Well that’s a maybe.. And I’m not ready yet.. Officially it’s still winter for a few more weeks. I have to keep the car covered and dry. If it was in a garage I would start right away. That would be nice. But that’s not going to stop me from doing research on solving some of the issues I know of. “I know of” Ya.. there are still some unknowns. The car needs to go on the hoist and all the stuff you can’t see checked. Brakes, suspension, frame, lines… and the whole condition of the underside. For now my focus is on keeping mother nature from doing further damage. I believe I have sourced the weather stripping needed for the windows. Also I have a local shop that can replace the roof.. For now these I consider the next most important things. However for the time being this is my view out the window.
Note: I constantly update this blog post and other posts too..
Winters are hard on me.. Time to get stupid.. and buy something. BIG
But was I stupid ??
It was cheap. ( so not much invested) It drives, and I could have driven it home if it wasn’t still winter. This photo was taken in Creston when we stopped for lunch. It’s still clean! But not for long… There is still snow on the mountain passes, and we have three of those to get home.
Meanwhile back in Grand Forks…
It’s here now ( home) and a little dirtier. And soon off to the car wash for the trailer and the car then I will unload the car. I’ve got to remember this Chevy is 38 years old ! Guess what I found in the glove box ??
The owners manual ! In excellent condition. Blew my mind. I never expect that. And yes I read the whole thing.
History Lesson…
What little I know. I bought the car from the son of the owner. Dad owned the car from 1992 till now. (Claimed) Only driven in the summer and stored under cover… OK I’ll buy that. It is a convertible and I can not find any rusty places. Dad was a heavy duty mechanic for the coal mines and lived in Elkford. Winter lasts more than six months there. So unless the dash was replaced, he drove a whopping 300,000+ kms in those 34 years. Yup possible, the math sorta works. However that 9000 kms every summer seams like a lot of driving. So the whole mile’d up thing is up for debate, and not what I was hoping for.
Looks like that’s correct !
I must note here (after reading the manual) that the odometer has a feature that tells you if the numbers have been tampered with. Suffice to say THIS odo has not been tampered with..
I’m writing this post a bit early.. Haven’t even unloaded the car from the trailer.Got that done today and made a video too… Check that out …
Today I have had a much closer look at the car.. Put a new battery in, and air in the tires. Some gas in the tank.. Took it for a drive …about 4 kms on our rural roads. No issues. It drives better than I expected. I like it !
That’s the good..But let’s look at the bad stuff…
And you know there’s got to be some things not right. Let’s put aside the terrible paint job. That’s not going to be a problem for the time being. And it looks fine from 20 ft away. I’m more concerned with the condition of the weather stripping and the seals for the windows. It’s an old convertible ! Which means even more places that’s going to let the rain in. Sourcing these seals is going to be a challenge. I’ll take some photos of what I’m referring to.
#1 bad place to leak.
The belt line seal for the drivers door/ window on the outside is missing. The rain will just run down inside the door.. Not Good !
#2 bad place to leak !
This gap is between the front and rear windows. Is the rear window to blame for this? Is there a seal missing ? That metal piece comes off and I suspect it’s on the wrong side.
#3 Bad place to leak ! chunks are missing..
This time the rear drivers side belt line window seal. All four should be replaced. I wonder if something generic could be used. So I pulled this belt line moulding off to see how the felt / rubber seal is attached. ( what’s left of it )
Here it is.. the belt line is a metal cap that snaps onto the top of the door , or in this case the body behind the door. stapled to it is the rubber / felt window seal / wiper. I found a place in California that sells just the rubber / felt part…. By the foot. So I can repair this. What little is left of these seals is hard, brittle and doing nothing to stop rain from coming in. Two down one to go..
A new top !
The other part to keeping the car dry inside is the whole convertible top.. That’s a big one. But just today I found out the local upholstery shop here can replace the top… with a”glass” window for approximately $1600. My choice of colours.. I think I’ll stick with black. The rain is coming so for now I have a tarp over the car and a car cover over that.
That should keep it dry.. Intro is done… Time to start a new post for the repairs / restoring work.
And.. New work to do on the Avalanche. So first thing right away is the exhaust manifold leaks. As I write this it’s in the shop having that done. And then before winter is done… the knock sensors will be done and hopefully that will finally turn that darn check engine light off. Even before these things get done I just haveta say the Avalanche has been reliable and driving great. To be expected given the amount of new parts and work done since I’ve owned it.
