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Brian
Samba Moderator
Joined: May 28, 2012
Posts: 8340
Location: Oceanside
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Randy in Maine
Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2003
Posts: 34890
Location: The Beach
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 Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2015 5:07 pm Post subject: |
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| No Jeep Comanches out there Eric? |
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65BAJA
Samba Member
Joined: October 07, 2003
Posts: 660
Location: SHINGLE SPRINGS,CA
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| Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2015 5:18 pm Post subject: |
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If you could find the all elusive 91-92 Commanche then go for it. The 90 and down Renix fuel injection on the 4.0L is not as reliable as the later set up nor does it make as much power.
_________________
All the good deals in the world will still make you poor.
I'll finish it!... Some day....
Edit, I started in 2003 and still haven't built a driving Baja. lol |
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Bobnotch
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2003
Posts: 22431
Location: Kimball, Mi
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| Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 8:30 pm Post subject: Re: Chevrolet S10 Trucks |
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| EZ Gruv wrote: |
I have recently become infatuated with Chevy S10 pickups. My Dad bought one new in 1982, and drove it until '89 when finances dictated it be sold.
Anyone have any real world experience with these? I see them all over the road still, both first and second generation versions. Looking for reliability issues, specific things to look for, etc. I know, as with VWs, any older car will have issues, just looking for thoughts from those who have S10 experience.
If I were to get one, it would be a daily driver (retiring my bus for recreational use).
Have a story or pics to share? Please do. Thanks |
I had an 88 S-10 extended cab for 2 years, then sold it. Now, my DD is a 97 S-10 4.3L V6 with 150K on it, and it's drug a type 3 Notchback from Idaho to Michigan, along with a T-34 KG from Iowa to Michigan. Can't complain about that truck 1 bit, and I use it as my long distance cruiser (when I'm not driving my Notchback). The only major thing I've done, was have the trans rebuilt (they're known to go at 140K, and this 1 went right at that.
I've also got a rusty 92 S-15 Sonoma 4.3 LV6 5 speed. It's a great little truck. Some day I'll fix it, or part it out. I've also got an Astro van, and a GMC Safari van(the wife's) both with 4.3's in them, and they're great at moving people or stuff.
My son has a 97 Isuzu extended cab pickup (built out of S-10 parts from the factory, as it was built in the same GM plant as my S-10).  He loves it, and him and his wife are always wanting to use it.
A buddy of mine has a 95 S-10 Blazer (4wd), that has 285K on (4.3 Vortec), and his wife daily drives it about 75 miles per day. Great little vehicle, other than it having a bunch of 1 year only stuff on it Just got a trans put in it last month, as it lost it's drive (would still back up).
I would recommend them to anyone looking for a small truck. 
_________________
Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120
| Tram wrote: |
| "Friends are God's way of apologizing for relatives." |
| Tram wrote: |
| People keep confusing "restored" and "restroyed". |
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cdennisg
Samba Member
Joined: November 02, 2004
Posts: 20278
Location: Sandpoint, ID
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| Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 8:46 pm Post subject: |
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I have been keeping an eye out for an Astro or Safari. Interesting what you said about the trannies. I had not heard that, but then again I know little about them other than the praise for the 4.3.
Any thing else to look out for in a Safari/Astro?
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EZ Gruv
King of Plaid
Joined: December 10, 2002
Posts: 8544
Location: Las Vegas
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| Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 8:56 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this thread. Very informative.
_________________
Eric
1977 Deluxe Westfalia - 2.0L FI Type IV, Completely Original
Photographer for HotVWs, VolksWorld, AirMighty, VW Camper & Commercial, Hayburner, and more.
My Photography Page. |
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cdennisg
Samba Member
Joined: November 02, 2004
Posts: 20278
Location: Sandpoint, ID
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| Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 9:33 pm Post subject: |
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| EZ Gruv wrote: |
| Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this thread. Very informative. |
Agreed.
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EZ Gruv
King of Plaid
Joined: December 10, 2002
Posts: 8544
Location: Las Vegas
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| Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2015 5:46 pm Post subject: |
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I'd like to introduce my 'new' 2000 GMC Sonoma, extended cab with third door.
Bought from the second owner, it has only 50,000 miles on it.
It's not the 4.3, but for the price, I could not pass it up.
_________________
Eric
1977 Deluxe Westfalia - 2.0L FI Type IV, Completely Original
Photographer for HotVWs, VolksWorld, AirMighty, VW Camper & Commercial, Hayburner, and more.
