Vic... Getting Old...

It’s been a while since I posted an update on Vic.  I had to replace 2 of the Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice snow tires due to wear and cracks starting to show on the sidewalls.  They were replaced with 2 used ones that I like to call “generic snow tires”.  My boyfriend Todd had them hanging around and were still good, so on they went.  I am not big on having mixed tires on a car.  So far, it seems they have less dry/sand grip than the Goodyears, which are on the front.  Haven’t driven in real snow yet.

The rust situation hasn’t improved much.  It KILLS me driving around with rusty fenders and quarters…

I have had an intermittent issue with the ABS acting up in wet weather.  Slowing to a stop, even a controlled stop, would set the ABS off and make it unsafe to stop due to the added distance ABS causes.  When the problem started up, I would pull the ABS fuse under the hood.  After a few days, or when it was dry outside again, I’d put the fuse back in.  Thing is, it didn’t ALWAYS do it!  My mechanic said it could be a wheel sensor or under-hood ABS component.  Knowing my financial situation, he said to just keep taking the fuse out. 

I am starting to wonder if the actual issue is a wire somewhere, because it hasn’t happened since we swapped on the winter tires.  Time will tell…

Another issue has been the speedometer.  Sometimes the speed stays at “0”.  If I jiggle the key, it will try to work.  Another issue that only happens now and then.  Worn ignition lock?  Is it the chip in the key?

Over the holidays, Vic didn’t move.  When I finally took it for a ride, it was bucking a lot.  I chalked it up to moisture in the gas tank.  Put in some dry gas, and over time it got better.  I had a new bottle of Stabil that was supposed to go into my Javelin, and decided to add a little to the Ford as a precaution.  So far, so good.  Todd’s ’06 was also running rough, and we now wonder what garbage is being put into the gas around here lately…

Mass State Police... Lives Matter!

From the Mass State Police Facebook page:

Police Lives Matter

Yesterday morning, Trooper Robert McCarthy found this inscribed on his cruiser, parked in his driveway. He doesn't know who did it, but when asked if he would begin an investigation to find out, he stated they will get a "pass on this one."

The Massachusetts State Police would like to thank all of our supporters, and continue to express that ALL lives matter.

US closes Ford steering probe without recall | Fox News

US closes Ford steering probe without recall | Fox News


DETROIT –  U.S. safety regulators have
closed an investigation into steering problems in more than 500,000 Ford
full-size cars without seeking a recall.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began
investigating problems in the 2004 through 2007 Ford Crown Victoria and
Mercury Grand Marquis and Marauder cars in July. The agency was looking
into complaints that a heat shield could rust, dislodge and cause the
steering shaft to jam.


Investigators reviewed 18 complaints about the problem and found that
it occurred infrequently, only in 1.6 vehicles per 100,000. The agency
says one report of a rollover crash on a highway entrance ramp could not
be verified.

The agency also says six of the complaints came from one state police
agency which fixed the problems and hasn't had any further trouble.

No way... really???

Filled up the tank, reset the trip odometer, and look what I saw:

Now, that is NOTHING compared to, say, a 2014 Ford Focus, but for a 16 year old full size sedan with a 4.6 V8... In fact, that distance-to-empty is the highest I've seen so far. 

UPDATE: Slow Leak...

One of my tires has had a slow leak for a few days, and today Todd took it off the car and sure enough, there was a screw head in the tread.  After removing it, it took three attempts to get the hole plugged, thanks to all tire patch kits seemingly being Chinese garbage.  But, plugged it is, and at laft is the offending bit of metal...

144,000 Miles

UPDATE: Ready for spring

Vic is ready for spring.  Snow tires are off and alloys are on!  Which means I can take corners faster now... The front snow tires are trash, with cracks on the sidewalls.  They will be junked as soon as I can get them off the rims.  The warm weather Goodyear RS-A's still look great.  Mobil 1 oil/filter change was done on the 18th.

Thing is, the rust on the front fenders really is getting on my nerves.  People now comment on it.  It kills me to drive a car that no longer looks perfect...

Also, I think that the rear shocks need to be replaced.  It's hard to describe why I think so.  Chaulk it up to having driven the car for 14 years now.  I just know.

Yes, hard to believe, but Vic and I have been together for 14 years.  Last month, I ALMOST replaced him with a P71, but we got outbid.  I will have to make a move at some point, though, because as the car wears out, and I get poorer, I may not have the money to replace it in the future.  The economy stinks, and in Massachusetts you can't get a decent job without a college education now.  Employers can pick and choose from a vast amount of applicants. 

Quite frankly, I no longer want to work FOR someone.  I'd love to work for MYSELF.  Because as I always say, the only person you can really count on is YOURSELF.