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Tank birthday and I'm a Geezer
- Thread starter Paul B
- Start date
Paul B
NJRC Member
So the lease is almost up on my Jeep Compass and I need to get a new car.
This is the one I have now. It's a beautiful car and I am a Jeep Guy
I have had Jeeps since they were built by Willys. Unfortunately, I find all the new Jeeps very ugly except for the Compass, but they do not have a 2027 Compass so I may have to get a 2026 which is exactly the same as my old one.
I am very limited in cars because I won't buy a foreign car so that just leaves Jeep, Ford, chevy and chrysler. I haven't found anything I like yet and I am getting too old to build my own car now.
(PS, I don't consider Toyotas, Kias, or Mitsubishis American even if they were built here)
I still have this 2015 Jeep Renegade which I will not be replacing soon unless someone builds something I really like.
This is the one I have now. It's a beautiful car and I am a Jeep Guy
I have had Jeeps since they were built by Willys. Unfortunately, I find all the new Jeeps very ugly except for the Compass, but they do not have a 2027 Compass so I may have to get a 2026 which is exactly the same as my old one.
I am very limited in cars because I won't buy a foreign car so that just leaves Jeep, Ford, chevy and chrysler. I haven't found anything I like yet and I am getting too old to build my own car now.
(PS, I don't consider Toyotas, Kias, or Mitsubishis American even if they were built here)
I still have this 2015 Jeep Renegade which I will not be replacing soon unless someone builds something I really like.
Paul, hate to burst your bubble, but Jeep is owned by Stellantis, a Netherlands company, and your Compass was most likely made in Mexico, although the other choices are Italy, Brazil, India or Argentina.,,,,no United States There is no such thing as an American made car! But let's keep it a secret and I won't tell anyone. 
Paul B
NJRC Member
LOL, yes I know that. But to "me", Jeep is an American company that helped win WW2. Mitsubishi built the Zero fighter plane that killed thousands of Americans and Toyota built the engines for them so which company is more American? 
I realize Toyota is built here in the US as are many "foreign cars". I just am not comfortable driving something when "some" of them are built in the same factories as those planes. I know Japan is our ally and I like Japan. I like many things about Japan and the Japanese people, I just like Americans better.
It's the Veteran in me and I am very Patriotic in case you haven't noticed.
I fought for this country, fly my flag every day, place American Flags on the graves of Veterans every year and place wreaths on their graves at Christmas. It's just me but I have no ill feelings if others buy other cars. Many of my close friends buy those cars and some of them also make fun of me because I don't those things. Even much of my clothes and all my sneakers are made here which as you know, isn't easy.
I invented and patented the Majano Wand. I gave the company to a friend but I hold the patent. He wants to manufacture it in India to save costs and allow it to be sold a little cheaper. But my deal is, it must be made in the US to use my patent. (It is built in Florida) After the patent runs out he can make it anywhere, but he has to remove my name from it and I don't want to be associated with it if it is made in India. Of course some of the parts come from there because they don't make the power supplies here due to the PCBs
I realize Toyota is built here in the US as are many "foreign cars". I just am not comfortable driving something when "some" of them are built in the same factories as those planes. I know Japan is our ally and I like Japan. I like many things about Japan and the Japanese people, I just like Americans better.
It's the Veteran in me and I am very Patriotic in case you haven't noticed.
I fought for this country, fly my flag every day, place American Flags on the graves of Veterans every year and place wreaths on their graves at Christmas. It's just me but I have no ill feelings if others buy other cars. Many of my close friends buy those cars and some of them also make fun of me because I don't those things. Even much of my clothes and all my sneakers are made here which as you know, isn't easy.
I invented and patented the Majano Wand. I gave the company to a friend but I hold the patent. He wants to manufacture it in India to save costs and allow it to be sold a little cheaper. But my deal is, it must be made in the US to use my patent. (It is built in Florida) After the patent runs out he can make it anywhere, but he has to remove my name from it and I don't want to be associated with it if it is made in India. Of course some of the parts come from there because they don't make the power supplies here due to the PCBs
The Main Jeep Manufacturing Centers
The heart of Jeep production is in the United States. However, Jeep has expanded its manufacturing to meet global demand. Let’s explore the main locations.United States: The Core Of Jeep
The United States remains the largest production hub for Jeep. Most models sold in North America are made here.Toledo, Ohio
- Toledo Assembly Complex is the oldest Jeep plant, with roots going back to World War II.
