Workin' on the Truck

Finally got the replacement front calipers on the truck. I had decided a while ago the last time I tried to bleed the brake lines to replace the front calipers cause they were so old and one of them had the bleeder screw broken off. Before I replaced them, I decided to paint them, originally I was going to paint them red but because of the current rims and because you wouldn't be able to see them very well, I went with black. The original calipers looked just that, if they were the original calipers that came with the truck when it was first put together.

The new calipers are Raybestos loaded calipers with super stop brake pads that I bought at Checker Auto Parts and replaced the bleeder valves that came with the calipers with Russell Performance Speed Bleeder valves that I ordered through Summit Racing Equipment. I have to say, I was extremely impressed with Summit, not only did my order arrive in 3 days by UPS Ground, they also gave me stickers and a really nice hat.

For the next thing on my truck, I'm looking at a Soft tonneau cover by Lund. There is a new Fleet Farm that opened close by in Circle Pines, MN which makes it much closer than having to drive to the other one in Brooklyn Park, MN. I also want to get new mud guards that they have over there... looks like Fleet Farm is going to be my upgrade shop of choice now. It used to be Checkers, but when I went to return my old calipers for the Core Charge refund, they Clerk there named Greg (He's in his mid to late 50's, salt and pepper beard and moutache, glasses, about 5'9" to 5'10" in height) gave me a bit of trouble cause I purchased the new calipers at a different store after being told that I can go to any store to get my core charge back.

I won't be going back to that store located in Coon Rapids, MN. There are other stores that I can go to instead or order parts online. If I order online, I may have to wait an extra day or two, but it'll be cheaper and I won't be given a hard time about the core charge...

There are a couple more things in addition to the Genesis Roll Up Tonneau Cover by Lund that I want to get, the other things are bed rail caps for the sides, front and tail. I think I'll order them from LMC Truck cause its cheaper there. If they have it at Fleet Farm for about the same price, I just may have to get them there...

Well, Fall is aproaching a little early. Last night it was a bit chilly outside when I went for a smoke. There was frost advisory last night up in Northern Minnesota and again tonight. Also there are other signs... insects are finding a way into the house... So far I've caught 2 spiders about the size of quarters. On the bright side, the other day, I finally saw a humming bird flying around and about a month ago, a Hawk landed on the lawn about 20 feet from me. The hawk was trying to catch something in the tree when it landed on the ground cause it missed. It looked at me then flew off.

つづく ( To be continued... )

You must be wondering...

About the picture I have of myself. Well... here it is... About 10 to 15 years ago, while working as a Assistant Manager for a restaurant, a friend of mine once called me the "Iceman". This was because of my lack of emotion when something would happen. Most people would panic or get upset or whatever (especially when you spill a drink in the lap of a Vice President for a top travel agency)... There were other incidents but each time, I would not panic or show any emotions. So he would call me the "Iceman".

Later on, back in '95 when I worked at a Computer City, another friend formed a group called the TekLoRdz. I had actually suggested the name of the group after watching the series called TekWar. I then took on the Handle of TekBandit, since then, it's stuck with me since. I picked up the image of SubZero from Mortal Kombat because it seemed like a good fit for several reasons I won't go into detail...

I'm looking forward to working on the truck this weekend. I bought new calipers and hope to have them on by the end of the day... I hope it won't take that long to switch them out. Personally, I don't see it taking very long since I used to work on sport bikes when I owned a Yamaha FZR 600. That'll knock that off the list of needed repairs before I can work on the appearance of the truck. I still have to get the brake lines/hoses replaced, the shocks and some real light engine work.

I also want to upgrade my computer again... I'm looking at a new motherboard that will take the new DDR3 memory at a bus speed of 1600 also a new video card with the new PCI-e 2 slot and new joysticks for my flight sims... So much money, so little of it and so little time...

つづく ( To be continued... )

Minnesota's Farmer's Market in downtown Minneapolis

It's a little late, but it has already started. The Farmer's market in Downtown Minneapolis on Thursdays. All the fresh produce and other great finds. When they have it, I try to make sure I hit up the Saint Agnes stall and pick up some bread. They have the best Zuccini, pumpkin and Banana bread as well as turnovers and danishes.

つづく ( To be continued... )