Aw, Man

"Jonee" (Jonee) 11/10/2015 at 14:50 • Filed to: None

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I was awoken yesterday to a sound I always dread. My neighbor pounding on my apartment door shouting, “someone hit your car!” I’m pretty friendly with most of my neighbors, and everyone on my block knows me as the guy with the weird cars which is a good thing as it seems to keep people from messing with them when I have to park one on the street. We don’t exactly have the best drivers here in lovely Glendale, and my ‘78 Le Car has been living out there while the garage is occupied and finally paid the price. A lady in a Mini clipped it since it was the only car parked on that side of the street and apparently the old Renault was an irresistible target. Maybe the Mini was annoyed at the sight of a car smaller than it. I don’t know. Her airbags went off giving her a deserved punch in the face and the front of the Mini looked like a grenade had detonated inside. But, other than a new dent, the Le Car held up pretty well cosmetically. It’s got its share of battle scars already, so this just adds to the body work I was already preparing for. And now her insurance can hopefully pay for some restoration work. Yay? Most annoyingly, this coupler on the steering column broke when it was pushed over the curb, but clever me had a spare one on the shelf.

Also, the lovely butterfly wheels got some new curb rash.

But, she started right up and there doesn’t appear to be any suspension damage. God bless French engineering. A weekend of work and we’ll be back on the road again. I know that Mini isn’t going anywhere soon. This is the third of my cars to get creamed while stationary in the past 12 years. I had an AMC Pacer that was sideswiped by an F-150, and one of my old Subaru 360’s was rear ended while I ran inside my place to grab something. I’ve never been in an accident while driving around here. It’s just parked cars that seem to confuse the locals.

Patrick Nichols > Jonee 11/10/2015 at 14:57

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I feel like the person who named the “LeCar” was the original troll...

Seat Safety Switch > Jonee 11/10/2015 at 14:58

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Aw man, that breaks my heart to see such a rare and pristine shitbox get hit by some piece of shit boring commuter car.

That steering coupler must be designed to break in an impact from the looks of it, so hopefully there’s lots of spares out there to repair it with.

I can’t believe you’ve also lost a Pacer and a 360. You’re living my nightmares.

gin-san - shitpost specialist > Jonee 11/10/2015 at 15:00

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!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

picardfacepalm.jpg

What was her excuse for hitting your car, which was the only one on that side of the street? I can't help but thinking she was on her phone.

someassemblyrequired > Jonee 11/10/2015 at 15:00

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Always sucks, but glad to hear the car looks savable.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Seat Safety Switch 11/10/2015 at 15:01

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“Rare and pristine shitbox” is the best thing I'm likely to read today.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Jonee 11/10/2015 at 15:02

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Was this your car pre accident?

Jonee > Seat Safety Switch 11/10/2015 at 15:04

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Well, I wouldn’t have called it “pristine,” but, after much work, sweat and blood, it runs like a top. Yeah, that coupler is made of soft metal, so it did what it was supposed to.

I brought the Pacer and 360 back to life. It took some creativity to find replacement body parts, but I know other shitbox loving lunatics that helped.

64Mali > Jonee 11/10/2015 at 15:06

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Were you hit that hard or is it a safety feature to break so as not to impale the driver?

Jonee > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 11/10/2015 at 15:08

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Ha. No, actually, but I should try and track that down for parts. That’s even a “Black Beauty Edition” like my car. Mine was in a similar state when I got it. Here it is as it sat pre-idiot attack.

Jonee > gin-san - shitpost specialist 11/10/2015 at 15:10

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I imagine it was phone related, yeah. She had no excuse other than, “this road is really narrow.” It isn’t, and I happen to have the smallest car for miles, so this really took some effort.

Jonee > 64Mali 11/10/2015 at 15:12

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I’m pretty sure it’s meant to break like that, yeah. The steering wheel was locked, so the wheels turned on impact and that thing snapped like I guess it’s supposed to.

Luken10 > Jonee 11/10/2015 at 15:16

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I just read an article that said Glendale has the worst drivers in the US. Sorry about your car!

Ash78, voting early and often > Jonee 11/10/2015 at 15:17

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You should write mystery novels as John LeCar.

