Blog
Replacing Original Aim Solo Battery
How to replace an original Aim Solo battery for under 8 bucks, including where to find a suitable replacement battery and required specs
Changing Toyota Camry Hybrid Inverter Coolant
Guide to changing Toyota Camry Hybrid inverter coolant, including information on running the inverter pump with an aftermarket TechStream-compatible OBD USB cable
DW200 Miata Fuel Pump Replacement
Guide to Miata fuel pump replacement, showing replacing the stock fuel pump with a DeatschWerks DW200, also applies to Walbro 190 or 255
Removing a Miata Harddog Rollbar
Guide to removing a Miata Harddog rollbar, done in this case in order to perform a fuel pump upgrade, but also useful for installation
K24 Miata Swap - Engine Grounds
Guide to engine grounds for a K24 swapped Miata, including what to buy, where to place them, and how to test them
Miata K24 Swap - Starter and Alternator Wiring
Guide to starter and alternator wiring for a K24 Kswap into a Miata, including what materials you need and how to connect it
K24 Miata Swap - KMiata Header and Exhaust Installation
Guide to kmiata header and exhaust installation including clearances, bolt directions, gasket assembly, and exhaust options
K24 Miata Hood Clearance
Guide to options for achieving K24 Miata hood clearance with an NA Miata, including hood trimming, slashcut valve cover, and subframe spacers
Miata Torsen Differential Swap
Guide to performing a 90-05 Miata Torsen differential swap, with pictures and parts links including how to swap housings and change bushings
K24 Swap - Steering Rack and Subframe
Guide to swapping the steering rack and subframe as part of a K24 motor swap on an NA Miata using an NB rack and a KMiata subframe
K24 Miata Swap - Transmission Installation with the KMiata Adapter
Guide to transmission installation with KMiata adapter for a K24 swapped Miata, including notching the transmission and bolt locations
Rewiring Miata 6-Speed for NA
Rewiring the Miata 6-speed for an NA Miata, showing how to swap speedometer sending units and rewire the reverse light to function correctly
K24 Miata Swap - K24A2 External Engine Prep
How to do K24A2 external engine prep as part of a K24 Miata swap, including the preparing the coolant neck and coolant lines
K24 Miata Swap - K24A2 Engine Internals Prep
Complete guide to K24 Miata Swap K24A2 engine internals prep including replacing the oil pump, timing chain tensioner, cam gear, and oil pan
K24 Miata Swap
Complete guide to a K24 Miata Swap, including step-by-step pictures swapping a k24a2 into a 1997 Miata using the KPower swap kit
99-04 Mustang GT Hitch Installation
I like to mountain bike. To transport my bikes, I usually use a hitch-mount rack. Initially, this was the Swagman XC2 , which worked very well for the price and is in the picture below. Once I got a full suspension mountain bike, I wasn't as comfortable with how it secures the bike via the […]
Fixing F-150 Door Wiring
Describing how to fix F-150 door wiring, when the wires get pinched and cause power door locks and door speakers to quit working
Delta 34-868 Splitter Review
Review of the Delta 34-868 splitter, including the screws needed to mount it to a Delta 36-650 contractor table saw
2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid Spark Plug Change
Instructions for Toyota Camry Hybrid spark plug change, including links to all tools and parts required to complete the job properly
Rooting the XT1920DL Moto E5
Complete guide to rooting the XT1920 Moto E5 variant, including the correct TWRP image to use, to allow you to unlock this less-common phone
Running Lap Timer on Android Auto
Guide to running a lap timer on Android Auto, including RaceChrono, Harry's Lap Timer, or Track Addict
2012 - 2017 Toyota Camry Cabin Air Filter Replacement
