tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34358813803351617092024-03-11T07:02:50.191-07:00 Vintage Veloce™ Stories from the garage, the road and the dirt with my bikes and cars. Vintage Italian moto e macchine. And other ramblings.Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.comBlogger169125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435881380335161709.post-9912518357921056572024-01-03T14:50:00.000-08:002024-01-04T16:42:46.139-08:00Black & Decker Workmate as Motorcycle Tire Changing Stand<p>For some reason, after years of using a milk crate, I finally realized my Workmate might make a good tire changing stand!<br />
<br />
I have a vintage Workmate 79-001 Type 2 (WM625) with replaced jaws. <br />
I bought a 12" long piece of 1/2" stainless steel round bar, and I filed a small V in one side of the jaws:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRQ8E3BM-FdkEDDsee-b31eyVcMUClq-UerCSN290gMdNMww7rpkQR7HKAiy2cuWzqhWaI2swb611enmNnGNkqtIarRSDFHnyDwMVXTbKhc3kBh0QtJEzS1eU4IRKqPJwIwWJlGhO2PFHHIxb8JVimFh6e6uhS_RzKpFn62cBwpGvFlN5kmW9C-mPrgB6A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRQ8E3BM-FdkEDDsee-b31eyVcMUClq-UerCSN290gMdNMww7rpkQR7HKAiy2cuWzqhWaI2swb611enmNnGNkqtIarRSDFHnyDwMVXTbKhc3kBh0QtJEzS1eU4IRKqPJwIwWJlGhO2PFHHIxb8JVimFh6e6uhS_RzKpFn62cBwpGvFlN5kmW9C-mPrgB6A=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p> Poof! Instant tire changing stand!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiACDBVeLGtwIJvr6g1VAlOd6H9mIsCk0UdCRJBTQE8yDPeb217yweH0xGY1ECUJJ1uLlnf1pduk3SWr0bse2xPHCQn79uTvueg309kqugbKre0QZxSBn_WS-psf3nuFPlj_JrnwryfoK41ljJy_lTHNX9ExeNI7B2GisYDmUuEJnIv2DwyQCULwyxkLTrs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiACDBVeLGtwIJvr6g1VAlOd6H9mIsCk0UdCRJBTQE8yDPeb217yweH0xGY1ECUJJ1uLlnf1pduk3SWr0bse2xPHCQn79uTvueg309kqugbKre0QZxSBn_WS-psf3nuFPlj_JrnwryfoK41ljJy_lTHNX9ExeNI7B2GisYDmUuEJnIv2DwyQCULwyxkLTrs=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p> Getting ready to mount a tire:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2N7zt12ESUjV9Y-bVdvsM8WFJP4VSsXZ-fffNRRwqG8Zz52fb4wnv5GmeWUTbVzpTKY49aY0LthFAfkcNP_2n1oHfitzui7qnUovjtOdH6Tb_5yy-IS7W-cCK-b5a6n_Q7gPglGTGgC_uOafcGJG_4ej4SuGop7kciGnt4ZkmKwg_t3z2PPiBFfjH22RY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2N7zt12ESUjV9Y-bVdvsM8WFJP4VSsXZ-fffNRRwqG8Zz52fb4wnv5GmeWUTbVzpTKY49aY0LthFAfkcNP_2n1oHfitzui7qnUovjtOdH6Tb_5yy-IS7W-cCK-b5a6n_Q7gPglGTGgC_uOafcGJG_4ej4SuGop7kciGnt4ZkmKwg_t3z2PPiBFfjH22RY=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Success: the mounted tire. The stand worked great!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitnGyIFej5l8BdwKrTKv9CYXOkTTi8CIf_gCptujtvr7ymIEVpudLH6hwlXQe_E0decYuwGohG3RPxKxOFVrwIuby9KZlsHqik4iPUCQdaGzrpcx4ZjvAV7kt0duT80GtbWMptRneTVHxyCK2Pnu_FkJ97D_QeaapA86vS8FBcMcZCJgYUSk0hGAY7SdO-" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitnGyIFej5l8BdwKrTKv9CYXOkTTi8CIf_gCptujtvr7ymIEVpudLH6hwlXQe_E0decYuwGohG3RPxKxOFVrwIuby9KZlsHqik4iPUCQdaGzrpcx4ZjvAV7kt0duT80GtbWMptRneTVHxyCK2Pnu_FkJ97D_QeaapA86vS8FBcMcZCJgYUSk0hGAY7SdO-=w300-h400" width="300" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Addendum...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I realized my wheel was scrapping the workmate's wood surface. Not such a
big deal, but it's nice to be able to easily rotate the wheel and i
wouldn't want to scrape up some of the fancier wheels. I've seen some
wheel changers have a big plastic / nylon disks... so I took a jigsaw
and drill to one of our old cutting boards:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41bIAHYS4YbmIWve6WWRzqoMCwRydZ3JFhvPayRvI0gw-t2WZ8zzmowDIG9LcTpP4n1VuSOr9ug8d25786K-2UcMGJjR8egdnW_x-9yKdhYYxMVyYOKxTi8eKOIVu-3ZakKbeajjhT4BrcK-ShNf-XdYfcyAobCEZIj1v5CjEv5V7BtLbKsyAoYtLQDkd/s4032/PXL_20240105_001515754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41bIAHYS4YbmIWve6WWRzqoMCwRydZ3JFhvPayRvI0gw-t2WZ8zzmowDIG9LcTpP4n1VuSOr9ug8d25786K-2UcMGJjR8egdnW_x-9yKdhYYxMVyYOKxTi8eKOIVu-3ZakKbeajjhT4BrcK-ShNf-XdYfcyAobCEZIj1v5CjEv5V7BtLbKsyAoYtLQDkd/w400-h300/PXL_20240105_001515754.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQ48aFm97MuA5ZgQBLYvcWSobWq3gNIg95oN8jkQ_NtNE_hB39EzlTYv85F5LB5T94vPWmVFx8S_xzZC97ZUYXXwQ79BLZ7bAS_O4irpJe99u-rXJZQ1hMlJn94kY4V-lGR3ypnd6bmAE0-mDHPGI6CAJXRnK5XfYRtV-ZtukQPJ68UBEnkvgagx_aUq6/s4032/PXL_20240105_001530454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQ48aFm97MuA5ZgQBLYvcWSobWq3gNIg95oN8jkQ_NtNE_hB39EzlTYv85F5LB5T94vPWmVFx8S_xzZC97ZUYXXwQ79BLZ7bAS_O4irpJe99u-rXJZQ1hMlJn94kY4V-lGR3ypnd6bmAE0-mDHPGI6CAJXRnK5XfYRtV-ZtukQPJ68UBEnkvgagx_aUq6/w400-h300/PXL_20240105_001530454.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZnasHnGYM-2gqFdNeaH1idRRyk18bpm5OCPStJisOX-wJs3ltvVoTVFf0xv2kB7MnLUuukHlYw9GjpgWrqQuuQSkuQu3bVHIToCByIOMClpqAnh4NQDYGcHYtWkAerGJVXqTc1EZL1-tJJvGau5PqZ11WqYfkzouWml0jXPYv4sZqZsI8wF0D-RrL4BG/s4032/PXL_20240105_001607605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZnasHnGYM-2gqFdNeaH1idRRyk18bpm5OCPStJisOX-wJs3ltvVoTVFf0xv2kB7MnLUuukHlYw9GjpgWrqQuuQSkuQu3bVHIToCByIOMClpqAnh4NQDYGcHYtWkAerGJVXqTc1EZL1-tJJvGau5PqZ11WqYfkzouWml0jXPYv4sZqZsI8wF0D-RrL4BG/w400-h300/PXL_20240105_001607605.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Perfect!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435881380335161709.post-63187582653981610912023-12-22T17:53:00.000-08:002023-12-22T17:53:49.685-08:00Talaria Sting R MX4 Licence Plate Holder Mount<p> I just finished fabricated a plate mount / holder.</p><p>I has a spare piece of 6061 aluminum and so I marked that up, drilled the holes, cut it with my jigsaw, filed some radii on the corners and put a slight bend it it. </p><p>I'll spare you all the details, but here are some pictures. <a href="https://www.vintageveloce.com/2023/12/talaria-sting-r-mx4-brake-light.html">Note the tail light / brake light that I built earlier illuminates it nicely!</a></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKonI0X5FmxTXjsXQuD7dzuR43gRBt9pj-nGUiIpIvlLEayFq8e7MsOZL2zKfvlJC_7XI7c81iBejkVly8Q-zzl6WzhquUaeq8MXEm2Cl-Ll6LjkfCUw1Bj33akpTTPt0BDFITso97PqT0kKT5DuXoo586sj-3N3X1OWcZo6WDx3iDfbgb8vPWsMroTxgp/s4032/PXL_20231223_014350046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKonI0X5FmxTXjsXQuD7dzuR43gRBt9pj-nGUiIpIvlLEayFq8e7MsOZL2zKfvlJC_7XI7c81iBejkVly8Q-zzl6WzhquUaeq8MXEm2Cl-Ll6LjkfCUw1Bj33akpTTPt0BDFITso97PqT0kKT5DuXoo586sj-3N3X1OWcZo6WDx3iDfbgb8vPWsMroTxgp/w400-h300/PXL_20231223_014350046.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiUF9E35qWJ6HtEu9YH-lzp4bl9JJC3SHFvKDlSE_3OBSYlIlH29LxQg_j-IF5LqTDWuvoZA9jWP8wScAzrGxOHF2yrwdldpGAGszdrbGIxdJNNjlf1-PXPcaifkgHlBAhKkB3IphI9MkV1twDglOrkK94TjIsIn_gXk4ctnlpnhqam1Zs9sOHZA7aiMR/s4032/PXL_20231223_004352005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiUF9E35qWJ6HtEu9YH-lzp4bl9JJC3SHFvKDlSE_3OBSYlIlH29LxQg_j-IF5LqTDWuvoZA9jWP8wScAzrGxOHF2yrwdldpGAGszdrbGIxdJNNjlf1-PXPcaifkgHlBAhKkB3IphI9MkV1twDglOrkK94TjIsIn_gXk4ctnlpnhqam1Zs9sOHZA7aiMR/w400-h300/PXL_20231223_004352005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLw3fu_Zqk3wnc_chfY4Sw1JlnSL-yEJ92HA6zydZOy-pwTbeA69E1lg-Z4ur4NbjY50cpqrDKWYC6Bs3DyXwIK631HwuoL58ux1kY3JnmAhbV4PmCTn2bm4eQFFhb_Szv9RWlzr581bVFCjfdSernGcW323Mjybszpi5-_iXmv5Tk_3969ueN6kNiwG_c/s4032/PXL_20231223_004407728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLw3fu_Zqk3wnc_chfY4Sw1JlnSL-yEJ92HA6zydZOy-pwTbeA69E1lg-Z4ur4NbjY50cpqrDKWYC6Bs3DyXwIK631HwuoL58ux1kY3JnmAhbV4PmCTn2bm4eQFFhb_Szv9RWlzr581bVFCjfdSernGcW323Mjybszpi5-_iXmv5Tk_3969ueN6kNiwG_c/w400-h300/PXL_20231223_004407728.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga071KuF385baMOeUJFNgaBVZzy7uiJKvw9us2VSsudezMgY8WnhB4qy5t8xZL0SnbG7q5jbRKg8tun0SeCAvCQLI27SjXJMlQSWTs1aSYGH-xHJEj_HNdje7AjuMu092Jp83lGJsZQId1kVaMe_wh4Y47xnfXQRlji9mL89_CStY-5lUvzf7X8cvank1c/s4032/PXL_20231223_004317213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga071KuF385baMOeUJFNgaBVZzy7uiJKvw9us2VSsudezMgY8WnhB4qy5t8xZL0SnbG7q5jbRKg8tun0SeCAvCQLI27SjXJMlQSWTs1aSYGH-xHJEj_HNdje7AjuMu092Jp83lGJsZQId1kVaMe_wh4Y47xnfXQRlji9mL89_CStY-5lUvzf7X8cvank1c/w400-h300/PXL_20231223_004317213.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILiOqWrZ6Uqz60uAibyc3dEQy69Yo_ohCRrZFImvHAP8waZadXU0Kvg1rwQp1GzlAV9_Q8KWhEa4rry2hsDp0DVc6mekEsKCaGQQZI2gKOM-CbDtlThbm5uWJbuxIikPAMAPV4uwVyffEER7QE3PRlkEmESbKsDi1k50ot-5Bm8yAimwRAUaggSmxuYup/s4032/PXL_20231223_004457523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILiOqWrZ6Uqz60uAibyc3dEQy69Yo_ohCRrZFImvHAP8waZadXU0Kvg1rwQp1GzlAV9_Q8KWhEa4rry2hsDp0DVc6mekEsKCaGQQZI2gKOM-CbDtlThbm5uWJbuxIikPAMAPV4uwVyffEER7QE3PRlkEmESbKsDi1k50ot-5Bm8yAimwRAUaggSmxuYup/w400-h300/PXL_20231223_004457523.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table>I used a silicone plate frame to make the edges of the plate safer and nylon bolts. Total weight of the mount, frame, plate and bolts is 211g or 7.5oz.<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435881380335161709.post-82580485338146923142023-12-18T18:13:00.000-08:002024-01-28T14:14:10.736-08:00Adventure Riding Boots: Sidi Adventure 2 vs Gaerne G.Dakar GTX vs Sidi Crossfire vs Alpinestars SMX-6 v2<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjM4cTcsR_7OAwQgNxpqjeoyYxl-M9VwfhU2S1oVSN-IBO40CY2Kwnfay4MUSt1KWJMGzrsACCaO4POiBnvKyyaslM8IXpwSd9vad4GWEjUwNZspzGy1QcEOTJ73V1o7hUgC1cJZ0X3zhyG_tBMVYpwxX8PEJERocjRH0RqSGjTzV67gF-kTiB45u31o-rz" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjM4cTcsR_7OAwQgNxpqjeoyYxl-M9VwfhU2S1oVSN-IBO40CY2Kwnfay4MUSt1KWJMGzrsACCaO4POiBnvKyyaslM8IXpwSd9vad4GWEjUwNZspzGy1QcEOTJ73V1o7hUgC1cJZ0X3zhyG_tBMVYpwxX8PEJERocjRH0RqSGjTzV67gF-kTiB45u31o-rz=w150-h200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-d47-djMk_aAVKm-6N_ZupzdhqlPu62a8QFnHGJfD2MXauhrQnJR6tQv245vGUjDtP_W5hb3_ET3sqATwJfV6PXgRqT1CiLMuBAXQlYiZEqpiVMkkm-GQ7bINfgxIKkGY6M90jmP0T6TUmoqUj7P4pdeD6BM8VAAedgQXBoFiJtIWhljLv6FLdFQdBmW_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-d47-djMk_aAVKm-6N_ZupzdhqlPu62a8QFnHGJfD2MXauhrQnJR6tQv245vGUjDtP_W5hb3_ET3sqATwJfV6PXgRqT1CiLMuBAXQlYiZEqpiVMkkm-GQ7bINfgxIKkGY6M90jmP0T6TUmoqUj7P4pdeD6BM8VAAedgQXBoFiJtIWhljLv6FLdFQdBmW_=w150-h200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJydvUti5xzGUsIjqOMEaOH-lw-Y1lLJy5kwByhh43GCCXne0CjLySbqfaPNDM9LypFaDMHHDGsX_KoNjZQQGEtTs2FU2QJQHWi2_1d8POB2GFTqs_3496Zrv1USTMKLcueBBA_JptoNjWoqFL3-po-Uiw8GeugrOxzapRQGNc60Fg1cnfFAn8VckKMXNo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJydvUti5xzGUsIjqOMEaOH-lw-Y1lLJy5kwByhh43GCCXne0CjLySbqfaPNDM9LypFaDMHHDGsX_KoNjZQQGEtTs2FU2QJQHWi2_1d8POB2GFTqs_3496Zrv1USTMKLcueBBA_JptoNjWoqFL3-po-Uiw8GeugrOxzapRQGNc60Fg1cnfFAn8VckKMXNo=w150-h200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3EaXmw5RUmgs8NIHfqOEeM_Eg13_KD53r4Q0FMvp9Dg9qCg1cySKtCtyiWnNp7N2rX06VN_nO-wXH3KSdkorzZjwlJ-Wp4TM90RqC1tklwm6_WqmsLoiirLmcCl1Dd3KYjlbeGhSELQuHGcnJ4Au421W0lho1utfcts2NfTMFXWQ3pO_I47XifkZp1u1w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3EaXmw5RUmgs8NIHfqOEeM_Eg13_KD53r4Q0FMvp9Dg9qCg1cySKtCtyiWnNp7N2rX06VN_nO-wXH3KSdkorzZjwlJ-Wp4TM90RqC1tklwm6_WqmsLoiirLmcCl1Dd3KYjlbeGhSELQuHGcnJ4Au421W0lho1utfcts2NfTMFXWQ3pO_I47XifkZp1u1w=w150-h200" width="150" /></a></p><p>First, I want to thank <a href="https://www.atomic-moto.com/">Atomic-Moto</a> at <a href="https://www.atomic-moto.com/">https://www.atomic-moto.com/</a> for helping me pick my new boots and providing lots of helpful advice. They are great and you really should buy your gear there!</p><p>Note that all of the boots described and weighed in this comparison are European size 41. This is approximately a USA size 7.5 to 8.</p><p>I'm a lifetime motorcyclist, but I've only been riding off road for over a bit over 10 years. Particularly as an "older" rider, I believe in wearing the best protective gear I can get. So I've been wearing a great pair of Sidi Crossfire boots for many years. These things are awesome:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-YixsGTWUwsFIJ_2W-JuykhLZYzZEAYWJzPbAexQDPUUpmvKVcSvC8rrywEVzhk2ityToKUeAabMhncazh6IGSUg4RJgyEpIGBNJIurrPOAFwBWg3mgB5ldN32uJTOXMsB4EPy-zDaoEZg8R2kU8vFViDOBFAo5PGuQ76zlOMxADlZYexwOXcLEJbjaXW" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-YixsGTWUwsFIJ_2W-JuykhLZYzZEAYWJzPbAexQDPUUpmvKVcSvC8rrywEVzhk2ityToKUeAabMhncazh6IGSUg4RJgyEpIGBNJIurrPOAFwBWg3mgB5ldN32uJTOXMsB4EPy-zDaoEZg8R2kU8vFViDOBFAo5PGuQ76zlOMxADlZYexwOXcLEJbjaXW=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sidi Crossfire - size 41 - 4 lbs. 4.8 oz.</div><br />But they are HEAVY. They are about 4.3 pounds (1950g). Also they have a metal toe cap that is very slippery in certain circumstances... they can be deadly on tile floors. All that said, they are great protection. <div><br /></div><div>Now it is important to note heavy boots won't protect you from everything. About 4 years ago I was riding in these Sidi Crossfire boots with EVS Web Pro knee braces when I caught my toe on a ridge on the right side of the trail. My foot was twisted around to the outside badly breaking my fibula: <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLYkkP-Eapt2-J6q5qFa784GjzZRpHELKnVQHwz-gxzFmfg_zCBaq752hKN9wGGDUCZR_ijVhqsej48nXjEg8kQKEo4TS7v4ekWh2wOlHX9kBA6xFzxjRrOrz8eeAAyrnYl4jJMb9KoDzirtzzTFTexq0CuypDUxOrjIUDII7KUQLDhCa_lX5EfExtmnRS" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1481" data-original-width="1240" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLYkkP-Eapt2-J6q5qFa784GjzZRpHELKnVQHwz-gxzFmfg_zCBaq752hKN9wGGDUCZR_ijVhqsej48nXjEg8kQKEo4TS7v4ekWh2wOlHX9kBA6xFzxjRrOrz8eeAAyrnYl4jJMb9KoDzirtzzTFTexq0CuypDUxOrjIUDII7KUQLDhCa_lX5EfExtmnRS=w335-h400" width="335" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I carry a satellite beacon but somehow I managed to ride out of the desert without using it... but it was painful.</div><br />So top of the line boots and knee braces won't protect you from everything! But maybe they saved me form worse or different injuries. My point is that while you want very protective gear, no gear is perfect.<p></p><p>At any rate, being older and slower I recently purchased a much lighter ebike and I plan on doing shorter, slower and less aggressive rides. And I have decided to get some lighter gear as well. The Sidi Crossfires feel like anchors to me, the pair is almost 9 pounds! So my goal was to find some lighter but still protective boots.</p><p>At the lightweight end of the spectrum, just for reference, I have a pair of <a href="https://www.alpinestars.com/products/smx-6-v2-vented-boots">Alpinestars SMX-6 v2</a>. Alpinestars call these a "track and street performance boot". </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjN8_RHK3rxuPnmiwbfpor77-567ovau5L0rz1Cp3wGz0n0gZ3WEyRqYSvH9hBYpWKMxpCQDgu9oEO_D4IQTNr_muOD_tr-N10GDxsGkcqVdEE6PC7cR5sCOM1Q5G9p913KeJHcZtH6bzPiBwahEJFRAHlA5_ic9Rr5Syk_PkW2FlpTA8Cwydf9gGVJAIWX" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjN8_RHK3rxuPnmiwbfpor77-567ovau5L0rz1Cp3wGz0n0gZ3WEyRqYSvH9hBYpWKMxpCQDgu9oEO_D4IQTNr_muOD_tr-N10GDxsGkcqVdEE6PC7cR5sCOM1Q5G9p913KeJHcZtH6bzPiBwahEJFRAHlA5_ic9Rr5Syk_PkW2FlpTA8Cwydf9gGVJAIWX=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Alpinestars SMX-6 v2 - size 41 - 1 lbs. 13.4oz.</div><br />That is LIGHT, 1.8 pounds (833g). But not nearly enough ankle support and protection for off road use.<p></p><p>So I purchased both the <a href="https://www.atomic-moto.com/products/sidi-adventure-2-gore-tex-boots">Sidi Adventure 2</a> and the <a href="https://www.atomic-moto.com/products/gaerne-dakar-gtx-boots">Gaerne G.Dakar GTX</a> so I could compare them. Note that I have seen some variation in the Gaerne boot's name: Dakar, G. Dakar, Dakar GTX, but they all appear to be the same boot. The Gaerne boot does seem significantly less expensive that the Sidi at this time.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXShKUsMz4INBeUp1njJoOVM4sn_htfHvqtQpTDEYv18aPcbTMKHv7AGA5JSA_m5vKdzmAITs_q7RDWNOgP4OZKSAopCJ5Gf5ZXcSXuL-xQN826UPTejCUwXft0KVoVxqUKxtPb1NFLxIk6ixFdWRPzvcJbswpMGVlubRMFhIG3KFL-0MLlyDa42ympIKh" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXShKUsMz4INBeUp1njJoOVM4sn_htfHvqtQpTDEYv18aPcbTMKHv7AGA5JSA_m5vKdzmAITs_q7RDWNOgP4OZKSAopCJ5Gf5ZXcSXuL-xQN826UPTejCUwXft0KVoVxqUKxtPb1NFLxIk6ixFdWRPzvcJbswpMGVlubRMFhIG3KFL-0MLlyDa42ympIKh=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sidi Adventure 2 - size 41 - 2 lbs. 9.4oz.</div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKCQGgmJOoBHDzdIAe-EoKqUQcRqDTaKPDEfzoF3w9vDkAYlmpKu-EiYXJM3Pqqz-PYwz7u7guaS9UFFkqsao_i1nNRreqL5GVt0Jb7ybf2w0OkHNzw--sOodEDqoNseQ7aMrMLs7ZM2FHTT_c3zbflofGXyCxLUivwclIP5onZBqEfrvgLATAhoEFQD_Z" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKCQGgmJOoBHDzdIAe-EoKqUQcRqDTaKPDEfzoF3w9vDkAYlmpKu-EiYXJM3Pqqz-PYwz7u7guaS9UFFkqsao_i1nNRreqL5GVt0Jb7ybf2w0OkHNzw--sOodEDqoNseQ7aMrMLs7ZM2FHTT_c3zbflofGXyCxLUivwclIP5onZBqEfrvgLATAhoEFQD_Z=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gaerne G.Dakar GTX - size 41 - 2 lbs. 13.8 oz.</div><br />So the Sidi Adventure 2 is about 2.6 lbs. (1174g) and the Gaerne G.Dakar is 2.8 lbs (1298g). <b>So the Adventure 2 is about 10% lighter than the G.Dakar.</b><p></p><p><b>Note also the Adventure 2 is about 40% lighter than the Crossfire boot!</b> That's about 3.4 pounds for a pair of boots.</p><p><b>The Dakar is about 33% lighter than the Crossfire boot</b>, or about 2.9 pounds lighter for a pair of boots.</p><p>Here are some pictures comparing the linings of the boots:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWOP3NlIyszqcfgwict3MF-vvYNmbYDwupozJrA6qb7-XRX_dtEMCF4T4li-hvwU3on1m39dYal2UST790p1QOyVZH9txUMcB5FMBcj0kNSOcWwC69bbn4y3hj36Smn7SZzOonnOos8G0gxPUFTbHxrXisKucyvFGy9FBD5euN8makGxOPaOHpte583eEf" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWOP3NlIyszqcfgwict3MF-vvYNmbYDwupozJrA6qb7-XRX_dtEMCF4T4li-hvwU3on1m39dYal2UST790p1QOyVZH9txUMcB5FMBcj0kNSOcWwC69bbn4y3hj36Smn7SZzOonnOos8G0gxPUFTbHxrXisKucyvFGy9FBD5euN8makGxOPaOHpte583eEf=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWOP3NlIyszqcfgwict3MF-vvYNmbYDwupozJrA6qb7-XRX_dtEMCF4T4li-hvwU3on1m39dYal2UST790p1QOyVZH9txUMcB5FMBcj0kNSOcWwC69bbn4y3hj36Smn7SZzOonnOos8G0gxPUFTbHxrXisKucyvFGy9FBD5euN8makGxOPaOHpte583eEf" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-K6fQnYa1z0pAt181wejRYqAfZIsVXyYRTh9YhkZXXDqapkkdHisv2Uiiqx6zt0hc4m_w9R-2avBHv3vWJcbUS-PPDB8UMKu_ZiVH2rTouFMXofkjjcn-mcNxEfcE8jFcZhwAPFJA2QZPZMSaLo_vBEMVpzcQ29FKfF1sWgHxrXf8fxwObnQ5G_XdlM2m=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">Adventure 2 on the top and Dakar on the bottom.</div></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Note the liner of the Adventure 2 goes all the way to the top and the Dakar ends a bit lower. I thought that might make the Dakar cooler in the Southern California heat, but in my short "try-on" the lightness of the Adventure made it seem like it might actually be cooler? Kind of impossible to judge by a 2 minute test in my living room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also note the brown colored areas of the Dakar are actual leather, where the Adventure is some kind of synthetic. I'm sure it's good, but I'd personally prefer the real leather of the Dakar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQA8ZyTdgqqCxaXfBRkJccI41ZqGEXSDaEmkPon2MLUhOCee7c7HOv8pfQYwIv7G-W9MvCLhypQgEB3CyHkuaODXpxesnNg-padN64fkxVdKCXi1jUDVrq_PGq9jVoEGfpTupMHXVf2aWaFinQJnP-rXvbrIv8ZdI1L_GUuZx0Ge6s6iMBQgoSdC6WOky1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQA8ZyTdgqqCxaXfBRkJccI41ZqGEXSDaEmkPon2MLUhOCee7c7HOv8pfQYwIv7G-W9MvCLhypQgEB3CyHkuaODXpxesnNg-padN64fkxVdKCXi1jUDVrq_PGq9jVoEGfpTupMHXVf2aWaFinQJnP-rXvbrIv8ZdI1L_GUuZx0Ge6s6iMBQgoSdC6WOky1" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Adventure 2</div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCZ7-WGrHNob-waUEF5R4dl5uUPJZ9QbWTld8HISyvcMd9S-vJURnkFYSCUy4E_qisLU5ppy3YyMbTM3I01RrVwa8GT2jokBFwaHSDOcZkFeU-Q8ddys3NXxmUyrYyz_M5FEof7ESlbYspslexg1GdEBRUezb-DGAgaqC3NSR_jIfgWp68n2ClunBAdVhj" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaW7c_gCt3lMoHdlPf6rVnziYVx0hD-npaMqPlAAb5iTjEqhtvhMpwTXzae804abpktEmHDKAuCgx5VS4SMCes917UqKOc6OG3lhpe1rJHGyU_gEFZopvDxWWBLykNWE3S-oC1ERVsgHPxROxrvzZlN8Dvvn_KWS5UpojnZayLhQm5C6b8fyREbMGnvhou" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaW7c_gCt3lMoHdlPf6rVnziYVx0hD-npaMqPlAAb5iTjEqhtvhMpwTXzae804abpktEmHDKAuCgx5VS4SMCes917UqKOc6OG3lhpe1rJHGyU_gEFZopvDxWWBLykNWE3S-oC1ERVsgHPxROxrvzZlN8Dvvn_KWS5UpojnZayLhQm5C6b8fyREbMGnvhou" width="320" /></a><br />Dakar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Above are pictures down into the boot. I don't have much comment on these. Both boots are made in Italy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The ankle of both the Adventure 2 and Dakar felt similar in stiffness to me. The soles were also both stiff, but they ARE flexible, not like the totally inflexible Crossfire. This flexibility will make them less protective than a real motocross boot like the Crossfire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Note the Dakar has a real stitched-on sole. The Adventure 2 sole has some molding that looks like stitching but is not and appears to be bonded. My understanding is that a cobbler can replace either kind, so this did not matter to me personally.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I did slightly prefer the Adventure2's buckles, but that may just be because I am used to the similar design on the Crossfires. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I did prefer the plastic under the lower buckles on the sides of the Sidi Adventure 2... it seemed more protective if the side of your foot was smashed by something. The lower buckle on the Gaerne Dakar seems to sit right on the leather and might be a bit more injurious in an impact? On the other hand, I preferred the hinge area on the inside of the ankle on the Dakar, as it was nice and smooth. The pivot point on the inside of the Adventure 2 bumps out a pit. These two pictures show these differences:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbrkuhzZHGhXc_Dba-1C2nzHNLgLEFDDroeTjgvTPySnZMpCJEWPNTFEgycgz_Ar3t8EQBbdEv0C0Y8AuVVM-huPuWYVGy0O8YKOIbBSZFybrZajF5qSCKdS3LsW8Bk-oMsl3wqdW5MH-czjzA_VwKfjAedJBajzqIVSFps8ZexG_c0furlgJOJ1Nmsca6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbrkuhzZHGhXc_Dba-1C2nzHNLgLEFDDroeTjgvTPySnZMpCJEWPNTFEgycgz_Ar3t8EQBbdEv0C0Y8AuVVM-huPuWYVGy0O8YKOIbBSZFybrZajF5qSCKdS3LsW8Bk-oMsl3wqdW5MH-czjzA_VwKfjAedJBajzqIVSFps8ZexG_c0furlgJOJ1Nmsca6=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEim27Na9pXjr9dP5umBNarsHPztNSgJYOq7ZiEZYaDAF5So4BQWTIXLyjaCtQP8atU3cEle0Y4NDy4xMu173qTY6yrUFZnqu1SHiSKiMA7vldCk7IMtRqvXNUd1VyMmNyBuS5mCub77QrzFVpXYoqC03vBbjKWYsIctaOzO8bSJNwsSrDQf2AX0vkgi-2AP" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEim27Na9pXjr9dP5umBNarsHPztNSgJYOq7ZiEZYaDAF5So4BQWTIXLyjaCtQP8atU3cEle0Y4NDy4xMu173qTY6yrUFZnqu1SHiSKiMA7vldCk7IMtRqvXNUd1VyMmNyBuS5mCub77QrzFVpXYoqC03vBbjKWYsIctaOzO8bSJNwsSrDQf2AX0vkgi-2AP=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">Adventure 2 on the top and Dakar on the bottom.</div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>After trying them both, <strike>the Sidi just fit my foot better.</strike> It didn't feel appreciably narrower to me, although it definitely was narrower if you examined the sole. But in size 41, the Gaerne was a bit short on my foot, it felt more like a size 40. <strike>But I was sure going up to a 42 would be too large. So the Sidi fit me better and was lighter, and that decided it for me; I kept the Sidi Adventure 2.</strike> (See below addendum 2)<p></p><p>All, that said, I really liked the Gaerne G.Dakar GTX. If it had fit me better, I would might have kept it instead. I liked the leather construction, the real stitched on sole, and that it was less expensive.</p><p><b>ADDENDUM 1:</b></p><p>Once I picked the Sidi Adventure 2, I wore them a bit more, and immediately noticed a "hot spot" on my ankle right above the ankle bone. The boot was just a bit tight there and pressed against my ankle just above the inside hinge point. Looking at the boot I noticed that the cross section of the boot around the upper buckle (around the upper ankle) was very oval, with the long axis being from the front to the back of the boot. It was almost as if it had been stored a long time with the boot being a bit squished from the side. More likely, the base molding of the plastics in that area was just shaped that way. I could probably just have worn the boots a while and it may have "broken in". But in my experience it can take a long time for plastic boots to adjust to your feet, sometimes they need some help. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcvVJBGGIsk_aImQfXvJCMzW2ChhZOcZSe9QBFhbUgxbdTNqjPsRwbxBcn_mMXREuRITYzEuJyQGAqNtFEKB8-JRlfaXJekS2Zo0h9WUwEAOjkCThDxSTPbkn7fHI-nGXBVUwkvnsonxsoeMOBK2u3KlPcNsMjWULHkBkhJN-zhtA82EBnukIJqSPMhIq/s3329/PXL_20231222_191346090.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3329" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcvVJBGGIsk_aImQfXvJCMzW2ChhZOcZSe9QBFhbUgxbdTNqjPsRwbxBcn_mMXREuRITYzEuJyQGAqNtFEKB8-JRlfaXJekS2Zo0h9WUwEAOjkCThDxSTPbkn7fHI-nGXBVUwkvnsonxsoeMOBK2u3KlPcNsMjWULHkBkhJN-zhtA82EBnukIJqSPMhIq/w400-h364/PXL_20231222_191346090.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I carefully heated the plastic of the boot above and just in front and behind the pivot, and then clamped the boot just a bit to make it a bit rounder. And then I heated the boot a again. Be very careful not to heat the plastic too much, I just do it until it is hot to touch, no more. You don't want to damage the plastic! After cooling overnight, the ankle area was a bit rounder and the fit was perfect... but, it didn't last..</p><p><b>ADDENDUM 2:</b></p><p>The plastic ankle on the Sidi Adventure 2 kept recovering to it's narrow original shape. Also, it didn't seem like there was much padding around the ankle bone. At this point, I had only worn these boots around the living room... and at $450 I became concerned they would always hurt my ankles. If you remember from above, I did really like the Gaerne Dakar, they were just a bit too short and I feared the next size up might be too big. But it seemed that I should return the Sidi's and try the larger Dakar. So I brought the Sidis back to my local Cycle Gear and I purchased a pair of size 42 Gaerne Dakars from Brian at <a href="https://www.atomic-moto.com/products/gaerne-dakar-gtx-boots">Atomic Moto</a> (great company!). This time a received them in my preferred "all black", as I ordered.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidV7wE7FGRjO2tEjA4Pbz3F50t-Djo6duGvZC0PVTWuwfifDQeB49V8ye_6pVw-GiinHRx-vyQBMXlf-bE0BJ6eD3ftU0rPpGFPytP38p_zyf5HpYhzxxsjeSjtP62wn0-wUxW5z9pWqP0Fg8enG1HZidHURs4wyBK9FXSsEEuWLAMYMiD_KjRW2toUNRu/s4032/PXL_20240127_175235941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidV7wE7FGRjO2tEjA4Pbz3F50t-Djo6duGvZC0PVTWuwfifDQeB49V8ye_6pVw-GiinHRx-vyQBMXlf-bE0BJ6eD3ftU0rPpGFPytP38p_zyf5HpYhzxxsjeSjtP62wn0-wUxW5z9pWqP0Fg8enG1HZidHURs4wyBK9FXSsEEuWLAMYMiD_KjRW2toUNRu/w300-h400/PXL_20240127_175235941.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">Gaerne G.Dakar GTX - size 42 - 2 lbs. 15.1 oz.</div></span><p></p><p><span style="text-align: center;">I have happily found that the size 42 fits me well! I find them also a bit snug around the ankle bone, but they seem better padded and don't cause me the same pain there. </span></p><p><span style="text-align: center;">Here is some revised weigh data comparing to the new size 42.: </span>So the size 41 Sidi Adventure 2 is about 2.6 lbs. (1174g) and the size 42 Gaerne Dakar is 2.9 lbs (1335g). </p><p>So for the sizes that fit my feet,<b> the Dakar (42) is about 14% heavier than the Adventure 2 (41)</b>, about 0.7 pounds for a pair of the boots. Conversely, The Adventure 2 (41) is about 12% lighter than the Dakar (42).</p><p><b>The Dakar is about 32% lighter than the Crossfire boot</b>, or about 2.7 pounds lighter for a pair of boots.</p><p></p><p><b>Note also the Adventure 2 is about 40% lighter than the Crossfire boot.</b> That's about 3.4 pounds for a pair of boots.</p><p>Having spend a bit more time now with the Gaerne Dakar boots, I do really like them. I like the leather construction and the real welt sole. They do feel a bit softer than the Sidi and <i>maybe</i> provide a bit less protection for rolling your ankle to the side. There is certainly more plastic in the Sidi's construction (which might be a good thing protection-wise?). The Gaerne sole is a bit wider, and feels a bit more stable walking around.</p><p>So in the end, I still think these are both good boots. What is important is finding the pair that fits you best!