Covid19 Spare time

KARNUT · October 31, 2021

13 minutes ago, Donstar said:

We've talked about activities and projects that occur when we find ourselves with uncommitted time. I cannot enjoy or consider a project if I haven't dealt with my personal health. Keeping vaccines up to date is a great example. On a broader scale, I make sure to have a comprehensive physical once a year because most maladies have better outcomes if detected early. My exam in September revealed an exceptionally high PSA level. Subsequent testing indicates I have no immediate worries but it was a wake up call to remain diligent in preventative maintenance! My father had such tests done in reaction to debilitating discomfort and he experienced the worst of outcomes at my current age range. We seldom wait for something to break on our trucks before giving it a check over. You don't need to wait until something hurts to visit your Doctor!

Two years ago I did some trimming with my extended trimmer. I have a 1/4 miles drive way to my rent house on the back of my property. The next day I had side pain. I’m thinking sore muscle, obviously. A weak later it coming and going with different severity. Several family members had gallbladder removals now I’m thinking gallstones. I changed my diet to gallbladder friendly and make a doctor appointment. Two weeks later ultrasound. Now I’m at three weeks with it coming and going, I’m now a couch potato. My chart lights up, all clear. Everything is peachy. I order a back-rib brace go back to yard work. It took six months to get to normal with reminders I can come back. My back in joyed the show so much it makes itself present to remind me I’m no spring chicken.

Donstar · November 7, 2021

Weeks of spare time researching the optimal tire/wheel combo for my truck, and looking for the best venue to perform the task, came to an end on Friday. I found a tire store that promised me that they will handle my freshly refinished wheels with care, and that the tires I ordered will be fresh. Neither promise was met. To add to my disappointment, there was a 5 psi variance in tire pressures confirmed by TPMS and tire gauge. This is not a big deal but reflects a work ethic that explains the nicks and scratches on my wheels. I don't know if tire shops generally check to see if wheel location corresponds to the info display but my wheels were also mixed up when I evened out the pressures. I also had this tire shop give me an estimate to install my MotoFab 1.5" level kit and they told me a spacer like this won't fit without grinding and modification. Their response to my MotoFab kit demonstrates that their technician hasn't attended GM Trucks Forum University! I have a new spare time project which is to get some restitution for damage to my wheels. The fact that my very popular sized Defenders spent their first 9 months on a shelf is not a complaint worth pursuing. However, this was my seventh set of Michelins since 1999 and all previous tires were well under six months old at time of purchase. I guess my future tire purchases return to Costco!

KARNUT · November 7, 2021

13 minutes ago, Donstar said:

Weeks of spare time researching the optimal tire/wheel combo for my truck, and looking for the best venue to perform the task, came to an end on Friday. I found a tire store that promised me that they will handle my freshly refinished wheels with care, and that the tires I ordered will be fresh. Neither promise was met. To add to my disappointment, there was a 5 psi variance in tire pressures confirmed by TPMS and tire gauge. This is not a big deal but reflects a work ethic that explains the nicks and scratches on my wheels. I don't know if tire shops generally check to see if wheel location corresponds to the info display but my wheels were also mixed up when I evened out the pressures. I also had this tire shop give me an estimate to install my MotoFab 1.5" level kit and they told me a spacer like this won't fit without grinding and modification. Their response to my MotoFab kit demonstrates that their technician hasn't attended GM Trucks Forum University! I have a new spare time project which is to get some restitution for damage to my wheels. The fact that my very popular sized Defenders spent their first 9 months on a shelf is not a complaint worth pursuing. However, this was my seventh set of Michelins since 1999 and all previous tires were well under six months old at time of purchase. I guess my future tire purchases return to Costco!

Some information I just read. The Honda owners manual and information I read over the net. Tires that are well cared for last ten years. I always thought 5 years was the max. So evidently there’s wiggle room. My wife’s Acura type r Michelin’s lasted 18 years before they never lost their bounce from sitting between driving. I wouldn’t dream of daily driving a tire that old. This car is lightly driven under gentle conditions. They still looked new. Shame you don’t have a discount tire. I never had a problem with them.