Guide to cabin air filter replacement on a 2012 to 2017 Toyota Camry, including a link to the correct filter to order and pictures of installation
Relocating Holes for Door Strike Plate
Guide to relocating holes for a door strike plate, using a wood skewer or dowel to fill in old screw holes and move them over slightly
2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid Air Filter Replacement
Guide to 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid air filter replacement
2012 Toyota Camry Brake Light Replacement
Guide to brake light replacement for the 2011-2019 Toyota Camry, and likely similar for related models like the Prius, Corolla
Fixing an F-150 Third Brake Light Leak
Guide to fixing a third brake light leak on a 2009-2014 Ford F-150, also generally applicable to other year F-150s and trucks with correct gasket
Drill Battery Power for a TS-100 Soldering Iron
Guide to making an adapter for drill battery power for a TS-100 soldering iron, with links to the parts required
Converting 12V Power to Turn Off in New Edge Mustang
Guide to converting 12V power to turn off on the front power outlet when the car turns off in a new edge Mustang
Installing an Outdoor Post Lamp
Guide to installing an outdoor post lamp or replacing an existing one, including remove and reinstallation steps complete with pictures
F-150 Transfer Case, Front and Rear Differential Fluid Replacement
F-150 Transfer Case, Front and Rear Differential Fluid Replacement, including fluid type and capacity and an easy approach to the front differential
99-04 Mustang Relay Control Module Replacement
How to replace a 99-04 Mustang Relay Control module and low pressure switch to fix a Mustang AC compressor that won't kick on
Fixing a Stuck Door
Guide to fixing a stuck door using a hand plane to plane it down, including where to purchase a decent hand plane and alternatives
94-04 Mustang Front Wheel Hub Replacement
Pictorial guide to 94-04 Mustang front wheel hub replacement, including replacement part numbers, tools required, and torque values
2009-2014 F150 Mirror Removal and Replacement
As you can tell by the theme of my F150 upgrade articles, I bought a very basic truck with almost no options on it. Internet wisdom enlightened me to the fact that the fancy mirrors on higher end trucks are actually plug-and-play with all F150s. Thus, features like the puddle lamps and heated mirror function […]
DIY Bike Stand from Harbor Freight Bike Rack
How to make a DIY bike stand from a Harbor Freight bike rack using some scrap angle iron from an old bed frame and a flux core welder
Easy Fix for Cheap Dowel Rod
An easy fix for cheap dowel rod, using a drill and sandpaper to trim down oversized store-bought rod to fit in dowel joints without making complicated jigs
Changing Brakes on a 99-04 Mustang GT
Guide to changing brakes on a 99-04 Mustang GT, including references to all the parts and tools you'll need to complete the job
Making an Inlay Snowflake Christmas Ornament
Step-by-step guide to making an inlay snowflake Christmas ornament, including technique for routing and fitting inlay pieces
Replacing Spark Plugs on a 99-04 Mustang
Guide to replacing spark plugs on a 99-04 Mustang, including part numbers for new plugs and list of tools required for installation
99-04 Mustang Idle Air Control Valve Replacement
Guide to 99-04 Mustang idle air control valve replacement, including the appropriate replacement part and torque specification
94-04 Mustang Rear Differential Oil Replacement
94-04 Mustang rear differential oil replacement including how to remove and reinstall the cover, plus links to an optional new cover with a drain plug
96-04 Mustang Belt Tensioner Replacement
Guide to 96-04 Mustang GT/Cobra Belt tensioner replacement, including replacing the belt, what tools are required, and what parts to use
Quickjack BL-5000SLX Review (And Does An NA Miata Fit?)
