PelicanPines
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Less psycho....
Yea right...
Good luck on NOT getting the second fire truck.
Yea right...
Good luck on NOT getting the second fire truck.
Above 1200 Sq/FT The Salvage Garage
- Thread starter Strouty
- Start date
Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
Word
My wife bought a 22 foot center console last week.
Tonight she confessed to me she is terrified of small boats?
WTF
Spent the morning on the tower, looks like we have things figured out. I wanted to drag a spare tower leg home, but we could not find one with the right size pipe, grabbed one (well dragged it out of the woods) with the proper size flange. Should be good enough, we have a lot of other measurements from the tower section we will be upgrading.
After that, went to the shop and got the new reel trailer functioning, so now I have confirmed that all hydraulics work properly. Just need to get a few fittings to upgrade it to fit the quick connects from the F550 and it will be set for the guy wire winding.
My buddy showed up and we reassembled his Prius battery, unfortunately he forgot the key, so no final test, but I think we will be fine.
My Brother took the mini tank (bombardier J5) home, one less thing for me to trip over.
After that, went to the shop and got the new reel trailer functioning, so now I have confirmed that all hydraulics work properly. Just need to get a few fittings to upgrade it to fit the quick connects from the F550 and it will be set for the guy wire winding.
My buddy showed up and we reassembled his Prius battery, unfortunately he forgot the key, so no final test, but I think we will be fine.
My Brother took the mini tank (bombardier J5) home, one less thing for me to trip over.
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86turbodsl
Well-known member
Geez dude, you gotta stop posting tower pics. We'll get vertigo by proxy...
xtremek
Well-known member
Cleaning out the place is always a good thing. THe tank looks like a fun little toy, but just one more piece of the mess you don't need. God call.
The thing is, my brother wants to fix and use it, so it will still be around. I told him I would help him work on it. I am willing to bet, he will have it running this winter and it will have a winch on the back, he will use it for hauling logs out of the woods. He and his buddy were the ones that restored it originally, when they were working for my Dad, this was back in 1995 or 96. I am glad it is going to him, definitely meant more to him than it did to me.
I have a meeting with AT&T today to locate their equipment at one of the tower sites, then it looks like I am getting rained on. I would love to get the Virginia burb cleaned out and unbolted from the frame, the truck is kind of baffling and we are hoping to find a VIN on the frame.
I have a meeting with AT&T today to locate their equipment at one of the tower sites, then it looks like I am getting rained on. I would love to get the Virginia burb cleaned out and unbolted from the frame, the truck is kind of baffling and we are hoping to find a VIN on the frame.
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The fittings that I needed to use the quick connects were more than I paid for the reel trailer. Kind of funny if you think about it. Anyways next step will be to test its ability to actually pull the cable onto the spool, could be that it won't work for my purpose at all. If not, then I will have to use the original reel trailer and set this one up with the brake that came with it so it will spool out cable under a bit of tension. I hope that it works, unfortunately I won't have any time until next week at the earliest.
Had to reschedule a few things, so today is going to be a CAD day, we think we can get the drawings done for the tower upgrades, then the engineer will approve thicknesses of plates and bolt dimensions. I really want to get going on that soon.
I am still going to try and get the Virginia burb unbolted from the frame and cleaned out.
On another note, looks like Friday I will be starting to remove the engine from Buck, then I can start on the fire truck. The more I look, the more straightforward the swap looks, I am sure it won't be easy, but I think it will go smoothly.
Had to reschedule a few things, so today is going to be a CAD day, we think we can get the drawings done for the tower upgrades, then the engineer will approve thicknesses of plates and bolt dimensions. I really want to get going on that soon.
I am still going to try and get the Virginia burb unbolted from the frame and cleaned out.
On another note, looks like Friday I will be starting to remove the engine from Buck, then I can start on the fire truck. The more I look, the more straightforward the swap looks, I am sure it won't be easy, but I think it will go smoothly.
1Garageman
Well-known member
^^ Take a lot of pictures and post them!