Jonee > Luken10 11/10/2015 at 15:22

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Thanks. Yeah, we also usually lead the nation in pedestrian deaths per capita. It’s not pretty. We have a large Armenian population and I think a lot of the recent arrivals are, to be kind, not experienced drivers.

gin-san - shitpost specialist > Ash78, voting early and often 11/10/2015 at 15:25

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John Jean LeCar

Boxer_4 > gin-san - shitpost specialist 11/10/2015 at 15:26

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Every time I see someone using their phone while driving, I want to rip the phone out of their hands and run it over a few times. Unfortunately, that’s considered assault in most places...

Luken10 > Jonee 11/10/2015 at 15:27

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I’ve heard the same remarks from a friend who lives in the area. I hadn’t heard about leading the nation in pedestrian deaths per capita. Good to know!

Seat Safety Switch > Jonee 11/10/2015 at 15:31

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You’re doing the Lord’s work.

deekster_caddy > Jonee 11/10/2015 at 15:42

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Le Car? Hyundai? Yugo?????

Adobe!

http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night…

(can’t figure out how to embed video, but go watch it if you don’t know what I’m talking about)

Jonee > Luken10 11/10/2015 at 15:49

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They’ve put a lot of effort into curtailing the pedestrian thing, so we may have abdicated that throne by now. I guess I’d rather they hit a parked car than me.

whiskeybusiness NOW A DANGER TO CROWDS NEAR YOU > Jonee 11/10/2015 at 16:28

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“ God bless French engineering. “

What?

Jonee > whiskeybusiness NOW A DANGER TO CROWDS NEAR YOU 11/10/2015 at 16:35

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Hey, it took a licking. It’s built like a very small, cheap tank.

wkiernan > Jonee 11/10/2015 at 17:46

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A Pacer and a Subaru 360 and a Le Car! Truly you are a great inspiration to us all.

Jobjoris > Jonee 11/10/2015 at 17:58

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NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Her airbags went off giving her a deserved punch in the face and the front of the Mini looked like a grenade had detonated inside.

Glad to see this minor impact had no impact on your humorous style of writing. YOU DID NOT MOUNT THOSE REAR LENSES I SENT YOU ALREADY I HOPE!!! If you need new parts just let me know.

Jonee > Jobjoris 11/11/2015 at 00:30

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Haha. I love that episode.

Fortunately, I’m waiting to put on those nice lenses until it’s painted and restored as the piece de resistance . Looks like I’ve found all the parts. Even a rear bumper which must be the last N.O.S. one on Earth. I don’t totally need it, but if her insurance will pay for it, I may as well get it.

Jobjoris > Jonee 11/11/2015 at 03:32

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Haha, I love the whole Seinfeld-Newman rivalry. That episode is epic.

What’s this “IF her insurance will pay”? She inflicted the damage, right?

greenagain > Jonee 11/11/2015 at 21:42

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I seem to meet a couple of car buyers every month whose cars were wrecked while parked.

greenagain > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 11/11/2015 at 21:44

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No,

“The airbag gave her a well deserved punch in the face”.

That’s the winner.

greenagain > Seat Safety Switch 11/11/2015 at 21:45

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Someone always shows up to take in the lepers.

Jonee > Jobjoris 11/12/2015 at 03:09

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Yeah, her insurance will have to pay. I just hope they don’t try to total it and say the car isn’t worth anything and isn’t worth fixing. Something’s definitely screwed up with the suspension. I haven’t, yet, looked closely. I’m going to put it on a lift this weekend. I stuck the steering column back together with zip ties today to move it.

Jobjoris > Jonee 11/12/2015 at 04:00

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That’s a big risk. But then again: a car that featured stories on Oppo/Jalopnik is worth a hell of a lot more than a regular Le Car.

If the Insurance company totals it, will it have a title that’s gonna be a problem getting it back on the road again?

Jonee > Jobjoris 11/13/2015 at 02:04

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Good point. I’ll have to email them my articles. That car is world famous.

If they total it, it will say “salvage” on the title, but it will still be able to be registered. That will usually affect its value, but for that car it won’t make a big difference.

