Update - how people help each other
Until the starter fire, my wife has referred to my time on this BB as "cruiser porn" but now she has a different perspective...she just told me to tell all of you that she feels she has a whole network of uncles she never knew she had. She was truely relieved, and suprised, at how all of you helped, and cared about somebody you've never met.
Since I was travelling this week, we had to tow her 80 to a local shop. Damages include: toasted battery & starter, burnt oil level wire, shorted oil level sensor, toasted battery/starter cable, melted portion of engine wiring harness. We don't have a total yet, but it's easily over $1500 in parts and labor. No matter your financial situation, that's a lot o' moola.
She called me (in a bit of a panic, due to the $$'s) and asked if C-DAn could help. I was in a customer meeting, so she called him. He took great care of her (she said she want's to marry him!). His wife is named Sarah, as is my wife. Not sure what that means, but I'm pretty sure it's just part of the gestalt.
Phaedrus suggested that the comprehensive part of our insurance could help. My wife called the insurance co, and sure enough, this will cover a lot.
So I kinda blew it by not paying more attention to the symptoms when my wife first described them. She, honest women that she is, admits that she didn't do a very good job describing the problem. Despite our mistakes, all of you jumped in to offer your advice and help.
Thankyou!
We have two kids (12 & 17) and talked about this at dinner tonight. I told them about the cruiser assistance club. My wife and kids were all amazed. Quote - "you mean there are people that we could just call if we got stuck and they'd help us out?"
"Are we on this list Dad" - "yep" - "cool"
The only downside is that my wife is driving a POS 87 blazer as a loaner from my dad. My 87 fj60 w/275,000 miles is in better shape than his blazer w/45,000 miles (he doesn't drive a lot.)
Peace and good fortune to all.