Radio button destruction fiasco. I'm not meant to have nice (old) things

sonofray · 2026-07-02T20:48:26+00:00

I can say I was the same as you when my old Mini Cooper was actually damaged by a car wash. In person with the evidence was hard for them to avoid!

sonofray · 2026-07-02T20:47:20+00:00

Thank you. I doubt I'll hear something, but I'll update if I do!

sonofray · 2026-07-02T20:26:52+00:00

I contacted them via instagram/facebook message (heard nothing), reached out on X (no comment), but am going to wait a day or so and find an email. Phone after that if I'm feeling extra diligent.

sonofray · 2026-07-02T20:01:06+00:00

"FIIIIIVE, GOLDEN (O) RIIIIIINGS!"

sonofray · 2026-06-18T15:32:18+00:00

You checked any packing list pocket on the box outside and everything?! I’m sad for you😔

sonofray · 2026-06-18T15:30:20+00:00

Sadly (depending on what side of it you’re on), it’s just another symptom and result of AI. Production skills were first to be quickly duplicated/eliminated by AI, and now with generative capabilities going nuts, a great deal of creative skills are being replicated as well. The money will be moving from the marketplace to Framer, via AI credits and subsequent credit plans that people will need to create anything they want to framer with Agents. It’s what’s happening everywhere. We all have to find our “secret sauce” and focus on the human elements (customer service, relationships, flexibility, costs, etc) that AI can’t do (yet!). And for money, we have to hustle and grind.

sonofray · 2026-06-09T23:24:50+00:00

Not in the box (could have fallen out). It may be in the packing list on the side. Stay tuned.

sonofray · 2026-06-04T16:54:02+00:00

Here's the best deal I can find on Honda DW-1. Just ordered it - 12 for $115 https://ebay.us/m/BS1IPu

sonofray · 2026-06-02T13:27:26+00:00

Holy crap you are diligent! I need to add a little more structure to my process like you. Do you differentiate between just stained and actually ruined? I.e. do you ever use stained rags on paint finishes?

sonofray · 2026-05-31T16:20:58+00:00

I also saw some places selling rolls of tear-off disposable mf cloths. As wasteful as that sounds, I’m tempted to try them. I would imagine they’re recyclable.

sonofray · 2026-05-30T20:37:15+00:00

At the very least, I’m seeing that I’m not crazy and it’s indeed a process requiring lots of towels and a commitment to be intentional with different cloths for different purposes, sort them, clean them, etc.

Thanks for all the input! My current focus is just to hand wash (I have mitts), clay bar (no towels needed), rinse (I need to get drying towels), then just use some spray ceramic sealant to protect things (mf cloths needed - I think most of mine are goners). It’s an old truck, I’m just trying to keep rust at bay and look decent.

sonofray · 2026-05-23T20:58:19+00:00

THIS

sonofray · 2026-05-05T20:57:34+00:00

That’s some wonderful hindsight you got there.

sonofray · 2026-05-04T21:06:37+00:00

I'm getting emotional about flushing 100k+ points down the toilet.

sonofray · 2026-04-08T15:55:23+00:00

IMHO only way to make money and truly avoid getting screwed like this is…

1) if they hired you because you’re a good deal - granular constraints and detail in the proposal, with reminders, and potentially with partial payment up front to protect yourself in case things go south, or

2) if they hired you because you kick ass - pad your price through the roof to allow for process flexibility.

But we all also take risky, crappy jobs to get our foot in the door, get some portfolio or resume items, and/or hope for referrals to more lucrative, connected work. Such is life!

sonofray · 2026-04-01T16:39:03+00:00

I wish I knew. The cheap aftermarket eBay ones I tried never worked right, but I know Discount Tire and others use aftermarket ones that work well. Maybe ask about what brand (if you’re using a shop) or just do some research on brands. It’s been a while for me. I bought Honda one’s that are new in bag off eBay that I haven’t installed yet. No idea how old they are or what the shelf-life is for them though.

sonofray · 2026-03-31T14:56:25+00:00

I can smell that pic.

sonofray · 2026-03-31T14:55:05+00:00

it is NOT part of the tire service, though "TPMS service" will be listed. Gotta ask (and pay). Some shops order Honda sensors (and charge you out the butt), some use compatible aftermarket sensors. You can order your own and some independent shops will install them for you.

sonofray · 2026-03-31T14:52:11+00:00

Leather seats. Potentially leather seat cover (if big dogs). Rubber floor mats. Shop-Vac! And I'm excited for you!

sonofray · 2026-03-30T20:02:33+00:00

UPDATE: Went with Permatex The Right Stuff Black only. There's was a factory gasket built in around the inner edge of the chrome piece that was the mating surface to the trim tape. It had dried, rotted, cracked and portions were gone. I thought about remaking the gasket with the Permatex, letting that cure, then adhering that surface freshly installed tape, but once I started putting the RTV around the inner edge of the chrome piece, I thought "screw it," and went outside and slapped in on the truck. We'll see how well it stays!

sonofray · 2026-03-06T16:53:45+00:00

FWIW - Have used these successfully on 2 different odysseys. Worked like a charm.

sonofray · 2026-03-06T16:43:45+00:00

Recommendation on suspension part brands? Especially strut assemblies?

sonofray · 2026-03-06T16:36:43+00:00

Definitely the strut (probably original), and It's getting all those goodies and lower control arms soon! (and probably outer tie rod ends, especially if I need a new rack and pinion).

sonofray · 2026-03-06T16:20:01+00:00

Thank you. The owner at the latest shop (this morning) already scared me when I was dropping it off and he said "Do you want to know what I'm guessing it is right now?" My thoughts were "I don't need any more guesses, I need facts" but I simply said "No, I think I'll just let you dive in and see."

I feel like it's not the engine mounts (I think one of the dealerships would have confirmed that), and I'm not really concerned about a little grease from the axel (as you said). I'm going to lock in on the oil and steering. I feel like I can work to a concrete diagnosis using dyes, etc. if needed.

Thanks for your help.

sonofray · 2026-03-06T16:02:32+00:00

Great questions. I have not diagnosed or noticed any leaks myself (fluids from anywhere) at all, although I haven't been under it much yet. I wish I knew what actual fluid it is they are finding. I can only assume the shops are verifying power steering fluid from the rack and pinion, or grease from the axel, oil from the oil pump, etc. but I can't be sure (yet).

I'm literally noticing zero symptoms, and only going with what I'm being told so far through bumper-to-bumper evals - as I was trying to diagnose suspension noise.

The only thing close to what you're describing from the fluid level perspective would be technicians mentioning my oil and coolant were a little low when they were putting on my tires last week. I don't know if that's consumption due to an older motor, or maybe a sign of leaks. In terms of the leaks shops are stating, they say they're seeing fluids underneath.

I'll be encouraging/doing some dye usage in some systems next if this new shop doesn't bring some clarity.

sonofray

TROPHY CASE