Jobjoris > Jonee 11/13/2015 at 07:24

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It’s a bit the same over here. But getting it registered for road use again can be quite the hassle. Your Le Car must be worth over 10k with all that media exposure!

Jonee > Jobjoris 11/14/2015 at 02:18

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It’s practically a Bond car at this point. Priceless.

Jobjoris > Jonee 11/14/2015 at 04:45

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Ergo: It can never be a Total-Loss!

A Bond-car? What epic features does it have except for leaving oil on the road? ;-)

Jonee > Jobjoris 11/15/2015 at 01:37

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Well, I mean it’s a famous as a Bond car. But, with all the holes in the upholstery, it’s got lots of secret compartments to hide microfilm.

Jobjoris > Jonee 11/15/2015 at 12:39

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Haha... Speaking about microfilms: Whatever happened to those? Just superseded by digital solutions I suppose. So I guess you need to find a new purpose for those holes.

Jonee > Jobjoris 11/16/2015 at 03:30

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Yeah, I guess they’ve been replaced by thumb drives. At least, that’s what replaced them on t.v. So, I could hide thumb drives in the seats. Actually, the upholstery is so bad, I could hide a whole Mexican or two. Might be a good way to make some extra money.

Jobjoris > Jonee 11/16/2015 at 04:53

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J. Eisen. Import/Export.

You need that Siete.

Jonee > Jobjoris 11/17/2015 at 03:23

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It would be cool to have the only 7 in America. I don’t think anyone else has one. It would make being undercover hard, but I have that issue already. You have any connections on the other side of the Iron Curtain?

Jobjoris > Jonee 11/17/2015 at 05:15

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My dad probably has. But they’re not that Automotively skilled. If you’re really interested I can make some calls.

Jonee > Jobjoris 11/17/2015 at 17:25

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I’ll let you know. I might be. I keep looking at the ad. I’ve never shipped from Europe all the way to L.A. before, so I’ll look into that. The Fuldamobil went to Boston first.

Jobjoris > Jonee 11/17/2015 at 18:05

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I totally understand the appeal. If it wasn’t for the moneypit (and my wife) I’d be driving towards the east already.

Jonee > Jobjoris 11/19/2015 at 03:36

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I didn’t realize you were potential competition. This changes things.

Jobjoris > Jonee 11/19/2015 at 04:37

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Oh no Sir, au contrair! If you want it go get it. Then I get to drive it anyway and help you in the process of getting it (which is 50% of the fun anyway). I’ve got no space for it left anyway.

Jonee > Jobjoris 11/20/2015 at 03:57

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I’m seeing if I could swing it and if it’s not too irrational an idea, not that that’s ever stopped me before. I also need to get a somewhat normal car to replace the Nissan. That car’s a champ, but I have to have something for when my mother is here that’ll be halfway comfortable. I’m looking at a C30, actually. I always liked those. What does your Volvo family think of them?

Jobjoris > Jonee 11/20/2015 at 07:24

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The C30 certainly ain’t a bad car, I just think the car looks odd from slightly-sided behind if you know what I mean. I was totally blown away when it was introduced in pearly white with those brown skirts.

You probably only got the 5-cylinders (we even got it with a 5-pot diesel!), these are the true champs. But I’d go for the S40. Totally unloved and therefor cheap. And extra doors. Or the V50 but that one is more expensive.

Jonee > Jobjoris 11/21/2015 at 13:59

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I’ve always found them incredibly beautiful. Especially that back end. That white one is awesome. I’ve never seen it with brown trim. Was it released like that? We only got it with the black skirts which I don’t like, but there was the R-Design which had body colored trim that looks much better.

Yeah, we got the T5 which is a fun motor. That diesel was probably a blast. I guess it’s kind of the same car as the S40 just as a 2-door hatch. It’ll be harder to find an S40 with a manuél here, but it’s a good suggestion. The C30 is just so much sexier, though.

Berang > Jonee 11/21/2015 at 17:03

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Hey Jon - I’ve got a lead on a Daihatsu Midget, but I’ve got no clue what sort of an offer would be reasonable to make on it. I would be interested in know what you paid for yours if you remember to give me an idea.

