Trixology

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: elagache on July 26, 2012, 11:11:15 PM

Title: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: elagache on July 26, 2012, 11:11:15 PM
Dear WeatherCat fans,

The LWC faithful and folks on MacWeather have been able to follow along in my efforts to restore our family heirloom 1965 Buick Special station wagon.  An abbreviated family history can be found in: The grand adventures of a trusty "billy-goat" Wagon! (http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?250765-The-grand-adventures-of-a-trusty-quot-billy-goat-quot-Wagon!)

For newcomers to this tale, I ordered a new engine for the car over a year ago and finally the engine is complete and really beautiful:

(http://www.canebas.org/Automotive/V8_Buick/Biquette%27s%20new%20engine/Assembled%20views-1.JPG)

(http://www.canebas.org/Automotive/V8_Buick/Biquette%27s%20new%20engine/Assembled%20views-2.JPG)

Yesterday I got preliminary results from the initial break-in of the engine on the dynamometer.  I don't have the precise numbers but the engine peaked out at just under 510 horsepower!! (http://www.canebas.org/Weather/LWC_forum/Custom_emoticons/shocked_wide-eyed_smiley.gif)

That's over 20% more power than I was expecting and there are very few cars on the road with this horsepower.

So looks like I'm gonna have one assertive billy-goat wagon!! (http://www.canebas.org/Weather/LWC_forum/Custom_emoticons/car_3gears.gif)

I now return you to your usual WeatherCat programming  [cat]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Randall75 on July 27, 2012, 01:01:29 AM
Hi Edouard
 That's a beauty I thought it was supposed to be a family cruise car not a hot rod [woohoo]
 Looks like you'll be getting tickets for burning rubber speeding [goofy]  or are you just going to use it as a show car
any way thats a great looking carb you got there is it stock carb for a Buick?
Don't be poping any wheelies  [biggrin]
 [cheers1]
Title: Honest - that was the plan!! (Re: assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on July 27, 2012, 03:05:28 AM
Howdy Randall and WeatherCat hotrod cool cats!  [rockon]

That's a beauty I thought it was supposed to be a family cruise car not a hot rod [woohoo]

Uh, well, that was the plan - really!!

Even the engine builder was more than a little surprised by what happened.  Here is a choice snippet from his email with the results:

Quote
Your motor . . .  is simply an incredible piece.
 
It will idle at 650 rpm, with just a barely audible lope from it's STG 1 roller cam.. with over 16 inches of vacuum (and 30+ lbs of oil pressure, thank you TA for the great front covers to work with!)
 
 And I expected, and built it to do just that.
 
 But I didn't expect the power.. I was not trying to build power...
 

    small CID for better efficiency
    small camshaft for low end torque and mild manners
    dual plane manifold

 But, because you invested in a hyd roller cam, and STG 2 heads, and the FI you are rewarded with a 500+ hp motor for the Billygoat.. that purrs like a kitten going down the road.
 
 Final numbers were 538 Torque/509 HP as I recall. I have all the documentation out in the truck, I just walked in, fed my dogs, and sat down there a while ago.
 
 I expected maybe 450HP. This is the first motor that has really surprised me. . . .  I had no thought in my head that we were building you a 500 HP motor for the wagon.
 
WOW.. everyone that wants power, but not the hassle, wants this motor. I am sure I will build many copies, although more likely with the bigger CID 470.. for folks not going for the period look..
 
Could not have gone smoother, motor did not leak a drop of anything, and ran like a champ.
 
 You will love it. I am glad it turned out so well for us

If I understand what happened, the modern components make these older engines much more efficient.  It appears that about 50 horsepower for this engine comes out of reduced friction over the original factory model.  That's one of the reasons the engine is going to be so much quieter than the smaller engine in the car now and . . . .(I hope, I hope, I hope (http://www.canebas.org/Weather/LWC_forum/Custom_emoticons/pray.gif)) the car will get much better fuel-economy then the car ever got.

So we'll see what happens when the engine finally gets fitted to the car!

Thanks for the reply Randall!!  [tup]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
 
Title: Busy with engine and car show (Re: One assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on September 19, 2012, 07:51:14 PM
Dear WeatherCat fans,  [cat]

Matters automotive have been consuming huge amounts of my time lately.  I've been horribly busy because I've been trying to make sure the new engine for my trusty wagon would arrive in Orinda in time for this year's Classic Car show.  This year it is happening this coming Saturday, the 22nd.

The engine finally shipped from Minnesota on Monday and is supposed to arrive Thursday some time.  A custom bracket had to be "spliced together" to add a compressor for an after-market air conditioning system.  Here is a photo of the engine with the compressor:

(http://www.canebas.org/Automotive/V8_Buick/Misc/Engine%20front%20with%20A_C%20bracket.JPG)

So, things related to weather have been forced to take a back seat.

The mania should end by Saturday . . . . I hope!!

Cheers, Edouard   [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Doc on September 19, 2012, 08:02:30 PM
OK, that's going to use more gas than my truck!   [lol]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: embayweather on September 20, 2012, 11:14:20 AM
Edouard the engine looks bigger than my car, its huge, but looking so great. Can't wait for the next installment, i.e. when its installed and working. Are you doing that bit yourself?

Best wishes

Mike

I did hear that the last Space Shuttle will make its final journey today. Can I just confirm that there is no link between the two events and this is is reality a motor car engine?
Title: Engine technology found and lost (Re: billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on September 20, 2012, 07:40:03 PM
Howdy Doc, Mike, and WeatherCat Automobile enthusiasts . . . .

The latest word is . . . . there has been a slip-up in the delivery scheme and the engine won't arrive until tomorrow afternoon.  The trouble with that is that there is a party called "Dancing with the Cars" the night before the show and the engine would be now arriving in the middle of the frantic preparations for that.  Last I heard, Orinda Motors didn't want the engine if it would arrive that late.  However, they are already in panic mode and haven't called me back to tell me what they want to do.

Could somebody - please - take Murphy off my back!!

OK, that's going to use more gas than my truck!   [lol]

Well, only getting the engine in the car and actually driving it will tell.  It is supposed to be very thrifty by design though.

Edouard the engine looks bigger than my car, its huge, but looking so great. Can't wait for the next installment, i.e. when its installed and working. Are you doing that bit yourself?

No, I'll have the fellows at Orinda Motors install the engine.  I know "amateurs" do this sort of thing, but at 650 lbs. (295 Kg.) that's more weight than I want to deal with!!

I did hear that the last Space Shuttle will make its final journey today. Can I just confirm that there is no link between the two events and this is is reality a motor car engine?

Yup, looks like my engine will be sitting in a depot only a few miles from where it needs to be when the Space Shuttle flies by.

Actually, breaks my heart to see all the fuss they are making about these retired shuttles.  If Americans cared enough about these machines, we would by flying the next-generation shuttle instead of sitting on our hands wondering why we lost our lead in space technology.  All of sudden the U.S. Air Force and a few private ventures have started to look at the supersonic jet-engine technology needed to really make a shuttle cost-effective.  When I was a kid, it was expected that hybrid aircraft-rocket launch vehicles would be commonplace by 1980.  30 years later, . . . . all of a sudden people are interested in the idea again.  Too little, too late . . . .

Oh well,  :(

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Randall75 on September 20, 2012, 08:42:11 PM
Hi Edouard
 Sorry about the mess up on delivery But I thought from the pics you showed early a bout a month ago that you had it already, did you have to send it off to get something else done
The pics you posted earlier already had the carb on it
I was hoping to see the wagon popping wheelies by now [lol2]
 [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: embayweather on September 20, 2012, 10:34:40 PM
I am with you on those thoughts Edouard. A HUGE loss to mankind. I saw the supposed replacement for the shuttle, I think it was called Orion. It seemed to be something of an embarrassment and a return to forty years ago. And as for sending American astronauts to and American space station on Russian rockets. You guys must cringe every time. Something went mighty wrong somewhere along the line. When I was a child I remember reading how there were plans to have a human on Mars before the end of the century. Ho hum.
Still looking forward to when your shop is on the launch pad, pity you cannot get sound on these forums.

Best wishes

Mike
Title: It's . . . . HERE!! (Re: One assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on September 22, 2012, 12:54:36 AM
Howdy WeatherCat Automotive Enthusiasts,

The engine for my trusty wagon arrived just in the nick of time.  It arrived this morning when the show starts tonight.  For those who appreciate mechanical "sculpture," here are a few pretty pics:

(http://www.canebas.org/Automotive/V8_Buick/Engine%20arrival%20photos/Engine%20starboard%20front.jpg)
(http://www.canebas.org/Automotive/V8_Buick/Engine%20arrival%20photos/Engine%20port%20side.jpg)
(http://www.canebas.org/Automotive/V8_Buick/Engine%20arrival%20photos/Engine%20rear%20view.jpg)
(http://www.canebas.org/Automotive/V8_Buick/Engine%20arrival%20photos/Engine%20starboard%20side.jpg)
(http://www.canebas.org/Automotive/V8_Buick/Engine%20arrival%20photos/Engine%20top%20front%20view%20.jpg)

The engine is so pretty it almost seems a pity to put it into a car . . . . almost that is!!

Stay tuned for a few car show pictures tomorrow!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Survived the car show. (Re: One assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on September 23, 2012, 10:56:10 PM
Howdy WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

Well I survived the Orinda Classic Car show.  Here is one quick picture to prove the point:

(http://www.canebas.org/Automotive/V8_Buick/Orinda%20car%20show%202012/Biquette%20at%20car%20show.jpg)

Now its time to get this puppy installed and actually running in the car!!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]

P.S. I know, around here I should call it a kitten, but have you ever heard of a 600 pound kitten?  [lol2]
Title: Da' work has finally begun. (Re: One assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on February 27, 2013, 10:15:44 PM
Dear WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

For those of you still curious about the status of my 1965 Buick wagon, I can report that at last work on installing the new engine and a whole lot more has started.  Because of my greed in wanting air conditioning, the work will be done from the "inside out."  First the dash is being modified to take the cabin-side air-conditioner components.  That is because the location of the refrigerant and heater hoses needs to be established before the engine bay can be closed and painted.  Only then can the new engine be fitted into its new home.

On Monday, the shop dismantled the dash:

(http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Dashboard-repainting/i-gS2jTDL/0/XL/IMG_2177-XL.jpg)

They also corrected the hole I had made for the passenger-side A/C vent.  You can see the welds used to build up the metal.  I took the car over to the body shop this morning so the dash can be painted before it is put back together.  So progress is being made and I hope that soon this burden will finally stop overwhelming my free time so I can pursue some leisure related to weather!

Apologies for the inconvenience and thanks for your support!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]

P.S.  By the way I owe Steve a special thanks for his nudging me to use the SmugMug photo sharing service.  That should make my life a lot easier.  Thanks Steve!  [tup]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Doc on March 02, 2013, 05:39:55 AM
Love that Dash Board, Ah the radio gear I could stuff in there would make it loads of fun!
Title: That's what - *YOU* - think! (Re: One assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on March 02, 2013, 09:07:41 PM
Howdy Doc and mobile weather fans,  . . . . . .

Love that Dash Board, Ah the radio gear I could stuff in there would make it loads of fun!

 ;) Oh Na' ya' don't!!  Somehow the aftermarket air conditioner unit has to fit in there.  It is supposed'Ta  . . . . . but I sure will feel better when it does.  It sure is a big box!   

On the other hand, perhaps I could fit all that radio and weather monitoring gear into a nice "mature" Airstream travel trailer.  There are three of them built in the 1960s on eBay right now  . . . . . . . . 

Sure could get myself into a heap of trouble real-fast!!   [banghead]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: WCDev on March 02, 2013, 09:49:28 PM
Nice dash!

Coincidentally, me and a friend spent six hours today under my dash ripping it apart to replace the heater matrix o-rings that have been leaking for the last couple of months. Amazing number of air ducts needed to be 'bent' out of the way/cut/removed to get at them (and then re-assembled). ?1 in parts, 12 hours labour (the dealer wanted > ?1000).

One of those jobs with a real scary moment when you realise you have to run the engine up and hope the new rings are in properly - if not you know the interior is going to get about a gallon of coolant emptied into it real quick. Luckily they are and now we're nice and dry again  :)

However, all I can do now is lie here, groaning and wondering just how many muscles (I didn't know I had) can either a). seize up or b). create unimaginable pain.

Time for bed  [bed]

(You should definitely get the trailer BTW, great fun!)
Title: Congrats on the repair! (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on March 03, 2013, 09:56:30 PM
Howdy Stu and WeatherCat fans who are also car caregivers,

Coincidentally, me and a friend spent six hours today under my dash ripping it apart to replace the heater matrix o-rings that have been leaking for the last couple of months. Amazing number of air ducts needed to be 'bent' out of the way/cut/removed to get at them (and then re-assembled). ?1 in parts, 12 hours labour (the dealer wanted > ?1000).

Glad you were able to heal the patient.  Working under the dash is always miserable.

One of those jobs with a real scary moment when you realise you have to run the engine up and hope the new rings are in properly - if not you know the interior is going to get about a gallon of coolant emptied into it real quick. Luckily they are and now we're nice and dry again  :)

That's an especially unpleasant part of working on the HVAC.  Electrical isn't fun, but you aren't going to ruin the carpet when you start it.  I sure hope this aftermarket air conditioning system for my wagon is plenty beefy.  It is a single box with the heater core and evaporator.  If it breaks, you got to take the dash apart and send it back to the factory.

However, all I can do now is lie here, groaning and wondering just how many muscles (I didn't know I had) can either a). seize up or b). create unimaginable pain.

Hope you have a good night sleep and have an easy day tomorrow!!

(You should definitely get the trailer BTW, great fun!)

I'm just trying to get a sense of the market right now.  However, I'm amazed at the number of pre-1970 trailers compared to afterwards.  It almost seems that none survived until after 2000.  However, perhaps that makes more sense than it would appear.  The 1973 and 1978 oil crisis must have really hit the travel trailer industry hard and it never fully recovered until the rise of the SUV.  However, what I'm seeing so far is that you really can find a mid-60s travel trailer that is either restored or in good condition.  If you want to tow something with a 1965 wagon, sure makes sense to tow something of a similar vintage!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: WCDev on March 03, 2013, 11:29:12 PM
If you want to tow something with a 1965 wagon, sure makes sense to tow something of a similar vintage!

Sounds like a lot of work to me :)
Title: Maybe I'll get one "already worked on!" (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on March 04, 2013, 11:07:29 PM
Howdy Stu and WeatherCat vacation travelers,

If you want to tow something with a 1965 wagon, sure makes sense to tow something of a similar vintage!

Sounds like a lot of work to me :)

Yes indeed Stu, you are very wise! (http://www.canebas.org/Weather/LWC_forum/Custom_emoticons/scholarly_teacher.gif)   In this case, I might get a trailer that has already been restored.  One restoration project is enough trauma for a lifetime!!  [banghead]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Da' engine has landed. (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on July 29, 2013, 09:42:49 PM
Dear WeatherCat fans following this particular automobile soap opera,

Just a quick update on my trusty billy-goat station wagon.  True to form everything is going more slowly that it should.  Nonetheless, there was a major milestone on Saturday.  The 448 cid (7.3 liter) engine finally got put into the engine bay:

(http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-engine-installed/i-f2wnvVf/0/L/IMG_2816-L.jpg) (http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-engine-installed/30786578_8j55bg#!i=2662337643&k=f2wnvVf&lb=1&s=A)

Guess what, now that the engine is inside - a whole new batch of problems have shown up.  Probably the most serious is that the air conditioning compressor appears to be mounted too high on the engine.  At the moment the hood would not be able to close!!

In other words, the project is continuing just as it has until now  . . . . . . .  (http://www.canebas.org/Weather/LWC_forum/Custom_emoticons/D%27oh.gif)

Stay tuned for the next installment in this "mellardrama."

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Randall75 on July 29, 2013, 11:02:48 PM
Hi Edouard
 Give it a big Hood Scoup  [biggrin]


Cheers
 [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: WCDev on July 30, 2013, 04:51:59 PM
Did you really say 7.3 litres???  :) That's a lot of displacement!
Title: Scoop suggested and . . . . really big! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on July 30, 2013, 09:34:44 PM
Hi Randall, Stu, and "viewers" of the Biquette soap opera,

Give it a big Hood Scoup  [biggrin]

Well, what do ya' know  . . . . . .  that is exactly what Greg, the master mechanic doing this work first suggested he saw the problem. . . . .

Ahem,  I politely informed him - request denied!! (http://www.canebas.org/Weather/LWC_forum/Custom_emoticons/noway.gif)

Although I must confess that adding to Biquette the 1967 Buick Gran Sport hood scoops is tempting.

Did you really say 7.3 litres???  :) That's a lot of displacement!

Uh yes, it is a rather LARGE engine!!  I'm definitely in uncharted waters here.  However, the engine design is very much for high-efficiency.  The big-block Buick engines are a favorite among drag-racers.   But the race I'm hoping to win is fuel-economy.  We'll see!!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: embayweather on July 31, 2013, 10:43:46 PM
You could always take out the air con and open a window solves the size problem and fuel consumption at a stroke. Mmmm, thinking what my brother has been saying about the weather in San Jose perhaps not. Worth a thought for the less challenging months thought.

Best wishes

Mike

Thanks for keeping us informed on this amazing project
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Randall75 on July 31, 2013, 10:56:11 PM
Hi Edouard
 FUEL Economy with 7.3 liter come on you know you are going to Hot Rod it  [biggrin]


but maybe if you keep the foot out of it you just might get what you want [interesting]


Your mechanic  is right you know  [lol2]


cheers
 [cheers1]
Sit back and  [beer]  about 20 or 30 and see what happens
Title: JW got 20 MPG with one of these. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on August 02, 2013, 01:12:40 AM
Howdy Randall and WeatherCat automobile enthusiasts,

FUEL Economy with 7.3 liter come on you know you are going to Hot Rod it  [biggrin]

Actually as a driver I'm mostly "Mr. Meek," so I have no idea how I'll find driving my trusty wagon will be.

But there is a school of thought that big engines running at a very low RPM can give you excellent fuel economy and Jim Weise (JW) who built this engine has already built an engine that got 20 MPG basically as a accident.  This engine has been really engineered for fuel economy.  So it should do much better than that.

Ironically, that is also why it made 509 horsepower!!

but maybe if you keep the foot out of it you just might get what you want [interesting]

Your mechanic  is right you know  [lol2]

I'm certainly in unexplored territory.  In many ways I'm "building" a car that has never existed before.  So many things are being changed that the car may feel unfamiliar.  Just one small problem with "building a car."  Once you've got everything in pieces - you've absolutely, positively got to put the pieces back together or  . . . . .  no car!  >:(

Latest problem, the new air conditioner takes more space under the dash so the glove compartment box doesn't fit!!  So I'm going to try to custom fabricate a new one that still looks like the original.

Oh well!!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Before and after interior photos (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on September 25, 2013, 10:07:03 PM
Dear WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

I promised to share some photos of the completed interior of my trusty 1965 Buick Special wagon.  As a teaser, here is a photo showing the instrument cluster from the driver's side:

(http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Dashboard-before-and-after/i-rN4CpK5/0/L/IMG_1888-L.jpg) (http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Dashboard-before-and-after/i-rN4CpK5/A)

Here is what that same view looks like now:

(http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Dashboard-before-and-after/i-nH2swKL/0/L/IMG_3209-L.jpg) (http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Dashboard-before-and-after/i-nH2swKL/A)

A lot of the restoration work for dashboard components fell in my lap and I've never done anything like this before in my life.  So I'm really, really pleased with how this as all turned out.  (http://www.canebas.org/Weather/LWC_forum/Custom_emoticons/yahoo.gif)  I think I've managed to really strike a good balance between preserving the car's 1960 roots and getting modern amenities. 

For those who are curious, I've got a slide show on Smug Mug showing a number of before and after views:

http://canebas.smugmug.com/photos/swfpopup.mg?AlbumID=32115467&AlbumKey=VZ3Zb4 (http://canebas.smugmug.com/photos/swfpopup.mg?AlbumID=32115467&AlbumKey=VZ3Zb4)

You can also go to the gallery were you have some additional options:

http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Dashboard-before-and-after (http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Dashboard-before-and-after)

So if you have been wondering what has been keeping me so busy - now you know!!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: wurzelmac on September 25, 2013, 10:43:50 PM
 [biggrin]  You are ... nuts, aren't you?  [wink]

Can't imagine what a lot of work and time you have spent to this car. But it looks as if it was worth it!


 [cheers1]
Cheers,
Reinhard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Randall75 on September 26, 2013, 06:00:44 PM
EDOUARD
 Your telling me that with al those fancy gauges tachs and so one that you won't be burning tires drag racing on the back streets and raising a little _ell in the that goat wagon? Yeah right!!!!!!!
does look good


cheers
 [cheers1]
Title: Cranky billy-goat drive (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on September 27, 2013, 01:30:34 AM
Dear Reinhard, Randall, and WeatherCat automobile enthusiasts,

Thanks for the praise.  This project most definitely got out of hand, but I'm very pleased with how the car looks inside and out.  Now the next challenge is to get the car to drive as nicely as it looks.  I got the unexpected pleasure to drive my trusty wagon home today.  The reason: the new hitch is so much lower than the old one that I wasn't sure the car could make it down our steep driveway without banging the hitch.

However, it was anything but a pleasant drive.  The fuel injection system is self-tuning.  However, the computer needs about 250 miles (400 Km) to get the engine to run smoothly.  I was the lucky guy to drive her on her first 6-8 miles (10-12 Km) of that tuning process.  That wasn't nearly enough to smooth the idle and she was one cranky car.  It wasn't as hard to handle as a hot-rod, but I sure hope the idle improves before too many more miles!

Thanks again for the kind word!  [spin]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]

P.S. Yes, the car can make it down the driveway to her stall in the garage!  :)
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: WCDev on September 27, 2013, 11:51:42 PM
Looking good Edouard!
Title: Lots of engine leaks. (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on October 09, 2013, 07:25:22 PM
Dear WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

Well the the billy-goat wagon soap opera sadly drags on.

It was sure looking like I would be bringing the car home by now.  Alas, as the test drives have been longer and the engine been allowed to warm-up to operating temperature, leaks have started to show up.  Both cylinder head gaskets are leaking.  The oil pan is leaking.  Now the rear crankshaft bearing seal is leaking.

The engine builder had hoped the problem was simply a matter of some loose bolts and offered to fly from Minneapolis, Minnesota to the San Francisco Bay area to try to repair the problem himself.  However a this point, it looks like the problems are more serious than a quick fix like that could cope with.

So I find myself trapped between a shop in California an engine builder thousands of miles away.  I have no idea how I am going to get myself out of this mess.  Definitely looks like this soap opera is going to drag on a few more installments.

Oh well, (http://www.canebas.org/Weather/LWC_forum/Custom_emoticons/shrug_shoulders_confused.gif)

Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on October 09, 2013, 07:30:11 PM
So sorry to hear that, after all the effort. Hang in there.
Title: Perhaps a simple solution after all (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on October 10, 2013, 09:24:13 PM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

Well, the engine builder seems to have come up with a reasonable explanation for all the leaks.  This engine is equipped with a crankcase breather to prevent the engine from becoming over-pressurized.  When the engine was tested on the dynamometer, a different breather was installed because it was handy.  The one that is presently on the engine has a baffle that is apparently over-pressurizing the engine.  That pressure has got go somewhere and the hypothesis is that is pushing oil and coolant out the seals.

The folks at Orinda Motors are running some tests right now to see if that is the problem.  Perhaps at least this episode of the soap opera won't be a protracted and miserable as it appeared.

Stay tuned . . . . .

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on October 11, 2013, 05:13:35 PM
Quote
This engine is equipped with a crankcase breather to prevent the engine from becoming over-pressurized.

Crankcase breathers were first required in cars beginning in 1961. Given that yours is a 1965 model, it seems to me that your engine builder is working on a good theory. Let's hope so!
Title: Jury still out. (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on October 11, 2013, 09:10:55 PM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

Crankcase breathers were first required in cars beginning in 1961. Given that yours is a 1965 model, it seems to me that your engine builder is working on a good theory. Let's hope so!

Yes the theory is good.  Alas, the latest pressure testing sure doesn't seem consistent with an over-pressurized crankcase  (http://www.canebas.org/Weather/LWC_forum/Custom_emoticons/question_mark_confused.gif) . . . . .  so . . . .  (http://www.canebas.org/Weather/LWC_forum/Custom_emoticons/pout.gif)

Email has been sent to the engine builder with the results.  Just have to wait to hear what he says.

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Da' Patient is finally home. (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on November 05, 2013, 09:58:27 PM
Dear WeatherCat Automotive enthusiasts,

Well it has taken over 3 years to reach this moment and it ain't over yet.  However, last Friday I brought my trusty wagon home for the first time 9 months.  I'm trying to drive the car as much as practical to get the engine broken in while the weather is still nice.  Yesterday I was able wash and wax the car - I haven't been able to wash my own car since 2009!!  This morning I took her out for a photo shoot with the autumn foliage in the area:

(http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-and-autumn-trees-2013/i-JSM3tp3/0/L/Biquette%20and%20red-leafed%20tree%20-%20starboard%20front-L.jpg) (http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-and-autumn-trees-2013/i-JSM3tp3/A)

Here is more of a side view:

(http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-and-autumn-trees-2013/i-bCXxn3R/0/L/Biquette%20at%20St.%20Anselm%27s%20-%20starboard%20front-L.jpg) (http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-and-autumn-trees-2013/i-bCXxn3R/A)

Finally a view of the station wagon end of things:

(http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-and-autumn-trees-2013/i-HFpzVtm/0/L/Biquette%20and%20yellow-leafed%20trees%20-%20port%20rear-L.jpg) (http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-and-autumn-trees-2013/i-HFpzVtm/A)

There are still problems.  The windshield wiper motor is out for warranty repairs, so the car cannot get caught in any rain.  The oil leaks continue, but they are clearly small as the oil level is holding steady.  I'm going to bring the car back to Orinda Motors for a review after all the miles I've put on the car, but I'm hoping I can take the engine through the break-in process before having Orinda Motors tackle the leaks.

Otherwise, it is a really amazing experience.  The high-performance exhaust is - well - rather loud!! . . .  but I'll get used to it.  The new air conditioner, stereo, instruments, everything seems to working just fine.  It isn't entirely a new car, but . . . . . something has definitely changed!

So hopefully this long ordeal is drawing to a close for me - I hope!! (http://www.canebas.org/Weather/LWC_forum/Custom_emoticons/pray.gif)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]

Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on November 06, 2013, 05:08:51 AM
CONGRATULATIONS!

Thanks for sharing the update. Nice photos. Enjoy.
Title: Thanks - it will take a while. (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on November 07, 2013, 11:11:42 PM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

CONGRATULATIONS!

Thanks, it's been a long hard road to get this far!!

Thanks for sharing the update. Nice photos. Enjoy.

Well, "enjoy" might be premature.  This morning the air conditioner refused to work.  The electronic fuel injection clearly isn't self-tuning as it should.  The engine seems to be struggling when it shouldn't have any difficulty.  I think there are going to be a bunch of little things that will need to be straightened out one item at a time.  It is just too drastic a set of changes.  So I'm in for a prolonged shakedown period.  I think it is typical for this sort of restoration-modification.  So, . . . . . still got to give my wagon plenty of . . . luv!

The good news is that the engine builder has decided to fly out and replace the head gaskets, so that problem should get solved in a proper way.

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Final injury of a really lousy year. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on December 31, 2013, 10:55:43 PM
Dear WeatherCat automobile enthusiasts,

It hasn't been a very good year for my trusty wagon and it ended with just one more dig.

I made another run to further calibrate the self-tuning fuel-injection system and stopped by a drug-store to grab a few items.  When I came out of the store look at what I found:

(http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Paint-chipped-on-Biquettes/i-bgD6pTk/0/M/IMG_3371-M.jpg) (http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Paint-chipped-on-Biquettes/i-bgD6pTk/A)

Yup, some inconsiderable person had slammed door against my car and chipped the paint quite severely.  >:(

The damage looks too serious for the old paintbrush and touch-up paint trick.  So the car will have to head back to the body shop to have that damage repaired.

I had parked away from the store and had an empty space on either side of the car when I arrived.  The miscreant didn't stick around for me to call them on the carpet.  So much for common courtesy.

Man, oh, man am I glad this year is finally coming to an end!!  I've had enough of the 13-jinx blues!! (http://www.canebas.org/Weather/LWC_forum/Custom_emoticons/rant.gif)

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Randall75 on January 01, 2014, 03:28:23 AM
Hi Edouard
 Sorry to here about the mishap on the wagon
 But I wish you a Happy New Year


cheers


 [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: WCDev on January 01, 2014, 04:35:52 PM
Ouch! Hopefully it's not too costly to put right Edouard.
Title: Definitely bad for my morale (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on January 01, 2014, 09:31:49 PM
Hi Randall, Stu, and WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

I would hope it won't be to expensive or time consuming to have the body shop touch up these small areas.  Where it hurts is in my morale.  This paint job is essentially brand new since the car hasn't been driven much with the engine problems.  If I cannot make even quick errands with this car, it really becomes a white elephant.  I may be able to fix the car, but there ain't a thing I can do to make people more courteous and polite.  What's an honest classic car lover supposed to do? (http://www.canebas.org/Weather/LWC_forum/Custom_emoticons/shrug_shoulders_confused.gif)

Oh well,
Edouard
Title: Wagon starting to earn her keep! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on January 10, 2014, 08:31:21 PM
Dear WeatherCat automobile enthusiasts,

So why you ask would go to so much effort and expensive to keep alive an old station wagon?

Does, THIS answer your question?  [biggrin]

(http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-first-load-of/i-zrL8Qjm/0/L/IMG_3422-L.jpg) (http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-first-load-of/i-zrL8Qjm/A)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]

P.S. It is only 70 pounds of birdseed, but after all she is just starting to get back to duty!  ;D
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on January 11, 2014, 04:15:55 PM
I like your all-weather cargo mat. Also, the old school lack of headrests is nicely visible from this angle. Drive on!
Title: That reminds me! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on January 11, 2014, 07:12:08 PM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat Automotive enthusiasts,

I like your all-weather cargo mat.

Actually that is one of those "you-cut-em yourself" kits that I picked up at a discount auto parts place.  I really should remove that mat and take a look underneath.  There is nice carpeting in the cargo area - I hope!  I haven't seen that carpeting since 2012!! (http://www.canebas.org/Weather/LWC_forum/Custom_emoticons/eek2.gif)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Randall75 on January 11, 2014, 07:20:06 PM
Hi Edouard
 So since you are getting the  [banghead]  out of it and getting to use it a little more did you squeal the tires in it yet or are you just taking it easy on the billy goat  [biggrin]


cheers


 [cheers1]
Title: Already got two "kills" . . . . (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on January 11, 2014, 11:01:18 PM
Howdy Randall and WeatherCat "performance automobile enthusiasts" . . . .

So since you are getting the  [banghead]  out of it and getting to use it a little more did you squeal the tires in it yet or are you just taking it easy on the billy goat  [biggrin]

Well yes and no.  No squealing of tires, but Biquette and I already have two "kills" (slang for beating an opponent at the turning of a green street light.)

Of course, both kills were of the ambush variety.  In fact one was completely accidental and the other was for the sake of safety.

Nonetheless for my trusty wagon, they both must have been very satisfying.  The first one was a Subaru Forester SUV.  SUVs nearly made station wagons go extinct.  The second was an even better case of "just desserts."  It was a very late model Mercedes crossover wagon.  Mercedes owners are specially snobby, but at least one has a new found respect for American Muscle!!

After what my car has gone through and after all, having her 49th birthday in May, it was high time that she get a little more respect!!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]

P.S. And how do I know that I got a "kill"? . . . . .   Well, remember that Biquette now has a very loud aggressive exhaust and I noted that in both cases, these cars very timidly followed behind Biquette, staying behind by a very long margin!!  :D
Title: Spring pick-me-up photos (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on February 24, 2014, 09:32:00 PM
Dear WeatherCat fans,

It has been a little slow on the WeatherCat forum, so I thought I would share with you'all a few photos of Spring in California:

(http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-and-spring-flowers/i-w2gZ6tM/0/L/Biquette%20and%20tulip%20tree-L.jpg) (http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-and-spring-flowers/i-w2gZ6tM/A)

(http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-and-spring-flowers/i-x8PMDfn/0/L/Biquette%20and%20plum%20trees-L.jpg) (http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-and-spring-flowers/i-x8PMDfn/A)

(http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-and-spring-flowers/i-9pKbkCm/0/L/Biquette%20and%20plum%20tree-L.jpg) (http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-and-spring-flowers/i-9pKbkCm/A)

Every year, I try to get out my trusty wagon for a few photos among the spring flowering trees.  After all my reports about the drought, I had to take these photos in a hurry.  We are expecting two very juicy storms later this week.  If we manage to get a wet spring after all, that might be enough water to refill the reservoirs to the point where minimal rationing would be needed.  Better still (I think) there is now a prediction that next year would be an El Nino year that would mean (normally) a greater than normal rainfall season.  Perhaps there is hope for California!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on February 24, 2014, 09:35:57 PM
Edouard:

Nice photography - a great blend of splendid car with beautiful spring blossoms.
Title: Patient comes home - without an engine. (Re: billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on April 22, 2014, 10:00:26 PM
Dear WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

Yesterday was the big day.  My trusty wagon was secured as best as could be done and a flat-bed transport truck brought her back home to wait until her engine is properly repaired.  Even if the journey was only 5 miles (8 Km,) delays wasted most of the afternoon and there was a quite a struggle turning the car 90˚ to get into her stall without an engine.

Fortunately, with the help of a tow chain, the mission was accomplished and da' Patent was resting as comfortably as circumstances permit:

(http://canebas.smugmug.com/photos/i-ghHLKn6/0/XL/i-ghHLKn6-XL.jpg)

The engine will be picked up by the shipper this afternoon for the journey to Arizona and the "forensic investigation" into what went wrong.

Stay tuned . . .

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on April 22, 2014, 10:06:25 PM
Thanks for the update, although I can't believe you don't trust everyone on the Inter Webs with your vehicle license plate numbers.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Steve on April 23, 2014, 02:23:24 AM
I hope things get sorted with the engine this time, Edouard!

I'm well into my engine build for the MGA. Block, head, crank, etc. have all been cleaned, machined, balanced, and ready for assembly. Thousand$ in new parts have been purchased, unobtainable parts have been rebuilt my master machinists. Engine assembly should start next week, and then the builder will come and get the car to swap engines. We're upgrading from a previously mediocre running 1497cc (before it seized) to a fully built 1840cc and from 69 HP to whatever the new engine will produce (stock 1800 is 100 HP.)

I hope my transplant goes much smoother than yours has!
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on April 23, 2014, 05:58:03 AM
Steve & Edouard:

I didn't realize there is a requirement to rebuild old cars if you are a personal weather station hobbyist. Thanks for the reports. Steve, post some photos.
Title: Best of Luck Steve!! (Re: billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on April 23, 2014, 09:34:45 PM
Hi Steve and WeatherCat Automotive enthusiasts,

I hope things get sorted with the engine this time, Edouard!

Thanks, I sure hope so too!!

I'm well into my engine build for the MGA. Block, head, crank, etc. have all been cleaned, machined, balanced, and ready for assembly. Thousand$ in new parts have been purchased, unobtainable parts have been rebuilt my master machinists. Engine assembly should start next week, and then the builder will come and get the car to swap engines. We're upgrading from a previously mediocre running 1497cc (before it seized) to a fully built 1840cc and from 69 HP to whatever the new engine will produce (stock 1800 is 100 HP.)

I hope my transplant goes much smoother than yours has!

I certainly hope your rebuild goes well!  The reputation is that smaller European engines require more meticulous rebuilding, but since you are going to specialists, your engine should get the love it deserves.

I'm certainly disappointed since I went with an engine builder with a very good reputation.  Alas, reputation alone is no guarantee.  Still hopefully I'm just the guy with the bad luck.

Best of Luck Steve!  [tup]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Steve on April 24, 2014, 04:01:28 AM
Steve & Edouard:

I didn't realize there is a requirement to rebuild old cars if you are a personal weather station hobbyist. Thanks for the reports. Steve, post some photos.

It is not a requirement, but all the cool kids are doing it. Stu spends as much time fixing his Land Rover, too.

Not to hijack Edouard's thread, but here's a link to some photos. CLICK ME (http://smorris.smugmug.com/The-Garage/1958-MGA-1500-Roadster)
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on April 24, 2014, 03:05:01 PM
Not to hijack Edouard's thread, but here's a link to some photos. CLICK ME (http://smorris.smugmug.com/The-Garage/1958-MGA-1500-Roadster)

I just went through much of your SmugMug postings. Wow! Nice photos and cool hobbies. What is your latest camera? And for that matter, what camera are you using Edouard?
Title: Beautiful MGA Roadster!! and too many pictures! (Re: billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on April 24, 2014, 11:58:35 PM
Hi Steve, Blick, and WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

It is not a requirement, but all the cool kids are doing it. Stu spends as much time fixing his Land Rover, too.

