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<channel rdf:about="http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/news/2007/default/RSS">
  <title>2007 News</title>
  <link>http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr</link>

  <description>
    
      
    
  </description>

  

  
            <syn:updatePeriod>daily</syn:updatePeriod>
            <syn:updateFrequency>1</syn:updateFrequency>
            <syn:updateBase>2009-09-28T02:08:57Z</syn:updateBase>
        

  <image rdf:resource="http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/logo.png"/>

  <items>
    <rdf:Seq>
      
        <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/news/2007/more-wyatt-and-pepper-cuteness"/>
      
      
        <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/news/2007/kristen-painted-the-guest-room"/>
      
      
        <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/news/2007/new-shocks-and-springs"/>
      
      
        <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/news/2007/new-wyatt-and-pepper-pictures-posted"/>
      
      
        <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/news/2007/1965-gt-emblems"/>
      
      
        <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/news/2007/created-a-news-page"/>
      
      
        <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/news/2007/pepper"/>
      
      
        <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/news/2007/ally"/>
      
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</channel>


  <item rdf:about="http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/news/2007/more-wyatt-and-pepper-cuteness">
    <title>More Wyatt and Pepper Cuteness!</title>
    <link>http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/news/2007/more-wyatt-and-pepper-cuteness</link>
    <description></description>
    <content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p>Some <a title="Assorted Wyatt and Pepper Pictures" class="internal-link" href="../../pictures/2007/0516-dogs">assorted Wyatt and 
Pepper pictures</a>.  This is with the red couch 
and loveseat BEFORE they decided to eat it.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
    <dc:publisher>No publisher</dc:publisher>
    <dc:creator>Tim Simkins</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights></dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2007-06-16T04:00:00Z</dc:date>
    <dc:type>News Item</dc:type>
  </item>


  <item rdf:about="http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/news/2007/kristen-painted-the-guest-room">
    <title>Kristen Painted the Guest Room</title>
    <link>http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/news/2007/kristen-painted-the-guest-room</link>
    <description></description>
    <content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p>It's no longer the wonderful sponge painted mess that the previous 
people left us!  She did a really nice job, and we've posted some <a title="Guest Room" class="internal-link" href="../../pictures/2007/0408-guest-room">pictures</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
    <dc:publisher>No publisher</dc:publisher>
    <dc:creator>Tim Simkins</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights></dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2007-04-08T04:00:00Z</dc:date>
    <dc:type>News Item</dc:type>
  </item>


  <item rdf:about="http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/news/2007/new-shocks-and-springs">
    <title>New Shocks and Springs</title>
    <link>http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/news/2007/new-shocks-and-springs</link>
    <description></description>
    <content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p>
My Mustang project for this spring (aside from the GT emblems!) was to 
improve the suspension on the car.  I added Tokico D-Spec adjustable 
shocks/struts, and Steeda Sport springs.  The front springs are 50% 
stiffer than the stock ones. The back ones are comparable to 
stock, although they're progressive rather than linear.  The springs 
lower the car about 1", and help even up the "high rear end" that's 
always bugged me.  Why does almost all modern automotive styling include 
a rise in the body line towards the rear end?  The shocks/struts are 
adjustable through a complete range of "firm" to "soft".</p>
<p>I probably need to take the car out to a road course and put it 
through its paces to really get it dialed in, but I found that a 
shock setting of 3 turns from full firm in front, and 3 1/2 turns in the 
rear provides a pretty good ride.  I was really blown away by how much 
tighter the car feels.  I feel more comfortable taking turns faster, and 
the front doesn't rise under acceleration as much anymore.</p>
<p>The only downside is that now I'll have to get an adjustable Panhard 
bar for the rear.  This is a bar that goes diagonally from the axle to 
the body in order to keep the axle centered under the car.  In lowering 
the car, it slightly altered the suspension geometry so that the left 
side of the car now sits about 3/4" higher in the rear.  The 
adjustable Panhard bar will return the axle to the center of the 
car, and level the back end out.  I haven't felt anything distinctly 
different, but I'm sure there's some "push" from one side.</p>
<p>You can 
<a title="Mustang with Tokico Shocks/Struts and Steeda Sport Springs" class="internal-link" href="../../pictures/2007/0311-mustang">view some pictures</a> 
after the modifications, and compare them to a <a title="HPIM2021.jpg" class="internal-link" href="../../pictures/2007/0224-mustang/HPIM2021.jpg">"before" picture</a>.  The easiest place to notice the difference is in the gap 
between the wheel well and the tire.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
    <dc:publisher>No publisher</dc:publisher>
    <dc:creator>Tim Simkins</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights></dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2007-03-11T05:00:00Z</dc:date>
    <dc:type>News Item</dc:type>
  </item>


