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Post by tk826 on Jul 12, 2011 15:28:11 GMT -5
I thought I'd show you guys what Bluesmobile mods I've been up to during the downtime... First up: I removed the windshield mounted mirror and replaced it with a screen accurate, post mounted mirror.  For comparison, here is a screen capture from the film, showing the post mounted mirror, Including the slight overhang toward the front of the mounting bracket   Next up... I was able to acquire a few pairs of "New Old Stock" (NOS) original CHP pushbar bumpers, with the bolts molded into the rubber itself.   Moving on... I replaced the original AM/FM radio:  ...With an original AM/FM stereo 8-track player:  Also sprung for a new set of 4"x10" speakers: (One for the dash and perhaps one for the drivers rear where one was never installed by the factory) I just figured they would sound better than the original paper cone speakers.  I also found a duel snorkel air cleaner: It needs a little clean up, but will be ready soon enough.  And just for fun... I am restoring a vintage Federal Signal - "Visibar" lightbar. This will not be a permanent fixture on the Bluesmobile, just something for occasional snapshots.  Just yesterday I scored a vintage Federal Signal - CP100 siren speaker, for the lightbar:   The more common CP25 is much easier to find, but I had to hold out for a CP100, to handle the output from the PA200 siren/PA. With the CPI cast aluminum siren, I already have mounted behind the front grille of the car, combined with the output of this CP 100, on the roof, means HOLD YOUR EARS, because it will be Loud!. ... Perfect for jamming "Can't turn you loose"! |
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Post by Steam McQueen on Jul 12, 2011 17:46:15 GMT -5
Very cool, TK. I love the am/fm 8-track. Nice score on the pushbar bumpers, too!  |
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Post by Ghostbluesman (Ghostsoldier) on Jul 14, 2011 19:35:45 GMT -5
That's lookin' sweet, TK....I dig that lightbar, bro!
Rob
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Post by countrybunker on Jul 16, 2011 0:05:13 GMT -5
Looking good man! Cant wait to see her at CEVS!
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Post by ti4438 on Jul 22, 2011 17:47:52 GMT -5
Where did you get the rubber for the pushbars?
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Post by tk826 on Jul 25, 2011 13:55:23 GMT -5
TI.. PM sent.
Got a double whammy this past week.
In true Blues Brothers fashion, my regular everyday car
(2003 Chrysler 300M) threw a rod.
The resulting break also shattered the crack shaft.
Also in true Blues Brothers fashion, the F'n thing drove another quarter mile until I was able to pull into a shopping mall parking spot and shut it down. It would also restart on command and run as long as I kept my foot on the gas.
But... the noise and shaking of the engine is something that I would rather never hear again. I thought it was going to jump right through the hood of the car!
End result (and only option).... Install an entirely new engine.
After dropping 2,500 and waiting 6 days, I just got it back today.
The upside is that it runs like a brand new car.
The very next day...
I took the Monaco out to run one errand and then returned home.
Went outside an hour later, to move the car to a different parking spot,
and coolant/ antifreeze was just pouring out from under the car, like a faucet had been turned on to a very fast drip.
I couldn't tell where it was coming from.
The entire radiator was dry, on the outside.. except for the little
ridge/ trough that surrounds the base.
That goes in to the shop tomorrow... fingers are crossed.
.
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Post by ti4438 on Jul 25, 2011 15:45:05 GMT -5
That sucks TK.After posting one of my automotive woes,I was told "Welcome to the world of old car ownership."
BTW,PM replied to.
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Post by countrybunker on Jul 26, 2011 12:37:09 GMT -5
When it rains it pours! What a bummer! I feel your pain man! I went threw all that last summer with my everyday car, and then the tranny in the blumo. Luckily my newport pulled me threw it for a couple months.. But not fun at 8mpg! lol
Sounds like another great moment in WTF history! lol
That doesnt sound like to bad a price on a new engine for the 300. Some friends I know have a dodge magnum (the station wagon). They blew the motor in that this last winter. They had to drop $6g's on a used motor and the car was gone for almost a month!
Hopefully its not something to serious with the blumo! Maybe a freeze plug went or something?
I do have a question for you though..
thought I had some pics of your cars interior in my stash from last years cevs.. But I cant find any..
Do you have the siren/PA mounted under the dash? I obviously see the Mic for one.. But was wondering if I could see a shot of it?
Wish you luck!
-zac
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Post by tk826 on Jul 27, 2011 13:53:28 GMT -5
I have it mounted to a stand/bracket which holds to the center hump.  This is the brand of bracket:  * Workman Electronic Products #C-520You can find them on the bay for pretty cheap. No screws necessary. It is two pieces, bolts to the sides of the PA, and the saw teeth dig into the carpet enough to hold it in place. For the mic holder, I used a square office spring clip:  I used a Dremel tool to grind a section from the top, front center of the clip, (to rest the rear knob of the microphone into) and then clipped it to a slightly open ashtray. . |
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Post by sigmfsk on Jul 27, 2011 16:18:58 GMT -5
For the mic holder, I used a square office spring clip: I used a Dremel tool to grind a section from the top front center of the clip, (to rest the rear knob of the microphone into) and then clipped it to a slightly open ashtray. I love reading stuff like that. Ingeniously simple perfect solutions. |
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Post by tk826 on Jul 27, 2011 17:39:47 GMT -5
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Post by tk826 on Jul 30, 2011 11:29:22 GMT -5
Installed:  |
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Post by sigmfsk on Jul 30, 2011 13:47:24 GMT -5
Man, that is one sweet baby engine compartment. Clean and tidy - and the dual snorkel adds that rugged look!
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Post by Steam McQueen on Jul 30, 2011 14:57:47 GMT -5
Clean and tidy indeed!! Looks great, TK. As we know, TK's Blumo has lower miles than any Blumo out there. If I remember correctly I think when TK got his Monaco it had less than 10,000 original miles on it. A super clean Dodge. |
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Post by tk826 on Jul 30, 2011 16:22:44 GMT -5
Thanks a lot.
I was worried that the cleaner would look too big for a 360, but after it was installed, (IMO) it really doesn't look out of place.
Both cleaners (old and new) are the same size, with the only difference being the addition of the smaller snorkel.
When I first purchased the car, it had 7,700 miles on it.
I immediately added 800 to that, driving it home from Maryland.
(Driving the entire route on the original G-78 tires)
In the past two years I've added another 650 miles.
So, it now has a total of 9,150 original miles.
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