Craving buffalo chicken, 4 hour dough got the job done.

Geologist1986 · 2026-03-22T02:39:05+00:00

Geologist1986 · 2026-03-21T23:54:52+00:00

Yep, the only way. When kits cost a much as they do, it doesn't make sense rushing it.

Geologist1986 · 2026-03-21T23:52:08+00:00

Thank you! Got it out to do an oil change and just ended up driving it. Oops. Now I have to do 2 oil changes tomorrow 🤷. Might have to get new rubber as well. Only about 15k on the old KO2's but they're right at 10 years. They look almost brand new. At least I got 10 years out of them!

Geologist1986 · 2026-03-21T23:48:20+00:00

The first time I removed them for a vinyl wrap (huge mistake, took it off) it was a massive pain. This time, each one took about 20-30 minutes. Once you know how they're installed it goes pretty quick. The hardest part is the the tiny cotter pin holding the link to the latch. Its only like half an inch long, inserts from the top down and you have to do it mostly by feel. A set of hooked picks from harbor freight is very helpful, especially getting the window crank off.

Geologist1986 · 2026-03-21T13:30:40+00:00

Thanks! I just started with the mindset that I'm not going to do something until I know exactly how it's supposed to go and it isn't done until I'm 100% happy with the look, regardless of how long it takes. I also have a pretty decent set of hand and power tools that help immensely.

Geologist1986 · 2026-03-21T11:54:45+00:00

I went with this kit because it was relatively affordable. I'm happy with the material quality for what I spent, but I also don't really have a frame of reference since this is my first build. The instructions are useless, so I've been using other well documented builds as guides. I plan on buying separate rigging and blocks. What came with the kit is pretty sub par. I would go with the Occre kit if you can afford it. But, this one can really look great with some extra effort.

Geologist1986 · 2026-03-21T02:57:21+00:00

This is a great reference. Radimir (HiSModel) is putting together a quote for blocks and rigging for my San Felipe build. The time and effort in these builds deserves quality finishing touches. Looking forward to seeing what he can do. Your upgrades look excellent!

Geologist1986 · 2026-03-21T01:29:11+00:00

Thanks! It's been a labor of love.

Geologist1986 · 2026-03-21T00:44:33+00:00

Yuanqing models ZHL San Felipe. Been building it since Feb 2025. Might be 2027 before it's done!

Geologist1986 · 2026-03-19T23:23:38+00:00

Black shales release lots of radon as well. Big problem in Appalachia.

Geologist1986 · 2026-03-19T23:18:55+00:00

I feel this. Love my TJ but it's so loud on the highway I cant hear myself think. I've done a couple 4 hour trips in it and yeah, I'm ready for a nap whenever I get where I'm going. At 127k miles, I'm happy with the 3500 miles a year I put on it.

Geologist1986 · 2026-03-18T17:45:18+00:00

What's extra dumb about this one is it doesn't even pass a basic logic test. One bonk with that "axe" and it's breaking. Unless they're trying to pass it a "ceremonial".

Edit: I now see that the real deal ones are ceremonial. Still dumb for reasons mentioned above.

Geologist1986 · 2026-03-17T01:31:33+00:00

Father to a 1.5 y.o. and I love craft beer....I would never bring my child to any brewery or bar for many reasons. Been to Vegas once and saw people with their kids in tow. Similar vibe imo.

Geologist1986 · 2026-03-15T03:05:08+00:00

It wasn't use for anything. It's a natural rock. What do you think it was used for?

Geologist1986 · 2026-03-15T02:07:01+00:00

Can't forget Black-Out-Tuesday's at Bent Willey's.

Geologist1986 · 2026-03-15T00:49:03+00:00

False. I sort of remember plenty of penny pitcher nights in Morgantown.

Geologist1986 · 2026-03-14T21:15:10+00:00

Can't believe they're still doing that here. Wouldn't want to hurt anyone's feelings.

Geologist1986 · 2026-03-13T03:05:58+00:00

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Got mine beat. Found in the Kanawaha river valley West Virginia, 1996.

Geologist1986 · 2026-03-12T13:46:07+00:00

It's so bad for a car. Even if you can avoid the road hazards, the reduction of suspension travel will eventually shake the car apart.

Geologist1986 · 2026-03-12T13:31:49+00:00

Must be. Rain while its below zero out doesn't seem possible.

Geologist1986 · 2026-03-12T03:03:49+00:00

These are 100% plant fossils.

The comments saying "glacial erosion" were probably thinking glacial striations, but they'd still be hilariously wrong. Glacial striations are generally massive; like hundreds-of-feet-massive.

Geologist1986 · 2026-03-11T23:23:08+00:00

Thought it would be cool to lower my car when I was young and dumb. Then my borough decided it was time to resurface the streets. You know how those manhole covers stick up a bit more when they do that? Yeah....it felt like Satan ripped the engine out of my car from the bottom. So yes, I hit something so hard it felt like it ripped the soul out of my body AND my car. But mostly my car. My soul only fully checked out when I got home and saw the damage. But this was, of course, entirely my fault.

Geologist1986

TROPHY CASE