Classic Hifi Care

I went down awhile ago and dug the Buick out of storage. The old girl decided to be crabby this year, refused to start. You have to set the choke fully closed or it won't EVER fire a shot. I did that, still no start. I went down to the local Quik Trip and got a dram of $4.75 cent gas and gave it a little drink. It took right off. No lifter rattle, no leaks, no noises except the alternator whined pretty hard until it got the battery built back up. Even the Dynaflow was only about a quarter of an inch off "Full". I think that's the first time ever that has happened. I need to get it to Tempe so we can fix the turn signals and give it the usual yearly service, oil change, that kind of thing. I've decided this year to put some zinc in the engine oil just because. I'm not sure I believe that full synthetic oil won't protect a flat tappet camshaft, but I decided to err on the side of caution. There are very strong opinions, and good information, on both sides of the issue. I'll drive down to the local Discount Tire store and have the tires inflated. After that and a good detailing, it should be ready for winter cruising. A 30' storage locker sure helps with the monsoon dust. I'm looking forward to enjoying the Buick more this winter than I did last year.

Up here we're in the putting-away phase. My local sailboat comes out on Tuesday; I de-rigged it partially last night after the last sail of the season. The other boat on the other side of the state lives securely in a marina and stays in until Oct 16. Today I called my Chevy storage guy to ask when he wants me--he said Oct. That's good, because I was calling to explain that the Chevy is still in the transmission shop. Didn't get any top-down cruising this summer (yet). But storage time is coming.

Even when daytime temps are short-sleeve weather, the mornings and evenings are cool. It's fleece or jackets on the bike ride to work, and an extra layer for sailing the last few days. The wind has been from the north, blowing over deep cool water. Then once the sun is below the peninsula to the west of me, the temps drop noticeably.

Chris Campbell

It was 79 here this morning when I started the Buick. The weather is going to start getting nice in the next week or so. The snowbirds will start arriving about the first of October. I was advised the storage facility I use bought a competitor and the manager I like so well is moving to a facility about a mile down the road further. (There is a storage facility, a Circle K and a Mormon church on every corner in the county). If the prices are better and the facility as good, I may move the Buick. This particular manager has been very good to work with. I sure hate to lose him. Bentley and I can ride his Buggy to the storage now to retrieve the Buick. That would end if I move. This particular facility could not be more convenient.

I haven't run the window A/C in the last couple weeks or so. So it looks like I may be putting it back in the garage in a week or two. It was around 76 today. The lower temps help with the truck starting. My great nephew's wife was collided by a semi this morning, So I don't know if I will be able to get the Explorer back on the road this weekend. She was primarily shaken around in the accident.

I'm sorry to hear about the accident, Rex. Good thoughts go out that all will be well.