Automotive – Page 2 – Oddball Update

Successes Both Mechanical and Technological

November 12, 2011December 7, 2011 Chief Oddball 2 Comments

The weekend isn’t even halfway over, and already I’ve achieved two significant project successes — or at least, I hope I have. (One of them has yet to be proven out). Since at least one of these has been something I’ve tried to achieve for a long time without any success, I thought I’d post how I got it done in case it helps others.

Keeping Busy (with New Problems)

November 6, 2011November 7, 2011 Chief Oddball 2 Comments

Another busy weekend under the belt. Somehow, I guess I expected to have a few somewhat less hectic weekends between the conclusion of our Saturday childbirth classes and the birth of our baby, but as they say, nature abhors a vacuum.

Oddball Review: JVC KW-XR810 Car Stereo

November 6, 2011May 29, 2014 Chief Oddball 21 Comments

The JVC KW-XR810 is an apt replacement for the GTO's factory stereo and offers improved sound with a wider range of equalization options and two different (and very effective) loudness modes that the original system lacked.

Exorcising the Goat Gremlins

October 23, 2011October 25, 2011 Chief Oddball 2 Comments

I’m never a happy camper when my car starts giving me crap. So I was none too pleased by my GTO’s behavior over the last few weeks, during which time it started displaying myriad symptoms of some unidentifiable illness or another, all of which seemed infuriatingly unrelated.

Farewell, Red Arrowhead

April 29, 2009September 21, 2011 Chief Oddball

…In the misty morning, on the edge of time We’ve lost the rising sun, a final sign As the misty morning rolls away to die Reaching for the stars, we blind the sky …Oh they say that it’s over And it just had to be Ooh they say that it’s over We’re lost children of the sea …Black Sabbath, “Children of the Sea” (1980) On Monday, April 27th, 2009, General Motors announced the discontinuation of Pontiac Motor Division.

My Seven Warehouse Cars

March 25, 2007September 23, 2011 Chief Oddball 2 Comments

Glancing back at my “Maseratisti” post from the other day, I got to wondering what seven cars I would choose to stash away in a warehouse if I had the money and space that Apple’s uncle Preecha does. Since such musings wouldn’t be as interesting without visual aids, here’s where my rambling thoughts led me.

Maseratisti

March 18, 2007September 23, 2011 Chief Oddball 2 Comments

I’ve mentioned Apple’s uncle Preecha before. He’s the man who made a very good living in polymers and has used some of his funds to create a car collection for himself; his most recent addition, the Mercedes R171 roadster, was featured on this site back in February.

Things Seen on the Road in Hat Yai

February 22, 2007September 23, 2011 Chief Oddball

When you venture to countries in Asia, you typically find that English has invaded popular culture, if only in some small way. Here, English words, phrases or acronyms are everywhere, particularly on cars. If you think our cars in America have a lot of badges — with identification markings for make and model, engine size, optional equipment, trim level, etc.

The Last Ride

July 8, 2006September 30, 2011 Chief Oddball 2 Comments

I thought the Holden plant in Australia was going to keep building the GTO through August, as they did last year, but apparently I was wrong. The Australian media reported that on June 7th, the last Pontiac GTO — clad in Spice Red metallic — rolled off the assembly line at 9:37 pm.

Dump Truck

July 8, 2006September 30, 2011 Chief Oddball 1 Comment

Apple and I spent the morning hauling another huge load of recyclables and trash to the local recycling center, or as I affectionately call it, “the dump.” We used my boss’ truck to transport all the goods. This was the second time I’ve done this, and I have to say it was a lot easier with Apple’s help.

Category: Automotive