IncrediblyX in Los Angeles: 2010

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Changing out the Speakers on the 2006 Toyota RAV4

How to Change out the Speakers on a 2006 Toyota RAV4

2006 Toyota RAV4

First, I went to Crutchfield.com to find an appropriate speaker that would be a snug fit for my RAV4. I decided upon the Sony brand because of the positive reviews and low cost of upgrading.

Here are the things you would need.

Plastic Pry Tools

#2 Philips Screwdriver
Drill
Fiberglass
Pen or Pencil
Large sheet of paper (to trace out the holes)
Saw
Solder
Soldering Iron

Here are the steps:

Step One: Remove the Handles

Step Two: Remove the two screws on the top and bottom.

Step Three: Pop off the inside handle cover.

Step Four: Remove the Screw

Step Five: Pop off the Controls. It is easier to do if you start on the top.

Step Six: Disconnect the Controls

Step Seven: Disconnect the Top Door Panel by the rearview mirror.

Step Eight: Remove Door Panel using Plastic Pry Tools. I found it easier to use the biggest one.

Another View of Step Eight

Step Nine: Pop off the Handles from the Door Panel

Step Ten: Drill out the Rivets that hold the old speakers.

Step Eleven: Disconnect the wire and remove the speaker.

Step Twelve: Trace out the holes using a pencil (Viagra Pen) and paper.

Step Thirteen: Using Fiberglass, cut out the shape.

More of Step Thirteen: Fabrication of the Fiberglass

Step Fourteen: What it should look like when you're done. Note that I placed an extra hold to feed the speaker wire thru to the outside.

Step Fifteen: Put in new screws and rivets to hold the speaker in place.

Step Sixteen: When wiring your speakers, check to make sure you don't have your wires mixed up by listening to it. When it sounds right, solder your connectors together and cover it up with electrical tape.

Step Seventeen: Place electrical tape to hole the excess wire so that it doesn't get caught.

Step Eighteen: Place everything back together in reverse order and enjoy your new speakers!

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Children's Museum at La Habra

There is a Triceratops behind you!

We went to the Children's Museum at La Habra, California. It was a nice place to take the kids for a small price of 7 bucks a head. The kids seemed to love it. They really liked the small village and play house. There were other kids for them to play with. Vicky held on to a stuffed chicken for the duration of our stay that she found in the chicken coup.

Riding a Fish

The museum has a carasel, model trains, live animals and other kid stuff for them to play with. It is also a good place for moms to converse about life and stuff. The museum always has new stuff and activities going on, so what we saw today will not be there in a couple of months. I'm a little bit curious what the next exhibits are going to be.

Digging for Dinosaur Bones

Chicken Coup

Baby Triceratops

Friday, September 24, 2010

Farewell, Washington, D.C.!

It is time to depart Washington, D.C. It was a pleasure working with the people out here. The culture and ethnic diversity from one place to another in the United States is fascinating. I try not to define my experience based on work alone. I go by the amount of good memories, opportunities and goal accomplishment. This is the first duty station where I didn't pick up rank, but if and when the Navy finally decides to promote me, I would definitely have a positive influence in the direction of the Navy and joint forces we work with. I feel as though I have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience working and liaisoning with the highest offices in the world and it has definitely given me a broader perspective in the decision making processes and business. Politics is so much bigger than changing "the don't ask, don't tell policies", this country is getting behind and there's so much more hot'n heavy issues that need to be handled first. This duty has taught me how to manage my high priority work and family life as well. The bond that I have with my wife and kids are still intact despite all the hardships of two lengthy deployments and a spouse who has a full-time job that demands constant attention. The greatest advice that was given me was given by Mr. Padilla, "Staying competitive and making rank is important, however hold on to your family and keep it together, because when you hang up your uniform (when you retire), that is all you have left." He has a point. The Navy is only a quarter of my life. I will be still be young when I retire.

I will miss the vast choices in dining and activities around the D.C. area. The traffic... not so much.

List of things I definitely recommend seeing and doing when visiting D.C.:
1. National Museum of the United States Marine Corps (free, my favorite)
2. Butler's Orchard - Pick pumpkins in October, pick Strawberries and blueberries in the summer.
3. Visit "The Rio" in the evening
4. Take the kids to Clemjontri Park in McLean, VA.
5. Smithsonians (they're free!)
6. Visit Baltimore Pier and see the aquarium
7. Downtown Silver Spring (excellent farmer's market and a nice stroll at night)
8. Downtown Bethesda (go during the Art Festival)
9. Visit The White House (write your congressman for entry)
10. Ultimately, visit the U.S. Capitol Building (free, the most exotic building)

Well signing out until I reach Camp Pendleton, good bye and thanks for everything!