What non automotive projects and repairs are you doing?

Post by **matthew1** » 16 Jul 2026, 20:57

BlackBart wrote: 16 Jul 2026, 13:59 I made shade. First we had to scrape and paint this big soffit.

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It’s a big long triangle from Amazon. Cheap. Tries to lift the house in a windstorm. It bent some big fat eye bolts last year. But it really keeps the DR and hallway cool.

Yep, I'm a big proponent of Cheap Shade: viewtopic.php?p=609183#p609183

Post by **BlackBart** » 16 Jul 2026, 21:38

"Why Shade Is America’s Most Overlooked Infrastructure"

https://metropolismag.com/viewpoints/wh ... e=hs_email

Slartibartfast · Post by **Slartibartfast** » 17 Jul 2026, 01:08

Im a musician (mainly bass, but also mandolin,octave mandolin, mandola, Irish bouzouki, EUB, double bass, guitar, cittern, balalaika and violin) and the Missus recently spotted a part-built kit bass guitar on Facebook, which I bought. I've spent a bit of time undoing some horrendous badges and im now at the painting/finishing stage while awaiting various bits of hardware. Ill get some pics up when I can.

Post by **xHeart** » 18 Jul 2026, 07:43

Shades are very attractive; a pergola is safer choice near the big lake for thunderstorm, high winds, and tornado warnings. The patio market umbrella must be lowered daily.

A dual-fuel heat pump with a dedicated gas furnace for freezing months makes sense in Northern Region. The upfront cost is 20% higher for the hybrid, i.e. replacing a/c condenser with an heat pump. Now calculating change in monthly energy consumption for electric and natural gas. If it evens out in 3-5 years then it is a step taken.

volvolugnut wrote: 16 Jul 2026, 18:53 Shade is cool!
Heat pumps work pretty well here in the south. They may need a lot of extra help in colder winter areas. If it gets below 10 F, our system runs resistance heating most of the time. But that cold is rare here.
A larger air to air system may still be suitable in cold areas, but a ground source (or pond source) heat pump would be better. But initial cost goes up a lot (like several times cost of air to air).
volvolugnut

Post by **abscate** » 20 Jul 2026, 05:25

Slartibartfast wrote: 17 Jul 2026, 01:08 Im a musician (mainly bass, but also mandolin,octave mandolin, mandola, Irish bouzouki, EUB, double bass, guitar, cittern, balalaika and violin) and the Missus recently spotted a part-built kit bass guitar on Facebook, which I bought. I've spent a bit of time undoing some horrendous badges and im now at the painting/finishing stage while awaiting various bits of hardware. Ill get some pics up when I can.

I’m tight with a bassist nearby in Rochester NY, met through car Fora.

Best bumper sticker….you are following the bass, like rest of the orchestra.

Post by **BlackBart** » 20 Jul 2026, 14:22

Well it’s not a fish!

It’s a bass.

Post by **abscate** » 26 Jul 2026, 10:50

Bought a SPA!

Sorry Volvo, not you….

Post by **matthew1** » 26 Jul 2026, 12:59

^ oh heck yea. Excellent health tool

I like how you unpacked it and it assembled itself while you just stood back taking photos.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 26 Jul 2026, 16:01

Now that ain't too cool!
volvolugnut

Post by **abscate** » 27 Jul 2026, 03:55

Moving the rock pile was by far the worst part. Can’t wait to start building some nice walls with that.

About 4 hours to put together. Site prep was also 4 hours moving rock and leveling.

Can be moved when done with 2-3 people