Thanks.

Jobjoris > Jonee 11/21/2015 at 18:17

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There’s no sex in that S40. Just the same ride quality. More spacious. And probably cheaper. The C30 Concept was white (or maybe extremely light grey) with brown indeed:

So when it was introduced one could order it with this brown trim. A colleague of mine had a T5 AWD that way. The D5 is one capable cruiser, at first not available with a Manuèl as the clutch/6-speed that would fit the body was capable of handling all that torque...

Jonee > Berang 11/21/2015 at 19:06

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It was a long time ago, so I’m not 100% certain. I feel like it was around 2 grand. Maybe a little more, maybe a little less. This was pre-Craigslist and I sort of stumbled across it. It was running, but needed everything else. But, it was rust free and had no dents, or anything. What kind of shape is this one in? They’re pretty hard to find these days. It looks like good, unrestored ones sell in the $6,000 neighborhood in Japan. Good luck. That’s a cool find.

Berang > Jonee 11/21/2015 at 20:07

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I haven’t got a good photo yet (I actually happened to spot it hiding in the background of a photo of something else and asked about it). It looks repainted, missing some parts - but apparently it does run.

Jonee > Berang 11/21/2015 at 21:55

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Sounds like it could be in similar shape to mine. They’re pretty robust. Getting the brake drums off is a real pain, though. I think you can get parts from Japan for them.

Jonee > Jobjoris 11/22/2015 at 04:33

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The S40 is definitely cheaper. It may not be too sexy, but it’s still a handsome car. Looking around, it hard to find one that hasn’t gone around the world.

Funny enough, I just saw a C30 with the brown trim. I had never noticed that it was that color on some cars. So, we did get that version here. I wish we got that diesel, too.

Jobjoris > Jonee 11/22/2015 at 08:57

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These 5-cylinders are known to be capable of covering the world at least three times so you should be fine with that. Really. They even get mounted with LPG without any issues over here. And if you see one with one of these:

It means it tracked over 300000 already over here. Actually, then it has 300k somewhere around the prancing moose but I couldn’t find a picture of that.

Jonee > Jobjoris 11/24/2015 at 00:29

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I have read that about that motor. But, that’s not what I’m worried about. The rest of the car is usually trash especially with the way people treat them around here. But, I’ve found a couple clean, sub 100,000 mi. ones around $8,000 which isn’t bad. I could spend a few grand more and get the pretty car, though.

I’ve seen that moose before, but I didn’t know the connection. That’s only 186,000 miles, though. I’ve had running AMC’s with that many on them. What do you get for 600K km’s?

Jobjoris > Jonee 11/24/2015 at 05:00

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Maybe the chance you get a trashed one is even smaller if you get the pretty one. As it could be some car-enthusiast instead of Joe the Plumber that was the pre-owner. But I don’t know your market.

“Only” 186k miles? Maybe the AMC’s were epic (I’m sure they were) but the usual US-car won’t reach that kind of milage easily around here. I probably mentioned my dad’s Dodge Shadow before: those cannot be found anywhere anymore over here.

Jonee > Jobjoris 11/24/2015 at 23:57

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I have my eye on a well taken care of C30 that’s very reasonably priced. It’s the R-Design, so it has the body painted trim and sportier suspension. It’s a nice car.

Well, that era of American cars wasn’t very good. But, older American cars run forever. And they seem to be better nowadays. But, for a Volvo, I thought 180,000 miles was just getting worn in. That’s the reputation, anyway. I would expect the award to be a little more difficult to acquire.

Jobjoris > Jonee 11/25/2015 at 04:29

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Pictures/url!!! It is a 6-speed T5 right? AWD?

Yeah, those 5 liter V8’s with 120 hp had a thermal “load” of a two-stroke diesel so they better run infinitely. Over here a car usually is starting to become written of after 250k, 300k kms. The only ones not are the Volvos. And Mercedes.

Jonee > Jobjoris 11/27/2015 at 00:36

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Yep, 6-speed T5. Not AWD. I don’t think we got them with AWD here. Maybe, but I think I’ve only seen FWD. 32,000 miles and it’s in good shape. I really enjoyed driving it. But, anything with a turbo and/or more than 150 horsepower feels thrilling to me after what I normally drive. I think it looks good in that monochrome silver and I normally don’t care much for silver.