  <item rdf:about="http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/news/2007/new-wyatt-and-pepper-pictures-posted">
    <title>New Wyatt and Pepper Pictures Posted</title>
    <link>http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/news/2007/new-wyatt-and-pepper-pictures-posted</link>
    <description></description>
    <content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p>We posted some new  pictures of <a title="Wyatt and Pepper" class="internal-link" href="../../pictures/2007/0224-wyatt-pepper">Wyatt 
and Pepper</a>.  Even though they look like they're about to kill each 
other (with big sharp pointy teeth!) they're just playing... Really!  
They're getting more used to each other, but we still get the "rampaging 
psycho dog greeting" when we get home.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
    <dc:publisher>No publisher</dc:publisher>
    <dc:creator>Tim Simkins</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights></dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2007-02-24T05:00:00Z</dc:date>
    <dc:type>News Item</dc:type>
  </item>


  <item rdf:about="http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/news/2007/1965-gt-emblems">
    <title>1965 GT Emblems</title>
    <link>http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/news/2007/1965-gt-emblems</link>
    <description></description>
    <content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p>
I finally finished putting the 
<a title="1965 GT Emblem On 2005 Mustang GT" class="internal-link" href="../../pictures/2007/0224-mustang">
1965 "GT" emblems</a> 
on my Mustang!  I had thought about doing something like that, and 
then seen the pictures on a Mustang forum where someone else had done 
essentially the same thing.  I think it turned out really well, if I do 
say so myself.</p>
<p>Below are the steps I followed, and all disclaimers apply.  If 
anyone has any thoughts or suggestions on how to make this process 
better or easier, please let me know!</p>
<div class="clearboth">&nbsp;</div>
<p><strong>Gathering the necessary supplies</strong></p>
<ul><li><strong>Order two 1965 Mustang emblems</strong> from <a href="http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/">Mustangs Unlimited</a>.  I would 
recommend against getting the 1966 emblems, since those have plastic 
inserts for coloring, while the 1965's have ceramic.  This will run you 
about $40 for the pair, including shipping.</li><li><strong>Other supplies</strong> you will need are heavy duty (50 lb 
test) 
fishing 
line, Industrial Size JB Weld, Goof Off, rubbing alcohol, sandpaper  and 
3M Emblem 
Adhesive.   This probably totals about $20.</li><li><strong>Recommended 
tools</strong> are bolt cutters, sandpaper, a 
heat gun, a bench vise and a Dremel.  However, you can always 
improvise!</li></ul>
<p><strong>Removing the existing emblems.</strong></p>
<ul><li><strong>Remove the existing GT Emblems</strong> by warming with a 
heat gun and sawing behind the emblem with the fishing line.  I found it 
easiest to start from the right side of the "T", and work around to the 
"G".  There are two alignment holes in approximately the middle of 
the emblem, but the new emblems will cover them.  You will be left with 
a nasty, sticky mess of what looks like rubber cement.</li><li><strong>Remove the gunk</strong> with a soft cloth and plenty of 
Goof Off.  This will take awhile, but be gentle and patient.</li><li><strong>Wash down the area</strong> with car soap and water.  You 
may see an outline of the "GT" emblem because of the lack of weathering 
on the paint.  This is fine, as long as you did a good job getting the 
gunk off.</li><li><strong>Hold the 1965 GT emblems up to the car</strong> to see how 
they look.  Not only is this a good morale booster, but it also has 
practical value.  The emblems have a hollow back, and two posts that 
align with two holes on the side of the 1965 Mustang.  Of course, these 
posts don't align with the holes on your car!  To install the emblems, 
you're going to have to remove the bottom posts with a set of bolt 
cutters.</li></ul>
<p><strong>Prepare the emblems</strong></p>
<ul><li><strong>Use the bolt cutters</strong> to remove the bottom post 
from each emblem.  I cut mine down to slightly inside the hollow 
back.</li><li><strong>Clamp each emblem</strong> in the bench vise using a towel 
for padding, and 
<strong>use your bit of choice in the Dremel</strong> to rough up the shiny bottom of the 
emblems.  This will help the JB Weld (automotive epoxy) adhere 
better.</li><li><strong>Blow all the dust out</strong>, and <strong>mix the two 
parts of JB Weld</strong> per the directions.</li><li><strong>Fill the inside of each emblem</strong> approximately 
halfway with the gray JB Weld mix.  Be careful not to get any on the 
shiny outside!  This stuff is like working with molasses in 
January, so be patient.  I used plastic silverware to get it into 
the emblems.</li><li><strong>Let the JB Weld dry and cure</strong> for 24 hours.</li><li><strong>Use the sandpaper</strong> to rough up the top of the JB 
Weld so the second layer will bond to the first.  Blow the dust off. </li><li><strong>IMPORTANT NOTE:</strong> When sanding the JB Weld, do NOT 
allow the dust to abrade the front of the emblem.  I have some small 
scratches in mine from this.</li><li><strong>Use masking tape</strong> to cover the edges of the 
emblems to protect it from the JB Weld.  I didn't end up needing it, but 
I figured the extra minute or two was better than the alternative.</li><li><strong>Finish filling the emblems</strong> with JB Weld, and do NOT 
overfill.  Fill them just to the top.  The JB Weld is still a fluid, so 
it will settle on its own.</li><li>As the JB Weld is drying, <strong>keep an eye</strong> on it for the 
first 
hour or 
two (every 5-10 minutes or so) to make sure the surface is level.  You may have to prop the top up, 
since the bottom is deeper.  If you get any high spots, the emblem will 
not fit flush to the side of the car.  Allow the JB Weld to cure 
for 24 hours.</li><li><strong>Use sandpaper</strong> to rough up the second layer of JB 
Weld.  Sand down anything that comes above the edges of the 
emblems.  Blow the dust off, and remove any excess with a wet paper 
towel.</li></ul>
<p><strong>Prepare the car, and attach the emblems</strong></p>
<ul><li>On the side of the car, <strong>wipe down the area around the 
emblems</strong> with rubbing alcohol and a soft closth.  Hit it around 
4-5 times to remove any wax.</li><li><strong>Do a test run</strong> without the adhesive, and make sure 
the emblems line up flush against the side of the car.</li><li><strong>Apply the 3M Emblem Adhesive</strong> to the back of the 
emblem in a thin layer.  I used a piece of folder cardboard to spread it 
around.  I took it to within 1/16" of an inch of the side to prevent any 
overflow.</li><li><strong>Insert the top post</strong> in the top hole, and 
<strong>press the emblem against the side of the car.</strong>  Hold it 
there for the recommended 3 minutes.  I chose to do the passenger 
side first, since I didn't have to look at that one as much!  I 
also put the emblem with the slight scuffs from the JB Weld dust 
there, too.</li><li><strong>Back up a few feet</strong> and make sure you have it 
aligned as straight as possible.  At this point, you can still adjust it 
without spreading too much glue around. Wipe off any excess glue 
with Goof Off.</li><li><strong>Follow the same procedure</strong> with the drivers side.  
Allow the emblem adhesive to cure for 24 hours.</li></ul>
]]></content:encoded>
    <dc:publisher>No publisher</dc:publisher>
    <dc:creator>Tim Simkins</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights></dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2007-02-21T05:00:00Z</dc:date>
    <dc:type>News Item</dc:type>
  </item>


