When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
+1 for Amayama. I've used them and partsouq.com for years for both my G and my BMW with zero issues.
As I mentioned in a different thread, amayama has a tendency to overestimate shipping costs, however, once the items are packed and ready to go they promptly refund any overpayment.
Yeah, me too. I've read that most of us get the 'man, sucks be you" pity rather than being antagonistic towards Americans.
Agree. Most of my team at work is spread out through eastern and central Europe and all of them are more aligned with "sucks to be you"/"We've been there" vs. antagonistic. The antagonistic European angle is overplayed by the media as it draws alot more clicks compared to the boring truth; Europe has had far more radical leadership pivots than the USA, so they are somewhat desensitized. In a way, our instability makes them feel a little more vulnerable if anything.
Of course if you act like an ***, they will adjust their demeanor, but that's not something indigenous to Europeans.
As for vacation, if you visit in the summer I'd guess that in popular spots like Florence, Rome, Almafi Coast, Vienna.....tourists may equal or exceed the local population in many areas (Venice is the worst). I was just there (Central Europe and Italy) last August and this seemed to be the case. The locals I did talk to were actually pretty friendly, especially in Austria, which is my personal favorite.
Last edited by socketz67; May 2, 2025 at 10:28 AM.
That sounds like it could be an epic vacation, John. One of our wine clubs is actually hosting a cruise down the Danube in 2026 and my wife have discussed doing it, so I'd be really curious to hear about your trip. Although, my wife really wants to go to Italy, so that might have to come first... as they say... happy wife, happy life!
Here's the description of the cruise from one of the newsletters that we get.Our Oso Libre Danube Cruise group is now 53 strong, AND there's still room for shipmates! We'll embark from tiny Vilshofen, a lovely village on the Danube. Once onboard AmaMora, sail downriver to Passau, a larger and historic Bavarian city at the confluence of three rivers, the Inn, the Ilz and the Danube. Over the centuries Passau has prospered with shipborne trade and commerce.
My recommendation (based on what my European colleagues recommended to me) for Italy would be: Fly from the states into Vienna (proper European city, always ranked in the top 2 places to live in the world for a reason)-> Fly from Vienna to Florence->Day long Winery Tour in the Tuscan Hills (San Gimigmano is an hour or so on a nice tour bus, see below)->Train from Florence to Cinque Terre (Manarola is my favorite village(5), see below)->Train from Cinque Terre to Rome->Fly home from Rome.
Warning. When you return to the states, nothing short of Chelsea or Soho in Manhattan will seem stimulating to you. Europe is grounded at another level, especially for cultural formation and history junkies like myself.
Manarola
San Gimignano
Last edited by socketz67; May 2, 2025 at 10:58 AM.
We're starting in Venice mostly because I've always wanted to see it and it might not exist as it is now for much longer (sea level rise among other reasons). But we're staying IN Venice so we'll hopefully see more after the day trippers leave. Then heading generally westward throughout our time there.
My recommendation for a wine-related trip - either Mikulov in Czech Republic or Bernkastel-Kues in Germany.
Someone needs to get this thread back on topic. I realize I'm as much to blame as everyone else, but still.
Changing the oil, power steering fluid in the reservoir and cleaning the K&N Filters and MAFs tomorrow. It's been 8 months since I last changed the oil, so I am trying to remember if I know how!
Might dust the exterior and wheel barrels with one of these (#lifehack) and wipe down the finish with some Griots Best of Show detailer as well. Next week I'm scheduled to have some more vinyl work done.
Back on topic
Last edited by socketz67; May 2, 2025 at 09:34 PM.
Just got back from a trip to Japan, grabbed some things for the car:
Nissan OEM security decals (comes on most models over there); walked by a Nissan dealer and had some time before catching a train. Spotted these in their parts catalog and figured why not. They’re bigger and stand out more than expected, but I visit an area where visible theft deterrents aren’t a bad idea
Phone power cable protector that looked very Japanese to me (had to burn thru my remaining JPY at a gift shop)
the Nissan Crossings showroom in Ginza was right near my hotel, where they had tons of Nismo widgets. Got one that kinda screamed “Japan” to me. It’s just a towel but thought it’d be cool to do something with it in the car (might not last there)
There’s also a chain of retail stores called Donki which are basically Japanese Walmarts. Great spot to grab souvenirs. I had to hit the tax-free limit so helped myself to a mini R34 (sadly didn’t see a real one). Also highly recommend Japanese sunscreen and nail clippers
Nissan Crossing showroom. It was small and probably not worth going out of one’s way. Cool widgets at the gift shop though (think some are only available there). At 6’3” I found the new Z to have a pretty cramped cockpit
Last edited by STownSaint; May 3, 2025 at 01:50 PM.
