http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/index.php?app=blog Community Blog List Syndication Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:41:03 +0000 Bob@firebirdnation.com (Firebird Nation) IP.Blog 60 for job vent. I figured that I would share my review here, but you can read similar reviews at the link I posted in the first sentence.

I am currently employed at an Amazon.com warehouse in Fernley, NV, and I have to say I never expected to see what I seen at this place. This "work camp" would make Stalin proud! The warehouse resembles a prison more than it does a warehouse. The morale of the workers is just plain awful. When sitting in the lunch room, you get the feeling you are in a prison or work camp with a bunch of people who are unhappy with their lives, but who can blame them. Their faces look long, depressed, and generally unhappy, and you can't help but wonder what they are thinking. I bet the majority are thinking "what in the hell am I doing here?", or "am I in American or some Chinese Work Camp"?.

First of all, they treat all their employees like dirt, and each person is treated as if they are a criminal. Every time you leave, you are subjected to walking through a metal detector, and greeted by a security guard who is usually rude. They talk down on you as if you are a school child, and it's very degrading and demoralizing.

While on the job you are usually talked down too as if you are a retarded child, and every single worker is worried about getting an infraction, which can come without any notice for any reason. I haven't gotten any infractions yet, but if you punch in 8 minutes to soon, you get an infraction. Sign in 1 minute too late, and you get an infraction. Did you forget your bin marker (A dumb little arrow with a magnet that makes your job so much slower), yep, you get another infraction. Get 6 and guess what, your out of a job. This is their deal, they keep you scared that you can lose your job at any moment, this way you walk around like your walking on egg shells. I have verified this by talking to many of my co-workers, and many of them only took this job because of the very poor economy. Their entire operations are based on fear, fear that you will lose this job, and like many of us, we need this job because the economy is in the toilet! Don't get me wrong, you need rules, but Amazon.com takes it to the point of slave labor! Even in this economy, I hear they have a very hard time finding enough employees, and the turn over rate is extremely high. Boy, I wonder why! They don't seem to understand that happy workers are productive workers! Think about it, if you hate the company your working for, do you really want to help them be successful or earn big profits?

The entire warehouse is poorly run to be honest. You have to waste a lot of time using a scanner that tells you something won't fit into a "bin" (The place where all the Chinese made junk goes, which is fitting because it's like a place of work you would find in China), when you have just put it all into the bin and it fit perfectly. You than have to remove it and try to find another bin. This may happen ten to fifteen times before the POS scanner will finally accept it's location. Talk about inefficient. No wonder they need all these temp workers in there! Their system is highly flawed. This causes one to tire quickly because you might be moving a 20 lbs batter backup over and over again trying to find a place to put the POS. And don't forget that bin marker that does nothing but gets in the way!

They talk, and talk about safety, but it's all lip service, and probably a way to prevent lawsuits. For example, lose both of your safety gloves (or have them stolen which is common from what I have heard), and they will not only charge you for another pair, but you will get one of their wonderful infractions! So much for safety. Who in the hell is going to want to go and get another pair of gloves when they know they will get in trouble for it!

The next time you plan on buying from Amazon.com, please think of how they treat their workers! You are probably thinking, "but if I didn't, you wouldn't have a job", and that is pure bs. If Amazon.com wasn't there, another company, probably one who treats their customer better, would quickly fill the void. If you want to support a sweatshop, then by all means, buy from Amazon.com, but if you think American workers should be treated with respect, then I suggest you shop from other sources besides Amazon.com.]]> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:46:00 +0000
I need straight down shots, side shots..as many as you can- so I can get these people to make this. All im doing is the hood so just a couple pics required. I have PMed several 12+ owners and recieved no responce. Is it that big a hassle? They had pics up anyway they just were from too far away and wrong angle.
I have been at this for weeks and evn joined boards just to meet more people. So please help a guy out. I have invested tons of wastedtime so far just for a stupid sticker. Thank You. CCfirehawk]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0000
i finally got all the insurance crap done and over with from that chick who hit my door in the freakin parking lot. i hav'nt even got the check in the bank. i was on my way to the body shop to get the ball rolling and get the door fixed and now this poopy happends.

i love my car, it is my dream car, and i am so upset i could scream!!!http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/rant22.gif

now i gotta find a new tail light for the drivers side and my auto body guy is working on his day off to get it straight so i can close the hatch, my boyfriend AND his friend are helping. at least it was a tall truck and my fiberglass bumper only has a "rub" mark, thank god for flexible fiberglass. but the tail light was smashed in and the metal support was bent and ill have to fix this before i can get my door fixed.

life....
isn't it fun!!!!! http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/22gloomyandsad.gif]]> Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:00:00 +0000
One hobby I have is music collecting - I once had over 4,000 record albums and never thought that I could ever see some of the obscure stuff on a CD. I've digitized many of the song from the albums, giving myself my own CD of some wacked old album by Hoyt Axton for my enjoyment.