Kdieselinc
Member
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2018
- Messages
- 8
Looking good
Got the tower modification design mostly figured out, engineer needs to adjust things now. Had some time to use the lathe afterwards, machined out the tone ring for the digital tachometer so it would fit the new D1-4 spindle I installed. I had to order some boring bars to open up the inside diameter from 2" to 2.25" (plus a smidge more). Luckily the guy that does the CAD, knows enough about machining that he helped me out, I am still a bit nervous with the lathe, the mill doesn't have the same effect on me, at least not until I get into the CNC controls.
sean Buick 76
Well-known member
Great work, such awesome projects!
Meeting with the attorney this morning, then meeting with my Dad for a bit. Hope to be at the shop after lunch, I have some shuffling to do so I can get at all the burbs, then I can work on separating bodies from frames to get them ready fo sandblasting. I would like to have three frames galvanized, that would give me some stock to build a couple trucks. I am still not sure if I am going to separate the riveted parts and then bolt them back together or just leave them. It would be a much better and cleaner galvanizing job if they are separated, but then I have bolts in a factory rivet location. I guess i will have to look things over closely.
Roundhouse
Banned
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2017
- Messages
- 507
You could just go to Texas and buy a rust free running driving burb and save a lot lot of work
What fun would that be?
I am sure I could find one, but generally the dash has been destroyed by the sun, the components are usually worn pretty well, and trying to find the exact color combination with the options I want is always tough. When I get done with this one, I will have a really nice vehicle that I truly know is in great condition.
On a fire truck note, the Long Island truck has been confirmed to never been on its side, so the engine is not an issue. I think I am going to low ball them and see what happens, basically, I only want the engine and transmission, the rest of the truck isn't worth much to me. I still plan on having the engine swap done before buying the new truck, that doesn't mean I can't investigate and look at other trucks, right?
I am sure I could find one, but generally the dash has been destroyed by the sun, the components are usually worn pretty well, and trying to find the exact color combination with the options I want is always tough. When I get done with this one, I will have a really nice vehicle that I truly know is in great condition.
On a fire truck note, the Long Island truck has been confirmed to never been on its side, so the engine is not an issue. I think I am going to low ball them and see what happens, basically, I only want the engine and transmission, the rest of the truck isn't worth much to me. I still plan on having the engine swap done before buying the new truck, that doesn't mean I can't investigate and look at other trucks, right?
PelicanPines
ALLIANCE MEMBER
It's cute how you say "I still plan on"... with respect to the second fire truck. You will go for it regardless of step limiting plans... it's your Destiny.
86turbodsl
Well-known member
I'm jealous of your lathe at home. I have to sneak it in at work. Nice work, BTW!
I am going to try and stick to the plan, I really don’t want two fire trucks in the yard.
I wish I had more experience with the lathe, starting to get more comfortable with it.
Going to get some lunch then head to the shop for a bit, I hate being stuck in the office on nice days, but someone has to pay for all the fire trucks.
I wish I had more experience with the lathe, starting to get more comfortable with it.
Going to get some lunch then head to the shop for a bit, I hate being stuck in the office on nice days, but someone has to pay for all the fire trucks.
Craptain
Well-known member
Going to get some lunch then head to the shop for a bit, I hate being stuck in the office on nice days, but someone has to pay for all the fire trucks.
Couldn't help it. This is the view from my "office" right now. Same logic though. Somewhere in the Caribbean.
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
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Bob Heine
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Andrew, you should save that kind of photo for February.
jakemac
Well-known member
Just curious, one of the towers you’re supposed to be working on wouldn’t happen to be the new one in the Jackman area that was supposed to go online at the beginning of August, is it ?
I’ve been getting a signal in town, but still no service. It’s driving me nuts. I still have to go out into the woods to get a signal from your tower to make a phone call.
Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app
I’ve been getting a signal in town, but still no service. It’s driving me nuts. I still have to go out into the woods to get a signal from your tower to make a phone call.
Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app
cbacres
Well-known member
So Strouty getting a fire truck with crabs 
?
?Craptain
Well-known member
I'll remember that for... Oh, wait I hope to be at Flywheelers in February. [emoji16]
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cbacres
Well-known member
Couldn't help it. This is the view from my "office" right now. Same logic though. Somewhere in the Caribbean.
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
Nice view Andrew!