</p><p></p></div>Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435881380335161709.post-26798685607606642122023-12-17T17:05:00.000-08:002023-12-22T17:42:53.235-08:00Talaria Sting R MX4 LED Brake Light<div class="separator" style="text-align: center;"><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></p><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></p><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr-Oc5qf-hrNsSTxxsUnAvFFjO1ZTzBYrQeTRrqdrIfr5knIFhZm-4rsufl7NoIPtXrDHBQX6-wWWkUFfQ4NtZCzGB4wlyxo97SjNT5zM9ZFj54sjnccog--hXiP45TOJgzd7NwpiXsfZC0TOV8BjMqNkPrPN8LvJvLjfYYOysrFD26qK2gAEcUt-nl45i" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr-Oc5qf-hrNsSTxxsUnAvFFjO1ZTzBYrQeTRrqdrIfr5knIFhZm-4rsufl7NoIPtXrDHBQX6-wWWkUFfQ4NtZCzGB4wlyxo97SjNT5zM9ZFj54sjnccog--hXiP45TOJgzd7NwpiXsfZC0TOV8BjMqNkPrPN8LvJvLjfYYOysrFD26qK2gAEcUt-nl45i=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p></div><p style="text-align: left;">The stock Talaria Sting R MX4 comes with a tail light that does not function as a brake light. </p><p style="text-align: left;">If you have some basic electrical skills, it is easy to add one! This post shows how to make a combination running tail lamp and brake light. It illuminates whenever the key is on and gets brighter when you use the brakes. There is a video demo at the bottom of this post.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Now here is an important point: some people disconnect the brake switch connectors at the brake levers. Those are needed for the brake light switch! If you want to disconnect the brake lever switches from the bike's controller so they don't cut the motor when braking, but still want a brake light... see </i><b>Part 2</b><i> at the end of this post.</i><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><u>Before you do any electrical work on the bike, turn off the battery circuit breaker switch and disconnect the battery cable!</u></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">I chose <a href="https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804455921224.html">this brake light</a>, because the mounting bolts will fit the stock location on the MX4. The bolts are a bit thinner, but they are the same distance apart, 50mm.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804455921224.html">https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804455921224.html</a></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgq3IgMvqOm4NomovI7eLLXL3BrWZoqJw8MX5Gb1TbZh3AlXMOmb1R_ahAwQW03Gr4nrHQ0lagDRmIHAyTWnQuMEOfB8XQBO2v3x30FtWO994khJU7e7SyIG1DwLuZZwx8P7ZEtuVvAjZs0Dq8-Vr9IM8C83dcpsl4YWPZECT2vKE-cAYW42xBl09PJXnsy" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="499" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgq3IgMvqOm4NomovI7eLLXL3BrWZoqJw8MX5Gb1TbZh3AlXMOmb1R_ahAwQW03Gr4nrHQ0lagDRmIHAyTWnQuMEOfB8XQBO2v3x30FtWO994khJU7e7SyIG1DwLuZZwx8P7ZEtuVvAjZs0Dq8-Vr9IM8C83dcpsl4YWPZECT2vKE-cAYW42xBl09PJXnsy=w400-h398" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><a href="https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256801837914294.html">This is the proper connector</a> to attach to the MX4 wiring harness. It's known as a Furukawa 3 Pin FW-C connector. I suggest buying a bunch of these so you can use one or two to learn how they are assembled. I would get at least 5 pairs (both male and female).</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256801837914294.html">https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256801837914294.html</a></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgy7D1WdB2vmyshIr8aD9omKuVAyabvKjuS3cLa15Mx5Ck6cCD8QCk9w-q3JUiYwk0lwiKZy48Hs0U8L7V6cRg3OMfUdoU6q6e-B1FFJ9RYVHMvrqaE7mpgBq0vy1wGtqRI6FAK0iHNKdgm2Cicd85VvW-3MhcrOyaMEWtrQ0J8tIMat979iO4Qsv4G5-FV" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="534" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgy7D1WdB2vmyshIr8aD9omKuVAyabvKjuS3cLa15Mx5Ck6cCD8QCk9w-q3JUiYwk0lwiKZy48Hs0U8L7V6cRg3OMfUdoU6q6e-B1FFJ9RYVHMvrqaE7mpgBq0vy1wGtqRI6FAK0iHNKdgm2Cicd85VvW-3MhcrOyaMEWtrQ0J8tIMat979iO4Qsv4G5-FV=w400-h374" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">You have to remove the whole tail section of the bike to get under the seat. Note how the original light is installed before you remove it.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBZoZkQCNwkzAaEr6JW9xRPuZ3uONJo7Y17auapiuYq8LaTHXXekGQe9Io34uEf-2gnJ-Afg3f081fG5bTgJ8vYVXFkS-iqeADCgkV-P5iNqRftP9p6pf8fscSqDd0F4-aiIuGbR7Zcz1JIYbiiHMgMDNV3IuA-Czs6Hs7aQmh-gVdg-icqN7FN9ZN_Rx_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBZoZkQCNwkzAaEr6JW9xRPuZ3uONJo7Y17auapiuYq8LaTHXXekGQe9Io34uEf-2gnJ-Afg3f081fG5bTgJ8vYVXFkS-iqeADCgkV-P5iNqRftP9p6pf8fscSqDd0F4-aiIuGbR7Zcz1JIYbiiHMgMDNV3IuA-Czs6Hs7aQmh-gVdg-icqN7FN9ZN_Rx_=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Cut the new light's wiring to be the same as the original and wire up the connector pins. Be sure to put the red plugs on the wires first! The connectors should be crimped with a proper crimper, (but it's probably possible to find another way with some careful work with some needle nose pliers). I soldered them too. You can see that I used some sheathing to protect the wires.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhn6vZZoNzb4V5x8SFiRNeogol4TU1RusnUSBITY2mdm7-hcKT8yO2XqyuL64WaFj8A_YJlFuRTM8XgTPPlyQA-G02jYmFg25GRGJXzMB-wuUtd8wkOtouCDsWiemBmbuKegbGZroo70rNfnuan5GEz8c8tfuI34SPnNO3nl0BhNZhSegE9j6xvYM-Tkx2R" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhn6vZZoNzb4V5x8SFiRNeogol4TU1RusnUSBITY2mdm7-hcKT8yO2XqyuL64WaFj8A_YJlFuRTM8XgTPPlyQA-G02jYmFg25GRGJXzMB-wuUtd8wkOtouCDsWiemBmbuKegbGZroo70rNfnuan5GEz8c8tfuI34SPnNO3nl0BhNZhSegE9j6xvYM-Tkx2R=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> You should test the wiring yourself, but here is how mine worked:</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhR-Bc9lfuzlahc_ngywYWSaQo2dKZvbEF5PeQl_pinnqe-c9aB6gO144evQThemdLmJMshwdvMsmNrxILRe_3kNC450OfeOWCw628DKWA3Voa__SAnUqt5KyeQF_zSYobog3ltQmXEKp2lu7E56auaFAmutANb66Vl7r22-rfv1_sHBymI_JSRd2qHFhA9" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhR-Bc9lfuzlahc_ngywYWSaQo2dKZvbEF5PeQl_pinnqe-c9aB6gO144evQThemdLmJMshwdvMsmNrxILRe_3kNC450OfeOWCw628DKWA3Voa__SAnUqt5KyeQF_zSYobog3ltQmXEKp2lu7E56auaFAmutANb66Vl7r22-rfv1_sHBymI_JSRd2qHFhA9=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimoIfAUbFRnz8X3Cs-7a5BfVrfstNMY-C3OjT4-WpDeS4GQ8R2-RMm775bJYU8KqnshPbtzczUJZ8ueyDnF5i7IyOu9uyqrDvpFr0tgcEoTw4IrW-x4g5EMH7nH2Tjb99WmiWffdioTbUiQ7rakJQ21Qp1jzQN9GpcSyM_v3TOMtET6opY5_0H9FBTiLTi" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimoIfAUbFRnz8X3Cs-7a5BfVrfstNMY-C3OjT4-WpDeS4GQ8R2-RMm775bJYU8KqnshPbtzczUJZ8ueyDnF5i7IyOu9uyqrDvpFr0tgcEoTw4IrW-x4g5EMH7nH2Tjb99WmiWffdioTbUiQ7rakJQ21Qp1jzQN9GpcSyM_v3TOMtET6opY5_0H9FBTiLTi=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Here is the completed brake light and harness:</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinO3ph1_ctGz2AOMcOPL6xf-2ZCLIfBw9L3kP9zTzUNU3Nm1xkACHgkNvgrR9LSnb4-3dqIJwcEZ9Q9wEzVkqVb7laE_Pd0PZs_GNqDfBf12n3j7NiQp42mhAhZDrEyhc9lXRALyWlQyug3ou5ePSk07X5maxDEF47XtGSmJgnsXJZuAXBKOxufftYP38X" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinO3ph1_ctGz2AOMcOPL6xf-2ZCLIfBw9L3kP9zTzUNU3Nm1xkACHgkNvgrR9LSnb4-3dqIJwcEZ9Q9wEzVkqVb7laE_Pd0PZs_GNqDfBf12n3j7NiQp42mhAhZDrEyhc9lXRALyWlQyug3ou5ePSk07X5maxDEF47XtGSmJgnsXJZuAXBKOxufftYP38X=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">And here is a picture of the original light next to the new one:</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgl_OXrRkKGWJxOu4XqvNaAuW4NsOcLozNqZfM6UjGk1wU-C_TKSPxlNgPchqgI0Jjv0NCMqyQEQ6WSQ3uJHq6nBhP6V2N9voDsjAcBZ3eNvnT39BGdwbXQdlmtYQcDsBwCpjQpAVZcF4l4P_NNWNPa_scvYFrbXaYHgnT_RyZsnGPd0iFzFSPBGEBPoYwz" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgl_OXrRkKGWJxOu4XqvNaAuW4NsOcLozNqZfM6UjGk1wU-C_TKSPxlNgPchqgI0Jjv0NCMqyQEQ6WSQ3uJHq6nBhP6V2N9voDsjAcBZ3eNvnT39BGdwbXQdlmtYQcDsBwCpjQpAVZcF4l4P_NNWNPa_scvYFrbXaYHgnT_RyZsnGPd0iFzFSPBGEBPoYwz=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Left: original tail light, Right: new brake light</div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Be careful when you assemble the light on the bike to not crush the wires. To help protect the wires I added some washers to space the light out a bit from the mounting bracket. I also routed the wire off to the side and above the mounting bolt as shown.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPMUjfUgUAsgNP1e6h0uIuz61gn_yGEyUwKcx34ruaCLAYvKN69Ov637-LnfOdjeyhBDdI7jqJxw3U2CI6KOiiM89Kqp0iMmLNtzZ9aQTxNdBdN2kVxO3Ut2RLEzW9_DUWRd7H0QlwWBNe-cFYUMjJXfwqK5ZJBxIedjoHd8Krd0QjCb0Zd1aUX3yDglNv" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPMUjfUgUAsgNP1e6h0uIuz61gn_yGEyUwKcx34ruaCLAYvKN69Ov637-LnfOdjeyhBDdI7jqJxw3U2CI6KOiiM89Kqp0iMmLNtzZ9aQTxNdBdN2kVxO3Ut2RLEzW9_DUWRd7H0QlwWBNe-cFYUMjJXfwqK5ZJBxIedjoHd8Krd0QjCb0Zd1aUX3yDglNv=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Installed and zip tied in place.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqlroBunWLk23PmvXUrLziSYR4fNzH0srvKp7VIT2jPrA0nbLd3OQHrO-HIHsvjNDscY_ToSz1kiF6LHiHo1FCDBbrR7xSbdt2a_0ZlTUPDsF27Pm4lnuh-AFqvQByMnkMYQQyr2EZUeanTxk6DgHNKKElc7BbCiE1JYWCCqIkFscoLCm8O0ErgFOHCY0q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqlroBunWLk23PmvXUrLziSYR4fNzH0srvKp7VIT2jPrA0nbLd3OQHrO-HIHsvjNDscY_ToSz1kiF6LHiHo1FCDBbrR7xSbdt2a_0ZlTUPDsF27Pm4lnuh-AFqvQByMnkMYQQyr2EZUeanTxk6DgHNKKElc7BbCiE1JYWCCqIkFscoLCm8O0ErgFOHCY0q=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>PART 2: Disconnecting the brake switches from the motor cutoff but still making the brake light work.<br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">If you want to disconnect your brake lever switches from the bike's controller so they don't cut the motor but you still want a brake light, then things get more complicated. You will need a second harness. <i>I'm not going to detail all of this, as it is a more complicated project. But I will show the basics.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Basically you need an "adapter harness" to go between the new brake light and the bike's factory harness and to also connect to the brake lever sensors (switches). Here is a basic schematic:</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGY__Y6P4-Qihu71IcF-Piyt4assRu8pVeqADQAhOfN4doPxThsZHBLIk_iXIcbrpE_g01kM_Fn8O3LmWRCvt6BQCD3bUhtZ0rWylLkQlunnlHw7vg0BPSjlM3zqHa5-uxi0IMDbZShPOm1nVDFWQ_9h6Bzc0kvQ5L8eMAe7zmuPUnex9ASiuBoiLFMYTt" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGY__Y6P4-Qihu71IcF-Piyt4assRu8pVeqADQAhOfN4doPxThsZHBLIk_iXIcbrpE_g01kM_Fn8O3LmWRCvt6BQCD3bUhtZ0rWylLkQlunnlHw7vg0BPSjlM3zqHa5-uxi0IMDbZShPOm1nVDFWQ_9h6Bzc0kvQ5L8eMAe7zmuPUnex9ASiuBoiLFMYTt=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">The brake sensors are not shown, but must be wired in parallel so that either lever triggers the brake light. I found the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KLK766X">red 2 pin female version of this connector </a>worked to connect to the brake levers.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KLK766X">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KLK766X</a></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjistGCSxxH6htYG81P1oeTemHuwbA1xEMdSsCt0KraAXBj36_ggRlMzQ3P-ArR1GGMgDX0udr8TQCC1eyz219iDOMEfhyRHGwWfamwCprnbj_4qVqzp0CZzIJS0XkwMcaWsT7nuy8d_kvvSlWs5KlDfA3qM4p5ubK7VB7_RUgscz2Yj37uySNx0JJhUs3w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="774" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjistGCSxxH6htYG81P1oeTemHuwbA1xEMdSsCt0KraAXBj36_ggRlMzQ3P-ArR1GGMgDX0udr8TQCC1eyz219iDOMEfhyRHGwWfamwCprnbj_4qVqzp0CZzIJS0XkwMcaWsT7nuy8d_kvvSlWs5KlDfA3qM4p5ubK7VB7_RUgscz2Yj37uySNx0JJhUs3w=w400-h316" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">You can see how I wired the two brake light sensors in parallel to the adapter harness here:</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1DedhohkoP6Ya0ik675kblGWxwGMr3lZh5buoY98pTzQWffaTH4IgOzwL0bqztWwHZCcxrfWM6wtWcVm54uIB9oyw8LMG-tsiIdqyx5MZpBmbJSq1d2cAAOybsySGw4lEgbNHd88KmpLUKpn_P7cEkI1yET_3XaZKVzo7WwzqUoNZgIjc7bkVajfnM3XJ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1DedhohkoP6Ya0ik675kblGWxwGMr3lZh5buoY98pTzQWffaTH4IgOzwL0bqztWwHZCcxrfWM6wtWcVm54uIB9oyw8LMG-tsiIdqyx5MZpBmbJSq1d2cAAOybsySGw4lEgbNHd88KmpLUKpn_P7cEkI1yET_3XaZKVzo7WwzqUoNZgIjc7bkVajfnM3XJ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Here is my completed adapter harness:</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiS1M5XjZNWH9zArrAlD7bq1UDTM3EDwQOKCfwBq3eW_uMiND8icHPDE5ZrDf18kSwUxlQ_rRzcSXLkRMAzCr1CGAeRAQfmD5MnbpdH_E18Q35daR4eckaqHUiSt_sCCXkladkJezQCsBLlXfXnP0tZM5sgh3q0TE9RjJSr1pKcC_q5-4x7fn1l4FjlY8gI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiS1M5XjZNWH9zArrAlD7bq1UDTM3EDwQOKCfwBq3eW_uMiND8icHPDE5ZrDf18kSwUxlQ_rRzcSXLkRMAzCr1CGAeRAQfmD5MnbpdH_E18Q35daR4eckaqHUiSt_sCCXkladkJezQCsBLlXfXnP0tZM5sgh3q0TE9RjJSr1pKcC_q5-4x7fn1l4FjlY8gI=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> And then you put it all together. There you go!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Demonstration video:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxsduKJGAcz7OP4w67Dc1PxLawJ7o0hgKr5m3a03AA5vo3Hk2OkBc8lA23Hvmel4Gt3PsRL1UzUJ9tdZIPyuw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435881380335161709.post-16541256474072751442023-06-28T11:54:00.006-07:002023-06-28T11:55:59.400-07:00SDGE with SDCP CCA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuc8DS4f9T_QkczP0IwVq4j07r2tvebnhs968SAYtsT6NvzIkeuxcXAJpBTkKi1NaKVPuYQX6af3os_oKqbxhCGduxzlAY4LHCFVX4_NvHZhkF3IykKVSv50Dwn9jyZ2VuxUxQlYf4vbcIBSrTtweyyLu1-ZOrNjQL000Isiw0ZL1iLbrsyFX8cVJMAYIQ/s462/cca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="64" data-original-width="462" height="44" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuc8DS4f9T_QkczP0IwVq4j07r2tvebnhs968SAYtsT6NvzIkeuxcXAJpBTkKi1NaKVPuYQX6af3os_oKqbxhCGduxzlAY4LHCFVX4_NvHZhkF3IykKVSv50Dwn9jyZ2VuxUxQlYf4vbcIBSrTtweyyLu1-ZOrNjQL000Isiw0ZL1iLbrsyFX8cVJMAYIQ/s320/cca.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Note that 80% of San Diego County gets their power from SDCP... I bet most don't even know it! <a href="https://timesofsandiego.com/business/2023/06/26/sdges-mission-evolves-as-majority-now-buy-power-from-community-choice-aggregators/">https://timesofsandiego.com/business/2023/06/26/sdges-mission-evolves-as-majority-now-buy-power-from-community-choice-aggregators/</a><br /><br />Here is a potentially important tidbit about I learned about NEM with San Diego Community Power (SDCP). Others have written about this but I am just figuring it out.<br /><br /><b>TLDR: If you expect ALL the following to be true:</b><br /><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>with solar you will have months where you have excess solar generation and other months that you need some power from the grid</li><li>you are on the SDCP CCA</li><li>you can handle the budgeting if you owe SDGE a large chunk of money at the end of the year instead of paying it on the months you use more power than you generate.</li></ol><b>THEN: As soon as you get PTO, call SDCP and get on the ANNUAL NEM billing plan. </b><div><b>*Don't wait.*<br /></b><br />Detailed explanation follows:<br /><br />Check now, before your solar installation is complete, if you have San Diego Community Power (SDCP) as your provider of power on the SDGE bill. They tried to force us all into this, so unless you opted out, I think you were pushed into the CCA a couple years ago. I was. Note this is kind of hidden on the SDGE bill, you have to dig around. You don't get a separate bill from SDCP, you have to check the SDGE bill.<br /><br />If your "Electric energy" is provided by SDGE, you are all set. However if it is provided by SDCP as shown above... When you start solar SDCP sneakily defaults you to a MONTHLY NEM Billing instead of ANNUAL NEM billing.<br /><br />The claimed rationale for this is that if you owe money in any given month(s), you will pay it that month and will have no chance of a surprise large bill at the end of the year. This is true. It may actually be a big help to people who never spend the time to figure out how the billing works.<br /><br />However! If your situation is such that you have an excess on some months and a deficit on others, you will probably want the excess credits to roll forward to pay the bill on deficit months. And you use the credits against the debits in a close to 1:1 manner. If you are on MONTHLY billing, you will still get paid a bit for any excess monthly credits at the end of the year, but it is at a very small ratio, not 1:1. So it is much better to use your credits against deficit months instead of saving them to be paid out at the end of the year!<br /><br />So, ANNUAL billing can be a big advantage for the solar owner! On the other hand, <i>MONTHLY NEM billing can possibly detract from the benefits of solar</i>.<br /><br />To switch to ANNUAL billing, you really, really want to do this right after they turn on your solar (PTO), BEFORE YOUR FIRST BILL. If you wait, you may be restricted in making other billing changes. Once things are set up, you can only make one billing change per year and you don't want this starting default setting change to count as your once a year change.</div>Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435881380335161709.post-50128311681233783042023-02-17T11:15:00.002-08:002023-07-24T16:40:27.701-07:00 Tips for getting a home solar system in California<h2 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBs3ILHI0B66atpHnmbuWm4I2ao4OxtdGBjZ34vvCjAkhzDQlKxsrPLfkQaxZietLwucKvCz68JPXNEch8Ph6dAnGx_MXnFFZHrdhqp7Fn9J-b3J0qh2sIyD5JVQVOvGW6ITZDq2hUWLFur-hnLOht9hZW6WwN9Bx1uPE0eeYICCnHRBPfsaeWq1AJg/s4000/drone%20view.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBs3ILHI0B66atpHnmbuWm4I2ao4OxtdGBjZ34vvCjAkhzDQlKxsrPLfkQaxZietLwucKvCz68JPXNEch8Ph6dAnGx_MXnFFZHrdhqp7Fn9J-b3J0qh2sIyD5JVQVOvGW6ITZDq2hUWLFur-hnLOht9hZW6WwN9Bx1uPE0eeYICCnHRBPfsaeWq1AJg/w400-h225/drone%20view.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></h2><div style="text-align: center;">I recently signed a contract to get solar for our home</div><div style="text-align: center;">and I learned many things during my hunt for the best system. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are my tips! </div><div style="text-align: center;">(I will update this post as I learn more during the design and installation process.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Here are some of the first things to consider before contacting any solar companies</b></h2><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Is your roof recent and in excellent condition? You don't want to put solar on an old roof.</li><li>Can you self finance or pay outright? The best and fastest payback is if you have no loan or a low interest loan.</li><li>You can definitely get financing from the installer, and it's worth looking at, if you can't self finance.</li><li>Will you stay in the house long enough for the investment in solar to pay off?</li><li>In my experience, if the system is not financed and is purchased outright, it will payoff in about 4 or 5 years. If it's financed, it might be twice that long.</li><li>It’s possible that the system adds some value to your home, but I wouldn’t count on that.</li><li>Besides outright purchase or financing options, the last option is a lease or PPA (power purchase agreement). These are the least attractive... but it is possible they work. They should just be approached very carefully. Note that you don't own the system with these, and that can make for problems, especially if you want to sell your home.</li><li>Imagine your electrical bill is $200 per month. In that case, every extra $200 you pay for a solar system is an extra month it will take until you break even on the purchase. And a solar system that is $1400 more expensive is an extra year!</li></ul>After that, there are technical details and contract details. Those are very important, but I think the stuff above needs to be figured out first.<br /><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">First steps</h2>I'd suggest putting your info in <a href="http://energysage.com/">energysage.com</a> and seeing what quotes you get, it does provide a solid starting point. But be aware the stuff responses you get are "proposals" or "quotes" and the next step is getting an actual "contract" from them... and the details on those contracts can really matter. I would narrow down the field from the energysage proposals but I wouldn't select one until considering the actual contracts. And after getting the first energysage proposals, I'd also directly contact 2 or three reputable local companies to compare, as many of the best companies are not available through energysage.<br /><br />But energysage is a quick and easy start, consider just doing that right away. You will learn a lot from those responses.<br /><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">After you receive the initial quotes</h2>Request that all the companies re-quote based on the same “size” system. (eg: 8000W or whatever size you decide is best). It is impossible to compare quotes that are different sizes.<br /><br />Consider whether you need <a href="https://news.energysage.com/string-inverters-power-optimizers-microinverters-compared/">string inverters, power optimizers or microinverters</a>. This choice will likely eliminate some of the proposals.<br /><br />The quality of the equipment matters somewhat. But really solar is a FINANCIAL choice: how do you get the cheapest electricity? As long as the equipment is reliable and doesn’t perform too much worse as it ages, things are good. The best equipment will degrade less as it ages, but you still don’t want to pay too much for that extra performance.<br /><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Price per Watt</h2>The key way to compare proposals/quotes and contracts is by “price per Watt”. You take the total cost of the system (before any tax incentives) and divide by the total size of the system in Watts.<br /><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Check typical Cost/Watt for your zip code</h2><a href="https://www.californiadgstats.ca.gov/find_installer/">https://www.californiadgstats.ca.gov/find_installer/</a><br /><br />Note that after putting in your zip code, you can select how many entries to show at a time. You can also do a “Secondary Search” for specific contractors. I prefer to sort the results by “Date” so I can see the most recent pricing.<br /><br />The pricing does seem to have a giant range, but this may be because of different types of contracts and different system sizes.<div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Pay attention to panel degradation rate.</h2>One of the big differences between different solar panels is their degradation rate. For instance panel “A” may have a degradation rate of 0.25% per year, meaning that it should still have 92% of its performance after 25 years, and Panel “B” may only have 86% of its performance after the same amount of time.<br /><br />A slightly cheaper panel may be a worse choice if it degrades faster.<br /><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Pay attention to the warranty, especially the labor.</h2>Does the warranty cover labor and will that company be around and available to honor the warranty? For instance, note that microinverters are installed under the solar panels, and they are more likely to fail than the panels. So the panel will need to be removed to replace the microinverter. Make sure the warranty covers degradation too.<br /><br />That said, how many companies are really around to honor 25 year old warranties? A warranty from a small company that goes out of business isn’t worth much.<br /><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Don't only compare proposals or quotes, compare the contracts!</h2>The proposals are almost meaningless, as no one signs them. All the important details are in the contract. For instance, if you want consumption monitoring, or particular racking equipment, make sure it is listed in the actual contract. Remember, no matter what the salesman or the proposal or quote says, they won’t be required to do anything that isn’t listed in the contract.<br /><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">System resizing after the site visit or measuring</h2>There is a strong chance the system design will change after the solar company comes to do detailed measurements of your roof. This typically happens after the contract has been signed. So what happens if the system needs to be made smaller or larger by a couple panels? Does the contract specify how the system is repriced? I have not yet seen this situation described in any contracts. However, I would suggest you ask the company how this happens before you sign the initial contract. I would want an answer like; “If the system is only changing by the number of panels, we reprice the system based on the same price per Watt as the original system.” And be ready to change vendors if a change like this is needed and the vendor does not keep to the same price per Watt.<br /><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Pay attention to roof and solar system maintenance requirements.</h2>Some vendor’s contracts specify that you MUST use them to do repairs. For instance, you may own the system, but if you need some roof repairs in 15 years they may require that you use them to do the repairs to maintain the warranty. Some vendors may just require that you use them for anything that requires touching the panels.<br /><br /> Here is an example of a bad clause hidden in a contract that requires you to use that company for future work at whatever they wish to charge you: …”IF THE CLIENT CHOOSES ANOTHER ROOFING CONTRACTOR THE CLIENT WILL INCUR COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE REMOVAL AND REINSTALL AND WILL SCHEDULE A SOLAR SYSTEM REMOVAL AND REINSTALLATION WITH <company name>.”<br /><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Pay attention to the payment schedule.</h2>In California, the contractor is forbidden by law from accepting payments (besides the max $1000 deposit) that are for work that is not yet completed or materials that have not been delivered to the customer. They may not ask you to pay for panels that are not on your property. For instance, a plan that requires payment of 90% of the total “prior to the start of construction” is clearly in violation of the California law.<br /><br /></div><div>Note this even applies to financed installations!<br /><br />The California law:<br /><b>“Except for a downpayment, the contractor shall neither request nor accept payment that exceeds the value of the work performed or material delivered. The prohibition prescribed by this paragraph extends to advance payment in whole or in part from any lender or financier for the performance or sale of home improvement goods or services.”</b><br /><a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=7159.5.&lawCode=BPC">https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=7159.5.&lawCode=BPC</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">These are examples from actual contracts I was offered:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u>Example “illegal” payment schedule:</u></div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Down payment: $1000</li><li>Due at permits: 30% (illegal if getting to this stage did not cost this much)</li><li>Due prior to start of construction: 60% (clearly illegal!)</li><li>Due at building inspection: remainder (final payment should be after Permission to Operate)</li></ol><br /><u>Example “better” payment schedule:</u><br /><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Down payment: $500</li><li>Completion of Design and Engineering: 30% (illegal if getting to this stage did not cost this much)</li><li>Delivery of Materials: 50%</li><li>After city final inspection is approved: Remainder (approx 20% - final payment should be after Permission to Operate)</li></ol><br /><u>Example “good” payment schedule:</u><br /><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Down payment: $1000</li><li>Deliver of Materials to customer: 70%</li><li>Approval to Operate from <power company name>: 30%</li></ol><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Pay attention to performance clauses.</h2>What happens if you need to delay the installation or even cancel? Some contracts require you to pay all the companies profit even if they never install the system! Here is a real example of a ugly cancellation clause: <i>“Customer may terminate its performance of this Agreement for convenience, provided that Customer immediately pays <company name> for all costs incurred through the date of termination, measured as a percentage of the Work's completion, plus any demobilization costs and a fee in the amount of 20% of the Agreement Price for <company name>’s lost overhead and profit.”