Some of those engines started with upwards of 250 or more horsepower. I guess the different style of driving and cars with smaller motors makes a difference. I guess people still trade their cars in after a few years. Not so much because it’s worn out, but now all the gadgets are obsolete.

Jobjoris > Jonee 11/27/2015 at 06:16

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Good looking car. Blue gauges, nice! Could use bigger wheels though ;-)

That car is gonna outlive you with that kind of mileage. Silver ain’t my color either but this ain’t bad, seems to be somewhat lighter than usual. That 5-banger is awesome, sounds great as well.

“We” used to trade our cars in after 3 or 4 years, that period is more about 5 years nowadays.

Jonee > Jobjoris 11/27/2015 at 22:50

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Those wheels are the optional 17” wheels as opposed to the standard 18” ones for the R-Design. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of the option being a smaller wheel, but I think it’s a better size regardless.

Yeah, the light silver looks good on this car. You can’t hear the engine since it’s a Volvo, although the tires sure are loud.

I guess that’s really the same here. I think we’re up to 6 on average. In the old days, you’d get a new one every 2 or 3.

Jobjoris > Jonee 11/28/2015 at 10:06

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Haha, an optional downgrade? Awesome. Do you get a refund on that option? If it’s an R-design and it has the sport suspension 17” is better btw, I have these for winter. During the summer there’s 18” but it’s really, really hard. But I had to lower it as I’ve got the AWD and that one is really too high on it’s feet standard.

Can’t hear the engine? Then you’re not trying enough! I’ve got some Blipshift tee’s you’re going to need now...

Jonee > Jobjoris 11/29/2015 at 18:50

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Yeah, it has the sport suspension which is probably the reason for the 17” wheel option. The bigger ones do look good, but I’m not crazy about those little, hard tires. I’d be curious to drive one of these with AWD. It must make it even thirstier, but I bet it’s fun.

I’m totally going to need one of those shirts. That’s awesome. When is that from? I don’t think they have them any more. I was admiring this one recently.

Jobjoris > Jonee 11/30/2015 at 03:24

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Getting out of the corner with that AWD is awesome. Just floor it. And again. And again...

I’ve got several of the World is Flat . They got ‘m in English as well. Once in a while they re-sell old shirt-designs, this Black Friday again. Usually there’s only one design at one moment available, actually a nice concept.

Jonee > Jobjoris 11/30/2015 at 17:36

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I forget to keep up with that site, but they do great designs. I’ll keep my eyes open for the “Gimme Five” one. Do you stock up on them, or something? The current “Oh, Christmas Tree” one is pretty cute.

http://blipshift.com/products/dash-…

Jobjoris > Jonee 11/30/2015 at 17:57

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I only wear ‘m on holidays. And at RS Fest of course. Or when I’m cutting down some trees. Which I’ll do again this weekend!

Haha, the X-mas tree is awesome. Reminds me of the Renault 25 V6 incident.

Jonee > Jobjoris 12/01/2015 at 04:21

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What trees?

The Renault 25 V6 incident?

Jobjoris > Jonee 12/01/2015 at 17:37

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One in front of the house and several in the garden. Hope it doesn’t rain all day. I need space!

Yes, never told that one? We were driving from Rotterdam to the east of the Netherlands I lived back then after visiting a concert (I think it was Supertramp). The Renault 25 V6 was blasting through the night. It had speaking board computer. Which said at some point “Oil pressure low, shut down engine immediately.” We we’re doing over 180 km/h so that was a bit hard. And we were too late anyway. I saw literaly EVERY SINGLE LIGHT in that dashboard flashing. Lots of mechanical noises up front. That car never lived again...

Jonee > Jobjoris 12/01/2015 at 18:24

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How big are these trees? I had no idea you have lumberjack skills.

That’s a great story. That sure sounds like a Renault. At least it went out giving its all and in service of Supertramp. It could have died on the way to the concert. How was that show?