- This factory currently produces the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator.
- Over 7,000 employees work here, building more than 300,000 vehicles per year.
Detroit, Michigan
- The Detroit Assembly Complex – Mack opened in 2021.
- It is the main plant for the Jeep Grand Cherokee (both two-row and three-row L versions).
- This site is important for Jeep’s newest technology and luxury upgrades.
Belvidere, Illinois (currently Idle)
- The Belvidere Assembly Plant produced the Jeep Cherokee until 2023.
- This plant is currently idled but may be repurposed for future models.
Paul B
NJRC Member
I took my wife to her PT appointment today, and on the way back, we passed a Jeep dealer. In the lot, I saw a nice-looking Jeep Compass, so we decided to go in.
Our lease is up in a couple of months anyway so we need one soon. We went in and I told the guy, I want that Jeep outside. He "immediately jumped" and said, let me get the key.
We liked the look and the color and it is exactly the same as the one we are turning in, except it is white with black trim and ours is red with black trim.
It has the sport package and special transmission that allows you to climb up rocks, sand, snow, volcanoes, and traverse through earthquakes and alien attacks, so it is just what we wanted because you never know when you need traction for those things.
The guy went to start it and it didn't make a sound, which is not a really good thing for a brand new car.
So he called the mechanic and told him to get jumper cables. Again, jumper cables are not what I want to see when buying a new car so I started to have some doubts for this vehicle.
The thing couldn't have been sitting there too long because it is a new car and even if it stood there for 6 months, it should still start.
The mechanic opened the hood, and we saw the problem. Squirrels got in and ate the ignition cables. I mean, really ate through them. I told him, OK, forget about it; maybe I will go and buy a Ford.
He said, WAIT! I have another one exactly the same thing, in the same color inside, where we don't keep squirrels. So I went in and bought that one.
This one, only in white. My wife didn't like the gray.
I will pick it up Wednesday.
Our lease is up in a couple of months anyway so we need one soon. We went in and I told the guy, I want that Jeep outside. He "immediately jumped" and said, let me get the key.
We liked the look and the color and it is exactly the same as the one we are turning in, except it is white with black trim and ours is red with black trim.
It has the sport package and special transmission that allows you to climb up rocks, sand, snow, volcanoes, and traverse through earthquakes and alien attacks, so it is just what we wanted because you never know when you need traction for those things.
The guy went to start it and it didn't make a sound, which is not a really good thing for a brand new car.
So he called the mechanic and told him to get jumper cables. Again, jumper cables are not what I want to see when buying a new car so I started to have some doubts for this vehicle.
The thing couldn't have been sitting there too long because it is a new car and even if it stood there for 6 months, it should still start.
The mechanic opened the hood, and we saw the problem. Squirrels got in and ate the ignition cables. I mean, really ate through them. I told him, OK, forget about it; maybe I will go and buy a Ford.
He said, WAIT! I have another one exactly the same thing, in the same color inside, where we don't keep squirrels. So I went in and bought that one.
This one, only in white. My wife didn't like the gray.
I will pick it up Wednesday.
Red n black racing stripes...watch out.My new Jeep. It's exactly like the one I traded in but it's white. I don't get excited about cars any more, it's just a way to get to the LFS to see what they have.
View attachment 60807
Paul B
NJRC Member
Well, it is turbocharged.
Paul B
NJRC Member
When I bought my new car this week the sales Manager said He wished he could walk up 176 stairs then walk two miles every morning on the beach in any kind of weather.
But as we age, we do get some issues, especially like I said, if you have a real job where you get dirty and break and tear things that are not supposed to get broken or torn.
Last week I went for an MRI of my foot because I broke that leg 50 years ago and it filled up with arthritis. It's an old person and if your lucky enough to get old, you will meet it.
Anyway, the MRI showed what I knew, the leg, foot and ankle is loaded with arthritis and the Dr, was surprised that I could walk every day.
Well, I can, but lately I have been limping more every day because my goal in life was to play in a movie about uncle Festus from the Adams Family or Frankenstein.
I spend much of my day helping Dale and I really need both feet working at least 75%.
I have to help her get out of a chair, get her to her walker, cook, clean and help her get dressed.