Lucky me just the left side exhaust manifold needed to be done ( I think it’s quieter? ). And with that job out of the way.. Time to try out Peter’s new scan tool.. Yes it shows the Knock sensors, An evap leak plus a random miss fire on #8 cylinder. What the hey ! Time to check that spark plug.. And yup it’s got a cracked body. So a new plug went in and the codes reset. Will the check engine light come on ?? Now I drive the Avy till it does, or it doesn’t. In the meantime ! It’s time to do an upgrade to the stereo. Here’s a new head unit..
This should be fun.. I haven’t done one of these in a few years.. The 2009 Avy was supposed to get a new stereo, but I sold it before that happened. So this gives the 2006 a big upgrade in it’s functioning. Bluetooth, touch screen, navigation, USB input and most important to me a rear camera ! Never use the CD player. I’m putting the camera on a switch so I can leave it on while hooking up and pulling trailers.
That handy little panel next to the climate control.. and it’s lonely traction control button now has friends. A second USB and the switch for the rear camera. This is an Android based stereo so it works good with our phone. I’ve played with it a bit on the table, can’t wait to try it in the Avalanche. I’m making a video on the install, and I will link that later. I’m waiting for one last piece of the puzzle. The interface so the chimes , bose amp and the steering wheel controls will work. Here’s the camera I bought to use with the stereo..
Not all the cameras have the power wire in the cable all the way to the head unit. Most come with it short and intended to hook up to the reverse lights for power. That’s the way I need it. That’s what the yellow switch is for … So instead of the reverse gear triggering the camera, I use the switch.
All wired up now, and the camera wire routed to the back.. Looks like it belongs..
Not the easiest to set up.. I did get the volume controls on the steering wheel to work.. Really all I need or care about. But I can’t get the camera to work yet.. I’ll keep working on stuff..
You’ll notice the bug is sporting a new seat. (not mounted yet) That’s one thing to do while in here. The list is : install the deck, Re-wire all the electrical. ( going to be dangerous) I’ll need a new battery. Fix some rubber bumper buttons (where the body sits on the frame). Oh there will be other details as well. As soon as it warms up we shall start….. maybe tomorrow.
It’s tomorrow ! And I tore into the wiring.. I have practice.. And I know the colour code for the wires. Let’s do it while things are fresh in my mind. Safety switches are removed and all the excess wires removed too..
Just like the “yard beetle” wires are in a loom and the key switch is taped up. Solenoid moved and everything tidied up.
All tested too. DONE. A few little things to do before I re- install the deck. Like the rubber bumper buttons that the body rests on. Time to mount the seat too. And that is done… four of the holes did line up. The rubber bumpers are on too. Time to deck the halls. But first a new video…
I liked the first one sooo much..I want to collect them.. So why not get a second one.
Different Flavour !
Different year too.. I drove five hours to the Fraser Valley to get this one.. WHY ? Because it was $75 bucks. And only missing a few things. But Yard Bug #1 is also missing a few things. However nothing that would stop it from mowing the lawn. I believe this one is a 2000 model because it has the 8.5 hp motor. The builder’s decal is on this one and again made in Canada !
Should I call that 1-800 number ? Nah. I just gave him the money … we loaded it up an headed home. This time I had help unloading last night and therefore did not have a runaway down the ramps and over my foot.. This morning I went out and had a look at what I’ve paid $75 for.
Here’s the photo in the ad.. Ya.. not much help, but does show the grass bin and a motor ! Doesn’t mention the fourteen thousand pine needles hiding everywhere. I’m not at all disappointed. A quick assessment told me a few things need fixing. For sure the wiring , that rear wheel is off the rim, the cables need lube, two need to be freed up. That would put this little guy back on grass cutting duty. I gave the beetle a bath and then made a video.
Think of how much more it would have sold for if it looked like it does in the video. Now I have more pine needles in my yard.. Stuff is nice to work on when clean. Time to roll the beetle into my little shop.
There you have it.. room to work …no dirt. The green and yellow is growing on me. I’ve ordered some bits and pieces. New key switch, air filter and battery terminal covers. Now to sort out this wiring. Funny thing ! I tested the seat switch from the Beetle and it does the opposite of the Yard Bug.. Weird.. When you sit on the seat Beetle brakes the connection. Yard Bug makes the connection. The mower deck engagement safety switch was just hanging around with a zip tie holding the button in. It does both with four wires.. My head hurts ! So I took the steering wheel and console off to get to the cables for the forward / reverse lever.
