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40 Year Old Main Panel w/Pushmatic Breakers

nsula_country

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May 23, 2013
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Location
Northwestern Louisiana
I'm not sure I agree with pvc being "life time". I put in less and less services with pvc. Threaded pipe is "lifetime". I often do use emt below the meter just to eliminate any threading.

Bert, I agree. Personally I don't even like PVC conduit, even SCH 80 above ground. Industrial background. EMT or IMC is my choice. My riser feeding 320A at home is 3" rigid. Hindsight IMC would been fine too.

But in this situation PVC should last longer than the SER cable exposed. And look finished.

No offense OP. Your job was done and complete. Functional. We are just picking out the cosmetic and trade flaws in the work. Constructive criticism!

CT
 
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BigGarage

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Just south of Detroit, MI.
No offense OP. Your job was done and complete. Functional. We are just picking out the cosmetic and trade flaws in the work. Constructive criticism!

CT

No offense taken on my part. I started this thread because even though I've done all my own electrical work for 40 years I knew the members here would point out things I did not see. I am grateful for the insights.

I still have to schedule the inspection and since the guy was here for my boiler inspection I have spoken with him and although my boiler install passed easily he said a couple of things to make me think he's a stickler for correctness. I like that. The guys who did the job said the inspector has his own company (I did not know that) so he's not just someone who doesn't know anything. I think he's going to have a few problems with this job as a few of you have pointed out. I'll let you know.

In regards to whomever asked about putting a piece of wood behind the panel before mounting it; when the guy came and gave me an estimate we discussed that and he said some cities allow it and some don't. He wanted to put the wood panel on the basement wall first but he had to ask the inspector about it when he got the permit. He either forgot to ask or was told no. I do not know as I forgot about it.

About the lines not being secured within 12" of the panel; I went down and looked at it closely yesterday after reading that and I see why it was done like that. Most of the lines go straight up through the ceiling (into the outside wall) and there is nothing to fasten them to. The several that come away from the wall come through a joist and are stapled to the joist.

I ordered a dehumidifier yesterday so I can get that basement dry and keep it dry. I did not spend this money to let moisture ruin my new panel.

With the holiday and my vacation ending on Monday and the fact that the inspector only works 1 day a week from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. it makes it even harder to meet up. Working 12 hour days doesn't help either and I start night shift next week.

P.S. To those who mentioned codes: We don't need no stinkin' codes:bounce:

My garage was built probably 60-80 years ago and it's been fine ever since.

Thanks to all for the comments.

I hope everyone has a great 4th and stays safe & cool.

Dennis
 

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alfredeneuman

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Fullerton, CA
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<BigGarage>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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BigGarage

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Dennis,

Nice Ford! Is it a F150 or F250? Looks like a 78 or 79? Any details on the truck?

CT

1979 F-350 4x4. The first year for an F-350 with 4x4. I bought it in 2011 and shipped it here from California. It has a 400 ci engine, 4 barrel carb (they only came with 2 barrels), dual exhaust, auto trans and several upgrades from stock. It originally had Dana 60 axles front and rear but he wanted to keep the front 60 since he had other vehicles and off-roaded them. He put a Dana 44 in the front and I didn't care since off-roading to me is usually pulling in the driveway.

It has dual fuel tanks that are both functional and my Brother and my nephew welded in new floorpan halves 2 years ago so they are new and painted with a black rust preventative.

I put in couple of pics from before I bought it. At this point I think it was for sale for $3000 if I remember right. He ended up keeping the wheels and front bumper and selling it for $2500.

I haven't driven it in 2 years but it runs like a champ. I took it around a few blocks the other day and it's great to hear the engine rumble.

Dennis
 

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BajaScout

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1979 F-350 4x4. The first year for an F-350 with 4x4. I bought it in 2011 and shipped it here from California. It has a 400 ci engine, 4 barrel carb (they only came with 2 barrels), dual exhaust, auto trans and several upgrades from stock. It originally had Dana 60 axles front and rear but the wanted to keep the front 60 since he had other vehicles and off-roaded them. He put a Dana 44 in the front and I didn't care since off-roading to me is usually pulling in the driveway.



It has dual fuel tanks that are both functional and my Brother and my nephew welded in new floorpan halves 2 years ago so they are new and painted with a black rust preventative.



I put in couple of pics from before I bought it. At this point I think it was for sale for $3000 if I remember right. He ended up keeping the wheels and front bumper and selling it for $2500.



I haven't driven it in 2 years but it runs like a champ. I took it around a few blocks the other day and it's great to hear the engine rumble.



Dennis



Nice truck! Michigan looks a little dry...


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nsula_country

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May 23, 2013
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Location
Northwestern Louisiana
I recently aquired a 1975 F250 2wd. Bone stock, original paint Explorer. 390 2V, auto, dual tanks. Selector works but midship tank needs replaced. Rear is new.

Grew up in a GM family. This is my 1st Ford. I want a highboy now!

CT
 
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BigGarage

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Just south of Detroit, MI.
I recently aquired a 1975 F250 2wd. Bone stock, original paint Explorer. 390 2V, auto, dual tanks. Selector works but midship tank needs replaced. Rear is new.

Grew up in a GM family. This is my 1st Ford. I want a highboy now!

CT

It sounds like you picked up a nice truck. Peruse this site if you ever need any help on it. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum38/. It's the best Ford truck forum there is.

Highboys (Ford never called them that) are any 4x4 F-250 from 1967 thru a certain vin number in 1977, usually called 77 1/2's. They have their charms and also their weaknesses. Fuel tank behind seat, divorced transfer case (not mated to the trans, has a small driveshaft to it). I think they are a few inches higher than mine and mine is tough enough to climb into. Good luck to you if you find one that hasn't been hacked apart and altered with parts from other trucks.

Dennis
 
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