Yes indeed!  Not only that, but Stu already has the caravan that I'm only dreaming of!  [sleep]

Not to hijack Edouard's thread, but here's a link to some photos. CLICK ME (http://smorris.smugmug.com/The-Garage/1958-MGA-1500-Roadster)

Congrats Steve!  That's a wonderful looking roadster!  [tup]  I have a soft spot for those little runabouts.  In a perfect world, I would have one of those in my garage too.

The engine rebuild seems to be going well.  The engine looked in good condition when they pulled it out of the car.  It always helps to start with an engine that was always luved!  :)

And for that matter, what camera are you using Edouard?

I have a now somewhat dated Canon T1i/500D.  It has served me very well for many sorts of jobs from catching the birds on the feeder  :) to . . . . catching the leaks from the engine.  >:(

Thanks to Steve, I also have a SmugMug account.  Alas, unlike Steve, my galleries were created to either ask questions about a problem or to document specific parts of the car modification.  There are 52 galleries alone under the topic: "Drive Train makeover."  So I'll spare you'all any links until I can digest that information into something suitable for public viewing.  That was one of the reasons I wondering about WordPress.  The car has a very colorful story.  It would be nice to tell that story in a way that others could enjoy.

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Steve on April 25, 2014, 03:24:12 AM
I just went through much of your SmugMug postings. Wow! Nice photos and cool hobbies. What is your latest camera?

Thank you, sir! As the note on the home page says, having photography as a hobby comes in handy in documenting the other hobbies.

Cameras! Did someone say cameras? I've got a few... [img=http://www.morrisgarage.com/clique/]http://Click Me[/img]

Most of the photos were captured using my current Nikon D200 or my previous D70, both mid level Nikon "pro-sumer" dSLR cameras. Some are with various iPhones, or Sony and Canon pocket cameras. Click on the D200 link on the above linked page for the lenses and accessories I use.
Title: Waitin' . . . (Re: FYI: once assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on June 12, 2014, 09:27:40 PM
Dear Blick and fans of a certain billy-goat station wagon,

Well, . . . . since ya' asked . . . . . . . .

The news is . . . . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/Weather/LWC_forum/Custom_emoticons/th_smiley-fingertap-gigi.gif)

Obviously, the engine failure wasn't exactly "planned," therefore I couldn't schedule myself with the new engine builder T/A-Performance.

http://www.taperformance.com/ (http://www.taperformance.com/)

T/A-Performance is actually a manufacturer/retailer of Buick engine performance parts and only build engines as a side activity.  The recently introduced an aluminum reproduction of the original Buick big-block that can be used for engines developing over 2000 horsepower.  They have orders for 3 or 4 of these all aluminum engines that still haven't been finished.  The engine for my trusty wagon is in the back of that queue - so clearly it is going to be a while.

In the meantime, I'm going to clean up, refurbish, and upgrade anything that is easily accessible.  I finished up restoring the front parking light housings and managed to grab some New Old Stock (NOS) parking light lenses off of eBay.  I hoped to upgrade the running lights to LEDs, but I can't find a combination that would fit and produce more light than the original incandescent bulbs - oddly enough.  There is a halogen headlight upgrade kit I'm planning to install, stuff like that.

However, for the most part it is . . . . . .  (http://www.canebas.org/Weather/LWC_forum/Custom_emoticons/th_smiley-fingertap-gigi.gif)

Oh well, . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/Weather/LWC_forum/Custom_emoticons/shrug_shoulders_confused.gif)

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Rear crankshaft thrust bearing failed. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on December 17, 2014, 09:37:39 PM
Dear WeatherCat Automobile enthusiasts,

The engine builder who now has the big-block engine for my trusty wagon had some unexpected free time and started tearing down the engine.  They found that the rear thrust bearing has been overloaded and failed.  There was some sort of excessive force pushing into the engine from the back.  The crankshaft has been damaged and they might have to replace the crankshaft.  There was no obvious reason for the bearing failure within the engine.  So other factors need to be checked like perhaps the transmission.

The engine builder will shutdown at the end of the week for a holiday break, so progress will halt until after the first of the year.  However, at least there is some progress to report.

That's all the news to this moment!

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on December 17, 2014, 10:06:44 PM
Nice start to the Holidays.
Title: It ain't over til . . . (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on December 18, 2014, 10:53:06 PM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat admirers of "mature" automobiles,

Nice start to the Holidays.

Well, yes and no.  I just got a call from the engine builder proposing that the crankshaft be repaired by welding, instead of replaced.  I'm not metallurgist, but doing any sort of welding on an engine crankshaft just seems very wrong.  So I vetoed that proposal.  I can see it is going to take some prodding to get this engine finally built to my standards.

Also according to the builder's plate, Biquette was assembled between May 3-7, 1965.  At the rate this project is going, odds are really slim the engine will be back in the car before May 2015.  Kinda sad that the car won't be operational for her 50th birthday. (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/pout.gif)

Oh well, . . . .  (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/shrug_shoulders_confused.gif)

Edouard

Title: Sad way for a car to spend her 50th birthday (Re: billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on May 03, 2015, 10:20:03 PM
Dear WeatherCat Automobile enthusiasts,

According to the builder?s plate, my trusty wagon rolled off the Fremont, CA assembly line the first week of May 1965.  The first work-week of May 1965 ran from May 3-7.  So somewhere between today and Thursday, Biquette will be 50 years ago.  Alas, this is what she looks like and will remain this week.

(http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Inoperable-on-50th/i-GXpHhRq/0/XL/Biquette%20at%2050%20-%20front-XL.jpg)

(http://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Inoperable-on-50th/i-4BVTVHf/0/XL/Biquette%20at%2050%20-%20rear-XL.jpg)

There is hope.  TA-Performance is in the process of reassembling the engine and hopefully it will be headed back for installation by June or so.  Still as the months went by, I could see that Biquette?s 50th birthday was going to end up like this.  Definitely a really low moment for me . . . .  :(

Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on May 03, 2015, 10:47:06 PM
Cheer up Dude. Except for the engine, it looks great! Look on the bright side, you are all ready to go with a new air filter as soon as you get an engine upon which to put it. The body work looks amazing. Let's hope this time the engine is ready to roll.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Steve on May 04, 2015, 02:45:19 PM
Happy Biquette Birthday! :) My MGA just celebrated its 57th last week, built April 29/29, 1958. Our cars are quickly approaching our own age, percentage wise.  [biggrin]
Title: A "few" things left to do. (Re: billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on May 04, 2015, 09:26:05 PM
Dear Steve, Blick, and WeatherCat automobile enthusiasts,

Happy Biquette Birthday! :) My MGA just celebrated its 57th last week, built April 29/29, 1958. Our cars are quickly approaching our own age, percentage wise.  [biggrin]

Yes, with these "mature" vehicles odd things can happen.  I have dated women younger than my car!  [biggrin]

Look on the bright side, you are all ready to go with a new air filter as soon as you get an engine upon which to put it.

Well, that's a story on to itself.  The big-block engine is a bit "bigger" than the engine bay was designed for.  The engine does fit, but a standard 3 inch filter is so tall that the wing nut was going right through the hood insulation and was very close to the underside of the hood itself! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/eek-sign.gif)  I discovered this shortly before the engine failed and visited my local auto parts store.  It turns out there are filters that are the same diameter but only 2-1/2" tall.  That's why that filter is so clean, it was hardly used before the engine failed.

However, to make a story longer, I need to replace the hood insulation that was damaged by that, and obviously, it would be good to do that before the engine comes back.  However, I've - still - not finished the headlight relay wiring.   So it is something of a race and at the moment - I'm losing!

The body work looks amazing.

Well, not quite there either.  There is a ding on the driver's side door and some trim that needs to be upgraded.  So once the drive-train is working, she'll have to pay a visit to the body shop . . . . . .

It just - never - stops!!! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/D'oh.gif)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: IT IS *ALIVE*!!!! (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on July 03, 2015, 10:07:39 PM
Dear WeatherCat Automotive enthusiasts, . . . .

I got a phone call late yesterday from the new engine builder.  The engine has been finally run and passed with flying colors!  HURRAY!!  [cheer]

Because of a flaw in the way I try to block calls while driving, I didn't get a chance to speak with him in person and we are in the middle of a long weekend to commemorate United States Independence day.  On Monday, I'll hook up with him, get all the details (including the bill (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/dollar.gif) ), and do whatever it takes to reunite my trusty wagon with her now working engine!

Stay tuned!!  . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/tune_in_TV_emoticon.gif)

Cheers, Edouard  :)
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on July 04, 2015, 01:13:11 AM
Quote
whatever it takes to reunite my trusty wagon with her now working engine
Maybe you can use PoE!
Title: You MUST be joking!! (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on July 04, 2015, 11:14:53 PM
Dear X-Air and WeatherCat "power freaks" . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/car_3gears.gif)

Quote
whatever it takes to reunite my trusty wagon with her now working engine
Maybe you can use PoE!

After your experiences with it . . . you MUST be joking!!  :o

Besides, what I recall of the PoE specs, 500 horsepower seems a bit much to run over PoE! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/car_3gears.gif)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on July 05, 2015, 12:42:40 AM
They just have to be very small horses...
Title: Re: IT IS *ALIVE*!!!! (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: Blicj11 on July 05, 2015, 03:49:51 AM
The engine has been finally run and passed with flying colors!

So pleased to hear that. I know you are relieved.

Maybe you can use PoE!

Love a man with a sense of humor.
Title: Sad news and jinx? (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on July 25, 2015, 11:19:31 PM
Dear WeatherCat Automotive enthusiasts,

There was some sad news at the shop that is putting the finishing touches on the repaired engine for my trusty wagon.  The father of the owner died suddenly last weekend.  He was struggling with a difficult cancer, but it appeared he was winning the battle.  He sat down to watch some television and was found dead shortly after that.

Obviously that isn't making it any easier to get this engine finally out the door.  There is another odd coincidence.  The father of the first engine builder also died while the engine was being built the first time.  This engine sure is having a run of tough luck.

Oh well, . . . . Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on July 25, 2015, 11:47:43 PM
That engine is a killer.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on July 26, 2015, 01:00:57 AM
Quote
This engine sure is having a run of tough luck.
Uhmn... I hope the thing gets back to you soon, but I doubt you will ever find another firm to work on it!!! :o
Title: One tough cookie (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on July 26, 2015, 10:25:49 PM
Dear Blick, X-Air, and WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts, . . .

That engine is a killer.

I sure hope not!  I'm supposed to drive my wagon with this engine!  However, jinxed this engine may be, Biquette is one amazing car.  In 50 years of service, she has never failed leaving us on the side of the road and never had to be towed anywhere.  The first time she was ever transported was after the accident of November 2010 and it was more a matter of handling a car of her "mature years."  Of course once she lost her engine, she also had to be transported home.

Even so, she somehow manages to get to a repair shop before things go wrong.  When I took her for the first time to Orinda Motors in 2010, the guys complained that the left-rear door wouldn't open.  It has been hard to open for decades, but it didn't fail - until she was at the shop.

Even more amazing, while the new engine did lose a bearing, she made it to Orinda Motors under her own power before the problem was discovered.  This wagon is one tough cookie!

Uhmn... I hope the thing gets back to you soon, but I doubt you will ever find another firm to work on it!!! :o

I hope this time, this engine lasts 50 years!!  That is what it was supposed to do!!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Wagon and engine reunited. (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on September 15, 2015, 12:03:46 AM
Dear WeatherCat fans of a certain "assertive" 1965 Buick Special station wagon,

Well, it has been a very long wait, but TA-Performance finally managed to finish putting back together the engine for my trusty wagon.  It arrived about 2 weeks before the Orinda Classic Car show.  At that point Orinda Motors was completely swamped with other classics needing some luv' before the show.  The crew over there worked really hard and managed to clear a few days for the engine installation.  My wagon was transported to the shop, a week ago Tuesday and the engine was "installed" on Friday.  That was cutting it real close since the show was Saturday!  The installation isn't quite complete.  After looking over our options to have the transmission checked out, we decided to instead get another TH200-4R from a more reputable rebuilding specialist.  So my wagon still cannot run.  However her new engine is oh so beautiful!

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/photos/i-4DFVwTV/0/L/i-4DFVwTV-L.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-TAPerformance-engine/n-bHmRZ2/i-4DFVwTV/A)

Here is the tour moving toward the front:

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/photos/i-FRVHghJ/0/L/i-FRVHghJ-L.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-TAPerformance-engine/n-bHmRZ2/i-FRVHghJ/A)

Here is the straight on front view:

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/photos/i-478Ltcg/0/L/i-478Ltcg-L.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-TAPerformance-engine/n-bHmRZ2/i-478Ltcg/A)

Here is the in between driver's side view:

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/photos/i-d35btQW/0/L/i-d35btQW-L.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-TAPerformance-engine/n-bHmRZ2/i-d35btQW/A)

Finally the driver's side:

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/photos/i-zG6cXtj/0/L/i-zG6cXtj-L.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-TAPerformance-engine/n-bHmRZ2/i-zG6cXtj/A)

Here are two more photos during the car show itself.  Here's one with a driver's side angle:

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/photos/i-gMmckMj/0/L/i-gMmckMj-L.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-TAPerformance-engine/n-bHmRZ2/i-gMmckMj/A)

Finally a look at her chrome grill with the engine behind:

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/photos/i-PHjZ8zL/0/L/i-PHjZ8zL-L.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-TAPerformance-engine/n-bHmRZ2/i-PHjZ8zL/A)

She certainly isn't ready for any cross-country trips yet, but at least she is getting closer to becoming a operable car once more.

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on September 15, 2015, 05:00:25 AM
This has been quite a saga. Loved the pics; thanks for sharing.
Title: She has come back to life!!! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on November 09, 2015, 03:43:53 AM
Dear WeatherCat classic car enthusiasts,

My trusty wagon has been conspicuous in taking up huge amounts of my time, but until now has suffered from a serious shortcoming - no engine.

As a quick recap, the story starts back in April 2014 when after only 3-months of operation, a lot of shards of non-ferrous metal were found in the oil pan - at least one bearing had failed.  At this point, I asked Mike Tomaszewski and TA-Performance if he would be willing to take on this patient.  Thankfully, he consented and thus started the long and twisted path to heading to my wagon?s return to health. 

By December 2014 Mike finally was able to dismantle the engine and determine it was the rear main crankshaft bearing that had failed, damaging the crankshaft in the process.  Unfortunately, TA-Performance had a large backlog of engine orders based on their aluminum big-block, so my wagon just had to wait her turn.

At last report Biquette had successfully made her presence at the Orinda classic car show - alas, minus a transmission!  The reason was that the original GM 200-4R overdrive transmission was considered a suspect in having caused the rear main bearing to fail.  In addition it was leaking profusely.  Rather than taking a chance with it, I decided to go with a new 200-4R from Art Carr?s California Performance transmissions.  One reason for this choice was that Art Carr promised me a transmission in 2-weeks.  Getting the old transmission repaired would have meant sending it back to the builder in New York.  That likely would have taken many months.

Well, two weeks came and . . . where?s the transmission?  Art Carr was backlogged and 2 weeks became a month.  Okay, if you own a classic you?ve got to be patient.  Sure enough a 200-4R was finally delivered but it had . . . . a surprise!

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/photos/i-6Xg5jsq/0/XL/i-6Xg5jsq-XL.jpg)

Yup, that?s a nasty crack in the case at the base of the bell.  Art Carr is now shipping transmission by strapping them down to a wooden platform.  It appears that they might have overtightened this transmission and stressed the case to the point it cracked.

At least Art Carr quickly responded and rushed another 200-4R in a week.  Soon the transmission was fitted and at last my wagon was able to run her engine for the first time in 18 months.  Here is a video of one of the first runs:

https://youtu.be/GY1RfXjlFyw (https://youtu.be/GY1RfXjlFyw)

Mostly the news is all good.  The engine starts very nicely and idles smoothly.  However, it was also stumbling when you first nudge the accelerator.  Even stranger, 3 of the spark-plugs were getting fouled.  After a bit of troubleshooting, it turned out that the distributor failed somewhere between the engine being test run in August and now.  So a another type of distributor was purchased that was more reliable.

With that problem solved it was time to see what this car could do.  How?s this as a first example!

https://youtu.be/V7q01MnNOQA (https://youtu.be/V7q01MnNOQA)

As the Orinda Motors classic car guru says in the video and that?s only 1/4 throttle!

Here is another run at about the same time:

https://youtu.be/78k1iZRJkF4 (https://youtu.be/78k1iZRJkF4)

The rough idle is actually part of the EZ-EFI self-tuning process.  It determines how to get a smooth idle by seeing how low it can go and then correcting for that.

I was able to bring my wagon home last Thursday and I?m tickled pink!  The engine was performing very poorly before.  It was extremely noisy and sluggish.  Now it is extremely responsive and it has more power than I think I really want!

Better still, the engine is much quieter with all the changes I?ve made, my wagon is much more pleasant to drive.  On the freeway the noise level is quiet enough to hear the stereo or have a conversation.  Even the Vintage Air air conditioner works extremely well.

Having been able to take my wagon outside, I took a second set of photos of the engine in it's very pleasing green and clear aluminum color scheme.  Here is the passenger side view:

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/photos/i-MX3j2qQ/0/XL/i-MX3j2qQ-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-TAPerformance-engine/n-bHmRZ2/i-MX3j2qQ/A)

Here is the ?in-between? view:

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/photos/i-JF3gfB5/0/XL/i-JF3gfB5-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-TAPerformance-engine/n-bHmRZ2/i-JF3gfB5/A)

Here is the front view:

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/photos/i-44WRpKH/0/XL/i-44WRpKH-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-TAPerformance-engine/n-bHmRZ2/i-44WRpKH/A)

Here is the driver?s side ?in-between? view:

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/photos/i-xZQsCDQ/0/XL/i-xZQsCDQ-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-TAPerformance-engine/n-bHmRZ2/i-xZQsCDQ/A)

Finally, here is the driver?s side view:

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/photos/i-7Qdvt7r/0/XL/i-7Qdvt7r-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-TAPerformance-engine/n-bHmRZ2/i-7Qdvt7r/A)

This whole project really goes back to the 1980s when my Dad and I daydreamed of modernizing our then 20 year old station wagon.  Many of things we talked about, like an overdrive transmission, seemed impossible then.  My Dad died of a brain tumor in 2000.  But before he died he asked that we take car of ?da? trusty wagon.?  It has been an awful long struggle, but I think he would have been really pleased to see how she has turned out!

I?m sorry to have left the WeatherCat community without as much of my services during this long process.  I certainly appreciate the support of everyone here.  Unfortunately, there is still some important work to do, but I should start getting a little more time.  Of course what would free up much more time is if it would really rain in California!  Then I couldn?t do much of anything else besides work at the computer!

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on November 09, 2015, 04:00:22 AM
As a father, I'm sure yours would be well pleased in your persistence and high standards! As a son, I know how important it is to do something for your would appreciate. [tup]

Well done and welcome back... pretty much! [rolleyes2]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Steve on November 09, 2015, 04:01:37 PM
Beautiful results to a classy classic, Edouard. Now, get out there and drive the daylights out of it before the snows start! (err, I mean before is sprinkles a little... ;) )
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Bull Winkus on November 09, 2015, 07:14:20 PM
At's what I'm talking about! Congratulations, Edouard! The end of your road of creative reconstruction is the beginning of new roads to conquer. I'm proud to call you friend!

 [rockon]
Title: Thanks!! (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on November 09, 2015, 11:00:34 PM
Dear X-Air, Steve, Herb, and WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

Thanks!!  It has been a very long struggle!  Honestly, I'm a little worried that my trusty wagon might be a bit too assertive now for towing, but in the meantime I'm definitely going to enjoy her - when I can!

Now, get out there and drive the daylights out of it before the snows start! (err, I mean before is sprinkles a little... ;) )

Well, it is too late!  This morning we got 0.43" of rain!!  (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/rain_happy.gif)  I want to drive my wagon, but until the drought is really over, rain always gets priority!

Perhaps she'll get out tomorrow, and if not, most likely on Thursday.

Thanks again everybody!  :)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on November 10, 2015, 05:29:44 AM
Well done mate! I have followed the saga via your posts and am so pleased that you are where you are and not where you were.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Randall75 on November 10, 2015, 02:27:43 PM
Hi Edouard
 Glad things are starting to look your way.
But now since I have your license plate number I think I should call the police and report it stolen.  [biggrin]


Good luck with bell housing and trany  [tup]


cheers


 [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on November 10, 2015, 04:20:52 PM
Quote from: Randall
I think I should call the police and report it stolen
You're too late, Randall, I called them yesterday! [lol]

Reminds me of the time I was sitting in a movie and they stopped the film to announce they had found a $50 bill in the lobby. [cheer] They asked that the owner please form a line at the snack bar...

Quote from: Edouard
my trusty wagon might be a bit too assertive now for towing
Don't know the laws in CA, but some states allow you to pull a second trailer behind your first one; your trusty, well-powered wagon followed by a 30' Airstream, with a 20' pontoon party barge behind it, and maybe a 10' dinghy bringing up the rear? (http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/xAirbusDriver/Thinking_zps6auyy8fj.gif) [rockon]
Title: Another tale and tractive effort (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on November 10, 2015, 10:28:51 PM
Dear Blick, Randall, X-Air and assertive wagon fans,

But now since I have your license plate number I think I should call the police and report it stolen.  [biggrin]

Bummer dude!  I really did try to keep Biquette's license plate a secret but it is just too hard to hide it on videos.  I'm seriously thinking of getting a vanity plate in the original 1960s California license plate colors.  Her current plates had special meaning when Biquette received them because this what the plates we got after she had been stolen and her original plates had been removed by the thiefs.  We read the "RNU" as renew, and it was to us, symbolic of Biquette coming back home after we thought we had lost her forever.

The trouble is that she was stolen in 1986 and now that being renewed just pale's into insignificance compared to her coming back now.  I have a possible plate name in mind, I have to check if it is still available.  Since it isn't at all likely to be popular it should be.

Don't know the laws in CA, but some states allow you to pull a second trailer behind your first one; your trusty, well-powered wagon followed by a 30' Airstream, with a 20' pontoon party barge behind it, and maybe a 10' dinghy bringing up the rear? (http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/xAirbusDriver/Thinking_zps6auyy8fj.gif) [rockon]

This is one of those situations where railroading and automobiles intersect.  The problem isn't power but tractive effort.  Whatever I'm going to tow has brought into motion solely by the ability of the rear tires to move the entire load.  High up on the priority list is larger rims and tires.  I've already decided to go with larger rear tires so that will further help.  Alas, even with all this, it will be very easy to cause the rear tires to spin.  That's what happens in this video:

https://youtu.be/V7q01MnNOQA (https://youtu.be/V7q01MnNOQA)

If you think about steam locomotives one of the important properties was how many pairs of wheels were powered.  More wheels allows the locomotive to get a heavier train started.  The same principle applies to automobiles - just scaled down appropriately.

So the selection of trailer will have to balance the limitations of how much weight Biquette can start moving and control with only 2 tires powered, against my strong desire to have as much braking power as possible coming from the trailer.

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on November 10, 2015, 10:50:45 PM
Quote
So the selection of trailer will have to balance the limitations of how much weight Biquette can start moving and control with only 2 tires powered
OK! I see your problem. Simple solution: Stack the towed vehicles on the Airstream instead of having them trail 'her'! All the weight on the hitch, leave the weight distributing hitch un-adjusted and just get stronger springs on the powered axle! Problem solved!

Next!

You may want to reconsider wider tires. The coefficient of friction may actually be lower if the total contact area between tire and pavement increases! I'm thinking steel on steel friction (even with sand) is not quite equal to rubber on pavement (even without sand)! Maybe you should consider some of those really sticky dragster tires, but narrow enough to fit in your wheel wells... at least for the rear/driving tires. Of course, some delicate welding torch action could make the fitting problem moot... Furthermore, with all that weight on the rear, you could likely get by with some motor cycle tires up front!

You're welcome! [coffee]
Title: Next up: new wheels, tires, and differential (Re: Assertive billy-goat wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on November 11, 2015, 11:47:34 PM
Dear X-Air, and WeatherCat station wagon outfitters,

OK! I see your problem. Simple solution: Stack the towed vehicles on the Airstream instead of having them trail 'her'!

In the voice of Colonel Klink of the long ago TV series Hogan's Heroes: "Request denied!"  [lol2]

You may want to reconsider wider tires.

Actually, my wagon will need larger rally wheels to accommodate larger wider tires.  I've already purchased larger Buick Rallye wheels of the same type she presently sports so that she'll continue to look as pretty as she does now (isn't that what is really important?  ;D )  My current thinking is to give up on rotating the tires from the front to the back so I can have somewhat larger tires on the rear axle where I desperately need the most traction.

Unfortunately, as you change all this, the rear end ratio will change, so she'll need a new differential to get a reasonable engine speed at various driving conditions.  All this needs to happen relatively soon because until all this is straightened out, the speedometer cannot be calibrated.  Right now it is a little "off."  I definitely shouldn't drive her too much under those conditions!  :-[

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on November 12, 2015, 12:03:32 AM
For a second I feared this might have been you! I saw "Davis" and thought it was referring to the weather related company. Turns out the fellow is about as far away from CA as possible while still speaking English as a mother tongue! Then I read that you don't have a calibrated 'instrument' and my fears came back!!! Please tell be this isn't you! => Shaun Davis jailed after filming himself driving at 192mph (http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-34744459)
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: WCDev on November 12, 2015, 06:23:08 PM
Very nice Edouard - great videos!
Title: Just the groceries (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on November 13, 2015, 12:52:09 AM
Dear X-Air, Stu, and WeatherCat safe drivers,

Please tell be this isn't you! => Shaun Davis jailed after filming himself driving at 192mph (http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-34744459)

Nope!  Today Biquette just did something she has been doing for us for 47 years.  She went to the supermarket to get the groceries:

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-1st-TA-outtings/i-g9VD9Q4/0/XL/Biquette%27s%20first%20visit%20to%20Lunardi%27s%20-XL.jpg)

What made that very special is that this is the first time my Mom has ridden in Biquette since she came back with her working drive-train.  Mom isn't completely used to her.  She definitely is a bit "assertive."  However, I was especially light on the throttle and Mom didn't seem to mind the experience too much although she'll have to get used to it.  Here are the groceries back in the talegate for the first time in over 2 years:

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-1st-TA-outtings/i-gsNdmnD/0/XL/Biquette%27s%20first%20load%20of%20groceries%20-XL.jpg)

So nice to be able to use that tailgate again!  :)

Very nice Edouard - great videos!

Thanks Stu!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on November 13, 2015, 03:02:04 AM
Thanks for sharing. I like the circus-themed reusable grocery bag. Reminds me that my parents took me to see that circus decades ago when I was just a wee lad.
Title: Bag from post office! (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on November 14, 2015, 12:40:23 AM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat users of reusable bags,

I like the circus-themed reusable grocery bag. Reminds me that my parents took me to see that circus decades ago when I was just a wee lad.

You probably will be very surprised where we got it, it is a gift from the U.S. Postal Service:

https://store.usps.com/store/browse/productDetailSingleSku.jsp?categoryNavIds=stamp-gifts&categoryNav=false&navAction=push&navCount=0&atg.multisite.remap=false&categoryId=stamp-gifts&productId=P_842843 (https://store.usps.com/store/browse/productDetailSingleSku.jsp?categoryNavIds=stamp-gifts&categoryNav=false&navAction=push&navCount=0&atg.multisite.remap=false&categoryId=stamp-gifts&productId=P_842843)

As far as I can tell it is a reproduction of some circus themed stamped issued some time earlier.

They are expensive, but they are beautiful and seem to holding up well.  We also bought their love stamp bag:

https://store.usps.com/store/browse/productDetailSingleSku.jsp?categoryNavIds=stamp-gifts&categoryNav=false&navAction=push&navCount=1&atg.multisite.remap=false&categoryId=stamp-gifts&productId=P_842844 (https://store.usps.com/store/browse/productDetailSingleSku.jsp?categoryNavIds=stamp-gifts&categoryNav=false&navAction=push&navCount=1&atg.multisite.remap=false&categoryId=stamp-gifts&productId=P_842844)

It made a neat and cozy gift for our neighbors since our region is forcing us to use reusable bags. 

Cheers, Edouard
Title: A lot to wash and wax! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on November 20, 2015, 10:55:38 PM
Dear WeatherCat classic car enthusiasts,

Apologies for being particularly scarce on this forum.  Since winter happens late in California (if a all,) I hadn?t gotten around to winterizing the cars until this week.  Washing and waxing the cars is a long ordeal that takes most of the day depending on which car.  Perhaps not surprisingly, my trusty wagon is the worst.  After all, she does earn that wagon nickname: ?longroof.?  So when it comes to wax time, that?s a lot of wax to apply!

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-1st-TA-outtings/i-Xmwsn42/0/XL/Biquette%27s%20roof%20with%20wax%20on%20it-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-1st-TA-outtings/i-Xmwsn42/i-Xmwsn42-XL/A)

Well, it was a terrific struggle, but I managed to buff that roof to a nice shine:

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-1st-TA-outtings/i-FQNSwsN/0/XL/Biquette?s%20roof-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-1st-TA-outtings/i-FQNSwsN/i-FQNSwsN-XL/A)

The rest of the car turned out nice and shiny as well:

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-1st-TA-outtings/i-6bQqsgc/0/XL/Biquette%20-%20port%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-1st-TA-outtings/i-6bQqsgc/i-6bQqsgc-XL/A)

As you can see, the autumn colors are still hanging on in our trees.  I suppose the modest rains we?ve gotten encouraged the trees to grow a little more before the cold finally got them to ?shift-gears.?   Here is a view of Biquette with trees all around:

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-1st-TA-outtings/i-593km7b/0/XL/Biquette%20-%20starboard%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-1st-TA-outtings/i-593km7b/i-593km7b-XL/A)

Here is a close-up of her front - lots of chrome in 1965!

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-1st-TA-outtings/i-h5vm8Qd/0/XL/Biquette%20-%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-1st-TA-outtings/i-h5vm8Qd/i-h5vm8Qd-XL/A)

Finally what would a portrait of a station wagon be without a view of that all important tailgate?

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-1st-TA-outtings/i-d4wDbJF/0/XL/Biquette%20-%20port%20rear-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-1st-TA-outtings/i-d4wDbJF/i-d4wDbJF-XL/A)

So I hope this will be something of an apology for my racing through the forum.  I've gotten 2 of the 3 cars in our "motor-pool" completed.  I still have one left.  So still have some ?elbow grease? to put out before the rains really arrive.

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on November 21, 2015, 07:38:58 AM
Good looking car, mate! The autumn trees are nice too. Here in the mountains of northern Utah we have had 13 inches (33 cm) of snow over the last 3 weeks and it is currently 7? F (-14?C) outside. Apparently fall is over here.
Title: Christmas card for the auto enthusiast! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on December 22, 2015, 11:38:49 PM
Dear WeatherCat automobile enthusiasts,

These days I'm basically required to come up with a Christmas card featuring my trusty wagon.  So since it was done anyway, I might as well share it here with those WeatherCatters with a soft spot for classic cars:

(http://www.canebas.org/misc/Christmas_ecards/Biquette%20at%20Bob's%20Christmas%20trees%20%282015%29.jpg)

For those who might worry that I would have actually used my wagon to haul our Christmas tree, worry not!  I just used the Christmas tree lot as a backdrop for the photo!

Still, I?ve been wondering how many Christmas trees my trusty wagon has had to haul in her life.  From 1968 to 1986, she was the only car in the house that could carry a Christmas tree, so that's 18 trees right there..  After that we had a second wagon, but since it was in much better condition, I believe Biquette would have gotten the dirty deed most of the time.  So until 1996 she should have carried probably around 8 of the 10 trees.  After 1996 I was living in San Diego until 2001, so Biquette was spared Christmas tree duty..  She should have carried trees for 2002 and 2003 before I moved up to Seattle in 2004.  In Seattle I bought an artificial tree that now does the job.  So in total Biquette carried around 28 trees for us and might have carried the trees for her previous owner in 1965-67.

So if you had any doubts . . . .  Yeah, she really earned her keep!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Biquette's new years resolutions . . . (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on January 01, 2016, 11:31:11 PM
Dear WeatherCat keepers of new year's resolutions,

My trusty wagon has decided to make two new year's resolutions of her own.  The first is go get some more exercise.  Losing no time, she headed out this morning for a moderately long run under various driving conditions.  Here is a quick photo of her under a tree that is looking very much like winter for California:

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Jan-1-2016-outing/i-MXTsd3P/0/XL/Biquette%20under%20winter%20tree-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Jan-1-2016-outing/i-MXTsd3P/A)

The other is that she will become more "educated." . . . .  :D  Actually, I don't entirely jest.  She is fitted with a self-learning electronic fuel injection system.  That system has greatly improved her engine's responsiveness when cold.  However, it is still a bit hard to handle when warm.  So one of the reasons for today's outing was to make a number of starts and stops and to expose the "brain" of the fuel injection system to more varied driving conditions while the engine was warmed up.

Of course, there is another reason.  We are expecting rain all next week!   [rain2]  What's good for the drought is bad for classic cars, so she won't keeping her new year's resolutions until the weather dries out once more!   [cloudsun]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Bull Winkus on January 02, 2016, 06:49:14 PM
Edouard! How is a free wash bad for classic cars?

 [wink]
Title: "Rejecting another organ" . . . . (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on February 02, 2016, 11:39:48 PM
Dear WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

My assertive 1965 Buick Special station wagon is continuing to struggle with her extreme makeover.  Now the engine and transmission are working nicely.  However, the fuel injection system is intended more for an all out drag-racer instead of a car to just cruise around.  As a result, the car is hard to control and can be very balky at times.  Definitely not the sort of behavior worthy of a lady of my wagon's mature years.

So, now I've got find something else that will have the desired behavior and . . . . will still fit in the engine bay.

Edouard! How is a free wash bad for classic cars?

Speaking of which, a "wash" is exactly what she got when I brought her in Orinda Motors this morning.  [rain2]  At least the interval windshield wipers worked as they are supposed to!


Stay tuned, . . .  this tale most definitely ain't over . . . .  (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/tune_in_TV_emoticon.gif)

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Da' patient starts getting a new "organ" (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on March 15, 2016, 10:56:34 PM
Dear WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

In the last installment of this ongoing saga of my trusty billy-goat station wagon, she was start to reject another one of those newfangled components that didn't suit her temperament.  In this particular case, the self-tuning electronic fuel injection system simply wasn't managing to tune itself effectively.  It was a system that is now over 6 years ago and even in automobile electronics, technology moves swiftly.  So after some consulting, I went ahead was a system that does some automatic tuning but requires some manual adjustments.  For the curious it is called the: XFI Sportsman Throttle Body EFI Engine Control System (http://www.fuelairspark.com/fas/xfi-sportsmantm-throttle-body-engine-control-systemhtml/):

http://www.fuelairspark.com/fas/xfi-sportsmantm-throttle-body-engine-control-systemhtml/ (http://www.fuelairspark.com/fas/xfi-sportsmantm-throttle-body-engine-control-systemhtml/)

As long as you are going state of the art, my trusty wagon will also get computer controlled ignition using an E6 Ignition controller (http://www.fuelairspark.com/fas/e6-digital-cd-ignition-boxhtml/).

http://www.fuelairspark.com/fas/e6-digital-cd-ignition-boxhtml/ (http://www.fuelairspark.com/fas/e6-digital-cd-ignition-boxhtml/)

So my trusty wagon dragged herself over to Orinda Motors on Monday - definitely extremely unhappy with the old fuel injection system.  By today, the throttle body was already installed:

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Sportsman-EFI-install/i-w4S29zN/0/XL/Biquette%27s%20Sportsman%20throttle%20body%20-%20front%20-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Sportsman-EFI-install/i-w4S29zN/A)

However, there is a question about where the Ignition box can be located and the installation requires some parts that - weren't - in the box.  In other words the - "usual routine"  [rolleyes2] - when it comes to making any changes on a classic car.

So that's an extremely long explanation for why I might be a bit more scarce on this forum than usual . . . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/hiding.gif)

Stay tuned for the next update! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/tune_in_TV_emoticon.gif)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on March 16, 2016, 07:02:33 AM
That is a beautiful engine photo.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on March 16, 2016, 03:31:39 PM
I can't believe you are still complaining about lack of space! It's a station WAGON, for crying out loud!! There must be at least 12 cubic feet back there, even with the rear seats up! [rolleyes2]

I am a bit concerned by what appear to be 3(?) spark plug cables barely above the main belt! :o A temporary situation during new computer installation? (http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/xAirbusDriver/Thinking_zps6auyy8fj.gif)
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/xAirbusDriver/Cables_zpshkiif0j8.gif)
Title: Ignition components installed. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on March 16, 2016, 10:55:38 PM
Dear Blick, X-Air, and WeatherCat automobile enthusiasts, . . .

I can't believe you are still complaining about lack of space! It's a station WAGON, for crying out loud!! There must be at least 12 cubic feet back there, even with the rear seats up! [rolleyes2]

You are darn tooting and I intend to keep all that space so she can continue being a station wagon!  8)

I am a bit concerned by what appear to be 3(?) spark plug cables barely above the main belt! :o A temporary situation during new computer installation? (http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/xAirbusDriver/Thinking_zps6auyy8fj.gif)
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/xAirbusDriver/Cables_zpshkiif0j8.gif)

Well, since you asked.   Yes, she is was fitted with a new distributor as part of this upgrade:

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Sportsman-EFI-install/i-WZJsBB8/0/XL/Biquette%27s%20new%20distributor%20-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Sportsman-EFI-install/i-WZJsBB8/A)

Not only will the computer control the fuel injection but also control the spark plugs.  That should really help for improving fuel economy.