<br /></i><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Consumption Monitoring</h2></div><div>(This discussion is for Enphase brand systems, I’m not sure if it applies to others.) Typically the equipment that comes with your solar panels will allow you to monitor your solar panel’s production or output. However, you won’t be able to tell whether you are still using power from your utility (or sending power to them) until you get your bill at the end of the month. If you want to monitor, in real time, whether you are using power from the utility you will need “<a href="https://support.enphase.com/s/article/What-is-consumption-monitoring">consumption monitoring</a>”. With Enphase, consumption monitoring requires the addition of two current transformers (CTs) to your electrical service panel. These CTs are relatively inexpensive (about $52), but may not easily fit your service panel. Some solar companies may install these for free if they fit, and others may charge for the installation. If you want this feature, it is worth discussing the cost before signing your contract.</div><div> </div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Liens</h2>Most solar installers get the equipment (solar panels, inverters, etc.) from a distributor. That distributor drop ships the equipment to your home on the morning of the installation. You will likely receive a "Preliminary Lien Notice" from the distributor. What this means, is that if the installer doesn't pay the the distributor, they will demand payment from you and will put a lien on your house until you do so. This protects the distributor, no matter what, and can really hurt the homeowner! <i>The only way to avoid this is for the homeowner to pay the distributor directly with a separate check. This provides proof that you have paid the distributor.</i> I suggesting making sure this is explicitly allowed in the payment schedule in the contract. <a href="https://www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers/legal_issues_for_consumers/mechanics_lien/How_To_Prevent_A_Mechanics_Lien.aspx">More detail here.</a></div><div>Also, make sure the contract specifies that you will receive an "Unconditional Waiver and Release" form from your contractor when you provide the final payment as a cashiers check. Do not make your final payment without obtaining this release from your contractor.<br /></div>Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435881380335161709.post-62092338933517469052022-08-19T17:28:00.001-07:002022-08-19T18:14:13.441-07:00Lockheed P-38 Lightning Design<p>Here's Dad in his P-38 Lightning:</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjABbUE-dUDHi2nCBTMcEDIAqjOY9b5zFMXTy9_rgFBt85_VRR2joXt9sXkNmndIfuGrYqrg2UJ0e7x0OrpDTV1sr2uKZh-5-mtVfjHL5D-DxE0-FWzVnQoTwui5aXHkM2uUZfKzfGLraOwr5uU5tqhTXcT6kX71xgufsF4xJKLe2B6kLeM6Rk5TKIqww" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1200" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjABbUE-dUDHi2nCBTMcEDIAqjOY9b5zFMXTy9_rgFBt85_VRR2joXt9sXkNmndIfuGrYqrg2UJ0e7x0OrpDTV1sr2uKZh-5-mtVfjHL5D-DxE0-FWzVnQoTwui5aXHkM2uUZfKzfGLraOwr5uU5tqhTXcT6kX71xgufsF4xJKLe2B6kLeM6Rk5TKIqww=w400-h271" title="Henry C. "Hank" Liebold" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> Henry C. "Hank" Liebold<br /></p><p>Recently I uncovered a few vintage technical aircraft magazines with some very detailed descriptions of the P-38. I thought these might be of interest to other vintage aircraft fans. Click on each cover below to download a zip file of the article scans.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Oi-Cqdd8JX88EDWq13JXxC3mm1c259cH/view?usp=sharing" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="591" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdfEVSJPhx7OUAVN78VH2hS-nE4hbvooWAHa1-prG2ULQCgkK3yekKbzo_giD4hmkPaoMa9DpB77ZEBGh9WTZFoVHvBfjGRMAaXbFRWI8UuXXSoY03LGUgPjmVntAmuHUquSLWqgLXUHJU_5pEB62_qJhar_UOXETeRtWVUqDKz_bOL2wpKtOqr7RKsg" width="177" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CO3aFmWZCMlZzponzeVMe9-Uab8xxU-U/view?usp=sharing" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="572" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYBIWwgpFy2pwkuqGIWE2taCNNDfM_gtH_MoIqZiv7ulBCHyE2LMpBZDbcD4dYkfkn6II1vD3zb6KHg2622xU7z21CwHH1yBEfXG9PAoKkUiVzB2nSYNFFf0AgjqfePMdbXzd_aIzKjxMrtAkO_d1yBfOo7-0OYbKqxptgJUVL8g4z_lsbHXubCdwvYA" width="172" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435881380335161709.post-24590888381832401732022-06-18T17:37:00.005-07:002022-06-18T20:07:24.666-07:002013-2015 Xterra Pro-4X Atoto Stereo Head Unit Upgrade with Wiring Harness Chart<p style="text-align: left;"><b>Installing an Atoto Android Head Unit in a Nissan Xterra: 2013-2015 Xterra Pro-4X Stereo Head Unit Upgrade with Wiring Harness Chart.</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">or <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Installing an Atoto S8 Ultra Gen 2 in a Nissan Xterra or Frontier with a Rockford Fosgate amplifier and subwoofer.</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjKXsqGb3bhCi27zEcEURqyi1z2vkeiG9LJxrmG-qwV-bxNzR4HgEnHWTWPfOgBOK9VG2uBSZ0Q-1dJGG1q-sBcugPK2Cs3vamduQDIsy7ORNRZBbuCU9mCJzh6Q0rOsgAz_AdFbx1lT9RrSonNDyDx8EQOi9bNROzkHYT51waHDlqbqXH2fV6Ntoqw/s4032/atoto%20installed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjKXsqGb3bhCi27zEcEURqyi1z2vkeiG9LJxrmG-qwV-bxNzR4HgEnHWTWPfOgBOK9VG2uBSZ0Q-1dJGG1q-sBcugPK2Cs3vamduQDIsy7ORNRZBbuCU9mCJzh6Q0rOsgAz_AdFbx1lT9RrSonNDyDx8EQOi9bNROzkHYT51waHDlqbqXH2fV6Ntoqw/w400-h300/atoto%20installed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">(Thanks to those that came before, especially <a href="https://www.thenewx.org/threads/2014-pro-4x-atoto-s8-install.283716/">packpride85 from TheNewX.org</a>. I wouldn't have done this project without your pioneering the work.)<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I have a 2014 Nissan Xterra Pro-4x with 5.8 display, navigation and Rockford Fosgate powered audio system including an amplifier, enclosed subwoofer and 9 speakers and this post should apply to the 2013-2015 Xterra Pro-4X. (It should also apply to the 2013-2021 Frontier Pro-4X and SL with the Rockford Fosgate system and 10 speakers)</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Why I upgraded the OEM head unit and <u>only</u> the head unit</b><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">The Rockford Fosgate system includes a well liked 380W DSP amplifier. The system also has Rockford Fosgate’s “PUNCH bass tuning” (I found this “Punch tuning” overemphasized the bass and was happy to find this goes away with a new head unit). The Xterra has 7 speaker channels and 9 speakers (I think the Frontier has an extra subwoofer speaker for 10 total speakers). The speakers are fairly nice and designed to mate with the Rockford Fosgate amplifier. Note that if you want to upgrade the speakers or amp you will likely have to upgrade both at the same time, as they are a low impedance (2 ohm) system and will likely not work properly unless they are matched.<br /><br />I was pleased with the OEM sound (after turning down the over-punched bass) but I was unhappy with the navigation and other music apps or lack thereof. After a bit of research I found that while many name brand units offer Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, they don’t allow you to run apps on the head unit itself. If you want to run a mapping application or even google maps on the head unit itself, you need an Android head unit.<br /><br />I also wanted to retain the Rockford Fosgate amplifier, subwoofer, speakers and all of the OEM features: steering wheel controls, backup camera that automatically comes on in reverse, USB and AUX in the console between the seats, GPS antenna, and the FM antenna.<br /><br />After a bunch of research on head units, I chose the <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/ATOTO-Andriod-Car-Dash-Navigation/dp/B08HNL9753/" target="_blank">Atoto S8 Ultra Gen 2</a>. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLiJ4_eKNyW1fPo7mJM7FOCDbMYT-ptZB1Vti2fuFuuRWUDxbbaX0nf0Algm20bBJ6vyRI5vnAsfNZDOllrtuFcKtQOQf_4Bb8WVzObpFS-k_inNrhn86vP_DQiIhkxTYbfEOnkjPnjmU1mMAxzvCxVz63X1RGh8Vbk-b6bROmLu9Tq5JoOo7uk6QvQ/s1500/atoto.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="1500" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLiJ4_eKNyW1fPo7mJM7FOCDbMYT-ptZB1Vti2fuFuuRWUDxbbaX0nf0Algm20bBJ6vyRI5vnAsfNZDOllrtuFcKtQOQf_4Bb8WVzObpFS-k_inNrhn86vP_DQiIhkxTYbfEOnkjPnjmU1mMAxzvCxVz63X1RGh8Vbk-b6bROmLu9Tq5JoOo7uk6QvQ/w400-h231/atoto.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">This unit is readily available on Amazon in the USA and has many users here. There are other good units, like the Joying, that seem preferred in other countries.<br /><br />The Atoto S8 Ultra Gen 2 (S8G2A78UL-N) features a 7 Inch QLED display that fits well in the dash, Android in-Dash Navigation (no phone required), Wireless CarPlay & Wireless Android Auto, Dual BT w/aptX HD, Gesture Operation, Rear View Camera, a built-in 4G Cellular Modem, 4G RAM and 64G Flash Storage.</p><p style="text-align: left;">This is an Android head unit, meaning it actually runs Android, just like a tablet or phone. It can also do wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple Carplay. Now, I think most people don't need a full blown Android head unit like this. The benefit of it is that you don't need a phone connected to the unit to run any apps. And the unit can run apps like Torque for OBD, or a music app to manage a large music library on an attached USB drive. You can play YouTube, etc. You can also run an off-road mapping app right on the head unit. (But note that while the unit has a very good GPS function, it does not include a compass or accelerometer, so mapping functions can show some confusion when moving slowly and backing up and things like that.) I really wanted a unit like this so my phone was not necessary.<br /><br />I’m not going to detail <i>all</i> the steps to install the Atoto head unit, just some of the details that I found important.<b> </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>First let me address a few concerns:</b><br /><br /><u>Current drain</u>: I heard some complaints about excessive current drain from the head unit. I bench tested mine before installing it, and about a minute after turning off the ignition the current drain fell to a very reasonable 11mA. I suspect some installers may not configure the ACC wiring correctly. It is important to connect the constant 12 power to the proper input and the ACC wire to the ACC wire from the truck. The ACC wire tells the head unit the truck is off, and that it should turn off soon. Do not wire the ACC to a constant 12V source.<br /><br /><u>Line level Outputs</u>: I also used the “line level” RCA connector outputs from the Atoto head unit to connect to the OEM Rockford Fosgate amp. I was concerned that this might not include the low frequencies the Amp would need to synthesize the proper signal for the subwoofer. But this was not a problem, the Atoto head unit provides full range signals to the left and right line level output channels and the Rockford Fosgate amp properly sent the necessary signal to the subwoofer. <br /><br /><u>Is a “Line Out Converter” needed</u>?<u> </u> Some have used a device called a “Line Out Converter” or LOC so they could use the Atoto head unit’s speaker level outputs and reduce those signals with the LOC for the amplifier. I did some testing and the signals direct from the Atoto’s RCA line level outputs seem well matched to the Rockford Fosgate amplifier. No “Line Out Converter” is needed.<br /><br /><u>Popping sounds from the speakers at turn on</u>? I have not experienced that. I was careful to properly connect the Constant +12V, ACC and "amp turn on" connections to their respective connections. I suspect some who experience popping sounds at turn on do not have the "amp turn on" signal properly connected from the head unit.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>System Update</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">The first thing I did was "bench test" my unit to makle sure everything worked properly. And then I updated the software on the unit. The latest update was required for <u>Wireless</u> Android Auto to work.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNC3Yfyw5nLjp-H8Pc5r4m_G_lktFBIVu8rz9qyim5hDCbDS_o9acuynTlYMjsalELQt2mBD1kDXbszTcaPEepIHwMni38VYupkGj2-aYi-bTTteKfJkKGFTi8y0SA4am5zNScIYstKSyWMjq1yJOULHtqDZvPdkfkGhd-I7AS_AJ0n55CqUgqyRWUSA/s4032/PXL_20220518_184531245.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNC3Yfyw5nLjp-H8Pc5r4m_G_lktFBIVu8rz9qyim5hDCbDS_o9acuynTlYMjsalELQt2mBD1kDXbszTcaPEepIHwMni38VYupkGj2-aYi-bTTteKfJkKGFTi8y0SA4am5zNScIYstKSyWMjq1yJOULHtqDZvPdkfkGhd-I7AS_AJ0n55CqUgqyRWUSA/w400-h300/PXL_20220518_184531245.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">"Secret" Atoto Upgrade Site: <a href="https://resources.myatoto.com/operation-guide/upgrade-info/index">https://resources.myatoto.com/operation-guide/upgrade-info/index</a> Note this site seems to be in a "phone" web format. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>The Wiring Harness</b><b> </b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Making the wiring harness is the hardest part of the project. You remove the OEM radio and unplug all the connectors on the back of it. Then you plug adapters into those harness so you can connect the existing vehicle wiring to the new head unit.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Here are the harnesses and connectors that I used:</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VXED54/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Metra 70-7552 Radio Wiring Harness For Nissan 2007-Up/Select Subaru 2008-Up</a></li><li><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B082DPQ8WD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">CESS-064-1f Speaker Cables to RCA Plugs Adapter, 2-Channel (1 Foot)</a> (2 needed)</li><li><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PANZ7U/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Metra Electronics 40-NI12 Antenna Cable to Aftermarket Radio Adapter for Select 2007-Up Infiniti/Nissan Vehicles,Black</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ebay.com/itm/321793580235">Axxess AXNISUSB2 Fits Nissan USB Adaptor Retain OE USB Retention Metra Harness</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ebay.com/itm/185353852845">Axxess AXBUCS-NI246V Back Up Camera Ret Harness w/ SWC for select Nissan 2011-Up</a> (SWC connection not used for this vehicle)</li><li><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QPX27YG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">aide Electronic GSM Antenna Extension Cable Fakra D Female to SMA Male Connector pigital Cable RG174 20cm (15cm)</a></li><li><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VL6OCE2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1">onelinkmore SMA Female to Female Barrel Adapter Antenna Jack Adapter for Antennas Wireless LAN Devices Coaxial Cable Pack of 2</a></li><li><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E565LRG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Eightwood Fakra C Plug to SMA Plug Male Car GPS Antenna Cable 6 inch for Vehicle GPS Navigation Radio Stereo Head Unit GPS Receiver</a></li></ol><p>I made a chart showing to connect the Atoto head unit harness and back panel connectors to these harnesses.You read this chart across the rows, for example: On the Atoto Harness, pin 13, the pink wire connects to the <span data-sheets-formula-bar-text-style="font-size:13px;color:#000000;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;font-family:'Arial';font-style:normal;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;">AXBUCS-NI246V harness's pin 28 green/purple wire.</span><span data-sheets-formula-bar-text-style="font-size:13px;color:#000000;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;font-family:'Arial';font-style:normal;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-sheets-formula-bar-text-style="font-size:13px;color:#000000;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;font-family:'Arial';font-style:normal;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tzK0pB7xPDDga4cA7aZ85IFgWXWfOdWnHrx2CxdPp7HSfZgtw3Qu-U5L9eectrYYRAWJMdiv7iyoAE9aonp_WfCszgIZXGjoWnNSMMH-g7eZedBs2k_yMYb5YCSt5g6zJGECxgBfXk3ARMrWliq9ieROA-jjlYoolc14QBb-4GnosDP5ghwu414u7w/s2133/harness%20wiring.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="947" data-original-width="2133" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tzK0pB7xPDDga4cA7aZ85IFgWXWfOdWnHrx2CxdPp7HSfZgtw3Qu-U5L9eectrYYRAWJMdiv7iyoAE9aonp_WfCszgIZXGjoWnNSMMH-g7eZedBs2k_yMYb5YCSt5g6zJGECxgBfXk3ARMrWliq9ieROA-jjlYoolc14QBb-4GnosDP5ghwu414u7w/w400-h178/harness%20wiring.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span data-sheets-formula-bar-text-style="font-size:13px;color:#000000;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;font-family:'Arial';font-style:normal;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span><p>Here is a picture of the completed harness. I used a <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01DOTB0XE">Wirefly heat shrink butt connectors</a> and the appropriate <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07GFXHH91">Wirefly crimper</a>.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifcbBz17m8zUjCnzgn5vQCdQ0JNR5uDWVS_RM2RrknIjMf3Z6FCRhhP4k3t1QR445FmECeqzM5H35RUIWC9tkri1dgqdXOEGK_ZSRLrL2s6NHFUuiZp_LDOgBRxfbsL86gI4Q40wXUeNaV9_qVajVUUIeNpRJyP-s2bE8jdQay45QubGKm-_X37AdWA/s4032/PXL_20220522_011826711.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifcbBz17m8zUjCnzgn5vQCdQ0JNR5uDWVS_RM2RrknIjMf3Z6FCRhhP4k3t1QR445FmECeqzM5H35RUIWC9tkri1dgqdXOEGK_ZSRLrL2s6NHFUuiZp_LDOgBRxfbsL86gI4Q40wXUeNaV9_qVajVUUIeNpRJyP-s2bE8jdQay45QubGKm-_X37AdWA/w400-h300/PXL_20220522_011826711.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is the pair of cables and barrel connector I used to make an adapter to connect the Atoto GPS connector to the Nissan's GPS connector: <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ftrahA2nK_jHYt6h8V1mD1Mq2kMaoShu6A1D_lna5DH-P_sx03YbnG-eo06jBTlnETV9QZWy3xcF4uoT79s_FjeyZFrM1vUvf3jXKxLXeq1RzAuAij_0OtLQ-OQSZwqQv2qOWahqW2Z4SmcOXxOM5P9gm8gXypZ9G8REpvD6u5nK6wty2IVo2Cz6wQ/s4032/PXL_20220522_222759569.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ftrahA2nK_jHYt6h8V1mD1Mq2kMaoShu6A1D_lna5DH-P_sx03YbnG-eo06jBTlnETV9QZWy3xcF4uoT79s_FjeyZFrM1vUvf3jXKxLXeq1RzAuAij_0OtLQ-OQSZwqQv2qOWahqW2Z4SmcOXxOM5P9gm8gXypZ9G8REpvD6u5nK6wty2IVo2Cz6wQ/w240-h320/PXL_20220522_222759569.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div>Here are all the harnesses plugged into the Nissan truck's harness. I have used a towel to protect the dash and center console from scratches.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgu1GW8EcSrjzSjbsO29ayELUMdY_Ll-J94WtLkX4D_Z6tO4zPYVEFA9trzHJITVe-VsXR9iQ_tCIhOkAMsGtkPhMpbncqP4_u0dXkysB09AS5YFWYUoiDTYtHmnoj_S803Ymo8Mu5nonIz1qjBtyzJnu1C2Ps6OUX_sLaptE8ZgLCzonP9LvgQEcO7w/s4032/PXL_20220522_233045762.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgu1GW8EcSrjzSjbsO29ayELUMdY_Ll-J94WtLkX4D_Z6tO4zPYVEFA9trzHJITVe-VsXR9iQ_tCIhOkAMsGtkPhMpbncqP4_u0dXkysB09AS5YFWYUoiDTYtHmnoj_S803Ymo8Mu5nonIz1qjBtyzJnu1C2Ps6OUX_sLaptE8ZgLCzonP9LvgQEcO7w/w400-h300/PXL_20220522_233045762.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I didn't want the cables to rattle in the dash, so I wrapped them with soft foam adhesive weatherstripping:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8FCOtYbWQeyBJwf0_DqhEWSScdJlc1K521VSfx8H8E1_ZRO_xtOEwqyIhGLMolvXfvSGyqCqOBTURN6PaWV8IgBR7KDgwT0foYVL0kin3AeFofVa-tdhrpfRZKhrIY5SbwpQhtjhaaneMFeYanNMS_u-Sm_UtMhFpyXl_We-EkM0XVzZVY5K1KWIGzg/s4032/PXL_20220525_174942519.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8FCOtYbWQeyBJwf0_DqhEWSScdJlc1K521VSfx8H8E1_ZRO_xtOEwqyIhGLMolvXfvSGyqCqOBTURN6PaWV8IgBR7KDgwT0foYVL0kin3AeFofVa-tdhrpfRZKhrIY5SbwpQhtjhaaneMFeYanNMS_u-Sm_UtMhFpyXl_We-EkM0XVzZVY5K1KWIGzg/w300-h400/PXL_20220525_174942519.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><b> Mounting brackets for the head unit</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">The Atoto 7" head unit is requires and adapter to fit properly in the dash. I tried two versions. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Below, on the left is the <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GNG3X7W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Metra95-7619 Car Stereo Installation Dash Kit for 2013-Up Nissan Frontier/Titan/Xterra, (Black)</a>It did fit well, but will need thin large washers under the screws into the plastic. Also the plastic brackets provide no inherent chassis ground. And finally, I did not like how it framed the Atoto screen, the sides are deep and square.</p><p style="text-align: left;">On the right is the <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I86JXQK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Ai NDK780 2011-2014 Nissan Multi Dash Kit Single ISO , Black</a> attached to the factoru metal bracket and the Atoto radio.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipI5ovsqv1oBRvLZp61x-kSfgcBiSPKOltteN8eWzABbdpAxEf_RdTTesGGLfrtWWjPyf2aew0p1YtOFN3_iHz13t9s1H7dUuTpQFqQZXCUiZUS6Qq2YmfWU-PD15TRrFozANA9fCpoCVh3xWC5ZdgOBaJCZnumTQzdCbmUadI0eHG3gBWZ4yQuPXadQ/s4032/PXL_20220524_222708010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipI5ovsqv1oBRvLZp61x-kSfgcBiSPKOltteN8eWzABbdpAxEf_RdTTesGGLfrtWWjPyf2aew0p1YtOFN3_iHz13t9s1H7dUuTpQFqQZXCUiZUS6Qq2YmfWU-PD15TRrFozANA9fCpoCVh3xWC5ZdgOBaJCZnumTQzdCbmUadI0eHG3gBWZ4yQuPXadQ/w400-h300/PXL_20220524_222708010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">The NDK780 trim kit comes in 3 pieces that snap together. I trimmed it a bit so the pieces fit together better and then used superglue to assemble them permanently.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYMbw0TKQ6b1N0dy2uVTfeaTMOmDMcpp5ZwliZ-5C1zZpmXurP3qlxRvAuMrS119TWxT__lw7onRBITvTj4TG7TQgQSnoiueY4k53g9FMo2tjcDPCT4ODgl_tPtWELfCwHGTsTggOgTQgsY25n0W_sGLqjWMzXPL2fifPbMHbhEWd8BVkzOhQC_Yoog/s4032/PXL_20220524_220425796.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYMbw0TKQ6b1N0dy2uVTfeaTMOmDMcpp5ZwliZ-5C1zZpmXurP3qlxRvAuMrS119TWxT__lw7onRBITvTj4TG7TQgQSnoiueY4k53g9FMo2tjcDPCT4ODgl_tPtWELfCwHGTsTggOgTQgsY25n0W_sGLqjWMzXPL2fifPbMHbhEWd8BVkzOhQC_Yoog/w400-h300/PXL_20220524_220425796.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><p>Unfortunately the neither the holes in this trim piece nor in the Nissan factory bracket line up properly with the side winds that come with the Atoto radio. I slotted the hole in the NDK780 plastic trim as shown below.<br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCjVJiVVHc0SHyj4e8oKTnfNo1Dsi1nQgGVaKRFMdaGVNMErvhZfUAw_1F3TOtSV4Koo6NcSMhlA6WYDL3or9TfhXqzFT7shrqUXUxuZVRO65o4j_A0drcexk-gg2xDWttNBCJ99wPTnNG9FaL-2T0dD1MdU3KLoyj0SYMmSCN7deT7eircOZQ0KW2g/s4032/PXL_20220524_220319447.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCjVJiVVHc0SHyj4e8oKTnfNo1Dsi1nQgGVaKRFMdaGVNMErvhZfUAw_1F3TOtSV4Koo6NcSMhlA6WYDL3or9TfhXqzFT7shrqUXUxuZVRO65o4j_A0drcexk-gg2xDWttNBCJ99wPTnNG9FaL-2T0dD1MdU3KLoyj0SYMmSCN7deT7eircOZQ0KW2g/w400-h300/PXL_20220524_220319447.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><p>And I slotted the holes in the factory Nissan brackets as well. I have marked those with red circles on the bracket below. It is necessary to do this to both brackets.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwae3VW5ybtW0JNFC2gTPuLrRs48syx3ucmlJepGhSa78OCLdSWjDFSpa6MW4H7CBJCFuDIEvGqdjVAoZzbVepM9TyHIMq_5W7QtESdUmoPsQ2iDAtT7uo-WPrlBaqPntgXmAGi2PiCMwBM0dOyRIgBNNJ2UqMBd-gxJAoYE5Z3-7N1O3125IKmR-jw/s4032/slotting.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwae3VW5ybtW0JNFC2gTPuLrRs48syx3ucmlJepGhSa78OCLdSWjDFSpa6MW4H7CBJCFuDIEvGqdjVAoZzbVepM9TyHIMq_5W7QtESdUmoPsQ2iDAtT7uo-WPrlBaqPntgXmAGi2PiCMwBM0dOyRIgBNNJ2UqMBd-gxJAoYE5Z3-7N1O3125IKmR-jw/w400-h300/slotting.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><p></p><p>And here is the Atoto radio installed in the dask panel using the Atoto side wings, the factory metal brackets and the NDK780 trim kit:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwo8B-j8K5fOeWujwxf4dkTob5YqSMKvpi7uvwDtmuHBkj7ha9tcO29tqD346Q0gKrABAOY5nhmjCYqyeLbPiE1mHxbugrbIT8rD0Yr-o3Z8eEPFuQ5hI0U6SmMXbBj41IvCrNi7hkJgdk-SKkODuU8nO1bgYERQ731fo9W0Rn58X1SufEl84-C60iw/s4032/PXL_20220524_223401441.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwo8B-j8K5fOeWujwxf4dkTob5YqSMKvpi7uvwDtmuHBkj7ha9tcO29tqD346Q0gKrABAOY5nhmjCYqyeLbPiE1mHxbugrbIT8rD0Yr-o3Z8eEPFuQ5hI0U6SmMXbBj41IvCrNi7hkJgdk-SKkODuU8nO1bgYERQ731fo9W0Rn58X1SufEl84-C60iw/w400-h300/PXL_20220524_223401441.jpg" width="400" /></a></b><br /></div><p><b>Installed!</b></p><p>And then I put the truck back together... and it looks great!<br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68icOSZxBtItQw_eA_HT-SRlyvmElgG1fcR9LOmCGSRFD4Oe_PDhPacoZpNERhKujNCY7Q3QedeElQaRBmRe86S-sCWcBh-EkkV5t-zSqMHkThkT-GZyTFfEj5Jb-Q-YFtI9O2luJKQ3PxlpstQs4i4DnO8JgA6hJGs2u-WuxyyhAktoE2DuQbpTZZQ/s4032/PXL_20220525_190239163.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68icOSZxBtItQw_eA_HT-SRlyvmElgG1fcR9LOmCGSRFD4Oe_PDhPacoZpNERhKujNCY7Q3QedeElQaRBmRe86S-sCWcBh-EkkV5t-zSqMHkThkT-GZyTFfEj5Jb-Q-YFtI9O2luJKQ3PxlpstQs4i4DnO8JgA6hJGs2u-WuxyyhAktoE2DuQbpTZZQ/w400-h300/PXL_20220525_190239163.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">In the picture above you can see the trim kit has beveled edges on the left and right side: the dash slopes in to the face of the display. This is why I preferred this trim kit. The other Metra trim kit has sides that are square to the display and does not have these sloped sides.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Output Level Testing</b> </p><p style="text-align: left;">Before I removed the original Rockford Fosgate head unit, I ran it through a series of tests with pink noise and a few test tones. I wanted to see what levels the unit put out through each channel at different volume settings. I chose to test at 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 volume settings for most of the tests.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Interestingly, the stock volume seemed biased be louder from the right speakers... this is probably to make the sound more symmetrical for the driver.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I ran the same tests with the Atoto unit. Note the Atoto default has the loudness set on and I tested it that way. I also ran a few of the tests with the Loudness set off, that data is in [x]. It did not seem to make a significant difference.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I interpret these results to show that using the Atoto RCA connector line level outputs with the original Nissan Rockford Fosgate amp is perfectly appropriate.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi15f_Mfk4ckYegWQ6yQF4OVC1kH-HIeYEgo9V76VsUYZR409rF-siUKk3Vs6Zd6HQalfDKrTH8fJY1AXf2YRf3IL779kvVlMHioRUyxUTAQxRBpoT5hJA5OH2BVNN4SjUTv2ztwzmGUprHOqMnsL8_epxijP9c1JH7RvFFIYhsZRtU-7mrqVVKMvQxg/s791/sound%20check.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="791" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi15f_Mfk4ckYegWQ6yQF4OVC1kH-HIeYEgo9V76VsUYZR409rF-siUKk3Vs6Zd6HQalfDKrTH8fJY1AXf2YRf3IL779kvVlMHioRUyxUTAQxRBpoT5hJA5OH2BVNN4SjUTv2ztwzmGUprHOqMnsL8_epxijP9c1JH7RvFFIYhsZRtU-7mrqVVKMvQxg/w400-h338/sound%20check.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Other Notes</b> </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Wireless Android Auto works fine! However, I prefer to disable that so that I am using the built in Android on the Atoto. This allows me to more easily use the various apps on the head unit.</li><li>The backup camera was too dim at first, but was fine after Iturned up brightness and adjusted lines in the app, just touch the screen while in backup mode to see the settings screen.</li><li>The radio volume was too loud compared to the other sources. I found that it was boosted in the secret* settings and I lowered it to normal.</li><li>You may need to install a particular "Files" app for some apps to work properly. For instance some Android music players may not be able to find music on an external USB drive. You need to install the proper <a class="link link--external" href="https://github.com/hvdwolf/FYTuis7862BinRepo/raw/main/APK/DocumentsUI-10.apk" rel="ugc nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">DocumentsUI</a>
for Android 10. Without it you can't write to an external USB drive
with other file managers. That is because the documentsUI is missing.
