Second this, rivets are only removable via drilling them out. Use nutsert/rivnut tool and install a threaded rivet that can be used to put in a bolt. If we are talking replacing a self tapping size a M6X1.0 with an 8mm head would probably work as they are similar to a 5/16 self tapping in size/dimension.

1968 Oldsmobile

Yea those were turds.  The MKS with the ecoboost V6 on the other hand was quite nice.

With the mileage and intermittent check engine light, my guess is a catalyst efficiency code.  I also doubt it is just the O2 sensor.  Cats aren’t cheap and even if it is not the Cat this time, it will be at some point soon.

My understanding is they brought it to market as a compliance car to get their fleet mpg down.  They used as many Fiat/Chrysler parts as possible to keep the cost down and pushed them out on the cheap.

Does anyone know what engine/trans they are using in this? If possible contractors are directed to use commercial parts (like the GM engine, trans, and chassis on the LLV) so I’m wondering who Oshkosh sourced for the engine and trans on this.

I kind of wish they had done more with it.  I remember when the old SRT-4's were showing up at the drag strip and winning against WRX’s and EVO’s.  The dart had arguably a better chassis than the neon and could’ve been turned into a monster if they let SRT have a go at it.  Especially if they developed the engine from…

F150 5.4L. Had no power compared to the Chevy 1500 V8 (6.0L).  It also had spark plugs the broke into pieces during removal.  For a truck I would expect more power and better reliability, of which the F150 had neither.

In terms of the old Northrop Grumman LLV (long life vehicle), they did borrow heavily from a car company-GM. The chassis was build from a 1982 S10 and the engine is the iron duke TBI 4-cylinder 2.5L. That engine was later replaced with the 2.2L SPFI.  They also used a GM sourced TH180 transmission.  Basically GM built…

They are required by law to do market research. All government contracting is regulated by the FAR- Federal Acquisition Regulation. FAR Part 10 describes that you shall conduct market research.

I hope it opens farther than that.  I can’t imagine trying to pour a gallon of washer fluid in such a tight space.  Same goes for topping off the brake fluid, that’ll get sloshed all over some stuff that probably shouldn’t have brake fluid on it.

They were behind me.  I was looking forward, as you do when going forward.  Car ran a stop sign and plowed into the back tire.  You can’t physically see behind you with a helmet on.  Blaming the person getting hit by a car is the dumbest argument to make.

A Mitsubishi Mirage starts under $15k that’s plenty cheap if you ask me.  Especially for what comes as standard equipment.

Having supply chain issues?

As a person who has been hit by a car I call bullshit. I had a person that ran a stop sign hit the back of my motorcycle.  There was no way for me to avoid the collision as they were past my line of sight.  Happened in under a second.  Flew 20 ft. through the air.  You are not responsible for people hitting you. …

Totally agree, one thing that’s going to really kill this big cars/trucks/SUV’s is the cost of repairs. Air suspension, giant aluminum control arms, magnetic shocks, power liftgate motor, etc. are going to be reaallll expensive when it comes time to replace them. I usually get the base model suspension or whatever…

^This.  As the price goes up, dealers just change the loan structure to reduce monthly payments by adding months to the lease.  Nissan is one of the most well known for this strategy.

It’s pretty common for cars to get worse fuel economy in colder weather for a couple of reasons. The main 2 are that 1. they run rich when they are in the warm up cycle using more gas 2. the blend of gasoline in the winter is different and is less fuel efficient.

Agree on all counts.  I have a pretty good understanding of electricity, used to be ASE Certified in Electrical and took quite a few classes on it.

In terms of voltage you are correct, standard voltage is 300-800V DC. Most insulated tools are rated 10kV to 15kV usually in reference to AC voltage since that’s what most electricians work on, do a search for insulated tools and you will see what I mean. I am not referencing the battery voltage, but the rating for…