Above 1200 Sq/FT The Salvage Garage

[steaks&anvils]

I am thinking even weirder than that.

This is Garage Journal. Do you know how powerful those words are?

Good Lord, we'll all hold your beer.

 

[Strouty]

I don’t drink beer.

 

[casmurbax]

here I thought I was crossing the line.....

btw I don't think that rig is really that weird.... it served purpose.

 

[mybigwarwagon]

Wierd you say...

 

[smalltown]

Strouty good luck on the long day tomorrow. Hope your leaving early to avoid all the tourists returning home.

White Burb does look pretty clean underneath. I think you should at least take a shot at fixing the in place motor. Who knows maybe it's something simple.

 

[Strouty]

If it truly is bad, they had to have run it out of oil, it only has 80k miles on it.

I have been doing some research on Pane and the propane injection system, I think I have found enough info that I should be able to keep that going for a long time. I also would like to talk with some people that know more about the system, just to understand how I could swap it back to gasoline if I chose to later. It is a pretty cool rig being that it has the 8.1 and air brakes, I just wish the frame was a bit cleaner, might have to do some work on that. I figure that it will be a yard truck, I am going to install an air ride rear, that way I can dump the air bags to lower it down for easy trailer attachment, it will also get a fifth wheel hitch and a flat bed that I can take off easily with the knuckle boom. I would like to get the boom swapped over before too long, then the old F-700 can go away (my brother is making it into a dump truck). I am going to the Hill to get the trailer lights all working, then I need to go to the SG, thinking I may take Perk and haul the Mitsu back to the Hill, not sure I am that ambitious though, we will have to see how things go with the lights and anything else I decide to do.

 

[Strouty]

Here are some interesting pictures I found.

 

[Strouty]

I found the wiring problem, it was in the least expected place too, all wrapped up in split loom and in a fairly protected area, glad I found it, all the wires were damaged and would have failed soon. I am working on reconnecting things now, removing a couple more suspect splices and some redundant wire. Should last for a while when I am done.

 

[Strouty]

Lights are now working, just need to dress up the wires to keep them protected. Looking at my mileage on the maroon burb, looks like I should change the oil when I get back from the trip, I try and change it on the 5s and 0s, right now I am at ***,8600, so I really should wait that way I don't screw up my process. I did check the oil and it was up on the dip stick, usually when I need to add a quart it is about time to change the oil anyways.

I am going to start making up some workflows for all the projects I have, scratch that, I am going to make a list of all the projects I have, then make a workflow for the ones that are current. I feel that I have been wasting so much time because I just don't have a next step, if I can keep a detailed list of the next steps, when I get stuck waiting on parts or whatever for one project, I can look at the list and work on something productive for another project. I think I used to do this in my head, but the project list has been stretched beyond the limits. Probably need to cut a few projects, mothball them for the time being or sell pieces and parts, it will all depend on the storage situation. This year has been crappy, no auctions to bring my overflow to, I usually get rid of a bunch of things, plus I get a bit of money from it.

Anyways, I have a bigger than normal week next week, Monday is loaded with things, then Thursday and Friday may be island work, plus anything else that pops up since I have a few projects that are in limbo waiting for someone else to do something so I can finish things.

 

[jakemac]

How is that Rainbow Lakes truck under the height restriction ?
Cool as all get out, but ..... woof, what a beast.


Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Strouty]

It is probably riding right at 13'6" those were lower roof height fire trucks, probably 8'6 or 9', so that leaves 4' 6" or 5' to add on top.

 

[steaks&anvils]

I have the upmost confidence that you can integrate your Burb into the car transport bay much better than the example you presented.

That one looks like when they bungee a moped and lawn chairs to the RV roof ladder.

The Griswalds geez...

 

[Strouty]

It is a bit awkward for sure. I appreciate the vote of confidence, most likely would end up with a smaller vehicle if bringing one, the smart cars fit sideways pretty well on most trucks.

Back to the SG, seems that all my small chains are with the big trailer?? Go figure. Dad's trailer has larger chains that would probably work, but I would rather just have my nice small ones and be done with it, just wished I had realized that yesterday when I was already there. I don't have enough ambition to take Perk over and load the Mitsu, so I guess I am taking the maroon burb, then I have to come back to the Hill to get the small trailer, well, I guess I could just hook it up now and be done with it. Wish I didn't have to run around like a headless chicken. Leaving in less than 12 hours.......