Install it, open it once and afterwards your file managers can use it to
get access.</li><li>Note: this installs a "different" Files app from the one currently on
the google store. I'd suggest removing the current/new "Files by Google"
app if you install this one via DocumentsUI.</li></ul><p style="text-align: left;"><b>*Secret Settings & Password</b> </p><p style="text-align: left;">In case don't know this already, you can access the secret OEM settings on the ATOTO S8 unit this way:<br /><br />Settings > System, click this option four times continually >input 3368, you will enter into the secret OEM Settings.<br /><br /><b>Three small problems I had to solve after the Installation</b> </p><p style="text-align: left;">I think these were all caused by doing some testing in the truck without all the dash wiring connected or by leaving the truck battery disconnected for a couple days.</p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>I had an engine warning light. I disconnected the battery for an hour and drove the truck again and the engine warning light was off.</li><li>the airbag warning light was on. This was probably caused by testing the head unit in the car with the passenger airbag light disconnected. <a href="https://itstillruns.com/reset-armada-air-bag-light-7334186.html">I followed these directions to clear the airbag warning light.</a></li><li>My OBD reader showed a P0603 (ICM Keep Alive Memory Error). I have read this error code comes from having the battery disconnected for an extended time. This is a “permanent” error code, which just means it will persist until the vehicle has been driven enough to determine nothing is wrong. Generally this will go away after some days of driving, but I just took a 30 mile drive with a bunch of stops and it went away. Technically, you have to complete some specific driving patterns to make the code clear. One that I read was to start the vehicle, idle more than 30 seconds, drive more than 5 minutes at highway speeds, stop and idle another 30 seconds before turning the truck off. <a href="https://www.underhoodservice.com/nissan-tech-tip-permanent-dtc-p-dtc-information/">But it can apparently be more complicated than that.</a></li></ol><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Screen Protector</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">I wanted a screen protector as I intend to off road in the desert and sand gets everywhere....<br /> The ones that came with the unit were horrible, but I found some I really like on AliExpress. These are 9H tempered glass:<br /> <a href="https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2255800590874337.html">https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2255800590874337.html</a> I ordered the 153x85mm size. These leave a bit of room on each edge, about 1 mm. This allows for easier installation and removal.<br /> Install was VERY easy compared to those silly plastic ones.<br /> You can see the edge of the protector and the gap it leaves in the picture below.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo94vuZ7oN33agangFd_vHnOOsACa6VMC90tpxkR-vFSIxYdg249J8RlKWHLlAk-sKRS4QrbzIxbIXIgdGTOwc154cdVpsWFnaUDAFrLGpzqarxD65tHhcu_Oc6aBFHEJH5bPJfQNSTGZnmmdH-QzAG-AR8UFVMg0Iae7wEBFUtbyC0mXsJI8xi7EteQ/s4032/PXL_20220617_231439501.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo94vuZ7oN33agangFd_vHnOOsACa6VMC90tpxkR-vFSIxYdg249J8RlKWHLlAk-sKRS4QrbzIxbIXIgdGTOwc154cdVpsWFnaUDAFrLGpzqarxD65tHhcu_Oc6aBFHEJH5bPJfQNSTGZnmmdH-QzAG-AR8UFVMg0Iae7wEBFUtbyC0mXsJI8xi7EteQ/w400-h300/PXL_20220617_231439501.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Alternate Parts</b> </p><p style="text-align: left;">I did not use these, but they are available. Shortcomings that I noticed are listed.<br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GNG3X7W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Metra95-7619 Car Stereo Installation Dash Kit for 2013-Up Nissan Frontier/Titan/Xterra, (Black)</a> fits perfectly, but will need thin large washers under plastic screws. Plastic brackets, no inherent chassis ground, square sides.</li><li><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07S9J952H/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">20-pin Headunit/Radio Wiring Harness with Steering Wheel Switch Wires Compatible with 2007-2019 Nissan | Upgraded Version of The Metra 70-7552 | Harness Includes VSS and SWC pins</a> Note this is NOT made by Metra, VSS vehicle speed sensor wire in wrong place, but unused. Also some unnecessary extra wire splits.</li><li><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F1SQSYL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Keenso Terminal Tools, 5pcs/1 Set DIY Titanium Alloy Automotive Wire Harness Pin Removal Tool Plug Pin Removal Dismount Tool Kit</a> I found this is a good set to move the VSS pin in the connector above... but I didn't use that harness anyway. <br /></li><li><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3Z23VG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Scosche CRTNN01 Compatible with Select 2010-Up Nissan Pathfinder and Rouge Camera Retention Harness</a> NO AUX audio.<br /></li></ul><p><b>Bonus Extra!</b> </p><p>While I had the dash all apart... I decided to "upgrade" one of the charging ports.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPyumPugcLkCn4FBYXWsO51zD6L94WWGt1hr_gbhAXISc27w6pRum9_Scq_GOBzsoAiVOaMKTYAG3Vagc178KyJOeWjWq5GILmciCZGpKZl1snrv4gNLs7Ro0OhPfW-Vfj7BaaAxQvAG9xaRRrCrX6_Zs94TVdEF2kdF-309x12hCBtpCBk1z1sD25g/s4032/PXL_20220619_001913639.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPyumPugcLkCn4FBYXWsO51zD6L94WWGt1hr_gbhAXISc27w6pRum9_Scq_GOBzsoAiVOaMKTYAG3Vagc178KyJOeWjWq5GILmciCZGpKZl1snrv4gNLs7Ro0OhPfW-Vfj7BaaAxQvAG9xaRRrCrX6_Zs94TVdEF2kdF-309x12hCBtpCBk1z1sD25g/s320/PXL_20220619_001913639.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Note the transparent cover lets you see the battery status through it. Kind of cool.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrdeaBeGpuxck5goO4Y62r7spUdkg9Zix3I2hoJrdFiyP9SJrceuxcLH3V7w4tjlfZynzcSwj6bRJGBSAx6WBtUYn6snlQSRUQXBesYdVmgO0E1s8Ivte77dIXt6rmal-yUUR0NJTkdIcXTnkodqWQGWnMS9OlglpcVXgqmRa9LpaJiyid9eXU4qVPQ/s4032/PXL_20220619_001901608.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrdeaBeGpuxck5goO4Y62r7spUdkg9Zix3I2hoJrdFiyP9SJrceuxcLH3V7w4tjlfZynzcSwj6bRJGBSAx6WBtUYn6snlQSRUQXBesYdVmgO0E1s8Ivte77dIXt6rmal-yUUR0NJTkdIcXTnkodqWQGWnMS9OlglpcVXgqmRa9LpaJiyid9eXU4qVPQ/s320/PXL_20220619_001901608.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Installing
this charger was harder than I expected. Removing the stock power
outlet either requires a special tool that is hard to find <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vr8m93e6u8g">or some real finesse</a>. And getting access behind the dash in this spot isn't easy either.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Here is the power outlet I used:<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B096RK1LJM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">12
Volt USB Socket Outlet, Qidoe 30W USB C PD3.0 Waterproof USB Charger
Socket & QC3.0 Power Outlet with ON/Off Switch Voltmeter for 12V-24V
Car RV Golf Cart Boat Marine ATV Motorcycle and More</a>Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435881380335161709.post-63797946013184873112021-06-14T13:59:00.010-07:002021-06-16T14:04:34.032-07:0013" Laptops compared: Apple Macbook Air M1 vs Microsoft Surface Laptop 4<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9N5OGsI0Xm47EyoaADXSb71GvsafE5sLEMoolwdVQ1W0ftqL2NQVVUcGi-lxpFa5eyn91SDVE0uHD12BQhZmnowkAlRXbQ3MlDUXaCYr0-pOqN7-m6usIL99vtgImSoX5UVx1G3r6Evqh/s2048/PXL_20210609_011035449.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9N5OGsI0Xm47EyoaADXSb71GvsafE5sLEMoolwdVQ1W0ftqL2NQVVUcGi-lxpFa5eyn91SDVE0uHD12BQhZmnowkAlRXbQ3MlDUXaCYr0-pOqN7-m6usIL99vtgImSoX5UVx1G3r6Evqh/w400-h300/PXL_20210609_011035449.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">on the left: Apple Macbook Air M1, on the right: Microsoft Surface Laptop 4</p><p>I use a variety of machines every day. Right now I'm typing this on my windows machine, my primary workstation. Since 2013, Lorraine and I have used matching "mid 2013" Macbook Air laptops as our portable machines. I bought those back then because I didn't consider any of the Windows "Ultrabook" hardware comparable. But the screens relatively low resolution was showing it's age and I decided we could justify an upgrade after 8 years.<br /></p><p>For my Lorraine, I wanted to get another Mac as it would keep everything the same and easy the transition. But for myself, I was very open, almost excited, to get a windows laptop again. Note the transition is easy for us as we do not use any Mac exclusive software, except the operating system. Google apps and LibreOffice work great on both Windows 10 and OS-X.</p><p>My criteria for a new laptop:</p><p>1) 13" displays, thin and light.</p><p>2) Quality construction. Solid metal preferred.<br /></p><p>3) No vents on the bottom! We actually use our laptops on our laps. This is a remarkably hard feature to find on Windows laptops.</p><p>4) The Mac display is 16:10. Most Windows laptops use a 16:9 display. I REALLY wanted a taller display. IMO, it is just so much better to have a taller display for anything that isn't a movie.</p><p>So I looked around, and was really happy to find the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 has a 3:2 display and no vents on the bottom! It does have some on the lower back edge, but it wasn't too bad. The Surface Laptop 4 can be purchased with a variety of options, but for my use the base unit was perfect... except I was a but wary of the Alcantara palm deck.<br /></p><p>I ordered a new Apple Macbook Air M1 for Lorraine and a Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 for myself.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Results & Review</b><br /></h3><p>Lorraine happily adopted the new Macbook Air. The jump up to a new display and a bigger SSD were just what she needed.</p><p>But I my side, I struggled a bit with the Surface Laptop 4</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>On the positive for the Surface Laptop 4:</b></div><p>+ I liked the exterior and it seemed to be well constructed.</p><p>+ The tall 3:2 display was GREAT! It is exactly the same width as the Macbook Air display, and look at the top picture above. It's only about 1cm taller, but between the extra space and how the PC manages the display, you get much more vertical content on the screen.</p><p><b>On the negative for the Surface Laptop 4:</b></p><p>- The display had a bit of a bluish tint. It's probably possible to tune that out but takes some work.</p><p>- The font rendering was substantially different than the Mac. I've encountered this before, and fonts are also rendered differently in different browsers. You can play with the ClearType settings and adjust that, but again, it takes some work. I remember having trouble when I last switched from Windows to a Mac, complaining about the situation on the Mac; so it may mostly be "liking what you were used to".</p><p>- The Alcantara keyboard deck / palm rest. I didn't like it. I missed the cool feel of the aluminum and I didnt like that I couldn't easily clean it with an alcohol wipe.</p><p>- Battery life seemed to less than I hoped. I run my screen bright, and if it is a well lit room like most of our house during the day, the screen will be at 100%. I don't have any objective numbers, but the battery depleted more quickly than I expected. It wasn't obviously better than my old 2013 Mac (that did get a battery replacement a couple years ago). Note the old Macs also had a relatively low resolution display 1440 x 900, and that saves power too.</p><p>- I had trouble with the magnetic battery charge cable. Sometimes it wouldn't seem to connect and I'd have to play with it. Once it seemed I had to unplug the cable from the wall and plug it back in to get it to work. (A note, you can charge this laptop over the USB port too.)<br /></p><p>- The keyboard flexed a good amount. Many really like the Surface Laptop 4's "bounce", but to me the flex just felt cheap.</p><p>- Encryption. Apparently, Microsoft really wants you to let them keep your keys in their cloud. If you set up the machine with only a local account, Windows 10 home edition does not allow you to encrypt your hard drive. You can either upgrade to Windows 10 Pro, or perform some<a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/12/microsoft-may-have-your-encryption-key-heres-how-to-take-it-back/"> technical maneuvers to get around the problem</a>. This is much easier to avoid on the Mac.</p><p>- This isn't really a negative, but personally; I have no use for the touchscreen on the Surface Laptop 4.</p><p><b>So...</b><br /></p><p>The biggest issue for me was not liking the Surface Laptop 4's Alcantara. But the other issues added to my annoyance significantly. The combined negatives outweighed my love of the Surface Laptop 4's 3:2 screen. I was able to play with both machines side by side, and I just preferred the Macbook Air M1. So I sent the Surface back and bought myself a Macbook Air M1.</p><p>I should note, I could have paid more for a version of the Surface Laptop for with an aluminum deck. However, to do that I'd have to accept a color I didn't like (Sandstone or Matte Black) and an "upgrade" to the Intel processor. If it were not for the other annoyances I probably would have tried that. <br /></p><p>Another note: I like Windows, in many ways more than OS-X. This really wasn't driven by features of the operating system, it was about my preference for the Apple hardware. If I could have gotten the Surface Laptop 4 with a metal deck, the Ryzen
5 processor and maybe one of the other hardware items (better magnetic
charging connection, less flexy keyboard, better battery life), that
would have tilted me back to the Surface.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><i>Addendum</i></h3><p class="_1qeIAgB0cPwnLhDF9XSiJM"><i><span class="_7s4syPYtk5hfUIjySXcRE">Here
is a follow up now that I've used the mac some more. The M1 Macbook Air
is so similar to my old mid-2013 air that is is hard to come up with
new positives. It is a great display and I prefer the stock color
rendering and text rendering over that of the Surface.</span></i></p><p class="_1qeIAgB0cPwnLhDF9XSiJM"><i><span class="_7s4syPYtk5hfUIjySXcRE">Just to balance things a bit here are my negatives of the Mac:</span></i></p><p class="_1qeIAgB0cPwnLhDF9XSiJM"><i><span class="_7s4syPYtk5hfUIjySXcRE">- No 3:2 display. Boo.</span></i></p><p class="_1qeIAgB0cPwnLhDF9XSiJM"><i><span class="_7s4syPYtk5hfUIjySXcRE">- I miss the old mac's magsafe power cord (I ordered an external connector gizmo).</span></i></p><p class="_1qeIAgB0cPwnLhDF9XSiJM"><i><span class="_7s4syPYtk5hfUIjySXcRE">- The glass at the top screen gets greasy from opening. (Maybe I can train myself to only open it by the very edge.)</span></i></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435881380335161709.post-4612068517898632192021-03-13T19:27:00.000-08:002021-03-13T19:27:07.536-08:00Biltwell Exfil-11 Magnetic Tank Bag Review (on a Svartpilen 401)<p> I just got this Biltwell Exfil-11 magnetic tank bag and I really like it!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8md5-tVmNhkFXpHG8oemw1yR-EVg3gIRVLQu6XAV_nBK7pqlPL3TUouTHG1LB6zINgNmIAcLaHaWaYAlWL_5uvTJbfhnsh7pmkwarrvNwJ59gNNVbKw82p3awHJwfc9hV7hZg6M8Cii7/s1920/PXL_20210308_225933328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8md5-tVmNhkFXpHG8oemw1yR-EVg3gIRVLQu6XAV_nBK7pqlPL3TUouTHG1LB6zINgNmIAcLaHaWaYAlWL_5uvTJbfhnsh7pmkwarrvNwJ59gNNVbKw82p3awHJwfc9hV7hZg6M8Cii7/w400-h300/PXL_20210308_225933328.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I put a full review of the bag and my modifications to it on the HQVadventure forum, here:</p><p><a href="https://hqvadventure.com/forum/threads/biltwell-exfil-11-magnetic-tank-bag-review-on-a-svartpilen-401.287/">https://hqvadventure.com/forum/threads/biltwell-exfil-11-magnetic-tank-bag-review-on-a-svartpilen-401.287/</a><br /></p><p><br /></p>Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435881380335161709.post-61742127641516003942021-02-25T19:26:00.005-08:002021-02-25T19:26:48.136-08:00Leather Glove Finger Stretching<p>Often, the thumb on my leather motorcycle gloves seems a bit too short. I think this is mostly because how the motorcycle grip puts a twisting force on the glove, pulling the glove onto the thumb of your hand.</p><p>I had heard leather gloves are easily stretched, especially if they don't have many seams. So this may work best with classic style gloves, because modern motorcycle gloves often have lots of stitching and synthetic materials that may not stretch.</p><p>What I used:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>6 tongue depressors, glued together and drilled through one end.</li><li>Shoe Stretch: some mystery liquid. I bet water might work just as well?</li><li>Steel ring with a 1-inch (25mm) inside diameter: I used the ones on my motorcycle lift. Like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Swpeet-Stainless-Lifting-Including-Washers/dp/B07G9VTRHT/">these</a>.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMTgyQoRQc7Vf5q0Hhq0feLM3M1XkL7PvH-eDYup4m_RDEZxouONQmt8vXeGwqR9e-tXD1_j3fXna8nVxG0hy0bQu7fPceUgni7KYnzpGooGAvBpuTn3aGQV3NXtVFm-6CIeR08xgXwCX/s2048/PXL_20210223_223318758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1741" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMTgyQoRQc7Vf5q0Hhq0feLM3M1XkL7PvH-eDYup4m_RDEZxouONQmt8vXeGwqR9e-tXD1_j3fXna8nVxG0hy0bQu7fPceUgni7KYnzpGooGAvBpuTn3aGQV3NXtVFm-6CIeR08xgXwCX/w340-h400/PXL_20210223_223318758.jpg" width="340" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a side view of the tongue depressors. They are about 6 inches long and a little less than 3/4" wide. I laminated 6 of them so it was about finger size. I didn't want to use just one as that might put a thin ridge in the end of the finger.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCRnD29VLjwfKbnHUuE02PnhNncl2muitv3nTc-7aBtzP9SFuSfeUdvz94AT6Waqwyj4YASvBO1wlnA-rwmJpOsujmoNaZd3HSdDuC58iT8xuvmN4dY1WdtN86bOOVeEoRE4_ug9l0s7x/s2048/PXL_20210223_223335703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCRnD29VLjwfKbnHUuE02PnhNncl2muitv3nTc-7aBtzP9SFuSfeUdvz94AT6Waqwyj4YASvBO1wlnA-rwmJpOsujmoNaZd3HSdDuC58iT8xuvmN4dY1WdtN86bOOVeEoRE4_ug9l0s7x/w400-h300/PXL_20210223_223335703.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>First I soaked about 1 inch of the glove's thumb in the area between the last knuckle and the palm. I carefully kept the tip of the thumb and the palm dry as I didn't want to stretch the glove there. </div><div><br /></div><div>I used the ring mounted on my motorcycle lift. I fit the depressor thing into the thumb and then the thumb into the ring. I used a zip tie through the hole in the depressor and around the ring to pull the gizmo tight. I was careful to just stretch the glove enough... I didn't want to stretch it too far.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Mlvy9iaqewQjzYskT_axhPsgXhF1Dk4XyWqy7pZM14QxQxfgHt8tZiLnWLLTXhZnFkK3Tox7LK-4RiBI8V0acLWy0JnTlGOs68OvvcOXmU51Gr7q3jKdTJszaktP-14TyaKxwbplQcRT/s2048/PXL_20210223_223551965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Mlvy9iaqewQjzYskT_axhPsgXhF1Dk4XyWqy7pZM14QxQxfgHt8tZiLnWLLTXhZnFkK3Tox7LK-4RiBI8V0acLWy0JnTlGOs68OvvcOXmU51Gr7q3jKdTJszaktP-14TyaKxwbplQcRT/w400-h300/PXL_20210223_223551965.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I left it there about 24 hours to dry... and it was perfect.</div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435881380335161709.post-37525963968824940322021-02-06T12:31:00.016-08:002021-02-21T14:48:07.958-08:00N95 and KF94 Masks<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudO-5Pj-ZR9a3xUDQbHHqyLBZuoMq5eo_WyjAxEG5OVikawvHHkW7QVuzjD1lWhkYVJ5c5CU6bIKP2P6N7CU99-nE5wpeA79ZVd3XFGfLScVpM916nRQDgzTtST0Itz492MEcABfTrM2I/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudO-5Pj-ZR9a3xUDQbHHqyLBZuoMq5eo_WyjAxEG5OVikawvHHkW7QVuzjD1lWhkYVJ5c5CU6bIKP2P6N7CU99-nE5wpeA79ZVd3XFGfLScVpM916nRQDgzTtST0Itz492MEcABfTrM2I/w400-h300/N95+Front.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I've been wearing N95 masks for more than a decade for doing dusty work. So I was fortunate to have a supply of some of these from before COVID-19 hit. I thought I'd do a post on my mask opinions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><b><u>First, About Reuse and other Details</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My wife and I use our masks and then hang them in the open air. We let them sit at least 48 hours and then I consider them "clean" again. I try to leave them longer if possible, especially if I have worn them in close contact with other people. <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanmic/article/PIIS2666-5247(20)30003-3/fulltext#sec1">The bug is supposed to die on porous surfaces relatively quickly... but some say the virus may survive on the outside of masks for up to 7 days.</a> Make your own decision on how long you need to let the mask air out between wearings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Remember, you are sucking air in through the mask and the outer surfaces of the mask is where any virus would enter and get caught. And of course, if you have the virus, you would be blowing virus into the inside of the mask. So, immediately after you use them, handle the used masks like they are contaminated.<br /><br />I've heard getting a mask wet will kill the mask's effectiveness. And it is possible for the masks to get very wet from your humid breath after a long wearing. They work with an electrostatic charge, but it is not clear to me what else besides being wet would break that down. In the box the masks last years, and note that many N95 do not come in a sealed container. The latest box I got says they expire in 2025... so extended exposure to the air would seem to be fine.<br /><br />In a hospital setting they only use these masks a couple times with careful sterilization each time. But I think for our purposes they will last 12 to 30 short wearings (like a 20 minute visit to a store) or more, if they hold up mechanically.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />Our masks eventually become unusable because they become too dirty or crinkled. You may wish to be careful not to stain them with makeup or colored face cream.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/usernotices/counterfeitResp.html">Watch out for fakes!</a> I try to only buy from reputable sellers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />All of the N95 masks have straps that go behind the head. They are harder to learn to put on, but they make a much tighter seal with your face because of these behind the head straps. Read the directions as it really helps to don them correctly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><u>We wear the N95 masks when</u></b> we expect to be in close with other people, like a trip to a doctor or a visit to the grocery store. For any meeting where we will be in a small room with someone else we wear the N95.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><u>We wear the KF94 masks when</u></b> we don't expect close contact with other people, like a distanced (6ft plus) meeting with a single other person that won't last long or even for outdoor walks were we might encounter other people. The KF94 is easier to pull on and off for quick distanced encounters.<br /><br /><b><u>Vintage Veloce's N95 picks</u></b><br />3M 8210 PLUS<br />These are a "formed shell" mask. Very durable. I consider these the "best". The "PLUS" in the name means they have a braided strap that will last a long time. These are now impossible to find; the ones I have were purchased by me in 2019 for workshop use.<br /><br />3M 8210<br />Same as the plus version with a much less durable strap. These seem to be available on eBay. I'll be curious to see how the straps hold up, and may try to replace the straps when they wear out. Currently about $5 each on eBay in a pack of 10.<br /><br />3M 8211<br />Just like the 8210 PLUS but with a VALVE. These are fantastic if you don't care about venting the virus on others. And they work great because of the valve, far better than the 8210 versions. It's easier to breath and the vent allows moisture to escape. What some people do is they wear these with another mask over the top to protect the vent. I've been wearing these for years in the workshop and wore them on a long airplane flight for many hours nonstop. We also have taped up the valve on a few, but people don't recognize that the valve is taped, so that is uncool. Not recommended for coronavirus use because of the valve.<br /><br />3M Aura 9205+<br />These are a soft mask that comes packed flat. The straps are the less durable kind. We just got 10 of these and they fit great! But harder to put on because they are soft. Questionable durability. Currently about $5 each on eBay in a pack of 5.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYiqJWAwFcDnDkzusmWI1EmxV19mqqO599Mqjo2I5AT2eIzpk1EBNw05G4tHeTGUBgDyMZIt9hncuGCXIYm3vbuu_A9YL92mi7msBZtAjKS6YaMXhLZPgrGU9k_287TqBbh7l5eolSqysM/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYiqJWAwFcDnDkzusmWI1EmxV19mqqO599Mqjo2I5AT2eIzpk1EBNw05G4tHeTGUBgDyMZIt9hncuGCXIYm3vbuu_A9YL92mi7msBZtAjKS6YaMXhLZPgrGU9k_287TqBbh7l5eolSqysM/w400-h300/N95+Back.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Vintage Veloce's KF94 picks</u></b><br />These are the Korean standard, and many people trust these more than the Chinese (KN95) masks. When I first bought these they only came with Korean labelling, they now exist in English labeled packages that I personally mistrust. I only buy ones that are fully labeled in Korean. Note these are a "flat front" mask, and leave space in front of your mouth, very comfortable in my opinion. They are "ear strap masks" and this is the biggest failing of these in that they may not pull tight enough on your face to seal fully. (You can tie a knot in the strap or <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B087MW6561/">buy cord locks</a> to tighten them.) Currently about $2 each on eBay from a US seller in a pack of 10. I have bought these brands: Wiicare, INT and HappyLife / Good Day with Korean language labels. The INT supposedly has a built in strap length adjustment but I found it doesn't hold particularly well (otherwise it is comparable to the other brands). