• About Me
  • Best Of
  • Contact Me
  • Forum

Jay Gaulard

  • Home & Living
    • Automotive & Mechanical
    • Carpentry & Building
    • Entertainment
    • Firewood & Heating
    • Gardening
    • Home Improvement
    • Lawn Care & Landscaping
    • Pets & Animals
  • Fitness & Recreation
    • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
    • Bushcraft & Camping
    • Hiking & Walking
  • Nature & Outdoors
    • Trees & Shrubs
    • Weather & Seasons
  • Technology & Internet
  • Travel & Destinations
  • Writing & Blogging
    • Ramblings & Opinion
You are here: Home / Archives for Automotive & Mechanical

Automotive & Mechanical

I was born to work with my hands, so that's what I try to do as much as possible. I enjoy fixing things, from cars to trucks to motorcycles. I also like to tinker with small engine repair and have tons of experience with repairing chainsaws, lawnmowers, and many other types of appliances and tools with small engines and motors. In this category, I share stories that cover my adventures and experiences doing such things. I discuss various automobile and small machine repairs in great detail as well as walk you through the process of different types of mechanical maintenance. Oh yeah, I write about my tool collection as well.

New 5’x8′ Carry-On Utility Trailer

March 28, 2009

Carry-On utility trailer – right side view

I knew this was going to happen sooner than later. I just knew it. If you remember back when I purchased this latest vehicle, I told you that I had a nice, heavy duty trailer hitch installed. I even took a picture of it for display on this blog. Well, that trailer hitch has been […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Car Fire On 91 South Near Hartford, CT

March 25, 2009

Car fire on 91 south, near Hartford, CT – March 25, 2009

This was an unexpected little scene that occurred on our way back from Costco this afternoon. While driving down 91 south, towards Hartford (in the HOV lane – luckily) today, we saw some signs lit up warning us of an accident further south, near Interstate 84. I didn’t really think anything of it, because the […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

The “BC” Button – 2008 BMW X5 3.0si

March 16, 2009

Average fuel consumption indicator lamp – 2008 BMW X5 3.0si

Yesterday, I was out cruising around when a funny thing happened. The gas warning light came on. I knew I was running low and that I needed to fill up. It’s not so strange that the gas light went on…that’s happened a million times to me. I really hate to stop for gas. The strange […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Dewalt Reciprocating Saw Blade Kit

February 15, 2009

Dewalt reciprocating saw blade kit

Yesterday, I had to run out to Home Depot to get some stuff for a little project I was working on (I’ll tell you about it in the next post). While making my list, I remembered that I needed some saw blades for my reciprocating saw. Remember me telling you about that in the “Replacing […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Washing The Car On A Nice Winter Day

February 15, 2009

Passenger’s side headlight – 2008 BMW X5 3.0

Did I ever get to wash the car yesterday? No, I didn’t. We had to drive to Foxwoods in a dirty car. Oh well. I did, however, get to use my new water spicket setup this morning. After I finished up some work and since the sun was shining, I thought it would be a […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Replacing The Exhaust On A 1999 Honda Civic DX

February 13, 2009

Rusty exhaust resonator for 1999 Honda Civic DX

Oh, this is a good one. So I was sitting here yesterday, nice and peacefully, working away when I received a phone call from my better half. She told me that the exhaust on her 1999 Honda Civic had fallen down and was dragging on the road. I asked if the open side was facing […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

2008 BMW X5 Trip Computer – iDrive

February 6, 2009

2008 BMW X5 trip computer

I recently made a little vow to myself that I would try to learn more about this BMW iDrive that I encounter every time I drive around. It is quite the computer system and it has a lot to offer. The only problem is that it has a lot to offer. I know, I just […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Husky Portable Air Compressor – 6 Gallon – 1.5 Hp

January 21, 2009

Husky Portable Air Compressor

After I returned the humidifier yesterday, I had planned on picking up a little shop vac. I clean the pellet stove pretty regularly and am currently using the regular house vacuum cleaner to suck up all the stray ashes. I don’t think that’s a great idea, since ash is probably the world’s dirtiest thing. Well, […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Driving Through The Car Wash

January 17, 2009

The wax starting inside the car wash

Rarely, have I seen such a dirty car. I mean, I have seen those trucks where someone drew “WASH ME” on the back lift gate, but still, my car was pretty dirty. Today, we had to run out to get a few items at the store. I have been meaning to wash the car for […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Low Tire Pressure – 2008 BMW X5 3.0si

