Overall Humble Mechanic Update
Hi everyone. Today I want to give you all an update about what has been going on with the Cabby, with the blog, and things here in general. It has been a busy busy spring. Even though the blog updates have been low, the work level has been really high.
At the shop
Things at the shop are almost always interesting. Remember a while back we had hired 3 new guys. A guy right out of school, a guy with some general experience, and a Mercedes Benz master tech. The MB tech got put on my team. Well a few weeks ago he called in sick. Then the next day, just didn’t show up. I had a feeling that he was going to quite, but didn’t really expect it to happen like that.
We had also hired an experienced VW service advisor. Well, his wife took a job out of state, so he just up and quite too. Just when we think things are on the right track at the dealer, we lose 2 guys. This is just part of the business.
There is a down side for me. It puts me behind on much of the shop duties I have. I had to bring our scan tools home just to have time to up date them. It also means that most nights I am working late. That also puts me behind on my stuff at home.
Cabby Update
Most of what I am doing now with the cabby is little 
things. The interior is most of the way back together. I completely removed the top and the rear windows. I must say that I am thrilled with how it looks I have a few ideas to give it a more finished look.
The next part of the project is getting the stereo worked out. I hooked up the radio that was installed in the car. Only 1 speaker works. That doesn’t cut it for any car, but it’s pointless in a convertible. The challenge is building a great sound system, but having it very stealth.
Tools
I posted a few weeks ago about breaking a bunch of tools in one day. Among the broken tools was the tool I use most often, my Makita impact driver. After a bunch of back and forth with a repair place, and Matkita, I have a replacement gun on the way. They stepped it up big time and took care of it.
I also purchased a 1/2 impact wrench from Kobalt. I will have a full review soon. I want to get some more time with it first. I will say that I like it, and it has a ton of power. I don’t think it would replace an air impact.
I have also picked up a few other tools, an engine compression gauge, and a TDI timing kit. I also picked up a few things to try my hand at fiberglass work. This is something I have never done, but I think it is a great skill to have.
I have also been planning my garage remodel. Once electrical is done, it’s game time. You guys do not want to miss how cool this will be.
Homestead
I don’t talk much about our homestead much here. It has little to do 
with cars. If you guys are in interested in that, I can talk about it more. Or you can check out NChomesteading.com. My wife does the updating there.
Spring time is full throttle here. We have planted 10 trees this past weekend. I also transplanted about 20 hop cuttings. Last year I had some success, but the percentage was low. This year I am doing more cuttings and should get better results. We also picked up a really awesome apple tree. This tree has 5 different apple varieties on it. How cool is it to have 1 tree that produces 5 different apples.
I had also taken a few hop rhizomes out on to the property and did some wild planting. I went to see them last night and found they are doing awesome! They are bigger than the ones close to the house.
Glad to hear I am not the only one who is busy and can’t keep up on everything.
On the cabby, stereos and convertibles can be an interesting challenge. Sounds like a good series of blog posts.
You will have to let me know how the 5 variety apple tree works out. We are in the process of buying a new place with more land, and that would be fun to try it out.
Been looking for a good electric impact wrench myself.
Looking forward to your review of the Kobalt!
always good to keep busy I say! admittedly I do need a secondary hobby to take my mind of work at times
As the owner of an up and coming mobile automotive repair business, I understand completely. Some days feel like they will never get better, others like they’ll never get worse. Ups and downs are a constant struggle. Tools will break, customers will complain, customers will praise, and employees will be employees. I hope everything goes well for you.
Thanks Marcus!
You really guys are amazing, thought doing homework does not apply here but you do. Purchased Acura parts in Toronto and they too testify it happens.
Hey
Charles i love to read such kind of information about cars and others services.I read your blog daily.Because of interesting and new topics.You can go to body repair estimate for more relevant information about cars and other vehicles.
Thanks for sharing. Been reading your blog for a while now. Your wife’s site looks great. Love the photos of the disaster of a snowstorm. 🙂 The Stay-Puft marshmallow man is hilarious.
Thats interesting! its always so thoughtful o use the old spare parts into the new cars!
we as a car Service Centre in Forster often ask our customers to retain their existing spare parts & keep their cars going by maintaining them
One of the biggest expenditure you will produce in order to maintain your vehicle in good shape would be purchasing fresh pieces. It is important that your car needs scheduled replacement for some of its functions. Only I don’t imagine it is affordable to buy a fresh one for replacing, especially if it is engine parts. In that scenario spare parts will be a honest alternative to maintain your automobile in safe shape without hurting your pocket. Most <a href="http://www.serviceplus416.com/car-repair-services-etobicoke/"vehicle repair services insist their clients do this and they will help you to find the best one for your vehicle.