg-115976020812.jpgBig change with little tweaksbuzznet:user:entry:id:34776262006--1-0-T01: 2:0:-08:002006--1-0-T01: 2:0:-08:002006--1-0-T01: 2:0:-08:00dmchenry So recently I have left the Cutlass sit for several days at a time (out of sight out of mind) and it refused to start. It was like it had a dead battery. I even called AAA out to jump it. When the guy tried, he couldn't get a good ground on the negative. It actually was smoking.
So I figured I would buy a thicker and longer negative cable. That would also allow me to install the new battery tray and clamp.
So when I went to the parts place I brought along the battery too, to make sure it was still good. Turns out they couldn't test it because it was a marine battery. After talking to the guy about the lower cranking volts/amps in marine batteries, I decided to get a new battery.
Well this morning I braved the rain and installed the new cable, battery and tray. When I went to start it up it was like a new car. The thing roared to a start and seemed to even run smoother (which I am sure is just in my head.) Before it always felt like the battery was about to die.
Anyway, it was a fun little project that took about an hour and really helped the startups.]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/thumb-msg-115975998546.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/synd-msg-115975998546.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/mob-msg-115975998546.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/gallery-msg-115975998546.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/large-msg-115975998546.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/feat-msg-115975998546.jpgHere's the nasty old tray and cablebuzznet:user:entry:id:34775952006--1-0-T01: 2:0:-08:002006--1-0-T01: 2:0:-08:002006--1-0-T01: 2:0:-08:00dmchenry ]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/thumb-msg-115975957955.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/synd-msg-115975957955.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/mob-msg-115975957955.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/gallery-msg-115975957955.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/large-msg-115975957955.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/feat-msg-115975957955.jpgThe garagebuzznet:user:entry:id:34775872006--1-0-T01: 2:0:-08:002006--1-0-T01: 2:0:-08:002006--1-0-T01: 2:0:-08:00dmchenry So here is a shot of the main reason behind my recent move. After spending a bazillion hours working on the Monte it seemed silly not to bring it down here. So that meant a garage.
I moved a few weeks ago to an apartment that has garages. It isn't attached to my actual unit, but it's good enough. The only drawback is that it appears infested with spiders.
I can't decide whether I brought them with me (under the Cutlass) or if they were here first. Anyway I sprayed a ton of bug spray and killed a couple black widows. And I'll keep the pressure on and see how things work out.
I really don't want to bring the Monte down and have it get infested with spiders.]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/thumb-msg-115975950241.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/synd-msg-115975950241.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/mob-msg-115975950241.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/gallery-msg-115975950241.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/large-msg-115975950241.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/feat-msg-115975950241.jpgHere is a shot from the inside outbuzznet:user:entry:id:34775602006--1-0-T01: 2:0:-08:002006--1-0-T01: 2:0:-08:002006--1-0-T01: 2:0:-08:00dmchenry ]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/thumb-msg-115975927495.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/synd-msg-115975927495.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/mob-msg-115975927495.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/gallery-msg-115975927495.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/large-msg-115975927495.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/feat-msg-115975927495.jpgThe exterior is complete! Well, almost...buzznet:user:entry:id:33140472006--0-9-T04: 1:6:-08:002006--0-9-T04: 1:6:-08:002006--0-9-T04: 1:6:-08:00dmchenry So the exterior is just about done. The only thing left is to put the drivers side mirror on, but that shouldn't be a major hassle. I have waited to do that when I put the door panels back on.
Anyway, we took some pics of the outside (unfortunately the shade kinda makes them look less than gorgeous.) Also got some of the carpet installed and a rough fit on the seats and console. More work on that later.
It's very cool to be getting so close to being done.]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/thumb-msg-11574108062.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/synd-msg-11574108062.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/mob-msg-11574108062.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/gallery-msg-11574108062.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/large-msg-11574108062.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/feat-msg-11574108062.jpgHere is a good shotbuzznet:user:entry:id:33140242006--0-9-T04: 1:5:-08:002006--0-9-T04: 1:5:-08:002006--0-9-T04: 1:5:-08:00dmchenry So we finally got the Monte out of the garage for some pics. Unfortunately the tree shadow wasn't as sublte in the pics as it was in person. I think I'll need another session.