Jobjoris > Jonee 12/02/2015 at 02:11

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The three taxuses (or is it taxi?) are pretty tall, I think 10+ meters. I’ve got no lumberjack skills, a friend of dad’s is coming over to help. He’s a lumberjack. And a “king” actually. At the Schutterij that is haha.

It went out with a bang and a cloud of blue smoke. That car has truly been lived in. It was big enough, when the rear seat was down, to sleep in, heads in the trunk to keep it dark in the summer. We slept in it after a party once and were waken up due to some ball hitting the car, shot by some children playing outside. Scared the hell out of ‘m when pulling up at that car window hahaha... Truly a car with a history!

Supertramp was epic. Crime of the Century was a showpiece I’ll never forget with all the visuals.

Jonee > Jobjoris 12/04/2015 at 00:12

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Why are you calling the trees taxis? Does he wear one of those funny outfits? How did he get to be a king?

Did that one have the hatchback rear? We never got that car, only the 9 and 11. I guess people wouldn’t have bought an “expensive” Renault then.

I bet they were great. I’ve never seen them. They must still tour, right?

Jobjoris > Jonee 12/04/2015 at 03:54

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Because that’s what I thought was plural for a taxus . What do I know. Yes he does, on occasion. My dad as well, we always make fun of ‘m about that. I think you become King by winning a shooting contest, either by crossbow/arrow or by a muzzle-loader.

Hatchback all the way.

Next week they’re in Amsterdam, sold out though. They’re in Bruxelles as well but that’s mid-week so no option either.

Jonee > Jobjoris 12/05/2015 at 01:49

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Oooohhh. That’s a taxus. I’m not a horticulturalist, so I had no idea what the hell you were talking about. But, we grow those, I think.

We have similar types of clubs here where they have ceremonies and no one’s really sure if they serve any purpose other than to have a place where middle aged and old men go.

That’s a handsome car right there. I wish I could have one although now I’d be scared to drive it.

When was the last time you saw them?

Jobjoris > Jonee 12/05/2015 at 05:35

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Middle aged and upwards I think. The average age is about 60 I guess. At least. The King just bought a new Beretta superposé caliber 12 he told me. He’s the true out-doors type, no wonder he’s good with trees.

I never was scared to drive it. That failing engine wasn’t that scary either. Just find yhe right place to park the car. On a highway.

That was the last time I saw Supertramp live! And that has been about 10 years ago. It’s about time.

Jonee > Jobjoris 12/06/2015 at 14:27

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How is it going with the trees? I hope he’s not planning on shooting them down. That could take a while with a Beretta. Or, a muzzle loader for that matter.

A lot of older bands nowadays have been doing live shows where they play a classic album. Like, Sonic Youth did a Daydream Nation tour a couple years ago. And, I’ve seen Devo do their first album and the album with Whip It on it. I’d love to see Supertramp do that with Breakfast in America . Maybe they have.

Jobjoris > Jonee 12/07/2015 at 03:26

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They’re gone now. I’m glad the king showed up with one of his vassals. The Beretta took too long indeed and as he was just shooting below I was afraid the tree would come down totally out of control. His feudatory went up with a “shorty” and it was gone in a heartbeat. Awesome to watch.

Could be, I haven’t been to much shows lately so it’s about time anyway. I saw Roger Hodgson live solo twice as well. That was really amazing as he invited people watching him to climb up the podium and make music with him, he provided the instruments.

Jonee > Jobjoris 12/08/2015 at 00:38

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Oh, wow. Those are a lot bigger than I imagined. That looks pretty exciting. What’s he standing on? Is Shorty what he called his sword?

That sounds pretty fun. Does he play Supertramp songs? Some other friends of mine’s band just covered Logical Song with one of their kids doing the vocals. It’s pretty cool.

Jobjoris > Jonee 12/08/2015 at 14:47

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That was the fun part with this line of work: you cut off pieces of that tree so you can stand on! Create your own ladder! A shorty is some sort of sword with an extreme short blad. More like a knife.

I think half of it was Supertramp. School is nothing without Rodger and he (co-?) wrote most of that stuff so it’s legit. As is that Logical Song of your friend’s band! Great video as well!