A Quickjack Bl-5000SLX Review that includes comparison to MaxJax, Ezcarlift, and Full-height Lifts, as well as whether it will fit an NA Miata
Quickjack BL-5000SLX Setup Guide
Quickjack BL-5000SLX Setup Guide including gotchas and details missing from Bendpak/Ranger's included manual, such as priming the power unit
Regreasing Slow Miata Windows
A guide to regreasing slow Miata windows, including how to disassemble the door without breaking anything and where to buy lubricant and bushings
99-04 Mustang Fuel Filter Replacement
Complete guide to 99-04 Mustang fuel filter replacement including links for the quick disconnect tool to use and replacement fuel filter
99-04 Mustang Transmission Fluid Change
Guide to performing a 99-04 Mustang transmission fluid change, including tools required, fluid capacity, and what kind of fluid to use
94-04 Mustang Trunk Lift Support Replacement
Guide to 94-04 Mustang Trunk Lift Support Replacement, including the parts to buy, to fix a trunk that won't stay open on its own
2009-2014 F150 Door Panel Removal
This is my writeup on 2009-2014 F150 Door Panel Removal. The first thing I recommend doing is getting an old flathead screwdriver that you won't miss, put some heat to the tip of it with MAP gas or a butane torch, and bend the tip of it so its perpendicular to the rest of the […]
Disassembling a Miata Short Block
Step-by-step pictures showing disassembling a miata short block, including where every bolt goes, as well as removing the crank, pistons, and rods
Refinishing Furniture with New Stain
This cheap dresser came from Craigslist years ago for $20. At the time, it was sufficient to stick clothes in while I was renting. Now that we have a toddler, it has turned into the perfect size dresser for her room. However, as you can see, it doesn't really match the other furniture. Fortunately, this […]
Fixing an Animated Christmas Decoration
Guide to fixing an animated Christmas decoration that wouldn't activate by soldering on a new on/off switch to replace the defective original
Installing Eclipse Vents in a Miata
Guide to installing eclipse vents in a Miata, including which model years to source, cutting the new vents down, and sanding the face
Adding a 220 Outlet
Description of how I went about adding a 220V outlet to my shop, including fitting a new outlet and adding a new circuit to the sub-panel
First Welding Project: Shop Trash Can from Steel Barrel
Turning a steel barrel into a shop trash can by adding wheels and a handle, making a great first welding project for beginners
Rikon 10-324 Bandsaw Review
A review of a Rikon 10-324 Bandsaw, discussing the pros and cons of this saw versus both budget competiton and similar saws from Grizzly
Making a Two Color Bandsaw Reindeer
A take on Ronald Walters' / Woodgears' 3D reindeer pattern for the bandsaw, except mixing woods to get different colored antlers
Making a Cutting Board with a Twist
Making a cutting board out of exotic hardwoods laid long grain, adding a contrasting curved inlay
Installing a Racing Beat Sway Bar and End Links
Installing a racing beat sway bar and end links into your Miata, including trimming the bushings to prevent binding and adjusting preload
Moog Ball Joint Boot for a Miata
Moog ball joint boot defect in their Miata K500210 problem-solver ball joints and how to fix it with an $8 set of Energy Suspension boots
Miata Control Arm Bushing Replacement
Miata Control Arm Bushing Replacement without needing a press using free specialty tools from Autozone's Loan-a-Tool program
Installing Coilovers in a Miata
Guide to installing coilovers in a miata, including the long bolt method, as well as how to properly torque everything down afterwards
Fixing a Dremel Permanently on Full Speed
Fixing a Dremel permanently on full speed by cleaning out the speed control potentiometer, including the same fix for a Black and Decker RTX
DIY Mower Leaf Catcher for $80 (Now $30)
Creating a DIY mower leaf catcher using a lawn tractor bag and some OSB to cheaply and quickly pick up leaves in your yard
Storing a Trailer
Storing a trailer to maximize tire life, including how to lift the trailer and put the frame on cinderblocks, as well as covering the tires
Installing Miata Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Installing Miata stainless steel brake lines from 949Racing, including which line goes in which corner and what tools are required
Bleeding Miata Brakes
A complete guide to bleeding Miata brakes, including materials required and a step-by-step procedure
