the party pickle: Plates, lights and steak.

It's been a productive few weeks for the buses. First, the Charlie Brown motiff on Bus #2 is complete with the arrival of my new Oregon State License Plate.

And just in case someone can't figure it out, I did put a couple of Charlie Brown decals on the bus in certain spots.

A few problems of late. I had Bill Trafton replace my upper ball joint on the passenger side after noticing a torn boot. I still need to replace one CV boot too in the back which I'll do shortly. Then leaving work the other night I noticed that my right rear taillight was out. No turn signals, flashers, running lights, or back up lights.. or running light. However, the side marker light was working. So I figured it wasn't a fuse but possibly a ground. I tried to fix that by reaching inside the engine compartment between the battery and charcoal filter but replacing the ground to the light assembly didn't work. I checked all the bulbs and they appeared fine. Well I was going on vacation so while away, I ordered a new tail light assembly from Bus Depot for 48 bucks and when I got back, took my newly acquired 8mm deep socket and when to work removing the old assembly. It was not easy reaching around back there.. but after about 45 minutes I got it out. Put in the new one and rigged up the wiring exactly the same and presto.. we were in business. You do have to fiddle with the middle bulb and make sure it's turned the right way or your brake light will be on when you just want your lights on. Ask me how I know. Anyway it's all fixed now.

This is the new assembly.

I should mention the new assembly doesn't come with gaskets or those 8mm nuts to install it.. so don't lose them when taking out the old one!

Finally.. fun. I took the pickle out on Sunday here in Portland and did a little solo camping with the dog. The wife and kids are still on vacation until Wednesday so I took the opportunity to enjoy the very unusual 72 degree day here and went to Champoeg State Park.. about 45 minutes south of here.