 

[steaks&anvils]

It is a bit awkward for sure. I appreciate the vote of confidence, most likely would end up with a smaller vehicle if bringing one, the smart cars fit sideways pretty well on most trucks.

Back to the SG, seems that all my small chains are with the big trailer?? Go figure. Dad's trailer has larger chains that would probably work, but I would rather just have my nice small ones and be done with it, just wished I had realized that yesterday when I was already there. I don't have enough ambition to take Perk over and load the Mitsu, so I guess I am taking the maroon burb, then I have to come back to the Hill to get the small trailer, well, I guess I could just hook it up now and be done with it. Wish I didn't have to run around like a headless chicken. Leaving in less than 12 hours.......

oh, got it, knuckle boom to load the smart car.

Yeah, having stuff in to locations *****. But so does buying and storing two of everything. done that been there.

Do you have room to overnight park the maroon burb with the trailer? is that what you were just suggesting? Hookup now, get the chains on the way home, park overnight?

The truck/trailer shuffle ***** too, I feel your pain. Had to do that when we used an old pickup to tow the horse trailer. They stayed at the horse barn (no parking at the house), but if you wanted just the truck you had to go swap out vehicles.

 

[Strouty]

Luckily I can park the truck and trailer at the house. I also looked at the chains one more time, they are not as small as mine, but also not as big as what I thought. I am going to just go with it. I took all the tools out of Perk, so I would have some stuff with me, going to grab a jack in case I need it for the trailer. I also have some extra ratchet straps if needed, realistically the new burb would be fine in the trailer with a couple bungee cords, so whatever I end up with will be overkill.

 

[Strouty]

Also, this is the puddle under the F550, completely drained the overflow tank.



This is after the 5” of rain we got. I can’t wait for the pressure tester to show up.

 

[Strouty]

Going to bed, need to be up in a few hours. Hope everyone had a nice fourth.

 

[steaks&anvils]

Thanks. Hope your 4th was pleasant (discounting the running in circles).

The 4th of July is the one holiday we have that allows us all the other holidays. Allows Ryan to have a place like Garage Journal. Allows us this place where we can voice our opinions and meet with others who also share the same hobbies. It allows to disagree yet still be friends and fellow countrymen.

Watch out tomorrow, those same countrymen may be driving like the idiots they are allowed to be!

 

[Strouty]

Couldn’t have said it better.

As for traffic, I should be down there before 10 AM, and I really think we t won’t be too bad, I am headed north and I suspect most people will be headed south.

I just hope I don’t regret that I didn’t get my smaller chains.

 

[xtremek]

Good luck today.

 

[Strouty]

Loaded and headed out.

 

[steaks&anvils]

Loaded and headed out.

Looks good! beautiful day there too.

 

[ODIS]

All the best to you on your trip and at home!

Take care.

 

[Strouty]

It is hot, no AC in the maroon Burb either. In Connecticut now, just got fuel, it was cheaper than Massachusetts, kind of unusual.

Traffic is pretty good, so no real slow downs, should be home around 4, 12 hour trip, not too bad.

 

[pi_guy]

This week and last traffic is lighter due to holiday. Sunday night on 95 is never good.
Traffic is down anyway from C-19
Safe travels

 

[Monza Harry]

Strouty that new one [to you anyways] is the same combo as the one I leased way back in '99! Mine was a 1500/350/Tailgate not the one, which I truly wanted 2500/454 and gated not barn doored like yours. All I have to say is it is about time you bought the original Bow-Tie-Version Much better looking to me, I like chrome I was born the sixties grew up in the seventies with the last of the chrome cars & trucks.
Harry

 

[mybigwarwagon]

BE careful headed home. Good looking truck

 

[Strouty]

Made it back all unloaded and the white burb is in the shop. Oil on dipstick was twice as full as it should be, coolant reservoir is empty, it started and ran, but now the oil is creamy, guess we know where the coolant went. I am sure it has been this way long enough that the bearings have been damaged, but if it is something relatively simple, I may just go with it. AC works, oi was changed about 200 miles ago, inspection was done about the same time, tires have 2018 date and can't have much for mileage on them. Two things that I am not happy about (three if you count that it is white), one is the rear is not limited slip (3.73 ratio), two is that the lower two tone is actually a gold color, I had thought it was grey like my maroon burb. I will be looking into junkyard engines on Monday, seems like this could be a weekend project and a new daily driver with almost no effort. We will see.