We're all slaving away in this heat, you're coolly cruising around in the Caribbean
This last week has made me think a lot about this truck project (bigger truck, not burb), the main reason I want to get the truck up and running is so that I don't have to keep borrowing vehicles from other people, so I don't have to rely on other people, especially ones that don't always follow through or can, but offer the help with crazy time constraints. One way of thinking is to find a truck that is 75% of what I want, instead of 3 trucks that are 25% of what I want. I will say it makes things tough, looks like it will essentially destroy my budget doing it this way, it will offer me time in exchange for the money spent and that is also important. The other way of thinking is that I actually enjoy the projects, so I should find a way to get the projects to my shop without having to use other people's equipment, this leads me to a ramp truck, not a little ramp truck, but a larger one that can handle bigger trucks.
When I investigated the first thought process, I instantly found the perfect truck, unfortunately it was sold. I then found another one that was close to what I needed, but it too was sold. I have found a few more trucks that fit the bill, but they would be expanding my budget a bit further than I would like. This is leading me back to the build it the way I want train of thought, but once again, I have to rely on others to get the pieces and parts back to my shop. I am starting to think my budget is just unrealistic, heck maybe my entire goal is unrealistic. I don't want to end up with another pile of parts and no truck, that would be a bad thing.
When I investigated the first thought process, I instantly found the perfect truck, unfortunately it was sold. I then found another one that was close to what I needed, but it too was sold. I have found a few more trucks that fit the bill, but they would be expanding my budget a bit further than I would like. This is leading me back to the build it the way I want train of thought, but once again, I have to rely on others to get the pieces and parts back to my shop. I am starting to think my budget is just unrealistic, heck maybe my entire goal is unrealistic. I don't want to end up with another pile of parts and no truck, that would be a bad thing.
bimmer1980
Well-known member
I would agree with the plan and idea of buying a truck that is 75% or more of what you really want... Ideally, it should be 90% or higher of what you NEED, not necessarily what you want..... I'm going to assume that the truck would be used for your business (in addition to your personal work)?
That being the case, spending an appropriate amount, but getting a return on investment because you can actually do more revenue generating work with your time is crucial.
Candidly, right now, money is fairly cheap. I.e. interest rates are decently low. The value of having the truck up and running (and running well) would be huge in my mind.....
We run Elliot and Altec crane/bucket trucks at the company that I work for..... It ***** when they are down for maintenance or issues. I think our lease payments run in that $3k a month range.....
That being the case, spending an appropriate amount, but getting a return on investment because you can actually do more revenue generating work with your time is crucial.
Candidly, right now, money is fairly cheap. I.e. interest rates are decently low. The value of having the truck up and running (and running well) would be huge in my mind.....
We run Elliot and Altec crane/bucket trucks at the company that I work for..... It ***** when they are down for maintenance or issues. I think our lease payments run in that $3k a month range.....
I am not sure y budget is going to work, been doing some more research and discussion with a few close friends and it isn't looking good for what I am trying to do. Last thing I want is to have three more parts vehicles floating around and still have no usable truck. I think I have a solution that seems to make sense, the plan would be to use my current budget to finish certain projects, then once the project list gets a little more reasonable start to figure on building the final truck.
Today I jump started things by doing the needed repairs to Bev, I did have help, it would have been a pain by myself for sure. Anyways, we got the fan clutch swapped, water pump belt, AC condenser, receiver drier, and everything works as it should. Now I am thinking I need to fast track the "hotshot" aspect of Bev, buy a nice tilt deck trailer and call it halfway good for now. Then I can cobble together a bigger budget and start again for round two.
As for the truck being used in my business, I guess, but there is really no need for it, I want this all for "play". I am so sick of borrowing trucks and trailers.............
Today I jump started things by doing the needed repairs to Bev, I did have help, it would have been a pain by myself for sure. Anyways, we got the fan clutch swapped, water pump belt, AC condenser, receiver drier, and everything works as it should. Now I am thinking I need to fast track the "hotshot" aspect of Bev, buy a nice tilt deck trailer and call it halfway good for now. Then I can cobble together a bigger budget and start again for round two.
As for the truck being used in my business, I guess, but there is really no need for it, I want this all for "play". I am so sick of borrowing trucks and trailers.............
