Friday, October 25, 2013

CAR CRAZY SAGA 18:

MAINTENANCE II

Well, I just couldn't let it go. I decided to search salvage yards. I found on the internet a site that polled 300+ yards for a part and it only cost $6. So, I put in a search for "the clear plastic Shield that covers the instrument panel".

I got two responses. One saying that it was unavailable as a separate piece. The other said that they had a perfect condition Instrument Cluster for a 2006 Cadillac XLR for $350. I debated for a day. Then decided to do it!! I had it sent to my home and asked Lewes Auto Mall if they would install it even though they're only a Chevy dealer. They said they would.

   ---Excellent!

I'm so pleased. It looks great! Even though nobody would notice. I DO!


Saturday, October 19, 2013

ARTWORK SAGA 10:

ANTELOPE JAR
Washington, D.C.
1969

This delightful 10" pot is by Adrian Saxe, a famous California artist.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

ARTWORK SAGA 9:

ART GLASS BY DOMINIC LABINO
Washington, D.C.
1968-9

Two pieces from "The American Hand." A 4" vase.

Dominic Labino was one of the international leaders in the revival of art glass. His glass created a sensation.

Another 4 inch vase -iridescent:



I was lucky to acquire such very nice objects.

Yet another 4" vase:

Monday, October 7, 2013

CAR CRAZY SAGA 17:

MAINTENANCE

My Cadillac XLR has a problem that I created. I was cleaning the Steering Wheel with leather cleaner and it sprayed on the clear plastic Shield coving the instrument panel. It instantly clouded the Shield!

I tried to clean with everything I could think of. No luck. 

I went to Lewes Auto Mall, a Chevy dealer in town. They even tried a very fine polish which didn't work either. I asked if the Shield could be replaced. They said 
NO! The entire Instrument Cluster would have to be replaced as the Shield is integral. It was a chemical reaction.

When I had the annual maintenance done at Courtesy Cadillac in Salisbury, Md., they came to the same conclusion. To replace the Instrument Cluster would be $1,000. for the part and $200. for the installation!! The service manager came to talk to me. He said maybe a salvage yard could come up with the shield only—an interesting idea. 

In the pursing weeks I decided that I'd have to live with it. I didn't like it but it was just too expensive.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

ARTWORK SAGA 8:

THREE CERAMICS BY BACERRA
Washington, D.C.
1967-9

My friends, Ken and Bill, started a ceramics store called "The American Hand" in Georgetown, D.C. I , in fact, designed the store. What fun!

Ralph Bacerra was one of the stars of American ceramics! He hailed from Los Angeles. I was lucky to acquire three pieces by him.

A beautiful, 19" large bowl. This is remarkable due to its incised portions and beautiful coloring. This my most valuable piece. Exacerbated by the fact that he's no longer with us.

A 8" covered pot.

Another covered pot 12".