January 14, 2009

2008 BMW X5 3.0 gauges with low tire pressure warning

When I got in the car this afternoon after playing tennis, I was surprised to read this coming from the car computer: “Low tire pressure. Stop carefully. For Run Flat tires with “RSC” symbol, you can continue driving with max. 50mph (80km/h).” Also, there were a few warnings near the gauges… This caught me a […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Snow Driving In Central Connecticut – 2008 BMW X5

January 10, 2009

2008 BMW X5 driving in snow storm

When I went and bought this car, I knew I wanted the “xDrive, intelligent all-wheel-drive,” but never really thought I would use it. At this point in the season, I am beginning to see how it can be handy to have around. I got a great idea around 7PM this evening. I was getting hungry […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Ariens Two-Stage 24 Inch Electric Start Snow Thrower

December 18, 2008

Ariens snow thrower

I really didn’t want to make the call this morning, but the predicted snow for tomorrow is steadily creeping up on me. If you remember back a few months, I told you that I had only one more thing to buy…a snowblower. I planned for it and expected to get it in October. Then, I […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Reese Towpower Trailer Hitch

November 6, 2008

Reese Towpower Trailer Hitch

Now, I know this isn’t nearly as exciting as politics, but it’s important nonetheless. I got a trailer hitch. I went over to Home Depot the other day with another $100 gift card that I earned from my debit/credit card points. I wanted to pick up some stakes for the new baby pine trees that […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

The Real 2008 BMW X5

October 29, 2008

2008 BMW X5 front drivers side

As you may have noticed, the last post I wrote about the 2008 BMW X5 was kind of vague. Also, I included photos of a car that was in the showroom. What I would like to introduce tonight is the car I actually bought. It took a few days for the dealer to get their […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

2008 BMW X5

October 23, 2008

2008 BMW X5 front passenger side

Hey, remember that time I told you about how I got frustrated because I couldn’t fit anything (like furniture) into my car? Well, if you don’t, you can read about it right here. It was just a few days ago. Well, after that night, I started thinking. Then, I started driving. After that, I started […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Assembling a John Deere 7-Bushel Rear Bagger

October 9, 2008

John Deere logo

I must say, this John Deere ride-on mower has been a real treat to work with. What once took half a day to do, now takes a mere 45 minutes. I cut at 3.5 inches and everything is working out smoothly. Also, I now longer sweat like a pig while mowing the lawn. Well, the […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

New Wilton 5″ Multi-Purpose Vise

August 28, 2008

Wilton 5 inch multi-purpose vise

I have been wanting a vise for a long time now. Picture me trying to sharpen a lawnmower blade while stepping on it on top of a cardboard box. Yeah, I have been wanting a vise. Every time I have checked for the vise I wanted at Home Depot, they were out. This has been […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

I Sold My Motorcycle

July 18, 2008

Well, it’s gone. The guy came over this morning and loaded it up on a trailer and took it away. I have to admit that I feel a little bit of cool draining from my body. It’s not too bad though, because I do have a plan. I’ll tell you about that later. Here is […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Stihl BR 550 Backpack Blower

June 25, 2008

Stihl BR 550 Backpack Blower

Today was another day of running around. I had to head up to Tile America in West Hartford to meet the tile installer. After that, I had to go over to Pat’s Power Equipment in Tolland for a new backpack blower. I am sure I will write all about the tile in another post. Now, […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

New Tool – DeWalt Heavy-duty Jigsaw Kit

February 3, 2008

Dewalt Jigsaw

Up to yesterday, I have had this gift card that Laura gave me for Christmas burning a hole in my pocket. She told me it was for a tool, not for some basic supplies like molding or something like that. By the way, how the heck do you spell molding? I have found it “Molding” […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

2008 Honda Accord Photos

January 4, 2008

Due to popular demand (actually, Paul was the only one who said there were no pictures), I am writing a post with some photos of the new car. Last night was just too dark when I got home to grab anything. I called the neighbor, Tim, to come out and look at the beast. The […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