My Photography Page. |
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Jon Schmid
Samba Member
Joined: May 29, 2012
Posts: 2038
Location: Southern California
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| Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 10:41 am Post subject: Chevrolet S10 Trucks |
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| cdennisg wrote: |
I have been keeping an eye out for an Astro or Safari. Interesting what you said about the trannies. I had not heard that, but then again I know little about them other than the praise for the 4.3.
Any thing else to look out for in a Safari/Astro? |
Aside from the fuel pump issue I mentioned earlier, the only other thing to watch that I recall is that the spark plugs are supposed to be good for 100K miles--mine lasted almost exactly 100K miles--change them a little sooner.  We had that van 17 years and it held up pretty well all things considered--except the damn fuel pump! Also, supposedly the rear differential oil should be changed often, but I never had any issues. Good luck with your quest.  |
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Bobnotch
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2003
Posts: 22431
Location: Kimball, Mi
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| Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 10:45 am Post subject: |
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| cdennisg wrote: |
I have been keeping an eye out for an Astro or Safari. Interesting what you said about the trannies. I had not heard that, but then again I know little about them other than the praise for the 4.3.
Any thing else to look out for in a Safari/Astro? |
The tranny issue is related to the 4L60E trans. It's basically a 700R4, but with a bunch of electronics added to it.
As for the Astro/Safari, the sliding door lower roller, and power window motors are what normally cause problems with them. Well, that and the fuel pump deal that most GM's have of that era. On ours, it wasn't the pump, but rather that short piece of hose that connects the pump to the sending unit. After about 10 or 15 years, the hose will split and cause a "no fuel pressure" problem (it just dumps fuel back into the tank).  I've had that issue on 3 different vans of that era.
I do however prefer the earlier ones (up to 94), as you can do engine work on them without having to drop the subframe like the later vans. What I mean by that, is the front core support unbolts on the 94 and earlier ones. 
_________________
Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120
| Tram wrote: |
| "Friends are God's way of apologizing for relatives." |
| Tram wrote: |
| People keep confusing "restored" and "restroyed". |
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Brian
Samba Moderator
Joined: May 28, 2012
Posts: 8340
Location: Oceanside
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| Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 12:46 pm Post subject: |
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Nice, looks like a good buy. At 50K miles, you'll get a good amount of life out of it. Just treat it well and it'll return the favor.
_________________
Wash your hands
'69 Bug
'68 Baja Truck
'71 Bug
'68 Camper
Only losers litter |
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ToolBox
Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2004
Posts: 3439
Location: Detroit, where they don't jack parts off my ride in the parking lot of the 7-11
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| Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 1:24 pm Post subject: |
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| My dad had a 91 2wd 2.8l 5spd. We could not kill it! got 31mpg and all we did beyond regular maintenance over 191K was 1 clutch. Ran great well past us getting rid of it for windshield lip rust about 5 years ago. |
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cdennisg
Samba Member
Joined: November 02, 2004
Posts: 20278
Location: Sandpoint, ID
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| Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 11:36 pm Post subject: |
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| Bobnotch wrote: |
| cdennisg wrote: |
I have been keeping an eye out for an Astro or Safari. Interesting what you said about the trannies. I had not heard that, but then again I know little about them other than the praise for the 4.3.
Any thing else to look out for in a Safari/Astro? |
The tranny issue is related to the 4L60E trans. It's basically a 700R4, but with a bunch of electronics added to it.
As for the Astro/Safari, the sliding door lower roller, and power window motors are what normally cause problems with them. Well, that and the fuel pump deal that most GM's have of that era. On ours, it wasn't the pump, but rather that short piece of hose that connects the pump to the sending unit. After about 10 or 15 years, the hose will split and cause a "no fuel pressure" problem (it just dumps fuel back into the tank). I've had that issue on 3 different vans of that era.
I do however prefer the earlier ones (up to 94), as you can do engine work on them without having to drop the subframe like the later vans. What I mean by that, is the front core support unbolts on the 94 and earlier ones. |
Thanks to you and Jon Schmid for all of the info.
My boss has been driving full size Chevy vans for the last decade or so. (he is wheelchair bound, and uses hand controls) His first one lost a fuel pump @ 85K as I recall, but several mechanics told him to never let the tank get below 1/3 to 1/2 full as the pump is cooled by the fuel and it fails after it gets hot. He has not had a problem since while following this advice.
Wondering if a hole can be cut in the floor for fuel pump access rather than dropping the tank?
Still looking around for an astro/safari. Most of the pre-2000 ones I see have huge miles on them. I will likely get one of the later models with low miles and a slightly higher price tag, as I intend to keep it for a long time.
