05 November 2019

Build the Back to the Future Time Machine - Issues 074, 078, 079, 080

Good news:  we have another shipment.  Bad news:  they skipped some issues in this shipment...again.  Just when you thought you were back on track.  Issues 076 and 077 are missing, so we 'fast forward' to 079 and 080.

Issues 074, 078, 079, 080


As mentioned, there were problems with Issue 074.  Looks liked they solved the problems and also included an extra parts bag for 074.  I will get to details later.

Shipment included two parts bags for 074
Issue 074 - Fitting Passenger Door

This is just like the Driver's Door from Issue 070...way back in April.  I waited six months for these parts.  Finally, we can finish the door.

Contents of Issue 074
Oh, remember the T-Panel from 075?  If you were impatient, like me, and installed it, you will have to remove it to install the passenger door.  Just keep track of the screws and reinstall after 074.

Here is my theory on the delay of 074, the QM screws.  If you recall, I mentioned that the QM screws were kinda small to hold up the doors.  Well, looks like the 'fix' was to give us new QM screws.  I am guessing the reason for the two bags...so you have an extra bag of screws??? Why not just send us a new dine bag of QM screws.  Then again, I could be totally wrong and they just did not make enough copies to fulfill subscriptions and subscribers like me are ten months behind thanks to these totally controllable situations.

New QM (left) compared to old QM (right)
Anyway, the new QM is shorter have a wider head (see above).

Pro tip:  Change out all the old QM from your driver's door to the new QM.  This includes the strut plate.  Being a shorter screw, the plate will actually sit flush with the frame.  While still small, the new QM will hold the door hinges better and be more flush when you mount the struts to the doors.

Issue 078 - Left Rear Panel Parts


Contents of Issue 078
So, you will need the Left Rear Panel first, before you tackle these parts.  Hold on to these and wait for 076 and 077.  Argh, so frustrating!

Issue 079 - Right Rear Panel


Contents of Issue 079
One large piece of metal and a small piece of plastic.  This is one is simple.

You can see an 'L-bar' in the photo.  I have no idea what this is, it does not fit into anything from this shipment and does not appear on the parts list.  Again, best to set it aside.

Issue 080 - Right Rear Panel Parts


Contents of Issue 080
Lots of small parts, lots of small screws...and a new screw comes in, the LP!

There are many fluxband brackets in this bag.  Pay attention to the instructions as the brackets are individually labeled.  Pretty exciting to see the car take shape.

Once completed, you get to mount this on the frame.  Just need 076 and 077 for the other rear panel.  It should look like this:

Almost there
Another pro tip:  I use rubber bands to keep the hood (bonnet) and doors from flopping around.  Also be mindful of the side mirrors as they are flimsy and you can break them off.  Ask me how I know.  I suggest you remove the mirrors and set them aside until the body is mounted to the chassis.

The current extra screw count:

65-AP, 18-BP, 2-CP, 20-AM, 12-BM, 4-EM, 4-CM, 25-DM, 3-DP, 1-FM, 3-GM, 3-HM, 2-IM, 2-EP, 18-FP, 2-JM, 5-HP, 2-GP, 11-NM, 1-MM, 4-KM, 1-LM, 2-IP, 1-OM, 1-PM, 4-JP, 2-KP, 2-QM, LP-1

to be continued...

04 November 2019

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - November 2019

With the end of Daylight Savings Time we go back to "Standard" time.  Fun fact:  Standard time is only "standard" from November to March...just five months.  Daylight Savings Time while not the standards lasts seven months.  I have a many thoughts on time change if you are really interested.  Anyway...

4 November 2019
  614-407-8577  Unknown -  Came up as 'unknown', but the Google says the call originates from Ohio.  I say this is another telemarketer.  Fuck you!

  844-209-3433  Unknown - This is apparently a toll free number.  Search results in suspected spam with over 12,000 detected calls.  Fuck you!

5 November 2019
  310-922-3053  Los Angeles, CA - I kinda miss those old Beverly Hills numbers. Wait, did they finally run out of those numbers to spoof?  Fuck you!

  719-401-9026  Peyton, CO - Nothing came up on initial search.  So, we default to spoofed number.  Typical, fuck you!

  844-209-3433  Unknown - Well, we know who these guys are, they called yesterday.  I have a feeling they will be calling a few more times before the month is over. Fuck you!

  844-209-3433  Unknown - Argh, I need to remember to block these numbers as soon as possible. Twice in one day and three times in two days. Fuck you!

12 November 2019
  310-820-1834  Los Angeles, CA - Update:  I blocked that 'unknown' number last week...been call free since.  So, I guess it took them a week to get their shit together, using another (I assume) spoofed number.  Fuck you!

14 November 2019
  711-711 - Another one of those automated texts.  But sadly, it was not from 7-Eleven informing me that I had just won a lifetime of Slurpees.

711-711
 Surprise, I did not sign up for anything.  What the fuck is 7Rewards?  Not even going to Google it.  Oh, wait, 800 points?  Clearly, this is telemarketing.  I mean it says right there, "opt-in to SMS marketing"...which translates to, "reply so we can confirm your number to telemarketing".  Fuck you!

25 November 2019
  951-902-5519 - Another text message.  But, this one is a bit different.


Looks like ten other people were also attacked on this mass text...as if we all know each other.  I can see it now, some fucking idiot is going to 'reply all' and we all know how that goes.  Fuck you!

26 November 2019
 424-419-0154  United States - Why do some of the search results lead to site with Russian writing.   Uh, no.  Fuck you!

29 November 2019
  818-533-9125  Los Angeles, CA - A Black Friday call?  Wait, do robocallers celebrate Thanksgiving with other automated systems?  I am surprised to not receive calls yesterday.  Seem like it would be a good time to call since everyone would be home with their families.  Anyway, this is another (I assume) spoofed number from the Los Angeles area. Fuck you!