Civic Inspection Time

I guess I never mentioned this in a post but last month I took Geoff to Mr. Tire for a state inspection. The car didn't pass on a number of items, but they told me that if I fixed the failed items and came back within a month they would reinspect it at no additional charge. Yesterday I replaced the torn tie rod boot, which was the last thing I had to do. In total, here's everything I've done to Geoff to get him inspection-ready:

1. Done a few oil changes
2. Replaced dome light bulb
   
3. Replaced master brake cylinder
4. Replaced passenger side axle assembly due to torn CV boot
5. Re-bolted loose window track to door
6. Sprayed silicon spray on window tracks for faster window operation/longevity of rubber
   
7. Replaced rear passenger side wheel which was out of round
8. Replaced cracked driver side taillight
   
9. Replaced passenger side mirror and rear quarter panel window, which I broke
10. Switched OEM wipers with Bosch wipers for clearer vision in inclement weather
11. Replaced hood release cable
12. Replaced back-up lights fuse
13. Put on four Kuhmo tires
14. Spliced in used OEM driver side headlight harness for proper power to headlight
15. Replaced muffler (which had a breach in it from rusting) with '93 Civic DX 2dr Coupe muffler
16. Replaced driver side inner tie rod boot - CAR PASSED INSPECTION AT THIS POINT
    
17. (update) Replaced driver side outer tie rod
18. (update) Replaced cracked climate control/radio bezel
    
19. (update) Replaced clutch slave cylinder
20. (update) Installed door speakers and CD player
    
21. (update) Replaced right inner & outer tie rod
22. (update) Got an alignment at Quality Car Care
23. (update) Replaced starter
    

Tools!

It's an early Christmas! I've been making frequent trips to Crazy Ray's "you pick it you pull it" auto salvage, and have been using my roommate Neal's tools. I figured it was high time I got my own, so today I went to Sears and bought an awesome 192-piece Craftsman tool set, a 24-piece Craftsman screwdriver set, and a plastic hardware organizer. All together it set me back $196, but I know this was a good investment - all the Craftsman tools have a lifetime warranty. I already used them tonight to fix my windshield wiper blade, and I can't wait to start pulling cars apart this weekend!

Drawing

I really need to boost my drawing skills if I’m to be a good architect. I love drawing (which got me in plenty of trouble all throughout school, lol) but the military did a good job of repressing my creativity for six years. Looks like I get to make up some lost time! I especially love pen and ink drawings, so I plan to focus on that for a while. Today I’m going to talk to a friend who works at Michael’s to see if I can get a discount on some good pens.

Speaking of which, on Saturday I went with Aeree to a little crafts fair in downtown Annapolis. Most of the items for sale were just junk, but combing through one of the tables I found an awesome pen and ink newspaper courtroom drawing from 1873. I love the style and subtle use of color, and it is almost exactly how I want to be able to draw. How much did I pay for this treasure? Five dollars.