Cheers, Edouard
Title: News flash - She's ALIVE!! (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on March 21, 2016, 09:53:03 PM
Dear WeatherCat automobile enthusiasts,

It took all of last week to get all the new components installed and hooked up.  So today was the big day to see if . . . . the engine would start.

Of course it was - supposed 'ta . . . . . .  Nonetheless, you can never tell how a car that will be 51 years old in May is going to take this sort of a radical high-tech makeover.  In addition, it turns out Orinda Motors never has done exactly this sort of conversion and the guy who created the initial settings to start the engine appears to have gotten the displacement of engine off by 10 cubic inches.

Yet the word this afternoon is that the engine is running!!  [bounce]  The engine tuning procedure is continuing as I type.  So hopefully soon I'll be able to enjoy my trusty wagon without the fear that she'll lurch herself right into a wall! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/eek2.gif)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]

P.S. Further breaking news!  All work on my wagon has come to a grinding halt!  She is almost completely out of gas!  Unfortunately, I had forgotten how low she was and I hit a lot of traffic on the day I brought her to Orinda Motors.  As a result, I didn't want to stop for gas since that would have made me even later than I already was.  According to Greg who is doing all this work, the gas tank is so low that he will send someone to fill up a Jerry can rather than risk running out of gas trying to reach a station!

Actually, there is a more reasonable reason.  With the rains, the roads are plenty slick.  It isn't a good time to start driving a 51 year old wagon with a 500 horsepower engine that still isn't completely tuned.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on March 22, 2016, 03:35:53 AM
Goos story. Keep us informed.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on March 22, 2016, 01:56:46 PM
Neat trick getting them to buy you a 'tank' of gas! I suspect there will be an extra item on the bill, of course. OTOH, I also suspect the company is making several vacations possible off the costs of this 'little' project! [lol]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Bull Winkus on March 22, 2016, 02:56:14 PM
I've got my fingers crossed for you that all goes as planned, this time, Edouard. Bonne chance!  [tup]

 [cheers1]
Title: WOW! I'm impressed! (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on March 22, 2016, 11:09:17 PM
Dear Blick, X-Air, Herb, and WeatherCat automobile enthusiasts,

I just got back from getting a test drive of my trusty wagon with the new electronic fuel injection system and . . .

WOW!  I'm impressed!  [bounce]

This system is "semi-self-tuning."  You need to give it a nudge and then it will try to tune the rest of the way.  Nonetheless, if you don't like the final self-tune, you can go in and made adjustments manually until you have the performance you want.  Right now it hasn't found sufficient adjustments for starting.  Cold or hot, starting the engine is a bit rough.  However, that is hard adjustment to self-tune since it only happens once during a drive.

Once the engine gets going, the porpoising problem at idle is indeed gone.  Driving the car has become much safer.  However, there is something completely unexpected: the engine is much quieter!  I suppose because the fuel injection is much more miserly about the fuel, the engine does more with less gasoline and as a result is much more quiet.

She'll spend at least one more day at Orinda Motors before she comes home, but so far so good!

Thanks for your support fellows!  [tup]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on March 23, 2016, 12:11:17 AM
Sounds great (no pun intended, of course!).

Having not worked on any vehicles since changing the generator on my '51 VW back in '64, I'm not exactly current on the starting details. OTOH, I seem to remember something about the carburetor needing a different fuel/air mixture until the engine gets a bit warmer, even if not all the way to the 'normal' operating temp. I am assuming, therefore, that the new computer also controls the intake manifold to enable warmer air for at least a few moments after the start? I would also assume (since it doesn't cost anything!) that the computer can be set to a 'beginning' setting specifically for start up? [computer]

Sounds like you may need a spare battery or a temporary power supply just to run through the starting sequences several times. Just be careful and don't over-heat the starter motor!! [banghead]
Title: Re: WOW! I'm impressed! (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: Blicj11 on March 23, 2016, 02:04:02 PM
Thanks for your support fellows!  [tup]

This is a fascinating story. Please let us know what kind of mileage you are getting, when you get some.
Title: Two videos (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on March 23, 2016, 10:08:54 PM
Dear X-Air, Blick, and WeatherCat automobile enthusiasts,

I went over to Orinda Motors yesterday afternoon and took two videos of my trusty wagon after her Sportsman upgrade.  Here is a short video of the engine idling just after being started.  It starts out rough, but the self-tuning recovers relatively quickly:

https://youtu.be/7JCXZlJdaQs (https://youtu.be/7JCXZlJdaQs)

Greg and Rich (the guy who sold me the new electronic fuel injection system,) made some more adjustments to the starting settings.  Tomorrow, Orinda Motors will see how she starts after completely cooling off overnight.

Here is a 5 minute video shot while Greg was driving my wagon on a local freeway.  It shows the engine operating under various conditions:

https://youtu.be/Mnnz8Ng1qX0 (https://youtu.be/Mnnz8Ng1qX0)

When accelerating there is definitely the assertive sound of a performance engine, but once at speed the cabin has never been quieter.  At times during this drive the engine was idling with the transmission in overdrive at highway speeds.  If I'm going to manage to get any fuel economy with such a large displacement engine, I really need to make it turn a little as possible to get the car moving.

I seem to remember something about the carburetor needing a different fuel/air mixture until the engine gets a bit warmer, even if not all the way to the 'normal' operating temp.

The ECU (Engine Control Unit) has a program to deal with the various conditions that the engine will experience.  It also has sensors including an engine temperature sensor.  So it is supposed to adjust the fuel and ignition settings to give the engine the most comfortable starting experience that is possible.  That's part of the adjustments that these guys were trying to iron out this morning.  If they aren't happy with how my wagon starts tomorrow morning, they might fiddle some more and try again on Friday.

I am assuming, therefore, that the new computer also controls the intake manifold to enable warmer air for at least a few moments after the start?

Unfortunately, there is no way to regulate the air temperature going into the engine.  The engine is pulling a lot of air and there is no practical way to heat that much volume.  Instead, you need to adjust the fuel and ignition to compensate for the ambient air temperature.

Sounds like you may need a spare battery or a temporary power supply just to run through the starting sequences several times. Just be careful and don't over-heat the starter motor!! [banghead]

Well, if the battery were to get run down, there are chargers in the shop to bring it back up.  On the other hand, my wagon did get a brand new battery as part of the deal.  She now has a top and side terminal battery.  Most of the electronics require a direct connection to the battery because the battery acts as damper on any electrical signals that might be generated from other devices.  The electronics is vulnerable to electrical signal feedback, so the less of that the better.  Between the air conditioner, the fuel injection system computer, the ignition controller box, and a few other things, there was no way to hook all these things to the battery without an extra pair of terminals!!

This is a fascinating story. Please let us know what kind of mileage you are getting, when you get some.

It will be a while before I'll know.  Even with all the manual fiddling, this system continues to self-tune.  So I might have to wait a few hundred miles for the system to settle down.

Thanks for your support!  [tup]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Felix on March 23, 2016, 10:36:51 PM
Like Blick, I'm also curious to know what kind of highway and city fuel consumption numbers you'll see after the self-tuning routine has run its course.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on March 23, 2016, 10:41:48 PM
I just watched (and listened to) both videos. Loved the roar of acceleration and amazed at how quiet she becomes at highway speed. Beautiful weather too.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on March 23, 2016, 11:06:00 PM
Quote
At times during this drive the engine was idling with the transmission in overdrive at highway speeds
So you've got larger brakes? Sounds like you may need more braking than with the original engine! Have you considered a spoiler on the roof, similar to the one on this  <F-15 Landing at Lakenheath with brake (https://www.flickr.com/photos/40149221@N02/6901270496/)> Of course a drag chute would be another option, but they are much more inconvenient. They also tend to block the view of any driver close on your tail... OTOH, that's not your fault!
Title: Very pleased by the quiet. (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on March 24, 2016, 08:48:57 PM
Dear Felix, Blick, X-Air, and WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

I just watched (and listened to) both videos. Loved the roar of acceleration and amazed at how quiet she becomes at highway speed. Beautiful weather too.

Thanks!  One of my big hopes was to reduce the noise.  Even if it is a large engine, it has all the friction reducing components that are available for a big-block Buick engine.  That makes the engine more efficient, but it also reduces the noise.  Also, I had the firewall insulated with the product that is extremely effective at absorbing sound.

So you've got larger brakes? Sounds like you may need more braking than with the original engine!

Well, she already has a front disc brake upgrade from 2010.  However, it would be a good idea to upgrade to 4-wheel disc brakes and increase the size of the disc brakes in the front because she will be going from 14" to 15" rally wheels soon.  However, I may defer the brake and suspension upgrade until next year.  I'm spending more money than I wanted to do this year and I'm still waiting to hear from Orinda Motors when she can finally come home!

Have you considered a spoiler on the roof?

In the voice of Colonel Klink of the old Hogan's Heroes TV show. . . .

[wink] . . .  Request denied!! . . . . [biggrin]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Happy, but empty wagon! (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on March 30, 2016, 11:42:54 PM
Dear WeatherCat automobile enthusiasts,

As reported elsewhere, on Tuesday I managed to download an improved tuning program to my trusty wagon's electronic fuel injection system.  The patient immediately perked up!  It became even easier to control the car and believe it or not, the engine has become significantly quieter!  I never thought controlling the fuel would have any effect on the engine noise, but this seems to me to be a very good sign.  If an engine is less noisy, odds are it is using less fuel.  We'll see!

Today, my wagon needed a "bubble bath."  I usually drive her a few miles before washing the car so the engine is nice and warm.  It turned out that a local home improvement store 3 miles away from me was having a one day sale on wood bark chips.  Well, that's work for a station wagon if there ever was any!  So I rushed over and came back with . . . . . .


(https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-Spring-2016/i-cTVrN5M/0/XL/Rain-check%20instead%20of%204%20bags%20of%20bark-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-Spring-2016/i-cTVrN5M/A)

The sale was definitely only today, but the shipment of bark won't arrive until next week!  So all I came back with was a rain-check.  As I said, my wagon had to warm up anyway, but I felt a little silly putting in her heavy-duty carrying pad just to bring home . . . . a rain-check! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/D'oh.gif)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on March 31, 2016, 12:44:51 AM
Quote
If an engine is less noisy, odds are it is using less fuel.
I can confirm that theory! I never even drove my car yesterday, so the engine was extremely quiet! And the gas gauge did not move at all! How's that for fuel economy?! [rockon] [cheer]

I now use a chopped up tire mulch. It's supposed to last at least 10 years! I buy it in the economy package; 1,065lb bag! But it won'y fit in your wagon! :P
Title: Finds a friend at the hardware store! (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on April 16, 2016, 12:27:31 AM
Dear WeatherCat classic automotive enthusiasts,

Yes, I'm still fiddling with my trusty wagon's new fuel injection system.  Remember the old saying: "to err is human, but to get things really all fouled up you need a computer!"  So far I haven't managed to screw up the fuel injection system, but it is amazing to control a 51 year old car with a laptop computer.

While I'm fiddling, my trusty wagon has to earn her keep.  Today she needed to make a run to a local home improvement store for some gardening supplies.  She wasn't the only classic pressed into service for that sort of duty:

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-Spring-2016/i-B2BQBbQ/0/XL/Biquette%20next%20to%201954%20Chevy%20pickup-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-Spring-2016/i-B2BQBbQ/A)

Okay, so I moved the car to get this very nice photo of her next to this 1954 Chevy pickup.  Even so, it is extremely rare to find another vehicle older than my wagon in the same parking lot!

After a nice "visit" she finished up her duty and brought home the bark nuggets:

(https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-Spring-2016/i-HBcmfZp/0/XL/Load%20of%20bark%20nuggets%20-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-Spring-2016/i-HBcmfZp/A)

Alas, the nuggets has been probably left out in the rain, so even with her rubber pad, a bit of water leaked on to her lovely cargo area carpeting.   [banghead]

I seem to have cleaned it up in time though!  (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/phew.png)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on April 16, 2016, 12:34:25 AM
Glad to see I'm not the only "it's safer to back in than back out" driver! ;)

Although your wagon is probably not listed in the drop down menus at their site, there are places that make carpet protectors with fairly deep (high?) walls around all the edges... Next time, I suggest putting the bags on the roof! Preferably tied down with ropes going through the rear windows... [lol]
Title: Some "settling in" details to work out. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on April 16, 2016, 11:13:35 PM
Dear X-Air and WeatherCat classic automotive enthusiasts,

Glad to see I'm not the only "it's safer to back in than back out" driver! ;)

Well to be perfectly honest, I backed into that stall because it would make for a better picture!  ;D

Although your wagon is probably not listed in the drop down menus at their site, there are places that make carpet protectors with fairly deep (high?) walls around all the edges...

Well I haven't had her in operation in so long that I've still got to solve problems like this.  I bought a generic rubber pickup bed liner and cut that to fit in the cargo area, but that doesn't have any walls.  So it didn't keep the water from leaking to the carpet.  I also have a smaller carpet protector with walls as you describe, but it wouldn't have been large enough for those bags.  I doubt I could find a carpet protector that would fit perfectly in the cargo area, but at least I should be able to find a protector that is large enough to carry bags like that.

To be honest, I didn't expect the bags to be wet.  A little dirt wouldn't have been a problem on the rubber mat I have right now.  Oh well, Murphy's law is never far away!

Next time, I suggest putting the bags on the roof! Preferably tied down with ropes going through the rear windows... [lol]

Request denied!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Randall75 on April 17, 2016, 12:06:04 AM
You did all that work just to haul mulch in the wagon  [biggrin]


cheers


 [cheers1]










Title: Re: Some "settling in" details to work out. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: Steve on April 17, 2016, 04:45:55 PM
I bought a generic rubber pickup bed liner and cut that to fit in the cargo area, but that doesn't have any walls.  So it didn't keep the water from leaking to the carpet.  I also have a smaller carpet protector with walls as you describe, but it wouldn't have been large enough for those bags.  I doubt I could find a carpet protector that would fit perfectly in the cargo area, but at least I should be able to find a protector that is large enough to carry bags like that.

I carry a cheap 4X6 plastic tarp in my wagon to carry mulch and other messy things. It wraps up the sides, front, and back, forming its own tray.
Title: D'oh! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on April 18, 2016, 12:12:13 AM
Dear Randall, Steve, and WeatherCat classic vehicle enthusiasts . . . .

You did all that work just to haul mulch in the wagon  [biggrin]

 [biggrin] . . . . Well now, I wouldn't say that! . . . .  [biggrin]

I carry a cheap 4X6 plastic tarp in my wagon to carry mulch and other messy things. It wraps up the sides, front, and back, forming its own tray.

D'oh!! . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/D'oh.gif)

Can you believe I also have carried a plastic tarp of the correct size since at least the late 1980s and . . . . the tarp was in one of those plastic egg carton boxes that you can see in the photo.  I completely forgot to deploy the tarp!   (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/D'oh.gif)

*Sigh*, I have to get reacquainted with my wagon once more! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/sigh_bubble.gif)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Of course you tune an engine to make it quiet! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on April 28, 2016, 11:39:08 PM
Dear WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

The fuel injection saga took another even more pleasant twist this week.  I had started to try to learn how to adjust the tune myself, but before I could get very far from it, the fellow who sold me the system said he was going to be in the San Francisco bay area this week.  He lives in the Sierra foothills, but he has so many customers around San Francisco, that visits are frequent.

It was clear that I was over my head, so I agreed to have him take a shot at tuning the engine for his usual fee.

WOW!!  [bounce]  Installing this system had made the engine more quiet and making some adjustment had further reduced the noise, but a professional tune knocked down the sound another quantum factor!

I'll spare you the gory details, but it is very much like us old-fashion guys used to do with tuning a carburetor to get a smooth idle - extended to the entire power band.  The other amazing thing is how you do this from a laptop.  Those of you who remember, adjusting the timing was always a pain.  Since this electronic fuel injection system also controls the ignition - timing is another software setting.  It was set at 15˚, the guy thought it needed to be advanced to 20˚ - he just typed in 20 in the appropriate box and - presto!  Timing was now set to 20˚!!

The other wonderful thing about this software tune is that the software can really support the process.  The FAST software even includes some 3d graph generators to help you visualize how the engine is reacting to the tune.  Here is a graph showing the state of the tune on March 27 that shows the self-tuning algorithm adding some "bumps" to the surface of this curve at the center of the image:

(http://www.canebas.org/Automotive/Misc.%20Biquette%20photos/Biquette%20EFI%20related%20images/Discontinuous%20graph%20from%202016-03-27.png)

Those discontinuities would make the engine operate more roughly than necessary.  Here is the same graph after the fellow had completed his expert tune:

(http://www.canebas.org/Automotive/Misc.%20Biquette%20photos/Biquette%20EFI%20related%20images/Final%20tune%20graph%202016-04-26.png)

See now smooth and continuous the surface has become.  Those are the sorts of conditions that give you the smoothest and quietest performance.

My trusty wagon got the call for the weekly grocery run and it was really amazing.  The stereo doesn't have to be put so loud so that you can enjoy the music and except when accelerating hard, it is easy to have a conversation.

Normally, you can't use the adjective "quiet" to describe any big-block engine from the muscle car area.  However, if you are "persistent" (or is that stubborn?) sometimes you can!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on April 29, 2016, 01:22:44 AM
Interesting update Edouard. Amazing technology.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on April 29, 2016, 04:13:32 AM
You mean you got rid of the spark advance on the steering column?! Sad, truly sad...

I won't be surprised to hear you say you've added some software that shifts the gears for you... [banghead]
Title: Now I need to understand how it works! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on April 30, 2016, 12:44:03 AM
Dear Blick, X-Air and WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

Interesting update Edouard. Amazing technology.

Yes it is!  Now I need to go back and try to see if I can really understand how this system works!

You mean you got rid of the spark advance on the steering column?! Sad, truly sad...

I guess is wasn't standard for a Buick Deluxe Special.  After all the Deluxe Special was second from the bottom in the Buick line-up in 1965!

I won't be surprised to hear you say you've added some software that shifts the gears for you... [banghead]

Alas, this is an older transmission that doesn't support computer control.  However, later GM transmissions do and after market companies are coming up with new products all the time.  Right now the transmission is shifting a lot better (it is an automatic,) however if a computer control did come out . . . . .

I might buy it . . . . . Yes I might!  ;D

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on April 30, 2016, 01:36:35 AM

Quote
Quote
I won't be surprised to hear you say you've added some software that shifts the gears for you...
it is an automatic
I rest my case! :o :P
Title: More caregiving duties (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on May 06, 2016, 12:04:27 AM
Dear WeatherCat forum regulars,

Sorry, I never made it to the WeatherCat forum yesterday and only barely made it today.  Yesterday, my trusty wagon went over to Orinda Motors to adjust the shims on the starter motor so it wouldn't squeal.  Today, I was back troubleshooting a cold-start issue with the fuel injection system.  Since a "normal day" is plenty busy . . . . need I say more!

So hang in there gang!  Stu also appears to be really busy, so we need to support one another!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Another tune, another bag . . . . (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on May 12, 2016, 12:03:49 AM
Dear WeatherCat automobile enthusiasts,

I'm trying to tweak the fuel injection settings on my trusty wagon to get her to start more smoothly when cold.  So I tweaked the parameters one more, uploaded them into the ECU (Engine Control Unit,) started the software logging and . . . . . .

She definitely didn't like it!

Checking the logs now the fuel mixture is too rich during the start up when it was too lean before.  So I've got to aim for in-between.

At least in the meantime, my wagon and I did something useful . . . . .

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-Spring-2016/i-6wtDnw8/0/XL/Biquette%20bring%20more%20bark%20nuggets%20-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-Spring-2016/i-6wtDnw8/A)

Hopefully it will be the last bag I'll need this spring!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Another day another load . . . (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on May 21, 2016, 12:28:01 AM
Dear WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

I'm feeling rather remiss because I hoped to take some more springtime photos and I can see that most of the opportunities have completely slipped through my fingers - I've just been too busy.  Speaking of busy, my trusty wagon had another load to bring home:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-Spring-2016/i-CprF73b/0/XL/Biquette%20brings%20home%20bird%20seed%20-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-Spring-2016/i-CprF73b/A)

The "feathered creatures" will now be taken care of for another month of so and our cleaning needs will go another few months.  Such is the life of an "assertive" family wagon!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Another company using Silicon Labs. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on May 23, 2016, 12:05:19 AM
Dear WeatherCat observers of technology,

The company that manufactured the fuel injection system in my trusty wagon allows you download the software to adjust the tune, but it remains in demo mode until you actually connect it to the ECU (Engine Control Unit.)  I have a newer MacBook Pro basically dedicated as a desktop machine with an external monitor and precision mouse.  That's a much better tool for adjusting tunes than my older MacBook that I take down to the garage.  So I decided to connect my "desktop" MacBook so the tuning software would be taken out of demo mode.

I run Hardware Growler on my main MacBook Pro, but don't have it on my older MacBook.  So I was very much surprised when Hardware Growler reported that the Fuel Injection is a USB UART device!  I didn't poke around but it seems likely that FAST (Fuel Air Spark Technologies) and Davis Instruments went with a the same technology to implement USB.  Like Davis, FAST used to have serial devices, so it makes sense that they would using the same sort of chips to make the transition from serial to USB.  Here is the page on the Silicon Labs website highlighting their products:

https://www.silabs.com/products/interface/usb-bridges/Pages/usb-bridges.aspx (https://www.silabs.com/products/interface/usb-bridges/Pages/usb-bridges.aspx)

Davis is using the CP2102 chipset.

As the old saying goes "it is a small world after all", but you normally don't associate that with electronic devices!!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: WCDev on May 29, 2016, 11:38:46 AM
Just out of interest Edouard, is this your only car? Or do you have a daily beater to keep the miles off?
Title: Caretaker of two Buicks (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on May 29, 2016, 11:36:46 PM
Howdy Stu and WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

Just out of interest Edouard, is this your only car? Or do you have a daily beater to keep the miles off?

Well until 2010 my trusty wagon was my only car.  However, at that point my Mom's macular degeneration had gotten so severe that she could no longer drive her car: a 2000 Buick Century.  So in exchange for driving Mom around as needed, I can use the "Junior Buick."  Neither car is getting a whole lot of miles.  The Century (who of course also has a French name: Coquette) still doesn't have 50,000 miles.  That works out to a bit over 3000 miles a year for a 16 year old car.  If things go as they should, I should be able to bring two Buicks to classic car shows in 10 years or so!  :)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: WCDev on May 30, 2016, 01:43:28 PM
Makes sense  [tup] I used to run an old Range Rover (with a variant of your engine I believe), but to keep the miles off also had a daily driver.
Title: So did you celebrate this great American holiday by? . . . . (Re: Wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on May 31, 2016, 12:08:59 AM
Dear WeatherCat users in da' good ol' USofA . . . . .

So did you celebrate this great American holiday by?  . . . .

Taking your great American classic car out for a drive? (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/roadster%20blue.gif)

Well one assertive station wagon did her part to make this Memorial day a classic one:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-Spring-2016/i-ssRJt3H/0/XL/Biquette%20in%20front%20of%20a%20building%20at%20Moraga%20ranch-XL.jpg)

Nonetheless even on a federal holiday, a station wagon's work is never done . . . . . .

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-Spring-2016/i-7rfHTBm/0/XL/Cargo%20from%20the%20supermarket%20and%20home%20improvement%20stores-XL.jpg)

Cheers, Edouard (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/cheers.gif)

P.S. Alas my wagon didn't have much in the way of company even if there are a lot of classic cars in the area.  The only other vintage cars I saw was a Volkswagen Beetle from the 1960s and seriously beat up 60s Ford Mustang.  We are having something of a heatwave and that might have been more than most classic car owners wanted to deal with.
Title: Terrific struggle, but clean living prevailed! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on June 14, 2016, 11:00:56 PM
Dear WeatherCat automobile enthusiasts, especially of vehicles that are immaculate and very shiny!

The weather has been anything but typical in northern California.  In particular the spring and autumn days with a lot of fog are definitely missing.  As a result, I didn't get my preferred window for washing and waxing all the car in the family "motorpool."  I started early this month and washed the cars in order of need.  Since my trusty wagon hasn't seen a lot of service this winter, she ended up being the last car to wash, . . . . . nonetheless . . . .

Gosh darn it . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/badwords.gif)

Station wagons are really good for all sorts of things.  Alas, there is one chore for which a station wagon is a real drag . . . . . wash and wax.  That's when you discover that d'em long roof is awful hard on your muscles . . . .

Well, yesterday I started at 10am, took a short break for lunch, and didn't finish until 4:30 pm.  Still, I managed to get my trusty wagon out for a few quick glamor shots before putting her back in the garage:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-Spring-2016/i-88xXJpn/0/XL/Biquette%20after%20wash%20and%20wax%20-%20port%20front%20-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-Spring-2016/i-88xXJpn/A)

Here is the passenger side front view:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-Spring-2016/i-GLzjxJX/0/XL/Biquette%20after%20wash%20and%20wax%20-%20starboard%20front%20-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-Spring-2016/i-GLzjxJX/A)

Here is the all important tailgate from the passenger side:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-Spring-2016/i-wJ6DhsS/0/XL/Biquette%20after%20wash%20and%20wax%20-%20starboard%20rear%20-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-Spring-2016/i-wJ6DhsS/A)

Finally one last view from the driver's side:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-Spring-2016/i-7FNPMDv/0/XL/Biquette%20after%20wash%20and%20wax%20-%20port%20rear%20-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-Spring-2016/i-7FNPMDv/A)

Hopefully I won't be sore for more than a day or two!

Cheers, Edouard   [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on June 15, 2016, 05:17:22 AM
I can't believe that a after all that wash and wax effort, the first thing you did was pull her over to the side onto a dirt shoulder to take a picture.
Title: Clever - wasn't it! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on June 15, 2016, 11:25:54 PM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat automotive finish experts,

I can't believe that a after all that wash and wax effort, the first thing you did was pull her over to the side onto a dirt shoulder to take a picture.

[wink] . . .  But of course!  That was part of my strategy to highlight the tire dressing!  Getting a little gravel on the tires lightened their color.  That made the black of the tire dress stand out even more!! . . . .  [biggrin]

Honestly, I did realize that wasn't the smartest thing to do, but I was really, really late and I had to take those photos ASAP!!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]

P.S. I did move on and off the gravel very slowly!
Title: Will the electronic fuel injection EVER get finally tuned!?!?? (Re: wagon)
Post by: elagache on July 18, 2016, 09:35:37 PM
Dear WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

There was a not so subtle hint that perhaps I should provide an update on my trusty wagon's progress.  Well, there was some "progress" but it might be considered to be in the wrong direction!

I was unable to eliminate some engine instability when starting from cold no matter how I adjusted the startup tables in the electronic fuel injection software.  It turned out the explanation was extremely simple.  There is another table that enriches the fuel depending on the temperature of the coolant - basically functioning like a choke on a carburetor-equipped car.  For whatever bizarre reason, this table wasn't included in the grouping related to starting the car - so I didn't notice it until now!  (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/D'oh.gif)

Nonetheless having identified the rogue table, I immediately tried adjusting it and in just one attempt succeeded in getting the engine to start up very badly!  [banghead]  However, this was good news in disguise.  This table had values that left the fuel mixture too rich.  My first adjustment now left the fuel too lean.  As anyone familiar with naval artillery will realize, I have successfully straddled the target.  The correct values have to be in within the range I have identified.

As it appeared the cold start problems where close to be being solved I unwittingly discovered that warm start settings are probably off.  Occasionally, I have the engine cut off shortly after a hot start.  I had assumed my problem was the ignition controller box overheating while the car was left sitting.  However, after calling the guy who sold me the system, he instead informed me that the problem is too much cranking fuel - the engine is getting flooded!  So I now need to start investigating the values for hot start.

In the meantime, I have known I need to upgrade to larger tires.  The existing tires were for a much smaller engine and are a bit unsafe.  Normally, the largest tire you can put on a car is limited by the clearance (usually for the front wheels.)  However, station wagons introduce one more winkle.  Instead of a roomy trunk, the spare tire needs to fit into a spare tire well:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Biquette-upgrades-and-misc/Emptying-spare-tire-well/i-nzCvwx8/0/XL/Spare%20tire%20well%20before%20removing%20things-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Biquette-upgrades-and-misc/Emptying-spare-tire-well/i-nzCvwx8/A)

The tallest tire that can be used on the car must still fit into this well.  Obviously it was time to clean the spare tire well and check on the available space.  Alas, that led to an unfortunate discovery.  When the car was stolen in 1986 the thief removed the original Buick factory bumper jack.  We never did find a satisfactory replacement.  There was also a bottle jack which we stuck under the wheel once the bumper jack lifted the car enough so that the jack could get under the wheel.  However, this jack had been badly rusted in the past 30 years and isn't trustworthy.  So I'm searching some sort of replacement jack.  Alas, once more lacking the space of a roomy trunk is a serious problem.

Adding to the fun is the damage done to the driver's side door back on January 1st, 2013:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-misc-photos/i-zjJR3fj/0/XL/Chipped%20paint%20on%20driver%27s%20side%20door-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-misc-photos/i-zjJR3fj/A)

It appears somebody slammed a shopping cart into the door while I was picking up a few quick items at our local pharmacy.  It would be a quick job for the body shop that repainted the car but they have gone out of business!  (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/D'oh.gif)  So I need to locate another body shop that might be able to take this small job on before . . . . The Orinda Classic Car show which this year is September 10th!

Oh and I really need to replace the story boards that I put around Biquette that describe her life story at car shows.  They were first made in 2010 and are out of now seriously worn cardboard.

So in short, while the car is running.  . . . . . Nonetheless, there are a few "minor issues" that still need to be addressed! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/D'oh.gif) . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/D'oh.gif) . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/D'oh.gif)

Need I say more? (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/sigh_bubble.gif)

Edouard  :)
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on July 18, 2016, 11:16:50 PM
Just keep us in the loop. This is good reading.
Title: Strange fuel pressure problem (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on July 23, 2016, 11:02:02 PM
Dear WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

Well, you guys asked to be kept updated so here is the latest twist in da? plot! For a few months now, I?ve occasionally had the engine stall after a hot start.  This has always happened after I returned from a trip and had stopped the engine so I could unload the car.  When I would start her up, the engine would mysteriously die.  Trying to restart the engine it wouldn?t even turn over.

It didn?t happen very often and I discovered that simply allowing the engine to cool allowed me to restart the engine and finally get her in the garage.  With so many other things to troubleshoot I put it on the back burner at first.  My initial suspicion was that the ignition controller box was overheating.

Of course any sort of overheating issue would get worse as the temperature increased in the summertime.  So it isn?t surprising that now I have to deal with this problem.  I managed to log the problem occurring and sent the log to the fellow who sold me the system.  He spotted that the fuel pressure was dropping just before the engine died.

With this information, I decided to run another test.  I hadn?t tried to restart the engine while logging the data.  Yesterday I was able to run this experiment and here are the results:

(http://www.canebas.org/misc/Capto_images/Biquette%20hot%20start%20log%202016-07-22.png)

You can view this graph as a movie with the actual values of the various engine parameters changing in real time:

https://youtu.be/Z1cRiMDGbeM (https://youtu.be/Z1cRiMDGbeM)

Instead of failing to start after the stall, the engine does restart, runs for a brief period and then the fuel pressure starts to drop and the engine dies a second time.

You can see how the engine is starved until it stalls on this video of the engine itself.

https://youtu.be/7FDDNpJ9FbM (https://youtu.be/7FDDNpJ9FbM)

My trusty wagon has been completely backfitted with a modern fuel delivery system including a new gas tank that has an integrated fuel pump:

http://ecat.spectrapremium.com/prod/GM37EFI (http://ecat.spectrapremium.com/prod/GM37EFI)

In a modern fuel injection fuel system, gasoline flows in a loop to the engine where it runs into a pressure regulator.  It?s job is to make sure there is enough pressure so that when a fuel injector opens, it ?squirts? with the suffient force to dispense proper amount of fuel.  Any gasoline that isn?t consumed by the injectors flows back to the gas tank for later use.

With the fuel pump in the gas tank, the hot engine bay cannot be effecting it at all.  So the most likely suspect is the pressure regulator. However that is a simple mechanical device that should be able to take the engine bay heat.  What is even more strange is that once things cool down, everything works once more.  As in previous cases, allowing the engine to cool down for about 40 minutes allowed me to start the car once more and put her back in the garage.  Once more the engine was behaving as normal.

At this point I don?t think I have much of a choice but to bring her over to Orinda Motors and see if they can troubleshoot this problem but clearly it is a very strange one.

Stay tuned! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/tune_in_TV_emoticon.gif)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]

P.S. This sure isn't helping my desperate hope of getting the car over to a body to fix those dings . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/sigh_bubble.gif)
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Bull Winkus on July 24, 2016, 12:00:16 AM
Vapor lock?
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on July 24, 2016, 12:33:22 AM
Quote
Vapor lock?
My same thought. Is there a fuel line running along or very near the exhaust system? I'd suspect it would be some distance from the engine or the fuel tank pump/pressure would clear out the 'bubble' fairly quickly. Perhaps that 'bubble' is nearer the fuel tank and the initial start is just using the gas until the 'bubble' finally gets to the injector pump.

BTW, how is the injector pump lubricated? I think early ones could be damaged by running too long without gasoline.
Title: Fuel system supposed to be "vapor lock proof" (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on July 24, 2016, 11:27:05 PM
Dear Herb, X-Air, and WeatherCat troubleshooters of 4-wheel vehicles.

Vapor lock?

I agree it does seem to have the correct symptoms, but my wagon's fuel system shouldn't have any problems with vapor lock because the fuel is constantly circulating.  That is supposed to remove enough heat to keep the gasoline liquid at all times.

Is there a fuel line running along or very near the exhaust system?

I'm sure Greg at Orinda Motors did his best to keep the fuel line away from the exhaust.  However, it is an oversized engine in a small engine bay with exhaust headers.  If you look at the movie of the log data, you can see the intake air temperature (top row of data, second item from the right.)  It starts out at 120˚ F and climbs to almost 130˚ F with the hood open!  The ambient temperature at the time was in the mid-80s.  So the engine heat is enough to raise the air temperature just above it by around 40˚.

Something that has been moved up on my "trusty wagon things to do" list is providing a cold-air intake.  This engine really needs to be getting air from outside.  Unfortunately, it isn't very easy to implement.

BTW, how is the injector pump lubricated? I think early ones could be damaged by running too long without gasoline.

I'm not sure what you mean by "injector pump?"  There is only one pump in this fuel injection system and that's the one in the gas tank.  There are 8 injectors in the throttle body, but they function like valves.  When they open gas sprays through the nozzle at the end of the injector into the intake manifold.

This is the latest throttle body from FAST (http://www.fuelairspark.com/).  It should have modern injectors.  However, there is a known problem with manifold vacuum sensor.  I'll have Greg check it and and some point it will need to be relocated.

Classic cars are so much fun . . . . . .  [banghead]

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on July 25, 2016, 01:14:48 AM
Quote
my wagon's fuel system shouldn't have any problems with vapor lock because the fuel is constantly circulating.
I thought you said this problem occurred after a drive and the engine shut off. You then get the stall when you try to start it up again soon after that shutdown. How long does that fuel keep circulating after you kill the engine?

The temperature of the block normally gets much hotter right after the engine is shut off, also. The water is no longer circulating through the radiator, so it just sits there soaking up the heat with only the surrounding air to transfer it away. New vehicles have an electric fan running for a while after the engines is shut off that blows/sucks air through the radiator to help with this cool down. Perhaps you have a similar electric fan?

However, as you point out, the air circulation in the engine compartment is less than perfect, this may also result in a slower cool down and even transfer more heat into the metal (I assume?) fuel line. Might be interesting to measure the temps during the first 10 minutes after you kill the engine ... with the hood closed, of course.

I think you can fix this whole problem by burying a small chest-type freezer in the floor of your garage. Make the top edge of the freezer (sans the door) even with the remaining garage floor. Make sure the long axis of the freezer is parallel with the long axis of your car and preferably centered between where the font wheels usually are. A fairly small oscillating fan should be placed in the bottom of the freezer and pointed up toward the ceiling/car. Now, after parking the car and shutting off the engine, just run the fan for ~5 minutes. You should now be able to start the engine without any stalling problems. Please hire a professional electrician to wire the freezer, fan and a switch conveniently located wall switch for the fan. You can rent the concrete saw and jack-hammer. You probably already have a shovel.

NOTE: Save the original top from the freezer. For safety, place the top over the floor 'mounted' freezer to prevent trapping small animals and children. Even better, mount some poles around the perimeter of the freezer and connect two rows of safety chains around them. Painting the poles "Day-Glo" orange is optional.

