TireSmoke.org

That balancer is so pretty, I wonder if Silvia would like one, too.

Repair accomplished. It turns out that the broken, original sensor link on the RH side was intact enough for me to get an accurate length measurement (4 3/16"). From this I learned that I had made the link on the LH side about an inch too short, so I made two new links of the same length. Once ...

This re-purposed cue ball is the clear winner of my shift-off. I drove to the urologist this morning so I was able to assess the new shift ball. It passed with flying colors. The ball shape allows natural hand and finger placement allowing one and two finger shifts when the situation warrants. I can ...

Here's the second of my test cases: In case I forget the shift pattern, there's one on the lid of the ash tray when it's closed. I keep the lid open to befuddle any potential thieves.

So a chromed steel shifter ball would be out of the question? I learned that lesson on my '76 Corvette L82. It had a black chromed shift ball and on some hot days I couldn't touch it.

That sounds quite elegant, Andy. I'll refer to it here on TireSmoke when I'm finished with all the other todo's on the list.

I couldn't find one with the shift pattern on it.

OK, here's what the golf club grip looks like:From a functional standpoint it works well. Visually, it seems out of place to me. Comments are welcome.

There are kits out there to convert to conventional suspension rather than the airbags. I was tempted to think about that yesterday, but I would rather keep the airbags if possible. I'll get to work making another sensor link. My first one is holding up quite well.

So, about 7 months have passed since the last update here and Randi and I took ol' Smoke out to a movie (The last Rodeo) to celebrate our 47th anniversary. Walking out of the movie house, I was admiring Smoke out there in the parking lot when I noticed the back end sitting way low. It was riding the ...

It might look kinda goofy, but if it works for better gear changes, I'll use it until something better comes along. I also have a drilled and threaded cue ball coming soon. The seller agreed to drill the hole for the shaft deeper than he usually does. This also will tend to shorten the throw. I'll ...

I got a snazzy one for Silvia: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HSRVBAG

Hmmm...the golf club grip is a good idea. It would slide on and bottom out on the top of the shifter shaft giving me a significantly shorter throw. I did a little checking and a size 60 grip should slip right on the 9/16 shaft. They are pretty cheap on Amazon. I'm going to see what I can find ...

Silvia and I have been getting out more lately. I've been sidelined with medical problems for the last 6 months so it feels good to get some energy and stamina back.

While out enjoying the back roads of NC, I let my right hand slip down off the big Corvette shift ball and grabbed the shaft below ...

Here's a 25 minute video about a very large number failures of 2022 GM 6.2 L engines and how oil viscosity relates to it. I enjoyed it and found it edifying and fascinating. Maybe you will, too. https://youtu.be/i0VoEhW2I-E