Hotcrowd's Blog

Volvo 240 Stereo system install upgrade, speakers, photos, diagrams.

hotcrowd — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 06:02:04 +0000

This install on my YOUTUBE channel.

Volvo harness wiring detail

Pioneer speakers 5 1/2 inch

Pioneer speakers

Stereo On

Stereo head unit installed in upper dash location

Dash speaker access grill in place over antenna

Powered antenna from Autozone - connected

Closer view of grounding bracket with stereo fitted

View through glove compartment at ground bracket behind stereo

Harnesses soldered together

Factory unit removed - harness and antenna wires visible

Wiring harness to Pioneer

Wiring harness adapter to Volvo

Contents from Crutchfield

Added a new Pioneer DEH-3300UB stereo reciever head unit to my car.
Ordered it online from Crutchfield. Requested the wiring harness adapter and plastic dash insert for aftermarket radios. Installation was easy.
I found excellent instructions online and also included in the box from Crutchfield. Here are some photos from the recent installation. Hope this helps other 240 owners who are planning to make this upgrade. The photos show the install work in reverse. Scroll to bottom to see beginning.
The new system sounds seriously improved. It’s louder, cleaner, more punch, more radio stations are being received more clearly, and now I can play CDs, MP3s, USB, Ipod.

Volvo 240 Dash removal detail at Cleanflametrap
Aftermarket radio install 87 Volvo 240
Volvo 240 stereo wiring colors and details

Work done on my Volvo 240 DL over the past few months.

hotcrowd — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:12:24 +0000

Painted this rear hatch area door sill an aluminum color. Brightened it up a bit.

Plan to install this lumbar kit in the driver side seat back.

Self adhesive numbers on the Fenders. $1 each from Autozone. 2 4 0

Just for fun….”he’s got it coming out the wazoo!”
The money my car saves me since I don’t have a car payment.

Hood Liner custom cut from a roll of roofer’s foam mat.

Recolored the seats.

Recolored the rear seat bottom.

Rear seat back.

Intake plastic housings cleaned and repainted.

Exhaust leak holes in down pipe have been cleaned and repaired with high temp putty to remedy problem with the O2 sensor getting the correct air fuel signal.

Rear seat front side.

Emergency brake handle and inside.

Emergency brake center console cover repainted.

Gorilla costumed entertainer Brandon is ready to PARTY!

hotcrowd — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 23:49:41 +0000

Gorilla costumed entertainer Brandon is ready to PARTY! Office parties, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events.
NEW WEBSITE COMING SOON!

Here are some of my favorite websites for costumes, performers, and our industry.

Starcostumes – men/women/children/mascots/halloween/theatrical
Coolest-homemade-costumes
Mimicsproductions – custom made mascot and theatrical full costumes for TV, movies, live shows (UK)
Mascotsandcostumes – Custom made costumes for brand recognition commercial
Abbyshot – tailored custom creations and reproductions of fashions from TV, movies, cartoons, comics and more (UK)

Calling all Volvo 240 owners in Knoxville area…

hotcrowd — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 18:07:32 +0000

I would like to meet with you and talk shop about all things Volvo 240.

Email me. organicbees at live.com

Been A Long Time Since I Rock n Rolled.

hotcrowd — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 23:14:26 +0000

Wow! What a year so far. I moved to Knoxville, started a couple of new jobs, made repairs on a house and my Volvo 240, been tilling a garden, fixing lawn mowers, hanging privacy curtains, checking out Knoxville’s music scene, practicing scales and chords on my electric guitar, learning some more french language and sign language. Reconnected with some friends from back in the day. Had a girlfriend, then didn’t. Been getting chiropractic adjustments with excellent results. Paying down debts. Hoping to get my dental work done this year. YES!

Finally have new job. More to come. Thnx!

hotcrowd — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 20:57:13 +0000

Been Job Hunting, Will return SOON!

hotcrowd — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 20:47:55 +0000

UPDATE Feb. 1. 2011

I have applied for work at over 15 companies and dozens of positions.
I have interviewed several times with promising results. Holding in there for a break. Wish me luck.
I wait to hear from these companies:
Cardinal Health – Green Mountain Coffee Roasters – Federal Express – Autozone – Advance Auto Parts – Lokar Performance Parts – Ebenezer Climate Storage – Krispy Kreme – Dippin Donuts – Carmike Cinemas – Regal Cinemas – and a few car dealers.

I apologize for not posting recently. My life has been a little hectic lately and will return to normal soon. I will start posting more interesting and excellent articles and anecdotes soon.
Thank YOU ALL for visiting!