Just finished my BG HVAC service with excellent results. Hardest part is the act of accessing the cabin filter and then you just thread the FrigiClean hose into the evaporator and it took the entire can without any foam coming back into the air box. Then sprayed the Frigi Fresh into the air intakes on the cowl as well as a little extra into the air filter box and now not only does the air smell fresh, but it actually feels fresh if that is possible. Highly recommended! Bought the two pack and will do my wife’s Lexus next. Hers will be easy bc Lexus is kind enough to allow for access to the cabin air filter through a hatch in the glove box without taking anything apart at all.
Just finished my BG HVAC service with excellent results. Hardest part is the act of accessing the cabin filter and then you just thread the FrigiClean hose into the evaporator and it took the entire can without any foam coming back into the air box. Then sprayed the Frigi Fresh into the air intakes on the cowl as well as a little extra into the air filter box and now not only does the air smell fresh, but it actually feels fresh if that is possible. Highly recommended! Bought the two pack and will do my wife’s Lexus next. Hers will be easy bc Lexus is kind enough to allow for access to the cabin air filter through a hatch in the glove box without taking anything apart at all.
so those kits are fairly self explanatory? I had the dealer do it once years ago and recall that the car smelled amazing
Changed the oil this weekend with Mobil 1 0w40 and Purolator Boss filter. It's been over two years and probably about 4,000-5,000 miles so it was definitely due.
Finally got around to installing the z1 diff brace. I bought it a year or so ago on a nice discount but never got around to installing it. All I gotta say is... that chassis nut sucks. Really need 3 hands for that. I was finally able to get it properly in place by supporting the diff brace with the lower bolt and letting that free up my 2nd hand to focus on getting the top bolt into the nut in the chassis. What a pain doing that on jack stands, on a concrete floor with just a towel under me. I don't have a creeper. My back is KILLING me.
Thoughts on the brace? It's not really noticeable under normal driving (nor should it really be I don't think) but under hard acceleration, especially in the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts, it seems more stable and planted. I can't tell a huge difference though after a couple drives, although I haven't driven it much since last year so it's been a while
Just got back from a trip to Japan, grabbed some things for the car:
the Nissan Crossings showroom in Ginza was right near my hotel, where they had tons of Nismo widgets. Got one that kinda screamed “Japan” to me. It’s just a towel but thought it’d be cool to do something with it in the car (might not last there)
There’s also a chain of retail stores called Donki which are basically Japanese Walmarts. Great spot to grab souvenirs. I had to hit the tax-free limit so helped myself to a mini R34 (sadly didn’t see a real one). Also highly recommend Japanese sunscreen and nail clippers
Nissan Crossing showroom. It was small and probably not worth going out of one’s way. Cool widgets at the gift shop though (think some are only available there). At 6’3” I found the new Z to have a pretty cramped cockpit
If that towel is what it appears to be, it's called a Tenugui and is commonly used as a head wrap under Kendo helmets (the Men). About as Japanese as you can get.
Enjoy your time. If you're still there, there's a neat street near akibahara that is just shops and shops of random electronics components - a geeky paradise.
If that towel is what it appears to be, it's called a Tenugui and is commonly used as a head wrap under Kendo helmets (the Men). About as Japanese as you can get.
Enjoy your time. If you're still there, there's a neat street near akibahara that is just shops and shops of random electronics components - a geeky paradise.
That’s exactly what it is!
Im back stateside, I think 2 weeks of Suntory Highballs and Kobe skewers is my limit. Ive reached the age when hangovers last days, just couldn’t hang with the Japanese any longer
Rochester is well within right to trim these photos out of the thread, but what the heck