This is what’s under that cover. so now I’m pouring the juice down there and slowly work those cables.
The Electrical Stuff:
Let the fun begin.. I’m rewiring the whole Beetle. No more non – working safety stuff… we’re going to live dangerously ! The new key switch arrived today as well as some other bits.
New Key Switch ! With fancy new key! Now I can test some wires to make sure I’m right. Here’s some of the corrosion That may be most of the problem.
If this solenoid works I’ll clean it up. And mount it in a better place, as well as that fuse you can see in the background. Here’s the newest video…
The solenoid is dead.. relay works but no contact.. I have a working one so I’ll use that. Here’s a photo of all the extra wires I’m tossing..
I’ll keep the switches though.. Ya never know. The round one is the seat switch. How about an up date video.. Coming right up….
Going great… the wiring is done all tidy in a loom.. And far less to deal with. The contacts on the new switch are different from the old one, so I swapped some wires around so it does the right thing.
I taped the rubber dust cap to the key switch and that should keep it clean. And like I said we are living dangerously now.. (not really) You can start the motor without sitting on the seat, or pressing on the brake. Even if the shifter was in forward the mower will not move unless you are pushing on the “GO” peddle. I think we will be okay. Moved the (new) solenoid out from under the battery.. New connectors , wires checked,
The 30 amp fuse is easy to get at. (not blown) Now on to the motor… I’m hoping to remove the carb and clean it. The gas line is missing in action.. so need that. With a filter ! I have a new air filter, and gas line now installed. No leaks! And the Beetle got a polishing..
Also taped up the seat with yellow duck tape. So let’s see how this goes, starting the motor! Will it run ? Why yes and the proof is in this video..
I’ll have to admit I’m not overly surprised. There’s no reason for it not to. It’s not on this video but when we turned the key the first time the motor started after only a few cranks. We have a winner ! I sharpened the blade too. So ready for lawn cutting … Except there is 4″ of snow outside. So with that we will sign off on this little Beetle till spring. I’m parking it in the shelter in place of the Yard Bug #1. That will come into the shed / shop to have some work done. I’m leaving you with a final photo… all shiny.
Top of the line tractor, with all the bells and a few whistles too. Yes the bush guard is factory.. Yes there is a mower deck. and that mower deck is a heavy-duty triple blade one.
Right now it has the mulching plate on but came with the deflector as well. This is NOT a thin stamped deck, this is a welded thick sheet steel deck. With a PTO electric blade engage. I made an intro video for this puppy.
Maybe puppy is the wrong term.. .. Anyway this is a full featured lawn tractor.. it even has a 12 volt power outlet ! ANNNDDD
Check out the dash… An ammeter and a hour meter. Do they work ? Not sure yet. But enough about the features.. What makes it a project ? It’s not running yet. We believe it needs a new fuel pump. These do fail, and are a cheap part to buy.. That will most likely get the motor running. Well that and a working battery. Next is an upper bushing for the steering wheel shaft.. That will fix the loose steering wheel.. a typical issue. New belt for the mower deck and the seat needs help.. most likely a seat cover. We may find more stuff.. But for now after those things Time for a good polish and plastic restorer.
It’s the next day after picking the Husky up. I’ve ordered the steering bushing and the fuel pump. The battery is on charge and I’m hopeful because It was low but not dead. If the motor runs good that would mean this tractor is an easy fix, and could be ready to sell quickly. Fingers crossed… In the meantime I’m giving the tractor and the deck a bath.
Oh and the battery charged up and passed the load test. One less thing to buy.
I now have all the parts I need bu it’s too cold outside to do the work. I have instead been working on the “Yard Beetle” which fits in my warm shed where my tools are. BUT because someone I know would like this tractor I decided to move it to a warm shop. And did just that today. Tomorrow I’ll get the work done..
And just like that..it’s tomorrow.. and here’s the new fuel pump installed. And the steering bushing too ! Put some fresh gas in the tank and the motor fired right up. Runs great. Just the deck to get back on now. Had to order a new set of blades, the old ones were toast. I also sprung for a new battery, It’s worth it !