Maybe next time I'll wash the car.]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/thumb-msg-115741057586.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/synd-msg-115741057586.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/mob-msg-115741057586.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/gallery-msg-115741057586.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/large-msg-115741057586.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/feat-msg-115741057586.jpgYou've seen this beforebuzznet:user:entry:id:33140132006--0-9-T04: 1:5:-08:002006--0-9-T04: 1:5:-08:002006--0-9-T04: 1:5:-08:00dmchenry But it's just so sweet you gotta see it again.]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/thumb-msg-115741036767.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/synd-msg-115741036767.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/mob-msg-115741036767.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/gallery-msg-115741036767.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/large-msg-115741036767.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/feat-msg-115741036767.jpgLooks like Monte is smilingbuzznet:user:entry:id:33139892006--0-9-T04: 1:5:-08:002006--0-9-T04: 1:5:-08:002006--0-9-T04: 1:5:-08:00dmchenry ]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/thumb-msg-115741021725.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/synd-msg-115741021725.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/mob-msg-115741021725.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/gallery-msg-115741021725.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/large-msg-115741021725.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/feat-msg-115741021725.jpgA little higher viewbuzznet:user:entry:id:33139862006--0-9-T04: 1:5:-08:002006--0-9-T04: 1:5:-08:002006--0-9-T04: 1:5:-08:00dmchenry ]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/thumb-msg-115741015581.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/synd-msg-115741015581.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/mob-msg-115741015581.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/gallery-msg-115741015581.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/large-msg-115741015581.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/feat-msg-115741015581.jpgA peek insidebuzznet:user:entry:id:33139812006--0-9-T04: 1:5:-08:002006--0-9-T04: 1:5:-08:002006--0-9-T04: 1:5:-08:00dmchenry ]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/thumb-msg-115741006335.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/synd-msg-115741006335.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/mob-msg-115741006335.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/gallery-msg-115741006335.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/large-msg-115741006335.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/feat-msg-115741006335.jpgMore finished goodnessbuzznet:user:entry:id:33139692006--0-9-T04: 1:5:-08:002006--0-9-T04: 1:5:-08:002006--0-9-T04: 1:5:-08:00dmchenry ]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/thumb-msg-11574099947.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/synd-msg-11574099947.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/mob-msg-11574099947.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/gallery-msg-11574099947.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/large-msg-11574099947.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/feat-msg-11574099947.jpgThe carpet is inbuzznet:user:entry:id:33139542006--0-9-T04: 1:5:-08:002006--0-9-T04: 1:5:-08:002006--0-9-T04: 1:5:-08:00dmchenry So the front carpet was in and trimmed by the end of the weekend. We even threw the seats in and went for a drive, now that the exterior is 99 percent done.
Very fun. Althought I decided those battered old sill plates have to go sooner than expected. They tarnish the sweetness of the new carpet.]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/thumb-msg-115740985879.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/synd-msg-115740985879.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/mob-msg-115740985879.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/gallery-msg-115740985879.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/large-msg-115740985879.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/feat-msg-115740985879.jpgHere is a pic of the front carpet going inbuzznet:user:entry:id:33139462006--0-9-T04: 1:5:-08:002006--0-9-T04: 1:5:-08:002006--0-9-T04: 1:5:-08:00dmchenry ]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/thumb-msg-115740968456.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/synd-msg-115740968456.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/mob-msg-115740968456.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/gallery-msg-115740968456.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/large-msg-115740968456.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/feat-msg-115740968456.jpgThe latest progressbuzznet:user:entry:id:32660622006--0-8-T27: 2:2:-08:002006--0-8-T27: 2:2:-08:002006--0-8-T27: 2:2:-08:00dmchenry After two weekends of good work, the outside of the car is about 95 percent done. The only trim left is on the rear window, you'll find more about that in another post.
There are a couple areas that need some professional touch up. (Despite making a special Bako-Fresno run to deliver the top trim, the paint shop didn't get the line between body and roof colors right. Morons.)
I think the Monte should be just about ready when I move next month.]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/thumb-msg-115674379981.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/synd-msg-115674379981.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/mob-msg-115674379981.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/gallery-msg-115674379981.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/large-msg-115674379981.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/feat-msg-115674379981.jpgHere's a good look at the rearbuzznet:user:entry:id:32660482006--0-8-T27: 2:2:-08:002006--0-8-T27: 2:2:-08:002006--0-8-T27: 2:2:-08:00dmchenry Man does this thing need a new license plate.]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/thumb-msg-115674343976.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/synd-msg-115674343976.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/mob-msg-115674343976.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/gallery-msg-115674343976.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/large-msg-115674343976.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/feat-msg-115674343976.jpgThat trunk lock bezel is looking smoothbuzznet:user:entry:id:32660472006--0-8-T27: 2:2:-08:002006--0-8-T27: 2:2:-08:002006--0-8-T27: 2:2:-08:00dmchenry ]]>http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/thumb-msg-115674332228.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/synd-msg-115674332228.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/mob-msg-115674332228.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/gallery-msg-115674332228.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/large-msg-115674332228.jpghttp://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users12/dmchenry/default/feat-msg-115674332228.jpg