BTW, you should probably use metal containers when storing items in the freezer now. It will be much more accessible to dogs, cats, rats, etc. They generally do not obey safety chains nor "Day-Glo" poles. [rolleyes2]

You are welcome! (http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/xAirbusDriver/thumbup_zpsfgqhxlem.gif)
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Bull Winkus on July 25, 2016, 07:31:12 AM
Yeah, that's it. Who can turn down "Day-Glo" stuff, anyway?

Well Edouard, I hope you get it solved. I've a feeling that you will. Perhaps it's just a simple case of letting the fuel pump continue to circulate for an extra minute or three, or pausing the ignition key just before engaging the starter for good circulation before putting fire in the hole.

But, don't rebuild the starter! I once did that after letting the car sit idle all winter because the starter wouldn't engage with a perfectly good battery. Turned out to be the gear shift was still in Drive. Funny thing about those automatic transmissions; you can't use the starter to roll the car a few feet to avoid getting out in a puddle, like you could with the standards.

 [cheers1]
Title: Da' plot thickens some 'mor . . . (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on July 25, 2016, 10:55:03 PM
Dear X-Air, Herb, and WeatherCat automobile troubleshooters,

Quote
my wagon's fuel system shouldn't have any problems with vapor lock because the fuel is constantly circulating.
I thought you said this problem occurred after a drive and the engine shut off. You then get the stall when you try to start it up again soon after that shutdown. How long does that fuel keep circulating after you kill the engine?

Yes you are correct, the fuel doesn't circulate which the engine shutdown.  However, since the fuel system is closed it should be in principle difficult for the fuel to vaporize.  There is no volume that it should be able to expand into.

However, I was over at Orinda Motors having our "Junior Buick" (Coquette, our 2000 Buick Century) get her annual checkup and apparently there is some sort of a equivalent vapor lock situation that is possible for fuel injection systems.  I still don't understand the mechanism exactly but it does appear that my trusty wagon will have to pay a visit to the shop.

Nonetheless there was an intriguing observation when I went back over the data logs.  If the fuel was vaporizing because of the heat of the engine bay, it wouldn't be possible to get the engine to start at all.  Instead, there is a fairly steady 20-30 seconds of the engine running before it stalls.  That suggests the fuel is vaporizing somewhere in between the tank and the engine bay.  Perhaps the fuel line is too close to the exhaust somewhere.

But, don't rebuild the starter! I once did that after letting the car sit idle all winter because the starter wouldn't engage with a perfectly good battery. Turned out to be the gear shift was still in Drive.

Well, I'll try to make sense of the potential starter issue later on.  At least this engine you can buy a new starter so there is no need to try to rebuild an old one.

Funny thing about those automatic transmissions; you can't use the starter to roll the car a few feet to avoid getting out in a puddle, like you could with the standards.

That is true, but my wagon can still easily pushed around if you put the transmission in neutral.  She definitely predates all these safety measures so you don't have to have your foot on the gas before shifting the transmission.  So I still push her out of the garage with my own elbow grease as I have for more years that I prefer to admit!  ;D

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Suspected defective fuel pressure regulator (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on August 04, 2016, 11:49:47 PM
Dear WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

Here is a quick update on my trusty wagon's hot start problems.  I made some additional adjustments to the cold start parameters and logged another sequence of hot starts.  The logs very clearly show that the fuel pressure drops dramatically when the engine is warm:

(http://www.canebas.org/misc/Capto_images/Biquette%20fuel%20pressure%20variations%202016-08-02.jpg)

The white line almost in the middle of the graph is what is being displayed in the data below.  At the moment, the fuel pressure (lower left corner of the data boxes) was 20.6 PSI.  The regulator is supposed to keep the fuel pressure at 43 PSI!  With only 1/2 the required pressure, it is no surprise that the engine is starved of sufficient fuel and quits.

I bought this graph over to Orinda Motors and asked their ace classic car mechanic Greg about it.  Without a doubt he concluded that the fuel pressure regulator was defective and was failing to keep the fuel pressure at 43 PSI.  Greg didn't explain, but apparently pressure regulators can have difficulty holding pressure when the fuel is extremely warm.  That pressure is supposed to keep the gasoline liquid even with an engine bay at 150˚ F.

Yesterday I ordered a new one from Summit Racing (https://www.summitracing.com/).  Summit Racing (https://www.summitracing.com/) is sort of the ultimate caddy store for American muscle car guys.  Worse still they have a free shipping at $99, so if your item is less than that - temptation! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/conscience_smiley.gif)  As luck would have it, the regulator already cleared the free shipping limit, so I had no excuse to buy "toys" . . . .

The part should arrive tomorrow and Orinda Motors is scheduled to replace it on Tuesday . . . . . so

We shall see . . . . .

Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Bull Winkus on August 05, 2016, 01:33:32 AM
No warranty on the current regulator?
Title: Da' trouble with protracted projects . . . (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on August 05, 2016, 11:29:49 PM
Dear Herb and WeatherCat seekers of your money's worth,

No warranty on the current regulator?

Well, FAST has 1 year warranties on most of their products and this pressure regulator was purchased in .  . . . 2013.  :(

However da' plot further thickens as is usually the case for my trusty wagon.  The pressure regulator that was installed isn't from the fuel injection manufacturer FAST but a company called Big End Performance.  However, you try to get information on Big End Performance their web site no longer works - suggesting that they might be out of business . . . .

Under these circumstances, buying a new one seemed the most prudent choice to make!

Cheers, Edouard

P.S. The new FAST pressure regulator arrived today and looks similar enough that it should be a straightforward install.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Bull Winkus on August 06, 2016, 08:14:43 AM
Does the pressure regulator still get its feedback from the engine's manifold vacuum, like the old ones did? Because, if it does, a loss of vacuum with an increase in ambient temperature would fit the symptoms. That might be caused by a cracked spring actuator diaphragm, or a hole in the line somewhere. I didn't see vacuum pressure on the graph, so I thought I'd ask.

Naturally, if it's the spring actuator diaphragm you're fixing it by replacing the regulator. If elsewhere, then the issue wont go away with the new regulator.
Title: I'll let Orinda Motors figure it out! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on August 06, 2016, 10:40:20 PM
Dear Herb and WeatherCat automotive troubleshooters,

Does the pressure regulator still get its feedback from the engine's manifold vacuum, like the old ones did? Because, if it does, a loss of vacuum with an increase in ambient temperature would fit the symptoms. That might be caused by a cracked spring actuator diaphragm, or a hole in the line somewhere. I didn't see vacuum pressure on the graph, so I thought I'd ask.

I just checked and yes there is hose that connects to the intake manifold, so I assume this regulator is of that older design.  However, I don't think there is a great loss of vacuum pressure because this engine has a relatively mild cam.  I don't have any problems with the power brakes being slow to act.  On the contrary the brakes can apply more aggressively than I would prefer!  If there was a leak in the hose I would expect problems at other times.

In any case, I'll let classic car guru Greg at Orinda Motors figure it out!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Ever park next to one of these!?? (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on August 13, 2016, 12:11:11 AM
Dear WeatherCat automobile enthusiasts,

Have you ever parked next to one of these?

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-misc-photos/i-TS3HQ8Q/0/XL/Biquette%20next%20to%20Edsel%20Ranger%20-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-misc-photos/i-TS3HQ8Q/A)

The car next to my trusty wagon happens to be none other than an Edsel Ranger!  The story of Edsel is much more fascinating than I had ever realized.  You can read up on it on Wikipedia:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edsel (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edsel)

As the Wikipedia article points out: "The Edsel is an automobile marque that was planned, developed, and manufactured by the Ford Motor Company for model years 1958-1960."  So Edsel wasn't a single car but a car line like Buick or Pontiac are divisions of GM.  Unfortunately, the scheme had a critical flaw.  GM had consolidated smaller car companies.  Those companies already had loyal buyers and a particular reputation.  Ford wanted to invent a new car line for scratch.  That didn't give the buyer either a clear understanding of what Edsel was supposed to be nor any incentive to buy an Edsel instead of a Ford, Mercury or Lincoln.  In the end it flopped and left GM so dominating that it was close to monopoly status.

As much as the Edsel was a flop they are now extremely collectible and are much beloved by their owners.  This one was getting some work done at Orinda Motors on the same day my trusty wagon went in to have her fuel regulator replaced.  The swap went perfectly.  Just one small problem: the new pressure regulator was completely defective! I've returned it for a replacement.  My wagon will have to limp along with the old pressure regulator until the new replacement can be installed.

I have one more bit of trusty wagon news.  Back in May I ordered a pair "retro 1960s" personalized license plates and they are waiting at our local DMV office.  I have an appointment to pick them up later in the month.  So what does the new license plate say?  You guys will just have to wait!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on August 13, 2016, 12:53:26 AM
Quote
I ordered a pair [of] "retro 1960s" personalized license plates and they are waiting at our local DMV office.  I have an appointment to pick them up later in the month.  So what does the new license plate say?
With our luck with pressure regulators, I'm betting they mispeld whatever you asked for! [banghead] [rolleyes2]

The main thing Ford learned with the Edsel is not to expect too much from the family. "A Note from the Board: How 'bout we hire a non-family member and hopefully one with some managerial experience?"

Sure, Edsel's are coveted by collectors. Not many of them survived the car crushers! [lol]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on August 13, 2016, 01:01:08 AM
My guess for the personalized plates: WX4MAC or WXCAT1
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Steve on August 13, 2016, 03:28:23 AM
My guess for the personalized plates: WX4MAC or WXCAT1

Based on Edouard's threads lately, I'm guessing IH8APL.  ;)
Title: Keep guessing . . . . (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on August 13, 2016, 10:51:41 PM
Dear X-Air, Blick, Steve, and WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts, . . .

My guess for the personalized plates: WX4MAC or WXCAT1

Based on Edouard's threads lately, I'm guessing IH8APL.  ;)

Both cute, but not even warm!  Keep guessin' . . . .  [biggrin]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on August 13, 2016, 10:57:14 PM
MY1STCAR, SAVEH20 or BONJOUR
Title: Keep guessing . . . . (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on August 13, 2016, 11:09:59 PM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat mind readers, . . . .

MY1STCAR, SAVEH20 or BONJOUR

Nope, but you are getting a little bit warmer . . . . .

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Steve on August 14, 2016, 01:49:15 AM
BIQUETTE
Title: AHHHHH!!! Wrong table!!! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on August 15, 2016, 12:16:45 AM
Dear Steve and WeatherCat automotive tinkerers,

BIQUETTE

Not a bad guess but it won't work.  California only allows for 7 characters on a plate.

In the meantime, I returned to the saga of tweaking the fuel injection parameters.  I had noticed that in spite of great diligence and precision, I wasn't getting the engine to idle more smoothly about 2 to 3 minutes after starting.  The logs indicated the fuel mixture was definitely too rich.  That's puzzling I thought: "I am trying to reduce the amount of fuel, that should help shouldn't it?"

Something else was very strange.  There is a table that makes a quick adjustment immediately after the engine starts.  That table also adds fuel.  Yet when the two tables were acting at the same time, the engine was actually getting less fuel.

It is at times like this a that man must search his soul . . . . .  before resigning himself to once more reading the instructions. . . 

It is at this point I discovered a most inconvenient truth.  I was adjusting the Acceleration Enrichment vs. Coolant Temperature table instead of the Warm-Up Enrichment vs. Coolant Temperature.  The table I was tweaking only comes into play when you step on the accelerator, so not surprisingly the cold starts weren't improving.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/D'oh.gif)

So with a clearer idea of what has to be done.  I have reduced the values of the Warm-Up Enrichment vs. Coolant Temperature table based on what the logs and videos suggest is the problem.  I also have made what I hope is a reasonable guess for the After-Start Enrichment vs. Coolant Temperature table.  Next chance I get, I'll try to start my trusty wagon and see what happens

In the voice of Sylvester the cat . . . . . . S-s-s-s-simple, . . . . . isn't it!   [banghead]

Edouard  :-[
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on August 15, 2016, 01:45:32 PM
VOITURE

Laughed out loud when I read your sentence about reading the instructions. I assume you are now waiting for the replacement fuel pump.
Title: Definitely the correct table. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on August 16, 2016, 12:26:28 AM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat tinkerers,

VOITURE

Nope, actually colder . . .

Laughed out loud when I read your sentence about reading the instructions. I assume you are now waiting for the replacement fuel pump.

Well no I went ahead and tried my revised parameters on the Warm-Up Enrichment vs. Coolant Temperature table.  The engine started and ran - badly!  I reduced the fuel too much and now the engine is running very lean.  I'm surprised it managed to keep running at all.  Still, I now have my high shot and my low shot.  It is time to split the difference and see what I get!

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Da' wagon has landed! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on September 10, 2016, 01:04:05 AM
Dear WeatherCat fans of assertive station wagons,

I was expected to bring my trusty wagon by 5pm today so that she could be set up in the service bay like last year's car show.  The reason for this "honor" was that they wanted to showcase her new electronic fuel injection system.  In order to do that, I needed to make some new posters.

The posters were finished at around . . . . . . 3:30pm!! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/eek2.gif)

Fortunately, Orinda Motors was able to take my trusty wagon early so I was back home at around 5.

I also have to bring my laptop so I can demonstrate the software tuning.  I just finished loading up the data so I can do that.

Lucky me, I still have about 20 minutes before I have to start cooking dinner!

I may not make it to the forum tomorrow . . . . . It is likely to be a very  L O N G  day!j

Stay tuned
. . . . . Edouard (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/tune_in_TV_emoticon.gif)
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on September 10, 2016, 11:12:19 PM
Good luck, and don't forget to tell us about your personalised license plates.
Title: Attracted a crowd!! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on September 11, 2016, 11:47:38 PM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts, . . .

Good luck

I definitely needed that.  I had added so many posters that it took me over 45 minutes to put them all up!  I was still desperately setting up when the show got started.

don't forget to tell us about your personalised license plates.

And the answer is !!! . . . .

(https://photos.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2016-Orinda-Classic-Car-show/i-BsKxVCK/0/XL/Biquette%20in%20middle%20of%20show%20-%20front%20-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2016-Orinda-Classic-Car-show/i-BsKxVCK/A)

Steve gets the credit for the closest guess.  Honestly, I was surprised that he didn't try dropping the 'u'.  It is the closest you can get to Biquette's name in 7 characters.

I'm not sure if it was the personalized license plate, the new light to illuminate the engine bay, or the additional posters, but all of sudden, the crowds were really taking a liking to my trusty wagon!  I was mobbed even before I had finished putting up the posters!  For once, the snide comments comparing my wagon to a beached whale disappeared and people seemed genuinely impressed at how she had been restored and upgraded.  Here are a few more pictures of my wagon in the limelight:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2016-Orinda-Classic-Car-show/i-BnJNQs6/0/XL/Biquette%20at%20show%20-%20startboard%20front%20-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2016-Orinda-Classic-Car-show/i-BnJNQs6/A)

Here is one showing my last minute addition to jazz up the tailgate area:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2016-Orinda-Classic-Car-show/i-rRFfCJF/0/XL/Biquette%20at%20show%20-%20back-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2016-Orinda-Classic-Car-show/i-rRFfCJF/A)

Buick didn't use as much chrome on the tail end of the wagons as they did on the sedans and coupes.  So I thought a tasteful hitch receiver cover might look very nice.  Since my wagon had the the nickname of the Divemobile when I was working on my PhD, a scuba diver's flag as the cover seemed perfect.  I'm pleased with how it turned out.

There were over 190 cars at the show and I had very little time to enjoy the show myself.  However, I have two cars that perhaps have some general interest.  The first is a 1941 Pontiac Deluxe Custom Torpedo 8.  Clearly it must have been one of the last cars built before the switch to wartime production:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2016-Orinda-Classic-Car-show/i-dnCbskm/0/XL/1941%20Pontiac%20Deluxe%20Custom%20Torpedo%208%20-%20port%20rear%20-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2016-Orinda-Classic-Car-show/i-dnCbskm/A)

The other is for those on "da' other side of the pond."  Here is a 1968 Morgan Plus 4 Roadster:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2016-Orinda-Classic-Car-show/i-fLc35bk/0/XL/1968%20Morgan%20Plus%204%20Roadster%20-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2016-Orinda-Classic-Car-show/i-fLc35bk/A)

There were quite a few British sports cars at the show, but knowing very little about them, I wasn't sure what would be most appealing to photograph.

After the show, I managed to get home, take a shower, and still managed to cook dinner on time!

Nonetheless, it was a very  L O N G  day!

Time to recoup!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on September 12, 2016, 02:33:43 PM
Glad it turned out so well for you. The Buick looks great. I am also impressed with how clean the shop floor is.
Title: Both took a lot of effort! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on September 12, 2016, 11:23:49 PM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

Glad it turned out so well for you. The Buick looks great.

Well, this was a bit of a struggle.  I had to wash and wax her while the road in front of our street was still dirt!  Fortunately, there wasn't a lot of traffic on Labor day and the garage is some distance away from the street.

I am also impressed with how clean the shop floor is.

Well, the crew at Orinda Motors spends most of the afternoon before the show cleaning the floor.  While they claim to be a "green business," what they use to clean the floor is sufficiently nasty that they keep us customers away from the show while they are doing it!  (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/eek2.gif)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: A pair of wagons! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on October 22, 2016, 10:59:06 PM
Dear mid-60s Buick fans of trusty wagons,

My wagon headed back over to Orinda Motors to make another attempt to replace the fuel pressure regulator and try to fix two oil leaks.  Over the past year or so, Orinda Motors has acquired a wagon of their own.  They will use it to shuttle car owners as they use their van now.  However, the wagon is also an advertising tool for their growing classic car work.  When I arrived at Orinda Motors I was able to park right next to their wagon:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-and-OM-wagon/i-H5TWdXH/0/XL/Biquette%20and%20OM%20wagon%20-%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-and-OM-wagon/i-H5TWdXH/A)

Here is what the two wagons looked like from the back:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-and-OM-wagon/i-WQbBg3z/0/XL/Biquette%20and%20OM%20wagon%20-%20rear-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-and-OM-wagon/i-WQbBg3z/A)

Note the respective personalized license plates!

In the meantime, my wagon will have plenty of classic company.  Right now Orinda motors has 2 Ford Mustangs, 2 Ford pickup trucks (one from the 1930s,) a Ford Thunderbird, a Corvette, and one other car that I didn't get a good look at.  There were more classics in the service bay than modern cars!

Looks like she'll be in good hands!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Biquette comes home - da' HARD way! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on November 12, 2016, 10:43:15 PM
Dear WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

One of my ongoing struggles in my three ringed circus life of mine was trying to solve a strange hot-starting problem my trusty wagon was having.  After a moderate run on the freeway and having her sit on the driveway to unload, she would turn over but not start.  The first time this happened to me, I opened the hood hoping it was some sort of overheating issue, and sure enough, after 15-30 minutes she was back to normal.

All this started back in the Spring but this problem had gone to back burner because of oil leaks and other issues.  With the leaks fixed, yesterday I took her out on an extended freeway run to get the engine good and hot before trying to capture the hot start problem on my laptop when I got home.

Well, I finally did get home all right, but by then there was no need for logging.  About 1 mile from home the engine abruptly - quit!   I was on a busy access road at the time and just barely was able to make it onto a side street before rolling to a halt.  Up went the hood and the emergency flashers were turned on.

It was a strange experience!  All of a sudden a number of people stopped and offered to help.  Normally suburbia is so impersonal.  It was an excuse for people to admire my wagon and she got a lot of complements.  Still she was a very difficult spot on a side road with some traffic.  As soon as I could I managed to start her again, but she only was able to travel about a 1/4 mile before stalling again.  This wasn't a good spot either, but I managed to get to street with even less traffic.  So there she sat for another 20 minutes:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-misc-photos/i-3nWFPPJ/0/XL/Biquette%20disabled%20by%20overheating%20ignition%20controller%20box-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-misc-photos/i-3nWFPPJ/A)

Finally the faulty part appears to have cooled off enough that I was able to drive the rest of the way home.  I posted a question about the incident on the technical support forum and the only replies thus far suggest that the ignition controller box is faulty and will have to be replaced.  Fortunately, it should still be under warranty.

Never a dull moment when you own a classic car! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/eek2.gif)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on November 14, 2016, 04:35:13 PM
For some reason, I find this Buick's story fascinating. Thanks for keeping us posted.
Title: Malfunctioning box or starter coil (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on November 14, 2016, 11:43:12 PM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat fans of da' trusty wagon,

For some reason, I find this Buick's story fascinating. Thanks for keeping us posted.

Well for a quick update the most likely hypothesis is either the ignition controller box or the starter coil are defective and overheating.  As soon as I can spare the time, I need to use a hair dryer to warm up one and then the other and see if I can reproduce the turning over without starting symptoms . . . .

Stay tuned!

Cheers, Edouard
Title: And da' answer . . . . isn't! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on November 25, 2016, 12:22:11 AM
Dear WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

The weather was dry and mild so it was a good time to attempt this troubleshooting exercise involving a blow hair dryer.  So I took my trusty wagon on a quick outing to get the engine warmed up.  While I was at it, I took this photo next to a nearby ranch were some of the buildings have been restored:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette--fall-winter-2017/i-qcsLZJ4/0/XL/Biquette%20and%20ranch%20house-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette--fall-winter-2017/i-qcsLZJ4/A)

When I have a little time, I'll try to digitally age the photo so it looks like it was taken in the 1960s.

When I got home heated up both suspect parts until they were so hot that they almost burned my hands and . . . . . engine just kept idling without any problems.

Me thinks I'm going to have to go back to the troubleshooting drawing board!!  (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/D'oh.gif)

Oh well, as I said - owning a classic car is always an adventure!! . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/eek2.gif)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on November 25, 2016, 08:23:23 PM
Keep 'em coming. You'll get there eventually.
Title: Preview of Spring. (Re: Da' trusty billy-goat wagon! )
Post by: elagache on January 17, 2017, 11:33:53 PM
Dear WeatherCat sufferers from too much harsh weather,

If you guys can get so excited about Rain-X, maybe you need a preview of Spring!

It hasn't been very classic car friendly weather here either. My trusty wagon hasn't been out since December 21st!  That definitely not typical California weather.  We have two days before the next round of wet weather so it was definitely time for my wagon to get a bit of exercise.  I stopped by a local church that was built in the 1950s and took a few pictures.  First, the bell tower:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette--fall-winter-2017/i-wMDX8xJ/0/X2/Biquette%20under%20Santa%20Maria%20bell%20tower%20-X2.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette--fall-winter-2017/i-wMDX8xJ/A)

Here is a second view where Biquette is a bit more visible:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette--fall-winter-2017/i-LLxQ54F/0/XL/Biquette%20next%20to%20church%20-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette--fall-winter-2017/i-LLxQ54F/A)

Finally one last view against the trees to the West:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette--fall-winter-2017/i-zxDVdJb/0/XL/Biquette%20port%20side%20-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette--fall-winter-2017/i-zxDVdJb/A)

Just a quick reminder that no matter how nasty winter can get  [freeze], spring is never too far away!  [sun2]

Cheers, Edouard   [cheers1]

P.S.  ;) . .  Did you know that big-block Buick engines also make for excellent space heaters?  When I put Biquette back in the garage the temperature was 61˚.  A few hours later it was 67˚ !! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/big_grin.gif)
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on January 18, 2017, 06:56:48 PM
Nice photos. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Steve on January 19, 2017, 03:15:29 PM

When I have a little time, I'll try to digitally age the photo so it looks like it was taken in the 1960s.

Two clicks with Luminar. The wagon is looking great, Edouard.

Oops, too big. I'm sending via email.
Title: Old school aging . . . (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on January 20, 2017, 12:03:38 AM
Dear Steve and WeatherCat retro shutterbugs,

Two clicks with Luminar. The wagon is looking great, Edouard.

Oops, too big. I'm sending via email.

I just checked my email, it doesn't seem to have been delivered yet.  However, I prefer to age photos "da' ol' fashioned way."   Since I have photos taken of Biquette as far back as 1968, I know what these photos should look like.  Most "canned" aging programs aren't sophisticated enough to be able to reproduce the effect of prints or slides from a particular period.

I'll be interested to see what Luminar can do though.  If you can't send it, perhaps you should simply post it!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Now this is a proper V8 Edouard !
Post by: jace on January 20, 2017, 05:06:52 PM
This car belongs to a young lad in our village, at the moment it has disappeared somewhere for a engine rebuild.

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/jace3611/thumb_IMG_0187_1024_zpskkcwum9l.jpg)

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/jace3611/thumb_IMG_0188_1024_zps68cukqjg.jpg)

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/jace3611/thumb_IMG_0287_1024_zpsu4rxplmm.jpg)

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/jace3611/thumb_IMG_0289_1024_zpsqiceyp5v.jpg)

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/jace3611/thumb_IMG_0189_1024_zpsg6gdlohl.jpg)

JC
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on January 20, 2017, 08:25:34 PM
Surely that lad doesn't race that thing!? But it sure looks like "412" painted on the drivers door! ;)
Title: Oh yeah! (Re: Now this is a proper V8 Edouard !)
Post by: elagache on January 20, 2017, 11:50:05 PM
Dear JC, X-Air, and WeatherCat believers in the automotive saying:

"There is no replacement for displacement!"

This car belongs to a young lad in our village, at the moment it has disappeared somewhere for a engine rebuild.

Thanks for sharing the photos!  :)  It is a nice looking car.  Too bad is appears to be suffering from a mineral deficiency.  It really should take a "chrome" supplement! . .  ;D

Now this is a proper V8 Edouard !

Oh yeah!  Perhaps I should remind you of the specifications of the engine in my trusty wagon:

        Displacement:
     
        445 cubic inches (7.3 litres)
     
        Bore:
     
        4.250 inches
     
        Cylinder heads:
     
        TA Performance Stage-2 Aluminum heads
     
        Camshaft:
     
        TA Performance Hydraulic roller camshaft (clone of Stage-1 cam:) 214/213.5@.50 on a 113 LC mid .500 lifts.
     
        Rockers:
     
        TA Performance roller rockers: 1.6 ratio
     
        Intake manifold:
     
        Edelbrock B4B
     
        Exhaust headers:
     
        TA Performance 2? competition headers (2014)
     
        Static compression ratio:
     
        9.65:1
     
        Ignition system:
     
        FAST E6 Ignition controller box (controlled by ECU)
     
        Fuel system:
     
        FAST Sportsman XFI Electronic Fuel Injection (including ignition control.)
     
        Peak horsepower:
     
        ~500 horsepower
     
        Peak torque:
     
        ~530 foot-pounds
     

 ;) . . . . .Is that assertive enough for ya' . . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/car_3gears.gif)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on January 21, 2017, 12:08:00 AM
Quote
Is that assertive enough for ya'
Yeah, but when is the next race?!
Title: Not a racer - a puller! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on January 21, 2017, 12:11:52 AM
Dear X-Air and WeatherCat seekers of the ultimate utility vehicle.

Quote
Is that assertive enough for ya'
Yeah, but when is the next race?!

But she isn't a racer!  She is a tow vehicle for a vintage Airstream travel trailer ("Caravan" to some.)

If I only had the time to even start to look into this!

Oh well,
. . . . Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on January 21, 2017, 03:52:17 AM
Quote
But she isn't a racer!  She is a tow vehicle
OK! You are talking about "pulls" like we have down south with our tractor pulls, right?!
<wikipedia.org (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tractor_pulling)>
<It doesn't always need lots of rules and regulations! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_hzhCe4rWs)>
Title: Request DENIED!! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on January 21, 2017, 10:04:29 PM
Dear X-Air and WeatherCat "coveting thou neighbors assertive wagon" types,. . . .  ;)

Quote
But she isn't a racer!  She is a tow vehicle
OK! You are talking about "pulls" like we have down south with our tractor pulls, right?!

Request DENIED!!!! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/eek-sign.gif)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Just another one of THOSE days . . . . (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on March 03, 2017, 12:17:27 AM
Dear WeatherCat fans of one assertive Billy-goat wagon,

I received a not so subtle hint that perhaps I should update the story.  A few weeks back I brought my trusty wagon home from a shopping errand only to notice a ticking sound coming from the engine.  Given the location, it sure sounded to be something amiss with the valve train.  Concerned, I arranged to bring her over to Orinda Motors so that their classic car ace Greg could here the sound and assess how serious it was.  By the time I drove to Orinda Motors - the sound was gone! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/D'oh.gif)

You can't fix something that isn't visibly broken so I drove home disgruntled.  With all the rain, it has been hard to get her out, but I managed to get her out last Friday to take a few photos of her next to Spring flowering trees.  Here is one of the photos:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-in-Spring-2017/i-JvhQRgS/0/XL/Biquette%20in%20turn%20-%20port%20front%20-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-in-Spring-2017/i-JvhQRgS/A)

Alas the ticking sound was definitely back so on Monday I dropped her off at Orinda Motors for them to have a look.  This time the ticking sound did continue, but since this is a custom built engine, they asked me to get in touch with TA-Performance to get some advice.  It took a day and a half to get Mike Tomaszewski on the phone, but finally I did and he suspected the problem was that the car had sat too long because of all the bad weather.  He suspected that the long time idle had allowed all the oil to get out of the lifters and allowed air to become introduced.  Air in the lifters is a known cause of valve train noise.  He recommended that I simply get her on the freeway and really get the engine good and hot, so that the oil would work its way into every corner of the lifters.  He hoped that would make the problem go away.

So yesterday afternoon I took Mike's advice and picked up Biquette from Orinda Motors and gave her a brisk but short freeway run.  Biquette has had a problem with the engine stalling after getting too hot so I didn't want to take my chances.  Still, on my way home I took a few more pictures of Biquette with flowering trees.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-in-Spring-2017/i-RcBBShH/0/XL/Biquette%20next%20to%20white%20plums%20-%20port%20front%20-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-in-Spring-2017/i-RcBBShH/A)

Here is one of that all important tailgate:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-in-Spring-2017/i-n48WT9f/0/XL/Biquette%20next%20to%20white%20plums%20-%20starboard%20back%20-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-in-Spring-2017/i-n48WT9f/A)

Photos taken, I went home and stopped on the driveway with the engine idling.  I wasn't sure, but I thought I could still here the ticking sound.  So I took out my iPhone to take a quick video.  This is the video I took:

https://youtu.be/EQZx-LznrT4 (https://youtu.be/EQZx-LznrT4)

Instead of catching the ticking sound, I captured the engine stalling from this strange component overheating problem.  It is mostly likely something to do with either the electronic fuel injection system of the ignition system that is controlled by the EFI's ECU (Engine Control Unit.)

Okay it was cool to capture the engine stalling, but there was a significant problem.  Biquette wasn't able to start.  My Dad and I could push her into the garage, but she is heavier with the bigger engine and all by myself - this is more than I can cope with.  I tried at 1/2 hour, the engine did start but only ran a few seconds before stalling once more.  Only after using a fan to further cool the engine bay and waiting another 45 minutes was I able to get her to run long enough to put her back into the garage.

I sent the video to Orinda Motors and plans are hatching to troubleshoot this problem sometime next week.  In the meantime I spent most of the afternoon continuing to remove branches from the broken Acacia tree branch (http://athena.trixology.com/index.php?topic=2301.msg23561#msg23561).  In the meantime I'm still not sure if the ticking sound was solved or not.

Goes to show you that inside every problem is another problem struggling to get out.  Worse still, you can never be sure which problem is the bigger one!! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/eek-sign.gif)

Oh well, . . . . . Edouard (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/sigh_bubble.gif)
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on March 03, 2017, 03:01:59 PM
Thanks for the photos and the update. Let us know how it turns out.
Title: Back to the first problem . . . (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on March 07, 2017, 11:42:34 PM
Dear WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

This morning I decided to finally catch the electronic fuel injection system goofing off in my trusty wagon.  I had my MacBook ready to log the failure and my iPhone was recording the grand event.  What happened? - nothing.  [banghead] 

Alas, the ticking sound in the valve-train has returned.  Worse still, instead of starting immediately when the engine was cold, it only started after I got out on the freeway.  The previous assumption was this was an oiling problem, but in that case it should make the sound when the engine is cold.  I was able to take this video of the sound:

https://youtu.be/UD_v0duJuOQ?t=10s (https://youtu.be/UD_v0duJuOQ?t=10s)

You can hear it most clearly after the radiator fans turn off.  I called the engine builder and he couldn't make any sense of the sound, so the time has come to pull the valve cover off and see what lies beneath.

As you can see - there is always something!! . . . .  (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/D'oh.gif)

Oh well, . . . . . Edouard
Title: Looks like the engine need to be repaired again (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on April 04, 2017, 12:11:52 AM
Dear WeatherCat fans of an "assertive" billy-goat wagon,

I haven't updated this thread because the situation has been extremely murky.  Greg at Orinda Motors found evidence of damage to the valve-train and some surprising scoring on the camshaft and lifters.  These are made of hardened steel, so some abrasives has been flowing in the oil that shouldn't be there.  I thought this engine was dead.  However, upon closer inspection, it definitely has issuez but probably can be saved.  I'm waiting on one more check, but it seems likely that this engine will have to go back to the engine builder TA-Performance and my poor wagon will have to be brought back to garage to wait for another spell.

Such are da' conditions that prevail
, . . . . . .

Oh well, . . . . Edouard

P.S. Not surprisingly, I'm extra short of time as a result, so my presence on this forum has correspondingly suffered.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on April 04, 2017, 12:23:16 AM
I am sure you are frustrated by this latest turn of the camshaft. Sorry for your aggravation. Thanks for  keeping us in the loop.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on April 04, 2017, 12:27:08 AM
Quote
Sorry for your aggravation.
And, I hope, for the pun?! [rolleyes2] [lol]
Title: Thanks guys for the sympathies! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on April 04, 2017, 11:37:59 PM
Dear Blick, X-Air, and WeatherCat automobile enthusiasts,

Thanks for your sympathy.  Sadly the engine damage does look very severe.  However, yesterday afternoon I found the engine builder Mike Tomaszewski talking me into saving this engine!  With passions like this, I've just got to soldier on.

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on April 05, 2017, 02:28:42 AM
Is any of the recent damage covered under the rebuilder's warranty?
Title: Mom and Pop operation. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on April 05, 2017, 11:21:54 PM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

Is any of the recent damage covered under the rebuilder's warranty?

TA-Performance is a very small outfit, literally started by a husband and wife team.  I'm sure the guy will do the best he can to keep the costs down, but there is nothing like a formal warranty.  Normally these engines work and the rate of failures is very low.  My poor wagon is just extremely unlucky.

Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on April 06, 2017, 03:10:41 AM
 :(
Title: Biquette is transported home (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on April 15, 2017, 11:12:42 PM
Dear WeatherCat automobile enthusiasts,

Orinda Motors finally was able to pull the big-block engine out of my trusty wagon by Friday morning.  I still think it is one handsome machine:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquette-transported-home-from-Orinda-Motors/i-3F5NjDp/0/XL/Biquette%27s%20engine%20-%20port-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquette-transported-home-from-Orinda-Motors/i-3F5NjDp/A)

With that done it was time to send Biquette home so that Orinda Motor could take on another classic car customer.  So yesterday I arranged for her to be transported on a flatbed truck.  Here she is being loaded:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquette-transported-home-from-Orinda-Motors/i-fCs3xHb/0/XL/Orinda%20Classic%20Car%20Center-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquette-transported-home-from-Orinda-Motors/i-fCs3xHb/A)

You can just make out the "Orinda Classic Car Center" sign under the roof.  At home the process was reversed and she was unloaded on the driveway:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquette-transported-home-from-Orinda-Motors/i-XpJRWF2/0/XL/Biquette%20descending%20ramp-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquette-transported-home-from-Orinda-Motors/i-XpJRWF2/A)

Finally with some human muscle power, she was wiggled into her normal spot in the garage:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquette-transported-home-from-Orinda-Motors/i-TBqkh92/0/XL/Biquette%20back%20in%20her%20spot%20in%20the%20garage-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquette-transported-home-from-Orinda-Motors/i-TBqkh92/A)

Today I went through all the parts and labeled the boxes to make reassembly that much easier.  Sometime next week the engine will travel back to Arizona to find out what in the world went wrong.

Definitely a gloomy time for da' trusty wagon and owner .  . . .

Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on April 18, 2017, 04:14:36 PM
Sorry for your loss but it will be interesting to see what they discover.

Now that you have let us peek into your garage, I have a comment and a question.
Title: Engine on its way to Arizona. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on April 18, 2017, 11:38:31 PM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat garage maintainers,

Sorry for your loss but it will be interesting to see what they discover.

The engine was packed in a heavy-duty wooden crate and was supposed to be picked up today for its transit to Scottsdale, Arizona.

In my opinion, the best garage door openers are manufactured by LiftMaster?

That was the brand provided by the company when we upgraded from a wooden garage door to a metal sectional door.  The opener has worked just great.  We've only had one problem with it.  The motion sensor controlling the lights failed about a year after installation.  The company that put in the garage door replaced it for free.

Is that blue tarp protecting from a water leak?

*Sigh*
, yes it was.  The leak has been fixed but I forgot to remove the silly tarp!  :-[

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on April 19, 2017, 01:53:28 PM
Quote
Is that blue tarp protecting from a water leak?
Quote
*Sigh*, yes it was.  The leak has been fixed but I forgot to remove the silly tarp!
You didn't "forget"! You're simply planning ahead! ThU5:-) [cheer]
Title: Ain't that the truth! (Was: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on April 19, 2017, 11:29:28 PM
Dear X-Air and WeatherCat home maintainers who are all too painfully aware of Murphy's law.