At my Doctors she has a computer that allows her to see inside my body which is scary and she can see the inflammation everywhere so she fills her calking gun with cortisone and informs me that this is going to hurt.
I kind of knew that but she didn't have any Scotch for me to drink or bullets for me to bite. She stuck the needle in between the bones in my ankle and that wasn't what I would call "pleasant". But real men don't scream in the presence of girls, we wait until we get in the car for that.
It's cool and you can see the stuff going into the ankle in between the bones.
Then she did the side of my foot which got a little swollen because she said I have been walking crooked because my ankle is screwed up. That needle in the side of my foot was surprisingly not that painful and I may get it done again just for fun.
She told me not to take my walks for a few days and when I do, no beach walking for a while. I need to stay on a flat surface for a few weeks.
It's just an old thing and in the scheme of things, not very bad compared to what many people have and most people at my age.
I try to keep myself in excellent shape and I am exactly the same weight as when I got married 53 years ago. I think most of that weight loss was from my hair falling out.
But as we age, we do get some issues, especially like I said, if you have a real job where you get dirty and break and tear things that are not supposed to get broken or torn.
Last week I went for an MRI of my foot because I broke that leg 50 years ago and it filled up with arthritis. It's an old person and if your lucky enough to get old, you will meet it.
Anyway, the MRI showed what I knew, the leg, foot and ankle is loaded with arthritis and the Dr, was surprised that I could walk every day.
Well, I can, but lately I have been limping more every day because my goal in life was to play in a movie about uncle Festus from the Adams Family or Frankenstein.
I spend much of my day helping Dale and I really need both feet working at least 75%.
I have to help her get out of a chair, get her to her walker, cook, clean and help her get dressed.
At my Doctors she has a computer that allows her to see inside my body which is scary and she can see the inflammation everywhere so she fills her calking gun with cortisone and informs me that this is going to hurt.
I kind of knew that but she didn't have any Scotch for me to drink or bullets for me to bite. She stuck the needle in between the bones in my ankle and that wasn't what I would call "pleasant". But real men don't scream in the presence of girls, we wait until we get in the car for that.
It's cool and you can see the stuff going into the ankle in between the bones.
Then she did the side of my foot which got a little swollen because she said I have been walking crooked because my ankle is screwed up. That needle in the side of my foot was surprisingly not that painful and I may get it done again just for fun.
She told me not to take my walks for a few days and when I do, no beach walking for a while. I need to stay on a flat surface for a few weeks.
It's just an old thing and in the scheme of things, not very bad compared to what many people have and most people at my age.
I try to keep myself in excellent shape and I am exactly the same weight as when I got married 53 years ago. I think most of that weight loss was from my hair falling out.
Paul B
NJRC Member
Getting back to fish, I designed this surface skimmer for my tank because I don't have a sump so no surface skimmer and I get a lot of floating junk and I think it's adding significantly to all the macro algae I have growing as the stuff is not eliminated
The thing needs a lot of tweeking but it does work very well, when it works.
The thing on the right is a float that keeps the "swinging "hopper" door at the proper level.
It skims the very thin top of the surface and sends it to the skimmer where it is removed. The problem is that it is totally controlled by the suction ability of the skimmer to remove water from the tank through a powerhead and as the strainer clogs or the water level slightly changes, it stops working.
But all good inventions need a lot of tweeking. I have built probably 5 of these over the years and every one is slightly better.
The thing needs a lot of tweeking but it does work very well, when it works.
The thing on the right is a float that keeps the "swinging "hopper" door at the proper level.
It skims the very thin top of the surface and sends it to the skimmer where it is removed. The problem is that it is totally controlled by the suction ability of the skimmer to remove water from the tank through a powerhead and as the strainer clogs or the water level slightly changes, it stops working.
But all good inventions need a lot of tweeking. I have built probably 5 of these over the years and every one is slightly better.
You should speak publicly to the young adults of our generation. Teach them what it means to be a proud AmericanLOL, yes I know that. But to "me", Jeep is an American company that helped win WW2. Mitsubishi built the Zero fighter plane that killed thousands of Americans and Toyota built the engines for them so which company is more American?
I realize Toyota is built here in the US as are many "foreign cars". I just am not comfortable driving something when "some" of them are built in the same factories as those planes. I know Japan is our ally and I like Japan. I like many things about Japan and the Japanese people, I just like Americans better.
