Installed new radio

Last week, I helped my son install an aftermarket radio in his Nissan Sentra.  Inspired, I started shopping for radios for my truck.  When the guy at Best Buy told me that it would cost 99 bucks for the correct harness adaptor, I changed my mind.  Later, I found one for about sixty bucks at Ray's Electronics in Bloomingdale.  They also had a decent price on a Kenwood stereo, so I bought both.  The Sony unit that I just returned did not include a (required) microphone for hands free calling, but Kenwood did.

I am happy with the install and very pleased with the radio (Kenwood KDC-X300) and its features.

I used a removable bolt cover as a mount for the microphone.

New spark plugs, cleaned throttle body

The truck rolled 100,000 miles a couple of months ago.  I purchased new spark plugs at that point and finally got around to installing them today.  I installed Bosch Iridiums, mainly because they were on sale at the parts store.  The (probably) original plugs didn't look too bad.

I also removed, cleaned and reinstalled the throttle body.  I checked the MAF sensor and it looked very clean.

Loaded a motorcycle into the extended cab

Ever wonder what would fit behind the seat of an extended cab Chevy Colorado?   How about a small antique motorcycle?

The problem: 3 motorcycles to bring home

New (used) wheels and tires

While in Oklahoma, I found some replacement alloy wheels on Craigslist.  The truck had damage to one of the wheels and I wanted to find a full size spare.  I was looking for steel wheels, but since these alloy wheels had good tires mounted, I consider them a good deal for the money.

Old steel wheels

New allow wheels.  I prefer the look of the steel.

Drove to Norman, Oklahoma

Six weeks in Norman, Oklahoma requires at least one vehicle.  Trust me.  I plan to use my KLR650 to find the best landscapes that the sooner state has to offer.  The truck averaged 19 mpg, with the weight of two motorcycles in the bed.  (I sold a basket case bike in Tulsa en-route)

First oil change

Obviously, an oil change is nothing to blog about.  I just wanted to document my thoughts after my first oil change in this truck.  Since my truck is just a 2WD model, the ground clearance is a bit disappointing.  I drove onto a couple of 2x4's and that was more than adequate.

the 13mm hex drain plug is easily removed from the side w/o a mess

Since the oil filter is right above the front cross-member, Chevy placed a nice spill diverter beneath it

I tipped the truck to get most of the old oil out of the oil pan, and with a filter change it used a whole 5qt jug

Washed truck and stuck a decal on the tailgate

I follow this guy on Youtube, and he sent me a sticker a while ago.  Knowing that I would eventually get a truck, I waited until now to put the sticker on.  Not very blog-worthy, but this blog is for me and my truck; any other viewers would be a surprise...

even though everRide lives in Utah, I thought his sticker would look nice under the Colorado emblem