Have yourself a merry little sauna this year.

hotcrowd — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 04:27:44 +0000

I’ve been crazy busy the past couple of weeks with costume performances and technology updates. Im very glad to return and write a new article. Thanks for visiting and returning here as well. Hope you are having a splendid season and enjoying all the holiday hustle and bustle. You may be yearning like me for a break in the weather at least. It’s mostly cloudy around here lately.
When the weather outside is frigid and bleak, give yourself a strong hot treat. It’s suana time!
I find taking a sauna session is invigorating yet soothing at the same time. What a refreshing way to cleanse the body and helps relieve stress. Many types of sauna are available. There are wet or dry, steamed or carbon fibre and ceramic heater styles. Indoors or out, single occupancy or multiperson. Enjoy it alone or with a friend. Might be a fun first date. Sure, why not?

I found the below description of sauna benefits on a few websites that sell saunas and related products.
It mainly covers the benefits of infrared heated suanas,

“FAR-Infrared Sauna is different than a typical health club (high heat) sauna producing an energy wave that penetrates the human body. As a result, detoxification and metabolic pathways begin to open thereby supporting and enhancing the body’s natural detoxification process. These FAR-Infrared waves are not impeded by oxygen or nitrogen molecules (major components of our physiological and biochemical makeup) thus they are able to reach into the
body’s detoxification system organs. These waves literally have the ability to induce a 1-3 degree F core temperature increase within the body likening to a mildly induced fever.
Ultimately then triggering increased activity of the metabolic pathways and releasing toxins commonly stored within and around soft and fatty tissues. Throughout the FAR-Infrared Sauna process, an equilibration process occurs with the subcutaneous release of toxins, resulting
in further mobilization and elimination of deeper stored toxins. There are multiple pathways that are stimulated by FAR-Infrared waves (i.e. liver detoxification/metabolic pathways, kidney filtration, lipid mobilization resulting in higher volume stool elimination, and subcutaneous release via sweat. All this is to say that Far-Infrared Sauna Therapy is an excellent modality in assisting a comprehensive physiological detox.”

Sing Through the Stress No Matter the Weather

hotcrowd — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:15:11 +0000

The winter season is especially challenging for anyone who sings in public performances. When going out to do my costumed character act, I must usually prepare to acclimatize my voice. The changes in temperature and humidity from inside my car to the home or office venue can be considerable. I try to work in as much time as possible for the adjustment to be made before beginning my routine. Sometimes even with all the best preparation, surprises still occur. I then work it into the act as well as possible. When playing a chicken or gorilla there is a little more room for improvising. That saves the day in most cases. Preparation helps me reduce the stress that can sometimes accompany a performance.
Have you faced this situation? How did you prepare? What were the results?
Leave a comment.

Singing benefits the mind, body, and soul. It helps melt away stress.

•Reduce stress and improve mood

•Lower blood pressure

•Boost the immune system

•Improve breathing

•Reduce perceived pain

•Improve a sense of rhythm

•Promote learning in children

•Forge comforting memories

•Promote communal bonding

•Provide comfort

•Motivate and empower

Overcoming Troubles with Courage – a poem

hotcrowd — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 04:01:36 +0000

This has been a year of stark changes and challenges for me. I reflect back on the lessons I’ve learned, the promises I made, the friends that helped me through it all. There have been pleasant discoveries and surprising victories. May these upcoming holidays bring opportunities to you for living a courageous life. Turn your stresses into stepping stones towards a higher purpose. Live the life you have dreamed.

Enjoy this poem.

As you travel through life
There are always those times
When decisions have to be made,
When the choices are hard, and solutions seem scarce,
And the rain seems to soak your parade.

There are some situations where all you can do
Is simply let go and move on,
Gather your courage and choose a direction
That carries you toward a new dawn.

So pack up your troubles and take a step forward
The process of change can be tough,
But think about all the excitement ahead
If you have courage enough!

There might be adventures you never imagined
Just waiting around the next bend,
And wishes and dreams just about to come true
In ways you can’t yet comprehend!

Perhaps you’ll find friendships
That spring from new things
As you challenge your status quo,
And learn there are so many options in life,
And so many ways you can grow!

Perhaps you’ll go places you never expected
And see things that you’ve never seen,
Or travel to fabulous, faraway worlds
And wonderful spots in between!

Perhaps you’ll find warmth and affection and caring
And somebody special who’s there
To help you stay centered and listen with interest
To stories and feelings you share.

Perhaps you’ll find comfort in knowing your friends
Are supportive of all that you do,
And believe that whatever decisions you make,
They’ll be the right choices for you.

So keep putting one foot in front of the other,
and taking your life day by day…
There’s a brighter tomorrow that’s just down the road
Don’t look back! You’re not going that way!