351 Cleveland Engine Block – Ford Mustang Mach 1

January 4, 2008

Cleveland Mustang Shiny Engine Block

Hey, remember that time I wrote a post about Jeff’s 1970 351 Cleveland engine rebuild in his Ford Mustang Mach 1? Yeah, those were the good old days, weren’t they? Man oh man… Oh well. Anyway, he got the engine block back from the machine shop with a pretty little bow on it. I just […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Calling the Car Dealer

January 3, 2008

I gave the Honda dealer down in Middletown a call yesterday just to feel them out. I know I have been talking about getting a new car recently, but the fact of the matter is, my car runs great and I don’t really want to buy a new car. This is supposed to be the […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

1970 351 Cleveland – Ford Mustang Mach 1 – Engine Rebuild

January 1, 2008

My brother has gotten to the point of rebuilding the engine of his 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1. The engine is a 1970 351 Cleveland that was built on Aug 10, 1969. That’s a pretty long time ago. I gave Jeff a call yesterday and he told me about what he was doing. I got […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Some New Tools for the Collection

December 13, 2007

Face Dust Respirator

I am all about getting the good stuff these days. I don’t know anyone who can dispute the fact that working with quality tools is better than working with cheap ones. Tool manufacturers do a very good job of making “good” tools feel really nice in your hands. There is a big difference. Yesterday, I […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

STABIL – Fuel Stabilizer For My 1993 Suzuki GSXR 1100

November 16, 2007

1993 GSXR 1100

After I changed the oil in my car this afternoon, I had a nagging little chore to get finished up. It’s like one of those things you keep saying to yourself, “Oh man, I forgot to do that again.” I had to pull out the motorcycle, add fuel stabilizer to the gas and take it […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Changing the Oil and Rotating the Tires – Honda Accord

November 16, 2007

Adding Oil to Honda Accord Engine

Oh, what a day. Have I ever told you that I hate wind? I never used to until we bought a house. I am sure you can guess why. Anyway, as I mentioned earlier, I was going to go out and do some routine maintenance on my 1998 Honda Accord, which I did. I changed […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

New Campbell 7 Gallon Air Carry Tank

November 15, 2007

Portable Air Tank

I went to the auto parts store yesterday to get some oil, an oil filter, some windshield washer fluid and an air tank. I have wanted an air tank for some time because I am getting a little sick of filling things up with a bicycle tire pump. I went to AutoZone in Beacon, NY […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Honda Accord V6 vs. BMW 528xi

November 15, 2007

I have been beating myself up over this. I flip flop more than…some politicians I know of. Just the other day, I came to the realization that I am a boring human being. The reason I keep considering what type of car I want next is because I have never bought a brand new car […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

My New Dremel 400 Series XPR Rotary Tool

November 2, 2007

Dremel Tool Case

This is pretty cool. Last night, I picked up a new Dremel 400 Series XPR Rotary Tool from Lowes. I needed this because I bought new switches, GFCI and covers for the bathroom project. The plates are a little too wide for some of the tile, so I need to grind the tile down. The […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Installing a Car Stereo – 1998 Honda Accord

October 6, 2007

Earlier this week, I bought two new car stereos…one for Laura and one for me. The Sirius satellite receiver I got for her a few years ago is pooping out, so I decided to upgrade her with a satellite ready deck and a new satellite tuner. I still need to order the tuner, so she […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

What’s Your Car’s Gas Mileage?

September 28, 2007

I was talking to my favorite brother, Jeff, yesterday. Apparently, Stephanie is having some issues with her car. Jeff is going to help out with parts and all that. After talking about Stephanie’s issue, we started talking about what kind of car I want to get next. I have a year or two before I […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Ford Mustang Mach 1 – Priming the Sheet Metal

August 30, 2007

Passenger Side Floor Metal on 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1

Jeff sent me a few photos of the most recent transition of his 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1. I have been a very bad brother and haven’t posted them. I blame my selfish greed for this. I will try to do better in the future. Ok, so here they are… July 21-22 Here are photos […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Replacing Rear Brake Rotors and Pads – 1998 Honda Accord

August 15, 2007

Old Rusty Rear Brake Rotor for Honda Accord

If I had to guess, which I do, which replacement part of a car is most overlooked, I would say the rear brakes. I say this because I always overlook them. I do this probably because the front brakes do something like 70% of the braking action. I have changed the front brakes on almost […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Mustang Mach 1 – Replacing the Floor

