Camino LS6

Bailed on this last night, and may do the same tonight. Spent the day on a ladder and I'm kinda beat.

Lots to answer there, Roger. Yes, I'm pretty sure that '83 was the only year for that grille. I hadn't considered using it, but you've got me thinking about it. No, the cab would not be used. But the doors and front sheetmetal would. Also the interior would be used, along with the rear window and some other items. A shortie crew just isn't going to happen - cutting down a frame is not on my agenda. Mothertruck is the name a former employee of mine gave this truck. Mothertruck as in Mothership, or Mother F-ing big truck. Spacetruck comes from the Deep Purple song Spacetruckin. I don't remember who coined the name for my 454 SS El Camino - but it stuck. We also used to refer to certain activities of ours back then as "going Spacetruckin" if we took the Camino. Good eye on the American Racing rims too - I chose them because they look like the optional rims used on the half ton trucks (usually Blazer/Suburban) in the late 80s. They were never offered on the heavier trucks. I don't remember AR's name for the design.

I am a bit disappointed to not see more affirmative responses to the question at hand.

Sorry, best I could offer. I will say this though, if you are interested in Don McLean, check out "Vincent" aka "Starry,Starry, Night". Fantastic song.

*snickers* I don't have an MP3 of it, but I could sing it from memory...

Grim! I'd make them triple check all suspension components as well as the frame rails. Sorry to see this.

...and now my house reeks of paint.

Picked up the new water pump, power steering pump, PS high pressure line, PS fluid, and sealant today. The water pump now has a fresh coat of black high-temp engine paint on it and is curing on the radiator in my living room. Might have to go get some kero and make room for the Tahoe inside the barn if I want this done tonight. Then again, I may wait for a warmer day.

FOG, I'll let the issue drop with you right here. If we were sitting around the same table I would not. I'll leave you with this thought: Even if I agree with your assessment of our current status, I would still consider exercising my right to vote to be critical. The reason is simple: even if America is dead, I demand to have the right to vote in what comes after. And I will demand it as long as I live.

Short answer: Yes In this particular election, perhaps not so much. But in general, voting rates double what we now have could only represent the population better. It would also shorten the leash on the politicians considerably. Speaking of which, and noting Stang's cartoon, I hope the GOP realizes what a short leash they are on right now. If they ignore that reality, they'll be the ones licking their wounds in 2012. It is always, always, better when more of us vote. It preserves the very idea upon which this nation was founded. The converse is also true.

Kudos! That's the right attitude. I don't care if you write-in Mickey mouse, exercise your rights! Rights that are not exercised... vaporize.

Toyota deserves every bit of pain this causes them - they've earned it.

No, I don't think you do. If you just made it a rule to vote out all incumbents each time, I'd be with you. As it is, when you don't vote at all, you invite those same sleazebags to ignore any and all of your rights. And they will. So, my friend, I have to say that you and George have got this one wrong. I agree with both of you on most things, but strongly oppose your positons on this.

Exactly. It floors me that most people don't even know about it.

Voting is one of my few points of disagreement with Carlin. The way I see it, voting gives you a license to bitch. If you don't vote then you should just STFU.

Headed out to vote right now.

Kudos to you for writing this piece, Drew. It is stunning that the mainstream press has been so lax in their duties to not report the overwhelming facts of the matter. I'm especially galled by their ignoring the Tacoma debacle completely. That fiasco alone should have Toyota hanging their collective head for decades. Truly shameful product.

I can almost see the finish line...

I wish I could wait. I'm getting a bit tired of draining the cooling system.

After consultation with some GM folks and other assorted motorheads, I've decided to run with Stang's idea that the Tahoe's water pump is the culprit. The theory is that the blades of its impeller have corroded to the point that they can't maintain enough flow through the heater core. While I'm ripping apart the front of the engine, I will also be replacing the leaky power steering pump and hose. Parts are ordered.

That'd work.

They found her? Good! Saw this on the local news the other day, and was hoping they'd catch up with her.

Will do.

I wish I hadn't lost the pics I took during this project - it was quite the transformation.

I think ownership of a modern Malibu requires a spouse and/or kids. S'ok Balthy, we know it's not yours.