Thanks for all the tips folks.
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Jon Schmid
Samba Member
Joined: May 29, 2012
Posts: 2038
Location: Southern California
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| Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 9:45 am Post subject: Chevrolet S10 Trucks |
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| cdennisg wrote: |
several mechanics told him to never let the tank get below 1/3 to 1/2 full as the pump is cooled by the fuel and it fails after it gets hot. He has not had a problem since while following this advice. |
I had heard this too but my OEM pump lasted some 12+ years of some occasional near empty tank driving, then I was getting the replacements free (not always the labor) because they wouldn't even last the warranty period--running at least 1/4 (about 6 gallons) full at all times. I also learned a trick you guys probably already know, but if the fuel pump goes, sometimes you can "awaken" it by hitting the bottom of the tank with a rubber or leather mallet--I've even used a claw hammer in a pinch. Can save a tow but it's a short term fix that doesn't always work... |
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Bobnotch
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2003
Posts: 22431
Location: Kimball, Mi
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| Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 12:10 pm Post subject: Re: Chevrolet S10 Trucks |
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| Jon Schmid wrote: |
| cdennisg wrote: |
several mechanics told him to never let the tank get below 1/3 to 1/2 full as the pump is cooled by the fuel and it fails after it gets hot. He has not had a problem since while following this advice. |
I had heard this too but my OEM pump lasted some 12+ years of some occasional near empty tank driving, then I was getting the replacements free (not always the labor) because they wouldn't even last the warranty period--running at least 1/4 (about 6 gallons) full at all times. I also learned a trick you guys probably already know, but if the fuel pump goes, sometimes you can "awaken" it by hitting the bottom of the tank with a rubber or leather mallet--I've even used a claw hammer in a pinch. Can save a tow but it's a short term fix that doesn't always work... |
Yeah, on vehicles with electric in the tank pumps, I try to keep them above 1/4 tank. That "extra" fuel does indeed keep the pump cool. I learned that over 20 years ago, on other GM in the tank vehicles.
It's really only 2 bolts, and some clamps to drop the tank, but my experience is that the pump quits when the tank is almost full (never fails when it's empty).
_________________
Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120
| Tram wrote: |
| "Friends are God's way of apologizing for relatives." |
| Tram wrote: |
| People keep confusing "restored" and "restroyed". |
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| Back to top |
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The Sage
Samba Member
Joined: December 10, 2005
Posts: 2470
Location: Traverse City
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| Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 9:42 pm Post subject: Re: Chevrolet S10 Trucks |
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| Bobnotch wrote: |
| EZ Gruv wrote: |
I have recently become infatuated with Chevy S10 pickups. My Dad bought one new in 1982, and drove it until '89 when finances dictated it be sold.
Anyone have any real world experience with these? I see them all over the road still, both first and second generation versions. Looking for reliability issues, specific things to look for, etc. I know, as with VWs, any older car will have issues, just looking for thoughts from those who have S10 experience.
If I were to get one, it would be a daily driver (retiring my bus for recreational use).
Have a story or pics to share? Please do. Thanks |
I had an 88 S-10 extended cab for 2 years, then sold it. Now, my DD is a 97 S-10 4.3L V6 with 150K on it, and it's drug a type 3 Notchback from Idaho to Michigan, along with a T-34 KG from Iowa to Michigan. Can't complain about that truck 1 bit, and I use it as my long distance cruiser (when I'm not driving my Notchback). The only major thing I've done, was have the trans rebuilt (they're known to go at 140K, and this 1 went right at that.
I've also got a rusty 92 S-15 Sonoma 4.3 LV6 5 speed. It's a great little truck. Some day I'll fix it, or part it out. I've also got an Astro van, and a GMC Safari van(the wife's) both with 4.3's in them, and they're great at moving people or stuff.
My son has a 97 Isuzu extended cab pickup (built out of S-10 parts from the factory, as it was built in the same GM plant as my S-10). He loves it, and him and his wife are always wanting to use it.
A buddy of mine has a 95 S-10 Blazer (4wd), that has 285K on (4.3 Vortec), and his wife daily drives it about 75 miles per day. Great little vehicle, other than it having a bunch of 1 year only stuff on it Just got a trans put in it last month, as it lost it's drive (would still back up).
I would recommend them to anyone looking for a small truck. |
Bob
That drive to Russ's was quite an experience. I can vouch that Bob's S10 is fast at least.
