DavidB

I got this far & said, "OMG, are you crazy?!?" Yes, that confirmed it! I KNOW that feeling of impending doom, along with wondering if there's enough loose change hidden in the dash to make it home (actually disassembled the dash on my 68 Falcon once "mining for loose change" on a trip back home to NJ from Fla when I was in the service. I must say that you're exceptionally lucky you didn't have an '84 SX! Why? As I understand it, there was a problem on the line that built the AMC-35 rear axle assemblies that year. The left axles were over-torqued & after a year or so of service the left axle would snap with no warning, sending the left rear wheel off on it's own down the road! Why would I know this info? My brother has me building an '84 AMC Eagle wagon for him, & his current daily-driver is a 86 Eagle wagon. When the diffs were done last fall they were changed to 3.55 gears with a LSD in the rear & 1-piece axles in the rear (yes, in an AMC 35!). We figured 2.4 gears wouldn't work very well behind a 700R4 trans! Pics: 1st- Before 2nd- Current 3rd-4th- Rebuilt rear 5th- Daily driver (it's RUSTY underneath!) When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

High Fructose Corn Syrup is, IMHO, worse than refined sugar. You can try what I've been doing lately: Cut back on the sugar a little at a time. A few months ago my mug got 2 heaping teaspoons. Now I'm down to 2 level teaspoons & I think I'm ready to go to 1 heaping, then I can cut it back even more. When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

LOVE the hood scoop! Back in the later 80's someone had a wood body Jeep that I saw a few times at the Herd Boogie. Some of the old farts from United would know who I'm thinking of... When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

For those that didn't get the joke: "Chinese finger trap" is a "stent." I considered taking up underwater welding back in the early 80's. Two things got in my way: I didn't know how to dive & I couldn't (still can't) stick-weld to save my life. After figuring out that there was no need for underwater TiG welders I gave up that dream. Then in 1984 I discovered the sky... Only thing worse that that hot-one dropping down you collar is that hot-one falling in your ear... While you're under a heavy truck/motorhome... And you react by first slamming your head into something steel under the truck... Then slam your head into the ground in reaction... And all the while you hear, "SIZZLE-SIZZLE-SIZZLE...." in your ear! When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

Kudos to the makers! Intelligent enough for skydivers to enjoy, dumb enough for whuffos to get it! When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

I've heard the exact same thing, more than once, during interviews with band members. When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

Nickel and Titanium? They used gore-tex to patch my heart up. I need to go back and tell em to swap it out. Hell, they just shoved a Chinese finger trap into mine. Glad to hear the old pump's been rebuilt good-as-new again! When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

It's called "bureaucracy" & it's out of control (any more & this would have to go to SC). When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

I'd tell him that a some people are looking to throw a blanket-party in his honor. When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

IMHO, a little talk "behind the woodshed" is in order. Once there, it's your choice: Give this "friend" his one warning, or "do what must be done." Your choice. When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

Where is the "I don't have a job to bitch about" category? AMEN, brother! I'm a couple weeks away from celebrating 5 years since I quite that nasty habit of getting up early in the AM & having to deal with morons incapable of using a tape measure or level. When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

Sorry, but I don't see the resemblance. When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

OK, I'll admit it. I pluck my ears... When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

When I left the commercial window/door business 6 years ago I left behind all my cold weather gear concerns. Nope, never heard of it. I don't play outdoor games in cold weather. "When the frost is on the pumpkin..." When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

Replacing the tailgate will take all of 30 seconds, but will be expensive. Replacing the handle will take 30-60 minutes & likely cost less than a used tailgate that may have the same problem tomorrow. Had to replace that handle & a couple of the door-lock-rod clips on my 94 F-150 in the last few years. None has been "difficult," it just takes time to get to the part needing replacement. When I explained the symptoms to the parts-jockey he didn't blink, reached under the counter, pulled out a cardboard parts bin & handed me the clips I needed for the lock rod. So, it seems these are commonly replaced parts. I'd suggest searching www.rockauto.com for the tailgate handle (then do a little research & see if the same part is used in any door applications & see if the prices agree or not). I've found that they can beat most anyone's prices even with shipping figured in. They'll also offer options (multiple manufacturers & multiple price points) if available. When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

Under armour?!?!?!? When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=jim+suhler+%26+monkey+beat&search_type=&aq=1&oq=jim+suhler When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

My cardiologist is a Patel. Should I be worried? When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

Curiosity got to me. A little (& I do mean "little") investigation, I discovered a few things. 1- My container was made November 1979. 2-It has a leg pouch W/velcro & the back pouch, but no belly band. 3- Joey D. & I installed a piece of stainless (18 gauge) about 1" wide & 2" wider than the grommets, in the back of the reserve container. Although the entire back of the container is a plastic stiffener, stuffing a tri-con in there wasn't easy & distorted the plastic stiffener to the point that one of the grommets came out. We set new grommets into the stainless (which is under the tray) & it's still flexible enough to curve, but much stiffer than with the plastic alone. There's access to the back of the grommets through the bottom of the back. Let me tell you, it's tight back there! I remember it took both of us more than a little time & effort to get everything in & lined up with the buck (which just barely fit). 4- Note the line stow straps on the back of the reserve container. Yes, it's dirty. What's easiest to clean it with? When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

My Handbury rig is slightly different. Must be later as it doesn't have the belly strap or the SOS. I agree that the plastic stiffeners were largely unnecessary, especially along the sides. I did replace the plastic stiffener in the back, for the reserve closing loop, with a piece of thin (18ga) stainless sheet because it was being so distorted. Sylvia @ National installed it & doubled up the reserve risers for me in late '84 or early '85. I found the Handbury rig to be exceptionally comfortable compared to other rigs of the mid/late 80's. It also packed longer, wider & much flatter that it's contemporaries. It fit my long/thin frame quite nicely, thank you. Mine came from National Parachute in 1984. Joey D found it in a closet & made me a smokin' deal ($125 when "state of the art" containers were going for $500 & up). I have no idea WHEN the rig was manufactured. Best guess is early 80's I think (80-81). It's only shortcoming, that I can see, is that you can't use a square reserve because of the way the reserve closing loop passes through the back of the packing tray. Mine must be later than the one you have. The riser covers look different. Mine end a couple inches below the shoulder & it looks like yours carry over the shoulder (see 2nd pic attached). If you'd like to see any specific pics, just ask as it's available & unpacked!! When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

Where's the option: Neither? When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

Can't pick just one. Personally, it's 1/3 physical attraction, 1/3 personality & 1/3 intelligence. Without balance, there is no harmony. When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

HERE's SOME TATA's!

salubrious When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

They're politicians! When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.