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There is LG brand KF94 mask that has a better length adjustment mechanism but those masks seem to command a premium price that gets close to the cost of a N95. I like the LG mask because I recognize the brand and the built in adjuster makes them ready to use. But I do prefer using the cord locks as they seem a little more secure and I'm not a big fan of how the extra loops on the LG look. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6SkcRxHqnx3PjqLzjtopR1XMgvY69p5S6rWQ76zGEhqoSBCcmEBsVzkSET-bmsy5LYRdixGwy9G_RM9jIolum83YxLJUz8iFHLsIHs0Z9-KJa4FxE5hUN5mqABRYBZUtHeXcW1b75LQe/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6SkcRxHqnx3PjqLzjtopR1XMgvY69p5S6rWQ76zGEhqoSBCcmEBsVzkSET-bmsy5LYRdixGwy9G_RM9jIolum83YxLJUz8iFHLsIHs0Z9-KJa4FxE5hUN5mqABRYBZUtHeXcW1b75LQe/w400-h300/KF94+Front.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyqxmqedXjEhYH-GnxT-DZqtiTjZKtbip5SBQ7lD2JMXg8ApCOjDjxTIUf6jp8Vwi6_VbM8Q8Amq9MGkthH-gikrs8DaT6_AIxAjFlkiT8dGso3cZI5Q8jboMFft_CZe1BWNuqHOMEa89/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyqxmqedXjEhYH-GnxT-DZqtiTjZKtbip5SBQ7lD2JMXg8ApCOjDjxTIUf6jp8Vwi6_VbM8Q8Amq9MGkthH-gikrs8DaT6_AIxAjFlkiT8dGso3cZI5Q8jboMFft_CZe1BWNuqHOMEa89/w400-h300/KF94+Back.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">LG Mask:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjImbO3oTuQrQGLTU5VQSyW41ENuUjXM6_4hnGlLmrtnMLxxCOuT7WepgKlCMsHCKYeNS6mUVXizI7ioukeL5EKMwL7lKfIHo7DA5itFDRik1E0rrnv1rUVV2CZiK-QBSTj63eQlBDz6PNv/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjImbO3oTuQrQGLTU5VQSyW41ENuUjXM6_4hnGlLmrtnMLxxCOuT7WepgKlCMsHCKYeNS6mUVXizI7ioukeL5EKMwL7lKfIHo7DA5itFDRik1E0rrnv1rUVV2CZiK-QBSTj63eQlBDz6PNv/w400-h300/PXL_20210221_221413539.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoLclWr5kz0fWaZ8bxsUMCHO8eZY3BDZ2U7cwIsoLsSfFGlSXzET9hco3SFvXTF9QRNMfcPD3lU2zLFg_p0g26EOzBiK1rYqETxy0vSBazgjQ8zVj9-koGRFOhaN06AAFbk_INQO1UojG/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoLclWr5kz0fWaZ8bxsUMCHO8eZY3BDZ2U7cwIsoLsSfFGlSXzET9hco3SFvXTF9QRNMfcPD3lU2zLFg_p0g26EOzBiK1rYqETxy0vSBazgjQ8zVj9-koGRFOhaN06AAFbk_INQO1UojG/w400-h300/PXL_20210221_221426415.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><br /><b><u>KN95</u></b><br />In my opinion: Nope. Some may be good, but I'm not trusting these. There are known incidents of fake KN95 masks.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><u>Single layer cloth masks</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">These provide little protection.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But, I do wear these when exercising alone outdoors. When I bicycle and I wear a buff over my nose and face when riding. I do see people running, bicycling and walking without any mask at all, and in my opinion that doesn't show support for the mask wearing societal effort. So when I'm working out and need to breathe harder, I wear a thin single layer mask AND I make sure to keep my distance from other people. Wearing the mask shows that I agree with the effort to wear masks, and it helps people who see me feel more comfortable.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div>Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435881380335161709.post-53415336087592870952021-01-13T16:53:00.005-08:002021-01-13T20:54:02.853-08:00Daisy 880 881 Rifling<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0saUuPvSfqHYW9gLG2TlKvMIs4ZdzhqIy5wAnYK1RGfQx4wvMirSRkUeGFtqjupRY32Z1qh0WROGjKbk7woyiDX4QyGhOK-yQ7i1y12dzlmz5KjX3TMwpRVZHeMqilzKHUUHx-CEf14fm/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="827" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0saUuPvSfqHYW9gLG2TlKvMIs4ZdzhqIy5wAnYK1RGfQx4wvMirSRkUeGFtqjupRY32Z1qh0WROGjKbk7woyiDX4QyGhOK-yQ7i1y12dzlmz5KjX3TMwpRVZHeMqilzKHUUHx-CEf14fm/w400-h283/IMG_20210113_154629.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>In my last post I talked about an early 1973 Daisy 880. That early rifle had a barrel without rifling.</p><p>Just a bit later Daisy came out with the 881 rifle, and that model did have a rifled barrel.</p><p>Here is a 1976 Daisy advertisement for the 881 that features a "ten sided rifled brass barrel".</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rpdXzlXzFOGtJ4rS_E0vnLDmACOo3vPz585U3eO3jFV1WjJz37dYYV8MqccLe68gYDmfPv1g7FTXHtJoH6v2EUoDYRd2wDZ3EMmkyQVuXbiv-0sPinHmzjrbg_gf5LxouOYn9Ph5soVt/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1248" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rpdXzlXzFOGtJ4rS_E0vnLDmACOo3vPz585U3eO3jFV1WjJz37dYYV8MqccLe68gYDmfPv1g7FTXHtJoH6v2EUoDYRd2wDZ3EMmkyQVuXbiv-0sPinHmzjrbg_gf5LxouOYn9Ph5soVt/w499-h640/1976+Daisy+ad.jpg" width="499" /></a></div><p></p><p>I just received a 1979 Daisy 881 and was excited to examine the barrel. The barrel shroud announced "Rifled Barrel". But upon first inspection of the inner barrel I could not see any rifling! Then I noticed the whole rifle including the barrel was soaking in oil. So I took it apart and pulled some cloths through the barrel to dry it out and inspected again... I had to look very closely, but with a bore light and a magnifying glass the rifling became obvious!</p><p>I made a couple attempts to photograph the rifling. They are not great photos, but here they are:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQsFvKaM1n97CqD6sJZ6sqzXQa8XGhrtPkb_B6AGFx70iz3uOpZb_CDDU65hHBGE-XwcHQ7QFFaqgNFGpc9rw_uomluy-i9fefTCJ6l7jrZUXCy9YAo-xjV-_O0sqyxcvvcynjYzBEkvY/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1565" data-original-width="2048" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQsFvKaM1n97CqD6sJZ6sqzXQa8XGhrtPkb_B6AGFx70iz3uOpZb_CDDU65hHBGE-XwcHQ7QFFaqgNFGpc9rw_uomluy-i9fefTCJ6l7jrZUXCy9YAo-xjV-_O0sqyxcvvcynjYzBEkvY/w400-h306/IMG_20210113_154848.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8bPkzLvKZseuHqzaaAYAnYUFEXmZHdSeS9OBYu-0Gu9I9ZojJOmYyUVRxIzU4Fyh4rhawehSKhgSnZEeSG0Djl2u33yh60xx4CZROBj4qOjSySorRznRyzPsd16V0SrGm2gkqf8B2XqO/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1613" data-original-width="2048" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8bPkzLvKZseuHqzaaAYAnYUFEXmZHdSeS9OBYu-0Gu9I9ZojJOmYyUVRxIzU4Fyh4rhawehSKhgSnZEeSG0Djl2u33yh60xx4CZROBj4qOjSySorRznRyzPsd16V0SrGm2gkqf8B2XqO/w400-h315/PXL_20210113_235814604.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The barrel of my 1979 rifle is steel and does appear to have rifling with 12 sides. I'm not sure, but this may be polygonal rifling?<br /><p></p>Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435881380335161709.post-63924415057741563642021-01-03T16:54:00.008-08:002021-01-03T17:36:54.734-08:00It's a Daisy!<p>Back when I was a kid, a multi-pump air rifle was a cool thing to own. I had a Daisy Red Ryder first, and then a Daisy Model 25. But I never got the 880...</p><p>So I just bought one.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdD8fNogkzaIHlhG5GopX6nEK7vt5Au7wiLdMGFC7aBiSa7ZC9g3xISIqsLptacAQe76-INBx-cMz76D1ee3UYp-tJYIuAgyLrvtREaZesvuf_mtHh5w6tuy8eCta_CIDsbd9cSv2ipGJ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="3099" height="99" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdD8fNogkzaIHlhG5GopX6nEK7vt5Au7wiLdMGFC7aBiSa7ZC9g3xISIqsLptacAQe76-INBx-cMz76D1ee3UYp-tJYIuAgyLrvtREaZesvuf_mtHh5w6tuy8eCta_CIDsbd9cSv2ipGJ/w400-h99/PXL_20210103_222344438.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6O2pVg1e253uQ65TQNgyymXoqf0dJlwc5_qvZEKt4n2HDSr0kvg9lfftjBR_ggSDWcFJE9PN_nDvKZ3QqvMdqgaMeYzvAiWNk_zIsTJaKyUOGfRkH4FIFlti1VKlChH7DT9V1dhz9C5g/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6O2pVg1e253uQ65TQNgyymXoqf0dJlwc5_qvZEKt4n2HDSr0kvg9lfftjBR_ggSDWcFJE9PN_nDvKZ3QqvMdqgaMeYzvAiWNk_zIsTJaKyUOGfRkH4FIFlti1VKlChH7DT9V1dhz9C5g/w400-h300/PXL_20210103_222529572.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>A Daisy 880 Power King! Mine is a very early model, manufactured in October 1973. Cobalt357 from the <a href="http://forum.daisymuseum.com">forum.daisymuseum.com</a> was a great help identifying this rifle's age and with other details. I was lucky enough to find a matching early model manual on eBay. Here are some scans, click to see full size or download. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8KnyOe1J4PWcUf9PSrBNscDFL1daByv6Mju4tEapw6bZUrvQhW_dxfADt4OQee2T_rDJ5a3X92nr_0qZ9pUnnZbRZv0FoR54tNxiO7FNpl8o5qRgfbrSwGwk8VCWi-FsiodUJie9WhTM/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="2048" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8KnyOe1J4PWcUf9PSrBNscDFL1daByv6Mju4tEapw6bZUrvQhW_dxfADt4OQee2T_rDJ5a3X92nr_0qZ9pUnnZbRZv0FoR54tNxiO7FNpl8o5qRgfbrSwGwk8VCWi-FsiodUJie9WhTM/w320-h176/Daisy+Power+King+Manual+p1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8KnyOe1J4PWcUf9PSrBNscDFL1daByv6Mju4tEapw6bZUrvQhW_dxfADt4OQee2T_rDJ5a3X92nr_0qZ9pUnnZbRZv0FoR54tNxiO7FNpl8o5qRgfbrSwGwk8VCWi-FsiodUJie9WhTM/s16000/Daisy+Power+King+Manual+p1.jpg" target="_blank">full size page 1 click here</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCi09czA2oXuKI0UAkUKWQWiwhI4Fffq0AKtDuPsV13NdLkJqOCau9Qtg_a8flh_RbF-4JW13xLV9NujuRQvhxAYjP8l_m8KQPDWH2nYR5ePOoL7zIHWQ5XMpt59TYlGDnzSTRQ7XO11yF/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="2048" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCi09czA2oXuKI0UAkUKWQWiwhI4Fffq0AKtDuPsV13NdLkJqOCau9Qtg_a8flh_RbF-4JW13xLV9NujuRQvhxAYjP8l_m8KQPDWH2nYR5ePOoL7zIHWQ5XMpt59TYlGDnzSTRQ7XO11yF/w320-h176/Daisy+Power+King+Manual+p2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCi09czA2oXuKI0UAkUKWQWiwhI4Fffq0AKtDuPsV13NdLkJqOCau9Qtg_a8flh_RbF-4JW13xLV9NujuRQvhxAYjP8l_m8KQPDWH2nYR5ePOoL7zIHWQ5XMpt59TYlGDnzSTRQ7XO11yF/s16000/Daisy+Power+King+Manual+p2.jpg">full size page 2 click here</a></div><br />Of course, it arrived with some problems. Sadly, the bolt handle had broken during shipping. Arg.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-N1kS01W5lPgv2iD1lKQyar5KXXZXknhboij_8yZhtEu4fR2L15M7apGBBVrvvVnCZ4OgSrIY9ZRNETTSFwd6T3-ZcKolh52aNa9SaQhKdJz-cyDU0rkskYlUS-8tbc7T6n5kJI86I_2/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-N1kS01W5lPgv2iD1lKQyar5KXXZXknhboij_8yZhtEu4fR2L15M7apGBBVrvvVnCZ4OgSrIY9ZRNETTSFwd6T3-ZcKolh52aNa9SaQhKdJz-cyDU0rkskYlUS-8tbc7T6n5kJI86I_2/w400-h300/PXL_20201228_223307106.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I took the rifle apart and drilled the broken pieces. I used a piece of an old 1/16" drill bit shaft to reinforce the joint and then JB Weld to epoxy the pieces together.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddSGkw9zCbKbH_dyVJu6BFsDT0AEO7gRqb72UmGN592VRJzMXqHHVmzTJytnGCIWtMCmtIrF6Nu0kZYGnOTQxvvHNvLOfNcrZxkeZxYW6dPxrudcbp6R-0soTBsV8-23dB5U-cDTpGR01/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddSGkw9zCbKbH_dyVJu6BFsDT0AEO7gRqb72UmGN592VRJzMXqHHVmzTJytnGCIWtMCmtIrF6Nu0kZYGnOTQxvvHNvLOfNcrZxkeZxYW6dPxrudcbp6R-0soTBsV8-23dB5U-cDTpGR01/w400-h300/PXL_20201229_214758550.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64S4stwILMNDuqU_bTgL0bt9WkSr7cNeEDz4GeJwE7a5WUh2ElqmGK335K4exbLRunhlPO6FvWZqJYbQUiYEg4gjSBQYfFr4KxOFXxcV_iWYjt2bdL_6REJyOahcXPVjNLVurgZZsrTws/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64S4stwILMNDuqU_bTgL0bt9WkSr7cNeEDz4GeJwE7a5WUh2ElqmGK335K4exbLRunhlPO6FvWZqJYbQUiYEg4gjSBQYfFr4KxOFXxcV_iWYjt2bdL_6REJyOahcXPVjNLVurgZZsrTws/w400-h300/PXL_20201229_214419566.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKysEytceAZIOusddx30YW1efRpaRda8UGthaxujFvf59Zf2Dq4nOafhhyevv95CN5eBgVUXFxftvN7qCyNfEqDau_o3FSxgwtgrDOxJcZraY5KXJli6RdXV111vcXEmJng-lBmKqj_MN/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKysEytceAZIOusddx30YW1efRpaRda8UGthaxujFvf59Zf2Dq4nOafhhyevv95CN5eBgVUXFxftvN7qCyNfEqDau_o3FSxgwtgrDOxJcZraY5KXJli6RdXV111vcXEmJng-lBmKqj_MN/w400-h300/PXL_20201229_214549313.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqYEAwDOtmhRn6YDQHJoztibSWHfKKr0z5GB28oY8bS-6iyw3T4VUsA521uYZ10FKukOY-wMw4NXFWMRu52lEjUgLG_DibaIZJI5jODJKScpNFY_ZqXgmuMEJRIX71_lOq7rLP1BDOIc8/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqYEAwDOtmhRn6YDQHJoztibSWHfKKr0z5GB28oY8bS-6iyw3T4VUsA521uYZ10FKukOY-wMw4NXFWMRu52lEjUgLG_DibaIZJI5jODJKScpNFY_ZqXgmuMEJRIX71_lOq7rLP1BDOIc8/w400-h300/PXL_20201229_223330885.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>And the various air seals on this nearly 50 year old rifle are shot and so I replaced those with a kit made by <a href="https://www.ebay.com/usr/ronno6" target="_blank">ronno6</a>. Ron was a great help.</p><p>All apart:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWKtWTXvNAih4F2YcQQJ-YDXnfMaGTyrhcPxett5_DSHj5Za-oWbelDBIS-9sqRbDJwtNb6lE1tnSDSLB-76nCH4t8QBf1LN4Vr6mvnLNJFi7tRpvro7XiytZsOqqjotc_9lKb1BNoD8C/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWKtWTXvNAih4F2YcQQJ-YDXnfMaGTyrhcPxett5_DSHj5Za-oWbelDBIS-9sqRbDJwtNb6lE1tnSDSLB-76nCH4t8QBf1LN4Vr6mvnLNJFi7tRpvro7XiytZsOqqjotc_9lKb1BNoD8C/w400-h300/PXL_20210103_004952176.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Various new seal assemblies:<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHjLZNvdL3fFxZb1gRgDL6VX57_7nGte1KRlZi7kEYfn4rSBV22gfE1XScBQsJGs0i5tXNjGrVMwugXNXmvOH-_PjwI_z2kPjaQmK3-Y4LPxhrd1JlRiicIMS0_YD9RndEoTkslx7GOEn/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHjLZNvdL3fFxZb1gRgDL6VX57_7nGte1KRlZi7kEYfn4rSBV22gfE1XScBQsJGs0i5tXNjGrVMwugXNXmvOH-_PjwI_z2kPjaQmK3-Y4LPxhrd1JlRiicIMS0_YD9RndEoTkslx7GOEn/w400-h300/PXL_20210102_223518830.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gvaoUnWcuCLPIl76qXlHjV1_qjeW-Ga1UUkRp9blTR_rq3nXRg21yh7AoDmurJr26-8n41y1i8DpfJXZyqiOOJ_22Vwnzz70nwd45tq2SiQcX0PiF9WGQuV3sBAvowUEQlcyGQg2yLzb/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gvaoUnWcuCLPIl76qXlHjV1_qjeW-Ga1UUkRp9blTR_rq3nXRg21yh7AoDmurJr26-8n41y1i8DpfJXZyqiOOJ_22Vwnzz70nwd45tq2SiQcX0PiF9WGQuV3sBAvowUEQlcyGQg2yLzb/w400-h300/PXL_20210103_004938954.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymOGSaPy0a1xq5SgAF_naTgAklmuvrmAuBupqW3wWT8Uk7DCnHLBisKwdDAYd0GDhBh61C3hTHk_lYkRCOtmt1zKe01oMp291LPaZ_rrKJjOy0jWM0WTASVq5R2KAI8Xo_5Pn8k1GFdKD/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymOGSaPy0a1xq5SgAF_naTgAklmuvrmAuBupqW3wWT8Uk7DCnHLBisKwdDAYd0GDhBh61C3hTHk_lYkRCOtmt1zKe01oMp291LPaZ_rrKJjOy0jWM0WTASVq5R2KAI8Xo_5Pn8k1GFdKD/w400-h300/PXL_20210103_004934137.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />And now it works great! One of the cool features of the earliest models is that they have more metal parts and that they don't have any warnings on them. By the late 1980s these rifles started having string warnings cast into them and many more plastic pieces. You can still buy one today, 48 years later, but it is mostly plastic! <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Daisy-Powerline-880-Air-Rifle/dp/B0018LER90/">Daisy 880 on Amazon</a><p></p><p>This rifle still has its original stickers on it.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRJytN21kehuLwaOf32DOFsteL0vXKclp5grdFFkk3xhPhIKJ8dOUxpxcBG4Ew15ouzyuesk0G4ZeXHwbtD8MtvnQ223mIuJvGecXSI6_psCLsOGE8U36jVE6tHNSQP9D0c1wsKIabFfd/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRJytN21kehuLwaOf32DOFsteL0vXKclp5grdFFkk3xhPhIKJ8dOUxpxcBG4Ew15ouzyuesk0G4ZeXHwbtD8MtvnQ223mIuJvGecXSI6_psCLsOGE8U36jVE6tHNSQP9D0c1wsKIabFfd/w400-h300/PXL_20210103_222353176.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplp3UcnOk4RfwMU1hssCo9H4KhPTg6deAyPYsZZiPbTnujZAA8QWJ0g2JErOQCRMoy5dXIV8u6DYLrhB7gCPjEShDC3r7EbjDR8B7fV6C7tSW0zlD_1RNxRFtLBsognMwt_7NTpvBbYnw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplp3UcnOk4RfwMU1hssCo9H4KhPTg6deAyPYsZZiPbTnujZAA8QWJ0g2JErOQCRMoy5dXIV8u6DYLrhB7gCPjEShDC3r7EbjDR8B7fV6C7tSW0zlD_1RNxRFtLBsognMwt_7NTpvBbYnw/w400-h300/PXL_20210103_222410398.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>And the early models had a non removable butt plate with fake screws and a Daisy plate on the end of the pistol-grip.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxwgDKQqvxUhWSoAiYE_2fdgX-3dfP_k_6-yNIEALRwmVd7jPy-ddoeiqmGJZLOFAgXeNVWN6AdvPzhyaQ6KIMpVMW5mJKnkOF1sCFIu980EKkMmcnRYQAsUhznQ6BnGE5ojFzzm7YNZM/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxwgDKQqvxUhWSoAiYE_2fdgX-3dfP_k_6-yNIEALRwmVd7jPy-ddoeiqmGJZLOFAgXeNVWN6AdvPzhyaQ6KIMpVMW5mJKnkOF1sCFIu980EKkMmcnRYQAsUhznQ6BnGE5ojFzzm7YNZM/w400-h300/PXL_20210103_222419058.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHYGVLuUw7mBZlK5ShRNjXh2HHuRT0WMQO44cwhZDs-jxMHt5Kdh8QPTTLlDY6EDdc0B5Fl2GD_mPseBTQTunvkOBUjvcijT0RD1JErKCgRg8kTs7ZCJFXEb5p-BIXr2TMcyA8AHbB0RU/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHYGVLuUw7mBZlK5ShRNjXh2HHuRT0WMQO44cwhZDs-jxMHt5Kdh8QPTTLlDY6EDdc0B5Fl2GD_mPseBTQTunvkOBUjvcijT0RD1JErKCgRg8kTs7ZCJFXEb5p-BIXr2TMcyA8AHbB0RU/w400-h300/PXL_20210103_222426576.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>It also has the all metal pump handle.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRm_ezobjhHu6SpVlTMnEnAdIGz05usNEb_ucQ-EFPV51XwJE8YC-9p6LKx5V-aDBTCiNLu8OULEnzYD10HAtXFzSpatKPABOrm_UvLRCtAEsihMZxKdHOYUXFRcabVdXSo5NuqXPqzhqj/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRm_ezobjhHu6SpVlTMnEnAdIGz05usNEb_ucQ-EFPV51XwJE8YC-9p6LKx5V-aDBTCiNLu8OULEnzYD10HAtXFzSpatKPABOrm_UvLRCtAEsihMZxKdHOYUXFRcabVdXSo5NuqXPqzhqj/w400-h300/PXL_20210103_222836967.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><br />And check out the ridges on the bolt handle. Those rare ridges made repairing the bolt handle worth the effort.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3YrMrc1WVZlXzVJHUJ3C1NFd9CfyjOSvx8oz0Q69Aa_n3xV9cCssyL4DXVByJej1RG-0YTmX6ZlAq6gCpIDn1JCEb0roX16pjuW4a_tHHGkkM5p_1b1MvLgwGub8dkjaxVrmGEQlLSdc/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1628" data-original-width="2048" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3YrMrc1WVZlXzVJHUJ3C1NFd9CfyjOSvx8oz0Q69Aa_n3xV9cCssyL4DXVByJej1RG-0YTmX6ZlAq6gCpIDn1JCEb0roX16pjuW4a_tHHGkkM5p_1b1MvLgwGub8dkjaxVrmGEQlLSdc/w400-h318/PXL_20210104_013250093.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KuFuOj2UM4fcge9h6l8rQGne_u7XgBS8V1e-UXqTbFQb436SkXx4jdyTjB6Z-zX_M7uVppi7YaxCRpXkFx_6oXjBLEFited5eM0QeJD3nnItW_BVSeozx8NUBKh9KTog0wYrKLwrRCOO/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KuFuOj2UM4fcge9h6l8rQGne_u7XgBS8V1e-UXqTbFQb436SkXx4jdyTjB6Z-zX_M7uVppi7YaxCRpXkFx_6oXjBLEFited5eM0QeJD3nnItW_BVSeozx8NUBKh9KTog0wYrKLwrRCOO/w400-h300/PXL_20210103_222617781.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>A great .177 pellet and BB air rifle.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhCnt8jlle3t8xuaP6lfLiMp3U2LyEErNfgRZGd7IwMoYJx0M5i3g9sPg_S4swWOMHp74gWyavgtzYueIWjdjIX_AhvSdlbOlLsIkWZ8u0A_UNHaPcBTIndiS3MyY4BDaLDATlVNOpiDq/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhCnt8jlle3t8xuaP6lfLiMp3U2LyEErNfgRZGd7IwMoYJx0M5i3g9sPg_S4swWOMHp74gWyavgtzYueIWjdjIX_AhvSdlbOlLsIkWZ8u0A_UNHaPcBTIndiS3MyY4BDaLDATlVNOpiDq/w400-h300/PXL_20210103_222457942.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435881380335161709.post-67736518163923022092020-12-04T16:31:00.006-08:002020-12-04T16:31:59.847-08:00Motorcycle Wheel Alignment<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIvjgMYf2ryu0sT64HTGpNfMZCcWTRAFqcoHp3cY3G7xGCQSgdq8T8ps5DB1V18D4sijxz4yMxJCmbjyPnpXBN6DD9erTp98vvdvpTdTY9iIza-e6BCcjn4MJMjAz6JSEAXwqwkR0mNeI/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIvjgMYf2ryu0sT64HTGpNfMZCcWTRAFqcoHp3cY3G7xGCQSgdq8T8ps5DB1V18D4sijxz4yMxJCmbjyPnpXBN6DD9erTp98vvdvpTdTY9iIza-e6BCcjn4MJMjAz6JSEAXwqwkR0mNeI/w400-h300/PXL_20201205_000930236.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I just aligned the wheels on a new motorcycle I just acquired. This is one of those activities that is an arcane procedure.<br /> Back in the 1990's I made a post to the Ducati mailing list describing this procedure. And then I posted it on my blog back in 2012. But I keep seeing confusion about how to do this properly, so this is a refresh of that description, now with pictures!</p><p></p><p>A couple notes to begin:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>For this to work, your motorcycle needs to be in good condition and undamaged (no warped wheels, bent swing arms or loose bearings that allow the wheels or steering head to wobble).</li><li> This method ignores how the chain and sprockets are aligned, and
focuses on how the wheels and tires are aligned. I can imagine that
having the sprockets and wheels be perfectly aligned simultaneously may not be
possible, and I'd rather have the wheels lined up. <br /></li></ul><p> <b>The "Thread Method" or 'String Method":</b><br /> I've always aligned my wheels the way I saw Rich Oliver do it on his TZ250 years ago. I think this way is standard "racer" practice. </p><p>You really should use a thread to do this. It is possible to use a string or something else thicker than a thread, but it doesn't work as well. The thicker the string, the harder it is to see if the string is bending around the wheel instead of just touching it. This will make more sense when you understand the procedure.</p><p>The theory of this procedure is that you run two perfectly straight parallel lines forward along each side of the bike. These lines are arranged to touch the edges of the rear tire. Then if the front tire is narrower than the rear tire, the front tire should be perfectly centered between these lines. Like this:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNIRiU3hPG31-VG6wp1E_Lj-5uwZ2iwxCxVUCu5CwkqrsTgRzWMFFyzb0HI74GB8-9yU7SlVy6pI7cTYFIMJnjY9cQ41VM8xbVcdoiFnOdOGD9c8rpfMlBVjYyzY0nXR8SDyHPWuwrDXN/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="1853" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNIRiU3hPG31-VG6wp1E_Lj-5uwZ2iwxCxVUCu5CwkqrsTgRzWMFFyzb0HI74GB8-9yU7SlVy6pI7cTYFIMJnjY9cQ41VM8xbVcdoiFnOdOGD9c8rpfMlBVjYyzY0nXR8SDyHPWuwrDXN/" width="320" /></a></div>(image credit: Scott DiRoma - see the end of this post for more great info)<br /><br /><p></p><p>Put bike on service stand. Take about 15 feet of thread or string (elastic thread works best!). Tape center of thread to back of the rear wheel about 4" off the ground. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-ZtHRZbNA_ImwWKL8a3zd11NTRi8YxYfnFnLkv7hCuvUBGqmWzkr8__ilFQL8okKWHhYtCb-BFIoPaK_0d5JCMuCI3B7FbbtxzyVO0KJFWEZ-t5BKqd6oHvCiX9Z6D6nEl1TnRZ1tikC/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonhzRbfZT31vuyp7Ug5qcfPHIs8g19nmZLED98fVYNAQEui97V8FxBf7vZ3nY71XJvTyb_-vRC7rrrBxeeSabNZi7wzGkc0_k3oRgEECov9ThbxFdmeVILZCUoBQJgiWToARawFd1Ohg0/w400-h300/PXL_20201204_232401654.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>In the picture above, I have wrapped the thread around the wheel, taped it, and then run the end forward the front of the bike. Note how the lower thread that runs forward runs over the top of the tread block: it is NOT in the notch of the tread. It is important that the thread runs over the outer edge of the tread.<br /></p><p>Bring the ends of the thread to the front of the bike. Tie the ends of the thread to some movable objects (I use a pair of jack stands), at the same height (about 4"). </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSHziZcDWXgvJ9htaUXP1W53LAIUjBpMx-hiBQZdNaK4GVmT39OeNGu4EClAPN2ZXUNLms5xWIo2LmCs5OYuh9NxC-DMrN5NSpB_4zxdE84WqqUkIEQOfhsNM5RnOuIfrEyxhJlqd50Jw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSHziZcDWXgvJ9htaUXP1W53LAIUjBpMx-hiBQZdNaK4GVmT39OeNGu4EClAPN2ZXUNLms5xWIo2LmCs5OYuh9NxC-DMrN5NSpB_4zxdE84WqqUkIEQOfhsNM5RnOuIfrEyxhJlqd50Jw/w400-h300/PXL_20201204_232429909.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Make sure the thread is as high as possible without hitting anything under the bike. It must not hit anything like the exhaust or side stand.<br /><p></p><p>The idea is to set the threads so they are parallel and "just" in contact to the front edge rear tire by moving the jack stands. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSDkcuySPEjJ9RBnzeDYRWZ67rJSDxEztD7V0wUSX4RaEE-SKlTj7byhBZUmreuDGI8og5j3p_kL4ryjDyWzgAy_ERdJEdkJIaTeL3OWGDtR82-P834D1JTjkKBoWRf07nduPC4SIKmYM/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSDkcuySPEjJ9RBnzeDYRWZ67rJSDxEztD7V0wUSX4RaEE-SKlTj7byhBZUmreuDGI8og5j3p_kL4ryjDyWzgAy_ERdJEdkJIaTeL3OWGDtR82-P834D1JTjkKBoWRf07nduPC4SIKmYM/w400-h300/PXL_20201204_232413998.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This is where using a thin thread really helps. Above you can see the thread is just barely in contact with the front edge of the rear wheel. If it more than just touches, the thread will bend around the wheel and will no longer be running straight forward. Check this very carefully!<br /><p></p><p>With the threads taped to the back of the rear tire, and "just" touching the front edge of the rear tire, they should make two parallel lines that run forward, passing along either side of the front tire. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6TEBHv-nFm-OsVkCZ539OQqRpxgGQTA-dXj82Elk8bRMPkq8oAuNiFaxlcePeMgXhHasnlSAFmZ9pVRQSIT8FzuLajzYtrBaS82cveVbAiv4MnxnDf8Kyro13Wtg05Ia255VwsAve2_U/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6TEBHv-nFm-OsVkCZ539OQqRpxgGQTA-dXj82Elk8bRMPkq8oAuNiFaxlcePeMgXhHasnlSAFmZ9pVRQSIT8FzuLajzYtrBaS82cveVbAiv4MnxnDf8Kyro13Wtg05Ia255VwsAve2_U/w400-h300/PXL_20201204_232444809.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> It is hard to see the threads in this picture, but they are there. Make sure the front wheel is pointed perfectly forward by adjusting it carefully at the handlebar. The thread should be the same distance from the wheel at both the front and back edges of the tire.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CqojgQQxDaOFGykIVUlVxuv29eGdfq4gqg-w8SK1dnYUJEGeZgST_Jp10gsAQPI1UWFXVkAkdnxLLhS343VXgcrtS64LahF3dupER8wClwBjnLWxzzG9kFrAG2UYFQyusSJGa9HUWlHL/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CqojgQQxDaOFGykIVUlVxuv29eGdfq4gqg-w8SK1dnYUJEGeZgST_Jp10gsAQPI1UWFXVkAkdnxLLhS343VXgcrtS64LahF3dupER8wClwBjnLWxzzG9kFrAG2UYFQyusSJGa9HUWlHL/w400-h300/PXL_20201204_232500728.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Now the alignment of the front and rear wheels can be easily observed by examining the clearance of the front wheel and the thread on either side. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8tGfVYrMsO5lz7EimnbLLqj2GinD-vruUU8_tvH6l__NelGZ_k7Z4EddPlihNgdk8ts3K8hrjoVxCBiY_nMtPd82b1D9WCBfZBjIVKTd5wBj4mEFPEnAd-zMI_Iec7gfy4LoqiW21IJY/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8tGfVYrMsO5lz7EimnbLLqj2GinD-vruUU8_tvH6l__NelGZ_k7Z4EddPlihNgdk8ts3K8hrjoVxCBiY_nMtPd82b1D9WCBfZBjIVKTd5wBj4mEFPEnAd-zMI_Iec7gfy4LoqiW21IJY/w400-h300/PXL_20201204_235510997.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p> Above, you can see the right side of the tire (on the left in this photo) is is 23mm from the thread.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxzRe7CjjMzFZ8BfqZ4VwltGkjxxMsu4RyJ-dOUVX9MgoRs-KwlUiDGMpic5I8Z0n__ywFw6N2HmZKRogkFjyeIoDDJL-I82IUnU_41Lgb5HK2ZdXUEUFsFOQMne8FTh73VSg8pAwjJ9w/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxzRe7CjjMzFZ8BfqZ4VwltGkjxxMsu4RyJ-dOUVX9MgoRs-KwlUiDGMpic5I8Z0n__ywFw6N2HmZKRogkFjyeIoDDJL-I82IUnU_41Lgb5HK2ZdXUEUFsFOQMne8FTh73VSg8pAwjJ9w/w400-h300/PXL_20201204_235517024.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Here, above, you can see the left side of the bike (on the right in this photo) is about 15mm from the thread. So this front wheel is not perfectly aligned!<br /><p></p><p>Again, be sure the front wheel is pointed directly forward with these measurements the same at the front edge and rear edge of the front tire. Also, be sure the thread hasn't fallen into the tread on the rear tire and is just barely touching at the front edge of the rear tire.<br /></p><p>Adjust the chain adjuster appropriately if necessary, and then recheck. After you move the chain adjusters, you will have to recheck how the thread runs and touches the rear wheel and you WILL have to move the jack stands because you have moved the rear wheel!<br /></p><p> It's a pain to do the first time, but then it gets easy. Use the thinnest, elastic thread you can find. <i>Also, try rotating the rear wheel to several points to make sure you aren't just adjusting for uneven tire manufacture.</i> And make sure the thread isn't on some bump of "mold seam" rubber or in a tread at the edge of the tire. This would screw up everything. </p><p>When using this procedure on my '92 750SS, a quarter turn of one of the chain adjusters is quite significant. When complete, the adjusters appear to be at even marks at either side of the bike, indicating adequate swing arm manufacturing. However, a quarter turn seems to effect the alignment significantly, but is just about invisible in relation to the adjuster marks. Doing this procedure properly will result in much better alignment than just counting on the adjuster marks.</p><p>There is ONE video on youtube that I have found that explains this well. Be sure to check it out here, by Scott DiRoma:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mp4_wIUeTic" width="320" youtube-src-id="Mp4_wIUeTic"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /><br />
