Last few days I've been refreshing my memory on installing a secondary power distribution block inside the car, studying the wiring diagram for appropriate tie in points, and doing some mods to an older, but still adequate, PC tower. Come spring, I intend to install the car adapted computer and a touchscreen monitor into the Montana, powered directly off the car's system. Sometimes I am too much of a geek for my own good.

Installed its new carbon fiber cold air intake

and oh baby Jesus dat sound

That inline six sound, tho...

With all the snow we've gotten, schools and businesses closed and the bitter cold, I have not had to go anywhere. I decided to start the Avalanche last night. No dice. I am gonna' have to pull the battery, bring it into the house, let it warm up and then put it on a battery charger today.

Purchased so goodies for the Grand Prix Garage getting some signage and flooring

With all the snow we've gotten, schools and businesses closed and the bitter cold, I have not had to go anywhere. I decided to start the Avalanche last night. No dice. I am gonna' have to pull the battery, bring it into the house, let it warm up and then put it on a battery charger today.

Just pulled the battery out of the truck, brought it downstairs to the utility room to warm up. This gave me a chance to play with a new Christmas toy. A infrared digital thermometer. Point and shot baby!!!

According to it, the internal temperature of the battery is 25.5 degrees Fahrenheit. I suspect she is frozen nearly solid after sitting over three days outside in these negative actual temperatures. I am going to let it warm up before I put the battery tender to it.

Thats a good Idea. I ordered more stuff for the garage today

I re-installed the battery after letting it charge for a full day. Truck started up. I left it run for 20 minutes too before I took off for the credit union.

I also called a man in Waterford that JUSTA6 recommended to me who repairs stainless trim. I called him about getting the scratches out of my Rally II trim rings. He told me that the trim rings are stamped stainless steel that has a flash chromed matte finish. He told me that to repair the scratches he has to de-chrome them, remove the scratches and then finely polish out the stainless (about $60-70/ring already). He can not duplicate the flash chrome matte finish nor does he know someone who does. That means at least $100+ per trim ring. He said some people will question the originality of the high polished albeit original stainless trim rings. He said I would be better off purchasing reproductions and keep the originals for the collector purists.

I have used these guys there good

http://www.paulschrome.com/index.php/stainless-trim-repair

I have heard of them before. I see them advertise on My Classic Car a lot too

The man I talked to said if I took the rings to him for repair that he'd have at least $60-70 per ring before the re-chrome. His point is that aftermarket re-productions cost about $120 for a set of 4. So I would be into him almost $350 for the repair work (I have 5 rings including the spare) and then add the cost of re-chrome on top of that vs. $120 for the re-pops. I admire this man's honesty. I may have another project for him later this spring.

A friend of mine was at a swap meet on Saturday. He met a man who claims to have a set of NOS trim rings, still in the box for $200.00. I would consider that too. Still cheaper than the repair work.

Installed hid's in the mantana

Very nice. Im ordering a full seal replacement today

This is what I did:

>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AiGNL0LYN0

I'm so close to that point with my job.

So fucking close.

Also: love that movie.

lol that's like most of my day right there...the first 2hrs or so of my day are shot..after i walk around and see what needs to be emptied i usually go hide and take an hour nap then float around for 45minutes till break time, then maybe after break time i'll start something..the 2 1/2hrs from morning break till lunch is usually when work will get done. the 2hrs after lunch shit ain't getting done.lol

My shop has become so inactive that it's agonizing these days.

Plus, add the fact that they're cutting my hours again...time to job hunt.

My shop has become so inactive that it's agonizing these days.

Plus, add the fact that they're cutting my hours again...time to job hunt.

Know how to code?

I'm working freaking 12+ hour days

Know how to code?

I'm working freaking 12+ hour days

My brother does. Hes desperately looking for work lol. Computer Science degree

I'm actually gonna stop by some dealers and see if their parts departments need help.

Find a job in the goverment they alway need help. I have been working for them 13 years now.

I've done a few civil service exams, while I did good on them, I've yet to get any job offers.

By this time next week I'll be a member of the Massachusetts Army National Guard

By this time next week I'll be a member of the Massachusetts Army National Guard

You better guard me, Mikey!!!

But in all seriousness, good for you!

By this time next week I'll be a member of the Massachusetts Army National Guard

Good for you Havoc. It is an important responsibility.

What prompted this decision?

Good for you Havoc. It is an important responsibility.

What prompted this decision?

Weird really. I've always had it in my mind that I wanted to join the NG, but never really did anything other than touch on it a few times. Then one day I was driving by the Westfield Army NG Armory and I was like "I can do that." Next thing I know I'm applying. I'm getting sworn in next Friday at Westover ARB. I'm shooting to be a 91D (http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjobs/a/52d.htm), but I haven't taken my test yet. I'm doing that Thursday, but I have confidence I'll qualify.