DFB's Garage

The Commando went on to a new owner today, which brings the mower count back down to eleven.





Purchases on January 5th 2019, it earned its keep in terms of generated income, but also as a learning tool. I figured out how the governor works in these Powertorque engines, as well as the starter arrangement, crankshaft layout and the various o-rings needed to keep the engine airtight and therefore pumping fuel correctly. It also caused me to tear my hair out numerous times due to its Diva tendencies.



With it working properly again, I felt like it was time to move it on.

Meanwhile, I'm still waiting for the two unicorns to pop up for sale, the Victa Twin and Victa Razor.
 
Last year, I got swept up in the hype surrounding Bilt Hamber Trace-less, touted as THE best glass cleaner ever made. As soon as it landed locally, I jumped in with my order and was keen to try it out. But I quickly found something just wasn’t right……………………..

My assessment presented late last year -

I really, really don’t want to put this here, but……………………….I just couldn’t ignore the elephant in the room………………….this stuff DOES leave traces behind. My initial use of this product was impressive, it evaporates almost instantly, making glass cleaning seemingly simple. But I was noticing streaks left behind after use. I continued trying it using different methods but kept getting the same problem………………ghosting and streaking. The problem here is the product flashes far too quickly in this climate, meaning it doesn’t actually absorb properly into the towel to remove what you are trying to clean away. I suspect this product would be fine in the winter, or in its natural UK environment. I bought a gallon of this stuff……………….all virtually useless.



Everything I had read regarding Trace-less had been positive, so perhaps it was just me struggling to make it work? For that reason, I kept my views on Trace-less quiet, wondering if others would come forward. Then a few days ago, after reading yet another glowing review, I came forward and presented my case. And suddenly others came out of the woodwork noting their struggles with ghosting and streaky residue being left behind. So, it wasn’t just me.

Thing is, I’m not saying Trace-less is a terrible product……………………..but I am saying its not universally brilliant like some would have you believe. In the right conditions, no doubt it works very well. But not for me, and not for many others. The whole point of a glass cleaner is to provide a streak free result, having to go back in with a far cheaper glass cleaner to produce the desired result is counterproductive. Trace-less is nice for cleaning stainless steel and kitchen benches though.

So, a premium product being shown up by a product sold at the major automotive retailers for under $20. In that regard, I can recommend Stoner's Invisible Glass.
 
Is it as "tricky" as CarPro Clarify Phobics

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk
 
Klasse Act said:
Is it as "tricky" as CarPro Clarify Phobics

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

It's even worse!

At least with ClarifyPhobic, you can kinda excuse the streaking or needing specific technique due to the Si02 content, but Trace-less is a pure cleaner, there is no excuse for streaking.

As I said, I think it comes from Trace-less being designed primarily for the UK market where a "hot" day is 28 deg C / 82 deg F, which would be considered "cold" on a summers day in Australia. I'm eager to try Trace-less in winter to see if it has a more controlled flash, as it stands, it just flashes far, far too quickly to do its job properly.

I didn't want to hate on this product, I wanted it to be the savior to my hatred of glass cleaning. But in this climate, I've been left extremely disappointed.
 
Autumn, the best season for garage pottering!

I couldn't take it anymore, the Ranger just HAD to be washed. And yes, there was some mud to be dealt with....................





Today's theme was using up some odd-bod products. Soap of choice was P&S Wide Open, which was used for the wheels, a pre-wash and the contact wash. Drying Aid was 3D Bead It Up, which smells so nice. Moving to the inside, DIY Interior Clean & Protect took care of wipe-down duties. Gyeon Tire Express was the finishing touch, a product that never really won me over.



I then made a start on changing the crappy perforated drawer liners that come with these Maxim cabinets, swapping to a more stable solid non-slip material.

 
DFB said:
Autumn, the best season for garage pottering!

I couldn't take it anymore, the Ranger just HAD to be washed. And yes, there was some mud to be dealt with....................





Today's theme was using up some odd-bod products. Soap of choice was P&S Wide Open, which was used for the wheels, a pre-wash and the contact wash. Drying Aid was 3D Bead It Up, which smells so nice. Moving to the inside, DIY Interior Clean & Protect took care of wipe-down duties. Gyeon Tire Express was the finishing touch, a product that never really won me over.



I then made a start on changing the crappy perforated drawer liners that come with these Maxim cabinets, swapping to a more stable solid non-slip material.

Click to expand...
Odd ball products and the Ranger still looks great, what a time we live in where "less than" products can still achieve results

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk
 
Tasmania said:
1994-1997 although year 10 was hard due to bullying from some mullet bogan. I still see him around town, but we grew up living across the road from a primary school (Hillcrest Primary school) Lawrence Drive Devonport. And some of the best memories were made there, jumping around the bushes, riding out BMX bikes and skateboarding the stairs curb/gutters. And chasing girls of course.