</p>Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435881380335161709.post-64510144640693754452020-10-07T23:12:00.000-07:002020-10-07T23:12:02.197-07:00Husqvarna Adventure and Road Forum: HQVadventure.com<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hqvadventure.com/forum/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRyOUGsOZolpFOHuc8KOQKroP4wxncGzrreCcvKy0WwHx9AjekOeBw4tIMc79FeQM0Xf7J9RL0pLWTQIjg8deTQ0KQE0IWzKUYO4tLsjXD14hss9RLroSpcmopAXzo47qLrI7KgdHaQG_/s320/HQVadventure+512+maskb.png" /></a></div><p></p><p>There didn't seem to be a good Husqvarna Adventure and Road forum... until this one! If you have a Husqvarna Vitpilen, Svartpilen or Norden, Check it out.</p><p><a href="https://hqvadventure.com/forum/" target="_blank">hqvadventure.com</a><br /></p><p></p>Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435881380335161709.post-65131113470127110432020-09-30T19:11:00.003-07:002020-09-30T19:25:34.928-07:00KiWAV Magazi CleaverII Mirrors and Wono Turn Signals on my 2020 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2N-sQ_yZAnWJXI7Wg6T9o5BGQLC5oZyPIQgagNwSgXqSnFwSbFTKx6AfAcwUnxOnaUOfxOUvsLbMdAUDUIhIp35ebHvCHlcOBs7JeW0aXp5ch8PiO1nLE0gpBKl8qd-3QO-lNkeX__vS/s2048/PXL_20200930_204345383.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzeTEnYQ2a5gQyd6gkov7EWQBhoFLKaVKJxmfcDcQcVTHnLQ7EzxqS-8J9iwWjTW0p2kN7of573ElCEbF4Z9JEAht06tDLE7oHiAEMU9k-SA7smD2MsXnBD0M5xTuS0qCBBJzCizG2fry/s2048/PXL_20200930_204345383.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzeTEnYQ2a5gQyd6gkov7EWQBhoFLKaVKJxmfcDcQcVTHnLQ7EzxqS-8J9iwWjTW0p2kN7of573ElCEbF4Z9JEAht06tDLE7oHiAEMU9k-SA7smD2MsXnBD0M5xTuS0qCBBJzCizG2fry/s320/PXL_20200930_204345383.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Here are a few pictures of my 2020 Husqvarana Svartpilen 401 with the <a href="https://kiwavmotors.com/en/parts/controls/mirrors/road-naked/cleaverii-black-for-harley-and-10mm-motorcycles-detail" target="_blank">KiWAV Magazi CleaverII Mirrors</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HFXF2L3/" target="_blank">Wono Sequential LED Turn Signals.</a></p><p>Note that you will need an <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073J82PNF/" target="_blank">LED Flasher Relay</a> so that the LEDs do not blink too quickly. (Also note that the stock relay is attached to a short cable pigtail. You need to remove the relay AND the pigtail so that the new LED relay will fit. Also note you need to change the pinout of the connector. There is a good description<a href="https://vitpilenforum.com/forums/topic/diy-front-turn-signal-install-procedure-hyperflash-relay-fix/" target="_blank"> here on vipilenforum.com</a></p><p> The KiWAV Magazi CleaverII mirrors weighed 345g each, compared to the stock mirrors that were 342g. They also have an "aspheric convex lens". Note the vertical line in the mirror: the mirror is fairly flat inside of that line, but on the outside it curves away more rapidly. This can help you to see further out to the side of the motorcycle.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UcETuQXhGbqELE3q7s_KHtmtVz5rhEm8I8qYj9YG2UJ3vopz8hvjcCepznUmlvuVODDrc0EQPe1ul2qY2NcJC97jNWWHf0L3iq-5Wk_PI6LxkDfwrreOnYPhUt7i-oYo4SjoLLJlJ7On/s2048/PXL_20200930_204314594.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UcETuQXhGbqELE3q7s_KHtmtVz5rhEm8I8qYj9YG2UJ3vopz8hvjcCepznUmlvuVODDrc0EQPe1ul2qY2NcJC97jNWWHf0L3iq-5Wk_PI6LxkDfwrreOnYPhUt7i-oYo4SjoLLJlJ7On/s320/PXL_20200930_204314594.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySu9dMXUzCFPMTT_569YxNJnmD-OoigJy1KiVSYlb0r3XzrGPbi1GmqVJo8KydIRuceS3eRjCfJ0autOgINhguU9VX8VQ85pOSTI6rUdR9JPSj56Vfn4FsGpLNBXFRYuqJLUgD0UrwQbN/s2048/PXL_20200930_204419970.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySu9dMXUzCFPMTT_569YxNJnmD-OoigJy1KiVSYlb0r3XzrGPbi1GmqVJo8KydIRuceS3eRjCfJ0autOgINhguU9VX8VQ85pOSTI6rUdR9JPSj56Vfn4FsGpLNBXFRYuqJLUgD0UrwQbN/s320/PXL_20200930_204419970.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZpbRiZR0OlEvr8_jvEypnHJlQIShzBwWMeZYGlFQ7mTtxWP2l68EDPo5H7NzKcHMbtb__8zZLSOHrEf96JQutwUDo9nonAAqLJePdQDVuJ1qBbJIvG5qUlBvOO_lB1fQ7bW1IaWp3p1-/s2048/PXL_20200930_204619191.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZpbRiZR0OlEvr8_jvEypnHJlQIShzBwWMeZYGlFQ7mTtxWP2l68EDPo5H7NzKcHMbtb__8zZLSOHrEf96JQutwUDo9nonAAqLJePdQDVuJ1qBbJIvG5qUlBvOO_lB1fQ7bW1IaWp3p1-/s320/PXL_20200930_204619191.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskkZOqPE491H2k6V7FQ_kT2ZORmb52gwEFNlcqavjccHZNlyi37JalNbjcXGwCbuRiGE555CynljzFHpekPOz3e_LJZYVs3nAg-auo7fFfjkp6UeVc4CvBEEqDkcVGygtfTrvNMstPivF/s2048/PXL_20200930_204508474.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskkZOqPE491H2k6V7FQ_kT2ZORmb52gwEFNlcqavjccHZNlyi37JalNbjcXGwCbuRiGE555CynljzFHpekPOz3e_LJZYVs3nAg-auo7fFfjkp6UeVc4CvBEEqDkcVGygtfTrvNMstPivF/s320/PXL_20200930_204508474.jpg" /></a></div>Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435881380335161709.post-86496974146788111102020-09-30T12:19:00.001-07:002020-09-30T12:19:48.078-07:002020 Husqvarna Svartpilen / Vitpilen 401 Fender Delete - Tail Tidy - License Plate Mount<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Vintage Veloce custom license plate mount.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aiqQLVXdLMaGk_xcSeNgosDuvcPdlrBGTk_je350b8CyCAZko5d1nOdKuhwptjFoAlBRW7kJbytyVFZEgIugXITH93rZfjoIR-ZCIhrZXaJNg7usGUOfgUCckoyLl3izDQGBfJSmxcnU/s2048/PXL_20200926_211320327.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aiqQLVXdLMaGk_xcSeNgosDuvcPdlrBGTk_je350b8CyCAZko5d1nOdKuhwptjFoAlBRW7kJbytyVFZEgIugXITH93rZfjoIR-ZCIhrZXaJNg7usGUOfgUCckoyLl3izDQGBfJSmxcnU/w400-h300/PXL_20200926_211320327.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The original ugly and heavy "possum catcher" plate mount and fender.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxBCmx7hsUW0sE2oZxys97p8kCRfSGt_VTHPbXIQbjOZM7Zgg6s85hfbbBAP1YhkTw4PQ6akgW_COh2NsKGZ9-jHVCJIHlV8DfbqY_eT0EC_ma-Mg4uLeYvLRsSryqFenyxgkA7Gy_XYa/s2048/PXL_20200925_201233705.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxBCmx7hsUW0sE2oZxys97p8kCRfSGt_VTHPbXIQbjOZM7Zgg6s85hfbbBAP1YhkTw4PQ6akgW_COh2NsKGZ9-jHVCJIHlV8DfbqY_eT0EC_ma-Mg4uLeYvLRsSryqFenyxgkA7Gy_XYa/w400-h300/PXL_20200925_201233705.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The tail section of the 2020 Husqvarna Svartpilen and Vitpilen 401 is different from the earlier years. <div>At the moment, there are few commercial "Fender Delete" or "Tail Tidy" kits available for the 2020 models. These kits typically consist of a license plate mount and sometimes turn signal mounts. I think the turn signal mounts on the 2020 bikes are fine, so...</div><div></div>So I decided to make my own aluminum license plate mount.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UpMffnzW3jQv8B5Eu3zPGmyIiqs13OnLyB_qqMEmwBnlWeQMFRNxwmbcOzUtpzrs_7-YV22l9q07oJhCI5nHp0iK7jJUUJDYNv5uLVP599pNhHGPR7EvLsPfJzFDXFGHQh_Gduwxzq3t/s2048/PXL_20200926_210446667.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UpMffnzW3jQv8B5Eu3zPGmyIiqs13OnLyB_qqMEmwBnlWeQMFRNxwmbcOzUtpzrs_7-YV22l9q07oJhCI5nHp0iK7jJUUJDYNv5uLVP599pNhHGPR7EvLsPfJzFDXFGHQh_Gduwxzq3t/w400-h300/PXL_20200926_210446667.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><blockquote><div><i>It is important to be aware that it is possible to place the license plate in a location where it will interfere with the rear tire. You must position it high enough that the tire will not hit the plate even when the suspension is fully compressed. Make sure there is more than 150mm of clearance between the tire and mount, plate, bolts, etc.</i></div></blockquote><div>Below are some basic instructions for making one of these. <b>Dimensions are shown in the photographs below!</b></div><div><br /></div><div>The following tools are necessary.<br /><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>jig saw with the proper blade for cutting metal</li><li>a guide for making straight cuts with the jig saw (I used a small steel carpenter square.) </li><li>power drill </li><li>small hand held "pin" drill (something like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pin-Vise-Precision-Jewelry-0-6-3-0mm/dp/B07FJ6VD2P/">this</a>.)</li><li>files and emery (wet/dry) sanding paper</li><li>various wrenches, hex drivers and other common tools</li></ul><div>I used a small 6061 aluminum sheet for the project. It is important to get 6061, as it is stiffer than 3003.</div></div></div><div>It's also important to get 0.063 thickness, as the thinner stuff will also be too flexible. (It would be quite possible to make this from steel or another type of aluminum, this was just my choice.)</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://amazon.com/gp/product/B00HRHBB20/" target="_blank">RMP 6061 T6 Aluminum Sheet, 12 Inch x 12 Inch x 0.063 Inch Thickness</a> </li></ul></div><p> I purchased the following parts at my local hardware store. You could definitely choose different size fasteners and paint.</p><div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>3 x stainless steel M5-0.80 x 12mm bolts (might want a bit longer depending on height of nyloc nuts)</li><li>3 x three nyloc nuts (regular nuts will vibrate loose)</li><li>6 x stainless steel flat washers to fit (I used SAE sized washers instead of metric as they had a bigger outside diameter.)</li><li>flat black spray paint</li><li>small zip ties for wiring</li></ul><div>I like to use nylon license plate fasteners:</div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://amazon.com/gp/product/B000FW7UTM/" target="_blank">Custom Accessories 93342 Black Nylon License Plate Fastener</a> </li></ul>And this is the license plate frame I chose:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://amazon.com/gp/product/B07MYY434B/" target="_blank">Rightcar Solutions Motorcycle Silicone License Plate Frame</a> </li></ul></div><div>I also bought this LED light to illuminate the license plate:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K89C3F1/" target="_blank">Waterproof LED Rear License Plate Light</a></li></ul><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First I made a cardboard mockup and taped it to the bike.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcgFIPVlWUu5z4GxdyEjFfuikzS7XQSvYjeUIdCU2H8sfxjM3oafWxac17qDgMM0TmYzi20Clauj0Ne9I7-4Czb6Io0miYZu6AlvU66NbZezdKLNywtsLT5cKTnuZRc277dLO5QpQLHrt/s2048/IMG_20200919_131110.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcgFIPVlWUu5z4GxdyEjFfuikzS7XQSvYjeUIdCU2H8sfxjM3oafWxac17qDgMM0TmYzi20Clauj0Ne9I7-4Czb6Io0miYZu6AlvU66NbZezdKLNywtsLT5cKTnuZRc277dLO5QpQLHrt/w400-h300/IMG_20200919_131110.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXcXKggs3WPuXjOxbUrRQABjHul95wQ4ObJPzBDjak8oRUm1M_bikpLKFk0C0-Wy1ZmwImSB95rUyNH022-IhXu2l95gZjrKvEz7TNKep_IoWXan3UL4E6x6tld2B-TtX2O7jp4x_onMg/s2048/IMG_20200919_131122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXcXKggs3WPuXjOxbUrRQABjHul95wQ4ObJPzBDjak8oRUm1M_bikpLKFk0C0-Wy1ZmwImSB95rUyNH022-IhXu2l95gZjrKvEz7TNKep_IoWXan3UL4E6x6tld2B-TtX2O7jp4x_onMg/w400-h300/IMG_20200919_131122.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It looked good to me, so I transferred the outline to the aluminum sheet.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjYnJejHyvz88AKc3iCd_kyJNdK_qRX1hqmNMZKrtnfLp-Bz6Ik2Ve_GFpk-LumUM8DKLHXNUubGK0MNpSRztQexAFyAPDPQQfAM2vGg2_I8gnifLk6MhGNfLWDrIYAdlWdbDn7MTbZQS/s2048/IMG_20200919_175059.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjYnJejHyvz88AKc3iCd_kyJNdK_qRX1hqmNMZKrtnfLp-Bz6Ik2Ve_GFpk-LumUM8DKLHXNUubGK0MNpSRztQexAFyAPDPQQfAM2vGg2_I8gnifLk6MhGNfLWDrIYAdlWdbDn7MTbZQS/w400-h300/IMG_20200919_175059.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And then I carefully cut the sheet to shape with my jigsaw WITH THE PROPER METAL CUTTING BLADE. Also see in the picture how I used a carpenter's square as a guide so that I could cute nice straight lines.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38NzxTrAOK4it3bxVDALqvSI5lanwpdXac3t3ViMyOvVVqFmp9Y7icTfSOkeRTBCtBsbOlqEzZALoVIAyQFmis6v7INbIqOKjWjFvJStHF_CTy24SRTte_gHS21i_rqviaGGppBpXxzbc/s2048/IMG_20200920_121916.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38NzxTrAOK4it3bxVDALqvSI5lanwpdXac3t3ViMyOvVVqFmp9Y7icTfSOkeRTBCtBsbOlqEzZALoVIAyQFmis6v7INbIqOKjWjFvJStHF_CTy24SRTte_gHS21i_rqviaGGppBpXxzbc/w400-h300/IMG_20200920_121916.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Here is a picture of the cardboard mockup and the cut aluminum part.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZ6WAVQVhhVXRDAs_UNpYaZSgerTxaM-vOpcReqHn3mXLt4hA_Mt6tFjH11QBAyI4rVkZgogmGxdAO9wRuh4WTXAOudkMsQOj_aR9ILQ-oyMtt9uvrhakJJRdqSLHFk0pKWS16xuZZOpz/s2048/IMG_20200920_130518.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZ6WAVQVhhVXRDAs_UNpYaZSgerTxaM-vOpcReqHn3mXLt4hA_Mt6tFjH11QBAyI4rVkZgogmGxdAO9wRuh4WTXAOudkMsQOj_aR9ILQ-oyMtt9uvrhakJJRdqSLHFk0pKWS16xuZZOpz/w400-h300/IMG_20200920_130518.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The dimensions are clearly marked in this picture.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-poAVZDFtZHjl9jXwCGTBtqqnMH9Nk-cDT5zVyHvXHMN1y3fPF-Zw9EOaUQVLfJZ52Wl6QWw6tsVWSIhZaP0uFI9Xdqk-KyLfoQULSH1GcuoGWcnLMMYozMSxc-EDqZ9wgfDXsw91ZKd/s2048/IMG_20200920_130602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-poAVZDFtZHjl9jXwCGTBtqqnMH9Nk-cDT5zVyHvXHMN1y3fPF-Zw9EOaUQVLfJZ52Wl6QWw6tsVWSIhZaP0uFI9Xdqk-KyLfoQULSH1GcuoGWcnLMMYozMSxc-EDqZ9wgfDXsw91ZKd/w400-h300/IMG_20200920_130602.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I then marked out the four holes for the license plate. The locations for these holes is different is other states and countries. (California dimensions shown further down.) You can do this with a hand drill if you are careful.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8ohPNmThOnKUR-dEWPbhReJIxMRcqtApfUf4JBSD4KBdrTmgbDrfQGmFMUuRyFdNeJDJRkkaA90IW-_RE5ilj5mTLIKqqO0vYBzvpbI_13Ze-VQixHc_g_PCoP3wzoP4cLEfYuLKUANH/s2048/IMG_20200920_144815.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8ohPNmThOnKUR-dEWPbhReJIxMRcqtApfUf4JBSD4KBdrTmgbDrfQGmFMUuRyFdNeJDJRkkaA90IW-_RE5ilj5mTLIKqqO0vYBzvpbI_13Ze-VQixHc_g_PCoP3wzoP4cLEfYuLKUANH/w400-h300/IMG_20200920_144815.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I then picked an appropriately size socket and marked nice curves on the corners. I clamped the piece down and used a file to sand down the corners to match the curve. I used a heavy file for shaping and then a finer file to smooth the edges all around the piece.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQjgDW9jI_J7XHt4vopP5nu47xtwSEk5uXOrx47wfayhi3yWBVcxnDWxDmuDxfv4UR8OBMvWbuhqQ_pCymeQl2FfoQijWo8ckrlUIWFJE1DEJ935Xr-hX4nFXSy_942rciYFu0NESorcy/s2048/IMG_20200920_150040.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQjgDW9jI_J7XHt4vopP5nu47xtwSEk5uXOrx47wfayhi3yWBVcxnDWxDmuDxfv4UR8OBMvWbuhqQ_pCymeQl2FfoQijWo8ckrlUIWFJE1DEJ935Xr-hX4nFXSy_942rciYFu0NESorcy/w400-h300/IMG_20200920_150040.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Here are the locations for a California motorcycle plate, marked in inches. Many other states use these same dimensions. Also note that I have marked the "bend line" 3 cm from the license plate area.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFd2BWK9nnIhJvh2F-eMYGJkiLY9Rs_zpN9C61Elz9kqlChI_d0zkZJJZ18CR6l7nJai0e49avzSJcx-ybPN3DCZwrjciqIGUEb3LC5DnuU1HJTUbBQ7ekSw14C9n4G3LDqCdeXgMS0Ad/s2048/IMG_20200920_152446.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFd2BWK9nnIhJvh2F-eMYGJkiLY9Rs_zpN9C61Elz9kqlChI_d0zkZJJZ18CR6l7nJai0e49avzSJcx-ybPN3DCZwrjciqIGUEb3LC5DnuU1HJTUbBQ7ekSw14C9n4G3LDqCdeXgMS0Ad/w300-h400/IMG_20200920_152446.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>You must be careful if you want a sharp bend in the aluminum. I clamped it right at the edge of my workmate table and then a used board to apply pressure right at the bend line.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYs0uIRcUrIaoi_p3wF2mKVGO3Ew7B3DHpdkt8dFSRbzio8rfgDitAM6zuqBNjxRCXegRmsosH1O2COITENbLpapMdVbuYFjDPhoJhl3lQydusK6u1SYbNnVTKpPuZqfAygnJLJwk-DJvX/s2048/IMG_20200920_153809.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYs0uIRcUrIaoi_p3wF2mKVGO3Ew7B3DHpdkt8dFSRbzio8rfgDitAM6zuqBNjxRCXegRmsosH1O2COITENbLpapMdVbuYFjDPhoJhl3lQydusK6u1SYbNnVTKpPuZqfAygnJLJwk-DJvX/w400-h300/IMG_20200920_153809.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Here is how I placed the board, but I did use two hands on both sides and I was careful to apply most of the pressure right at the edge of the table at the bend line. I bent the plate to about 30 degrees.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOZl680kQ3L4gTePT-DtJCr_2F1ojVZZLRrchqOHOczpmSnw2hasK4vrbelznceG-eN_83l-S0AWW3WZPVylXYqHqTQmyEyNi0JwhA1F6mYRyDsNzejH67b3HjX9HKTFiMS22aWZv1auf/s2048/IMG_20200920_153823.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOZl680kQ3L4gTePT-DtJCr_2F1ojVZZLRrchqOHOczpmSnw2hasK4vrbelznceG-eN_83l-S0AWW3WZPVylXYqHqTQmyEyNi0JwhA1F6mYRyDsNzejH67b3HjX9HKTFiMS22aWZv1auf/w400-h300/IMG_20200920_153823.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Now it was time to mark the drill holes. Since the piece is bolted to the the fender, these holes MUST be place in exactly the correct locations. There are all sorts of electronics and brackets under the motorcycle seat that can get in the way, so I picked these locations carefully.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHRMsXjBAzGlLh79mZBqKK2wTxT7WzQjk8PcoEjw2UyQHefYpBEpYFUWMt5Aj88AikPM0BTuH7n2vgSGED8RoYh8a38CPzSDEsMyylq_4zQm9I5H5odkRbUgNg1VZmRvmy_ZApBjpgThM/s2048/PXL_20200924_205055729.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHRMsXjBAzGlLh79mZBqKK2wTxT7WzQjk8PcoEjw2UyQHefYpBEpYFUWMt5Aj88AikPM0BTuH7n2vgSGED8RoYh8a38CPzSDEsMyylq_4zQm9I5H5odkRbUgNg1VZmRvmy_ZApBjpgThM/w400-h300/PXL_20200924_205055729.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Next I removed the battery and then the fuse holder and the seat latch bolts. You don't have to remove the fuse holder or seat latch but you will need to move them out of the way when drilling!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7d8utIE46ACFKLCQUss7sgrO4HaxSp-L7QE-yPL8-Ei_15KgOs_ST6yh2y7_voCs1xQMB4GbaSbMslHM5bYDRRXwcVT_coGH9T0afB9DyeZybY9Z3gfZewjAjXLzrR9mxeSkJxvSIXXe/s2048/PXL_20200924_210241727.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7d8utIE46ACFKLCQUss7sgrO4HaxSp-L7QE-yPL8-Ei_15KgOs_ST6yh2y7_voCs1xQMB4GbaSbMslHM5bYDRRXwcVT_coGH9T0afB9DyeZybY9Z3gfZewjAjXLzrR9mxeSkJxvSIXXe/w400-h300/PXL_20200924_210241727.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Under the seat, beneath the seat latch, there is a bolt that holds the tail light in place. See the red arrow.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrDfWQsxAGc9Jt7OiLFZlsLjOkqTRnMHLmuQQWLEy-BNyOz9MIP9nzlLVV68m7VJNl7aMsT0qhh-f_2JBnZJTwt_1JcZ7LLvOJITpYGXFNdxuiOLCSGpHLisAkb0cnrd8ou9Im0iC74E3/s2048/PXL_20200924_210339656.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrDfWQsxAGc9Jt7OiLFZlsLjOkqTRnMHLmuQQWLEy-BNyOz9MIP9nzlLVV68m7VJNl7aMsT0qhh-f_2JBnZJTwt_1JcZ7LLvOJITpYGXFNdxuiOLCSGpHLisAkb0cnrd8ou9Im0iC74E3/w400-h300/PXL_20200924_210339656.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Directly in front of that bolt, there is a circular molding mark on the fender. See it in the picture below.<i> I then drilled through the center of the circular molding mark from above. This is the center rear mounting hole for the license plate mount.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LLP0RdTSDCqPLgbZ4SUIeY5LXGMBts0zylR_185JO5vBN26_VZ7_-LDOYA7wv8qZlsF609KW6aeZI8BLSuEJdHJiDyBbk3_t3X9g1b1tRaYDUi1uJx8wwjdhw12qDmzYNSxuW4pNl8IE/s2048/PXL_20200924_210606799.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LLP0RdTSDCqPLgbZ4SUIeY5LXGMBts0zylR_185JO5vBN26_VZ7_-LDOYA7wv8qZlsF609KW6aeZI8BLSuEJdHJiDyBbk3_t3X9g1b1tRaYDUi1uJx8wwjdhw12qDmzYNSxuW4pNl8IE/w400-h300/PXL_20200924_210606799.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Then I held the license plate mount up against the underside of the fender using that first rear hole to align everything, and I marked the other holes with a pen. (Note the plate holder is flat and there is a slight curve to the underside of the fender. When you tighten the bolts the mount will curve up against the fender.) I made sure everything was straight and then I used a needle drill to mark the centers of the holes.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYO-s58Qs9Pj7UNtwgfRMWTEtwF2Win9s5RGg139kwI7KK_S5-fwqDr8qdWFVK-AXhfhkJ2K2-AttxQ9-cCk3TdfGExQKipYzJWmLpBIn4kYaceaqOMqMGr1Nezdn-b19l7L-NQFLY-n6a/s2048/PXL_20200924_213847035.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYO-s58Qs9Pj7UNtwgfRMWTEtwF2Win9s5RGg139kwI7KK_S5-fwqDr8qdWFVK-AXhfhkJ2K2-AttxQ9-cCk3TdfGExQKipYzJWmLpBIn4kYaceaqOMqMGr1Nezdn-b19l7L-NQFLY-n6a/w400-h300/PXL_20200924_213847035.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Next I pulled the fuse holder out of the way and drilled the holes for the mount from above. Drilling from above reduces any risk of power drilling into anything important. (I did consider removing the rear wheel and drilling from below, but I prefer this method.) You can see it was necessary to pull the fuse holder up and forward.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViWKobuaGq7DmgeJ01tUv8fKxD0FRtVEzee1f1M5jPahqN-LfTdLtmOmjcWvmqF7osGqiRiRtyWYl74OZL-P8dr3kpD-d8P4ay87zVq2Qp2-VO0RtNViTueFH0QQVQ7aHsVUx3492r72n/s2048/PXL_20200924_214355661.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViWKobuaGq7DmgeJ01tUv8fKxD0FRtVEzee1f1M5jPahqN-LfTdLtmOmjcWvmqF7osGqiRiRtyWYl74OZL-P8dr3kpD-d8P4ay87zVq2Qp2-VO0RtNViTueFH0QQVQ7aHsVUx3492r72n/w300-h400/PXL_20200924_214355661.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Here are the completed holes. If you ever choose to remove the plate holder, you can easily plug these holes.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uXnMcQiIAfPDJCZ3dfZYzSVuqXJcbWWjPW3ioeis7vuDA5g3LCzi-6Bz68XO5uxumqaHHbfFLD0jvDsInlo2_1mhzD8TentuZCGBUDlyfwfXlyAbIrsYBGu8p8J3vuuH1bZN2H1B53Fh/s2048/PXL_20200924_214526351.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uXnMcQiIAfPDJCZ3dfZYzSVuqXJcbWWjPW3ioeis7vuDA5g3LCzi-6Bz68XO5uxumqaHHbfFLD0jvDsInlo2_1mhzD8TentuZCGBUDlyfwfXlyAbIrsYBGu8p8J3vuuH1bZN2H1B53Fh/w400-h300/PXL_20200924_214526351.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After test fitting the plate mount and then taking it back off (do that!), I prepared the mount for painting. I hand sanded it while wearing gloves (to avoid getting any sweat on the piece that might disturb the paint.)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1p1Yfm9CdOxKtEOQyzsrsICcYQPIZ1sC82-jj9TMdD6nwo5dmZnc0uAQyR5JlNeosPeJ81K_JVtwmpNNvfKjHHpq_NuhrMyfBxlWQwJyIjSmUCxQRmc2UFM6tNNRjSaMvhUEN4KaRWhuT/s2048/PXL_20200924_224031602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1p1Yfm9CdOxKtEOQyzsrsICcYQPIZ1sC82-jj9TMdD6nwo5dmZnc0uAQyR5JlNeosPeJ81K_JVtwmpNNvfKjHHpq_NuhrMyfBxlWQwJyIjSmUCxQRmc2UFM6tNNRjSaMvhUEN4KaRWhuT/w400-h300/PXL_20200924_224031602.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And then I spray painted it flat black. I let it dry a full 24 hours and the last 6 hours were in the hot sun.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJeJgNQuH9A9krF2zUtNmnTbabIilEvi1K9R2smndWTm3YnmXeNYF85MEKG_5k9e2ilCz1m4WsZtENO7OaKGGxEgupmv-T8MswcZ413SqWG7mOQrFhsJbIyfNLGX-YN85iC6lzjgdDCXPn/s2048/PXL_20200924_225841061.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJeJgNQuH9A9krF2zUtNmnTbabIilEvi1K9R2smndWTm3YnmXeNYF85MEKG_5k9e2ilCz1m4WsZtENO7OaKGGxEgupmv-T8MswcZ413SqWG7mOQrFhsJbIyfNLGX-YN85iC6lzjgdDCXPn/w400-h300/PXL_20200924_225841061.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Painted!