Donstar · November 8, 2021

It appears my tire installer was more interested in speed than quality. An apology and/or token compensation would have been appropriate as the technician would have noticed his oops. The fact that nothing was said has led me to follow up with management. A mistake may still get you in trouble, but a sincere apology is the most effective way to minimize the consequences. I do recognize that excess free time makes my expectations unrealistic. I'm certain 90% of the customers at this tire shop are more interested in getting their cars back quickly and think battle wounds on their wheels are part of the process. However, I worry that if a worker is careless in the visible tasks, what is the quality of the stuff you don't see?

Grumpy Bear · November 8, 2021

7 hours ago, Donstar said:

It appears my tire installer was more interested in speed than quality. An apology and/or token compensation would have been appropriate as the technician would have noticed his oops. The fact that nothing was said has led me to follow up with management. A mistake may still get you in trouble, but a sincere apology is the most effective way to minimize the consequences. I do recognize that excess free time makes my expectations unrealistic. I'm certain 90% of the customers at this tire shop are more interested in getting their cars back quickly and think battle wounds on their wheels are part of the process. However, I worry that if a worker is careless in the visible tasks, what is the quality of the stuff you don't see?

The mounting tools on the changer all have plastic pads/sleeves that can be and should be used. Few do. I find it effective to show them my wheels when I drop is off and voice my expectation that they be in the same shape when I get them back. I say that if this is not possible tell me now I will find someone who can. There are shops that can, so and pride themselves in such work. They are worth finding and rewarding. I never let them use clip on weight either.

Donstar · November 9, 2021

14 hours ago, Grumpy Bear said:

The mounting tools on the changer all have plastic pads/sleeves that can be and should be used. Few do. I find it effective to show them my wheels when I drop is off and voice my expectation that they be in the same shape when I get them back. I say that if this is not possible tell me now I will find someone who can. There are shops that can, so and pride themselves in such work. They are worth finding and rewarding. I never let them use clip on weight either.

I had the assurance from the tire shop that they'd be careful with my newly re-finished wheels. This direction appears on the work order. I also specified no clip on weights. I never met the actual installer but I suspect "tire changing" is not his passion or his lifelong career choice. The lure of Friday afternoon cocktails may have quickened his pace to the point of carelessness. I have written a letter to a representative of the company. Speaking in-person to the "assistant manager" was not effective. It was evident he thought my expectations were unreasonable and was not forthcoming with any compensation. It is too bad as I was hoping for a more customer focused experience. In the future, I'll return to taking my place in-line at our favorite big box store! I am confident that my concerns will be heard as this tire company is a popular franchise. The assistant manager is limited in his experience and still learning. I actually sensed a tinge of ageism in his responses. (nothing overt but that "be polite to old people" type of talk) I've always been this fussy, but now I have the time to follow-up! Below is a picture of the hardest hit wheel. It looks worse in the picture and not obvious when standing.

Grumpy Bear · November 9, 2021

2 minutes ago, Donstar said:

I had the assurance from the tire shop that they'd be careful with my newly re-finished wheels. This direction appears on the work order.

Ask him how he feels about small claims court. Your expectations are in writing. His thoughts of 'reasonable expectation" on the matter are irrelevant. His chance to voice that concern expired with accepting the job.

OnTheReel · November 9, 2021

Is that even from the tire machine? Almost looks like the dummy just banged the socket into it when removing or re-installing.

Get on Google reviews, yelp, Facebook, etc. and tell your story. If not to push them into making you whole, then at least to warn others. Lots of expensive factory wheels coming in finished black now. If these guys handle those like they did yours, the damage would be even more apparent. No excuse for it.

diyer2 · November 9, 2021

Posted this before.

Been there. I even asked to see the tire machine once. Called the manufacturer of the tire machine and was told poor training.

It's B.S. They are tire shops, so in my eyes so called experts.

Grumpy Bear · November 9, 2021

Here's something I know first hand. The shop I use doesn't hurt my wheels. Not my alloy wheels nor my steel wheels. It can be done.

Donstar · November 10, 2021

18 hours ago, Grumpy Bear said:

Here's something I know first hand. The shop I use doesn't hurt my wheels. Not my alloy wheels nor my steel wheels. It can be done.

I know. I have a shiny new 1/2" torque wrench c/w 22mm socket and it is very easy to tighten lug-nuts with zero contact to wheel finish. The damage to my wheels might have happened by the guy sent out to the parking lot to do the final torque check. I don't know but it really is up to the company to "make me whole" again. I was hoping that they would take the imitative to contact me with restitution or compensation. Their silence in this matter only serves to increase the amount required.

