And it was indeed a most interesting weekend. The one that went by. And in a blur.
On Saturday finally decided to take Admiral for a session of wheel alignment. Reason being while I found nothing wrong at all - at the back of my mind was the fact that at the previous OTR in Sept 2013 the old boy had hammered a rock into submission with his front right metal parts with a scrape of the lower arm point. I had put up the snaps here earlier. Was a wee bit worried about the camber angle.
After procastinating for quite a while, as the tyre wear was normal and the steering etc was rock steady, went across to Premji's in Thane. He was recommended by a few TBPHians. Met Mark at the workshop and chatted up.
But I wouldn't go anywhere without my trusted camera. No I wouldn't. So here goes...
All set for the corrective surgery.
Shhh. A red light came on over the sign 'Operation Theatre' - remember Hindi movies of the yore ? I was ready to head to the nearby temple along with Nirupa Roy for a bhajan session.
The doctor was looking pensive. Got me worried.
He shouted out - "Nurse jaldi..." and his chokra got him a scalpel...OK... spanner. I was ready to faint.
And finally the red light was switched off and the green light came on.
The final touch up and the doctor came out wiping his hands on a towel, smiling and said - "Ghabrane ki koi baat nahin hai - inki tabiyat bahut hi achhi hai..."
I let out a sigh of relief and thanked all the powers above. What if he had come out of the OT and said - "Inko dawa nahin dua ki zaroorat hai... " ? Phew !
Final sew up.
Thank you Mr Bean.
All was well. The camber was within range and thank God for that...the caster was a little off - was adjusted and so was the toe.
This was the final report - put up for Fortuner owners who would like to know the ranges:
Went out for a trial. Everything certified fine.
Paid Rs.600 for the attention and efforts bestowed. Final goodbyes to Mark. And all ready to depart. Was a very pleasant experience.
The drive back felt good.
Sunday saw me labour over the old boy with a purpose.
Admiral received the full treatment after months.
I mean the real full treatment. Down to vacuuming.
Engine bay cleaned out and what not...
Some days ago had spotted this scuffed paint portion on the driver's side thanks to all these days of opening and closing and rubbing of the beading. Decided to touch it up because this is where the rusting starts eventually.
The Cavalry to the rescue:
Even the leather & plastic was spiffed up:
All nice and fresh now:
And finally all done. And with a purpose.
Purpose ? What was the purpose you ask ? But my lips are sealed for now.
All I'll share is the snap below for now and request your patience. A report will certainly follow. But in due course of time.
Watch this space for more goes the cliche, doesn't it ?
Aloha !