You didn't "forget"! You're simply planning ahead! ThU5:-) [cheer]

Ain't that the truth!  [rainyluck]

Edouard
Title: 2017 Orinda Classic Car show. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on September 09, 2017, 10:52:27 PM
Dear WeatherCat automobile enthusiasts, 

Alas, the engine for my trusty wagon remains in Scottsdale, Arizona.  The engine builder over there had an machinist quit and that created a backlog of work that delayed progress on the engine.  So my wagon was, for the second time since 2010, unable to attend the Orinda Classic Car show.  However, I went over there and took quite a few photos of my own.  I uploaded all my photos to an online photo gallery that you can find here:

https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2017-Orinda-Classic-Car-show (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2017-Orinda-Classic-Car-show)

If all you've got to view these photos is a smart phone, you might try this link instead:

https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2017-Orinda-Classic-Car-show?mobile=true (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2017-Orinda-Classic-Car-show?mobile=true)

Not surprisingly, most of the cars are American, but there were a few exceptions.  There was another Morgan this year:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2017-Orinda-Classic-Car-show/i-ncmrPSQ/0/8e76edfa/XL/Morgan%204%20plus-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2017-Orinda-Classic-Car-show/i-ncmrPSQ/A)

There was also a 1955 Jaguar XK140 drop head coupe:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2017-Orinda-Classic-Car-show/i-sr79tdT/0/b2dd80c6/XL/IMG_3229-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2017-Orinda-Classic-Car-show/i-sr79tdT/A)

Since "caravans" are a topic of interest around here, there was a Rotary fund-raiser project in the form of a wood teardrop trailer:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2017-Orinda-Classic-Car-show/i-BdWSVNT/0/1c97290d/XL/Teardrop%20trailer%20project%20-%20port-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2017-Orinda-Classic-Car-show/i-BdWSVNT/A)

Here is another view:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2017-Orinda-Classic-Car-show/i-BxV529C/0/984104ff/XL/Teardrop%20trailer%20project%20-%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2017-Orinda-Classic-Car-show/i-BxV529C/A)

The trailer was being raffled off as a fund raiser.

Finally, here is homey survivor for sure:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2017-Orinda-Classic-Car-show/i-tx7vJQH/0/8f1222d5/XL/1959%20Nash%20Metropolitan%20-%20port-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2017-Orinda-Classic-Car-show/i-tx7vJQH/A)

This is a 1959 Nash Metropolitan!  Here is one more photo:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2017-Orinda-Classic-Car-show/i-WbS8SJQ/0/b668e6bd/XL/1959%20Nash%20Metropolitan%20-%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2017-Orinda-Classic-Car-show/i-WbS8SJQ/A)

If you need more pics to satisfy your classic automotive cravings, click on the gallery links above.  There are 54 images in all.

Enjoy!  :)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on September 09, 2017, 11:10:18 PM
Nice work, Edouard. Here's to hoping engine #2 runs better and lasts longer.
Title: Engine being repaired not replaced (Re:Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on September 10, 2017, 11:15:46 PM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat fans of "assertive" station wagons,

Here's to hoping engine #2 runs better and lasts longer.

Mostly a technicality, but for the record.  It is the same engine that was delivered in late 2012.  In 2014-15 it went through a first round of repairs that fixed a damaged crankshaft bearing and changed the design to be more of a passenger car engine, instead of a racing engine.  The only parts that didn't get a careful going over where the cylinder heads.  It turned out they also needed to be reworked. Ultimately the original castings couldn't be prevented from leaking and were replaced.  So hopefully the last parts of this engine that hadn't been reworked are now is top condition.

I am hoping the engine will be shipped before the end the end of this month.

Cheers, Edouard
Title: IT'S BAACK!! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on May 19, 2018, 10:53:58 PM
Dear WeatherCat fans of a certain rascally billy-goat station wagon, . . . . . 

Last time I reported on my trusty wagon, the engine was still languishing in Scottsdale, Arizona.  However, the last issues were resolved by the end of March and it was shipped in April.  Actually it has been over a month since a rather large and heavy crate arrived at Orinda Classic Car Center.  Alas they have been so desperately swamped with work that the crate was shunted in a corner while they tried to catch up.  Finally this week they were close to catching up and had enough time to open the crate and allow what was inside to peek out:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-engine-returns-to-Orinda-Classic-Car-Center/i-nDjdNtK/0/8236c304/XL/Biquette%27s%20engine%20at%20Orinda%20Motors%20-%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-engine-returns-to-Orinda-Classic-Car-Center/i-nDjdNtK/A)

Here is the driver's side:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-engine-returns-to-Orinda-Classic-Car-Center/i-cHBpg5h/0/f373841d/XL/Biquette%27s%20engine%20at%20Orinda%20Motors%20-%20port%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-engine-returns-to-Orinda-Classic-Car-Center/i-cHBpg5h/A)

Here is the passenger side:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-engine-returns-to-Orinda-Classic-Car-Center/i-SQ3JrWV/0/a091cda7/XL/Biquette%27s%20engine%20at%20Orinda%20Motors%20-%20starboard%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-engine-returns-to-Orinda-Classic-Car-Center/i-SQ3JrWV/A)

Finally here is the back:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-engine-returns-to-Orinda-Classic-Car-Center/i-Rqv6N6j/0/38e518c8/XL/Biquette%27s%20engine%20at%20Orinda%20Motors%20-%20back-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-engine-returns-to-Orinda-Classic-Car-Center/i-Rqv6N6j/A)

They were still really busy and a Lincoln needs to be towed home before Biquette can come in.  However, the plan is to have her transported this upcoming Tuesday.  She will be getting some suspension and steering upgrades before the engine gets put back.  In the meantime, I've got to corral all those parts which have piled all over the house and get them ready to be put back together!

All of a sudden a very exciting time! . . .   [bounce]

Alas, that will make me a bit more scarce on this forum until things settle down once more.

Thanks for your support!!   [tup]

Cheers, Edouard   [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: mcrossley on May 20, 2018, 09:55:43 AM
Wow! A work of art, there is nothing like a really nicely prepped bit of engineering.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on May 22, 2018, 01:38:32 AM
Thanks for the photos and the update. I was wondering what had become of this sweet project.
Title: The return to Orinda Classic Car! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on May 23, 2018, 12:04:48 AM
Dear WeatherCat fans of a certain rascally billy-goat station wagon, . . . . . 

Today was the day!  Early in the morning I pushed Biquette out of the garage so that she could get nice and clean.  She even got a bit of a bubble bath in the process:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-return-to-Orinda-Motors-2018/i-2DF2gJs/0/bd98aad2/XL/Biquette%27s%20bubble%20bath%20-%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-return-to-Orinda-Motors-2018/i-2DF2gJs/A)

Then it was up on the flatbed transport truck:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-return-to-Orinda-Motors-2018/i-xkCtwTL/0/538204f4/XL/Biquette%20loaded%20on%20truck-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-return-to-Orinda-Motors-2018/i-xkCtwTL/A)

We lucked out!  It was the same driver that brought her to Orinda Motors the previous time!  The trip was uneventful and after a few miles, she was unloaded at the Orinda Classic Car Center (the division of Orinda Motors now devoted specifically to classics.)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-return-to-Orinda-Motors-2018/i-T2vXbvH/0/95c57b48/XL/Biquette%20unloaded%20from%20truck%20-%20back-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-return-to-Orinda-Motors-2018/i-T2vXbvH/A)

Finally she was parked right next to her engine so that they could bond once more!

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-return-to-Orinda-Motors-2018/i-Wr6tZX6/0/4d5c6a32/XL/Biquette%20parked%20next%20to%20her%20engine-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-return-to-Orinda-Motors-2018/i-Wr6tZX6/A)

Mission accomplished!  [bounce]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Memories of CA Memorial day snow! (Re: Da' trusty billy-goat wagon! )
Post by: elagache on May 25, 2018, 11:31:02 PM
Dear WeatherCat users who stroll down memory lane from time to time,

We are having a very unusual start to the Memorial day weekend with a little rain falling today.  That reminded me of another adventure with my trusty wagon involving the weather.  In the mid-1980s, I attended 2 Riverside Telescope Makers Expos (http://rtmcastronomyexpo.org/).  It is held every Memorial day weekend at Camp Oakes near Big Bear Lake in Southern California.  It is over 450 miles from my home and about an 8 hour drive.  One year Biquette got the call to make the drive and so I picked up the two friends going along with me as early as they could break from work - sometime in the afternoon.  It is a very crowded affair and getting a good camp site was important to be comfortable, so people line up in front of the entrance before the campground opens.  We arrived around 3 in the morning utterly exhausted.  In order to get some sleep, we tossed a tarp on the ground, put our sleeping bags on top of that, and quickly fell asleep.  When we woke up it was daylight and there was a dusting of snow on us and of course Biquette!  [snow] It was only the second time my wagon experienced snow in the 50 years we have owned her since 1968. 

Fortunately, that year the storm blew through quickly and we had a nice clear weather the remainder of the weekend.  The previous year we weren't so lucky.  We had snow and rain and extremely cold temperatures under cloudy skies.  Little point to having a telescope under those conditions!

The moral of the story is that even in California you can't count on the weather for the Memorial day weekend!  [biggrin]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on May 25, 2018, 11:37:46 PM
Haha. Good weather story and kudos to you for working it into the Biquette thread. I can't remember, because this thread is quite long, covers multiple years worth of a adventures, and actually started on other forums. I assume your dad bought this car when it was two or three years old. Is that correct?
Title: Not that young! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on May 25, 2018, 11:51:10 PM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat fans of good car stories,

I assume your dad bought this car when it was two or three years old. Is that correct?

Uh, you are in error on several important counts.  When my Dad brought the family back from an overseas assessment, he had planned on buying a economical and practical car like an AMC Rambler.  He also insisted on buying a used car because that has a much better value.  Alas, at one used car lot my Mom ran into a Seafoam Green 1965 Buick Special station wagon.  It was substantially more than Dad wanted to pay but . . . . . well Mom got her way!  :D

It was April 1968:

(http://www.canebas.org/Biquette/Images/Biquette%20on%20Champ%20d%27Oisel%20driveway%20in%201968.jpg)

In the same month we had a new house and a new car.  I was 7 years old!  :)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]

P.S.  The good news was a that I was more mature back then.  The bad news is that I'm older now!  [biggrin]

P.P.S.  For years Mom felt guilty about pushing for a luxury car.  However, over the years Biquette does appear to have provided a decent return on our investment!  :)
Title: Suspension upgrades and engine is in! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on May 29, 2018, 11:58:48 PM
Dear WeatherCat fans of a certain rascally billy-goat station wagon, . . . . . 

Greg and the gang at Orinda Classic Car has been working bring my trusty wagon back to life.  First they installed some nice and shiny steering and suspension upgrades.  These include some tubular front controller arms:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Suspension-upgrades-and-engine-installation-2018/i-6mnHgSg/0/862e2127/XL/Port%20front%20suspension%20from%20side-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Suspension-upgrades-and-engine-installation-2018/i-6mnHgSg/A)

A stronger front anti-sway bar:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Suspension-upgrades-and-engine-installation-2018/i-9wZ8qpM/0/f3e45234/XL/New%20front%20anti-sway%20bar-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Suspension-upgrades-and-engine-installation-2018/i-9wZ8qpM/A)

The silly folks at UMI Performance, put their product sticker - upside down!  I'll have to ask them for another sticker.

There is a variable ratio steering box as well, but I don't have pictures of it since it looks just like the old one!

On the rear Biquette is getting stronger boxed controller arms:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Suspension-upgrades-and-engine-installation-2018/i-Wf5DHZw/0/d15b761a/XL/Port%20rear%20suspension%20from%20front.-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Suspension-upgrades-and-engine-installation-2018/i-Wf5DHZw/A)

She also has gotten a rear anti-sway bar:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Suspension-upgrades-and-engine-installation-2018/i-RNkHZjt/0/67bd2acf/XL/Rear%20anti-sway%20bar-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Suspension-upgrades-and-engine-installation-2018/i-RNkHZjt/A)

All this should improve handling without making ride rougher.  Hopefully it will help cope with the many potholes to be found these days in California.  This afternoon, I brought in another load of parts and Greg had ready gotten the engine in:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Suspension-upgrades-and-engine-installation-2018/i-qH93KCr/0/a3af4644/XL/Biquette%27s%20engine%20partially%20installed%20-%20port-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Suspension-upgrades-and-engine-installation-2018/i-qH93KCr/A)

As usual, he had a horrible time squeezing the engines and the long-tube headers in.  Here is a view of the passenger side:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Suspension-upgrades-and-engine-installation-2018/i-LjGbkv8/0/3beeeb96/XL/Biquette%27s%20engine%20partially%20installed%20-%20starboard-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Suspension-upgrades-and-engine-installation-2018/i-LjGbkv8/A)

There is still plenty of work to do, but definitely things are coming along!

Thanks for your support!  :)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on May 30, 2018, 12:19:55 AM
Love the photos and the update.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: mcrossley on May 30, 2018, 10:56:08 AM
Quote
The silly folks at UMI Performance, put their product sticker - upside down!
It's so when you bend down to look underneath the front, it appears to right way up!  ThU32:-)
Title: I guess, . . . . I suppose, . . . . I guess . . (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on May 30, 2018, 11:11:20 PM
Dear Blick, Mark, and WeatherCat users who are into mirror images, . . .

Quote
The silly folks at UMI Performance, put their product sticker - upside down!
It's so when you bend down to look underneath the front, it appears to right way up!  ThU32:-)

In those immortal words of Sylvester the cat, Jr. . . . . . . . .

 ;) . . . . I guess, . . . . I suppose, . . . . I guess . . . . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/scratch_head.gif)

. . . . .  lol(1)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Finally home once more! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on June 09, 2018, 12:19:55 AM
Dear WeatherCat fans of a certain rascally billy-goat station wagon, . . . . . 

Wednesday afternoon I got a call from the gang at Orinda Classic Car.  Biquette was all ready to come home!  I rushed over and she spent her first night in the garage with her engine since the Winter of 2017!  On Thursday, I got her out because she was low on gas.  I filled her up at our historic Flying-A gas station:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-in-Summer-2018/i-mNDwFVK/0/b3182017/XL/Biquette%20and%20flying%20A%20sign-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-in-Summer-2018/i-mNDwFVK/A)

I even went back to Orinda Classic Car to take this photo of Biquette next to their Ford Model-A truck:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-in-Summer-2018/i-JmjqCtv/0/52a36168/XL/Biquette%20and%20Ford%20truck%20-%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-in-Summer-2018/i-JmjqCtv/A)

Then on my way home, I ran into a "small problem" . . . . the accelerator got stuck at over 2000 RPM!  I killed the engine and drifted out of the traffic lane.  I pulled the air cleaner off and the problem appeared to go away.  However, when I start driving again, the same problem occurred.  Since I was less than a mile from Orinda Classic Car, I limped over there and Biquette spent last night over there.  It turned out a tab on the throttle linkage was rubbing against the air cleaner.  That is what was keeping the throttle open.  With the tab removed, everything was back to normal and Biquette could once more come home for the weekend.

I even managed to capture this photo of Biquette with some California Poppies in the background:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-in-Summer-2018/i-VZSKsWr/0/e2999ebd/XL/Biquette%2C%20CA%20poppies%2C%20and%20plum%20trees-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-in-Summer-2018/i-VZSKsWr/A)

So she didn't completely miss out on the Spring flowers!

Thanks for your support!  [tup]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on June 10, 2018, 06:21:26 AM
Great to get her home. Now let's hope she can stay out of Orinda Classic Car for a while.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: JosBaz on June 10, 2018, 07:59:01 AM
Nice pictures Edouard - thanks for sharing.

BTW, as a car enthusiast I envy you for your gas/petrol prices. After doing the math (gallon, liter, dollar, euro  :)) the conclusion is it is less than half of what we have to pay here. On the other hand, BIQETTE'S fuel consumption is probably also 'classic'.  ;)

Jos
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Steve on June 10, 2018, 02:41:57 PM
BTW, as a car enthusiast I envy you for your gas/petrol prices.

Edouard is in California, which does not represent anything typical about the rest of the US. ;) Gas here in the US midwest is in the $2.40-2.80/gallon range. My scooter's fuel costs about $0.025/mile  [cheer]
Title: Thanks guys! (Re: Bllly-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on June 10, 2018, 11:28:28 PM
Dear Blick, Jos, Steve, and WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

Thanks!  :)

Great to get her home. Now let's hope she can stay out of Orinda Classic Car for a while.

Actually she needs to go back one more time.  She hasn't gotten her new wider tires installed yet.  I also need to decide on her final rear end ratio to select a new differential.  All this is extremely important so that - finally - the speedometer can be calibrated!

BTW, as a car enthusiast I envy you for your gas/petrol prices. After doing the math (gallon, liter, dollar, euro  :)) the conclusion is it is less than half of what we have to pay here. On the other hand, BIQETTE'S fuel consumption is probably also 'classic'.  ;)

Edouard is in California, which does not represent anything typical about the rest of the US. ;) Gas here in the US midwest is in the $2.40-2.80/gallon range. My scooter's fuel costs about $0.025/mile  [cheer]

You can read the prices on the Flying-A sign in the picture, but I paid $4.18 a gallon for 92 octane premium.  The engine might work with less octane, but I won't chance it for now.  Alas, this whole project started out with the idea of creating a more fuel efficient engine from the 1960s.  Alas, the design wasn't going to accomplish that.  When it came time to set the electronic fuel injection parameters, I could have asked for "lean," but I didn't have the heart to starve this engine.  So somewhere along the quest for a vintage travel trailer, I'll need to have a custom gas tank made with considerably greater capacity than the 20 gallons she has now!

Thanks again for your support!  ThU5:-)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on June 11, 2018, 12:45:45 AM
Quote
I'll need to have a custom gas tank made
What do you think all that space behind the back seat is for?! You can probably just use one of those circular hole cutting saws you put on your electric drill! Just put a ?" PVC pipe between the bottom on the interior tank into the top of Biqette's 20 gal tank. Be sure to use plenty of silicone at both ends... you're welcome!
Title: Re: Thanks guys! (Re: Bllly-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: Blicj11 on June 11, 2018, 03:58:51 PM
So somewhere along the quest for a vintage travel trailer, I'll need to have a custom gas tank made with considerably greater capacity than the 20 gallons she has now!

I am currently reading General Jimmy Doolittle's autobiography (I Could Never Be So Lucky Again) and am astounded at all the last minute modifications, repairs, and tweaks they did to those B-25 bombers right up until the time they launched them off the carrier deck to go say hello to Tokyo, including auxiliary fuel tanks that leaked on both ends (apparently because X-Air may have been in charge).

JosBaz still has a point, regardless of the petrol prices in the States. When I lived in Northern Ireland a few years ago, I was paying $9 or $10 per gallon for diesel.
Title: No wasted space in the cargo area! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on June 11, 2018, 11:46:26 PM
Dear X-Air, Blick, and WeatherCat road-trip enthusiasts, . . .

Quote
I'll need to have a custom gas tank made
What do you think all that space behind the back seat is for?!
. . . .

Uh, the reason that isn't going to work is because that space is already spoken for . . .   I need room for the telescope, scuba gear, and stuff like that.  Just like the good 'ol days! . . .

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-as-RV-after-scuba-and-astronomy/i-JBb5Zgh/0/6895d30b/XL/Biquette%20as%20Fremont%20Peak%20RV%20%281%29-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-as-RV-after-scuba-and-astronomy/i-JBb5Zgh/A)

Unfortunately in those days I was also using the cargo area as a bedroom!

Here is one more:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-as-RV-after-scuba-and-astronomy/i-vW3v6rH/0/918fd4c3/XL/Biquette%20as%20Fremont%20Peak%20RV-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-as-RV-after-scuba-and-astronomy/i-vW3v6rH/A)

As you can see, I already have "plans" for the cargo area! . . .  [biggrin]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Quickie visit to the body shop. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on August 03, 2018, 11:02:23 PM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat fans of a certain rascally wagon

Just the kind of news we do not need. I'd rather hear about the Buick.

 ;) . . . . . . Remember, you are askin' for it! . . . .  lol(1)

Biquette hasn't been doing too much lately.  There is one more upgrade needed before she can be put on her new tires.  She needs to be fitted with a stronger axle assembly and I was having a squabble with Orinda Classic Car over the rear end ratio.  They still seem to insist that Biquette is a drag racer when her mission is extremely clear: heavy-duty tow vehicle! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/travel-trailer-smiley.gif)

We are now little more than a month before the Orinda Classic Car show, so it would be a struggle to make the axle swap with all the show prep work.  Instead I decided to take care of a glaring ding in Biquette's paint:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Paint-chipped-on-Biquettes/i-bgD6pTk/0/1394753f/X2/IMG_3371-X2.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Paint-chipped-on-Biquettes/i-bgD6pTk/A)

Somebody hit the driver's side door on New Year's day 2013 and these dings have been there ever since.  It was time to remove this blemish before the show.  So Biquette will be going over to a local body shop to fix this on the week of August 13th.

It was an opportunity to potentially make an upgrade as well.  The hood of mid-sized Buicks didn't change between 1964 and 67.  In 1967 the Gran Sport model had decorative hood scoops.  They can be back-fitted on a 1965 Buick like this:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6WfkrKv/0/860b0990/XL/i-6WfkrKv-XL.png) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Examples-of-1965-Buicks-with-1967-GS-hood-scoops/n-MPzZ6L/i-6WfkrKv/A)

I had managed to locate a used pair and then did some restoration of the chrome and purchased reproductions of the inserts.  Leaving me with this that could be repainted and installed:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Used-1967-GS-hood-scoops-/i-fX3pdzS/0/6fa4e551/XL/1967%20Hood%20scoop%2C%20bezel%2C%20and%20insert-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Used-1967-GS-hood-scoops-/i-fX3pdzS/A)

Here is a close-up of the rechomed bezel:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Used-1967-GS-hood-scoops-/i-tjjrHZ6/0/70c6e055/XL/Intake%20of%201967%20GS%20hood%20scoop-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Used-1967-GS-hood-scoops-/i-tjjrHZ6/A)

That definitely looks "kewl"  8) , but I am personally more interested in getting the engine bay more cool!   [freeze]  The 1967 Gran Sport hood scoops weren't designed to be functional, but I did some calculations and with an available automotive fan they should be able to cool down the engine bay.  With some help from some of my online buddies on a local Buick forum, I came up with a basic scheme.  Alas, there is one critical fly in the ointment.  I would need some space between the top of the hood and the air cleaner to run some air ducting.  Alas, Biquette's electronic fuel injection throttle body is very tall and there is no clearance.  I'm not particularly happy with Biquette's electronic fuel injection system, but I don't see anything that is a huge improvement to replace it with.  So I think I'll put off this upgrade for now.  However, before lugging large travel trailers around, I certainly would like to have these hood scoops installed and providing cooler air for the engine.

So that is a latest update on da' trusty wagon!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on August 04, 2018, 05:42:35 PM
A much more interesting read than your report on the drought currently plaguing the western United States. Thank you for taking the time.
Title: Once a year she is a *STAR*!! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on September 09, 2018, 10:57:18 PM
Dear WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

It is September and time for the Orinda Classic Car Show which was held yesterday.  The show wasn't as expansive as it has been in the past, but a certain rascally wagon still made her appearance and was a star!!

(https://photos.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2018-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show/i-cTmxq2b/0/4f14fb85/XL/Biquette%20setup%20at%20Orinda%20Classic%20Car%20show-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2018-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show/i-cTmxq2b/A)

I put some extra effort in detailing the engine bay and she certainly looked as nice as any other car in the show.  Here is the view from the back:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2018-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show/i-skstd26/0/5d268d54/XL/Biquette%20-%20starboard%20rear-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2018-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show/i-skstd26/A)

Against the right edge of the photo is one of the two posters that tell the story of Biquette in our family.  These posters are getting really worn out, but I didn't have any time to do more then stuff them back together for the show.

The show had it usual collection of muscle cars and exotics.  The one car that I thought was interesting was this 1940 Lincoln 3-window coupe:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2018-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show/i-RfnpgVh/0/52855f67/XL/1940%20Lincoln%20Zephr%203%20window%20coupe-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2018-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show/i-RfnpgVh/A)

It was powered by a Flathead V-12 engine:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2018-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show/i-5Fn66sW/0/a043d84d/XL/1940%20Lincoln%20Zephr%203%20window%20coupe%20-%20engine%20port-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2018-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show/i-5Fn66sW/A)

Here is the view from the other side:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2018-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show/i-fCTdMwx/0/9ab59ab1/XL/1940%20Lincoln%20Zephr%203%20window%20coupe%20-%20engine%20starboard-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2018-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show/i-fCTdMwx/A)

There was a poster describing this car which I took a photograph of:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2018-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show/i-VQ9MBhs/0/d6d6658a/XL/1940%20Lincoln%20Zephr%203%20window%20coupe%20-%20sign-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2018-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show/i-VQ9MBhs/A)

If you still have a hunger for some more classic car photographs, I have a SmugMug online gallery where you can get your classic car fix:

https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2018-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2018-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show)

You can even view it as a slide show if you prefer:

https://canebas.smugmug.com/frame/slideshow?key=jMhgFL&autoStart=1&captions=0&navigation=0&playButton=0&randomize=0&speed=3&transition=fade&transitionSpeed=2&clickable=1 (https://canebas.smugmug.com/frame/slideshow?key=jMhgFL&autoStart=1&captions=0&navigation=0&playButton=0&randomize=0&speed=3&transition=fade&transitionSpeed=2&clickable=1)

The show is over and Biquette is already getting ready to go back to her normal household duties.  The floormat and egg crate boxes are back in her cargo area and her generic floormats are going back in instead of her matching carpet floormats that contribute to her "star-power"!

Such is the life of a 53 year old rascally wagon!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: Once a year she is a *STAR*!! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: The Grand Poohbah on September 10, 2018, 06:30:13 PM
Such is the life of a 53 year old rascally wagon!

Ah! To be a rascally 53-year-old again.... ;D
Title: Yeah, but in "car years" . . . (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on September 10, 2018, 10:08:45 PM
Dear Grand and WeatherCat users who dabble in mathematics,

Such is the life of a 53 year old rascally wagon!

Ah! To be a rascally 53-year-old again.... ;D

Yeah but, . . . . 53 years old for a car . . . . . .

According to this Consumer's Reports story (and I quote:)

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-repair-maintenance/make-your-car-last-200-000-miles/ (https://www.consumerreports.org/car-repair-maintenance/make-your-car-last-200-000-miles/)

"The average age of all cars on the road is more than 11 years, up from about eight years in 1995, according to Polk research. "

Alas, this doesn't give a standard deviation, but at 53, Biquette has lived through (according to this number) 4.81 average lifetimes of 11 years.

Now according to this Wikipedia article about human life expectancy:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_life_expectancy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_life_expectancy)

The average human life expectancy in the United States is somewhere around 80 years.  So Biquette in "car years" would be 4.81?80 or 385 years old!!

Anybody who was 380+ years old would feel a little out of place with those "youngsters" who aren't even 100.  I get the feeling, that even as a car, Biquette is somehow going through that. . . . .

The "interesting" results you can get with mathematics . . . . . .  [biggrin]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on September 10, 2018, 11:56:52 PM
Very nice report on the annual show. Thanks for taking the time to write it up and for the photos. This specific thread continues to be one of my favorites.
Title: I certainly hope so! . . . (Re:Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on September 11, 2018, 09:53:20 PM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat fans of automobiles in  ;) "deep time," . . . . . .

. . . . . This specific thread continues to be one of my favorites.

 [wink] . . . . . . Well I most certainly hope so!  After all this is a thread that is 385 years in the making! . . . .   lol(1)

Oh brother! . . . . .  [rolleyes2]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Finally on her new shoes! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on November 14, 2018, 09:58:58 PM
Dear WeatherCat fans of a certain rascally wagon,

Biquette has been out of the news because there was one last component needed to allow her to at least get on her larger tires - a new axle.  It turns out to be a long story, but I was persuaded to go with a Ford 9" crate axle.  That would seem to be an impossible choice but a company called Currie Enterprises has adapted the Ford axle for 1964-72 GM applications:

https://www.currieenterprises.com/64-72-a-body-crate-rearends (https://www.currieenterprises.com/64-72-a-body-crate-rearends)

One downside to the Currie product is that you'd better not be in a hurry to get one.  It takes about 3 months to have one fabricated.  So Biquette and I have had to bide our time this Autumn.  However, eventually one such axle found it way to Orinda Classic Car:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pkVDgjv/0/X2/i-pkVDgjv-X2.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-new-Ford-9-axle/i-pkVDgjv/A)

As you can see, these axles come with your choice of brakes so Biquette has become the first car in the family with 4-wheel disc brakes.

It wasn't too much of a problem to install the axle as can be seen here:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-c4Mhzc9/0/XL/i-c4Mhzc9-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-new-Ford-9-axle/i-c4Mhzc9/A)

The new axle fit nicely with all the previous suspension upgrades.  However, those brakes . . . . . .

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LSVCgFn/0/XL/i-LSVCgFn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-new-Ford-9-axle/i-LSVCgFn/A)

Nice and shiny all right.  Alas, they required more fluid than the existing master brake cylinder could deliver.  So a larger master brake cylinder and a different design of proportioning valve was required.  Also, there was a problem getting transmission gears to match the speedometer to the new tires and rear end ratio.  However, eventually this was all straightened out.  Yesterday, Biquette was finally able to come home on her beautiful new Diamond-back white wall tires.  For comparison, here is a photo taken a few weeks back with her 14" wheels and old tires:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pJgPj8X/0/XL/i-pJgPj8X-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-new-Ford-9-axle/i-pJgPj8X/A)

There was a beautiful sunshine, but you can see now "ordinary" those old tires were.  Alas yesterday was a cloudy day, but here is the comparison photo:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6XC3kDP/0/XL/i-6XC3kDP-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-new-Ford-9-axle/i-6XC3kDP/A)

You can see how much larger the new tires are.  The white-walls are also larger and nicer looking (at least in my opinion.)  Here is another angle:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-xQRZZ3K/0/XL/i-xQRZZ3K-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-new-Ford-9-axle/i-xQRZZ3K/A)

Better still, Biquette's beauty most definitely isn't only skin deep!  She is performing much better on just about any parameter you can imagine.  With the 3.20:1 rear end ratio, she is accelerating better.  However to my amazement, nonetheless she is actually quieter!  Moving the engine RPM up seems to put it in a better "sweet spot."  She is actually easier to control and the transmission is shifting much more smoothly.  The brakes are performing very well.  I'm definitely very pleased!   We have some of those digital speed limit signs that report your speed.  I checked the speedometer against those and it does look spot on.  So at last I can know what my speed is and can finally start tracking gas mileage.

As always there are still a few details to be settled, but at least Biquette is in large measure "finished" at least as far a the drive-train is concerned!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on November 16, 2018, 08:38:21 PM
This is one of my favourite threads on the forum. What an amazing project and the photos always allow us to get a much better appreciation for the restoration of this family heirloom. Thanks for keeping us in the loop. And of course we want to know what kind of mileage you get, if you drive often enough to figure it out.
Title: Always SOMEthing! . . . . (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on November 16, 2018, 10:24:46 PM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts, . . .

This is one of my favourite threads on the forum. What an amazing project and the photos always allow us to get a much better appreciation for the restoration of this family heirloom. Thanks for keeping us in the loop.

You are most welcome!  Thanks to SmugMug, it is easy to keep track of photos and post them on any forum.


And of course we want to know what kind of mileage you get, if you drive often enough to figure it out.

Well, I thought I would try to compute the mileage for whatever driving I end up doing just to see.  However, getting her out on long stretches of freeway driving isn't very likely at the moment.  Just to add to "fun," there are a few additional issues to be resolved.  The brakes do work, but look at what Greg and the gang did to the rubber pad over the brake pedal!

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Parts-Search/Biquettes-pedal-pads/i-Pwn6DtQ/0/a20ab872/XL/Biquette%27s%20broken%20OPGI%20brake%20pedal%20pad-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Parts-Search/Biquettes-pedal-pads/i-Pwn6DtQ/A)

Moreover they changed the oil and replaced it with oil for a modern engine instead classic car oil.  So I have 6 quarts of specialty oil coming by UPS today and I'm still looking for a replacement brake pedal pad.

Always something!!  (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/D'oh.gif)

Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on November 17, 2018, 01:41:13 AM
! ??? ! :o ! :( ! >:( !
Title: The Autumn wash and wax. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on December 09, 2018, 10:24:07 PM
Dear WeatherCat users who like their cars to be spick and span,

As someone who is constantly struggling to keep up all the things I need to do, it should be no surprise that I didn't manage to give my trusty wagon her fall wash and wax until this past Monday.  It is certainly the latest I've finished up with the cars.  I use a foaming sprayer as a pretreatment.  Somehow a car covered in soap suds reminds of me of how a dog looks utterly miserable when washed.  Here is Biquette from the front:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Autumn-2018-wash-and-wax/i-B7ZVgCw/0/d81db250/XL/Biquette%20covered%20in%20soap%20foam%20-%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Autumn-2018-wash-and-wax/i-B7ZVgCw/A)

Here is the foam rolling off the tailgate:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Autumn-2018-wash-and-wax/i-fVxTRnd/0/c8a22426/XL/Biquette%20covered%20in%20soap%20foam%20-%20back-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Autumn-2018-wash-and-wax/i-fVxTRnd/A)

It was cloudy on Monday and the weather was bad until Friday when the sun finally came out.  So I could finally photograph the fruits of my labors:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Autumn-2018-wash-and-wax/i-BvWtMrK/0/bc907499/XL/Biquette%20in%20Moraga%20-%20starboard%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Autumn-2018-wash-and-wax/i-BvWtMrK/A)

Here is the passenger side of the tailgate:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Autumn-2018-wash-and-wax/i-B5HP2Jr/0/29ad5478/XL/Biquette%20-%20starboard%20rear-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Autumn-2018-wash-and-wax/i-B5HP2Jr/A)

Here is the driver's side front:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Autumn-2018-wash-and-wax/i-f9cNNTk/0/90d224b6/XL/Biquette%20-%20port%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Autumn-2018-wash-and-wax/i-f9cNNTk/A)

Finally the driver's side view of the tailgate:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Autumn-2018-wash-and-wax/i-QTm6tQm/0/57637b33/XL/Biquette%20-%20port%20rear-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Autumn-2018-wash-and-wax/i-QTm6tQm/A)

However late it was, Biquette did turn out very nicely!  [bounce]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]

P.S.It was a good thing that I took those pictures when I did.  Today the Tule Fog (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tule_fog) from the central valley spilled over into the bay area.  Definitely no sun today to show off that shiny wax!
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on December 10, 2018, 06:53:59 PM
Thanks for the photos. I am officially approving the quality of your wash and wax.
Title: Sunshine before the storms. (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on February 22, 2019, 11:34:46 PM
Dear WeatherCat fans of a certain rascally billy-goat wagon,

Golly, it has been a long time since I've posted an update so no time like the present.  Biquette has been getting back to a more normal life.  I try to get her out at least once a week - weather permitting.  This week she got out twice.  On Monday she made the monthly bird-seed run.  Today she headed over to the local supermarket for some provisions.  On the way back I stopped in front of the Moraga Ranch and took this quick picture:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-in-Winter-2018-19/i-bMWdRrK/0/d723e316/XL/Boquette%20in%20front%20of%20Ranch%20buildings-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-in-Winter-2018-19/i-bMWdRrK/A)

You can see the tops of the reusable grocery bags sticking above the back window.  If you look carefully, you can also see that the trees are start to bud.  Since frost is extremely rare, the trees can get a very early start if we get enough sunshine.

However, the National Weather Service has that "AR" word back in next week's forecast (Atmospheric River.)  Moreover, the Climate Prediction Center is forecasting significantly above normal rainfall through first full week of March.  So a certain 53 year old wagon may need to stay inside for a while.

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on February 22, 2019, 11:49:38 PM
Thanks for the update and the photo. I wish I had looked that good when I was 53.
Title: Perils of electric radiator fans (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on March 16, 2019, 08:59:28 PM
Dear WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

For the moment we have Springlike weather with fair skies and above normal temperatures.  So yesterday I decided to get on the freeway to put some miles on my trusty wagon.  I had barely gotten on when I realized that the coolant temperature gauge was reading an unusual 220? F.  I watched it a bit and it wasn't going down.  At this point I suspected that the electrical radiator fans had stopped working and I made a run for home.  Just as I started to pull onto the driveway one of the hoses blew off from the boiling coolant.  I stopped the engine immediately and rolled onto the driveway:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Biquette-upgrades-and-misc/Biquettes-cooling-system-boils-over/i-TGgd73G/0/20110401/XL/Trail%20of%20cooling%20on%20road-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Biquette-upgrades-and-misc/Biquettes-cooling-system-boils-over/i-TGgd73G/A)

Here is the hose that gave way:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Biquette-upgrades-and-misc/Biquettes-cooling-system-boils-over/i-3m6gtX3/0/4ee89e11/XL/Hose%20that%20gave%20way-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Biquette-upgrades-and-misc/Biquettes-cooling-system-boils-over/i-3m6gtX3/A)

I called Orinda Classic Car to confirm that they could take Biquette and then called Hagerty's roadside assistance.  Eventually Biquette found her way to Orinda Classic Car:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Biquette-upgrades-and-misc/Biquettes-cooling-system-boils-over/i-gjWppJN/0/f9eedb20/XL/Flatbed%20truck%20unloading%20Biquette%20at%20Orinda%20Classic%20Car-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Biquette-upgrades-and-misc/Biquettes-cooling-system-boils-over/i-gjWppJN/A)

On Monday I hope they will be able to figure out why the electric fans stopped working.

