8.7.2019

Jim went out this morning to look at the truck.  He was able to use his jack to jack up one side at a time to see how the brakes are affecting the wheels.  This side turned freely.

Then he switched sides...

And this wheel wouldn't even budge.

Unfortunately, Jim is not able to even take the wheels off the truck, so he took the 4Runner and headed out to our local Tubbs Garage.  They actually put new calipers on the brakes several years ago.  They said they would be able to get to it in the next day or two.  They also had a thought about the truck's smoking issue - when you first start it up, it smokes badly but then stops after 5 minutes or so.  That gives Jim something to investigate.

I had to run into Saratoga to pick up some printing and run a few errands.  Once I got home, I followed Jim in the truck to Tubbs.  Jim could only drive about 10 mph, plus he stopped frequently to let the brakes cool and check the status.  Tubbs is about a 4 mile trip - Jim said that was a very long 4 miles!  Fingers crossed that they are able to get the brakes and well as the smoking issue fixed - without costing too much!  The results of this service will determine Jim's next plans for the truck.

Meanwhile, Jim did some work on the door to the auto bay attic.  He had to order a new collet to fit the bit he bought for making these cuts on the panel and it just came in yesterday.

Jim showing me how the panel would now fit into the door frame...

It's going to look great - just like a mini door!

He got the back primed; later he primed the front as well.

He also got the trim on the other side of the stairwell overhang and did some caulking.

High 82/Low 63 - nice all day but we're under a severe thunderstorm watch now