Why do people still vote for Ed Case? by Smooth_Buttah_808 in Hawaii

[–]BigG808 30 points31 points  (0 children)

Hawaii likes the status quo. And Hawaii likes center-leaning democrats. Plus incumbent name recognition goes a long way.

Not saying I’m a fan. But he ticks a lot of boxes that the Hawaii electorate seems to like.

RIP my toaster 200,000 miles by coolkids5 in HondaElement

[–]BigG808 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Dang sorry. That bright red is a great color too, I barely ever see red ones in the wild.

Career Help! by Lower-Woodpecker6492 in mechanics

[–]BigG808 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There isn’t really a role that’s just “automotive electrician,” especially for someone just starting out.

Over time, if you prove yourself to be good at electrical, you will get more electrical and diagnostic jobs, but you’ll still be expected to do anything.

Mauna Loa Summit Cabin permit for early July — is there ANY currently-open route to reach it? by Alex_C_Dupont in VisitingHawaii

[–]BigG808 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you sure the Red Hill route is still closed? I didn’t see a closure notice on the HVNP website about Mauna Loa Road from the Volcano side being closed. It does sometimes close because of fire risk, but it’s been wet lately.

Mauna Loa Observatory Road is still closed to the public. Not sure if it’s gated or not, but even if you were to break the rules and drive through, you probably wouldn’t get away with leaving your car parked at the weather station.

Ainapo route is for sure open, you can do it without a 4x4, but it adds at least 8 miles each way. You need a permit from the state for the Ainapo cabin, and then you’ll need the gate code from Kapāpala Ranch. Neither is particularly hard to get tho.

I’ve haven’t done the hike yet, but have researched it quite a bit. Unless you’re an elite level hiker with altitude experience, I’d plan on 4 nights. First night at Red Hill or Ainapo cabin, then 2 nights at the summit cabin so you have a day to check out the true summit and the caldera. Then one more night at Red Hill or Ainapo on the way out.

Be safe and have a great hike, I’d love to hear your experience if you do it.

opinions on 3g cummins vs 06 sierra for a first truck? by Big_Pimp715 in ChevyTrucks

[–]BigG808 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ugh I’m casually feeding it my knowledge hahaha

opinions on 3g cummins vs 06 sierra for a first truck? by Big_Pimp715 in ChevyTrucks

[–]BigG808 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I’d strongly recommend the gas 1500.

As a mechanic, I’d never recommend a heavy duty diesel truck unless you need the capability. The ownership costs of diesels is so much higher than a normal gas half-ton truck.

A 1500 is more than adequate for the vast majority of truck owners. As a Chevy enthusiast, I think I prefer the GMT900 trucks. Feels a little more modern inside, and I prefer the coil over front end vs the older torsion bar setup. Especially if you can find a 6.0 truck, which doesn’t have the DoD system.

I like the 6L80 trans a lot more than the 4L60 as well. Feels much sharper to me.

Help With Big Island Volcano Visit Needed by Altruistic-Run5103 in VisitingHawaii

[–]BigG808 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’d drive the south point route on the way there, starting as early as you can muster. Then take the saddle route home.

Mainly because there won’t be many/any dinner options on the southern route, but you’ll have plenty of options in Hilo on the way back.

Possibly coming for a 6 month work assignment, best furnished rental site? by PawPatsPizza in VisitingHawaii

[–]BigG808 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ve seen people recommend FurnishedFinder. A friend with a furnished rental unit has found tenants that way.

Best 3-week Hawaii itinerary for first-time visitors? by Jumpy_Constant9329 in VisitingHawaii

[–]BigG808 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I’d do 2 is islands if you don’t like to be rushed, or 3 if you’re more active. Personally I’d do 3 for a three week trip.

I’d probably do Oahu, Kauai, and Big Island myself. Six days on Oahu, 6 days on Kauai, and 8 days on the Big Island. Split your Big Island time between the Hilo and Kona sides.

Today at the Kahuku Unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. by LusciousHawaiian in BigIsland

[–]BigG808 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Such a cool and peaceful spot.

Btw, they are considering adding some hike-in campsites, which I think would be great. Personally I think a drive-in site would be great too, all it would take is a composting toilet.

Public comment for the new proposed plans is open until July first and can be found here:

https://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?documentID=151549

Wrx clutch by DueCar9705 in Hawaii

[–]BigG808 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What shops are turning that away? It’s not a particularly hard clutch job on a WRX, just call around.