No internet no mobile phone's no problems just fun! The late 80s early 90s were good.
Click to expand...
Ya'll are making me feel old lol. :ROFLMAO:
 
DFB said:
Last year, I got swept up in the hype surrounding Bilt Hamber Trace-less, touted as THE best glass cleaner ever made. As soon as it landed locally, I jumped in with my order and was keen to try it out. But I quickly found something just wasn’t right……………………..

My assessment presented late last year -

I really, really don’t want to put this here, but……………………….I just couldn’t ignore the elephant in the room………………….this stuff DOES leave traces behind. My initial use of this product was impressive, it evaporates almost instantly, making glass cleaning seemingly simple. But I was noticing streaks left behind after use. I continued trying it using different methods but kept getting the same problem………………ghosting and streaking. The problem here is the product flashes far too quickly in this climate, meaning it doesn’t actually absorb properly into the towel to remove what you are trying to clean away. I suspect this product would be fine in the winter, or in its natural UK environment. I bought a gallon of this stuff……………….all virtually useless.



Everything I had read regarding Trace-less had been positive, so perhaps it was just me struggling to make it work? For that reason, I kept my views on Trace-less quiet, wondering if others would come forward. Then a few days ago, after reading yet another glowing review, I came forward and presented my case. And suddenly others came out of the woodwork noting their struggles with ghosting and streaky residue being left behind. So, it wasn’t just me.

Thing is, I’m not saying Trace-less is a terrible product……………………..but I am saying its not universally brilliant like some would have you believe. In the right conditions, no doubt it works very well. But not for me, and not for many others. The whole point of a glass cleaner is to provide a streak free result, having to go back in with a far cheaper glass cleaner to produce the desired result is counterproductive. Trace-less is nice for cleaning stainless steel and kitchen benches though.

So, a premium product being shown up by a product sold at the major automotive retailers for under $20. In that regard, I can recommend Stoner's Invisible Glass.
Click to expand...
That's a shame. I understand though. I've experienced that with certain products that many people swear by. I really do think the environment you work in makes a huge difference on the vast majority of the products I have had difficulties with. I believe this is true denpending on the microfiber towel used on some products too. So many variables involved, ya know?
 
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Spent my day pottering again, getting a chance to use my new bench rebuilding an old Briggs Vacu-Jet carburetor. And after a late delivery, I went back out to install two shelves on the backsplash.





I had ordered two different shelf styles, of which the first arrived last week but I wanted to see both before deciding which to use. In the end, the longer ones shown above suited better, the other type is magnetic and will get used within my cabinets to store/organize vacuum attachments and other bits and pieces.

heavy duty magnetic spray holder wall mounted garage - Temu Australia

Uandhome 4 Pack Magnetic Spice Rack for Refrigerator,Magnetic Fridge Organizer,Fridge Condiment Rack for Refrigerators, Metal Side Fridge Storage Rack, Space Saving Kitchen Organization (Black) : Amazon.com.au: Kitchen & Dining



I then installed some rechargeable LED undercabinet lights to both shelves. I'm also waiting for another shelf to install in the middle of the backsplash, which will also get one of these lights.

WILLED Motion Sensor Light Indoor, Battery Display, 60 LED Touch Light Bar, Under Cabinet Lights Rechargeable, Battery Operated Closet Light Wireless, Stick on Under Counter Lights for Kitchen(4 Pack) : Amazon.com.au: Lighting







It might be a work bench, but I still want to keep it nice, hence the rubber mat.

TEHAUX Silicone Electronics Repair Mat, Anti-static Table Mat Electronics Repair Station Pad Silicone Soldering Mat Electronics Repair Pad Black Desk Mat for Soldering, Electronics : Amazon.com.au: Home Improvement
 
I used a green cutting pad for protection on my work bench, and for lighting I have a 24 led light that hangs above the bench, it also has angle adjustment for when I want indirect lighting, but it's a bit too yellow for when I'm painting, so I also have an led desktop light that has 3 brightness settings, but also a switch for white, yellow, or both which is like daylight.
 
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Ford unveiled the new Ranger Super-Duty today on Ford 100th Anniversary in Australia.


And joy or joys, they made the decision to include the single cab chassis! Standard engine is the 3.0 Powerstroke V6 diesel with the 10-speed auto...............................with the Landcruiser 70-series no longer available with the V8 diesel and only a underpowered 2.8 4-cylinder, who would buy the ancient Landcruiser now?



 
I might be highly critical of some of the decisions made by the company over the years, but that just means I care about the brand and their success. 100 years ago today, Ford started assembling Model T's in Australia, and 100 years later they are still here and still leading the market. Last month the Australian designed and engineered Ranger was at number one position, and they finished second to Toyota for total sales....................which is remarkable considering the bulk of Ford's sales come from Ranger, Everest and Mustang.