December 15th 2025:
The new blades came today and I installed them and put the deck back on the tractor. Everything works except the headlights.. We drove it around and then up on to the trailer to come home. Here’s proof..
That’s a snow blower on the dolly. And it’s barely used ! However missing a few control parts. I had one of these tractors 15 years ago. Here’s proof… photo taken in 2009.
It was only ten years old then.. and had hydro static drive, and was a lot more shiny. The new one I just picked up is a six speed manual transmission. Otherwise the same. And yes needs a few repairs and a battery, but I’m told it runs. Here’s a better photo.
It shows the extra 15 years of use and abuse ! But I’ll make it better. Missing the floor mats and the battery, I have the other parts and the deck. Needs the starter put back on and the steering fixed ( I have the parts).
Here’s the gross looking deck and it’s only missing the grass deflector. Arbours are good and so are the blades. And here’s a new video..
The weather was good today so I decided to give the tractor a much needed bath with the pressure washer. Especially the mower deck… clogged with grass and dirt. If I let that sit all winter there will be more rust. found two rusted through holes that will need patching.
Yup.. that’s one rusty deck.. I’ve seen worse. However the mechanics of it are still good so I will treat the rust and give it a much needed paint job.
Here’s the now cleaner tractor. The weather is staying nice still for another day so let’s put the starter back in and a battery and hear this motor run.
Got the stater back on with the new ring gear and tried starting the motor. The starter struggled to turn the motor over and started to smoke… Not good ! I’ve seen this before and it’s normally the demise of the starter. They do get old and tired. New starter is ordered.
A new starter is on and the motor fired right up. I have driven the tractor around the yard and it’s all good. So the two things needing to be fixed are the deck and the steering, but it’s too cold to work outside now. So I’m pausing this project till spring or I have a warm place to work.
Here’s a cutie that’s unique and a very SMART Design !
Just picked this up today… got a good deal.. It runs and drives and mows ! This one is the Canadian version of the “YARD BUG” or “Yard Beetle” Sold by Canadian Tire around about 2003. Most of these little guys were made under the “Yard Man” name, but all were made by MTD in the USA and Canada.
Well that’s close to the “John Deere” colours !
They also came out in different flavours (colours).. “Craftsman red” and “Cub Cadet” off white and of coarse the dark green of mine. As far as I can figure out …only for a few years in the early 2000’s. Some very interesting features on these. They could BAG, CHUTE and MULCH the grass.In other words a 3 in 1 mower. 30″ single blade deck. A foot pedal speed drive system and a tight turning radius. Designed to fit through any gate. Heck at 32″ wide it fits through the door of my shed ! Where’s the grass colector you ask ?…
Right in the middle of the mower, on top of the deck. I did say interesting. Oh yes.. AND there’s more. With the exception of the deck height lever everything is cable operated. Ya..SIX cables that I count. The guy I bought it from just replaced two of them.. So cable maintenance will be important. My video I made explains that best.
I wanted to make a video about going to get it and an introduction. I’m learning video editing .. got a long way to go !
So if it works the way it is.. then how can this be a project you ask ?
Well first there is a few “gremlins” in the wiring and safety switches. Those cause intermittent no start. I blame the notorious seat switch.. But it couls be more. Also I’m sure the deck will need work… All the linkages, cables and pulleys need to be checked. And lastly ( for now) some cosmetic stuff. Like the seat and maybe new paint ? For the time being it’s going to have a winter nap. But I’m planning one more video on the uniqueness of these little ride on mowers. I think they should still make them. Anyway here’s a new video I made.
I believe I figured out my DJI mini mic thing for audio. Anyway now each day that is NICE weather (warm) I will start work on the Yard Bug. Removing the deck is first.
Wow that is not very easy.. Lot’s things to do, pins and springs and the belt engage cable. All worth it … easier to clean and access things. And I’m learning how this little mower works. About the deck ? Well check out the photo….
Not at all what I expected.. Could use a bit of a wash.. but do I even need to paint it ? I’m not thinking so.. Let’s wash everything !
Would you look at that ! No rust on the top side. In way better shape then I expected. As I’m cleaning I’m checking all the parts and pieces. Nothing stands out as a problem…Nope.
Even the grass bin is in perfect condition. No broken plastics. The one belt I got to look at (mower belt) is great. This is not much of a project.. Seems the only thing needed is a tail pipe and the electrical gone over or a complete rewire. Oh and I will sharpen the blade while the deck is off and it’s easy to take off.