Just another "fun episode" in owning a classic car! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/D'oh.gif)

Cheers, Edouard   [cheers1]

P.S. Still, Biquette did manage to come home.  This car has never left me stranded by the side of the road.  Quite an achievement for a 53+ year old car!
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Felix on March 17, 2019, 09:29:57 AM
Emergency roadside assistance call & flatbed haul to shop will be an expensive thermostat replacement. Plus a new radiator hose & coolant refill. Then again, it might be the electric fan or coolant temp sensor but I'm betting it's merely a stuck thermostat, normally about a $7 part but probably many times that for the engine you have in it.
Title: Not for a . . . . . *STAR*!! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on March 17, 2019, 09:44:41 PM
Dear Felix and WeatherCat users who have "stars" in the family . . . .

Emergency roadside assistance call & flatbed haul to shop will be an expensive thermostat replacement. Plus a new radiator hose & coolant refill.

The shop time is definitely on my dime.  However the emergency roadside assistance was - FREE!  After all the effort I put into this car, I have Hagerty's insurance and roadside assistance.  Okay, it wasn't free but part of my premiums, still the transportation to Orinda Classic Car didn't cost me anything extra.

Then again, it might be the electric fan or coolant temp sensor but I'm betting it's merely a stuck thermostat, normally about a $7 part but probably many times that for the engine you have in it.

A stuck thermostat was also the best hunch on the 65GS.com forum where I "hang out" with car guys.  Obviously it is possible, but it would be something of a disappointment.  The thermostat is probably quite old going all the way back to 2013.  However, the vast majority of the time it has simply sat there waiting.  There are very few hours on this engine even after all those years.  I suppose all that idle time could have damaged the thermostat even if these are really simple devices.  When I sent the engine to TA-Performance a second time, I very carefully drained the gas tank.  However, that didn't help either the EFI fuel pump or the gas sending unit.  The fuel pump died almost immediately after the engine was installed once more.  The fuel sending unit is definitely not working properly.

My trusty wagon spent the weekend at Orinda Classic Car Center and I'm sure they will be looking the situation over early Monday Morning.  I'll definitely report what they discover.

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on March 18, 2019, 02:46:43 PM
Let us know what they find. It's only money so cheer up.
Title: And the answer is . . . . .(Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on March 18, 2019, 09:25:20 PM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat automobile enthusiasts,

Let us know what they find. It's only money so cheer up.

I got a call from Greg at Orinda Classic Car and the culprit turns out to be more subtle.  I was right the radiator fans had stopped working.  The reason is unexpected.  The fuse block protecting the fans had been banged up somehow and that prevented the fuses from lining up properly.  That didn't allow enough current to the fans.

A heavy-duty fuse block is on order to replace the one that failed.  They will install it when it arrives.  My trusty wagon should be back home sometime this week.

All in all, not to bad an outcome.

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Biquette and spring trees. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on March 20, 2019, 08:40:36 PM
Dear WeatherCat users who enjoy combining their interests,

For the classic Buick forums I try to get some pictures of my trusty wagon with a suitable seasonal background.  Plum trees are the most common flowering trees in our region and they bloom early.  So you have to be ready to take pictures when the opportunity arises.  I took this picture over two weeks ago on the 4th:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Spring-2019/i-Rg4NX73/0/2e6dbd89/XL/Biquette%20and%20Spring%20trees-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Spring-2019/i-Rg4NX73/A)

I took this photo last Friday on my way to my infamous freeway run:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Spring-2019/i-3fpJw9c/0/20def601/XL/Biquette%20and%20white%20blooming%20trees-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Spring-2019/i-3fpJw9c/A)

I had planned two more photos with suitable flowering backgrounds, but that wasn't going to be.

My wagon is supposed to come up today, but she will need some serious cleaning before she can go back into normal operation.  In the meantime, most of the plum trees are losing their pedals and growing their leaves.  So these will be the only photos of Biquette and at least the plum trees for this year.

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Finally cleaned up the engine bay. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on April 20, 2019, 12:25:18 AM
Dear WeatherCat fans of a certain rascally wagon,

We last left our heroin presumably safe in the garage after her harrowing ordeal of the radiator fans failing.  However, as frequently happens with respect to my trusty wagon - da' plot thickens.  The very next day I planned to clean the engine bay as much as possible of coolant residue so I could put the car back into normal service. 

Just one small problem with that plan.  When I tried to start Biquette - she refused!  I tried 3 times over 45 minutes.  All she would do is crank.  I even went so far as to connect my laptop to see if the electronic fuel injection has any system errors.  Of course with my luck no errors were reported.

Life ambushed me again I wasn't able to look into the problem until the following week.  At that point I found that a key component (the E6 Ignition Box) would produce a glowing LED light if it passed a self-test.  So I ran the test and sure enough the LED gave the "thumb's up" sign.  Baffled, I tried starting Biquette again - she started right up as usual! . . .  (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/scratch_head.gif)  Once more I was swamped so I couldn't pursue the matter for a few days.  Finally I repeated the experiment after cleaning the radiator and front part of the engine.  Once more the engine started up as it always has.

Still, i wasn't happy about the whole situation.  So this past Tuesday I brought her over to Orinda Classic Car Center to have them make sure everything looked okay.  They didn't find anything out of place.

So today I finally was able to complete that engine bay cleaning that I was trying to accomplish almost a full month ago.  Even if I only used steam, hot water, and a gentle application of elbow grease, the engine bay turned out nice:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Spring-2019/i-Zrs7J8t/0/a8110cfc/XL/Engine%20bay%20after%20basic%20cleaning-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Spring-2019/i-Zrs7J8t/A)

I had to get Biquette out to warm the engine up to make sure everything was dry.  While I was at it I took these two pictures with what is left of Spring flowers.  Here is a tree with a some blooms along with the green leaves:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Spring-2019/i-ptxm3LK/0/fcbc86a1/XL/Biquette%20next%20late%20blooming%20tree-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Spring-2019/i-ptxm3LK/A)

Here is Biquette next to some wisteria:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Spring-2019/i-9h9qKLg/0/0d621fe1/XL/Biquette%20next%20to%20wisteria%20-%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Spring-2019/i-9h9qKLg/A)

However, yesterday I put the cap back on the rain gauge.  It is definitely feeling like summer already.  So these are last pictures I'm likely to take of Spring.

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: Finally cleaned up the engine bay. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: Steve on April 20, 2019, 04:21:11 PM

We last left our heroin presumably safe in the garage

I knew California has some liberal drug laws, but didn't know you just leave your stash in the garage and tell folks about it.  ThU32:-)

One little "e" can make a big difference.  ThU5:-)
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on April 21, 2019, 04:39:19 AM
Hahaha. I knew he was high on something, but I just thought it was Buick engine fumes.

Seriously though, I love this thread, Edouard. Keep 'em coming.
Title: *Sigh* . . . . (Was: Billy-goat station wagon . . . )
Post by: elagache on April 21, 2019, 10:50:04 PM
Dear Steve, Blick, and WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

I knew California has some liberal drug laws, but didn't know you just leave your stash in the garage and tell folks about it.  ThU32:-)

One little "e" can make a big difference.  ThU5:-)

What can I say but touch?! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/touche_sword_fight.gif)

I suppose in my defense I can point out that I'm continuing to struggle my speller solution.  Sadly, Spell Catcher no longer works properly under Mojave.  I have installed Grammarian (https://linguisoft.com/) as a replacement, but it isn't nearly as easy to use as Spell Catcher and at the moment has some errors of its own.  I had disabled but not uninstalled Spell Catcher because it includes some useful utilities.  I'll probably have bite the bullet and see if removing all of Spell Catcher gives me a working spelling solution.

Oh well, . . . . Edouard
Title: Spring wash and wax. (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on May 24, 2019, 11:40:27 PM
Dear WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

With the unusually late wet weather, I've had a hard time giving all our 3 cars their springtime wash and wax.  I didn't finish up Biquette until this past Tuesday.  On Wednesday, we needed a grocery run and Biquette got a chance to show off her fresh detailing.  Here is a photo taken at a curious building called the Moraga barn:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Spring-2019/i-6nTBSFR/0/30cbf45c/XL/Biquette%20at%20Moraga%20Barn%20-%20port-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Spring-2019/i-6nTBSFR/A)

I am known to have a soft spot for California Poppies and a neighbor has a group growing in front of their house.  What better backdrop for Biquette:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Spring-2019/i-ZB8V5mr/0/a275978c/XL/Biquette%20and%20CA%20poppies%20-%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Spring-2019/i-ZB8V5mr/A)

I had taken some tailgate pictures on Wednesday, but I misjudged the sunlight and they didn't turn out.  We needed a CVS run this afternoon and that offered an opportunity for some "makeup" photos:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Spring-2019/i-7KNrqXT/0/26be6024/XL/Biquette%20at%20Moraga%20Barn%20-%20rear-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Spring-2019/i-7KNrqXT/A)

Here is one more with an overall view of the Moraga Barn:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Spring-2019/i-8BKZdCk/0/71757dea/XL/Biquette%20at%20Moraga%20barn%20-%20overall%20view-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Spring-2019/i-8BKZdCk/A)

No, they don't simply keep this building up as a backdrop for classic cars.  It actually is something special in the region:

http://www.moragabarn.com/ (http://www.moragabarn.com/)

There is even a write-up on the history of the building:

http://www.moragabarn.com/about-the-barn.html (http://www.moragabarn.com/about-the-barn.html)

They even explain how it got the curious title "barn"  Certainly an interesting tale!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]

P.S. The Memorial Day weekend must also be the unofficial start of classic car season.  I saw 4 other classics in just a 7 mile local round trip!
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on May 31, 2019, 02:40:19 PM
The Buick is looking good!
Title: Second-opinion on this Biquette website? (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on July 16, 2019, 10:46:19 PM
Dear WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

The Orinda Classic Car show is having a special exhibition on station wagons this year.  Take a wild guess as to who was immediately drafted for that exhibit!  Like all events like this, tickling the press is part of the process to get the word out.  An Orinda paper decided to run a story on the wagon exhibit and once more the suggestion went out that Biquette be part of that.

Ever since Biquette has been in car shows, I have had posters telling her story with our family.  At the same time I made the poster, I converted the word processing file into a simple web page.  However, i was always bit nervous to share this website with the general public.  It really represents the story of my life and Biquette's.

I did share the website with the reporter writing up the story on the wagon exhibit and she enthusiastically wanted to include the website link as part of the story.  So finally I'm stuck, I'm going to have to clean up this website and make it presentable to the public.  Before I do the work of "making it pretty," I need to decide what parts I prefer not to include after all.  I've gone over it a few times and I don't see anything really of concern, but I would appreciate a second-opinion.  Could you folks go over this website and see what you think:

http://www.canebas.org/Biquette/ (http://www.canebas.org/Biquette/)

Please let me know what you recommend I remove to keep my privacy and that of the family.

Thanks for your support!!  [tup]

Cheers, Edouard   [cheers1]
Title: Re: Second-opinion on this Biquette website? (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: jennajon on July 17, 2019, 12:34:20 PM
Dear WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

Before I do the work of "making it pretty," I need to decide what parts I prefer not to include after all.  I've gone over it a few times and I don't see anything really of concern, but I would appreciate a second-opinion.  Could you folks go over this website and see what you think:

http://www.canebas.org/Biquette/ (http://www.canebas.org/Biquette/)

Please let me know what you recommend I remove to keep my privacy and that of the family.

Thanks for your support!!  [tup]

Cheers, Edouard   [cheers1]



Edouard:
On first glance....I LOVE IT!!!   [tup]

Then I realized it might need some cosmetic cleanups, but I am not enough of an HTML/CSS geek to know much more than that.
I see a lot of blank space, so perhaps tightening up the spacing??

It was a great read...and I can remember an OLDS Vista-Cruiser from my past...so thanks for the memories too!

Jenna   ThU5:-)
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on July 17, 2019, 02:33:55 PM
Edouard:

You shared this link with me a few years ago. This time, I read through with an eye on privacy. I really don't think there is anything there that is a privacy concern. You don't use names and the photos of your family members are either old or blurred so I don't see that anyone could easily identify any of you. The read is great.

If you are looking to simplify it a bit, since the story is about the Buick, I don't think you would lose anything essential to that story if you remove the post-PHD trauma of looking for work and the reference to your health.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on July 17, 2019, 04:49:06 PM
You did say you would be "cleaning up the code" later. I think you may know that Word is a horrible web editor, but for some indication:Current Word to html translation:
Quote
<p style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-weight:
      bold; font-style: italic; text-align: center;" class="p1"><font
        style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;" size="+3">The
        extraordinary adventures of a most loyal "Billy-Goat" Wagon!</font><br>
    </p>
Normal html would use one of the Headline tags; h1, h2, h3, h4, h5. That will take care of the inline css which will be much simpler to edit later on, of course. Since this is the main title of the site, I'd suggest using:
Quote
<h1 text-align: center;>The extraordinary adventures of a most loyal "Billy-Goat" Wagon!</h1>
If you really want italics, you can also add "font-style: italic;". "h1 will automagically take care of "font-weight" and "size". "font-family" is used twice and your readers may want to use whatever their browser uses, anyway. "<font... >...</font>" and "<br>" are simply redundant. [banghead] You get the idea... [lol]

Noticed lots of:
Quote
<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>
Why? "&nbsp;" works just fine. It's simply inserting a non-breaking space, assuming that's what you really want.

Word does seem to define a very few css classes for paragraphs, but they may not be what you really want. And who knows what rules/style they are actually based on? ::)

You don't even need any kind of specialized editor, html (and even css) is nothing more than plain text which can be generated by TextEdit. However, BBEdit (https://www.barebones.com/products/bbedit/download.html)[/b] can now be used in free mode. BBEdit will make it much easier to see what is html or actual content. It will also make it very easy to use 'real' and correct quotation (single or double) marks and apostrophes and lots of other professional 'printing' characters... all for the same price; FREE! ThU5:-)

I also suggest breaking the site in to sections based on what you probably already have in an outline. Currently, the "page" is extremely long, requiring quite a lot of vertical scrolling. Why not use your current outline (of major events for the Buick) as a different page. That way folks can pick and choose what parts might be most interesting to them. They would not have to guess at what might be where, if at all.

You've got a lot to work with and I'm sure lots of automobile enthusiasts will enjoy your travails as well as you successes! [cheer]

Lastly, although this may not be a continuing topic, it might be handy to have it as a separate thread. I know the name of a great forum Admin who can handle that task... lol(1)
Title: Thanks everyone! (Re: Second-opinion on this Biquette website?)
Post by: elagache on July 17, 2019, 10:26:41 PM
Dear Jenna, Blick, X-Air, and WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

On first glance....I LOVE IT!!!   [tup]

Then I realized it might need some cosmetic cleanups, but I am not enough of an HTML/CSS geek to know much more than that.
I see a lot of blank space, so perhaps tightening up the spacing??

It was a great read...and I can remember an OLDS Vista-Cruiser from my past...so thanks for the memories too!

Glad you enjoyed it and that it brought back memories of your own family wagon!  :)

If you are looking to simplify it a bit, since the story is about the Buick, I don't think you would lose anything essential to that story if you remove the post-PHD trauma of looking for work and the reference to your health.

Good point!  I'm starting to clean up the text right now so I'll make sure that stuff gets "lost!"  ;D

You did say you would be "cleaning up the code" later. I think you may know that Word is a horrible web editor
. . . .

For the moment I'm making absolutely no point of getting the HTML to be decent.  I need to create 3 different things: text for the website, a poster to display at the show, and a "booklet" that people can thumb through.  So for now I'll keep all the text in MS-Word.  Once I have the overall content in decent shape, I'll start looking how I can convert MS-Word HTML "gibberish" into something that isn't too hostile to web browser.

Thanks again everybody!  [tup]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]

P.S. BBEdit is already getting some "business" and that will only increase as the deadline looms.  I need the website to be up and decent by August 1st.  I'll post updates as I make progress.
Title: Article and new website live - typo hunting? (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on July 31, 2019, 11:36:03 PM
Dear WeatherCat fans of a certain rascally wagon,

I've been trying to update and spruce up the website for Biquette.  I managed to get it tentatively installed Tuesday afternoon.  I thought I had a few more days, but the story broke sooner than I expected.  It is online so everyone can read it for themselves:

https://theorindanews.com/2019/07/28/a-station-wagon-named-biquette-to-join-ranks-at-classic-car-show/ (https://theorindanews.com/2019/07/28/a-station-wagon-named-biquette-to-join-ranks-at-classic-car-show/)

I managed to get my revised site installed Tuesday afternoon and have barely gone though it to hunt for typos.  Here is the new site:

http://www.canebas.org/Biquette/ (http://www.canebas.org/Biquette/)

Just in case you think I pulled a rabbit out of a hat, you'll notice that it bares more than a passing similarity to this WeatherCat template:

http://www.canebas.org/Weather/SeaMonkey/ (http://www.canebas.org/Weather/SeaMonkey/)

Desperation can lead to some amazing "repurposing" of things!  [biggrin]

I sure would appreciate if folks could look around and see if there are more typos that need to be squashed before too many more visitors find the website.

I confess, the HTML is atrocious and obsolete.  However see comment about desperation above.  I have one problem perhaps somebody can figure out.  On the history section I cannot manage to get the text further away from the edge of the table.  I tried the obvious thing increasing the value of cellpadding - no dice.  I also tried the brute force method of creating another invisible table to force the text inside - that didn't work either.  Can anybody spot the issue?

Thanks for your support!  [tup]

Cheers, Edouard   [cheers1]

P.S.  For bonus points can anybody figure out what is the background image behind the titles above the navigation buttons?  ;D
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on August 01, 2019, 12:24:21 AM
First, I think the background image is a '65 Chevrolet "wagon". I may be off on the year, however. Hard to tell the color, but I think it's some version of a light green.

As for styling tables, that's still a sometimes difficult task. Of course, the MS generated CSS doesn't make things any easier. My only suggestion on moving the text farther from the cell edges is "padding: 10px;" on any <td> as appropriate. W3C claims that should work at least in html5. You can get htnl5 simply by removing everything from the DOCTYPE line after "html". [runoff] If you tried to validate the page, of course, you'd probably get hundreds of errors and warnings...

Since there are already quite a number of "classes" in the html, why not actually create some declarations in a the <style type="text/css"> ... </style> section of the <head>? Just look through some of any page and you can see a lot of mentions of things like <p class="p1">, <p class="p2">, <p class="p3">, etc. just for paragraphs. There are similar undeclared/undefined classes for div's, td's, etc. In particular, if there actually is a class for a td somewhere, that could be why you are not able to affect the cell spacing. [computer] [banghead]
Title: Mobbed at the 2019 Orinda Classic Car show. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on September 14, 2019, 10:07:53 PM
Dear WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

Last Saturday was the 15th Orinda Classic Car show.  This year there was a special exhibit of station wagons, which would have a greater effect on my participation than I imagined.  They did have a decent number of station wagons, but most of the other owners had brought more than one car and didn't make much of an effort to describe the history of their wagon.  As a result, when people arrived at the station wagon exhibit, they invariably were drawn to Biquette and me!  I've never been so busy at a car show before!

As a result, I hardly had any time to take pictures of the other cars.  What pictures I did take can be found on this online gallery:

https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2019-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2019-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show)

SmugMug has a built-in slide show feature, so if you prefer to see the photos that way here's the link:

https://canebas.smugmug.com/frame/slideshow?key=6jrXgR&autoStart=1&captions=0&navigation=0&playButton=0&randomize=0&speed=3&transition=fade&transitionSpeed=2&clickable=1 (https://canebas.smugmug.com/frame/slideshow?key=6jrXgR&autoStart=1&captions=0&navigation=0&playButton=0&randomize=0&speed=3&transition=fade&transitionSpeed=2&clickable=1)

It didn't help that the service bay were the wagons were displayed was relatively dark and we had a very unusually cool and cloudy day.  The only wagon that was showing up in the gloom was the one with an LED work light illuminating the engine bay:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2019-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show/i-sGVbfNz/0/46073850/XL/Biquette%27s%20engine%20bay.-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2019-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show/i-sGVbfNz/A)

Now do you see why I was so mobbed?   [biggrin]

Here are a few highlights.   They did have this nice pairing of 3 different 1971 Chevy A-body styles:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2019-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show/i-79gh6k6/0/bc0b806d/XL/Three%201971%20Chevys-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2019-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show/i-79gh6k6/A)

The white car is a Chevelle station wagon, in the middle is a Chevelle Malibu, and at the end is an El Camino.

Here is a 1966 GTO for you GM muscle car fans:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2019-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show/i-VmPQsLw/0/9e089b2d/XL/1966%20Pontiac%20GTO-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2019-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show/i-VmPQsLw/A)

Those of you from the other side of "da' Pond" might enjoy this 1951 MG TD convertible:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2019-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show/i-knD4JS7/0/fac75a06/XL/1951%20MG%20TD%20convertible-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2019-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show/i-knD4JS7/A)

There was one other wagon that was really historic, a 1938 International Station Wagon Moller.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2019-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show/i-86zqX9H/0/c6770d27/XL/1938%20International%20Station%20Wagon%20Moller-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/ClassicandCustomAutomobiles/Car-Shows/2019-Orinda-Classic-Car-Show/i-86zqX9H/A)

Here is the description of the car:

One of seven.  Three door body by Moller of Hagerstown, Maryland.  Built for the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite to deliver guests to and from the railroad station.  Pebble Beach Winner.

That's all I've got.  Enjoy!

Cheers, Edouard   [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on September 14, 2019, 10:30:58 PM
Ah yes... real white walls!!! [cheer] They don't make them like that anymore!! [rolleyes2]

With all the attention Biquette got, perhaps the club will make room under the California Sun next time! ThU32:-)
Title: There is a white wall specialist! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on September 16, 2019, 10:26:10 PM
Dear X-Air and WeatherCat users who stroll down memory lane,

Ah yes... real white walls!!! [cheer] They don't make them like that anymore!! [rolleyes2]

Well yes, you can't get mass produced tires like that anymore.  However, like so much of the classic car industry, there is a cottage outfit that can make white walls for you.  It is called Diamond Back tires:

https://dbtires.com/ (https://dbtires.com/)

Biquette dates from the 1960s and should have 1" white walls.  Her previous set of tires were only 3/4" white walls.  It is a subtle different but noticeable.  Here is Biquette on her 2010 tires with the 3/4" white walls:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Dashboard-before-and-after/i-rkDTPP6/0/20a094c8/XL/Biquette%20in%202010%20-%20starboard%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Dashboard-before-and-after/i-rkDTPP6/A)

Here is a photo taken last fall on Biquette's very own Diamond Back III tires:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Dashboard-before-and-after/i-Vc4LqVW/0/0ca2fae6/XL/Biguette%20in%202019%20-%20starboard%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Dashboard-before-and-after/i-Vc4LqVW/A)

The extra width of white wall definitely looks more period correct and luxurious.

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on September 16, 2019, 10:37:03 PM
I think the ride is always better with white walls, too! [tup] [rockon] [lol]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on September 20, 2019, 07:02:56 PM
Thanks for the report and the photos, Edouard. The Biquette story really intrigues me.

Are those tires the Cadillac Specialty Wall or something else?

Thanks for sharing.
Title: Sometimes I can't believe it myself!! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on September 20, 2019, 11:44:27 PM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

Thanks for the report and the photos, Edouard. The Biquette story really intrigues me.

Honestly, when I go over all the things that have happened to this car, I'm left suspecting a touch of divine intervention is involved.  For a car to have survived after working all those years is really amazing!  Most cars Biquette's age have survived only because they are stored away or otherwise abandoned.

Are those tires the Cadillac Specialty Wall or something else?

Actually, Biquette has Diamond Back III tires which are white walls made from the famous B.F. Goodrich Radial T/A tires:

https://dbtires.com/product/diamond-back-iii/ (https://dbtires.com/product/diamond-back-iii/)

Those tires have an excellent reputation for gripping the road for a muscle car.  I took a series of "make-up" pictures this afternoon to capture what Biquette would have looked like at the show had we had some decent sunshine.  Even with a single 1" white wall, these tires look really nice with a "wet looking" tire dressing:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Summer-2019/i-HpgrP25/0/07f231de/XL/Biquette%20at%20nursery%20-%20starboard-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Summer-2019/i-HpgrP25/A)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on September 21, 2019, 12:20:51 AM
I like my "dressing" with turkey (and giblet gravy)... I hope that has no implications for your wagon! :o  [coffee]
Title: The backgrounds to be found around here. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on October 31, 2019, 11:11:35 PM
Dear WeatherCat fans of a certain rascally wagon,

Some of the classic Buick owners in the more northern parts of the US have already started to put their cars away for a long winter's hibernation.  So to keep their taste for classic Buicks current I took this photo to post on the 65GS.com forum:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Autumn-2019/i-hzKC5vS/0/a6d4d697/XL/Biquette%20near%20PG%26E%20substation%20-%20back-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Autumn-2019/i-hzKC5vS/A)

Certainly as clear an example as is necessary to demonstrate that the wildfire season isn't going to end any time soon in California.

Cheers, Edouard 
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on November 05, 2019, 12:19:26 AM
Good looking car. Not so much the tree.
Title: Seed and compliments (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on November 19, 2019, 12:22:11 AM
Dear WeatherCat fans of a certain rascally wagon,

S-S-S-S-Sufferin' Succotash!  Out of seed again!???   >:(

I purchase large quantities of seed infrequently to save time.  Today was the day to restock and my trusty wagon got the call:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Autumn-2019/i-mPmSdVN/0/aad6cb6e/XL/80%20pounds%20of%20bird%20seed-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Autumn-2019/i-mPmSdVN/A)

80 pounds of bird seed lasts 6-8 weeks and is definitely wagon work.

Amazingly, a couple who had their SUV parked next to Biquette were fascinated.  It turns out the woman's mother had a wagon like Biquette.  So Biquette got her dose of compliments for the outing.  I hadn't planned on it, but I used my phone to take this photo:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Autumn-2019/i-xLWWqC8/0/0b2cca2b/XL/Biquette%20in%20front%20of%20seed%20store-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Autumn-2019/i-xLWWqC8/A)

Biquette wasn't by herself either.  On the way home I was able to exchange waves with 1960s Thunderbird and Mustang.  California is in a drought and PG&E is going to cut off our electricity on Wednesday through Thursday at least.  Still, when the weather is nice, and there isn't any other impending calamity, California classics can manage to get a bit of exercise!   [sun2]

Cheers, Edouard   [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on November 21, 2019, 07:07:27 PM
That's a lot of bird seed. Ever sample it yourself?
Title: PLENTY of satisfied customers! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on November 21, 2019, 11:44:22 PM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat friends of feathered creatures, . . . .

That's a lot of bird seed. Ever sample it yourself?

Well no, but judging from the avian crowd at our feeders, the customers are most definitely satisfied!  Not only that, they keep coming back for more!

Of course it doesn't take that long before this enthusiasm becomes more of a burden than gratification!!  (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/D'oh.gif)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: A Christmas card with a tale! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on December 24, 2019, 11:30:46 PM
Dear WeatherCatters who like to get into the spirit of the holidays,

'Tis the season for Christmas cards and I seem to have gotten myself into a tradition that is getting a bit hard to top.

I sure don't remember why I started doing this, but I've been making photo Christmas cards featuring my trusty wagon since 2011.  Last year was something of a coup, but the usual problem arises: "what do you do for an encore?"  Well, I decided not to even try.  This year, I was simply going to take some photos around the local Christmas tree lots and make a card from that.  Alas, circumstances conspired against me.  Thanksgiving was late this year and the Christmas tree lots didn't open before then.  The day before Thanksgiving, the rains started and never really dried out.  Was I going to take Biquette out in the rain to try to take a photo for Christmas?  It was time for a "Plan-B."

Back on November 22nd, Biquette and I were doing a grocery run when I spotted a 1955-56 Chevy pickup truck in the parking lot.  Opportunities like this don't happen every often so I parked Biquette next to it and tried to take some photos.  Unfortunately, both vehicles has been parked to get some shade and that made photography very difficult.  To avoid the shade, I walked in front of the trees into an adjacent parking lot.  From there I took this photo that ultimately intrigued me:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Autumn-2019/i-PKpwSVm/0/2bb76d37/XL/Biquette%20and%20a%201955-56%20Chevy%20pickup%20-%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Autumn-2019/i-PKpwSVm/A)

When I got back to my computer do download the photos, this last image reminded me of two children peering over some bushes wondering what was on the other side.  That gave me an idea.  I put my various graphics software to work.  First I made an horizontal mirror image to make for a story that would read from "left to right."  I then dug up an image of our Christmas tree.  Finally, I modified an image I had downloaded from an eBay ad.  This is the result:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/2019-Christmas-card/i-CvQjbjC/0/7bd66175/XL/Christmas%20card%202019%20%28scan%29-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/2019-Christmas-card/i-CvQjbjC/A)

It wasn't what the card I expected to create, but in my life, it is always a good idea to have a "Plan-B" handy!

Wishing all WeatherCatters and their families a Blessed Christmas and a happy new year!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on December 27, 2019, 07:03:30 PM
Thank you sir. Love the result.
Title: Photos of train station on Superbowl Sunday. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on February 04, 2020, 12:34:15 AM
Dear WeatherCat fans of a certain rascally station wagon,

My local classic car enthusiast friend insists that the first of the year and Superbowl Sunday are excellent times to get your classic out for some exercise.  So this year, I decided to try to find some quieter traffic and visit a recently restored railroad depot.  Sadly the traffic was much heavier than I expected.  However, Biquette and I made it to our destination which had once been a popular steakhouse.  Here is an online article describing the renovation:

https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/10/24/walnut-creek-depot-poised-to-go-from-steaks-to-retail-shops/ (https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/10/24/walnut-creek-depot-poised-to-go-from-steaks-to-retail-shops/)

As hoped, the nice and shiny building made a great backdrop for my trusty wagon:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-at-the-Walnut-Creek-train-station/i-fcV6n2R/0/097164f3/XL/Biquette%20at%20Walnut%20Creek%20train%20station%20-%20port%20wide-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-at-the-Walnut-Creek-train-station/i-fcV6n2R/A)

As always, click on the image for a larger version.  I tried very hard to avoid including anything in the photos that would give away that they were taken in 2020.  Of course there were modern parking meters, handicap parking, and other obstacles to avoid.  Here is a view of the north side of the building:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-at-the-Walnut-Creek-train-station/i-dh548D9/0/cb13eb92/XL/Biquette%20at%20Walnut%20Creek%20train%20station%20-%20front%20port%20wide-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-at-the-Walnut-Creek-train-station/i-dh548D9/A)

Yes, you can see a blooming tree in the background, California is definitely staring at a drought.  The reason to avoid all those modern features was to make another stab at digitally aging a photo.  Here is a photo taken at the south side of the building:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-at-the-Walnut-Creek-train-station/i-8FWNnWM/0/4dc67f59/XL/Biquette%20at%20Walnut%20Creek%20train%20station%20-%20starboard%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-at-the-Walnut-Creek-train-station/i-8FWNnWM/A)

I took more care in replicating the aging process using a photo that was taken of my trusty wagon back in 1968 as a reference.  You can view that photo on this webpage:

http://www.canebas.org/Biquette/ (http://www.canebas.org/Biquette/)

Here is my attempt to digitally age the above photo to look like a slide taken in the 1960s:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-at-the-Walnut-Creek-train-station/i-J462j4N/0/b51dd406/XL/Biquette%20at%20Walnut%20Creek%20train%20station%20-%20starboard%20front%20-%20slide-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-at-the-Walnut-Creek-train-station/i-J462j4N/A)

It is a difficult balance to make the image look old but not degrading it beyond what you will see in images of the period.

Enjoy!!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on February 09, 2020, 07:24:52 AM
Both you and the car appear to be aging well.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on February 09, 2020, 03:19:21 PM
“Aging well...” through the ‘miracle’ of Photoshop! [rolleyes2] cmu:-)
Title: Value of interchangeable parts! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on February 09, 2020, 11:25:00 PM
Dear Blick, X-Air, and WeatherCat fans of aging with style!

Both you and the car appear to be aging well.

Well, . . . . . .  I wish I was aging as well as Biquette!  Of course you can't buy off the shelf a complete suspension, steering and brake systems for us human types.

“Aging well...” through the ‘miracle’ of Photoshop! [rolleyes2] cmu:-)

Well no.  No Photoshop was involved in making Biquette look as new as she does.  She really does look that nice in person!  [bounce]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Catamaran shopping in the late 1970s. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on March 20, 2020, 09:43:52 PM
Dear WeatherCatters who like to stroll down memory lane,

Since we are supposed to be mostly at home, I decided to pull out some old photo albums to see if I could find some additional photos of our trusty wagon.  The first album I found included this photo taken according to the caption between December 1977 and January 1978:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Early-pictures-of-Biquette/i-qqdhmDV/0/294f19b8/XL/Biquette%20and%20family%20shopping%20for%20catamarans-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Early-pictures-of-Biquette/i-qqdhmDV/A)

On the right is Mom, Dad, and my sister are standing next to what I believe to be a Hobbie 18 catamaran.  You can see the back of Biquette on the left.  The dark patch on the right side of the bumper is a bumper sticker that read "I'd rather be sailing."  Eventually Biquette would get catamaran towing duties.  We bought an second-hand Hobbie 16 that we were bold enough to sail in San Francisco bay!

A bit of nostalgic distraction to make our present circumstances a bit more tolerable!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on March 21, 2020, 06:01:24 AM
Thanks for the memory trip. Stay safe - at home.
Title: Summer photo shoot - California style. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on June 22, 2020, 11:11:21 PM
Dear WeatherCat fans of a certain rascally station wagon,

Both wagon and owner are not particularly fond of heat.  As a result, Biquette doesn't get out as much in the summertime, even if she now has air conditioning.  Still, I thought it was work making a quick outing to capture the first scenes of summer in these parts of California.  Alas, there is a certain uniformity to the scenery.  Here is a first example:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Spring-Summer-2020/i-fbJbB5m/0/2419da4a/XL/Biquette%20and%20dried%20out%20hillsides%20-%20starboard%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Spring-Summer-2020/i-fbJbB5m/A)

You can see what has been the typical strategy to cope with wild fires.  In the past, cutting down the weeds to some specified distance from structures was considered adequate.  This photo was taken on a church parking lot and apparently it was considered acceptable to protect the nearby structures.  Photo #2 shows a newer and more aggressive approach:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Spring-Summer-2020/i-942SJZm/0/2b8d2132/XL/Biquette%20and%20dried%20out%20hillsides%20-%20port%20rear-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Spring-Summer-2020/i-942SJZm/A)

This hillside is a PG&E right of way which has some high voltage power towers that can be seen in the background.  It is the failure of a power line on a structure like this that started the Camp fire.  As a result, PG&E has followed the more extreme CAL FIRE guidelines  All the grass has been cut down the hillside and all the lower branches on the trees cut.  This is to deprive any fire that starts sufficient fuel to do a lot of damage.

I hope it is effective in fighting fires.  Alas, not exactly the most appealing scenery at the start of what may be a very long and difficult wild fire season.

Oh well, . . . . . Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on June 23, 2020, 02:18:30 AM
The main thing is the Buick looks great!
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: BikerGeek on June 27, 2020, 05:15:57 PM
New guy here! Just spent some well invested time reading this thread. What a great wagon and story!
Title: Thank you! (Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on June 27, 2020, 10:26:09 PM
Dear BikerGeek and WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

New guy here! Just spent some well invested time reading this thread. What a great wagon and story!

Thanks so much for your kind words!   :)

I suppose you were also aware of Biquette's website but here it is for completeness:

http://www.canebas.org/Biquette/ (http://www.canebas.org/Biquette/)

Unfortunately, my trusty wagon is still suffering a bit from all the changes done to her and the work that still needs to be finished.  Every winter I hope to have her headliner replaced and the area between the roof and the headliner insulated with the best thermal product that can be bought for automotive use.  Of course this winter it didn't happen once more.  As a result, the cabin warms up horribly because a station wagon has so much roof surface area exposed to the solar radiation.  At the moment she may be also suffering from some issues with her electronic fuel injection system.   So I have some troubleshooting to do and need to find some cooler weather in which to do it!

Thanks again!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: WeatherCat gets into de act! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on July 06, 2020, 11:25:18 PM
Dear WeatherCat faithful,

Alas, my trusty wagon has been suffering from some strange throttle "stuttering" problem since spring. Since the electronic fuel injection system has a logging feature, I decided to make a run with my venerable 2009 MacBook Pro to see if I could find evidence of the cause.  This drive allowed me to confirm a hunch I've had for a long time and WeatherCat was the key to the confirmation.  Thanks to WeatherCat, I have this graph of the ambient air temperature during the drive:

(http://www.canebas.org/Automotive/65GS/Forum%20illustrations/Moraga%20run%202020-07-03/External%20temperature%202-3pm%202020-07-03.png)

It was an unusually cool day with the air temperatures not exceeding 74˚ F the entire drive.