I have been working on the must haves for any truck I buy:
NOT RUSTY!
Automatic transmission
PTO or at least capability of installing one
Diesel engine 300 HP or better (I may have to compromise on this)
Air Conditioning
Frame long enough for the knuckle boom
Air Brakes
Low miles
Things that would be great to have, but are not deal breakers:
Air Ride
Rear Pintle
Rear Air plumbing
Air ride seat(s)
Sleeper or extended cab
PTO already installed
Large fuel tanks
Aluminum Wheels
NOT RUSTY!
Automatic transmission
PTO or at least capability of installing one
Diesel engine 300 HP or better (I may have to compromise on this)
Air Conditioning
Frame long enough for the knuckle boom
Air Brakes
Low miles
Things that would be great to have, but are not deal breakers:
Air Ride
Rear Pintle
Rear Air plumbing
Air ride seat(s)
Sleeper or extended cab
PTO already installed
Large fuel tanks
Aluminum Wheels
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Perrorojo
Well-known member
Do you run generators on any of your trucks or is that not a necessity in your work?
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Sent from my SM-G970U using The Garage Journal mobile app
jack stand
Well-known member
One of the most versatile trucks I've had was a "Hooklift" truck with various beds/bodys. Now it would have been handy to have a knuckle boom crane on it, but couple the lost maneuverability due to an extra 4' or so of wheel base and the added weight and wanting to stay with a single drive axle........
Trucks are cool, particularly highly specialized work trucks, but a "swiss army knife" truck is likely to end up big and heavy and over the 55k (?) gvw. That triggers additional costs and regulations, (Dot) but is not real great at any of the many tasks it may be able to do. Trailers (your proposed tilt deck) hooked to a s/a medium duty flat bed with some type of crane with a nice drive train would seem to be a good plan and cover your needs along with a good selection of them to choose from.
They may not be ideal, but a few specialized trailers and a good towing vehicle would seem to cover your personal (non tower work) needs. Reflect on what you have "borrowed" to fill these needs and enter all that into your decision making, although I'm sure you have already.
Trucks are cool, particularly highly specialized work trucks, but a "swiss army knife" truck is likely to end up big and heavy and over the 55k (?) gvw. That triggers additional costs and regulations, (Dot) but is not real great at any of the many tasks it may be able to do. Trailers (your proposed tilt deck) hooked to a s/a medium duty flat bed with some type of crane with a nice drive train would seem to be a good plan and cover your needs along with a good selection of them to choose from.
They may not be ideal, but a few specialized trailers and a good towing vehicle would seem to cover your personal (non tower work) needs. Reflect on what you have "borrowed" to fill these needs and enter all that into your decision making, although I'm sure you have already.
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I have been assessing things and it doesn't seem like I can have just one truck, two is probably being more realistic unfortunately. I have found several "almost" good enough trucks, so I may have to compromise on some of my "must haves". I found a nice looking Kenworth T300 that doesn't fit the 300 HP requirement. It does however meet almost all the other requirements. The other aspect of this is that I can build up a truck that will work for now and sell it when I am ready to build the "right" truck. Yesterday I had to go to a tower site and I kept thinking if I tried to drive a bigger truck in here, I would need all wheel drive for certain. So I think the end truck needs to be all wheel drive, this will surely complicate and increase the costs substantially. I kind of just want to give up and be done with it all. A few years back I could have bought a military Freightliner 6x6 tractor for about $25k, now they seem to be $45k, that style truck would fit the bill of almost all the things I need, may have to investigate a bit more.
jack stand
Well-known member
Yeah, most of the "med- duty's" have that fairly lame 7L Cat or the mostly equivalent Cummins or whatever they now call IH's old 466. I'd for sure limit my list to a pre 2006 for the emission systems.
Well, I think I just found my truck, still need to buy the fire truck from Long Island to make it really what I want, but I am convinced I can limp by with the standard trans and L10 cummins for now. This truck was a 1996 glider kit and has 3500 miles on the actual truck. The engine/trans/rear is from a 12k mile salvage truck, so the powertrain has 15,500 miles on it. The freaking passenger seat still has plastic on it. Totally a "franken truck" as my GF would call it, but right up my alley.