Donstar · November 13, 2021

At present, I am immersed in dealing with a dear friend at the end of her life. There are many beautiful shared moments but some sad ones due to minimal pre-planning and incorrect assumptions. When you are tapped on the shoulder, it will no longer matter what your truck looks like or if the renovations are finished. Make sure you have an exit plan in place before you devote anymore of your spare time to other projects. Don't assume your "loving family" knows what to do and will make sure you're well treated. Draw up a plan and appoint a trustworthy power of attorney who agrees with your wishes. Have a serious and clear conversation about your wishes and revise regularly. Keep it all in writing with copies to close family/friends. Death happens to everyone and many/most will have advanced warning when it is close. You will want this time to have closure with the ones you love and be free of "earthly worries"

Donstar · November 17, 2021

Most of our province just went through another terrible weather event. In a day, many people's lives have changed forever, some narrowly escaping death. I was caught in heavy rains with some delays due to fallen trees but nothing serious. Most routes in and out of our largest cities sustained major damage and were rendered unusable for some time. We live in a modest single story home a safe distance from trees, body of water or mountains. We are equipped to manage a significant amount of time in the event of losing services. Our living situation is no accident as emergency preparedness is a high priority. Ironically, emotion made us leave the safety of our home to visit our friend in palliative care proving you can't prepare for all calamities. When I worked up north many miles from paved roads, I always carried survival gear in my truck. Today, I will be spending my time reinstating this practice! I can't prepare against every peril but I refuse to be a victim of easily avoidable dangers. Tip: Assign a time when you will follow through with a good intention. "Today" is the best time. We had 280+ motorists stranded between two mudslides over night. Some were prepared but I'm sure others derived little comfort from their good intentions. It was a cold, wet night.

Grumpy Bear · November 17, 2021

Wife and I are no "Preppers". That said we are not idiots either. Opinion varies, I know.

We have a modest supply of food and water, medical supplies including a bit of our prescription meds. Some camping gear with a change of warm cloths. What two people could backpack a week or so with. Go bags if you will. The vehicles always carry water and blankets and assorted other items I couldn't beg, borrow or steal in a short walk. But we don't 'what if' ourselves into more than would be needed. Not more that can be carried. I try to never run a tank under half. Just some common sense planning. Even cut to the bone I'm sure that in most cases I would have enough to share with the unexpected.

I've been caught in the mountains a few times, once in the desert lacking and while I've always survived it I learned what was important and what I could do without. I'll take a good compass and camp axe over a ham sandwich any day.

KARNUT · November 18, 2021

8 hours ago, Donstar said:

Most of our province just went through another terrible weather event. In a day, many people's lives have changed forever, some narrowly escaping death. I was caught in heavy rains with some delays due to fallen trees but nothing serious. Most routes in and out of our largest cities sustained major damage and were rendered unusable for some time. We live in a modest single story home a safe distance from trees, body of water or mountains. We are equipped to manage a significant amount of time in the event of losing services. Our living situation is no accident as emergency preparedness is a high priority. Ironically, emotion made us leave the safety of our home to visit our friend in palliative care proving you can't prepare for all calamities. When I worked up north many miles from paved roads, I always carried survival gear in my truck. Today, I will be spending my time reinstating this practice! I can't prepare against every peril but I refuse to be a victim of easily avoidable dangers. Tip: Assign a time when you will follow through with a good intention. "Today" is the best time. We had 280+ motorists stranded between two mudslides over night. Some were prepared but I'm sure others derived little comfort from their good intentions. It was a cold, wet night.

In the early 80s my father and I were clearing a pipeline out in the boonies. The ground changed from iron ore to sugar sand while going down hill to a ditch. My father was out looking for the way around at the same time. He was coming down the other side. We both got stuck the same time. It was Texas hot. We started walking at 2:30 saw the first house at 7:00. My brothers were already out looking for us. A couple of things changed from that lesson. I went from cowboy boots to comfortable work boots. My father finally let us get 4WD trucks. Winches on tractors. I always without exception have protein bars and water for a week with me. At home I can go months. The first lockdown we went weeks before we went to a store.