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 frame. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 4×4 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 […]

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 2×4 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