July 23, 2007

1970 Mustang Mach 1 Stripped Down and Primed

Jeff sent me a few updated photos of the restoration of his 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1. Ok, here goes… …attached are the pix of the front end. It’s lined up (well the best its gonna get for this). The inner structure is all welded in. Now, it ready for a complete clean up and […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Chillin’ With the Guys

June 23, 2007

Bucket Truck for Tree Service Company

Rob gave me a call yesterday to let me know that he was heading over to Craig’s yard to install some electrical stuff. He said that he would be there, along with Craig and another dude, Greg. Craig and Greg were going to be pulling a Cummins engine out of a Mack truck to put […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Stripping the Roof – 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1

June 21, 2007

Mustang Mach 1 With Primer on Bodywork

I received an email yesterday from Jeff the man. He had a very important update on the 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 for me to place on the blog. Here goes… The rear photos were taken on June 2, 2007. Now, the entire rear is welded together. The roof is also stripped to bare metal […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Replacing a Lawnmower Carburetor

June 9, 2007

Remember when I told you about how I was having a problem with my lawnmower? If I remember correctly, I told you that I would let you know how it goes when I received the replacement lawn mower parts. So, here I am. I received all the parts last week and put the lawnmower back […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

A Noise Coming From My Front Brakes

June 1, 2007

For a few weeks now, I have been hearing a sort of a “grinding” noise coming from the front of my car. It’s not too loud of a noise, but a noise none-the-less. I try to keep my car in tip-top shape. I learned a long time ago that if you let the maintenance of […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Briggs & Stratton Lawn Mower Engine Tune Up

May 20, 2007

Lawn Mower Carburetor

It’s that time of year again for my lawn mower tune up…wait, what am I talking about? I have never tuned up my lawn mower, or any lawn mower for that matter. Gee, I wonder why they all seem to run like crap after a few years. My current lawn mower has a Briggs & […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Welding Left Quarter Panel – Mustang Mach 1

May 17, 2007

Mustang Quarter Panel Glued to Frame

So this is a pretty exciting time during any automobile restoration. Basically, your car is stripped down and looking very uninspiring…then comes the quarter panels. It can make a real difference in the way the car looks. Here are some photos of the left quarter panel getting glued and welded on the 1970 Ford Mustang […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 – Bodywork

May 11, 2007

Previously Rusty Center Pillar Plate Repaired with Bondo

Well someone was pretty busy yesterday. I think Jeff is a very happy man, now that he has somewhere to post all his Ford Mustang photos and brag about all his hard work. Anyway, here are a few more photos of yesterday’s work: – The driver’s side door was temporarily hung on vehicle to check […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 – Door Skin Replacement

May 10, 2007

New Base of Door

More work completed on Jeff G’s 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1. The photos of the rust hole on the lower lock pillar was cut out and a patch panel welded in on May 3rd. I will post a “completed” photo in the next post. The photos of the door skin replacement was done on May […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Replacing Quarter Panels – 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1

May 4, 2007

New Quarter Panels on 1970 Mustang Mach 1

Jeff has done some handywork on the 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1. Here is the list of updates: The rear sheetmetal was temporarily hung for alignments of both proper gaps and proper fit. Lots of vise-grips! – New quarter panels were hung – Rear window filler was installed – Outer wheelhouses were hung – Trunk […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

Restoring a 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1

April 27, 2007

Removing Driver's Side Quarter Panel From 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1

Who da man? I’ll tell you…Jeff’s the man. I am trying to diversify these blog posts with something more than my own exciting life. I think you are in for a treat with this. My brother, Jeff, recently purchased a 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 in somewhat of a compromised condition. Obviously, this car is […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

1993 Suzuki GSXR 1100 – Not For Sale

April 22, 2007

1993 Suzuki GSXR 1100

What a nice day for a ride. Pulling my bike out from the basement and giving it a good wash was on my agenda for the weekend. I would say it hit about 80 degrees today. Not bad for the 22nd of April. Well, that’s what my thermometer said in the shade. I got my […]

Filed Under: Automotive & Mechanical

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2

CONNECT WITH ME

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • RSS
  • Twitter

RECEIVE MY POSTS BY EMAIL!

Interested in receiving my posts by email? This is your chance! Simply place your email address in the box below and I'll deliver each and every post I write directly to your inbox.

Copyright © 2021 · Jay Gaulard My Personal Blog Blog · About · Best Of · Contact · Privacy / Terms · Sitemap