Today, we closed on a new house in Maryland. We're moving from Rhode Island to the land of crab cakes and lacrosse next month, and we're pumped. But I'm also ramming through a ton of project work and draining the bank account to avoid having to find new shops to work on time-consuming projects I've let slide. Here's where everything stands:
2003 Volkswagen Eurovan: just replaced tired Bilsteins with new Konis. Needs front headliner replaced and some small rust spots sanded down and painted. Will make the move in August as a pack mule.
2002 Mercedes-Benz E55: will make the move to Maryland after a (massive) evaporator replacement for the A/C to not lose refrigerant over a few weeks. Due to the LX450 project being way behind schedule, the E55 is the newest car I own, and needs to be comfortable to use on occasion for longer slogs than down to the grocery store. Otherwise, it's just needed sway bar bushings and has been a wonderful car.
1995 Audi S6 Avant: will also board the transporter to MD after being a new blower motor and (also) repairing the A/C back into reliable use. Will also do a preventative transmission and differential flush. This car will also require a short stint at the bodyshop to repair small rust spots on both A-pillars.
1999 Porsche 911: The 911 will remain in RI for the month of August to replace the right-bank timing chain tensioner (or possibly just the pads). This is probably a nothing-burger issue - some chain noise at cold startup - but I want to nip it in the bud with a shop that I know and trust.
1997 Lexus LX450: engine rebuild mid-way done. Not sure of timeline. Still needs visit to bodyshop, A/V improvements, etc. - this one did not go as planned. It will also stay in RI and hopefully is en route to bodyshop around Labor Day.
1987 BMW 325is: Functionally ready to go but trying like hell to find a suitable A/C compressor to replace the leaking one. Will make the trip to MD in early August regardless.
1989 Isuzu Trooper RS: this rig was staying behind for some minor projects but now has a headgasket leak so will be in RI indefinitely. This truck does not spend much time with me, it seems. Hoping it's in MD by December.
1986 Mecedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16: almost ready for paint. Will go to mechanic for punch list work after Labor Day. Not getting painted before then - but sitting in primer and ready to go. I didn't expect this one to go to plan - it never has - so right now hoping for it to come home by December.
So, there you have it. This is a massive undertaking to get these vehicles buttoned up and ready for transport. Not easy but it's better than starting over with new shops and a host of nuisance projects to fix.