After about a zillion weekends of bad weather, we're having a beautiful weekend. I decided it was finally time to get Seth (my truck) registered. It's quite the process... I had to get insurance, get the emissions tested, get the truck weighed, then I can finally get the title put in my name. Then, I can register Seth...
I tried today, but didn't get very far. The problem is there are all sorts of little loose ends that need "buttoning up" before I can get all of that stuff done. Today, I thought I had finally finished those. I fixed the leaking radiator hose, I tightened a few bolts on an inner-fender, I topped off the transmission fluid, and I finally got a side-view mirror for the passenger side of my truck.
So, after talking to the insurance company and getting that in place, I decided to start off small by driving about 1 mile to get Seth washed.
Everything was A-okay... of course, he does kind of pull to the right when I brake. I'll have to adjust the brakes, and possibly "bleed" them, but that is not my biggest worry right now. As I was driving home, I was about 1/2 mile away from home, and waiting in the middle of a major road to turn left when my engine just stopped. I was in the very middle of an intersection, and I knew I couldn't leave it there, so I threw it into neutral, and jumped out. Luckily, just then, a break opened up, so I could "turn" left. Really, this involved me pushing my truck (alone) through the intersection, while I'm sure the entire world was laughing at my misfortune.
Once I was through the intersection, I pushed it to the side, and jumped back in to try to start the truck............... Nothing. Not even a click.
I popped the hood, and found that the negative cable on my battery had completely melted through, and was extremely hot. Since my dad knows everything about cars, he was my first call. His first question was, "Is your positive lead touching your header?" Me:"Yep!" He knew the problem right away! The next call was to Laurie. I happened to have a tow strap in the truck, so I called to have her tow me home, since I was only 1/2 mile away.
Literally, 20 seconds before Laurie arrived, a "Community Safety" Officer pulled over to help. Now mind you, Seth has AZ plates from 2002... I thought I was in trouble, but I explained the situation to him, and he was actually very understanding. He even followed us home, since I had no power (brake lights, turn signals, etc.).
When we got home, I thanked Laurie and Gracie for rescuing me, which turned into a minutes long session of singing "Go, Diego, Go" over and over... They were both pretty pleased that they rescued me... as was I. Laurie said that while they were towing me home, Gracie said to every car that passed by, not to hit her daddy. She's so thoughtful!
Anyway, I've almost fixed that problem, and Seth already looks great after his first bath in over six years... We're that much closer. My plan is to get him weighed and emissions tested next Saturday, and then the following Friday, I'll get him registered (assuming no more brake/electric problems!)
What a long boring post... I had to post something. I needed to convince myself I could still type...
We are here, we are here, we are here!
13 years ago
4 comments:
wow, this was really interesting for me to read. That is so awesome that the officer was sympathetic to your cause.
I'm so glad that Laurie and Gracie could come to your rescue. AND that you were so close to home. It was fun reading more about your adventures with "Seth." Hope all is going well for you guys.
you should be proud you've nursed seth back to health. good luck next saturday.
I just wish I could have seen you push Seth like a mad man. I think it's sort of hot. ;)
Yeah Gracie and I WERE pretty awesome. ;)
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