Fixing a Wood Fence
Fixing a wooden fence that has sustained damage from a tree falling using simple hand tools and some lumber from the hardware store
Setting Bluetooth GPS Receiver to 10hz
How to set a U-Blox or Reyax GPS receiver to 10hz, including the sub-$50 DIY Bluetooth GPS receiver mentioned in another article
Changing Brakes in a Miata
Changing brakes in a miata, including swapping pads, rotors, and calipers, and bleeding the brakes with fresh fluid afterwards
sub-$50 DIY 10hz Bluetooth GPS Receiver
DIY 10hz bluetooth GPS receiver for use with Harry's Lap Timer, RaceChrono, iPhone, and Android that costs less than $50 in parts
Making a Side Table Out of Old Furniture
Making a side table out of scrap wood, making a glued panel for the table top, and recycling the legs from an old coffee table
Replacing a String Trimmer Carburetor
Easily replacing a string trimmer carburetor using a $17 replacement from Amazon
Replacing Fuel Lines in a String Trimmer
Replacing fuel lines in a string trimmer using either a manufacturer's pre-made replacement kit or cutting universal fuel line
Miata Hitch Installation
Miata hitch installation using a Curt hitch from Amazon, using alternative mounting with grade 8 bolts, and discussing different hitch options
Making a Carpenter Bee Trap
Making a carpenter bee trap out of 4x4 and a mason jar, using a miter saw and drill press, for the woodworker with a bee problem
Fixing a Squeaky Bathroom Fan
Fixing a squeaky bathroom fan with basic hand tools by relubricating with dry teflon lubricant or by replacing the motor with a new unit
Miata LRB Speed Under Tray Review
A Miata LRB Speed under tray review, including how well the aluminum material and design work and how I fixed the rattle noise mine made
Thread Spool Holder
Making an inexpensive two-layer 70-count thread spool holder out of a wooden box, a couple of pieces of plywood, and some dowels
Miata O2 Sensor Replacement
Miata O2 sensor replacement guide including how to do both front and rear sensors, as well as direct vs universal fit sensors
Riding Mower Belt and Blades Replacement
Riding mower belt and blades replacement how-to on a 2008 Craftsman LT1000 38" riding mower, including removing and reinstalling the deck
French Cleat Garage Storage
Getting garden tools and other items organized and on the wall using custom DIY french cleat garage storage
Adding a TBC to a 2011 F150
Adding a Trailer Brake Controller (TBC) to my '11 F150 which didn't have a factory tow package.
Quick Tip - Changing oil on a 5.0 Coyote F150
Quick tip on how to change the oil on a 5.0 Coyote F150
Heirloom DIY Crib: Part 3
Creating an heirloom-quality DIY crib out of hardwood (ash) using mortise and tenon joinery, threaded inserts, dowels, and other techniques. Part 3: Mattress support, staining, and finishing
Heirloom DIY Crib: Part 2
Creating an heirloom-quality DIY crib out of hardwood (ash) using mortise and tenon joinery, threaded inserts, dowels, and other techniques. Part 2: Finishing the panels and connecting them together.
Heirloom DIY Crib: Part 1
Creating an heirloom-quality DIY crib out of hardwood (ash) using mortise and tenon joinery, threaded inserts, dowels, and other techniques. Part 1: Milling and rough cutting.
Miata Clutch Master Slave and Line Replacement
Miata clutch master slave and line replacement, using a stainless steel braided replacement clutch line, eliminating the loops
Miata Window Switch Repair
Miata window switch repair writeup, detailing fixing a failed power window switch using some solder and sandpaper
HVAC Air Duct Leak Repair
Air duct leak repair on a large hole in HVAC duct work that had not been sealed properly
Miata Parallel Fan Wiring
Parallel fan wiring for a Miata so that both the driver and passenger side fans turn on based on engine temperature
Replacing an F-150 Blend Door Actuator for HVAC (2009-2014)
Step-by-step writeup on replacing an f-150 blend door actuator, silencing the popping noise you get when you turn the AC to full cold
Installing a Racing Seat and Harness in a Miata
Installing a racing seat and harness in a Miata, using a Sparco Sprint, Racequip 5-point belts, and removable mounts without cutting the floor pan
Replacing a 94-97 Miata Heater Core
Replacing a 94-97 Miata heater core with either a 90-93 or a 99-00 replacement including procedures for both types of replacement core
DIY Miata Headrest Speakers