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMbeULGugzVIlJjzKsMviIG9Foms8Pc6bpiGLOzF2TImcGZW_237COTwmiK6CAkp6QjeIRmZJeQRJiWZaIFCOBiVrSGXIr6BYw0RSm1lDUjWMf8bY2LAAOO-gH3UG82FK2y8xGtoQ2vTi/s2048/PXL_20200925_234621671.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMbeULGugzVIlJjzKsMviIG9Foms8Pc6bpiGLOzF2TImcGZW_237COTwmiK6CAkp6QjeIRmZJeQRJiWZaIFCOBiVrSGXIr6BYw0RSm1lDUjWMf8bY2LAAOO-gH3UG82FK2y8xGtoQ2vTi/w400-h300/PXL_20200925_234621671.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now you need to remove the existing license plate mount / hugger fender / possum catcher, or whatever you call that thing. I'm not going to detail that but it is described in the manual. You do have to remove the plate holder from the actual fender to disconnect the wires for the license plate light! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRh-tVAvp9yPRAHlA2CQDstwVmeSzdbOiAOH82WCWqL_OP1ApTcEkLPfWutpnNESL9SZB4xpKEvas-R6jrtbqUJyFDTtKL2Pl7-VKH46e8472Vp-KbESKLeqIzrm12rfJm88JyU8iXTXX/s2048/PXL_20200925_195345982.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRh-tVAvp9yPRAHlA2CQDstwVmeSzdbOiAOH82WCWqL_OP1ApTcEkLPfWutpnNESL9SZB4xpKEvas-R6jrtbqUJyFDTtKL2Pl7-VKH46e8472Vp-KbESKLeqIzrm12rfJm88JyU8iXTXX/w400-h300/PXL_20200925_195345982.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And you must remove the chain guard and take it apart because the wire runs inside of that. It's kind of a pain, but I carefully pulled the wire out all the way back up the right side of the frame. This requires the removal of several zip ties and you should replace these.</div><div>Here I am holding the wire and you can see it goes under the frame tube and into a zip tie. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8L1IFBm3syTZPa-yXXmRl4YMwrq8_opbBc9CWG-qwifwUsxSDzmAtlgxmLkNXQdV0ifH2dUr60X4KHmQI0OklpbxdK6U541kAd_h5S_Loe5N1csl0obwHKyK3uxC8Iu5vye-vp9m0y5k/w400-h300/PXL_20200926_171942781.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here I am pointing to the connector that this wire goes to.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitO40tZjBILJU0e0aPxmvkqNW5wd5u4Q1jXW8xYfp4AEay3vN7iDmCjxneQD-_jUTjYZZz8zarcVPdwhS-VFFEmusGesxad54kdubNO_dpd-AW75PBM21_WUcnz7QFW-qgjnLYCQJOYIE3/s2048/PXL_20200926_200313311.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitO40tZjBILJU0e0aPxmvkqNW5wd5u4Q1jXW8xYfp4AEay3vN7iDmCjxneQD-_jUTjYZZz8zarcVPdwhS-VFFEmusGesxad54kdubNO_dpd-AW75PBM21_WUcnz7QFW-qgjnLYCQJOYIE3/w400-h300/PXL_20200926_200313311.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is how I routed the wire and you can see I have zip tied it to a cable bundle under the seat.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxh6iHyEjmBHatTNCV3RiXD9nDPQJabuwIvUg-DpIgR48CPwYpzYqEsikszai7TIiQX6A7xES-H1sTSZXoOGNQClZjfInCxE3lNL0O7egG_vpYFnd6mGODCkSmcRodIV1ezNShXlERd0Gq/s2048/PXL_20200926_200333475.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxh6iHyEjmBHatTNCV3RiXD9nDPQJabuwIvUg-DpIgR48CPwYpzYqEsikszai7TIiQX6A7xES-H1sTSZXoOGNQClZjfInCxE3lNL0O7egG_vpYFnd6mGODCkSmcRodIV1ezNShXlERd0Gq/w400-h300/PXL_20200926_200333475.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I brought the wire to the battery area, and coiled the extra here before running the end to the new LED plate light (more on that later.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcU2vkHSNt_DaEaSgs91_fLxI4trT9Pws3QBGmH3I1rv5AMLTPt0n5ZhjyBdd8kSfr5sDYHalZk1qsvbzFY14LazCzMJdJBrjQrZjk9XhobKU933avIMIL9bSB7njohIihwXph9Jc6KS_/s2048/PXL_20200930_031129976.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcU2vkHSNt_DaEaSgs91_fLxI4trT9Pws3QBGmH3I1rv5AMLTPt0n5ZhjyBdd8kSfr5sDYHalZk1qsvbzFY14LazCzMJdJBrjQrZjk9XhobKU933avIMIL9bSB7njohIihwXph9Jc6KS_/w400-h300/PXL_20200930_031129976.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I weighted this assembly, and it weighs 2546g! That is more than 5.5 pounds! All that weight is hanging off the back of the swingarm; that cannot be good.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VjSewjFv8lV9zcNG-5u-KpJVGK5eLfTMYxSD_lmOLmuXQ5-9GhRqrI7NC3Id6gYzD3wS28M8vhAtGHE8XywaFfFNoNCE5UASNhm5IeWLEDSEzSkZ9WqvQMdMCA8KYCqb_CNKkZ7BiEOY/s2048/PXL_20200925_201444202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VjSewjFv8lV9zcNG-5u-KpJVGK5eLfTMYxSD_lmOLmuXQ5-9GhRqrI7NC3Id6gYzD3wS28M8vhAtGHE8XywaFfFNoNCE5UASNhm5IeWLEDSEzSkZ9WqvQMdMCA8KYCqb_CNKkZ7BiEOY/w400-h300/PXL_20200925_201444202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Now to install the new plate mount! Put the bolts up through from the bottom of the fender. Be sure to use washers on both sides of the assembly, under the fender and under the seat. Getting the nut on the rear bolt is the hardest. I used a bit of duct tape on a small stick to hold the nut.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXHdTDfT72ZscKSguvfENvuSWPDkWt1NcLptxpPP5r_zZ3lRzm9SzOABxIGaBC7Pw7Ejc2ZSrHnsAkJNoRIHPq0HFc5oTacwMTnLaK3ypUBlssO_7on6GDA1yNnMNNepTMhNuXOSAvJzu/s2048/PXL_20200926_002610953.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXHdTDfT72ZscKSguvfENvuSWPDkWt1NcLptxpPP5r_zZ3lRzm9SzOABxIGaBC7Pw7Ejc2ZSrHnsAkJNoRIHPq0HFc5oTacwMTnLaK3ypUBlssO_7on6GDA1yNnMNNepTMhNuXOSAvJzu/w400-h300/PXL_20200926_002610953.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I then placed the washer used my stick to start the nut on the bolt.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUo20in9exuRhOEruAsp6Di2JZAkTuBETYFmz1VbVpm-OejgMCKEMQONEXvCwBmJ72bpBwKLOHnxmwUcGCLZBiLh7LIzDqa26YA18SROXh7oOuS1n5ahVhG4P1BgBVKPI1CipSKxy0fhF/s2048/PXL_20200926_002703457.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUo20in9exuRhOEruAsp6Di2JZAkTuBETYFmz1VbVpm-OejgMCKEMQONEXvCwBmJ72bpBwKLOHnxmwUcGCLZBiLh7LIzDqa26YA18SROXh7oOuS1n5ahVhG4P1BgBVKPI1CipSKxy0fhF/w400-h300/PXL_20200926_002703457.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxdECWf4n3pamqiUeeSnjaDq5EUwQy66BioMYNxO4LpLilUTGE2_JKxhhCu4hiof_mUkZYVe7gdUBNoJS1nzq1ME1GRF7ciV8K7qhnC2U6qoaoeI1Qj8J2CG1J76-x_mmyMsFvQvskquG/s2048/PXL_20200926_003317061.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxdECWf4n3pamqiUeeSnjaDq5EUwQy66BioMYNxO4LpLilUTGE2_JKxhhCu4hiof_mUkZYVe7gdUBNoJS1nzq1ME1GRF7ciV8K7qhnC2U6qoaoeI1Qj8J2CG1J76-x_mmyMsFvQvskquG/w300-h400/PXL_20200926_003317061.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The other two nuts were easily placed after lifting the fuse holder up and forward.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4e6e5eFCmZVF5VxGPpjtSxXQPjZtc634snPqs3Hj08E8TXe-HjzeyzaTqGDeyAl9c4T9D4atTMDPpqCpYHwY7_Ezds0_iJJF6qI8k8GqSGgHDbzvxxJqgb2UM4hN6eto2-HX0MFMRScDv/s2048/PXL_20200926_003300272.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4e6e5eFCmZVF5VxGPpjtSxXQPjZtc634snPqs3Hj08E8TXe-HjzeyzaTqGDeyAl9c4T9D4atTMDPpqCpYHwY7_Ezds0_iJJF6qI8k8GqSGgHDbzvxxJqgb2UM4hN6eto2-HX0MFMRScDv/w300-h400/PXL_20200926_003300272.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is how I attached the new LED plate light. I just used the double sided tape that came with it to stick it to the underside of the tail light. I did this at night so I could see if I like how it worked and place it as I desired for the best illumination. The LED's inside the unit's housing are not perfectly centered, so I chose to line up the actual LEDs with the center of the plate. (Note, the tail light alone does illuminate the license plate, but is is a red light and that isn't proper. This white LED fixes that.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROes2jDw7Djpd8Lw9DU_8kxHRrMGUNAgvY4EZJlwZa_ka9shBJ9SeISdL8iIXaTN66ooqyUAzWgSbrizt3sAWJ_jTQBA_KSQ2h6dzMuKokmIRf0pQLKQKIcbtfWT2iMMHW5WV47Zt9C_g/s2048/PXL_20200930_031200375.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROes2jDw7Djpd8Lw9DU_8kxHRrMGUNAgvY4EZJlwZa_ka9shBJ9SeISdL8iIXaTN66ooqyUAzWgSbrizt3sAWJ_jTQBA_KSQ2h6dzMuKokmIRf0pQLKQKIcbtfWT2iMMHW5WV47Zt9C_g/w400-h300/PXL_20200930_031200375.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Now you just need to replace the seat latch bolts and the fuse holder. Be aware the fuse holder has a snorkel attached to it that goes into the air box. (I'm pointing to that below.) You need to carefully place the snorkel back into it's hole to be able to properly replace the fuse holder. <i>IMPORTANT: The other end of the snorkel is under the fuse holder and open. Make sure the wiring under the fuse holder does not block the open end of the snorkel!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgow_ka66JvSJwsdayQBlaDjZV2ohwlzuQ6uFnN0SVxuFlXFjICrdMPsDujFCSYNdc8CwRBedzSv8MkCUsK9j0VuXY2trzgAL-eyun2NYYqUiHbwJ-2-7kihZVOOG4sbHWBLZgRHEfR60ht/s2048/PXL_20200926_204501011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgow_ka66JvSJwsdayQBlaDjZV2ohwlzuQ6uFnN0SVxuFlXFjICrdMPsDujFCSYNdc8CwRBedzSv8MkCUsK9j0VuXY2trzgAL-eyun2NYYqUiHbwJ-2-7kihZVOOG4sbHWBLZgRHEfR60ht/w400-h300/PXL_20200926_204501011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, <b>MAKE SURE THERE IS ENOUGH CLEARANCE BETWEEN YOUR REAR TIRE AND THE PLATE HOLDER. I RECOMMEND MORE THAN 150mm.</b> (Husqvarna specs shows the bike having 150mm of rear wheel travel.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXlBgha2qsmQ0qlpZDhSKRdKI1Tnn8dkmPXjUI1aqFMwe_3RjXFj5vs97FSpIp6liiGWi3K6eGsE_adj0No2yR_hlg7xIHiTl4ZNu4WAZeHvRzz6L3RitDQ7TVNvUwYr6SqLYqmxBJ_rK/s2048/PXL_20200927_232431729.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXlBgha2qsmQ0qlpZDhSKRdKI1Tnn8dkmPXjUI1aqFMwe_3RjXFj5vs97FSpIp6liiGWi3K6eGsE_adj0No2yR_hlg7xIHiTl4ZNu4WAZeHvRzz6L3RitDQ7TVNvUwYr6SqLYqmxBJ_rK/w400-h300/PXL_20200927_232431729.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And here are some pictures of the installed plate holder!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsylRogDuSB1CzGUdo8hRxs3WJMn42GlcIgGtl08_l4-5YqhAw_J9LbGDGrSaF3mSriW0NfF-09Mrh3W2ozA5sIqhdxWinDvrLHP_3e49Os_MrQwOIXnaOX8MAsstyNDYHDiEWIhsFwwwm/s2048/PXL_20200926_210446667.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsylRogDuSB1CzGUdo8hRxs3WJMn42GlcIgGtl08_l4-5YqhAw_J9LbGDGrSaF3mSriW0NfF-09Mrh3W2ozA5sIqhdxWinDvrLHP_3e49Os_MrQwOIXnaOX8MAsstyNDYHDiEWIhsFwwwm/w400-h300/PXL_20200926_210446667.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqCnVJK1nHbO9-lRVs19ATk02k5lFSIIWwJtc6vQv13t-A2MEWXMYs2fjndJ9JIp8fVuWXgxJzBPp7HcEapIbz8E93d8ckwg9ETlxZtMAd9Hfqbgx8YsqJMqg0MsUHEZYtNCCt26SuE0s/s2048/PXL_20200926_210515166.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqCnVJK1nHbO9-lRVs19ATk02k5lFSIIWwJtc6vQv13t-A2MEWXMYs2fjndJ9JIp8fVuWXgxJzBPp7HcEapIbz8E93d8ckwg9ETlxZtMAd9Hfqbgx8YsqJMqg0MsUHEZYtNCCt26SuE0s/w400-h300/PXL_20200926_210515166.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCloHlVclqTSootuFFFgPhdUzGHGr5txe2lhTynudd1x38SJHwfuU1-8Oaz4kwYbkwn-7sGtbETPdV_8-5a5_cBGx0-DceEL5NuBVOxZBgNOsI5BhHGYyL2sGTBc5afyqiyy-iXpihwkKc/s2048/PXL_20200926_210529327.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCloHlVclqTSootuFFFgPhdUzGHGr5txe2lhTynudd1x38SJHwfuU1-8Oaz4kwYbkwn-7sGtbETPdV_8-5a5_cBGx0-DceEL5NuBVOxZBgNOsI5BhHGYyL2sGTBc5afyqiyy-iXpihwkKc/w400-h300/PXL_20200926_210529327.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And with the license plate installed:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBfomoSxIoidJFGXzDCMkawBz50UF_EMK-l5ukMClumsHvEeWSnQbdkFEuZpoXhQW4O7YpB4DlyYilo_4YVBYBffFpPh2or74E8VY2p232jIQsOqaCW5GOG-Sx3A7rz8yOOoGxPuri8Lp/s2048/PXL_20200926_211235623.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBfomoSxIoidJFGXzDCMkawBz50UF_EMK-l5ukMClumsHvEeWSnQbdkFEuZpoXhQW4O7YpB4DlyYilo_4YVBYBffFpPh2or74E8VY2p232jIQsOqaCW5GOG-Sx3A7rz8yOOoGxPuri8Lp/w400-h300/PXL_20200926_211235623.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNAKqhGmy1nR6PIKidxp66ze9CXKNzgxWts5Pyy0yHjFbr2WEy5dA7oecVRat2VZdsA33UNehHwS-eN33EMc-y2SXozavQN8DLpyar5peJon71B4UgqYNuYi3YCYqrWM0E-QAizc0j_ua/s2048/PXL_20200926_211259214.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNAKqhGmy1nR6PIKidxp66ze9CXKNzgxWts5Pyy0yHjFbr2WEy5dA7oecVRat2VZdsA33UNehHwS-eN33EMc-y2SXozavQN8DLpyar5peJon71B4UgqYNuYi3YCYqrWM0E-QAizc0j_ua/w400-h300/PXL_20200926_211259214.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndTVzYKRHtTKSqSjN8Xpk_4CEuSUUmco1mAU3snhU1QnuwjKADlfOa7V4uf02AYavCBJU1qBKb044A2jqR3VhUYx-Fbm5AMV8XdnONLbN8iLHugVwnr6Ty0uwqQafqhLYb-QY1T-p2Xtt/s2048/PXL_20200926_211306727.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndTVzYKRHtTKSqSjN8Xpk_4CEuSUUmco1mAU3snhU1QnuwjKADlfOa7V4uf02AYavCBJU1qBKb044A2jqR3VhUYx-Fbm5AMV8XdnONLbN8iLHugVwnr6Ty0uwqQafqhLYb-QY1T-p2Xtt/w400-h300/PXL_20200926_211306727.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNQ_t-nmnr-QTSYyxwZsYQYVoiX4yrZ2vypk6_F6omdbSl2MYl9mpu15nSFINgMAN1bxm_yjfza1SZsz4TSbLsj7vC3Mq72HT91awQlDFa6LfZFpyP-ad2xWjE8q3LijIOkCXSsS-Sz2i/s2048/PXL_20200926_211320327.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNQ_t-nmnr-QTSYyxwZsYQYVoiX4yrZ2vypk6_F6omdbSl2MYl9mpu15nSFINgMAN1bxm_yjfza1SZsz4TSbLsj7vC3Mq72HT91awQlDFa6LfZFpyP-ad2xWjE8q3LijIOkCXSsS-Sz2i/w400-h300/PXL_20200926_211320327.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSme-6Dy8C75ypubIjsD7bJrOMvX9USbRod5zuL53taBJ3ezOubeVuItCsfu3zBzLmSCYmguGQ4HpXXFX4QbJemsPtYfPx1iyaPt4zojz0J6SFkexs4YFfaNU7S7oLqbFF91C2zSg2PaJL/s2048/PXL_20200926_213850950.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSme-6Dy8C75ypubIjsD7bJrOMvX9USbRod5zuL53taBJ3ezOubeVuItCsfu3zBzLmSCYmguGQ4HpXXFX4QbJemsPtYfPx1iyaPt4zojz0J6SFkexs4YFfaNU7S7oLqbFF91C2zSg2PaJL/w400-h300/PXL_20200926_213850950.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Showing the LED plate light attached under the tail lamp. Works fine!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNFImBDsO0vx18fVW_UE5jeca7Z4BtMDIyi7QU5kAFuj6a5b1hw6TcjBKO7y6jPRFvOj4sgTOyMkxI973I0u2grOjkz3WgO6H0i361KqqtCGP53SRJz6qmoavRHJTRsnMUkfj15bSqkNE/s2048/PXL_20200930_033046292.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1459" data-original-width="2048" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNFImBDsO0vx18fVW_UE5jeca7Z4BtMDIyi7QU5kAFuj6a5b1hw6TcjBKO7y6jPRFvOj4sgTOyMkxI973I0u2grOjkz3WgO6H0i361KqqtCGP53SRJz6qmoavRHJTRsnMUkfj15bSqkNE/w400-h285/PXL_20200930_033046292.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p></div></div></div>Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435881380335161709.post-25113339343714650032020-09-19T12:09:00.009-07:002020-11-14T22:10:53.148-08:00Alex Caemmerer III<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhps66vdgzVr4s35cVvXaTyMCLU4XoMnWY24ixqPme-vD6K5Z-cSI83yIrPRruiSumAX2SPZhbXSr9n7Fk2qNpGa5b2vYZiv13IswmSbZo6Y3cL_JYXuJd2gBn5nMPajozMEKdyiGc0clkX/s2048/Alex+Superbike+Photo+cropped+%2526+shopped+b%2526w.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1379" data-original-width="2048" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhps66vdgzVr4s35cVvXaTyMCLU4XoMnWY24ixqPme-vD6K5Z-cSI83yIrPRruiSumAX2SPZhbXSr9n7Fk2qNpGa5b2vYZiv13IswmSbZo6Y3cL_JYXuJd2gBn5nMPajozMEKdyiGc0clkX/w400-h269/Alex+Superbike+Photo+cropped+%2526+shopped+b%2526w.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I met Alex when I was a junior at Syracuse University in 1983. He was a sophomore at the time so he wasn’t in my classes, but we were both in the electrical engineering program and more importantly, we were both avid motorcyclists and motorsports fans. We became friends very quickly. Syracuse had just started a cooperative education program where they connected you with a tech company for employment and the students alternated semesters with school and work. This led to working semesters where we had a little money and time, so Alex and I spent both on all sorts of motorsports adventures and beer.<br /><br />I remember being amused at Alex’s proud “III” at the end of his name. He enjoyed being the 3rd Alex Caemmerer (with 2 “m’s as he occasionally reminded me). He was some descendant of the “Livingstons”of the Hudson river valley, and I grew up near there. He claimed there had been some money in the family handed down from his ancestors, but joked that his father was intent on spending the last of it.<br /><br />We’d take off on our motorcycles at every opportunity and explore the countryside around Syracuse. I remember hopping over humps in the road as small jumps and hiding from the police down side roads. He led us on a couple expeditions to the “13 curves”, a haunted road with great sweeping turns on a tree lined road Southwest of Syracuse.<br /><br />Back then, I was riding a 1981 Suzuki GS450EX, a sporty but inexpensive motorcycle. Alex went shopping and brought home an awesome 1983 Kawasaki GPz 550, a real sport bike. Our bikes were basically similar, and I pretended mine was close to his, but really, his was a far superior bike. We talked endlessly about the differences! We occasionally swapped bikes and he would complain about the lesser power of mine and I about the weight of his… It was a good natured exchange. <br /><br />I heard in high school that Alex had a Datsun 240Z. He told me the story of how he had rolled it and ended up upside down dangling from his seat belts with glass in his hair. He told me that after high school he worked in an engineering role at a small tech company. After a year or so of that he had made some money and had a decision to make… he could buy a Porsche or go to college. He figured that not having a degree was going to be a problem, so he headed to Syracuse. That explained why although he was a bit older than me he was a year behind me in the engineering program. When I met him Alex was driving a Pontiac 6000, that I guess had been the family car before he took it over. It seemed like a regular sedan, but he was proud it had the accolade of having been on Car & Driver’s “10 Best” list. <br /><br />Alex drove the Pontiac hard. We would often go out for a few drinks at night and on the way home would detour into Oakwood Cemetery near the school. It had a narrow winding road through it and Alex would attack that route like it was the Targa Florio. As navigator, I would urge him on, laughing all the way. One night he missed one of the corners and we entered the high weeds that lined the side of the road. We could see nothing but their tan stalks in the headlights. Alex kept his foot down and I remember pointing out the road was to our right and he over corrected as he tried to get us back on it. Suddenly the weeds parted… but instead of regaining the road, we dove straight across it and into a ditch on the other side. As we regained our wits, Alex pronounced; “All in all everything was under control!” We found the whole situation hilarious of course, until we realized we were having trouble getting out of the ditch. We had to get some help for an emergency extraction before the local police found us. All ended well and we had a great story.<br /><br />There was another “racing venue” close to us in Syracuse… It was called the Skytop. Skytop was a university run student apartment complex with a twisty access road that ran around all the buildings. In the summer it was completely empty of students. And so, at random times, we would declare it was time for a “Skytop Grand Prix” and we would hop in Alex’s car for a few hot laps around the complex. One day another roommate had rented a car because he was going to have some visitors, and Alex and I grabbed the keys declaring it “Grand Prix” time! We made it home safely but the next morning all 4 tires were flat! All we could think is that we must have pulled the tires loose from the wheel bead with our wild cornering on under inflated rental car tires. Of course, the roommate who had rented the car was rather upset at having to pump all the tires up early in the morning while we were still sleeping off the adventure.<br /><br />I also remember that with that same third roommate, Alex and I had started a strange cap gun battle game. It started in the apartment, a two floor duplex. But it was summer and much of the complex was empty and after a couple drinks sometimes the game would head outside. The three of us would sneak around the dozen buildings in the dark, often dressed in black “spy clothes”, trying to find each other and then blast away with our cap guns. I can’t imagine what any of the neighbors thought!<br /><br />Of course Alex and my favorite pastime was taking our motorcycles out into the countryside that surrounded Syracuse. We would escape for hours chasing each other over the hills and through the curves. This was before either of us had gone racing, and we were still just learning what we were doing. I remember flying off a road once when I couldn’t make a corner and Alex walking out to help me extract the bike from the muddy field. He stood there picking weeds out of my bike for a while before I convinced him to help me push it back to the road. <br /><br />Another time, after a long fast ride together in the countryside, I was feeling a bit too aggressive. He was ahead of me but I was hoping to beat him home so at the last intersection I dove up the inside to cut ahead of him. But there was no way I could slow down in time for the turn and I forced us both to run wide and miss the corner. It was a big mistake on my part and he chastised me, appropriately.<br /><br />Alex and I enjoyed a place near campus, Harry’s bar. We loved it because it was a bar and not a nightclub and they served fantastic roast beef sandwiches. It was a regular hangout for us. We’d talk and enjoy discussing motorcycles, music and other things. We’d talk about helmets; Alex wore a Shoei helmet, and I wore an Arai Signet. The helmets were a big investment for us in those days, so we discussed them a lot. The choice was really about your head shape and what brand fit better, but we also talked about which racers wore which helmet and why one helmet was better than the other. Alex would also joke about a cartoon character, “Racer X” who was some kind of hero. Apparently he loved the cartoon as a kid, but I had never seen it. He would use that moniker, Racer X, as a self imposed nickname when he had a fun opportunity to use it. <br /><br />We made a trip one summer to see the GTP cars race at Lime Rock. I remember the first lap the GTP cars came around the track in front of the grand stand. The roaring sound was glorious and I can clearly picture Alex turning around to look at me, grinning ear to ear. I’m sure I was smiling the same way back, it was a connection we both shared.<br /><br />At some point we made an expedition to see the motorcycle races at Pocono in Pennsylvania. It was a long trip for us, but I think we were both lightning struck by the event. We both knew that after college, somehow we were going to race motorcycles. Back in those days they let the few spectators wander the track and we could sit feet from the edge as the racers flew by and left us amazed in their wake turbulence.<br /><br />In 1985 I graduated a couple months late and I had a last Summer in Syracuse while I finished a few classes for my degree. That was the only time Alex and I were roommates, along with the third guy whose name I don’t remember (he wasn’t a motosports guy). It was a good three months but I remember being very sad when I left. Graduating late, all my other friends had already left town months before. I had to leave to go back to Albany, and Alex stayed in Syracuse as school started up again for the new fall semester.<br /><br />During the next few months I went back to Syracuse occasionally to participate in the job recruiting that happened on campus. Once I took my Dad’s car, and I discovered it wouldn’t start when I was there. Dad needed his only car back, but I was forced to stay overnight with Alex while we debugged the problem and found it needed a new alternator. I remember being in the cold garage and working with Alex, the car crusty underneath with snow and salt. We struggled to replace the alternator ourselves with Alex’s simple hand tools. We got it done together.<br /><br />By January of 1986 I had found a job in Boston and started work. It wasn’t long before I wanted to start racing motorcycles and Alex joined me for our first track experience. He came to Boston and we went to the California Superbike School at Loudon, New Hampshire. It was a thrilling experience. I remember Alex politely disagreeing with the instructors about using the rear brake to stabilize the bike exiting the corner. They probably just didn’t want the novice students mucking about with advanced techniques. The renowned expert, Keith Code, told him, "I know what you mean, and no." For Alex and I, it was just another bonding moment. After the fantastic school experience, we both received photographs of ourselves riding on the track. Alex signed his for me, <i>Dear Carl, Remember, “all in all, everything is under control.” - Alex “Racer X” Caemerer III</i>. I’ve always cherished the photo.<br /><br />I think Alex had grown bored of school at Syracuse and he stopped going and instead was working at GE, as an engineer. We discussed the wisdom of that decision a couple times on the phone, but he wasn’t going back to school. Eventually GE warned him they required that he have his degree or be working on it to be employed there, and he left for a job he found in Portland, Oregon. At about the same time I started racing at Loudon near Boston, Alex started racing at PIR near Portland. We would share stories and notes in phone calls, both excited to finally be “real racers”. <br /><br />Alex and I didn’t see each other much after college but we did keep in touch. In 1988, after 23 years away from the United States, a world championship Grand Prix was scheduled to come back for a race in Monterey, California. Alex and I hatched a plan to meet there. I flew out from Boston to San Jose, and he drove down from Portland and picked me up at the airport and then we continued to Monterey. We camped at the track for the long weekend. It was fantastic and from that event I have my only photo of us together, standing by the track. The scene at the track was raucous at night with wild parties, burning cars and noise all night. While we enjoyed a bit of fun, this was far beyond what we were comfortable with and Alex was concerned about his new white Honda Acura. Luckily the car ended up being fine and only covered with ash.<br /><br />As years passed Alex and I went our own ways. We exchanged Christmas cards and a rare note and let it be that.<br /><br />Eventually I heard Alex had an apartment in New Jersey. He was playing darts with a team and seemed to enjoy it and won some local championships. And he finished his graduate degree at Columbia in 2000. Although we weren’t in touch much, I was happy to check in on Alex occasionally.<br /><br />And then Alex showed up on Facebook in 2010 and somehow that renewed our connection. Sharing motorsports jokes and simple comments made me feel connected to him again. I found out he was also a fan of Krampus and we shared some great holiday cards. My wife Lorraine also met Alex on Facebook and they enjoyed sharing and commenting on various posts together.<br /><br />Around 2012, I bought a 1981 GPz 550, very similar to the bike Alex had purchased in Syracuse. Frankly, it was the impression Alex and his bike made on me that convinced me I needed to have one myself so many years later! I wanted it to relive memories of our back road experiences in Syracuse.<br /><br />Last year in July of 2019 he sent me a message, he bought a new motorcycle, a GSXR 750! Alex had always wanted one and decided to get one and start motorcycling again. We exchanged messages about riding again and what kind of helmet and boots and other gear he was getting. I was thrilled to hear he was riding.<br /><br />Recently I heard on Facebook that Alex had moved to Poughkeepsie, NY. He said since his father had died and the estate was settled he didn’t have anything holding him in New Jersey. We didn’t chat for a while and then last week I bought a new motorcycle and so I went to Facebook to share the excitement with him… and I saw his brother Bill’s message on his page that Alex was gone.<br /><br />Godspeed Alex.<br />Your friend, </p><p>Carl</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BEUthg_zPnFtAJOiw1g3LSeyzzi5vD0_leNmxidPQkkuHIVhPxG5BkVaXcA9lhabM3Zc6u5_VY4loNzIKbsAE1hQvSqYDxrnKjCiem5jSrk6Rt5LAjAbfyvZc-ysyiKIvupNF8VQvYC7/s2048/IMG_20200915_0001b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1506" data-original-width="2048" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BEUthg_zPnFtAJOiw1g3LSeyzzi5vD0_leNmxidPQkkuHIVhPxG5BkVaXcA9lhabM3Zc6u5_VY4loNzIKbsAE1hQvSqYDxrnKjCiem5jSrk6Rt5LAjAbfyvZc-ysyiKIvupNF8VQvYC7/w400-h294/IMG_20200915_0001b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><a href="http://www.caemmerer.net/alex3/racingpage.html">Alex's racing page</a>.<br /></p><div><br /></div>Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435881380335161709.post-18150243656112188492020-03-28T15:01:00.001-07:002020-03-29T14:27:19.670-07:00Setting up Plex for Live TV & DVR recording on a Nvidia Shield TV Pro with an EXTERNAL USB DRIVE<br />
