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<div>FWIW, if your '99 Accord is anything like my 2000, there is another way to <SPAN class=correction id="">transport</SPAN> actions. It involves a piece of plywood (mine has a 2x2 "rib" screwed down the center of it, for added rigidity<SPAN contentEditable=false style="DISPLAY: inline-block"></SPAN> and to clamp the same board into my <SPAN class=correction id="">Workmate</SPAN> to use it as a table). The plywood rests on the two arm rests in the back seat spanning the distance between. Drop it in through an open window and leave the window down, because that is the portal through which even a <SPAN class=correction id="">Stwy</SPAN> D action can be slipped in, onto the board. (The rolled down window can support some weightof the action as you slip it in, but be sure to lift for glide bolts.) There is room between the seat and the bottom of the board and behind the front seats for more storage, and all of the tools I <SPAN class=correction id="">usually</SPAN> carry stay in the trunk. I've got over 100k on my Accord and it runs like a top!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Alan <SPAN class=correction id="">Eder</SPAN></div>
<br>
-----Original Message-----<br>
From: formsma@gmail.com<br>
To: pianotech@ptg.org<br>
Sent: Fri, 4 May 2007 7:30 PM<br>
Subject: Re: The Quest for the Ideal Piano Technician Automobile<br>
<br>
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<div class=AOLPlainTextBody id=AOLMsgPart_0_10992161-ed0a-4677-9856-2d6c7f70940d>I have a 1999 Honda Accord that has done well, except it's not all <br>
that convenient for action transport. It works, but you have to put <br>
the back seat down and rearrange tools. It has almost 252,000 miles <br>
on it, and is still going strong. I'm looking to replace it in a <br>
couple of years or whenever it breaks down. <br>
<br>
My thinking is to get a vehicle that gets decent gas mileage, yet <br>
allows flexibility for tools and transport. I'm looking at some small <br>
<SPAN class=correction id="">SUV's</SPAN>: <br>
<br>
Toyota <SPAN class=correction id="">RAV4</SPAN> <br>
Honda <SPAN class=correction id="">CR-V</SPAN> <br>
<SPAN class=correction id="">Subaru</SPAN> <br>
etc. <br>
<br>
Both of those get around 22/29 <SPAN class=correction id="">mpg</SPAN>, which is good for their size. <br>
There are certainly smaller cars that do better on gas, but I also <br>
have a couple of kids I'm blessed to carry around. <br>
<br>
One thing that has helped me as I look is to figure how much EXTRA gas <br>
I'd be buying with a bigger vehicle. That way I know what the real <br>
costs/benefits will be. Like, is it really worth it to cram myself and <br>
family into a smaller car to save $800 annually on fuel? <br>
<br>
Now if (when - it's a matter of time) the cost of a gallon goes up to <br>
$5.00, it will make quite a significant difference, and it's also <br>
something to consider. That's anyone's gamble, I suppose. <br>
<br>
<SPAN class=correction id="">JF</SPAN> <br>
<br>
On 5/4/07, <SPAN class=correction id="">kurt</SPAN> <SPAN class=correction id="">baxter</SPAN> <<A href='javascript:parent.ComposeTo("fortefile%40gmail.com", "");'><SPAN class=correction id="">fortefile</SPAN>@gmail.com</A>> wrote: <br>
> My beloved <SPAN class=correction id="">VW</SPAN> <SPAN class=correction id="">hatchback</SPAN> (with back seat removed for bountiful action cradle <br>
> space) <br>
> is starting to feel its age and 188,000 miles and I am pondering what I will <br>
> do when it <br>
> finally goes to the great big salvage yard in the sky... <br>
> <br>
> In your opinions, what is the all time best suited car for piano work? <br>
> Including, most vitally: <br>
> <br>
> ---Easy transport of grand and upright actions <br>
> ---Room for needed tools <br>
> ---Decent gas mileage <br>
> <br>
> <br>
> <br>
> (Also, I was eying a Honda Insight the other day, and was wondering if <br>
> any ambitious tech out there has tried to fit an action in one of those <br>
> gasoline sippers... Maybe in the back hatch with the passenger seat <br>
> all the way forward? Am I totally deluding myself?) <br>
> <br>
> <br>
> <br>
> Highly subjective opinions welcome. <br>
> <br>
> <br>
> [k]<SPAN class=correction id="">urt</SPAN> <br>
> <br>
> <br>
> <br>
> <br>
> <br>
> <br>
> <br>
> <br>
> <br>
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