Jonee > Jobjoris 12/09/2015 at 13:24

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Ah, that’s a pretty neat technique. It sounds like a real lumberjack move. Does he have a whole collection of chainsaws of different lengths? I can see where a long one would probably cause you to topple over in that position. Why did you want that tree gone? More room? I imagine you get more sunlight now, too.

From what I know, Roger wrote most of that band’s hits, so he is legit. And, I just realized, on your Renault trip, you truly did take the long way home.

Jobjoris > Jonee 12/10/2015 at 02:10

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Yep, he “carried” three. I was down the tree with the biggest, cutting all the fallen wood in to smaller pieces for transportation. The trees had to go. Planted somewhere in the 30’s, 40’s and never looked back at. Taking up too much space in my narrow (6 meters wide) garden. Blocking sun on the terrace. But now I’ve got a different problem as some big-ass light on the parkingspace way behind me was blocked as well so that’s shining through now. First world problems...

Hahaha, quite indeed: The long way home. Epic night. Can’t even remember how we ended up home.

Jonee > Jobjoris 12/11/2015 at 00:37

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Ah, yeah. There’s always unforeseen consequences. I bet you get a lot more sunlight during the day now. That part might be nice.

Jobjoris > Jonee 12/11/2015 at 06:04

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And, as they were next to our private parking places, a lot less complains from a neighbor the roof of his 9-3 convertible is covered with stuff from the tree (and pigeon-poo) all the time...

Jonee > Jobjoris 12/13/2015 at 01:42

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Ugh, yeah, I hate that. There are spots on my street I can’t park because of the same reasons. Plus my neighbors goddam sprinkler that sprays the street more than his grass.

Jobjoris > Jonee 12/13/2015 at 05:08

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The Le Car will probably vanish completely when covered in all the pooh. That sprinkler-dude must be the most popular guy of the street. Like a pop-up car wash. Awesome.

Jonee > Jobjoris 12/14/2015 at 03:38

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It especially sucks cleaning bird crap off the sunroof. If you leave it, it gets embedded in there. It’s gross.

It’s no car wash. It leaves spots all over the car. The worst is on the windshield. Of course, with the smog, cars are always filthy out here anyway. But, those spots are hard to get off. They don’t use regular tap water to irrigate. It’s “hard water” with more stuff in it.

Jobjoris > Jonee 12/14/2015 at 04:57

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Pigeons. Rats of the sky. Karenjy better use thick paint before you’re starting to import those.

Well, you didn’t pay the guy yet, did you? See if that make’s any difference.

Jonee > Jobjoris 12/15/2015 at 02:24

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Fortunately, they’re not pigeons in my neighborhood. But, I always call pigeons that, too. I think the Karenjy’s color is infused in the plastic body. So, we may have trouble with the bird shit eating the plastic, but the color should remain consistent.

Pay who for what?

Jobjoris > Jonee 12/15/2015 at 07:22

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My wife loves pigeons. And feeds them all the time. When we moved, some pigeons moved along. True story.

Can’t we ask the Karenjy company to come up with an aluminium edition for the west?

The guy of the Pop up carwash!

Jonee > Jobjoris 12/16/2015 at 14:00

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That’s crazy. I didn’t know pigeons were that smart. How do you know they’re the same pigeons?

That’ll be part of my contract. The car is mostly flat panels, so I can’t see why it would be much of an issue. Maybe even use some carbon fiber. Don’t they have extra carbon fiber trimmings after they make some of these parts for supercars? Maybe we can buy that stuff cheap.

He should pay me because I always have to wash my car after he washes my car.

Jobjoris > Jonee 12/17/2015 at 02:45

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Well, pigeons come in pairs (lovers) most of the time. And they come immediately after my wife whistles a certain melody. To get food. Believe me: These are the same. Same colors. Same rituals. Same pooh. They’ve moved along twice now.

What about some armored plating? For use in the middle-east/Russia?

Haha, it’s a Catch-22!

Jonee > Jobjoris 12/18/2015 at 01:48

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That’s incredible. She’s the Pied Piper of pigeons. How did the pigeons know where she went?

Bullet proofing is a good idea. Also for the American market these days. That could be our in. The car with armor as standard equipment. Throw in a gun rack and we’re golden.