Tips for setting up Plex for Live TV & DVR recording on a Nvidia Shield TV Pro with an EXTERNAL USB DRIVE.<br />
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<br />
<br />
These are random things I leaned when I set up Plex for Live TV & DVR on my Nvidia Shield TV Pro. Hopefully these will help others to set this up. </div>
<div>
These may not be perfect, as I am writing them up after doing everything... but I still think it will be a big help if you are doing this for the first time! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Note the difference between the following locations where you will find different important settings:</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>the Nvidia Shield settings: Go to the top right of the main shield screen on the TV and click on the gear icon.</li>
<li>the Plex app settings on the Shield: Go to your username at the top left of the Plex menu on the Shield, select that and then Settings.</li>
<li>the Plex Web app settings: Go to your compute and use the browser to reach the settings in the Plex Media server: http://server.local.ip.address:32400/web (Use your actual Shield's IP address, not the text in this sample) </li>
</ol>
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<div>
<h3>
Tips</h3>
<div>
1) You have to turn on "Plex Media Server" inside the Plex app on the Shield to enable the "Live TV and DVR" features. Go to your username at the top left of the Plex menu on the shield, select that and then Settings. Scroll down to "Plex Media Server" and turn it on. </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Note: About multiple Plex Servers on the Network. I already had a Plex server on my NAS for my personal video library. I wasn't sure what would happen when I added the Plex server, but it works fine. Actually both the Plex web app and the app on the Shield gracefully handle both servers. </blockquote>
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2) Use a PC to format the USB drive as NTFS (Supposedly exFAT is fine too, but I didn't try that.) My WD Elements 2TB drive came formatted this way. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
3) Use the Shield's "Removable storage" setting. When you plug the USB drive into the Shield, the Shield will see the drive and the Notification will prompt you to set it up. BUT, it will already show up as "Removable storage" in the Storage menu. (Settings/Device Preferences/Storage). Plex recommends (here: <a href="https://support.plex.tv/articles/220391808-media-storage-options-for-nvidia-shield/">https://support.plex.tv/articles/220391808-media-storage-options-for-nvidia-shield/</a>) that you use the drive as "removable storage", so do NOT set the drive up as "Device storage". Ignore the Shield's suggestions to format the drive to add it as "Device storage". </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
4) Only one directory on the USB drive works: "NVIDIA_SHIELD". </div>
<div>
In the Shield menu, find: Settings/Device Preferences/Storage</div>
<div>
You can turn ON the switch for "Transfer files over the local network"</div>
<div>
You can then set up directories for your libraries as you wish by using a computer to connect to the hard drive as described here: <a href="https://support.plex.tv/articles/220347688-accessing-shield-storage/NOTE!:">https://support.plex.tv/articles/220347688-accessing-shield-storage/</a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
NOTE!: There is only ONE place the Shield will allow Plex to write to the external USB drive! This is the folder called: "NVIDIA_SHIELD". You MUST put your directories and libraries there, or the libraries will not work! (This took me write a while to figure out. And no, changing the permissions doesn't let you place the files elsewhere.)</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
If you want a particular directory structure on the drive, set it up before creating libraries on Plex or doing anything else. Note that Plex DOES strongly recommend a particular directory structure: <a href="https://support.plex.tv/articles/naming-and-organizing-your-movie-media-files/">https://support.plex.tv/articles/naming-and-organizing-your-movie-media-files/</a> </blockquote>
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<br /></div>
<div>
5) You need to set the Storage location for the Plex Media server to the external drive. Go to your username at the top left of the Plex menu on the Shield, select that and then Settings. Scroll down to "Plex Media Server" and use the Storage location setting. Set it to use your external drive. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
6) Make your libraries on Plex and name them correctly the first time.</div>
<div>
This stuff must be done from the Web app from a computer, NOT on your Shield! Use this, with the actual IP address of your shield: <a href="http://server.local.ip.address:32400/web">http://server.local.ip.address:32400/web</a> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Basic (and inadequate) to set up Live TV and the DVR directions are here: <a href="https://support.plex.tv/articles/225877347-live-tv-dvr/">https://support.plex.tv/articles/225877347-live-tv-dvr/</a> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Directions to set up libraries are here: <a href="https://support.plex.tv/articles/200288926-creating-libraries/">https://support.plex.tv/articles/200288926-creating-libraries/</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Changing library names IS possible, but it is a pain. And you want to place the libraries in the proper directories as suggested in item 4 above. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Personally, I suggest naming the libraries something that makes it clear they are DVR recordings and not other movies or videos. I used "TV Shows DVR" and "Movies DVR". </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
If you change stuff like library names, it helps to restart the Plex app on the Shield to get it to pick up the changes. You can do this by stopping and the opening the app in the settings on the Shield here: Settings/Apps/Plex </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Use "Force Stop" to stop Plex and the Open to restart it. Wait a minute and the changes should show up. </blockquote>
<div>
<b>Finally, Good Luck!</b> The Live TV and DVR stuff on the Nvidia Shield appears to work great. But it did take a bit of digging around for me to find these details, so hopefully this will help others.</div>
</div>
Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435881380335161709.post-57990761716359106862020-01-31T12:44:00.001-08:002020-01-31T12:52:02.167-08:00Counterfeit Superfeet Insoles - Are the inexpensive counterfeits the same as the genuine insoles?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYGgCGl3XbWm6biDteQMN43UL3JGR5VbWOV9_j2-xR0PcnsV492VNm1WLQCtwacdnPeK6FUpJhe6SiQ20upoITX0vLq9SterI4jHxnzBlw1iCxiUhc5iUFVnO5k3O9fttqQLvdHEKibD7/s1600/IMG_20200131_105843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYGgCGl3XbWm6biDteQMN43UL3JGR5VbWOV9_j2-xR0PcnsV492VNm1WLQCtwacdnPeK6FUpJhe6SiQ20upoITX0vLq9SterI4jHxnzBlw1iCxiUhc5iUFVnO5k3O9fttqQLvdHEKibD7/s320/IMG_20200131_105843.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Answer: NO.</div>
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I've been wearing Superfeet Green insoles in my shoes for many years. And I have also been rather annoyed at the high price! The darn things are about $50 a pair.<br />
So I started to look around, and I found I could buy them on eBay for about $15 a pair!<br />
What a savings!?<br />
<br />
Well, the cheap ones are not the same, and when I emailed pictures to Superfeet support, they told me they were counterfeit! When I asked about the differences, they said:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>You can see by looking at the pattern of the fabric. Ours goes toe to heel and the counterfeit one goes side to side. Also, if you feel the shape of the foam on the counterfeit insole, you’ll notice it is narrower and there is no shape in the arch area. Ours is a normal width and has a distinct shape and feel to it. If you compare two side by side, you’ll be able to easily see the difference. At a glance, I can see how they may look similar.</i></blockquote>
I looked closer, and sure enough they are correct. Here are the differences and problems I see with the counterfeit insoles:<br />
<ul>
<li>much less arch support</li>
<li>less rounded heel</li>
<li>thinner foam</li>
<li>foam is too long and wide in the toe area</li>
<li>green pattern on top goes side to side instead of from toe to heel</li>
</ul>
<div>
In my opinion, the counterfeit insoles are not good. They lack the arch support of the genuine items and the heel cup is not as rounded. I'll be careful to buy the genuine ones in the future.</div>
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Some pictures follow.<br />
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On this picture of the green tops, you can see the counterfeit is actually a bit longer, and the lines in the green patter go from side to side, unlike the genuine one which has the pattern going toe to heel. It is hard to see in the picture, but the heel cup on the counterfeit insole has a bit of flat bottom, unlike the well rounded genuine insole.<br />
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The bottom hard plastic is slightly different on the counterfeit but is very similar to the genuine article. The foam part is definitely longer and a bit wider in the toe area.<br />
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The side view is very similar, but the counterfeit's foam is definitely thinner.<br />
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The arch support on the counterfeit is definitely lacking! You can also see how the foam is thinner.<br />
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The boxes were actually very similar. It would be very hard to tell them apart! I will just leave these photos here without comment.<br />
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Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435881380335161709.post-78400960458285767152019-11-24T13:03:00.003-08:002019-11-24T13:04:45.115-08:00Vespa LX and S seat lock cable broken - how to fix it!<a href="http://modernvespa.com/">Modern Vespa</a> a bunch of posts on this topic... but in my opinion, none have all the key info in one spot.<br />
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I'm not going to spell everything out, but if you are mechanically inclined this may be all the info you need.<br />
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Here is some of items you will need<br />
- a special tool you make yourself to open the locked seat<br />
- a replacement cable<br />
- a staple gun and stainless steel staples to put the seat cover back on<br />
- other normal tools<br />
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<b>Step one: get the seat open.</b><br />
The easiest way to do this is to make a tool from thin stiff plastic. I used a stiff plastic folder. Here are some pics.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNEOlexklVhjrmCJAwp3XCJMmnLSpIjMbyfYzkiOLOJfaRhFvJJXEVs3HqgiG6VLumMS0quOZ60OPvDV15R5yWhM7uvCOtv5-HAl1t8vGV9g6Rj4EFbABI1ZoyUOFHPv5JNUS5HAuM43F/s1600/IMG_20191124_122649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNEOlexklVhjrmCJAwp3XCJMmnLSpIjMbyfYzkiOLOJfaRhFvJJXEVs3HqgiG6VLumMS0quOZ60OPvDV15R5yWhM7uvCOtv5-HAl1t8vGV9g6Rj4EFbABI1ZoyUOFHPv5JNUS5HAuM43F/s400/IMG_20191124_122649.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For a temporary solution, you can attach a wire or string to the latch hook like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA82EvGe0_RLCDRM9zPXE_R7ywn1M-F8Pl8PFh9PNvLt-IvMrFU1roLJr9OgWtK1FJaddO0uMWlxFUv5_ANoNbJE1_4fukFpTZuEttj4GiyT7NRrb7ObirpfGoY1jPAgjoNh1cAOcqV4eX/s1600/IMG_20191124_113505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA82EvGe0_RLCDRM9zPXE_R7ywn1M-F8Pl8PFh9PNvLt-IvMrFU1roLJr9OgWtK1FJaddO0uMWlxFUv5_ANoNbJE1_4fukFpTZuEttj4GiyT7NRrb7ObirpfGoY1jPAgjoNh1cAOcqV4eX/s400/IMG_20191124_113505.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Step two: Get a replacement cable kit, like this one from <a href="https://www.scooterwest.com/seat-opening-cable-repair-kit-vespa-lx-653994.html">Scooter West</a>.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplDUFbjpKLSyZcIVtghDDsSIbihFQ2_wm9uxbT02BXptfgHakH7xclX63alWVQ62GvIC1TPedkaKooD0wfTOYxDv1ECCyAHtbFw4xk46liYuvkCovaaf5ao86uTzEbRW3GTMuyudYoZrO/s1600/653994-seat-opening-cable-repair-kit-vespa-lx_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplDUFbjpKLSyZcIVtghDDsSIbihFQ2_wm9uxbT02BXptfgHakH7xclX63alWVQ62GvIC1TPedkaKooD0wfTOYxDv1ECCyAHtbFw4xk46liYuvkCovaaf5ao86uTzEbRW3GTMuyudYoZrO/s400/653994-seat-opening-cable-repair-kit-vespa-lx_10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Step three: remove the latch cable end.</b><br />
Remove the cover around the latch and remove the circlip and cable end. In this picture, the cable is broken at this end, so you can only see the cable end ring.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mTYhMAwsdL-dg_413hHDyRO9ATRhl-KLqs6CMCgkYxY0c7PLijmrJIMFHO5Cre9XvBYe_j_Qx_cCqni0yMOltiQVbPEJn3q62DKaeSZeLwpq4IRVre765_ZZEWV22_mmxVPn72GCyQj7/s1600/IMG_20191124_114837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mTYhMAwsdL-dg_413hHDyRO9ATRhl-KLqs6CMCgkYxY0c7PLijmrJIMFHO5Cre9XvBYe_j_Qx_cCqni0yMOltiQVbPEJn3q62DKaeSZeLwpq4IRVre765_ZZEWV22_mmxVPn72GCyQj7/s400/IMG_20191124_114837.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Step four: remove the plastic protectors by the grab rail /rack mounts.</b><br />
These need to come off to remove the seat cover.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffWN6dKrDjGLnCZ4o6gwuK9FFMChTFoaRV5EEnwOizPutgdj-E2nOGoA0j7SFAgo5hI3XMfNOz9MwvHnxzKUXEcFJLIBvU6RnlXZDrYfkQIYQftOuIknEkUAXso52ygkxF2z65xIQEqo9/s1600/IMG_20191124_125714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffWN6dKrDjGLnCZ4o6gwuK9FFMChTFoaRV5EEnwOizPutgdj-E2nOGoA0j7SFAgo5hI3XMfNOz9MwvHnxzKUXEcFJLIBvU6RnlXZDrYfkQIYQftOuIknEkUAXso52ygkxF2z65xIQEqo9/s400/IMG_20191124_125714.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Step five: remove the cylinder lock.</b><br />
You have to remove the lock before you can remove the seat cover. There is an R style wire retaining clip and two screws. Be sure to remember how these go back together!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdj0OW48DvocaJrY1BedWF-BIyTskEAl43X79fVCnNPTgeYN_D-mBSyoyEuuTVXKcLpr5UFYwmBoZjjo6BUtbRHSZTcplmG1oIjKd1KfhsIWsbyJVXa8Wer_QNArg_G91LxVMOSIhE8f6Z/s1600/IMG_20191124_114247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdj0OW48DvocaJrY1BedWF-BIyTskEAl43X79fVCnNPTgeYN_D-mBSyoyEuuTVXKcLpr5UFYwmBoZjjo6BUtbRHSZTcplmG1oIjKd1KfhsIWsbyJVXa8Wer_QNArg_G91LxVMOSIhE8f6Z/s400/IMG_20191124_114247.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Step six: remove the staples that hold the seat cover on and pull the seat cover back.</b><br />
The seat pad is not glued down so this is fairly easy. I only removed the staples on the back half of the seat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXj20S5jMkibN6xagotV42hBgIdMgpOGpYgKKAh33Y0JJK2llG2v5oLd57Cejcu3dUFoHXZjHEmvXDK7M7sg30V4ATEFwg6zobujAS4V1hKUzCD-Lb7aOxW4Ve0UnUv5EKE9VAwGSINq_x/s1600/IMG_20191124_115040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXj20S5jMkibN6xagotV42hBgIdMgpOGpYgKKAh33Y0JJK2llG2v5oLd57Cejcu3dUFoHXZjHEmvXDK7M7sg30V4ATEFwg6zobujAS4V1hKUzCD-Lb7aOxW4Ve0UnUv5EKE9VAwGSINq_x/s400/IMG_20191124_115040.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>The rest of the steps:</b><br />
I'm out going to spell these out as they are as expected!<br />
- replace the cable.<br />
- reassemble the cylinder lock<br />
- staple the seat cover back in place.<br />
- etc.<br />
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<br />Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435881380335161709.post-53650204845512802262019-10-15T17:38:00.000-07:002019-10-15T17:38:04.650-07:00Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT Veloce in the Garage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9bV2Jq-NFjIPb2oYFuviBIi3tSSOyFTlw4nM1SQLrltRb0FGs7l-f_3nqVT2YzYSdwzWAK_Onq93WBZ63OWxJ90WnOLz7n-UWyyNNJVRA8hNp3EKNDRC3Cv20GIUihRjDOa6R9SwNm0-/s1600/alfa+in+the+garage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9bV2Jq-NFjIPb2oYFuviBIi3tSSOyFTlw4nM1SQLrltRb0FGs7l-f_3nqVT2YzYSdwzWAK_Onq93WBZ63OWxJ90WnOLz7n-UWyyNNJVRA8hNp3EKNDRC3Cv20GIUihRjDOa6R9SwNm0-/s400/alfa+in+the+garage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love this picture of my GTV in the garage. I just drove it 170 miles (275 km) over Mount Laguna this morning; that's my regular run to exercise the car. I try to do that at least monthly.<br />
I drive it with my earplugs in and the radio off. It's great to be out there with no distractions, just the steering wheel, the pedals and the road! Forza Alfa!Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435881380335161709.post-4425627052692635812019-10-03T12:28:00.000-07:002019-10-03T21:39:29.728-07:00"Fast" guys: Crossing the Center Line?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwITzfWkmK5frL3SwwLp3DA5DYzdh1o705ESQitMEpAQTVEu9FbZFn56kG1i20xlO-Mlp8fch7i12eI0_M3q70jLCpJidiQiyeltJJQ2sVW0NzMuL3Hpf6vCfE05std7Kq7EkUkjFrWvG2/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-08-30+at+11.40.32+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="600" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwITzfWkmK5frL3SwwLp3DA5DYzdh1o705ESQitMEpAQTVEu9FbZFn56kG1i20xlO-Mlp8fch7i12eI0_M3q70jLCpJidiQiyeltJJQ2sVW0NzMuL3Hpf6vCfE05std7Kq7EkUkjFrWvG2/s400/Screen+Shot+2019-08-30+at+11.40.32+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
Oops, there is a car coming! In this still taken from a video, the driver has crossed the center line when an oncoming car appears. He does return to his lane, but his recovery appears to force him wide as he exits the corner.<br />
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I’ve recently seen a few driving videos where the driver crosses the double yellow center line. My reaction is always… WTF?<br />
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The idea seems to be that the driver can go faster by straightening the curve. This is a racing concept for a driver trying to go as fast as possible. (Of course, it isn't legal, but I won't get into that here.)<br />
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On public roads, I know some drivers think that if they can see ahead to the next corner and the road is clear, there is no harm in crossing the center line of the road. So they play at racing and cross the center line when they are trying to be “fast”.<br />
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<b>But…</b> I have always considered this to be bad form, less fun and dangerous for other drivers (or at least impolite). Please let me explain:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<u>Style and form:</u> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<u></u>On the street, no one is truly racing or on a time trial, so there is no real motivation to straighten the corners by crossing the center line. The goal isn’t to get to the destination the quickest, or the driver would take the straight superhighway instead of the curvy back road. On the curvy road, the fun is in cornering, and thus tight sharp corners are fun. Also, staying on the narrow path of your single lane is harder, as it is a greater constraint to the driver, and isn’t the challenge the fun part? I always thought that the more curvy the road, the more fun it is! </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<u>Politeness to other drivers</u> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<u></u>It may be true that when the driver can see far ahead, through 3 or more corners, that there may be little risk to crossing the center line for the first corner. But many cross the center line when they can only see the corner they are approaching and the next corner beyond… and this is a true problem for other oncoming drivers. An oncoming driver may come around a corner and find the violating driver across the center line. While there may be plenty of time and space for the violating driver to return to their lane, think of the oncoming driver! That driver doesn’t know what the violating driver will do and there is at least a moment of fear and confusion for them. And that fear and confusion can result in dangerous choices on their part.</blockquote>
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Many times, I have come around a corner to find an oncoming car partially in my lane. A few times the oncoming car has been completely in my lane! It’s always a real scare and a concern. What will that driver do? Do they see me? Are they in control? Will they get out of my lane? Or are they going too fast to return to their lane? This experience of being the innocent and frightened oncoming driver has taught me to be polite myself. And thus my personal rule: I don’t cross the center line just to straighten a corner. I have the skill to stay in my own lane, and I can enjoy that challenge. <br />
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Another point, imagine two drivers heading toward each other are both crossing the center line. Now you have both drivers in a conundrum! If you are a "center line crosser", are you trusting that you are only driver doing this, and that you won’t encounter an oncoming driver doing the same?</div>
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<i>Crossing the center line on public roads isn't an "advanced fast driver technique", it is cutting the course: a dangerous cheat.</i><br />
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<b>Here is my advice:</b> If you cross the center line when driving, try not doing it for a while. And ask yourself, why am I motivated to cross the center line? Is it truly “more fun” to drive that way? Or is it perhaps a lazy habit, because you don’t actually want to do the driving work to follow your designated lane completely through the corner? Or is “going faster”, just a daring exercise to see which driver can cut the corners more, effectively taking the shortest shortcut? What is your personal motivation to cut the corner by crossing the center line, and is it really more fun? I suspect if you stop doing it for a while, and concentrate on all your fun while still remaining in your lane, you may arrive at your destination a few seconds later, but you will have enjoyed the drive just as much and you can be satisfied you haven’t scared any other drivers in the process.</div>
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Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435881380335161709.post-90763023915524686372019-08-10T15:48:00.001-07:002019-08-10T15:48:42.421-07:00Oil Filter Cutter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Somehow I convinced myself to buy an expensive oil filter cutter.<br />
<br />The purpose of this thing is to see what's in your old filter after you
swap in a new one. I also wanted to see inside two different manufacture's filters to compare their construction.<br />
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Looking around the web, I saw most liked the Longacre cutter... but I
found one made by "Joes Racing Products" that seemed like a nice design
to me.<br />
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It really is a nicely made tool.<br />
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Worked great!<br />
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<br />Carl Lieboldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10542818842670766531noreply@blogger.com0