  <item rdf:about="http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/news/2007/created-a-news-page">
    <title>Created a news page</title>
    <link>http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/news/2007/created-a-news-page</link>
    <description></description>
    <content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p>My front page was getting too long from all the information I was 
putting there, so I created a special News page to hold all of our 
updates!  One of these days, I'll get an RSS feed going.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
    <dc:publisher>No publisher</dc:publisher>
    <dc:creator>Tim Simkins</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights></dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2007-02-18T05:00:00Z</dc:date>
    <dc:type>News Item</dc:type>
  </item>


  <item rdf:about="http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/news/2007/pepper">
    <title>Pepper</title>
    <link>http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/news/2007/pepper</link>
    <description></description>
    <content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p>Guess 
what... Kristen talked me into getting another dog! Ostensibly 
ours, but I think it's really a case of "This is our dog Wyatt, and 
Wyatt's dog Pepper." We brought Pepper home from the Centre Hall 
S.P.C.A. on February 16th. Pepper is six months old, and he's a mix of 
Beagle and Blue Heeler. I had to look up what a Blue Heeler was, but 
apparently it's a variety of an Australian Cattle Dog. Think of it as a 
small German Shepard/Sheltie that says "G'day, mate!". He and Wyatt 
started playing immediately, and haven't stopped since. On the downside, 
this leads to not being able to get many good pictures, but here are 
some of the decent ones!</p>
<p>
	Take a look at some of the <a title="Wyatt and Pepper" class="internal-link" href="../../pictures/2007/0216-pepper">Wyatt 
and Pepper 
Pictures</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
    <dc:publisher>No publisher</dc:publisher>
    <dc:creator>Tim Simkins</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights></dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2007-02-16T05:00:00Z</dc:date>
    <dc:type>News Item</dc:type>
  </item>


  <item rdf:about="http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/news/2007/ally">
    <title>Ally</title>
    <link>http://www.tandj.net/%7Esimkintr/news/2007/ally</link>
    <description></description>
    <content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p>Fest and Brandie came down to visit, and they brought their puppy 
Ally.  
Ally is a beagle/labrador/golden retriever mix, and very adorable.  
After Wyatt figured out he had to be a little gentle, and she figured 
out that he wasn't a big scary dog, the two of them got along great!&nbsp;</p>
<p>Check out the <a title="Wyatt and Ally" class="internal-link" href="../../pictures/2007/0213-wyatt-ally">Wyatt 
and Ally 
Pictures</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
    <dc:publisher>No publisher</dc:publisher>
    <dc:creator>Tim Simkins</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights></dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2007-02-11T05:00:00Z</dc:date>
    <dc:type>News Item</dc:type>
  </item>





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