July 12

July 12, 2004

DAY 25

 

 

Canadian Tire phoned first thing this morning with an estimate. Right manifold, left manifold, and crossover pipe ; $1630 plus taxes < GASP >. Phoned some muffler shops from the pay phone. Phoned the GM dealer. Decided to take it to the dealer. Went to Canadian Tire to pick up the truck. Now the story changes ! Seems since I didn't authorize the $1630, they might as well give me the real story. What is necessary is the crossover pipe worth about a hundred bucks, and an hour of labour. They might break either or both of the manifolds when trying to remove the old crossover pipe. Maybe ! The manifolds are about $400 each, with about 3 hours of labour to install each. WELL ! Big difference between $169 and $1630, isn't there ? !

I took the truck to the dealer and told them to change the crossover pipe without breaking the manifolds. They will try, but suggest there is a 60% probability of breakage. Better odds than Canadian Tire's "can we have authorization to do $1630 worth of work, please".

If removal of crossover pipe doesn't break either manifold, truck will be ready tomorrow

( Tuesday ). If manifold required, parts will have to be ordered. Probably not ready until late Thursday < sigh >.

Stocked up on groceries, did a teensy bit of maintenance on the trailer, but can't do much. Tools are in truck, at GM dealer. Joanne spent afternoon peeling PET VALU logos off her van with fingernails. I couldn't stand to listen, so I went to send e-mail at campground office. Had a heavy thunderstorm that lasted about 15 minutes. Sun before. Sun after. I miss that. Ottawa's rainfalls aren't like that.

DSK