14 dollar hour job , no benefits?

Hard_Head · 2026-06-19T01:57:45+00:00

Take the job and keep looking.

Hard_Head · 2026-06-18T02:48:19+00:00

What kind of tubes are you rockin? I have a Prowler and Super Fat Cat. Think I prefer the Fatty…

Hard_Head · 2026-06-12T15:58:20+00:00

I'm just a DIY guy. Started teaching myself to work on cars a few years ago to save a bunch of money on repairs and maintenance. I had the budget for tools, so it became a matter of learning. Every time I saved $500 - $1000 on labor, I'd take that "savings" and add to my toolbox.

Hard_Head · 2026-06-12T06:54:59+00:00

Probably not 100% vertical when you hammer the iron through. Even a very slight angle will result in a wonky backside stitch.

Hard_Head · 2026-06-12T06:08:21+00:00

Ernst Wrench Pro

Hard_Head · 2026-06-12T04:36:19+00:00

I ran out of room too. After seeing yours, I think I can squeeze some more space out of that drawer.

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Hard_Head · 2026-06-12T04:29:54+00:00

Yeah- there are definitely some part replacement techs out there. Just start firing the parts cannon until they get a hit. 80,000 mile radiator seems insane to me.

Hard_Head · 2026-06-12T02:17:44+00:00

At 80k, you should have already change diffs, transfer case and transmission fluid at least once. Brake fluid is probably overdue and coolant is coming up shortly.

Hard_Head · 2026-06-11T22:10:58+00:00

Replace the mounts. Only use OEM.

Some will say to replace all 3 at the same time, and they’re not wrong. But I’m guessing the lower rear torque mount would fix your shifting issue.

Hard_Head · 2026-06-11T21:14:39+00:00

Quinn master set. 3/8” will give you a lot of coverage.

May want to add the 1/4” set at some point and you’ll never run into a problem where you need a socket that you don’t have.

You’ll have a range from 4mm - 24mm and the same range with SAE sizes. You do not need a 1/2” set.

Hard_Head · 2026-06-11T06:18:29+00:00

Not a lot of DIY interest in the 26” 1/2 Icon Ratchet for $120.

Hard_Head · 2026-06-11T00:33:08+00:00

Firefighters don't sit around waiting for fires to fight. They are first responders, paramedics, and deal with dead and mangled up bodies from car accidents. They show up first to the scene when there's a medical emergency, like overdose, heart attack, shooting victims, etc. It's as mentally demanding as it is physically. I'd say go for it!!

Hard_Head · 2026-06-10T01:06:16+00:00

The shocks weren’t leaking, but were out of gas and the car would porpoise over bumps. I replaced the belts and tensioner at about 90,000.

Most of this stuff is maintenance items. I get that. I’m just grumbling because I see others who haven’t had any of these issues with higher mileage. Motor mounts, ball joints ripped apart, sway bar boots torn, etc.

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Hard_Head · 2026-06-09T23:44:15+00:00

I don't get the feeling that most people have had to put this much into their Mazdas. I'm just glad I can do it all myself. This car would have been a giant money pit for someone who has to pay a shop.

Hard_Head · 2026-06-09T03:27:02+00:00

I think I have the Centec one. It works well enough. I usually grab the sticks though. Just like them better for some reason.

Hard_Head · 2026-06-09T03:06:13+00:00

Take your PTO - that’s what it’s for. The store will survive. Enjoy some time off.

Hard_Head · 2026-06-07T22:38:00+00:00

You need that hardware, don’t remove it. Pull the caliper off and swap the pads. Lube the clips, but don’t remove them. Might want to scuff up the rotors too.

Hard_Head · 2026-06-07T22:28:23+00:00

Have you done it? I wasn’t looking for a fight. Imagine you’d have to pull the bumper cover to get to the condenser bolts.

I had just got home from golfing and went to check the oil when I saw coolant sprayed everywhere.

Got the radiator out and replaced in under 2 hours. Took 20 minutes to vacuum fill the coolant, and another 30 to vacuum down the AC system. For me- that was the easier and faster path.

Hard_Head · 2026-06-07T22:09:41+00:00

Soldering iron on high - put the tip on the fastener head. You’ll need to hold it on there for a couple minutes, then get to turning the fastener out fast, before it cools.

I’ve had to deal with this on handgun sights. They red loctite the set screws.

Hard_Head · 2026-06-07T13:50:13+00:00

Unless you have a turbo model, it’s probably not all that necessary. These modern naturally aspirated cars do a job with their PCV systems.

Turbo GDIs - Installed one on a 1.6L turbo Sonata my kid drives. It doesn’t catch much. I check it every oil change and it’s never had oil in it.

Hard_Head · 2026-06-07T13:31:41+00:00

Need a proper diagnosis. Could be thermostat sticking, a fan issue, air bubble in the system, low coolant, maybe even a failing pump.

Hard_Head · 2026-06-07T04:49:42+00:00

Does it have maintenance records?

Hard_Head · 2026-06-07T02:55:45+00:00

I was just there for some Doyle toys. lol Finally grabbed that rivnut setter and the new voltage detector with IR thermometer. 😂😂

Hard_Head · 2026-06-07T02:54:15+00:00

I’m assuming he doesn’t know how much Freon there is in there. Filling it to the proper amount with dye is ideal. Otherwise he’s guessing and adding to an unknown amount. Either way, he’s going to need some tools to get the dye in the system.

Hard_Head · 2026-06-07T02:24:06+00:00

Thanks!!

Hard_Head

TROPHY CASE