_________________
Feel My Pain l Sage Ad World |
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VOLKSWAGNUT
Fastest VW Belt Changer
Joined: October 14, 2007
Posts: 11056
Location: Flippin' a Belt........ .... Off-n-On ... NC USA
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| Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 6:58 am Post subject: Re: Chevrolet S10 Trucks |
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| Jon Schmid wrote: |
| cdennisg wrote: |
several mechanics told him to never let the tank get below 1/3 to 1/2 full as the pump is cooled by the fuel and it fails after it gets hot. He has not had a problem since while following this advice. |
I had heard this too but my OEM pump lasted some 12+ years of some occasional near empty tank driving, then I was getting the replacements free (not always the labor) because they wouldn't even last the warranty period--running at least 1/4 (about 6 gallons) full at all times. I also learned a trick you guys probably already know, but if the fuel pump goes, sometimes you can "awaken" it by hitting the bottom of the tank with a rubber or leather mallet--I've even used a claw hammer in a pinch. Can save a tow but it's a short term fix that doesn't always work... |
Yep... keep the pump covered helps.. ^
Another tid bit of advice... If you find the pump has stalled.. before you bang on the tank... remove the pump relay and jumper the 87 - 30 terminals. That way the pump is "LIVE" when you are banging on the tank bottom.
Works just about every time... and can save a tow bill and get you home.
The problem with the 4.3 - 5.0 - 5.7 Vortec systems.. is most use a poppet injector.. which means the supply pressure MUST be over each individual injector spring tension pressure.. Plus the pressures are fairly high specs. 60-66 static, and 56-60 dynamic.
I've have my share of these poppet system be 1 psi..yes ONE (54-55) lower than the poppet spec and it simply would not "pop" them off.
It may can be forced to start with some carb cleaner and will continue and run, but simply wont start on its own pressure.
Good quality fuel.. and change your fuel filters bi-annually helps a ton..
A little Marvel Mystery oil (or ATF) in the tank too... helps counteract the drying tendencies of fuel these days and keeps things lubed.
As for the dreaded 700- 4L60 - E.. yes it has its inherent issues... but changing the fluid often sure helps that..
Keep the fluid clean enough to deep fry in..
I always recommend adding a drain plug to the trans pan or using the later pan with the plug.. Change the fluid and filter (or fluid exchange) early around 20-30k and from that point on drain and fill (3-3.5 quarts) at every oil change. It makes a world of difference... oh .. and DEXRON VI... its good stuff.
^ Most of that advice goes for all auto trans..
(be sure to use the right fluid for your a particular transmission)
.
_________________
aka Ken {o\!/o}
Its your vehicle- stop askin' for approval-do what YOU like for cryin' out loud
Better to roll em' how you want and wear em' out-than lettin' em' rot out
Its about the going not the showing
Rebuilt to drive not decorate
WANTED: Local Eatin' Joints, Triple D for TheSamba contributions here http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=570510
Search "VOLKSWAGNUT" on YouTube since you cant watch a "certain" BELT change video round here
Usually and often edited |
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cdennisg
Samba Member
Joined: November 02, 2004
Posts: 20278
Location: Sandpoint, ID
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| Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 8:44 am Post subject: |
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Excellent advice. Thanks.
This is the best website ever.
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EZ Gruv
King of Plaid
Joined: December 10, 2002
Posts: 8544
Location: Las Vegas
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| Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 9:09 am Post subject: |
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| cdennisg wrote: |
This is the best website ever. |
Indeed.
_________________
Eric
1977 Deluxe Westfalia - 2.0L FI Type IV, Completely Original
Photographer for HotVWs, VolksWorld, AirMighty, VW Camper & Commercial, Hayburner, and more.
My Photography Page. |
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skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 16883
Location: sticksville, ct.
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| Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 6:16 pm Post subject: Re: Chevrolet S10 Trucks |
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| VOLKSWAGNUT wrote: |
I've have my share of these poppet system be 1 psi..yes ONE (54-55) lower than the poppet spec and it simply would not "pop" them off.
It may can be forced to start with some carb cleaner and will continue and run, but simply wont start on its own pressure
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^^^yep. if I was being lazy and didn't want to hook up a fuel pressure gauge, I would take the battery charger to it and put it on start
nothing tells a fuel pump to "WAKE THE *UCK UP* like an extra 250 amps.
very sensitive system. back when we were doing the nut kits 3 times a week we use to tell the customer at least they didn't suffer the spider bite (when the spider bites the dust, then bites your wallet)
that's all I got for GM humor today...
_________________
| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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