I bought the first MP3 player that was released - the Diamond Rio. Thing held 12 songs, I was in heaven. Then it was a Creative Zen Jukebox, a 60g Ipod and now a 64g Ipod touch. All the other vehicles in my fleet were family cars, and that means there's always an extra cupholder to drop the music player in. Firebird has one cupholder. And it's not in the best place (my son the future $1500 Firebird owner commented on the lack of cupholders. I told him the 'bird is a car to drive, if you want to sip lattes while on the road go get a @#% minivan)

So here is the illustrated solution to carrying an Ipod safely & cheap.

I've gotten used to the steering wheel controls and really only use the headunit as an amplifier for the Ipod so replacing it with a $600 JVC Chameleon is not in the cards. What this descision leaves me with is where to carry the tethered Ipod while on the road in my 90 minute commutes. I want to be able to disconnect the thing and toss it in my laptop bag, and like to have it in a case of some sort. I hate things stuck to the windshield, and those disc things stuck to the dash are a flag to any crackhead that is breaking into cars for quickly fenced items.

What's that leave?

Can ride in the shift boot - but one fast downshift can either crunch the ipod or not let you shift.
http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257382765/gallery_8148_1212_56793.jpg

Got that coin holder, but it sits in the way of gearshift

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257382765/gallery_8148_1212_157027.jpg

That old cupholder again see same complaint above

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257382765/gallery_8148_1212_71313.jpg

Baked in the sun? No

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257382765/gallery_8148_1212_35115.jpg

Speed or playlist, hmm I'm trying to decide

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257606177/gallery_8148_1212_78955.jpg

Uhh - no.

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257606177/gallery_8148_1212_29493.jpg

This is what it's been for awhile. Riding on the passenger seat. Sometimes it falls off the side into console canyon.

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257606177/gallery_8148_1212_135462.jpg

See, I want to be able to pick it up, change the list or pause without reaching or detaching or unplugging. When you can't buy what you need, roll your own - as Hoyt Axton says

If you don't like the way they make 'em in the city
Cause they taste too strong the dang paper ain't pretty
Roll your own roll your own
You'll leave the ready rolls behind when you finally find a roll your own.

I found this Panavise mount made for F-body cars

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257606177/gallery_8148_1212_16168.jpg

It attaches to a headunit bolt under the trim.

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257606177/gallery_8148_1212_114621.jpg

Pop the trim off - start at a corner

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257606177/gallery_8148_1212_75611.jpg

Take off the screw - 9/32 is the size - reattach with the mount.

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257606177/gallery_8148_1212_106018.jpg

Extra strength from an included real sharp pointed screw. It will cut it's own hole in the plastic with some firm twisting of the screwdriver or drill motor.

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257606177/gallery_8148_1212_28978.jpg

Put trim back on

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257606177/gallery_8148_1212_143279.jpg

I rode with this like it is for awhile. Ipod at the time was a classic one in a leather case with a belt clip. I just clipped it onto the Panavise. See, most Ipod mounts do not accommodate a cased Ipod.

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257606177/gallery_8148_1212_68350.jpg

I did have my sights on this, for it bolted right to the Panavise mount and held an Ipod in a case. But it was too dorky for me. I also upgraded to an Ipod Touch, so lets add the horizontal/vertical option, and a new case with no clip.

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257606177/gallery_8148_1212_3937.jpg

Back to rolling my own. I picked up this for $5
http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257606177/gallery_8148_1212_11779.jpg
It's one damn strong® magnet and a metal button, both with damn strong® adhesive.

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257606177/gallery_8148_1212_1394.jpg
And a silicone case from Incipio for $10. The case included a screen protector. Meh, does my car have clear seat covers?

Stick the damn strong® magnet to the Panavise

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257606177/gallery_8148_1212_134638.jpg

That little clip thing swivels out to accommodate other devices that have belt clips - say like an old Ipod in a case?

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257606177/gallery_8148_1212_68350.jpg

At first I thought the Ipod was ferrous and would be attracted to the magnet. Wrong I was. To make the Touch in a skin attracted to a magnet I needed to put the metal button on it. It did not stick to the silicone skin worth a darn. I took that screen protector that came with the case, stuck the button to it and tucked it inside the case.

Ingredients:

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257606177/gallery_8148_1212_146891.jpg

Step one

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257606177/gallery_8148_1212_63346.jpg

Step two.

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257606177/gallery_8148_1212_2692.jpg

Now the Ipod in a case sticks to the damn strong® magnet.

