DIY Success: A Cheap and Satisfying Thrill

[Bob D.]

Today I changed the oil and filter in my bus, and adjusted the clutch pedal free play.

Yes, these are among the most basic DIY tasks in the book, but 4 hours later I am still feeling the thrill of accomplishment.

As some of you know, a few years ago I developed a very nasty joint disease--kind of like Superman-strength arthritis--in all the joints in my body. It is largely untreatable and has progressed quickly. Now, at age 45, I can no longer fully open or close my fingers, kneel, lift any weight over a few pounds, raise my right arm over my shoulder or do a thousand other things I used to take for granted. I have three artificial jonts and more surgeries are planned.

BUT I did all the work on my bus today MYSELF, without any help. Yes, I dropped my tools several times, yes I ended up strapping the torque wrench onto my wrist brace to get that final twist to 25 ft.lbs., yes it took me three hours to do 45 minutes worth of work. But I did it.

I used to do all sorts of work on my cars before I got this illness. I forgot how satisfying it is to do the work yourself, to know that it has all been done and done right. I think even the best mechanics often don't take the same time and care that an owner does.

So for all you newbies and DIY neophytes out there, if I can do this stuff, YOU can do this stuff, and it IS worth doing yourself. Start with whatever is within your physical or experiential abilities, and go from there. But in any case, give it a try. Both you and your bus will probably be happier.
_________________
1978 7-Passenger, 37K miles
Proud Member #1, SBS (Stock Bus Society)

*Enjoy and appreciate your good health*

We used to play for silver
Now we play for life

[earthmuffin]

[Jealous_Zack]

Thomas Carlyle:
Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.


Keep on keepin on.
_________________
Not so jealous anymore.
79 for Cruisin
78 for Parts

[Bottomend]

I think you did it pretty fast, considering. You have my respect.

[panasonic90]

My respects!
I can't say anything else, I only hope that if I ever find myself in your situtation I can follow your admirable example. The size of the task is only given by the power of the tools, the size of your "basic" tasks was humongous.

Ant

Pd.- I'm changing the oil of my bus next week, let's see if it doesn't take me 2 hours...
_________________
"May the fweem be with you"
Obi Volks Kenobi
---------------------------------
74 bay ambulance
type 4 2lt carbs engine

[Duncwarw]

Bob,

Thanks for the boost!
I keep looking at my van and dreading all those things I could be, should be, and can do.

I admire your dedication and tenacity. I'm going to get away from this computer today and accomplish something too. The computer is like a vaccuum to me. If I walk in the room where it lives, I get stuck on it for hours.

I'm going to spend some hours outdoors working on my van today.
Because I need to and because you said if you can do it so can I
and you're right, of course.

Good luck with your surgeries and good work!

Paul

[ruckman101]

Right on dude! I wrestled for at least two hours trying to adjust the clutch on my van, that wing nut was no hand tighten affair.


neal
_________________
Where are we going, and why am I in this hand-basket?

[Amskeptic]

[Duncwarw]

Oh, I think I have enough to keep us going for more than twelve hours!

Two yoots with wrenches...

Say hello to Baaston Bahwb

Paul

[thenexttownshend]

Way to go Bob!

[Sylvester]

I sure wish I lived near you, I could give you a hand, or a part, or a wrench! Let me know if you EVER need anything. Still proud member, SBS, #3!!!
_________________
1971 Westfalia "Samantha"
1600cc "Hun engine"

Oct. 22, 1929. 8:30 pm. The ship is making water fast. We have turned around and headed for Milwaukee. Pumps are working, but sea gate is bent in and can't keep the water out. Flicker is flooded. Seas are tremendous. Things look bad. Crew roll is about the same as last payday. A.R. Sadon, Purser.

[79SuperVert]

You are most definitely an inspiration. Good luck!