As for the traffic, all of it was on the southbound side, pretty bad once I got to New Hampshire and all the way into Maine plus a good ten miles. Only place that traffic slowed me down was in Connecticut getting onto 91, the burb had a few (read lots) of hiccups, the waste gate is controlled by a sensor that needs vacuum to run it, pretty sure the vacuum pump is acting up, so almost every hill the engine decided not to give any boost, got lots of black smoke and no power. Some hills were 70MPH no problem, others were 45 with all I could do to keep the smoke from coming out the tailpipe.

 

[xtremek]

Glad you made it back. Sounds like you have your plans set for next weekend.

 

[Strouty]

Maybe, depends on what I get wrapped up in this week.

 

[steaks&anvils]

I will be looking into junkyard engines on Monday, seems like this could be a weekend project and a new daily driver with almost no effort. We will see.

This is what I love about GJ. The "I'll just get another engine and toss it in" attitude!

I'm not an engine guy, why get another engine? can't this one be fixed? Isn't there risk with a junk yard engine? or do you get a bigger one while you are replacing anyway?

I'm just asking?

Good you got home fine. Sorry the hills were bothersome. I can relate to big hills here in colorado, most cars dog out...

 

[Bighead38]

This is what I love about GJ. The "I'll just get another engine and toss it in" attitude!

I'm not an engine guy, why get another engine? can't this one be fixed? Isn't there risk with a junk yard engine? or do you get a bigger one while you are replacing anyway?

I'm just asking?

Good you got home fine. Sorry the hills were bothersome. I can relate to big hills here in colorado, most cars dog out...

I love seeing that attitude. It’s the same way I am and why there is a bare frame in my driveway right now. Decided to just strip my friends truck and build it right.

As for the engine it is most likely fixable but requires some parts and hours. Most likely the truck blew a head gasket and is allowing coolant into the oil. Worst case is the block cracked and is allowing coolant in. If you catch it quick it’s not a problem. If it runs to long the coolant can wipe out the bearings in a motor.

 

[Strouty]

I don’t know the actual history of the problem, so some is a guess, that is part of the issue. The research seems to point to the intake gasket, I have a guy that is going to take a look at it later this week. He says that the intake needs to come off anyways, also thinks he can tell if the intake is the issue. I figure investing a bit of money may be worth it.

 

[steaks&anvils]

I don’t know the actual history of the problem, so some is a guess, that is part of the issue. The research seems to point to the intake gasket, I have a guy that is going to take a look at it later this week. He says that the intake needs to come off anyways, also thinks he can tell if the intake is the issue. I figure investing a bit of money may be worth it.

You did say it has air conditioning?

Can it tow too? I mean enough to help out dragging local "stuff" home?

Use it in the nice weather and the maroon one when it's crappy out.

 

[Strouty]

That is what I am thinking, if I can fix it easy enough.

 

[macgyver37]

If the 454 has the same style intake gaskets as the v6 and sbc of that time then it is a common failure. I was borrowing my FIL's '97 with the 305 in it when the gasket failed. I ended up replacing it which wasn't bad. Felpro has an upgraded gasket set for it, so make sure you look for that one as they still sell the old style that fails....

The sucky part was flushing and cleaning all the coolant contaminated oil goo out of the engine. I ended up pulling the pan and spending many many hours cleaning. If it would have been 2 wheel drive auto vs a 5 spd 4 wheel drive, I'd have just pulled the engine.

 

[T-handle]

Reading this makes me miss my old Gmc I build 2007 It had some creaming issues as well when I bought it. I did a full engine rebuild and some other stuff too

before

after

That sure is a fine looking Burb you got there Strouty

 

[Strouty]

T, looks like you did a bit of work to make your truck look that nice, I would probably miss it too.

Mac, it seems that the design is similar for sure and a common issue. Makes more sense that the age of the truck got to those gaskets versus 80k miles and losing a head gasket, at least in my mind.

 

[casmurbax]

Strouty, glad you made in there and back with no issues.

White burb looks pretty nice.

How important is that gearing to you?

 

[1Garageman]

WOW, I take about 5 days off on this website and I spend about an hour catching up on what you have done. Nice new/used ride buy!