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257606177/gallery_8148_1212_33432.jpg

It rides vertical

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257606177/gallery_8148_1212_147795.jpg

Or Horizontal

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257606177/gallery_8148_1212_136393.jpg

This has held on over bumpy roads, all speeds and is easy to pick up and put back. The "all black" scheme makes it blend in with the dash, and when it's not in the car it's not all mech-dorky.

I like it.]]> Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:04:00 +0000

Other than that, the end of the year is coming up fast.

Trick Photography?

Streak of lightning coming down the highway
turn around and watch it go
switch on the lights
put on the highbeams
better find a preacher on the radio

I like to drive at 105
its just how fast i got to go
i got the gears and i got the motor
aint no reason to go slower
and i like the speed i like the motion
i like the rockin machine
i like to drive at 105
better hurry up if you wanna catch me

Fred J Eaglesmith - 105


http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/uploads/1257382765/gallery_8148_1212_22165.jpg]]> Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:59:00 +0000
I was told this was the AC compressor.

Is there a way I can get this noise to go away without having to replace the whole thing.
I dont use my AC.. so I just want the noise gone.]]> Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:28:00 +0000 Sat, 17 Oct 2009 21:45:00 +0000
Started by pulling the engine. Oh how that sounds so simple, NOT (some of y'all would have blushed to hear me speak :P)! Seeing as how this is my first car project ever, everything is a learning experience and boy am I learning! Once I got the beast out and onto the engine stand, I began to take her apart with an obsessive compulsive degree of documentation, photographing, and labeling. I was not going to get everything put back together and have those curious few bolts leftover! So with everything in pieces everywhere I found this great little machine shop where all they do is engine work. Took my pieces down there and 2 weeks later, I got this sexy little short block back looking like it just came brand new out of a box. Seriously, you would never know that puppy was 41 years old by looking at her. And that's where I'm at right now. I'll get more into what was done to her at the shop a little later. :)]]> Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:01:00 +0000
and now... the little things
the ulgy rims,
change the steering wheel,
door speakers dont work,
water spots i cant seem to get off,
heater doesn't heat up,
a bad ground on the bettery that i cant fix myselfe because the bolt is stripped,
then suddenly the passenger side turn signal wont work ... it will turn on but it wont blink and some times it will blink but if it does it blinks slower than usiual -- weird huh...
oh and to top it off some B**ch hit my door when i was trying to get out of my car in a freakin parking lot!!! AAAAHHHHH!!!!

so now i have to much to deal with and im not sure where to start, i feel overwhelmed, and FRUSTRATED.]]> Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:27:00 +0000
Several years back I owned a 1980 Firebird Trans-Am. I spent a lot of time and money on that car. I got in a financial bind and sold it to my brother-in-law. I watched as it slowly started falling apart, piece by piece. Anyway, I have missed that car for quite some time. There was something about that car that I just loved. It felt right with me behind the wheel. As I was scrolling through craigslist the other day, I came across a posting for a 1981 Firebird Formula. They didn't post a picture. Now normally for me, if you don't post a picture, I'm not gonna try and track one down, or come out and see the vehicle. But it was a late 2nd generation Firebird after all. Long story short, I ended up purchasing the car for $750. It was not running and definitely needed some work. So my brother and I brought it home.
Apparently the gentleman that owned the vehicle prior to me had blown the original engine, as well as a 327 that had been placed in it. He had come across a Chevy 350 with 20,000 miles on the rebuild and dropped it in there. However, he never got it to run right and never taken it out for a spin. Being as he had it disassembled in prep for paint. My brother, best friend and I spent two solid days working on the engine. After fixing some wiring, a battery, fuel pump, air cleaner, oil pressure gauge fittings, carb. tuning, timing, etc... she is running like a beast now. I was really concerned about the engine after hearing of the demise of the prior two, but could not be happier with the results.
http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n99/jchumphrey/1981%20Firebird%20Formula%20Project/SmallFrontAngle.jpg
http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n99/jchumphrey/1981%20Firebird%20Formula%20Project/SmallRearAngle.jpg
http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n99/jchumphrey/1981%20Firebird%20Formula%20Project/SmallEngine.jpg
http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n99/jchumphrey/1981%20Firebird%20Formula%20Project/SmallInterior.jpg

So, this is how she sat after getting her running and beginning to tackle the body work/paint prep. As I was getting into it I realized that the previous owner thought that it would be OK to slap in some bondo and primer over body cancer. So, thanks to him I am going to have to strip it all down and make sure that I find it all. Here is a pic of the passenger front fender...

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n99/jchumphrey/1981%20Firebird%20Formula%20Project/PanelDamage.jpg

So, I am a little frustrated right now. However, all in all I got a great deal. It just may be a little more work then I was anticipating. I intend to finish the body work, redo the interior and she will be ready to hit the road. Once that is done I will tackle building a new engine for her. I am thinking a Pontiac 400. However, if I run across a deal on a 455 I may just have to go that route.]]> Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:05:00 +0000