Project Home: Ryobi Stick Vac Repair (Part 1: Problem and Replacement Parts)

 I noticed that my Ryobi stick vac's head has a split hose. That makes it less useful.  The fix should be pretty straightforward, it just requires a short length of replacement hose.  Amazon has it for ~$9 bucks.  It's way better than buying a whole new head.  In this post, I'll chronicle my bumble fuckery implementing this repair.

Amazon had free same-day delivery for orders over $25. I added a cheap Bluetooth label maker to get the hose fast and complete the repair tonight. (And I've got use cases for an inexpensive Bluetooth Label Maker.)

I got the link for the hose from this video on YouTube.

Project 996: Wiper Cowl replacement (Part 1, Ordering Parts)

There's not much to mention here; the wiper cowl on my 996 has seen better days and needs to be replaced. It's an old plastic part that's become brittle with age and cracked at a particularly fragile location.

I won't try to do some trick DIY repair with plastic welding or epoxy. The needed replacement parts are still available from Porsche and are relatively inexpensive.  The pieces I've ordered include the cowl panel and the cowl caps. This will run me about $300, shipped.  I honestly thought the cost would be a lot steeper than that.

GBS Zero: Fender Clamp Failure

I need to be better at updating this blog.  This is a short video of the failure mode of using epoxy for bond-in studs.

SPOILER ALERT: Don't use epoxy. Use 3M Panel Bond.

Zero: Front Big Brake Kit upgrade.

Planning out a big break upgrade for the Zero with some parts I've had on the shelf for a while, some parts I bought for a song on Ebay, and some parts I've made myself on my mini-lathe.  Oh, and some rotors from an NB Miata.  All told, should shave around four pounds off the unsprung weight from the front suspension. (Would be around 8lbs if I also spring for the two piece rotors.)

996: Stereo trim upgrade.

 I've not been good about keeping this blog up-to-date or making good content about the 996. I'm going to try to resolve that.

Here's a quick video I did on the last touches of an Alpine iLX-W650 head unit install that took maybe a bit longer than I'd have like.  It's fluff but...Whatever.

Crank Angle Sensor Fixed, Demo on Crimping...

 

No Start, Bad Crimps

 I've always had issues with wiring loom supplied by GBS having badly crimped connectors.  This has, once again, struck.

Failed Catalytic Converter

Sevens on Skyline at Noon