It's the Veteran in me and I am very Patriotic in case you haven't noticed.
I fought for this country, fly my flag every day, place American Flags on the graves of Veterans every year and place wreaths on their graves at Christmas. It's just me but I have no ill feelings if others buy other cars. Many of my close friends buy those cars and some of them also make fun of me because I don't those things. Even much of my clothes and all my sneakers are made here which as you know, isn't easy.
I invented and patented the Majano Wand. I gave the company to a friend but I hold the patent. He wants to manufacture it in India to save costs and allow it to be sold a little cheaper. But my deal is, it must be made in the US to use my patent. (It is built in Florida) After the patent runs out he can make it anywhere, but he has to remove my name from it and I don't want to be associated with it if it is made in India. Of course some of the parts come from there because they don't make the power supplies here due to the PCBs
The Main Jeep Manufacturing Centers
The heart of Jeep production is in the United States. However, Jeep has expanded its manufacturing to meet global demand. Let’s explore the main locations.
United States: The Core Of Jeep
The United States remains the largest production hub for Jeep. Most models sold in North America are made here.
Toledo, Ohio
- Toledo Assembly Complex is the oldest Jeep plant, with roots going back to World War II.
- This factory currently produces the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator.
- Over 7,000 employees work here, building more than 300,000 vehicles per year.
Detroit, Michigan
- The Detroit Assembly Complex – Mack opened in 2021.
- It is the main plant for the Jeep Grand Cherokee (both two-row and three-row L versions).
- This site is important for Jeep’s newest technology and luxury upgrades.
Belvidere, Illinois (currently Idle)
- The Belvidere Assembly Plant produced the Jeep Cherokee until 2023.
- This plant is currently idled but may be repurposed for future models.
Paul B
NJRC Member
Unfortunately, they wouldn't have a clue. I think todays generation is clueless and it is our fault. Most people just give them too much so they don't know what it means to work for something and do it in a country where we can do it and we keep most of what we earn, not like in a Communist or Socialist country where they keep very little and the Govt. even tells them what they can work at.
They are probably not even taught about the Holocaust where Hitler murdered 6,000,000 (Thats Million) Jews just for being Jewish.
It was mostly Americans that stopped that.
Or when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and killed over 2,400 Americans.
Schools can't bring students to those places, but I feel it is an important part of their history and they should learn about it and texting about what they are going to wear isn't that important. I'm sure my Grand Daughter also doesn't know but I try to teach her and my Grand Son.
I also think we need to bring back the draft. Almost no Americans are fighting in a war now but the service is the best thing that can happen to an American. I got drafted at 18 years old, right out of high school as a stupid, skinny kid from New York City. At 21 when I came out I was a skinny, smart and tough kid who had morels and a deeper love for my country. I also knew what it meant to fight for something good and I saw a lot of death of young people.
Not that that is a good thing, but it changes your perspective as that is an important thing, and gets the kids out of this stupidity and Blaize attitude
(I can't spell that but work with me)
Kids today have it much too easy. I think it should be illegal to buy your kid a car or house. Let them get a job. If they want something bad enough, they will learn how to get it. I did. There are "Help Wanted" signs everywhere especially on Home Depots and supermarkets.
My Daughter bought her car from baby sitting and working in an ice cream shop. If we just give them things, why would they get a work ethic?
I cringe when I see a young kid with a new, expensive car because I know someone gave it to them. There is nothing wrong with getting an old car for a few years until you can afford something on your own.
My Dad died at 47, when I was ten, so it was easy for me to get a work ethic and I have never been in debt and I always owned everything I had.
There is money and jobs all over the place and they don't have to start at the top of the company. Start by mopping the floors, going for coffee or whatever the lowest job is so you can advance and become a good worker with responsibilities. There is no shame in that.
When I see a Veteran I "always" thank them and shake their hand. If I see them in a restaurant alone, I often pay for their meal.
On Veterans Day I volunteer at Calverton National Cemetery and place flags on their graves , I place wreaths on their grave near Christmas. It's all I can do for them and I think of the Americans we lost every day.
I have been to many countries and America is the best by far even though on the news we see so many people complaining and protesting. They should move to one of those other places. I think Iran may want them.
I am teaching my Grand Son respect here as he is placing flowers on my Dads grave. He is learning and he thanks Veterans
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