All clean.. This makes working on the electrical and the cables easy. The battery tray has some rust, so that needs a treatment and some kind of rubber mat. However after I sharpen the blade there is no plans of further work on the bug YET !
There we go.. Blade is clean and sharpened. The blade measures 27.5 ” .. so that would be the cut, even though the deck is 30″. Slowly when I feel like it I’m putzing away on the bug. I drained the gas and ran the motor out of fuel. That’s the way I want it for the winter. And now I have three pieces. I took the body (top) of the bug.. Brought that inside and tried polishing to see if any scratches would come out. They are deep so it’s only a bit better but now shiny !
Notice the ” 3 in 1″ decal is gone and so is the duct tape where the “full bag” window was. good enough for now.. so outside it went.
Quite the collection out there.. Soon the main part of the bug will be coming inside so I can go over the wiring.. Nothing else needs any work.. But first I’m having a look at the seat.. Can it be saved ?
Not thinking so.. It’s rusted badly. This is what happens when mowers are left outside without a cover. The rain soaks though the foam and never really dries out. It’s not rusted through yet and I did treat it.. So the seat pan is maybe okay, and the foam has survived. But the cover is toast.
Dec 25:
This was where I left off. The Bug was parked in the shelter with the body re-installed. The Yard Beetle #2 is all finished now and I’m swapping,so this one is going in the shed. Time for a re wire and a few things. Oh and put the deck back on. So let’s start a new post….
But it’s classified as a kayak. This one is not for running the river.. You could ,but it draws more water. I got this for the lakes, and because I’m finding it hard to get into and out of the regular kayaks where you sit on the floor. I can walk into this one and have a seat at the regular chair height, and stand up too. The photo above is from the add for it.. When I saw that , I said there’s the right idea.. And then the price ended up being way to temping. This “boat” came with lots of accessories , A nice carbon fiber paddle, a dolly for launching, a motor mount, the second seat and three rod holders. The seats both swivel and have storage under them. There is also a covered storage compartment at the stern. The deck on the bow is for standing on ? That could be interesting ! The hull is sort of a catamaran style.
So it should be extra stable. It’s that which makes me think …not for the river. Unless the river has depth. I’m looking forward to try this boat out.
I took my trailer to pick it up because the seller also threw in something I’ll show you later that’s under the kayak in the trailer. This is your standard 12 ft kayak in many ways but it’s a bit wider. Still it should be able to just slide it into my truck for transport. It’s all unloaded now ,and I learned how things fit and got the dolly underneath. Here’s a video I made …
Oh remember I mentioned a bonus that came home too.
It’s a roof rack that fit a truck canopy. With loading rollers at one end and nestling blocks at the other. I’m going to make a new kayak rack for the Avalanche. The old one I’ve had for 18 years has seen better days (end of life).
So Fall is full on in this October.. The river is getting cold and so are the lakes. Therefore I will wait till next spring to go for a paddle in my new boat. It’s now all wrapped up for the winter.
Looks like a mummy.. I don’t want it full of snow or even water.. This should keep it nice for the winter.. It’s off the ground too.. Sleep Nice !
Update: I was at a moving sale today buying his lawn tractor project that he did not finish. And what should I see… a 30 lb thrust electric motor.
Perfect for the fishing kayak. Fifty bucks.. works good.
Just need a good battery and we be motoring… on the water ! Looking forward to the spring..
Ok not the prettiest tractor… a bit scuffed and faded, But it works ! And as for the no start… I traced a lot of wires and found the problem. Wrong wire plugged into the starter solenoid. All safety switches are working AND now it shuts off as it should. The motor fired right up and runs good. So on to finishing the mower deck. Found a spring that works for the cable return, and fixed the broken grass deflector. We mounted the deck and discovered the belt I bought is the wrong one. So new one ordered.. Once I get the proper one on, then level the deck… It’s grass cutting time. !! I could get the headlights working and polish the lenses, but no one uses those.. REALLY not needed.
There is still a problem that makes the motor run rough when the mower is engaged. But We will find out why.. I think one of the safety switches is still acting up. The bagging system is installed ans fit’s great. Here’s the last photos of the tractor.
Deck is level and cutting great too.
It’s going to find a new home at my Nephew’s home.. Big yard !