However, Biquette's throttle body has a sensor measuring the temperature entering from the air filter.  That shows something very different!

(http://www.canebas.org/Automotive/65GS/Forum%20illustrations/Moraga%20run%202020-07-03/Air%20vs%20coolant%20temeprature%20Biquette%20run%202020-07-03%20(scaled).jpg) (http://www.canebas.org/Automotive/65GS/Forum%20illustrations/Moraga%20run%202020-07-03/Air%20vs%20coolant%20temeprature%20Biquette%20run%202020-07-03.png)

You can click on the graph to get a larger image.  What you can see is as the drive continued the temperature at the throttle body climbed well above the ambient air temperature.  This isn't a big surprise.  Biquette has one of those open style air filter holders:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Jan-1-2016-outing/i-2S24KX4/0/440796b3/L/Biquette%27s%20engine%20-%20front%20-L.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Jan-1-2016-outing/i-2S24KX4/A)

These are very popular, but they force the engine to pull air that has been already pulled past the radiator and over the heads.  As a result, the air entering the engine was over 30˚ warmer than the ambient air.  That's fine on a cool day like this, but imagine touring Route-66 with the air temperatures closer 100˚ F.  Asking your engine to ingest air at 130˚ is definitely increasing the risk of premature detonation.  Since I'm still hoping to haul a heavy vintage travel trailer with Biquette, I think I have no choice but to come up with some sort of cold air intake one of these days.

I had suspected as much, but now I have definitive proof thanks to WeatherCat!  Thanks Stu!! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/thanks_sign.gif)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]

P.S. I did find an alternative hypothesis for the stuttering problem.  When I started the engine the voltage strangely remained low.

(http://www.canebas.org/Automotive/65GS/Forum%20illustrations/Moraga%20run%202020-07-03/Voltage%20anomaly%202020-07-30%20(scaled).jpg) (http://www.canebas.org/Automotive/65GS/Forum%20illustrations/Moraga%20run%202020-07-03/Voltage%20anomaly%202020-07-30.png)

Looks to me like the alternator has a faulty voltage regulator. 
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on July 07, 2020, 02:14:21 AM
It's one thing after another. But that engine sure looks cool when the bonnet is popped. Thanks for the upkeep (not only on the Buick, but on this fascinating thread).
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on July 07, 2020, 03:30:19 AM
I believe you have "air conditioning" in that beast. Obviously, you need some duct work so the intake cam get access to that cool, 'conditioned' inside air! After all, what is more important, your comfort or the beautiful vehicle?! [rolleyes2] cmu:-)
Title: Afraid so! . . . (Re:Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on July 07, 2020, 11:51:57 PM
Dear Blick, X-Air, and WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts . . .

It's one thing after another. . . . . .

Unfortunately, that is the case.  I have been scheming on this problem for a while, but unfortunately, the electronic fuel injection replacement for the carburetor is much taller than its mechanical equivalent.  This particular electronic fuel injection system is now basically obsolete, has some serious annoyances, and the company has all but gone out of business.  However, changing the system is a huge hassle because the tuning parameters cannot be easily moved from one system to another.  It is a bit more misery than I'm ready to take on at the moment.

I believe you have "air conditioning" in that beast. . . . . .

Uh, yes! . . . . . . Alas, it appears that the evaporator unit might have a leak on behind dash.  Sadly returning us to . . . . . .

It's one thing after another. . . . . .

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: 40 years ago . . . . (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on August 15, 2020, 10:36:28 PM
Dear WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

40 years ago today, we rented a large truck and moved all our large belongings from our first house of 12 years to this house.  The family has resided here ever since.  August 15th, 1980 left quite an impression upon all of us - never had the whole family ended up so exhausted after one day!

Before the big day, we were busy moving all the smaller items.  Of course a station wagon was ideal for this service so Biquette had a busy summer even if her engine wasn't working right after the first rebuild.  Here is a picture taken in mid-July of 1980 with Biquette on the driveway of our "new" house:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Early-pictures-of-Biquette/i-tHGSbwz/0/67d8c6a3/XL/Biquette%20on%20Canebas%20driveway%207-18-1980-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Early-pictures-of-Biquette/i-tHGSbwz/A)

It was a busy summer after my first year of college, and to complicate matters, my Dad was frequently away on business trips.  This would figure into a particular heroic bit of moving that Biquette was inadvertently forced into.  My Dad had a particularly large and heavy desk.  Here is a picture of it:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VjJbbsk/0/fc3303f8/XL/i-VjJbbsk-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Miscellaneous-/Dads-desk/n-fJZNfD/i-VjJbbsk/A)

This desk should have waited for the rental truck, but for some reason it was decided that it should be moved beforehand.  Dad was away on business, so it fell upon me and the rest of the family to move the desk.  As soon as I tried, I could see that there was no way to get the desk to fit inside Biquette - it was too big for a mid-sized wagon:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Dashboard-before-and-after/i-stMvS5Z/0/39d6ef67/XL/Biquette%27s%20cargo%20area%20%22before%22-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Dashboard-before-and-after/i-stMvS5Z/A)

Still, there was a huge problem.  Biquette was the only car we had until 1978.  The desk had come to our old house, somehow Biquette must have carried it.  Finally, having found no other solution, I took a chance and lashed the desk to the tailgate.  It was plenty rough, but the desk arrived safely and Biquette had once more come through.

When Dad returned from his business trip we found out how the desk had arrived to our old house.  It turned out that a friend had helped us out with his pickup truck!  So as it turned out, Biquette hadn't brought the desk in the first place.  Nonetheless, she managed to move the desk to our new house!  That was just one of her duties that summer as a beast of burden.  She has continued to show how versatile station wagons can be and how rugged cars from the 1960s are.

It may seem like I am spoiling her a bit these days, but if so, it is in part out of some guilty feelings for what I put this car through!

Cheers, Edouard   [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on August 15, 2020, 11:02:50 PM
Great story, good photos, another fine post to this amazing thread. Thanks for sharing.
Title: A Buick reunion . . . . (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on September 02, 2020, 11:17:11 PM
Dear mid-60s Buick caregivers,

My trusty wagon is back at Orinda Classic Car Center to get a few issues checked.  There was a 1964 Buick Riviera on the premises so I was able to capture this quick snapshot of a mid-60s Buick reunion:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Spring-Summer-2020/i-kcR5fpc/0/d850e79f/XL/Biquette%20and%201964%20Riviera%20-%20port%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Spring-Summer-2020/i-kcR5fpc/A)

Outside of Buick-specific car shows, it is getting rare for a mid-60s Buick to meet another Buick of the same vintage.

Cheers, Edouard   [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on September 02, 2020, 11:36:59 PM
That Riviera looks like a boat. Had forgotten cars used to be large.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: BikerGeek on September 03, 2020, 03:40:08 AM
What a great picture of two beautiful Detroit classics.
Title: A boatload of fun! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on September 03, 2020, 11:57:26 PM
Dear Blick, BikerGeek, and WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

That Riviera looks like a boat. Had forgotten cars used to be large.

Well now, I'll have you know that my trusty wagon is only a mid-sized!  It turns out that is one of the challenges in my greedy scheme to pull a vintage travel trailer.  Biquette isn't all that heavy while the trailer she would be pulling would outweigh her when fully loaded.

As it turns out, Buick Riviera's are "boats of the roads" as a kind of nickname.  This comes from the boattail design of the 1973-75 Rivieras:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_Riviera#Third_generation_(1971%E2%80%931973) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_Riviera#Third_generation_(1971%E2%80%931973))

What a great picture of two beautiful Detroit classics.

Thanks!  :)  Actually, I just took the photo with my venerable iPhone 6 while dodging the cars that were being moved around the shop!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on September 04, 2020, 03:55:10 AM
Quote
Had forgotten cars used to be large.
I believe the term used rhymed with "large"... Something like land "barge"? Actually, they were designs a bit ahead of their time. They already made use of "crumple zones". They just needed to tweak where to put them. [lol]
Title: Autumn daydreams . . . (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on September 27, 2020, 10:59:33 PM
Dear WeatherCat automobile enthusiasts,

We are experiencing the first major "off-shore wind" event of the 2020 autumn season.  For those of you not familiar with the term, these are the weather conditions that have contributed to the worst wild fires in terms of loss of life and property in California.  These winds blowing in from inland are very hot and dry, so fire concerns aside, it is best to stay indoors with the air conditioner running at full-blast.

Knowing this was expected, last Friday I snuck out with my trusty wagon to pick up a few items at a local shopping center.  After loading the car, I noted that the effect of sun and shadow were unique.  Once more all I had was my iPhone 6, but I managed this shot:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Autumn-2020/i-9HQR9pm/0/377aa244/XL/Biquette%20at%20a%20local%20shopping%20mall-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Autumn-2020/i-9HQR9pm/A)

It is in a way bittersweet.  The foreground of green lawn and healthy trees is the California I grew up with.  The bleached hill in the background is what California has become.  It speaks volumes of how little we really understand about what should be important to us.

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Belated autumn colors (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on November 20, 2020, 11:29:06 PM
Dear WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

Arguably it is 2 months late, but autumn finally has arrived in Northern California.  With the cooler weather, my trusty wagon is getting a bit more use.  Recently, I took this picture in the parking lot of a local office building:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Autumn-2020/i-G7WCTPh/0/bafc0e6f/XL/Biquette%20at%20a%20Moraga%20office%20park%20with%20fall%20trees-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Autumn-2020/i-G7WCTPh/A)

Incidentally, this is the first photo I took with my new 2020 iPhone SE (https://www.apple.com/iphone-se/).  My previous iPhone 6 was starting to suffer from a worn battery and I really wanted the older controls on my iPhone.  Particularly since COVID, having the home button and being able to unlock my phone with my thumb instead of visual recognition seemed highly desirable.  I don't use my phone all that much, so avoiding all the additional complexity of the iOS was also very desirable. 

Back at the end of April, I had decided I should upgrade.  It shows how busy I've gotten that didn't manage to get around to it until November!  I had hoped to write up something of a review, but Thanksgiving looms large and I still haven't gotten around to it so . . . . . . I suppose that won't happen either!

Such are da' conditions that prevail for da' trusty wagon and owner! . . . . .

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]

P.S. At least the important stuff was resolved.  I have successfully got the new iPhone to communicate to the Bluetooth stereos in our senior Buick (1965 Buick Special) and our junior Buick (2000 Buick Century.)  So the music keeps playing on! . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/band_playing.gif)
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on November 20, 2020, 11:55:46 PM
I am excited for your new iPhone opportunities and always love an update on the Buick. We owned a Buick once, a 1978 Skylark, which was based on the Chevy Nova. We sold it to some people who needed to pay half now, half later, and later never came to their house.

#GiveThanks I am grateful we could do without the other half and never held a grudge.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: BikerGeek on November 21, 2020, 03:51:23 AM
Beautiful Autumn picture of your Buick.
Title: Thanks and memories . . . (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on November 22, 2020, 10:44:15 PM
Dear Blick, BikerGeek, and WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

Thanks!  I hope I'll be able to get my wagon out more.  However, I'm leery around holidays.  It was the Wednesday before Thanksgiving 2010 that a German sports sedan plowed into Biquette, doing a fair amount of damage.  Even then, getting replacement parts was a desperate struggle.  Wagons aren't particularly collectable, so their parts are especially hard to find.  Caution seems the better part of valor in this case.

. . . . We owned a Buick once, a 1978 Skylark, which was based on the Chevy Nova.
. . . .

Sorry about the dubious sale, but glad there are no grudges!  We ended up buying a very similar 1976 Buick Skylark 2-door that was 2 years old.  It wasn't a very practical car for a family, but we hung on to it anyway and basically ran it into the ground by the 1990s.  In those days, they seemed hardly collectable, but today you can find restoration parts - believe it or not!  That car has a special place in the story of Biquette.  Because we had a second car, we could without Biquette for the 6 months while her engine was being rebuilt in 1979.  Otherwise, we probably would have been forced to trade-in Biquette for a newer car.  Such are the twists of vehicle ownership!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Squeezed in a wash. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on December 05, 2020, 12:05:10 AM
Dear WeatherCat fans of a certain rascally wagon,

At our house, it is a long standing tradition that the cars get washed and waxed twice a year.  Alas, between COVID, Public Safety Power Shutoffs, and other miseries, this chore is getting more and more squeezed.  I managed to wash and wax our daily drivers, but there isn't time to wax my trusty wagon.  Still, I decided to squeeze in a wash and apply fresh tire dressing.  Once I did that, I got Biquette on the road to dry her off and on the way back I took some pictures at the Moraga Barn:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Autumn-2020/i-GrctZHQ/0/660fab0a/XL/Biquette%20at%20Moraga%20barn%20-%20port%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Autumn-2020/i-GrctZHQ/A)

Here is the passenger side:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Autumn-2020/i-HNJLtXt/0/15e1936a/XL/Biquette%20at%20Moraga%20barn%20-%20starboard%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Autumn-2020/i-HNJLtXt/A)

California is basically back in another round of COVID lock-down, so Biquette isn't likely to move much for the foreseeable future.  Still, when she does get out at least she will look her best!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Playing Santa's sleigh. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on December 16, 2020, 10:52:14 PM
Dear WeatherCat fans of a certain rascally wagon,

Biquette made what will most likely be her last outing for this year.  She played Santa's sleigh for the delivery of Christmas cards and a cookie basket to Orinda Motors.  While she was there I took this quick photo of her parked next to the Orinda Motors station wagon:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Autumn-2020/i-j3d36MC/0/b43cd169/XL/Biquette%20and%20OM%20wagon%20-%20Christmas%20delivery-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Autumn-2020/i-j3d36MC/A)

There is a smell of burning rubber that I finally spotted to be in the vicinity of the back of the exhaust header on the passenger side.  It could be nothing more than an oil leak that I was already aware of.  Still, between that and the insane traffic that is even worse thanks to COVID, I think she'll send the rest of the year safe in the garage.  We'll see if it safe to come out after the first.

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on December 16, 2020, 11:05:58 PM
...You're sure that the smell wasn't from a little further back? About three and a half feet either side of the differential? [coffee] [rockon]

When are you getting your 'centerline' stripes?! cmu:-)
Title: Some exercise before the rains. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on January 03, 2021, 11:04:56 PM
Dear WeatherCat fans of a certain rascally wagon,

As reported elsewhere on this forum, the National Weather Service is forecasting a wetter than normal January for Northern California.  We still had dry pavement on the 1st, so I took my trusty wagon out for a quick run to a nearby church.  It made for an appealing background so I took a few pictures of which this is the best:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Winter-2021/i-dD4VWFg/0/04012693/XL/Biquette%2C%20statue%2C%20tree%20-%20close-up-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Winter-2021/i-dD4VWFg/A)

If you look carefully, you can even see a Christmas tree in the window directly above the hood (click for a larger image (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette-Winter-2021/i-dD4VWFg/A).)

Not a bad way to bid farewell to the holiday season and start in earnest the January grind.

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on January 06, 2021, 12:28:22 AM
Nice wagon. Do you always park in Handicap Only spaces? Hahaha. All of us are slightly handicapped if we ever had to use Windows for Workgroups 3.11.
Title: Isn't it obvious? . . . . (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on January 06, 2021, 10:59:37 PM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat "skillful drivers in parking lots,"

Nice wagon. Do you always park in Handicap Only spaces? Hahaha. All of us are slightly handicapped if we ever had to use Windows for Workgroups 3.11.

 [wink] . . . . . Of course not!  But when I do, I park so badly that it should be obvious that I'm handicapped!  No need for a placard! . . . . .  lol(1)

Besides, Biquette wasn't actually in the handicapped spaces.  She was parked in between the spaces blocking the whole parking lot!

Of course on New Year's afternoon . . . . . not a worry!   [biggrin]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Biquette's Superbowl outing. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on February 09, 2021, 10:52:55 PM
Dear WeatherCat fans of a certain rascally wagon,

A collector car friend of mine decided that a great time to drive your classics is during the Superbowl.  With everyone glued to their TV the roads are much more quiet.  Since both our local NFL football teams have put profits before fan loyalty, it didn't take much to get me to follow his lead.  This year, I decided to take some photos next to an old department store building that has long been closed.  During the week, there are lots of cars parked in the area, but surely on Superbowl Sunday the area would be completely vacant - right?

Alas no - there were cars parked in exactly the position I had staked out for my photos, so I had to come up with a Plan-B in a hurry.  I started by taking this photo behind the building housing Orinda Motors:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Superbowl-outing-2021/i-pzMmckH/0/ca4a1b68/XL/Biquette%20behind%20Orinda%20Motors-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Superbowl-outing-2021/i-pzMmckH/A)

The building dates from before the 1930s so it was a perfect backdrop for a digitally aged photo.  For this example, I decided to make it into a faded slide:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Superbowl-outing-2021/i-VcMNxdX/0/d53521c8/XL/Biquette%20behind%20Orinda%20Motors%20%28slide%29-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Superbowl-outing-2021/i-VcMNxdX/A)

In the end perhaps not the best choice because in part I only backdated the image to around the 1980s.  I had a slide from the time as a reference, and fortunately, even 40 year old slides hold up a lot better than slides just 10 years older.

There is a country club golf course nearby and some houses that clearly are quite old.  A stone wall separates a road from this location and that was my next photo venue:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Superbowl-outing-2021/i-fC5K42c/0/5e6b6064/XL/Biquette%20next%20Orinda%20Country%20Club-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Superbowl-outing-2021/i-fC5K42c/A)

This photo I made into a backdated black and white image:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Superbowl-outing-2021/i-78GxMjM/0/fe019717/XL/Biquette%20next%20Orinda%20Country%20Club%20%28B-W%29-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Superbowl-outing-2021/i-78GxMjM/A)


I think this recreation turned out a lot better than the first.

I took one more picture but decided the background wasn't suitable for digital aging:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Superbowl-outing-2021/i-hzqhNbZ/0/05b9fed1/XL/Biquette%20on%20street%20next%20to%20Orinda%20Motors-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Superbowl-outing-2021/i-hzqhNbZ/A)

That's all the time I had and I returned home to all the waiting chores.

For your viewing pleasure . . . . . . Enjoy!    :)

Cheers, Edouard   [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on February 11, 2021, 06:45:41 PM
Thanks for sharing your Super Bowl outing.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: BikerGeek on February 12, 2021, 04:16:16 AM
Great pictures. Nicely done!
Title: Thanks! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on February 12, 2021, 10:43:00 PM
Thanks Blick and BikerGeek!  :)

I certainly enjoy taking these images and making them appear like photos taken "back in the day!"

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Run to the home improvement store. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on July 17, 2021, 10:22:27 PM
Dear WeatherCat fans of a certain rascally wagon,

It is another hot dry summer here in California.  That means wildfire threats and . . . . . . Public Safety Power Shutoffs (https://www.pge.com/en_US/residential/outages/public-safety-power-shuttoff/learn-about-psps.page).  I've started to think about how the family might cope with having get in the car in darkness when the electricity is cut off.  Some 30 years ago we bought some solar powered landscape lights, but they are - to say the least - getting weary.  Costco had an attractive sale on some solar landscape lights, but I wanted to give my local home improvement store a chance to get my business - so I hopped in my trusty wagon to see what they had.

Just my luck, they didn't have anything like what I was looking for.  When I got home and tried to order the lights from Costco - they were sold out!  So much for trying to give the local guys a break!

I wanted to take a picture of Biquette in front of the store, but I just couldn't get the lighting to work.  So I took this photo once more in front of the Moraga barn (http://www.moragabarn.com/about-the-barn.html):

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-spring-summer-2021/i-TgHWrKz/0/48a49b93/XL/Biquette%20at%20Moraga%20barn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-spring-summer-2021/i-TgHWrKz/A)

Now all I need is some solar landscaping lights!  (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/D'oh.gif)

Cheers, Edouard   [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on July 17, 2021, 11:37:35 PM
That car looks better with age. You probably do too, but that's just speculation on my part. I have a set of those Costco LEDs; sorry if I bought the last one.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Steve on July 18, 2021, 06:00:14 AM
If it is the box of five for $30, then we were greedy and bought eight boxes. Maybe ten…

💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡
Title: Oh *swell* !! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on July 18, 2021, 10:55:38 PM
Dear Blick, Steve, and WeatherCat automotive enthusiasts,

That car looks better with age. . . . . . .

Well, . . . . . . there is nothing like a restoration to help with that!  :D

You probably do too, but that's just speculation on my part. . . . . . .

 [wink] . . . . . Unfortunately, human restorations are a much more dicey business and NOS (New Old Stock) parts are incredibly difficult to find! . . . .  lol(1)

I have a set of those Costco LEDs; sorry if I bought the last one.

If it is the box of five for $30, then we were greedy and bought eight boxes. Maybe ten…

💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡

 [wink] . . . . . . Well now, that's just, that's just, that's just .  . . . . . . . . swell !!! . . .  >:( . . . . . .  lol(1)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Fetching gas for Public Safety Power Shutoffs (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on September 18, 2021, 10:17:18 PM
Dear WeatherCat fans of a certain rascally wagon,

The seasons are changing and here in California that means wildfire season is about to kick into high gear.  I've been watching the weather carefully and the first serious off-shore wind event will happen Monday night into Tuesday.  It was time to acquire the gasoline to power our portable generator during Public Safety Power Shutoffs.  Da' trusty wagon got this errand and first stop was a local home improvement store for another 2-1/2 gallon gas tank:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-fetches-gasoline-for-Public-Safety-Power-Shutoffs/i-qzGNHHz/0/ae60e091/XL/Biquette%20in%20front%20of%20Outdoor%20Supply%20Hardware-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-fetches-gasoline-for-Public-Safety-Power-Shutoffs/i-qzGNHHz/A)

Outdoor Supply Hardware is actually the "reboot" of the Orchard Supply Hardware chain which started all the way back in the depression.  With my additional tank, I could run over to a local gas station and fill'em up! 

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-fetches-gasoline-for-Public-Safety-Power-Shutoffs/i-nHFz8Wn/0/3428937d/XL/3%20gas%20cans%20loaded%20in%20Biquette-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-fetches-gasoline-for-Public-Safety-Power-Shutoffs/i-nHFz8Wn/A)

I now have 10 gallons of gas with fuel stabilizer.  That should be enough to get through 5 days without power.  As you could see in the tailgate photo, I already had a 2-1/2 gas tank.  However, as can be seen in this picture, it is quite old:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-fetches-gasoline-for-Public-Safety-Power-Shutoffs/i-2s4SWdF/0/c1a09ba5/XL/Old%20and%20new%20gas%20can%20comparison-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-fetches-gasoline-for-Public-Safety-Power-Shutoffs/i-2s4SWdF/A)

My dad wrote "unleaded" on this tank because at the time we had a second tank for leaded gas since we still had an older lawn mower that used it.  California banned leaded gas in the early 1990s so this gas tank is around 30 years old!  So the reason my trusty wagon is in such good shape is because at our house we took good care of just about everything!!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on September 20, 2021, 09:46:18 AM
I have one of those new-fangled gas cans and I quite like the mechanism for releasing pressure buildup. The altitude where I fill up the can is about 5600 feet (1707 meters) and our home is at 8300 feet (2530 meters), so the easy release for pressurized vapor is handy.
Title: Biquette and autumn foliage. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on October 29, 2021, 10:48:06 PM
Dear WeatherCat automobile enthusiasts who enjoy autumn foliage,

I know that many WeatherCatters have already seen autumn come and gone.  However, here in parched California autumn comes late and disappears quickly.  I had some shopping to do and took my trusty wagon over to a strip mall that still has a nice selection of deciduous trees.  I was able to catch a few photos which contrasted Biquette's seafoam green with the colors of autumn leaves.  Here is the first one:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-autumn-and-winter-2021-22/i-Hxfgmjq/0/ccbbef72/XL/Biquette%20under%20red%20autumn%20tree-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-autumn-and-winter-2021-22/i-Hxfgmjq/A)

As always, you can click on any image to get an enlargement.

I took a second one in a partially shady area with trees that turn yellow:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-autumn-and-winter-2021-22/i-2cH5Q4f/0/016bf6b7/XL/Biquette%20in%20front%20of%20yellow%20autumn%20trees-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-autumn-and-winter-2021-22/i-2cH5Q4f/A)

I took this last one because this tree was very pretty if a bit small:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-autumn-and-winter-2021-22/i-VX3hDSq/0/5c560262/XL/Biquette%20behind%20red%20autumn%20tree-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-autumn-and-winter-2021-22/i-VX3hDSq/A)

As you can see from the hillside in the background, while we have finally gotten some much needed rain, it will take a lot more to provide significant relief from the drought.

Rain is back in the forecast for next week, so these could be the only photos I'll get of Biquette with autumn foliage.  So enjoy them while you can!

Cheers, Edouard   [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on November 04, 2021, 04:32:22 PM
Nice autumn leaves. Great vintage automobile. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Last outing before the surgeries. (Re: Da' trusty billy-goat wagon!)
Post by: elagache on January 23, 2022, 11:27:25 PM
Dear WeatherCat faithful,

Much has changed since my Christmas card in which I described my current struggles with skin cancer tumors.  The first week of January I met with a doctor (and professor) from the University of California, San Francisco's division of Facial Reconstructive Surgery.  That's about as specialized as things get.  Things didn't get off to a good start.  One of the residence (doctor in training) spotted a large growth on the right side of my nose.  Another Ear's Nose and Throat specialist had already uncovered this back in October, but it was concluded it must be removed at the same time as the very large basal cell cancer tumor on the left side of my nose.  Doing so would involve scooping out some of the cartilage of my nose.

Until then, I had been told there would be 2 surgical procedures: a first operation to remove the tumors performed by a specialist in so-called Mohs surgery, then a second operation to reconstruct the nose.  Having the problem before him, the reconstructive surgeon immediately proposed, not 1, but 3 reconstructive operations.

This Wednesday (January 26th) is Mohs surgeries to remove the tumors.  They will remove the tumors, control the bleeding, and check that they have "clear edges" (confirm that every last been of cancerous tissue has been removed.)  Once this has been achieved, they will bandage the region as best as they can, and send me home.  The following morning, Thursday, the 27th will be the first of the 3 reconstructive surgeries.  The reconstructive surgeon will make the skin graph from my forehead and repair the nose to first approximation.  He will in the same operation remove the growth that is blocking the other nostril.  That will leave damaged cartilage and effectively turn my nose into a blob of flesh without structure.  However, that assembly will need 3 weeks to heal before the next step.

Sometime in late February, the surgeon will perform a second operation which will graph in some cartilage to repair the structure of my nose and give it a normal appearance.  It will require another 3 weeks to heal from that.  Finally, in mid-March sometime, he needs to perform one more operation to complete the restoration of the nose, which in part, involves completing the separation of the skin graph from the forehead.  This is definitely a long-haul of medical procedures.

Based on my previous surgeries,  I'm expecting to be in really difficult straights for a while.  I finally have some instructions for the operation, and as expected, my face will suffer from a lot of swelling.  Removing the tumor over my right eye resulted in sufficient swelling that I had difficulty seeing.  Since this procedure will involve both my nose and the forehead where the skin graph will be taken I suspect my face will swell up like I had been stun by a dozen bees or more.  Under those circumstances, I suspect using a computer will become difficult.  As a result I might be scarce on this forum from time to time.

I'm not supposed to wear glasses until my nose is fully repaired.  Since I need glasses to drive, the current assessment is that I won't be driving until the end of March.  Last Friday, I took Biquette out for one last outing before I'm out of commission.  While there I took this photo on front of some winter trees:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Biquette-upgrades-and-misc/Biquette-test-of-smart-phone-navigation/i-CrzrT9Z/0/0fc8526d/XL/Biquette%20in%20front%20of%20winter%20trees-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Biquette-upgrades-and-misc/Biquette-test-of-smart-phone-navigation/i-CrzrT9Z/A)

Thanks for your support.  I'll try to keep everyone posted as I attempt to navigate the long and difficult road ahead.

Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on January 25, 2022, 05:29:53 PM
Edouard, I sincerely hope and trust you are going to come out the other end in as good as, or even better shape than the Buick. My prayers are with you.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: The Grand Poohbah on January 25, 2022, 07:40:24 PM
We'll look forward to your healed and healthy return.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: 271249horst on January 25, 2022, 10:12:07 PM
Hello Edouard,

I wish you interventions that make your life decent.

Horst.

Translation from French
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on January 25, 2022, 10:35:13 PM
I'm just hoping you end up looking as good as that Buick! ThU5:-) But just not as assertive!! [lol]
Title: Thanks . . . (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on January 26, 2022, 12:39:12 AM
Thanks everyone,

First surgery tomorrow morning at 9am.  I'll just have to take the blows as they come.

Edouard
Title: Update after first 2 surgeries (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on January 30, 2022, 11:28:04 PM
Dear WeatherCat faithful,

I wanted to update everyone as to how this week's two surgeries went.  As feared, it has been quite an ordeal.  The Wednesday surgeries were extremely tough.  As usual, the cancer surgeon should have used more anaesthetic and it took a very long time to completely remove all the cancer.  The surgery started at 9:30 am and there was a long wait while the pathology lab looked over what was removed.  The surgeon made a decent guess but there was still some cancerous tissue left.  So there was a second round of cutting in the early afternoon.  They didn't finally bandage me up and send me home until around 3:30 pm.

That night wasn't so bad.  I'm not sure why though.  I had to get up at 4:15 to be at the second surgery site at 5:30 am on Thursday.  I guess the pre-operation process went okay.  I don't remember anything about it.  However, when I woke in the recovery room I was obviously extremely weak.  I could hardly move, much less being able to make it to a car to come home.  I didn't have to argue much, the reconstructive surgeon concluded I would have to spend the night in the hospital.  However, that didn't go well.  For whatever reason, they couldn't manage to find a bed for me.  I stayed in the recovery room from about 12 noon to 9:30 pm.  I'm extremely thankful to the recovery room nurse that stayed with me long past her shift.

When I finally got a bed in the hospital the night nurse was also kind and helpful.  The pain medications allowed me to sleep a bit so that I could recover my strength some.  By the morning (Friday) I could walk to the bathroom and felt strong enough to be discharged.  It took some fumbling to make that happen, but I was finally home at noon.

I'm not much to look at.  My face is a bloody mess and, as expected, my new nose is an ugly blob of flesh.  The surgeon ran into some sort of problem securing the flesh on my nose.  As a result I have stitches along the left side of my cheek to my lip and probably another mysterious stitch in the middle of my lip.  The flesh around my left eye is badly bruised and swollen.  The skin graph from my forehead has a blob of flesh carrying the blood supply from my forehead to the reconstructed nose.  That blob is also obstructing my left eye making seeing difficult.  My body seems to have effectively shutdown and it is taking time to get all systems operational once more.  I've had to write this in small periods of time before my eyes became too tired to continue.  With time my forehead is finally starting to complain about the theft that made this whole thing possible.

The good news is that the reconstructive surgeon did what would seem to be the impossible.  He created from a flap of forehead skin a first approximation of a nose.  Moreover, while it is ugly, it is already doing its job: allowing me to breath.  I was really dreading these first few days being only able to breath through my mouth, but even at this early stage the nose allowing me to breath a bit when eating.  That's a big improvement in the comfort level.

That's the status report to this afternoon.  The first follow-up appointment with the reconstructive surgeon is this Tuesday.  I hope things will start to improve from here, and that the worst has over.

Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on January 31, 2022, 12:36:35 AM
Quote
I hope things will start to improve from here, and that the worst has over.
I know that's the same hope of all your friends here (and maybe even those others, who shall remain nameless!)! I didn't want to ask how you are doing. I figured you'd be along when possible. [tup]

Your assignment, should you agree, is to simply behave like a dog and "Heal"! [lol] Good to hear you can eat! At least one enjoyable activity in which you can partake! Just rest up, gather some strength and behave yourself!! [rockon]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: 271249horst on January 31, 2022, 08:05:54 AM
The news seems rather encouraging, in any case you have to trust the surgeons.

As far as pain is concerned, you have to accept it and I am paid to know that at the end of the operations it will be nothing but bad memories.

Sincerely.

Horst.

Translated from French.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Steve on January 31, 2022, 03:10:44 PM
Thank you for the update, Edouard.

That sounds like a rough couple of days. When you first talked about only two rounds, I thought "that's not too bad. My first time was eight rounds." But that doesn't sound the case at all. They must have gone much deeper, whereas all of my Basel cell carcinoma surgeries have been pretty shallow, and all but that first time only one or two rounds. You're gonna be a sore boy for quite a while.

I'm sure they told you that the swelling and discoloration will get worse before it gets better. A bag of frozen peas or corn works wonders to relieve the discomfort. What's going to be the longest odd feeling is as nerve endings start to grow back. Especially in normally tender areas like around the eyes, nose, and mouth. It doesn't hurt. It's just a strange sensation as even a feather-light touch seems like a mild electric shock. You'll definitely know weather changes before those around you!

Take care, and heal up. It'll definitely be better in the long run!
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on January 31, 2022, 03:46:09 PM
Edouard:

Thanks for making the time to give us an update. Our thoughts, faith, and prayers are with you in your post-op recovery adventures.
Title: Just before first follow-up appt. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on February 01, 2022, 06:58:12 PM
Dear X-Air, Horst, Steve, Blick, and WeatherCat faithful,

Thanks for your kind thoughts and prayers,

That sounds like a rough couple of days. When you first talked about only two rounds, I thought "that's not too bad. My first time was eight rounds." But that doesn't sound the case at all. They must have gone much deeper, whereas all of my Basel cell carcinoma surgeries have been pretty shallow, and all but that first time only one or two rounds. You're gonna be a sore boy for quite a while.

Yes, I believe the surgeries I'm going though are must more complex and severe than any standard Mohs surgery.  The cancer on the left side of my nose has basically gone through to the interior of the nasal passage.  So essentially all the flesh on the left side of the nose had to be removed.  There was significant cancerous regions on the right side that to be cut out as well.  Under those conditions, it was necessary to literally reconstruct the nose from flesh coming from somewhere else.  In my case the reconstructive surgeon scooped out a roughly 4 inch by 4 inch section from my forehead and folded and twisted that over onto the top of the damaged cartilage that was left of my nose.  Right now there is a strange blob of flesh from my forehead that is literally wrapping an artery providing blood to that region of flesh.  That's the only blood supply for flesh that will become my nose.

Unfortunately what seemed like a "slight adjustment" has proven to be serious difficulty.  The surgeon had difficulty securing the flesh into to the approximate shape of a nose and had to add some additional stitches on my cheek and lips.  These are now causing me a lot of pain when eating.  This afternoon is the first post-operative appointment.  I hope that at least those stitches will be removed so that eating is no longer such a risky and potentially painful experience.

That's the update to this morning.

Edouard
Title: Stitches out - first shave. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on February 04, 2022, 10:06:30 PM
Dear WeatherCat faithful,

Here is another quick update.  On Tuesday the stitches from the first surgery finally came out.  I don't fully understand the purpose, but the skin graph for the new nose had to be secured to my cheek and lip.  Getting those stitches out was unexpectedly painful and the left side of my mouth is still partially numb.  The whole region is finally healing and that is something of a strange experience.  As the doctor described, there is a blob of flesh secured to what was remained of the right side of my nose.  There is an abrupt transition from the graphed skin to what looks like a normal nose.  The new graph is, not surprisingly, swollen so there isn't much air flow on the left side.  So I'm vulnerable to congestion.  To avoid that, I "try" to sleep almost sitting up.  However, that isn't exactly the most restful position!

I hadn't shaved in over a week.  Finally the itching was too much and I timidly removed the "jungle" of beard in stages.  You don't realize how pleasant it is to be clean shaven until you can't do it for a while!

The next surgery is scheduled for Thursday, February 17th.  In that operation, the reconstructive surgeon will insert some cartilage to turn the blob of flesh into a normal nose.  He will also "thin" the flesh of the nose to a more normal thickness.  I'm not sure I want to know how he is going to do that!

In the meantime trying to get back more to a normal life.  I still don't have very clear vision, so computer time is limited.

Thanks again everyone!

Edouard 
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on February 04, 2022, 10:27:10 PM
Thanks for the update!

Don't try to think too much about how things will be done. Enjoy the sausage but don't visit the kitchen! cmu:-)
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: 271249horst on February 05, 2022, 08:19:46 AM
Hello Edouard,

On the positive side, it seems to be going according to the doctors' forecasts, so be brave, there are still some unavoidable steps to be taken.

Best wishes.

Horst.

