After replacing the brake pads and the battery, I thought it was time for a less vital, but fun update in light of my upcoming road trip to Big Bend; a new car stereo.
It’s not super fancy, but does have a USB link to my phone, and can play music from it. It is a big upgrade from the original 2001 Ford car stereo with only FM/AM and CD.
No Apple Car Play, but that’s ok, as my iPhone mounts just below the radio, so I can easily see that and use it hands free.
Last time I was over, I noticed my truck made some grinding noise when driving slow and breaking. It was coming from the rear on the right side. So I ordered some new brake pads to replace the old ones. I never worked on anything mechanical on my truck so I figured I’d be able to 😉
Turns out it was (over)due;
The one on the right is the old one I took out. It was down to 0, so breaking was metal on metal.
My truck did still have a Jack, but no lug wrench, so I ordered one. Getting the wheels off was no easy task; jumping on the wrench with my full body weight (which at 70kg is a modest weight, admittedly) none of the nuts would give. Being not strong nor heavy, but luckily also not stupid, I extended the arm of the wrench, after which the nuts came off easily.
It can be so convenient to have an engineer’s brain and not two left hands.
The left rear wheel went a lot faster, and the pads weren’t as worn either. I guess even breaks are right oriented here 🤣
Now the car runs silent again and the breaks definitely work better. Friday I will receive the front wheel break pads, and I’ll inspect and if needed replace those. They likely have been replaced before, but from the looks of it, the pads on the rear were the original pads from 2001!
To convert my truck into a low cost camper, I purchased a Joy Tutus camper shell tent for my F150. It’s strapped down to the truck and with the tailgate open, there’s enough room for 2.
To make the truck bed comfortable, there are air mattresses that fit the truck and follows the shape of the truck bed. I did not order the mattress yet, but if I do head out to Big Bend national park, I’ll likely order one.
Rolled up it’s a small and light package.