Author: rexplex

With a bachelors degree in history, I turn wrenches for a living. I’m most at peace when I hear the wind in the trees or the gurgle of a brook. I’m a believer in the Renaissance Man, as epitomized by DaVinci engineer, artist, soldier, statesman. As Heinlein said, “A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyse a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.”

Long Tool Storage Rack

One sheet of plywood and three 2×4’s

Rakes and shovels and implements of destruction

Utility Shelves

I call these my afternoon shelves, because that’s how long it takes to build them (including the run to the store for lumber). They aren’t pretty by any means, but they are perfect for the garage or basement.

Tow mirrors (part 1)

I replaced the factory paddle mirrors with some eBay special towing mirrors this weekend.

The stock mirrors had power and heat when Fessick left the factory. By the time he came into my life, the heat was completely non-operational. The left mirror moved correctly, but the right only moved left to right. It wouldn’t move up and down.

The replacement mirrors have marker lights and turn signals behind a smoked lens as well as turn signals mounted in the glass. Additionally, I can pull the mirror further away from the truck to increase the view when I’m pulling a trailer

New mirror above with built in blind-spot mirror and marker light & turn signals.
Old mirror below — Look at all that space for (viewing) activities!

Herb Drying Rack

This was requested by the wife.

At the old house, she ran a string across the kitchen window to dry her herbs. She wanted something that looked better and would be more permanent.

Sawhorse Build

Custom sawhorses to match the height of my table saw.

They fold for storage. And have a lower shelf to keep your tools and materials off the ground.

Science with the Wee Ones

Made a simple electric motor with my daughter this weekend

Legal jibber-jabber

As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn commission if you purchase something linked from this page.
Product reviews – unless stated otherwise, I have purchased all reviewed products with my own money.
“Manufacturers claims” are exactly that. Their claims. If my text says “manufacturer claims” it means I haven’t checked it and I probably don’t have a way to check it. Hydrostatic ratings, R-values, Temperature ratings, etc.
Follow these instructions at your own risk. I’m not a professional anything. I’m just some random human you encountered on the internet. I may or may not have any idea what I’m doing. I certainly have no idea what you’re doing. I accept no liability for injury, property damage or any other direct or indirect damages you may incur from anything on this page or any other pages I may or may not have authored.
Copyright Reserved Creative Commons – Attribution, Non-Commercial, Share Alike . If I’ve inspired you, link back to this page. Don’t steal my text or photos. Feel free to modify my designs in any way you see fit. Don’t try to make yourself money from my ideas.
Comments will be moderated. Those that add to the discussion will be allowed. Those that add nothing will be deleted. If you don’t agree with my decisions, get your own website.
DON’T PANIC

Network cabinet

Or, What to do with that stupid cabinet above the fridge.

Rear Hatch

The rear hatch on the Excursion is…. complicated.

Three panels, electric and manual locks, washer, wiper and defroster.

When I bought Fessick, none of the above worked.

The key cylinder was a rusted lump of metal of various alloys. You could put a key in, but it wasn’t turning anything.

The lock actuator didn’t actuate.

The wiper didn’t wipe.

The washer didn’t wash.

The defroster didn’t defrost.

Transmission pointer calibration.

Can it be this easy?

Video instructions

Before and after pointer calibration — A 30 second fix.

Yes it can.

Literally took longer to re-install the fuse panel cover than to adjust the pointer.

Legal jibber-jabber

As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn commission if you purchase something linked from this page.
Product reviews – unless stated otherwise, I have purchased all reviewed products with my own money.
“Manufacturers claims” are exactly that. Their claims. If my text says “manufacturer claims” it means I haven’t checked it and I probably don’t have a way to check it. Hydrostatic ratings, R-values, Temperature ratings, etc.
Follow these instructions at your own risk. I’m not a professional anything. I’m just some random human you encountered on the internet. I may or may not have any idea what I’m doing. I certainly have no idea what you’re doing. I accept no liability for injury, property damage or any other direct or indirect damages you may incur from anything on this page or any other pages I may or may not have authored.
Copyright Reserved Creative Commons – Attribution, Non-Commercial, Share Alike . If I’ve inspired you, link back to this page. Don’t steal my text or photos. Feel free to modify my designs in any way you see fit. Don’t try to make yourself money from my ideas.
Comments will be moderated. Those that add to the discussion will be allowed. Those that add nothing will be deleted. If you don’t agree with my decisions, get your own website.
DON’T PANIC

Sleeping Platform (pt.1)

Every year, one of my friends hosts a pig roast for the Fourth of July. Cooking the pig is an all night endeavor, so about a half dozen of the guys come over the night before. We take shifts cooking and sleeping. Last year, he had a full house & I volunteered to sleep in Fessick.