How to double the value of your 21-year old vehicle

[NQ6U]

Buy an OEM bolt from Ford—for $24:

http://i.imgur.com/IpVGb6k.jpg?2

Not something you can buy from Pep Boys, alas.

[W3WN]

Not trying to sound like a smarta$$ or a gym teacher, but... What's so special about that bolt?

[NQ6U]

Not trying to sound like a smarta$$ or a gym teacher, but... What's so special about that bolt?

It's got a hook/loop in the end, and a shoulder with a captive washer. Also, it's a metric thread. That's about it.

On Edit: Heavily galvanized as well.

[W3WN]

And NAPA didn't have one, or Advanced Auto Parts? Or even NTB, the former Western Auto?

I'm not trying to be a wise guy, but I've seen similar bolts before. Both SAE and metric threads. Just not sure what's so special about this one.

[NQ6U]

And NAPA didn't have one, or Advanced Auto Parts? Or even NTB, the former Western Auto?

I'm not trying to be a wise guy, but I've seen similar bolts before. Both SAE and metric threads. Just not sure what's so special about this one.

Look at it. It's a highly unusual form. Only available as an OEM part.

On Edit: Since the picture doesn't provide a sense of scale, I should probably point out that it's a pretty big bolt—about 10 inches long and a good 3/8" in diameter.

[KG4CGC]

It's pretty big. Like your grandmother's squash.

[WZ7U]

Not a towing eyelet, is it for mounting the spare tire? No, for extracting the engine? OK, what is it?

[NQ6U]

Not a towing eyelet, is it for mounting the spare tire? No, for extracting the engine? OK, what is it?

Spare tire holder. The old one vibrated out when the spare lost air after sitting unused for years. I know one is supposed to check and air it up from time to time but Ford mounts the spare on their pickups in a way that makes that a PITA to do.

[WZ7U]

I thought that was what it was for. Seen a few of those (well, ones very similar anyway) in my tire shop days way back in the 20th century.

I have a truck of that vintage but from an asian manufacturer so I could see how that particular item would double the value nearly instantaneously. I have a similar problem every time I fill it up

[KD8TUT]

Buy an OEM bolt from Ford—for $24:

http://i.imgur.com/IpVGb6k.jpg?2

Not something you can buy from Pep Boys, alas.

Looks like something off a boat to me.

[kb2crk]

Doubling the Value of any Ford is easy. Drive it onto a scale at a scrap yard and they will give double what it is really worth.......:snicker::twisted::stirpot:

[KG4CGC]

Just saw an ad for the Range Rover Sport. Only $749 a month for well qualified buyers.

[XE1/N5AL]

Just saw an ad for the Range Rover Sport. Only $749 a month for well qualified buyers.
Any discounts for ARRL members?

[WZ7U]

Or was that AARP?

[NQ6U]

Just saw an ad for the Range Rover Sport. Only $749 a month for well qualified buyers.

Well qualified buyer? That leaves me out—I'm an unqualified buyer.

[KG4CGC]

Well qualified buyer? That leaves me out—I'm an unqualified buyer.

You have a yacht. You're qualified.

[KG4CGC]

Oh and BTW, did that bolt add a few more horses?

[NQ6U]

Oh and BTW, did that bolt add a few more horses?

It's a Ford Ranger, it would take more than a few horsepower to make a noticeable difference. The thing is so glacially slow that the speedometer reads in FPF—Furlongs Per Fortnight.

[NA4BH]

Looks like something off a boat to me.


Where do you think he got it?

[WZ7U]

I'm sure the acceleration curve is improved since the spare tire rack & (presumably) tire/wheel assembly are no longer dragging on the pavement.

[KG4CGC]

It's a Ford Ranger, it would take more than a few horsepower to make a noticeable difference. The thing is so glacially slow that the speedometer reads in FPF—Furlongs Per Fortnight.

I guess I'm spoilt. On the downside, everybody here is hoarding gasoline. A pipeline leak near Bob threatens to cut-off the whole Eastern seaboard for a while. I have to drive tomorrow 85 miles round tip. I'd take the bike but I hate carrying camera gear on the bike. I have, but not for 85 miles. I also use the car as a base to work from if I need to improvise a situation. It's a metal band, it's a live shoot, don't need a tripod. Whatever, I'm driving.
What makes me feel "spoilt" is that the Hyundai 3.5 liter V6 is a beast. The 72 Skylark I had in 84 (350 4bb) didn't have the kind of power this 2005 Santa Fe has. It's a sleeper if that's a term that's still used these days. I count my blessings. All I've ever had to do is change the oil and put gas in it. Oh and I polished the plastic headlight lenses.

Does California allow for wind power on your truck? You know, now that you're a sailor and all that.

[NQ6U]

On the upside, two Ford Ranger owners can hold an impromptu drag race right in front of a cop without him ever realizing he's witnessing a contest of speed.