For a brand to last up to and beyond 100 years is rare and worth acknowledgement. It still cuts me deep that we no longer make Ford's, or any cars in this country, but that's a complicated and deeply controversial story on its own. Ford do still employ a large development team, run a large proving ground and have their own design center. When GM and Toyota closed shop, its similar facilities were shuttered, and GM went on to kill the Holden brand entirely. A changing market waits for no one, Ford adapted, GM-H took too long to adapt and ultimately failed.
 
Ford read the market well when they developed the Territory, and even when they continued on with the Everest, but as we've discussed previously, the Adventra didn't get the market interest they were hoping for, and then they made the terrible decision to rebadge some Daewoos and try to convince everyone they're really Holdens.
 
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DFB said:
Ford unveiled the new Ranger Super-Duty today on Ford 100th Anniversary in Australia.


And joy or joys, they made the decision to include the single cab chassis! Standard engine is the 3.0 Powerstroke V6 diesel with the 10-speed auto...............................with the Landcruiser 70-series no longer available with the V8 diesel and only a underpowered 2.8 4-cylinder, who would buy the ancient Landcruiser now?



Click to expand...
I can see you Deyon in the White pictured one. 👌
 
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Tasmania said:
I can see you Deyon in the White pictured one. 👌
Click to expand...

Any guesses for how much Ford will ask for the Super Duty, the single cab in particular?

Last time I priced out a XL Single Cab Chassis with the optional Bi-Turbo/10-speed/4x4 powertrain, it was a $55,000 proposition.................and that price didn't include a tray. So probably $60k on the road. An absolute base spec XL single cab chassis with 2wd, the underpowered single turbo engine and 6-speed auto is about $42,000. I'd favor the 4x4 version simply to get the more powerful engine and 10-speed. But then I don't need 4x4, nor do I need the high ride suspension that is standard on all Ranger's now regardless of drive type.


Looking at the 70-series Landcruiser single cab, they go for $95,000 (2.8 6-speed auto) to $100,000 (remaining V8's with a 5-speed manual).


So, going off that I suspect we will be looking at prices for the Super Duty starting around $85,000+.
 
Unexpected rinse-less wash on the XR6 this morning. Yesterday I had to move it out from under its cover to allow access for a delivery, which ended up getting too dusty to re-cover without a wash. Technically, a water-less wash would have been sufficient, but I much prefer rinse-less. Hero to the rescue.....................



The car hadn't been driven, so there was no need to address the wheels, tyres or interior. After drying, I went over the glass with Stoner's, then put the cover back on. Job done!

I then continued with fettling shelves and drawers. I've decided not to leave the parts washer set up on the workbench, even with fluid, it's light enough to move it around when needed. So, that meant shuffling some space to store my chainsaws on top of the shelving unit, making room for the parts washer to sit under the workbench.



You know how it is when on a roll, so I ended up re-organizing my garden/parts cabinet as well. This is where I used the surplus magnetic shelves I had ordered for the work bench.

Uandhome 4 Pack Magnetic Spice Rack for Refrigerator,Magnetic Fridge Organizer,Fridge Condiment Rack for Refrigerators, Metal Side Fridge Storage Rack, Space Saving Kitchen Organization (Black) : Amazon.com.au: Kitchen & Dining



Next, I continued re-lining certain detailing and tool drawers, making organizational improvements as I went.



















Some of these jobs have been on the to-do list since the middle of last year. Before the Mustang and my long-service leave arrived last October, I had plotted out an extensive list of projects and jobs to be done while I had the time. Naturally, a lot of that list centered around the cars arrival, hence it being priority ONE! And I effectively lost a month to surgical recovery. So, finally getting around to projects that were long ago planned is very satisfying.

I now have a new list, which has already begun. On that list, a full detail and coating of my Dad's Wildtrak is well overdue. I also need to finish off work on the Stihl BG55. And I've had a request for timber planter boxes. Always something to do........................
 
DFB said:
Unexpected rinse-less wash on the XR6 this morning. Yesterday I had to move it out from under its cover to allow access for a delivery, which ended up getting too dusty to re-cover without a wash. Technically, a water-less wash would have been sufficient, but I much prefer rinse-less. Hero to the rescue.....................



The car hadn't been driven, so there was no need to address the wheels, tyres or interior. After drying, I went over the glass with Stoner's, then put the cover back on. Job done!

I then continued with fettling shelves and drawers. I've decided not to leave the parts washer set up on the workbench, even with fluid, it's light enough to move it around when needed. So, that meant shuffling some space to store my chainsaws on top of the shelving unit, making room for the parts washer to sit under the workbench.



