Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
Sat Sep 19, 2020, 12:04 PM Sep 2020

This Week's Supermarket Trip

I saw nobody at all without a mask this week. Not a single shopper or store employee. First time.

This week, I also had my ancient Ford Ranger in the shop, getting some brake work done. Due to the complexity of the job and budget constraints, I had to visit the shop three times to clarify what work they would do, and what work I would do afterwards. Even in the auto repair environment, all interactions between me and the people there had both sided masked and observing distancing. I was a little surprised by that, actually.

Of course, in Minnesota, that's the law, but it's a law in other places and gets ignored by many.

When I picked up my truck, it was clear that all touch points had been sanitized. I did that again, just to be sure, but the shop did wipe everything down with what smelled like Clorox Wipes. Good job. As for the truck, I'll be relining the rear drum brakes myself. they wanted $350 for new brake drums and brake shoes, installed. I declined, since I have done many dozens of drum brake jobs in the past. So, I just had them replace the broken steel brake line and a couple of other suspicious looking ones. I could do that, too, but I refuse to get under a car on jack stands any more at age 75. In the end, I had to sign a liability waiver to get them not to do the rear brakes, but they understood where I was coming from. My cost for that will be under $100, drums and shoes, and a few other parts. It's just a couple hours of work.

4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
This Week's Supermarket Trip (Original Post) MineralMan Sep 2020 OP
Be careful (I'm sure that you'll be). I have a Ford Ranger too, but I'm not secure enough in my... SWBTATTReg Sep 2020 #1
In my younger days, I worked in a tire and brake shop. MineralMan Sep 2020 #2
Awesome !!! SamKnause Sep 2020 #3
I learned all those things at jobs or out of necessity. MineralMan Sep 2020 #4

SWBTATTReg

(21,859 posts)
1. Be careful (I'm sure that you'll be). I have a Ford Ranger too, but I'm not secure enough in my...
Sat Sep 19, 2020, 12:40 PM
Sep 2020

abilities to fix anything (I could if I really tried enough), but I'd prefer to take the vehicles to my local Ford dealer. They may be pricey, but at least I have recourse if I need it (and I have had to take a vehicle back to them for a repair they forgot to do (and they admitted it too, and were sorry of the mess up)).

The vehicle (Ford Ranger) holds up pretty damn good, we've really no issues w/ so far.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
2. In my younger days, I worked in a tire and brake shop.
Sat Sep 19, 2020, 01:21 PM
Sep 2020

I'll buy new drums and shoes, and any other parts I need and do the brakes myself. No big deal. The shop that replaced the brake lines for me said the wheel cylinders are fine, so that's good. The rear parking brake cable is rusted out, so I'll have to buy one of those and install it, but that's easy, too.

I hate working on cars at my age, but I'll do it, since it will just take a couple of hours, and I'll save over $200. I'm happy to work for $100/hr. I still have my brake tools in my roller toolbox base. I haven't used them in years, but no biggie. I'll have to drag my jack stands and floor jack out from under the workbench, too.

Anyhow, the truck is driveable, and I don't use it in the winter, so I'll probably wait and do the brakes next spring on some warm day.

SamKnause

(13,043 posts)
3. Awesome !!!
Sat Sep 19, 2020, 04:46 PM
Sep 2020

I am impressed with people who do manual labor and work with their hands.

I love people who can work on cars, work with wood and build decks, replace a faucet,

paint inside or out, chop and stack firewood, plant gardens, and construction work in general.

Two thumbs up for you !!!!

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
4. I learned all those things at jobs or out of necessity.
Sat Sep 19, 2020, 07:47 PM
Sep 2020

My father taught me that I could do anything if I looked it up in books. He was right.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»This Week's Supermarket T...