Great day in the shop

UncleBob · Post by **UncleBob** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 2:57 pm

So, I finally got an open day to get started on my rail project. It's getting a full tear down and budget rebuild. Anyway, Sunday started the tear-down. I needed to get the rear cage and skid plate off to pull the motor, and after removing all the bolts, the cage wouldn't budge, so out comes the mini-sledge. After a few good whacks, I missed and nailed the center of my kneecap. That was great. Okay, so after I can see straight again, the cage comes off with little fuss. So, next is the aluminum fuel tank. Removed line from carb and quickly discovered that the petcock wasn't off. Dumped a couple pints on my foot. Normally this wouldn't be a big deal, but I'm losing a battle with athletes foot, and fuel+open wounds doesn't mix. That was nice. Engine is next. It comes out without issue. Decided to remove nasty rusted old bobcat header. I've been soaking the studs for weeks with PB Blaster, so it should go nicely. First one, snap! Oh well. Next one, SNAP! Dang, better get my nut splitter. Oh joy, it's still loaned out to a friend. I'm out of propane. Third, fourth, and fifth, SNAP, SNAP, SNAP! This has got to be some sort of record!

Last 3 came off OK, but studs are probably unusable. Awesome. So, after all that, the bobcat won't come apart to get it off the engine. My porta-band took a dump, and my sawzall is lent out so I can't cut the exhaust off. Decided I could pry it off the engine. Those things are springy when they're rusted! Got it almost all the way off, and the exhuast slipped off my bar, sending a flange right up into my pushrod tubes. I hope it's just the tubes that are trashed, and not a pair of pushrods. I should have stayed in bed.

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 3:41 pm

Well with some luck the gas will kill the athletes foot fungus. Wish I could work on my chassis project. Being out of work has put a damper on the funds also. Going for back surgery Wednesday. Here's a pic from my MRI, check out the lowest disk. Don't need to be a doctor to figure out what is wrong. Hopefully be back to normal soon. At least you still have your cute dog.

One more thing. What does it mean when your surgeon says "Holy $@#*"

UncleBob · Post by **UncleBob** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 3:58 pm

What did you do?

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 4:09 pm

Can't attribute it to one incident. Just kept getting more and more sore. Then my whole leg got numb and tingley. Then it got real painful and I couldn't get out of bed. I had a series of 3 sets of shots in the disc at pain management. I don't feel too awful bad right now, but, don't want to do any further damage. Anyway it isn't going to fix itself so surgery it is. Happy happy joy joy.

5150bossman · Post by **5150bossman** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 11:39 pm

Looks like my back too. I am trying to stay away from the surgery thing though (never can get rid of the pain completely). Trying extensive therapy, and see what happens. Good Luck. :drinking:

fubar · Post by **fubar** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 4:19 am

I ruptured a disc way bad...............I am too much of a puss to face surgery so I started swimming everyday. It took about 6 months of pain, but it is pretty much normal again. I heard only one person that was happy with the operation. Good luck, get one of those inflatable ass donuts for the buggy rides..

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 4:24 pm

Back surgery....been there. I'm MUCH better off. Mine situation sounds very similar. Lots of back/leg pain for months. Mine finally "blew" and left me unable to move off of the floor. I had a discectomy 2 years ago and I'm doing great! I was walking the next day. My "back" is 47 by the way.....Good luck with yours!

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 5:06 pm

Thanks guys, The pain clinic doctor said it was the largest rupture he had ever seen. The neurosurgeon said Holy $____, then he said it was the largest one he had seen in six months. He also said left unrepaired it would do permanent nerve damage and I could loose the use of my leg. Could have just been trying to scare me. I guess it worked I'll be seeing him tomorrow. I know back surgery used to be a big deal, however, it's much less scary now. I have talked to a couple people who have had it done and said it was great. Here's hoping. Michael my back will be 45 in Jan. Hope it goes good I want to go off road buggying this weekend.