You know how it is when on a roll, so I ended up re-organizing my garden/parts cabinet as well. This is where I used the surplus magnetic shelves I had ordered for the work bench.

Uandhome 4 Pack Magnetic Spice Rack for Refrigerator,Magnetic Fridge Organizer,Fridge Condiment Rack for Refrigerators, Metal Side Fridge Storage Rack, Space Saving Kitchen Organization (Black) : Amazon.com.au: Kitchen & Dining



Next, I continued re-lining certain detailing and tool drawers, making organizational improvements as I went.



















Some of these jobs have been on the to-do list since the middle of last year. Before the Mustang and my long-service leave arrived last October, I had plotted out an extensive list of projects and jobs to be done while I had the time. Naturally, a lot of that list centered around the cars arrival, hence it being priority ONE! And I effectively lost a month to surgical recovery. So, finally getting around to projects that were long ago planned is very satisfying.

I now have a new list, which has already begun. On that list, a full detail and coating of my Dad's Wildtrak is well overdue. I also need to finish off work on the Stihl BG55. And I've had a request for timber planter boxes. Always something to do........................
Click to expand...
I keep old used triggers and bottle caps!

Everything for a place, and a place for everything.
 
Tasmania said:
I keep old used triggers and bottle caps!

Everything for a place, and a place for everything.
Click to expand...

And that's not even the tip of the iceberg.......................................



I actually threw a handful of them into the bin yesterday. A lot of my favorite products go into Kwazar or Pressol bottles, so the supplied sprayer never gets used, I keep a few on hand for spares should one fail.





Before..............................................

 
Big Dave said:
Ford read the market well when they developed the Territory, and even when they continued on with the Everest, but as we've discussed previously, the Adventra didn't get the market interest they were hoping for, and then they made the terrible decision to rebadge some Daewoos and try to convince everyone they're really Holdens.
Click to expand...

I don't know the exact specifics around it, but the story was GM had to bail out Daewoo, but somehow Holden ended up holding the ball and had to fund the bail out from their budget. That's why we ended up getting a bunch of rebadged Daewoo's as Holden's, ultimately replacing the actually quite good German and Spanish made Opel products such as Vectra, Astra and Corsa (Barina). This was all happening in and around the GM bankruptcy, so Holden had to fend for themselves.

As for Adventra, there were plans for a Territory-style SUV based on the VE Commodores Zeta platform. When they made the decision to clean-sheet design an all-new platform for VE, they made it modular to accommodate a variety of different body styles and drive system layouts. In essence, they designed were called "Flex Enablers”, basically fixed front and rear "modules" that would "slot" into a corresponding floorplan and exterior body. This mean changing body styles was relatively easy as the expensive stuff (firewall, engine "box", suspension, rear axle assembly) all stayed the same. They also design protected it for AWD.


The intention was for this Zeta platform to form the basis of the Commodore lineup (sedan, wagon, ute, long wheelbase sedan), but also a medium-large SUV to be build alongside it. There were also plans for the platform to spread within the GM network, which was why they spent so much on development, touted as being more than $1.2 billion. Did you know there was plans for a RWD Saab based on the Zeta platform? I think there were also intentions for Cadillac to use the platform. Sadly for Holden, the GFC and GM bankruptcy killed those plans, including the Commodore-based SUV. GM figured the (horrible) Captiva would be suffice. The only other car to benefit from the Zeta platform was the reborn Camaro in 2009. The stupidly of it all, GM then went and designed two other RWD platforms for use in the US market rather than dip into the Holden gene pool..............................I can only image how that went down with Holden executives. No wonder GM went bankrupt.



While Holden managed to wrangle some exports for the VE Commodore, originally with the Pontiac G8 and later with the Chevy SS, they were both token gestures by GM head office. The GFC killing Pontiac naturally wasn't in the plans, and GM deliberately nobbled the Chevy SS with high pricing and a lack of promotion. I can't help but wonder if Holden HAD prioritized the Commodore-based SUV instead of the wagon and other projects, they would have had quite a desirable export proposition on their hands. A sporty mid-large SUV with RWD-biased V6 and V8 powertrains would have been quite the car, especially if it had been designed under Mike Simcoe's watch.
 
I think they would have been fine dropping the sedan, as good as it was, and going with the SUV style, keeping the single and dual cab utes, and maybe doing a performance coupe halo model.

On a slight tangent, did you see that GWM has hired Rob Trubiani, ex-holden suspension wizard, to fix it's local suspension woes.

www.drive.com.au

Chinese brand hires legendary Holden engineer to improve its cars

Vehicle dynamics engineer Rob Trubiani, who worked at Holden for almost 25 years, has joined GWM to tune its cars for local road conditions.
www.drive.com.au www.drive.com.au
 
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