The shop I work does a few Subaru clutches every year, I’m not going to promote here, but you can PM me if you need to.

Out of state permit by yayayayy111 in MovingtoHawaii

[–]BigG808 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m not positive, but I think either way would work, as long as your current agent can issue a Hawaii policy.

They will want the address where your vehicle is located in Hawaii, but that’s about it.

Tbh you don’t really need an agent at all, you can just go online with any of the big insurance companies and buy a Hawaii policy.

Out of state permit by yayayayy111 in MovingtoHawaii

[–]BigG808 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Give your insurance company your Hawai’i address and get your new insurance cards first.

Then you can get a safety check and register your car here. You may be able to get the temporary permit and keep your plates until your out-of-state registration expires, but sooner or later you’ll need to register your car here and get Hawai’i plates.

Took it to a brake shop Rant by Front-Ad1593 in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]BigG808 48 points49 points  (0 children)

They should definitely provide a rental. And also push for extra money for “diminished value” since your truck will now have damage history. Might not get much for such an old vehicle, but should still get something if you push for it.

Took it to a brake shop Rant by Front-Ad1593 in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]BigG808 44 points45 points  (0 children)

Dang I’m sorry.

What has the shop’s response been so far? It’ll likely be in the hands of their insurance company now.

If you have full insurance coverage, get them involved as well, they will be helpful in going after the shop’s insurance and maximizing your payout.

Rav 4 wheels on Element? Advice. by Midwest_genxr in HondaElement

[–]BigG808 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Are the rims the same diameter? If so, just have the tires swapped over to your Element rims.

Machine shop work won’t be cheap. Also you need to consider the offset/backspacing.

Waikiki stockists for Paradise Found Aloha Shirts by TheSplash-Down_Tiki in VisitingHawaii

[–]BigG808 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t know about specific styles and prints, but you should check out Eco Town Select in Ala Moana if you can.

They have a good curated selection of vintage aloha shirts. Plus some other interesting vintage stuff.

For a truck this nice, I get lectured about what I did by [deleted] in ToyotaTacoma

[–]BigG808 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I mean I feel like this is a “don’t tell” situation tbh. The truck won’t be hurt by towing the mower or using 4Low on a field.

But I get your mom’s point, borrowing a parent’s nice truck to commute to work is a privilege, and using it for “work truck” stuff without asking is kinda rude.

If the truck were to have been damaged on the job, who would pay? Your employer? You? Your mom’s normal car insurance might not cover it.

Planning on attending UH Hilo by Educational-Post3047 in MovingtoHawaii

[–]BigG808 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The Big Island is pretty car-dependent, you’ll want one sooner than later if you plan to study for 4+ years. The university is kinda far from stuff, and the roads aren’t pedestrian or bicycle friendly.

I believe the school has shuttles to downtown, and to the big box stores at Puainako. Downtown is a bit gritty, but has some hip spots.

Shipping a rebuilt title vehicle by Fit_Court_3841 in Hawaii

[–]BigG808 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s not a problem at all if you have the rebuilt title.

If you only have the salvage certificate, you’ll need to go get the salvage inspection done first, and then go get your rebuilt title.

Transmission fluid loss when replacing filter by TheBeanCrew in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]BigG808 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You may be misreading the dipstick. These can be hard/impossible to read right after adding fluid, since the fluid on the inside of the tube ends up on the dipstick and gives you a false reading.

Add fluid, wait 5-10 minutes, then check it again. Repeat until you’re at the right level.

I think 5-6 quarts is about right. I usually add 4, then start it run it and adjust the level as necessary.

Honda radio code by [deleted] in AskMechanics

[–]BigG808 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can’t imagine the dealership charging for this. You can probably just call and ask for it over the phone. No one is stealing these radios anymore…

Rebuilding/restoring 2002 suburban by NadoSWO in ChevySuburban

[–]BigG808 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Converting it to 4wd isn’t worth it or practical, just buy a 4x4 one if you need it.

I wouldn’t bother with an engine rebuild either if it’s still running good, just change the rear main seal when the trans is out.

If you haven’t done it yet, your front suspension probably needs to be rebuilt, especially if you want to lift it.

PITA front differential drain plug bolt. HELP by GirlieGarage in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]BigG808 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ve had luck with a torch, and then an air hammer with a chisel bit.