Text translated from French.
Title: Camping near Grass Valley, CA - 8/1993 (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on February 14, 2022, 10:24:48 PM
Dear WeatherCat users who occasionally stroll down memory lane,

I still cannot drive, so instead of taking my trusty wagon out for a spin during the Superbowl and I dug into another box of old slides.  Eventually, I came across this photo that brought back memories:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Early-pictures-of-Biquette/i-SvMfk9Q/0/97a0f161/O/Camping%20near%20Grass%20Valley%20CA%208-1993.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Early-pictures-of-Biquette/i-SvMfk9Q/A)

During the summer of 1993, one of my cousins was visiting from France and I decided to pull out my trusty campground guidebook and make a tour of the Sierra foothills with my cousin and a few friends.  Since Biquette was my car, she had the transportation duties.  I soon learned that what the guidebook didn't mention was more important than what it did mention!  The first campground was too close to the freeway and the noise kept us awake all night.  This photo was taken at the second campground.  My tent is in front of Biquette and obviously wasn't much insulation from the noise.  In that case there was a steady stream of heavy logging trucks.  One would pass every time you were nodding off to sleep!  The caption on the side of the box of slides was: "The camping trip from hell!"  Yes an exaggeration, but it was indeed one lousy expedition into the wilderness!

This is just one of the reasons why my motto has come when it comes to camping trips . . . . . .

Wouldn't you really rather have a Buick and an Airstream travel trailer!!

Cheers, Edouard   [cheers1]

P.S. There is one snippet of surgery-related news.  With the change of surgeon, surgery #2 has been pushed back from this upcoming Thursday to Tuesday the 22nd.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on February 14, 2022, 10:52:27 PM
Thanks for there camping tale, the photo, and the surgery update. Since you aren't driving, how are you getting to hospital and back?
Title: Even transportation is an effort. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on February 15, 2022, 10:05:43 PM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat faithful,

. . . Since you aren't driving, how are you getting to hospital and back?

Even if I could drive, I wouldn't be allowed to drive myself to these surgeries because they are under general anesthesia.  The previous and following surgeries are relatively long at 3-4 hours.  Under no circumstances could I go home without the accompaniment of a friend or family member.

Because of the various health issues in the house, we had already befriended a neighbor who has a franchise for a local taxi company.  So there is someone we can trust to provide the transportation.  For the return trip from the hospital, my sister volunteers to be present at discharge.

Still it is some involved logistics.  I arrange for the transportation at least one week in advance, and since we are on a major commuter path, the travel time is never certain.  It certainly isn't the easiest thing to do, but this sort of involved facial reconstructive surgery appears to be a rare specialty.  UCSF might be the only facility in the San Francisco Bay Area capable of this sort of thing.  So whatever the logistics, I've got to make it happen!

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Leeches to the rescue! (Re: billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on February 28, 2022, 11:32:19 PM
Dear WeatherCat community,

I have been conspicuously absent around here, but there is a rather amazing tale to explain it.  Surgery #2 was a week ago Tuesday (22nd.)  The main objective was to restore the cartilage supporting my nose that was lost when the cancer was removed on January 26th.  In order to do this, they needed to remove the stitches and gently lift up the skin graph from my forehead to get access to the structures beneath.  Alas in that process, they must have twisted or kinked the veins that drained the graph; constricting circulation.  After the surgery, the skin graph started to fill up with blood and effectively die.

The skin graph is a small part of me but just about impossible to replace at this point - drastic and unorthodox measures were in order.  From the surgery I went immediately to this hospital's ICU branch were I was treated with (believe it or not) leeches! 

At first, every 2 hours and then tapering off, a leech was allowed to drain off the excess blood and congestion from my skin graph.  That removed the backlog of blood and allowed for circulation to gradually be restored.  As the veins recovered from the distress of having been disturbed, the leeches became more like vacuum cleaners removing debris that was congesting the circulation in the nose.  From Tuesday night until Friday morning the procedures were continued until the skin graph that is my nose started to look more like normal.  I spent an additional day and a half in the hospital under observation before finally being discharged Saturday afternoon.  It is a curious procedure but apparently increasingly accepted.  Here is a quick web article about the use of leeches:

https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-leech-therapy (https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-leech-therapy)

I had my first follow-up visit with the surgeon he was pleased and relieved.  As he put it: my nose was finally back here it should have been at the end of the surgery!

It has been quite a learning experience.  These skin graphs are very fragile and these sorts of restorations are more an art form than science.  The nurses had some really amazing stories were leeches had once more been the difference between success and failure.

I'm back home and trying to get back to normal.  Last week was tough and it is definitely good to get back my usual habits!

Thanks for your support!

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on March 01, 2022, 01:28:41 AM
Yes, these highly trained invertebrates can do wonders that doctors and scientists can only dream of. I hope your insurance company doesn’t balk at the costs incurred. While the leeches were paid but a potency, their training is expensive and those costs are passed along to the patient, of course. You should simply be thankful that you didn’t have to travel to any of the swampy jungles where this treatment is offered at a considerable discount.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: 271249horst on March 01, 2022, 07:41:00 AM
Hello Edouard,

Yes, the use of leeches is well known and has already helped many people including you.

In any case, I wish you that the healing process continues normally.

Take heart.

Sincerely. Horst.

Text translated from French.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Weatheraardvark on March 01, 2022, 03:07:50 PM
I have known a few leeches that have worked.  I taught with them for many years, always wanted my lesson plans so they could copy them. The bastards
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Steve on March 01, 2022, 03:43:35 PM
It is good to hear from you, and that things are headed back to normal.

I'm sure that your dermatologist will or already has given this warning, but if not, here goes:

Your "new" skin is going to be a magnet for damaging sun rays. Get a couple of wide-brimmed hats. Something floppy that you can stuff in a pocket, and maybe something with structure for the largest possible shadow. I have a cotton/canvas Tilley Hat for the latter. Great in hot weather, as it can be dunked in water and acts as an air conditioner.

If the doc thinks you are susceptible to more skin damage, wear collared shirts that can be flipped up to protect the neck and shoulders. I hardly wear a T-shirt any more. Just a gob of cotton or UV button up casual plaid shirts.

After over 20 years of various face and head related basal-cell carcinoma surgeries, I have become a master at seeking out shade. I once got a chuckle from an otherwise stern Doc when I told him I'd become a Shade Hopper. :) When I walk, it is from shady spot to shady spot. If you get to higher skill levels, you'll learn to walk in the open while keeping your head in the shade of telephone poles, tree branches, clouds, etc. Sorta like hop scotch. :)

Take care!!
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on March 01, 2022, 04:05:20 PM
Edouard and Steve:

Thanks for allowing yourselves to be vulnerable on the forum and sharing your insights and adventures.

Glad your are in a better place recovery-wise, Edouard. I am wishing you the best in the days and weeks ahead. You have been in my prayers for the best possible outcome.

Stay safe.
Title: Thanks everyone! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on March 01, 2022, 11:08:19 PM
Dear X-Air, Horst, Weatheraardvark, Steve, Blick, and WeatherCat faithful,

Thanks everyone for your kind wishes and prayers,

Yes, these highly trained invertebrates can do wonders that doctors and scientists can only dream of.
. . . .

Well no, not exactly.  The nurses had some skin graph horror stories and in those cases the leeches needed more than a bit of encouragement to only suck blood from the intended source.  This sort of plastic surgery is really the last hope for people losing parts of their body to cancer and other causes.

I have known a few leeches that have worked.
. . . .

 [wink] . . . . No, no, not the same species of leeches.  These didn't have two legs! . . . . .  lol(1)

I'm sure that your dermatologist will or already has given this warning, but if not, here goes:

Your "new" skin is going to be a magnet for damaging sun rays.
. . . .

Thanks for the warning.  No I haven't gotten that lecture exactly because there is still one surgery to go (and I suppose it is winter.)  For years I was already concerned about sun exposure and had taken precautions like wide-brim hats and clothing with built-in high SPF.  However, I can see that my exercising out of doors will have to be greatly attenuated at best.  I've started to reconsider how I'm going to get back into shape after this extended period of very limited activity.   As you point out, I am facing a very new reality.

Thanks again!

Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Steve on March 02, 2022, 03:22:52 PM
The downside of shade hopping and avoiding the sun is vitamin D deficiency. I've done such a good job of it that I have been prescribed 2000 IU of vitamin D3 daily. A lesser one is looking like a ghost around everyone else who is all tan all year. Me in shorts is not something you'll find in GQ magazine. :)

The *best* side effect of my surgeries is that my then 17 year old daughter accompanied me to the first one. After spending several hours in the waiting room with people having skin cancer on arms, neck, face, head, etc, she swore to never use a tanning bed again.
Title: Biquette's first outing in over a month. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on March 03, 2022, 11:30:06 PM
Dear Steve and WeatherCat faithful,

So how do you drive if you need glasses but absolutely cannot put glasses on your partially reconstructed nose?  It turns out someone came up with a strange contraption that is a headband with a hook on the front to catch your glasses before they touch your nose.  It isn't perfect, but it has allowed me to start driving once more.  Yesterday, I finally got Biquette out after over a month of being idle.  My first stop was Orinda Motors so that I could catch everybody up on my health situation.  They were glad to see me.  While there I took this photo of Biquette next to a vintage pickup truck:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-autumn-and-winter-2021-22/i-cc5J9dG/0/34ad2f4b/XL/Biquette%20and%201950s%20pickup%20truck-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-autumn-and-winter-2021-22/i-cc5J9dG/A)

The downside of shade hopping and avoiding the sun is vitamin D deficiency. I've done such a good job of it that I have been prescribed 2000 IU of vitamin D3 daily. A lesser one is looking like a ghost around everyone else who is all tan all year. Me in shorts is not something you'll find in GQ magazine. :)

So far I haven't any issues with vitamin D deficiency even if I haven't gotten much sun at all since August.  However, that might show up after all these surgeries are over.  It isn't like I ever was interested in that tanned look.  Unfortunately I'm the only person left in the house still mobile enough get around in the yard.  Somehow, I've got to continue taking care of the unavoidable yard-work.  There is no one else who can do this for me.

The *best* side effect of my surgeries is that my then 17 year old daughter accompanied me to the first one. After spending several hours in the waiting room with people having skin cancer on arms, neck, face, head, etc, she swore to never use a tanning bed again.

Certainly, your daughter's tanning abstention is prudent since family history is another strong predictor.  Alas, medical statistics isn't nearly as good as people want it to be.  If you wanted to know what can be rigorously proven based on medical statistics - ask for a guarantee.  If that was the criteria, all that cacophony of medical advice based on statistics would be replaced by - a deafening silence!

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on March 03, 2022, 11:46:34 PM
Quote
it has allowed me to start driving once more.
Where there is a will...
there is a way!!
Yeah, I can't hear any more.
    Yep, my glasses are now an inch thick!
        I know, I know! I have trouble getting from the wheel chair into the drivers seat!
But I STILL HAVE MY LICENSE!!! ThU5:-) cmu:-) [cheers1]
How do you like my air horn?!!!
Perseverance, thy name is Edouard! [cheer]
Title: Third surgery tomorrow. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on March 21, 2022, 10:00:08 PM
Dear WeatherCat faithful,

Tomorrow is the third surgery in the sequence to complete the "transplant" of the section of forehead skin onto my nose.  In this operation, the doctor will cut off the graft from the blood supply it has been dependent upon from my forehead.  Basically, this is the "make or break" moment when this skin graft has to establish itself on my nose.

Alas, the proposed circumstances are hardly encouraging.  Neither of the previous surgeries went as planned and I'm feeling exhausted from the whole ordeal.  The facial plastics team is seriously overworked because they lost a surgeon to a bike injury in February.  My 2-3 hour surgery is scheduled for 4:40 pm!  They are still insisting that I will go home after all this, but that could very well bring me home after midnight.  Nonetheless, I'm not allowed to take any food after midnight tonight.  I'm certainly not going to be very strong by tomorrow afternoon.  Certainly not the most cautious and conservative path to insure a successful operation.

Still, it appears that "the show must go on."  All I can do is brave the challenges as best I can and let the chips fall where they may.

Oh well, Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on March 22, 2022, 02:16:18 AM
Still praying for your complete recovery. Also hope you have some helpful local friends and family. ThU5:-)
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: 271249horst on March 22, 2022, 09:26:43 AM
Hello Edouard,

I pray for a good outcome of this intervention.

Sincerely.

Horst.

Translation from French.
Title: Results from Tuesday's surgery (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on March 24, 2022, 10:35:51 PM
Dear X-Air, Horst, and WeatherCat faithful,

It has been another difficult week, but let me try provide a decent update.  The last of the three surgeries in grafting new skin onto my nose involved completing the separation of the skin flap from the forehead here it was taken.  As reported earlier, That surgery was Tuesday at the amazingly late start time of 4:40 pm.

Alas as before, things did not go to plan.  I was supposed to go home right after the surgery.  When it was time to leave the recovery room and try to come home, my legs simply were not up to it.  I could barely walk around the bed.  I certainly wasn't going to make it to the house.  So I had to spend a night and part of the day in the hospital.  The simplest hypothesis is that the anesthesia they used was sufficiently strong that it interfered with my motor skills beyond the normal recovery period.  Anesthesia for facial surgery is more difficult than for other parts of the body and adjusting this is something of an art-form. 

The surgeon was pleased at how the procedure turned out, but it was another round of rough treatment.  There are several new lines of stitches and it is going to take a while for everything to calm down and the swelling to subside.  Completing the separation of the graft included new stitches on my forehead and there is a line of stitches going from my forehead to my nose passing very close to my left eye.  That eye is once more irritated which makes using the computer difficult.  Normal strategies to reduce the irritation like applying ice don't work very well at that location.

That's the Thursday update.  Hopefully, I'll feel better as my body copes with the latest blows.   Definitely feeling overwhelmed at the moment.

Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: WeatherguyNH on March 24, 2022, 10:54:15 PM
Edouard:

You are in my prayers for a speedy recovery.
Better times are ahead, so hang in there and just rest.

Rich

Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on March 24, 2022, 11:13:01 PM
Sorry you had to show the professionals some of the extremes of their procedures. Maybe they will give you a discount as a “Beta” user! The human body is a miracle at healing after such manipulations! Take as much down the me as you can get! Have you considered hiring some short term help while you take care of your family’s needs?
Title: Re: Results from Tuesday's surgery (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: Steve on March 25, 2022, 03:33:16 PM
Normal strategies to reduce the irritation like applying ice don't work very well at that location.
Edouard

I'm glad to hear that things went well, and that you are on the road to recovery. A tip: From my experience with surgery near the eye, a bag of frozen peas or corn work *much* better than ice! Bang the bag to break up any clusters, and it conforms easily to your eye socket and surrounding structure. This helps keep the inevitable black eye to a minimum, too.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on March 25, 2022, 03:55:26 PM
Edouard:

Thank you for taking the time to keep us updated. You are in my prayers! And prayer works.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: WCDev on March 26, 2022, 05:08:04 PM
Hang in there Edouard  [tup]
Title: Thanks everyone! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on March 26, 2022, 08:57:12 PM
Dear Rich, X-Air, Steve, Blick, Stu, and WeatherCat faithful,

Thanks for your prayers and kind wishes.  I am doing better and the bruising is starting to subside.  Vision in my left eye has improved.

A tip: From my experience with surgery near the eye, a bag of frozen peas or corn work *much* better than ice!
. . . .

Yes Steve you are 100% correct.  Sadly at this house there are so many health-related problems that we have a large collection of medical ice-packs cluttering up the freezer.  The ones I have been using are pliable even just out of the freezer and sized for locations like the eye socket.  Unfortunately, the eye doesn't take cold very well even if the surrounding facial tissue needs it.  It is one of those "attempt the best compromise" situations where I apply ice more often for shorter periods of time.

The first post-operative appointment is Monday.  I'm sure at least some of the stitches will come out then.  That could be a very long appointment.  There sure are a lot of stitches to remove!

Thanks again,

Edouard
Title: Biquette's 57th birthday! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on May 03, 2022, 11:41:04 PM
Dear WeatherCat fans of a certain rascally wagon,

It is May already and sometime between the 3rd and 7th of May 1965, Biquette rolled off the GM Fremont assembly plant.  I hadn't washed her since December 2020!  I finally rectified that yesterday.  There is a fellow with classic Mustang who parks it at a local micro brewery.  It made a decent backdrop for a few photos:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-Spring-Summer-2022/i-ZmGCqxz/0/46a9c7ad/XL/Biquette%20and%20Mustang%20-%20starboard%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-Spring-Summer-2022/i-ZmGCqxz/A)

It was a partly cloudy day, not the best lighting for photography.  Here is two cars from the front:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-Spring-Summer-2022/i-3HMhtGP/0/826d8f71/XL/Biquette%20and%20Mustang%20-%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-Spring-Summer-2022/i-3HMhtGP/A)

Finally a view from the driver's side:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-Spring-Summer-2022/i-pPW3fPR/0/5d59dfec/XL/Biquette%20and%20Mustang%20-%20port%20front-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-Spring-Summer-2022/i-pPW3fPR/A)

Those will have to do for Biquette's 57th birthday pictures! 

Cheers, Edouard

P.S. I can provide a quick nose reconstruction update.  It was hoped that after the surgery of March 22nd, the skin graph would reduce as the surgery swelling decreased.  Alas, it hasn't decreased much.  My nose is bloated inside and out.  As a result, my breathing is obstructed.  So at least one additional "thinning" surgery is needed.  Alas, with one surgeon out of action because of the bicycle accident of February, they remain shorthanded.  I'm waiting to find out when they can squeeze the next surgery into the schedule.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on May 05, 2022, 02:04:58 AM
Love the car update.
Don't love the nose update.
Still praying for a full recovery for the nose; the car look like it has already recovered.
Hang in there!
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on May 05, 2022, 04:01:02 AM
Hoping that washing Briquette on this special day, “May the forth”, will portend successful battles with both age and recovery!
Title: Next surgery - Tuesday, June 7th. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on June 04, 2022, 12:28:42 AM
Dear WeatherCat faithful,

Here is a quick update on my health situation.  I've had to wait for the UCSF Facial Plastics team to catch up on their backlog, but finally, I'm in the queue for the next surgery.  It is scheduled very early in the morning on this upcoming Tuesday, June 7th.  I don't know how they do this, but they are supposed to thin the flesh of the skin graft so it looks more like a normal nose.  I hope that means enlarging the interior of the left nostril so I can breath better and getting the bridge of my nose to the point that I can finally wear glasses once more.  They will probably have to do some work on the forehead wound leftover from taking the skin graft in the first place back in late January.  It still isn't fully healed after 4 months.

I'm back on the preparation treadmill, but you can only do so much.  Once more I'll just have to endure the ordeal and find out if it is enough to bring me back to an acceptable state of normalcy.

Oh well, . . . . . . Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on June 04, 2022, 02:28:54 PM
This has been an ordeal for you but we appreciate you giving us a peek into your personal life. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Title: Results from latest surgery. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on June 12, 2022, 11:07:03 PM
Dear WeatherCat faithful,

I'm finally catching up and recovered enough to give an update from the surgery of last Tuesday.  There was a last minute change of objectives caused by 3 lesions that had never healed properly from the first surgery of January 27th.  I started to suspect they might be leftover basal-cell skin cancer and the surgeon had come to the same conclusion.  So he tried to excise them.  The lab results confirmed that they were indeed basal-cell cancer.  I won't know if all the cancer was removed until my appointment next week.

After that, the surgeon attempted to return to original purpose of the surgery.  He still attempted to thin the skin graft on the left side, but could only do so much because he had to remove skin on the right side with the lesions.  He even surgically tried to clean up the wound on my forehead from taking the skin graft back in January.  So I'm back to stitches all over my nose and a modest wound area on my forehead.

Overall the procedure appears to have been a real success.  Even with the limited thinning of the skin graft, I am breathing significantly better and I'm happy that those suspicious lesions are removed.  However, this might set the stage for yet another surgery since the main objective of thinning had to be curtailed.  Unless there is more cancer to be removed, I would expect that I will back in a healing and waiting position to see how much the nose will recover from this surgery on its own.

Thanks for your support!

Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on June 12, 2022, 11:52:40 PM
Progress: It's either too fast or too slow! Either way, I'm happy to hear of yours! I hope you will soon look back at this ordeal with a smile! :)
Title: Thanks! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on June 13, 2022, 10:11:54 PM
Thanks X-Air and belated thanks Blick for your prayers and support,

Definitely have to take things one day at a time.

Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on June 16, 2022, 04:43:39 PM
Thanks for continuing to let us know how things are progressing. And they are, so stay patient.
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Weatheraardvark on June 16, 2022, 08:36:17 PM
I hope you are getting better.  I do appreciate everything you do for us.
Title: Waiting on biopsy report. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on June 16, 2022, 11:56:40 PM
Thanks Blick and Weatheraardvark for your thoughtful support!

I saw the surgeon yesterday and he was happy with how the nose was healing.  However, he still didn't have the biopsy report to determine if he had indeed removed all the cancer or another surgery is needed to remove the rest.  So I'm in limbo waiting for those results.

Nonetheless, I'm extremely thankful that this surgeon was so versatile that he could change the entire surgical plan less than an hour before starting.  UCSF has a reputation for being the best in the San Francisco Bay Area.  After a very rough start to these skin cancer treatments, I'm extremely grateful to be now getting this level of care!

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Biopsy report had good news! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on June 22, 2022, 11:22:21 PM
Dear WeatherCat faithful,

For whatever reason, it took the lab a while to complete the biopsy analysis.  Thankfully, it is good news.  The surgeon was able to completely remove all the cancer and my nose should now be able to heal normally.  There will be one more surgery in about two months to thin the skin graft as had been intended for this past surgery.  That should resolve the remaining breathing problems and get my nose to about as normal a shape as is probably practical.

Back to a more normal life until then!

Thanks for your support!

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on June 23, 2022, 12:52:35 AM
Great news!! It is quite frustrating when I have to hide in the house while waiting for my nose to recover after getting all “bent out of shape”!! [rolleyes2] cmu:-) >:(
Title: Thanks . . . (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on June 24, 2022, 11:01:19 PM
Thanks X-Air for the encouraging words,

Great news!! It is quite frustrating when I have to hide in the house while waiting for my nose to recover after getting all “bent out of shape”!! [rolleyes2] cmu:-) >:(

Honestly, looking in the mirror continues to be a disappointing sight.  However in the broad scheme of things, it is the functional aspects of a nose that remain most pressing.  We are starting the summertime low humidities here in California and that is causing my nose to dry out and become plugged with mucus.  We now have 3 humidifiers going in the house and I need all of them for me to be reasonably comfortable.

Too bad we cannot exchange humidities from east and west.  That would make everyone a lot more comfortable!

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Re: Thanks . . . (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: Blicj11 on June 25, 2022, 02:31:13 PM
Too bad we cannot exchange humidities from east and west.  That would make everyone a lot more comfortable!

Having just returned from a trip through parts of Pennsylvania and New York, I agree with this.

Sure glad to get the good news on your biopsy.
Title: Re: Thanks . . . (Re: Assertive billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: Steve on June 25, 2022, 03:33:54 PM

Having just returned from a trip through parts of Pennsylvania and New York

And you didn't stop to say "Hi"  [cheers1]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on June 29, 2022, 08:55:36 PM
I wanted to! Next time.
Title: Reconstructive surgery #5 next Tuesday. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on August 04, 2022, 10:57:10 PM
Dear WeatherCat community,

In principle, my next surgery wasn't very high in the pecking order of facial reconstructive surgery needs.  So while the earliest it could happen was in early August, I expected to be waiting in line for more urgent cases to be taken care of first.  So it was quite a surprise when I checked in with UCSF facial plastics and found they had an opening almost exactly 2 months after the last surgery: Tuesday, August 9th.

It has not been an easy summer because at just about the time I was planning on getting the shingles vaccine - instead I got the darn disease.  While it was a moderate case, I did have to cope with a bit of postherpetic neuralgia.  I'm now in the rush to get ready for the next surgery.  It is suppose to accomplish the goals intended for the June surgery: thin the skin graph so it looks like a normal nose, and in that process, realign the cartilage so that both nostrils flow normally.

It is hard not to have mixed-feelings about this procedure.  On the one hand, I'm really tired of all these surgeries.  On the other hand, I don't look or feel normal.  It seems like a mighty tall order to put things right in one surgery.  All I can do is prepare as best I can and hope for the best!

Edouard
Title: I can breathe once more! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on August 10, 2022, 09:54:02 PM
Dear WeatherCat faithful,

It isn't a happy thought, but these surgeries are becoming something of a routine.  Issues of anesthesia have been straightened out so I can home the afternoon of the surgery.  There were no surprises in this surgery, so the "debulking" was accomplished as a planned.  The doctor finally explained exactly what "debulking" was.  The skin on the forehead had some fat not present in the skin of a nose.  The surgery was remove that fat allowing the skin thin down to the shape of a normal nose.

Also, on the agenda was to straighten out the graft on nose which was twisted to the right and too far down.  All this was hoped to realign the cartilage so that both nostrils could flow more normally.  To my delight, the realignment appears to have been on the mark.  I immediately noticed a dramatic improvement when breathing through my nose. While I'm still struggling with some congestion, I can control it with much less effort - a very good thing!

The unfortunate downside is that all this adjusting involved pulling and twisting the skin - something like pulling fabric around to reupholster a seat.  So my whole face is stressed and the nose is once more swollen.  It will take a few weeks for all of this to calm down.

Not surprisingly, this pulling and twisting required strong stitches that will have to be removed next week.  After that I expect the doctor will want to wait at least a month to see how the nose heals from this surgery.

Still as hoped, this surgery was a significant step in the right direction.  With a little luck, perhaps it will be the last surgery needed.

Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on August 10, 2022, 10:42:59 PM
Sounds like the doctors plans are coming together! [cheer] We all know you've been a very patient patient! So that light at the end of the tunnel is just the exit and not a train?! ThU5:-) Thanks for sharing the good news!! ThU32:-)
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on August 11, 2022, 02:35:23 AM
Thanks for allowing yourself to be vulnerable by keeping us in the loop with all of this. We are so pleased to hear things went as well as they did this week. Keep praying, and don't fall down on your face!
Title: Thanks guys! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on August 11, 2022, 11:23:46 PM
Dear X-Air, Blick, and WeatherCat faithful,

Thanks for the encouragement and prayers!

It has been back on the caregiver's marathon since Tuesday afternoon.  I've been rushing about trying to catch up on all those things only I can do.  It is hard even to find time to apply cold-packs.

. . . . don't fall down on your face!

Uh yes, I am following this sage advice!  However, there are issues that are unavoidable like tossing and turning in bed.  Since I have a lot of numbness in the skin graft, there is a risk of doing some real harm.  Fortunately, our bodies have enough awareness to keep from smashing our noses against the pillow while sleeping!  Definitely a welcome feature!

Thanks again,
Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: WeatherguyNH on August 12, 2022, 12:36:46 PM
Hi Edouard:

It sounds like things are finally looking up for you.
I hope this continues and you are finally starting to feel a bit better.

Rest and get well....

Rich
Title: Thanks . . . (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on August 12, 2022, 10:33:50 PM
Dear Rich and WeatherCat faithful,

It sounds like things are finally looking up for you.
I hope this continues and you are finally starting to feel a bit better.

Thanks for the kind words.  It will take a while though.  As expected, the nose has started to swell, and while it is part of the natural healing process, the effect is to constrict the nostrils once more.  I'm back on the wound-care regime, but can you believe it?  Cold packs on the outside of the nose are not all that effective at reducing the swelling on the inside!

Par for the course! . . . . . . .

Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on August 12, 2022, 10:39:50 PM
Try eating some really cold (hand-packed) ice cream. Keep it up in the front, roof area of your mouth. Delicious and nostril-cooling!! 😳 😋 🥶
Title: Time to wait and see! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on August 26, 2022, 11:05:05 PM
Dear WeatherCat faithful,

The stitches from the August 9th surgery on my nose came out a week ago Wednesday.  The doctor was very pleased at how the surgery turned out.  The skin finally looks healthy everywhere and the scabbing from the suture lines are coming off as they should.  What's ahead is a long period of healing and watching.  At the moment, the nose still looks like a cross between Pinocchio and Rudolf the red nosed reindeer.  The only difference is that Rudolf apparently forgot to pay his electric bill.  Instead of being red, my nose has taken back a normal flesh color.  However according to the doctor,  it takes months for the skin to slim down after the fat has been removed.  He doesn't even want to see me for 3-4 months!

He is the expert, so I'll follow the program.  I'm continuing to baby the skin in the hope that will expedite the healing process.  In the meantime, I'm back to the "regularly scheduled" Mohs surgeries to remove the leftover basal cell tumors that have cropped up while the nose was being reconstructed.  However compared to reconstruction surgeries, this is small potatoes.  It is time to try to get back to a more normal life - just in time for the California wildfire season!

Always something isn't there!

Thanks for your support!
Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on August 27, 2022, 04:59:11 PM
All good news. So grateful for medical technology and providers that learn their craft. Not so grateful for wildfire season.
Title: Next surgery - December 16th. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on November 19, 2022, 10:08:04 PM
Dear WeatherCat faithful,

Sorry for not keeping everyone up to date on my situation, but I have been in something of a limbo health-wise until enough time had passed since the surgery of early August.  It hasn't been an easy time.  I just cannot get enough air through my nose at this point and have to constantly irrigate it with saline throughout the day.  I finally met with the plastic/reconstructive surgeon to review the healing since August.  I was very afraid that he would propose that there was nothing more he could do.  Thankfully, he was just the opposite and agreed with me that something needs to be done to further thin the skin graft so I can breathe better.

Adding to my misery is some substantial scar tissue in the undamaged nostril.  Between the two, I have very little airflow.  I had tentatively scheduled an independent operation to remove that scar tissue.  However, the plastic/reconstructive surgeon thinks he can work on both nostrils in one operation to spare me a second surgery.

It will be something of a race to complete this operation before Christmas, but the surgery is now scheduled for the afternoon of Friday, December 16th.  It will be clearly a tough time to be healing from another operation, but it will be better than struggling to breath all the time.

Thanks for all your support!  As you can see the process is continuing to unfold!

Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on November 20, 2022, 03:56:01 PM
I think we know what you want for Christmas!! [lol]
The human body is a marvelous thing! Even when it is intentionally damaged, it can still heal. Unfortunately, we have very little control over the speed! Enjoy Thanksgiving! That may be easier than Christmas!! You are still in my prayers.
Title: Thanks . . . (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on November 20, 2022, 11:08:24 PM
Thanks X-Air,

I think we know what you want for Christmas!! [lol]

Well, perhaps instead we all should pray and hope for the Second Coming.  This worn out world is having an increasingly hard time healing.  Surely it is time for: Creation 2.0.

Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on November 21, 2022, 12:38:02 AM
Quote
pray and hope for the Second Coming.
That's fine by me! ThU5:-)
Title: After-market wiper woes. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on November 22, 2022, 11:23:04 PM
Dear WeatherCat fans of a certain rascally wagon,

I finally have some news about my trusty wagon.  I normally take her in to Orinda Classic Car Center over the summer so that they can give her the once over.  With all the troubles I've been having that didn't happen until early November.  Here is a photo of her headed to the service bay:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-Autumn-Winter-2022-23/i-99R5BMh/0/a249768d/XL/Biquette%20checks%20into%20Orinda%20Motors-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-Autumn-Winter-2022-23/i-99R5BMh/A)

Aside from the usual quirks of a classic car, she checked fine - but . . . . . . . . . .

We had a threat of rain for the day she was supposed to head over so I did my duty to winterize the wipers - Oops!  No wipers - absolutely dead.  Fortunately, I was able to dodge the drops and since she was over there I asked the crew at Orinda Classic Car if the could investigate.  Back in 2013, I had upgraded Biquette to an after-market interval wiper system.  I thought there was little choice but to replace this system but the plot soon thickened.

The mechanics immediately recognized the wiper motor to be similar to one used on GM trucks in the 1980s.  As it turns out, those motors have a logic circuit that were notorious for failing even immediately after the factory.  Give the gang credit, they hunted around and narrowed it down to the exact model of wiper motor.  They were able to then purchase a replacement locally.

Since they had confirmed that the motor itself was working fine, they tried to simply swap the logic board.  Well that - sort of - worked.  All the functionality was back.  However, instead of parking the wipers against the cowling, the wipers are being parked on the left-hand side!  A little more detective work revealed the problem.  While the circuit board was clearly based on the original GM model, the vendor custom soldered a few modifications to the stock board.  Those tweaks to the electronics appear to have changed the parking position so that it would work with classic cars like my wagon.

There weren't any easy choices so I took Biquette home with her wipers parked on the left:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-Autumn-Winter-2022-23/i-HMLgSPw/0/f867fbd4/XL/Biquette%27s%20wipers%20parked%20in%20wrong%20position-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-Autumn-Winter-2022-23/i-HMLgSPw/A)

I contacted the vendor to see if they might have some old motors laying around, but after 10 years the answer was no.  So I'm going to have to bite the bullet and upgrade to the latest version of this after-market wiper system:

I had been planning to do this for a long time actually.  This newer model adds a built-in washer which obviously is a real plus.  The trouble is that I will have to once more create the customizing adapter so that the wiper switch fits into the 1965 Buick A-Body dash.  This was a real pain back in 2013.  So much so that I had forgotten how I did it! 

Obviously i can't take on this project for a while.  So until I can, my poor wagon will be stuck with wiper parked in the wrong position!

Life is tough even for classic cars these days!

Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: xairbusdriver on November 23, 2022, 03:20:38 PM
Into each life some rain must fall! Hopefully, you won't be in Biquette when that happens!

Will you have to get a California DMV approval to have water in the wiper system?! [banghead]
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on November 28, 2022, 10:22:15 PM
Thanks for the updates on both the nose and the car. You need to take care of both and we wish all the best! Hope you are breathing better into the new year.
Title: First outing since the deluge! (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on January 18, 2023, 10:26:44 PM
Dear WeatherCat fans of a certain rascally wagon,

The roads have finally dried out enough that I felt comfortable to get my trusty wagon back out once more.  Biquette and I performed 2 quick errands in a nearby town and on the way back I took this photo in a historic collection of buildings:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-Autumn-Winter-2022-23/i-gwS4tv6/0/50412fcd/XL/Biquette%20at%20Moraga%20Ranch%20-%20Jan%202023-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-Autumn-Winter-2022-23/i-gwS4tv6/A)

After all the rain, it was nice to drive on what was almost a sunny day!

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on January 24, 2023, 10:28:59 PM
Was this photo staged or do you always drive with your windscreen wipers in the upright, "saluting" position?
 ;D
Title: Embarrassing, . . . . isn't it? (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on January 24, 2023, 10:43:14 PM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat caregivers of more than weather stations,

Was this photo staged or do you always drive with your windscreen wipers in the upright, "saluting" position?
 ;D

Alas, wiper motor is still stuck parking the wipers in the wrong position:

https://athena.trixology.com/index.php?topic=392.msg33349#msg33349 (https://athena.trixology.com/index.php?topic=392.msg33349#msg33349)

I'm not sure when I can get around to fixing it.  In the meantime, the engine still needs to be run so . . . . . . . . . . .

Biquette ends up being driven with her wipers in an embarrassing position.

Oh well, . . . . Edouard
Title: Biquette and autumn trees. (Re: Billy-goat station wagon!!)
Post by: elagache on November 21, 2023, 10:40:58 PM
Dear mid-60s Buick caregivers who are a fan of a certain rascally wagon,

Last Friday, I had one more skin cancer surgery.  It was a Mohs procedure under local anesthetic to remove a small basal cell tumor on my scalp.  They were able to remove the tumor with clear edges in an hour and half and send me home.  There was one more surgery on my left ear in October to remove the remaining noninvasive melanoma.  I'm not doing as well on that one because a skin graft was necessary and the ear continues to be very tender.  Still, unless they find something new, I should be at the end of all these cancer surgeries.  I see my dermatologist tomorrow for another 3 month checkup.  We shall see . . . .   

On Monday, I took my trusty wagon to a shopping center that always has beautiful trees in the fall.  I couldn't resist taking a few pictures:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-Autumn-Winter-2023-24/i-8Tw4CKH/0/685a7abe/XL/Biquette%20and%20autumn%20trees%20-%20starboard-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-Autumn-Winter-2023-24/i-8Tw4CKH/A)

Here is one more:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-Autumn-Winter-2023-24/i-Kv7dpnD/0/f3a489d2/XL/Biquette%20and%20autumn%20trees%20-%20port-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-photos-Autumn-Winter-2023-24/i-Kv7dpnD/A)

The poor car hasn't been washed in over a year.  I hope to get around to it soon.

Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on December 03, 2023, 10:54:24 PM
Good to get an update Edouard. The car looks great, the cancer sounds like it's under control. What's the latest with your ability to breath through your nose?
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: elagache on December 04, 2023, 10:21:24 PM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat community,

Thanks for asking!  :)

The car looks great.

The windshield wipers still aren't fixed but I purchased the upgraded interval wiper kit when it was on a black Friday sale.

The cancer sounds like it's under control.

I hope so.  I am certainly being monitored much more carefully now so hopefully they will spot anything very early.

What's the latest with your ability to breath through your nose?

Unfortunately, that remains rather mediocre.  The left nostril basically remains partially obstructed.  The skin graft simply isn't a real replacement for nasal skin.  The right nostril is basically normal, but both sides still require a lot of nasal saline to keep open.  Oh well, it seems I'll just have to life with that way.

Thanks again for asking.

Edouard
Title: Re: FYI: I'm getting one assertive billy-goat station wagon!!
Post by: Blicj11 on December 05, 2023, 05:07:38 PM
Hang in there, my friend. You have been so helpful to so many for so long on this forum and we appreciate all you have done and continue to do to help.