Car washes do big business out here for a reason. I actually get free car washes from the place where I bought the C30. One of the perks of buying a car in Beverly Hills. Although I’m sure a lot of places do that, but still, Beverly Hills. I can go shopping with Paris Hilton while they wash the car. I actually was once invited to spend the weekend with her and some friends at a house she rented at this rock festival they have out here every year. True story.

Jobjoris > Jonee 12/18/2015 at 05:36

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We sent them a notification like we sent you ;-)

I have no idea actually. Kris says they just see it from above.

How come, lots of drive-by-shootings? Well, with every 15-year old carrying a gun something always is about to happen. Do you have a gun yourself?

Leave Paris alone. You got invited. But... Did you actually go?

Jonee > Jobjoris 12/20/2015 at 15:30

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I’ve heard crows are very smart and can recognize people, but I had no idea pigeons could read. Or, get mail for that matter.

I’m just thinking of Americans’ overall obsession with guns and fear that the terrorists are everywhere. Plus, the police have gotten so trigger happy, I might be interested in a bullet proof car myself. I don’t have a gun, no. That’s not my thing. I’d end up shooting myself somehow even without ever handling it.

I didn’t go, no. I didn’t want to spend the money on the festival ticket. Would have made a funny story, probably, though.

Jobjoris > Jonee 12/21/2015 at 03:41

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Haha... Did you ever see that movie Let’s be cops , in which two guys pretend to be... cops? It’s not that a good movie but some aspects are really funny but most important is, I suppose, the way the police are portrayed. Nobody seems to really take ‘m seriously somehow. I’ve been pulled over in the US once, almost shit myself in fear.

Jonee > Jobjoris 12/22/2015 at 01:42

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I didn’t see that movie, no, but I saw the commercial a couple hundred times. I think that is an issue, people not respecting the police. The can act terribly, but most of them seem to be nice. As long as you’re nice to them.

Jobjoris > Jonee 12/22/2015 at 03:58

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I’ve done a job at the Utrecht Police force. And my house has been hacked twice. And if you see something happening what you think needs Police attention they hardly show up. After I was called out of bed because a friend of mine drove at speed into the one-way street we’re living in one hour earlier because the mrs. thought there were burglars in the house (I wasn’t at home at the moment, was in a bar nearby) I lost all confidence in the Dutch police force.

Jonee > Jobjoris 12/23/2015 at 03:49

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Wait, what happened? You were in bed at the bar and then your friend drove the wrong way down a one way street and broke into your house?

I had my apartment broken into once and they stole my computer and all my car keys. The police came fairly quickly, but the burglars were long gone, of course. They never got my stuff back, but they were friendly about it.

Jobjoris > Jonee 12/23/2015 at 05:19

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Pff... I live in a one-way street. I was at a sidewalk cafe nearby, by foot. A friend who lives more remote came by car. The mrs. was in bed already.

Then I got a call by the mrs. she heard something downstairs. So I ran like hell home shouting to my friends what was happening. One followed by foot, another one by car, driving the wrong way.

We searched the house, nothing appeared to be wrong. Closed all, told my friends goodbye (they returned to the bar, I didn’t) and went to bed. Half an hour later the doorbell rang. The police. Who the guy was that drove in the streets the wrong way. Not asking if everything was alright. Or what happened. Just “who’s that guy”. I just sighed and shut the door. Two weeks before that there was a bar-fight going on in a Shoarma restaurant near the same sidewalk cafe, I called, coppers showed up 25 minutes later. At first driving by slowly (to check if all was clear again?), 5 minutes later driving the wrong direction to return to the restaurant and interview the owner (with his smashed windows). Stuff like that makes me feel so safe...

There has been broken in twice in the old house. Stuff gone. Never to return (1 car).

Jonee > Jobjoris 12/24/2015 at 13:52

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Ah, that is crazy. Were they actually going to track down your friend who drove up the street the wrong way? That was the biggest crime committed in Breda that day? Or, I guess the only one they wanted to investigate. How are the police in Belgium? I remember you telling me about the break-ins at the other place. Which car did they steal again?