Installing DIY miata headrest speakers using commonly available 3.5" speakers, including wiring if the factory wiring is not present
Repacking Trailer Wheel Bearings
Repacking trailer wheel bearings on a standard car hauler, including jacking up the wheel and disassembling the hubs, plus EZ-lube usage
Installing a Light Fixture
Installing a light fixture in place of an existing one, including wiring and mounting
Installing Blinds in a Window
Guide to installing blinds in a window, including tools required and how to purchase blinds from the store
Making a Laminated Wooden Mallet
Making a laminated wooden mallet AKA jointer's mallet out of multiple pieces of scrap wood without requiring any chisel work
Fixing A Downspout
Fixing a downspout by extending the flow out away from the house using PVC and a pop-up emitter
Homemade Band Saw Blade Guides, Insert, and Tires
How to make DIY homemade band saw blade guides, insert, and tires to freshen up an old bandsaw on the cheap
Fluorescent Ballast Replacement
How to install a universal fluorescent ballast replacement in a fixture where the ballast has gone bad
Template Bushing Subbase
How to make a Lexan template bushing subbase for the Bosch 1617 plunge router, can be applied to any router
Design Flaw - Ford 4.6 Coolant Flow and IMRCs
There is a lot of discussion and disagreement out there regarding Ford 4.6L engines and their coolant flow. Several companies out there offer a "head cooling mod" (HCM) which takes coolant flow from the driver's side cylinder head and, rather than dead-ending it like stock, ties it into the heater supply tube with the passenger's […]
Fuel Door Repair on 09-14 F150
Fuel door repair on an 09-11 F-150, in the event that it comes loose and will no longer close properly
Miata Crank End Play Measurement
How to use a dial indicator and pry bar to get a crank end play measurement on a Miata motor to determine if there is a thrust bearing issue
Using a Pre-96 EGR Valve on a 96-97 Miata
Adapting a pre-96 EGR Valve to work on a 96-97 Miata, saving money since pre-96 EGR valves are easier to obtain and more widely available
Simple Wood Raised Garden Beds
Building simple 4'x8' raised garden beds out of 2x4 for about $20 apiece with a miter saw and screws
Simple 4' Garden Fence
How to build an inexpensive, attractive 4' Garden Fence using pressure-treated wood and hexagonal mesh
Finding Oil Leaks with UV Light
Using a UV light to help determine exactly from where a car is leaking oil
Fix a Pinhole Leak With a Sharkbite
Fix a pinhole leak with a Sharkbite with no soldering required on any type of pipe, including PEX, PVC, and Copper
Miata Coolant Reroute (M-Tuned)
How to install an m-tuned Miata coolant reroute with pictures including thermostat and hose part numbers, as well as how to avoid common problems
Miata Clutch, Transmission, and Rear Main Seals
How to change a Miata clutch as well as replacing all of the transmission and rear engine seals
Miata Timing Belt Water Pump and Seals
Cleaning up a motor and replacing the timing belt, water pump, crank and cam seals, and valve cover gasket with it on a stand
Replacing the Wiper Hoses in a Miata
Guide to replacing the wiper hoses in a miata including part numbers and pictorial instructions
Recharging Car Air Conditioning
Recharging car air conditioning properly using a vacuum pump, manifold gauges, and r134a
Compression Testing a Mazda Miata
How to compression test a Mazda Miata; this also serves as an overview for how to generally compression test any other vehicle
Building a Cedar Bird Feeder
Guide to building a cedar bird feeder that is shaped like a house, step-by-step
Building a DIY Dust Separator (Thien Cyclone)
How to build a Thien cyclone / DIY dust separator on the cheap
Delta 36-650 Table Saw Review
A review of a Delta 36-650 table saw and some tips on upgrades to make it more effective.
Removing Exterior Sail Panels on SN95 Mustang (94-04)
Removing Exterior Sail Panels on SN95 Mustang (94-04)
Outer Tie Rod End Replacement
Guide to outer tie rod end replacement, done on a Scion Tc but should apply to most cars.
Building a Bluebird Birdhouse with Rabbets, Dadoes, Dovetails
A birdhouse built using rabbets, dadoes, and sliding dovetails. This is a simple bluebird birdhouse.
Adding a Table Saw Router Table Extension
An overview and explanation of building a table saw router table extension and re-using your table saw fence.
05+ Toyota Tacoma Front Diff / Transfer Case Oil Change
How to change the front differential and transfer case gear oil in your 2005+ Toyota Tacoma