Above 1200 Sq/FT The Salvage Garage

[casmurbax]

I think you should post up all your notes of the things that you need to get done and we can vote on what you should do first, then next etc.....

So post them up, we will keep track of them for you!

 

[Strouty]

Rocket book is a really cool idea, except it smudges unless you wait for the ink to dry, I have tried......

Pocket protector would work, except I don't have any shirt pockets....

The surface is neat, so is my iPad pro, but neither of them really worked for me, trying to use then on the go was not always easy. Screens could be hard to read and the stylus input had a noticeable lag. My favorite device is still an old palm pilot with a true touch screen. The second closest was my Galaxy Note, but I switched to Apple and do not want to switch back. The closest thing I have found to perfect was the sony digital paper, but it had a clunky interface for syncing and I sold it. There is a company that was making what I would consider a very close to perfect notebook, but it was really expensive and the software was designed for sheet music, not regular note taking.

 

[harley jim]

I downloaded samsung notes and To Do reminders to keep me on track, it's like an electronic pocket protector.

Sent from my SM-A102U using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[pi_guy]

The problem with sole entities keeping computer records requires a lot of data input.
For many of the jobs I worked on clients would keep a notebook for the car. Often a restoration of a 70's F1 car is not done in a year, a few years is nice multiples of ten get annoying.
Or a clip board with notes and billing time, the computer entry comes with bill or invoice writing.
I am a database guy and unless you have multiple people accessing the same data constant data input never returns the value of the time spent inputting.
If you are creating a website, book or printed documentation then it pays off.

 

[legenddc]

I had to get finer point pens for the Pocketbook and now I don't have hardly any smudging.

I'm still trying to find the right system.

 

[kent_323is]

I use the ColorNote app on my smart phone.
I have lists for specific vehicles, projects and also for the shop, garage and acreage.
If I think of something, I write it down in my list, where the to-do items are at the top of the list, and when I complete items, then I put the date, and move it to the bottom of the list. This comes in super handy if I need to look up something, as it is searchable and it's in chronological order.
I also note items I need to buy and for what project, and then when I'm in the store, it's all handy for filling the cart!
My smart phone is almost always with me, so I have it handy to note something when I think of it. I have a terrible short term memory, so writing it down helps me.

It's simple, it's always with you, and doesn't require a huge input of effort to start and maintain.

 

[Wrencher 160]

Had a similar situation to your 550 hydraulic problem. We built a separate engine driven pump setup, {think hurst tool setup}. It worked like a champ, no hanging transmissions and all that entailed. Maintenance on the setup was minimal and saved a ton of money.

 

[Strouty]

My Brother has a "pony" motor on his bucket truck, it is capable of running from either the truck or the pony motor. I haven't made it up to the Hill yet, once I see if the trans is even capable of using a PTO, then I will do a bit more research. This knuckle boom will make the 550 a truck that I could get behind, versus one I just use. I hope it is doable, I would prefer not having a pony motor, but it is an option for sure.

 

[F451]

The problem with sole entities keeping computer records requires a lot of data input.
For many of the jobs I worked on clients would keep a notebook for the car. Often a restoration of a 70's F1 car is not done in a year, a few years is nice multiples of ten get annoying.
Or a clip board with notes and billing time, the computer entry comes with bill or invoice writing.
I am a database guy and unless you have multiple people accessing the same data constant data input never returns the value of the time spent inputting.
If you are creating a website, book or printed documentation then it pays off.

"The problem with sole entities keeping computer records requires a lot of data input."

Agreed.

I mentioned making written notes on whatever is handy, and also writing lists and updating as I go, but that only gets me so far.

In reality, I use a number of tools for tasks and projects:

• In the moment: whatever piece of paper is handy, preferably my written out list, but a notepad, napkin, piece of cardboard do in a pinch. Key is to write it down somewhere and get it out of my head so I can move on.
• Start of day/end of day/when I have time: written down on paper, update as I go.
• Regularly update the calendar on my laptop with deadlines, appts, etc. Check it every morning before I do anything else while I have some coffee. Set reminders, especially for recurring tasks.
• Larger/longer term projects: I usually write task lists on my laptop, indent sub-tasks under larger headings. Print them out and bring them in the garage to help keep me on task. Mark up with pen and notes as I go, update the list on the computer when I can. My old Porsche resurrection project is 14 pages of bullet pointed tasks, and counting.
• Big Projects: I'm retired now so don't use them anymore, but project management software, or even just a spreadsheet are a great way to manage large projects with lots of moving parts and deadlines. If I owned a business I would be using some type of project mgmt software.

I would recommend finding a small notebook that fits in your back pocket and trying to incorporate it as a habit every day. Phone, keys, wallet, notebook as you walk out the door.

I can't imagine getting anything done without a paper task list and pads and pens around to update things, take notes etc. I keep them handy all over the place, in the garage, in the house, in my truck, etc.

And perhaps you already do the task lists thing and I missed it, in that case disregard all that stuff, Lol.

In any case, I'm always amazed at how much stuff you get done and how many things you're juggling at the same time, so good job on keeping productive.

 

[jack stand]

I believe that I'd put up with the pony motor to make it work. I agree, that'll really make that truck a "do it all" rig for you, at least in that gvw range thats also a reasonable daily driver. Your current crain with the wireless remote controls would be a great addition to a mobile mechanic's rig and shouldn't be hard to sell. You mentioned selling the bed? What would you do differently?

 

[Monza Harry]

Strouty after reading your thread from my last visit [~ day and a half], I was thinking that you need a binder with some dividers for your lists, grab a pocket size notepad and keep it on you for instant messaging to yourself. Take these IM notes with you and put in the binder when you get back to your truck, then transpose said notes while waiting throughout the day [line at scrap yard, dump, parts counter, DMV, commercials while watching the **** Tube, etc.] My secondary thought was a voice recorder, an "App" with the bluetooth to your phone (is that actually made/available?) for verbal note taking, possibly coupled with "Naturally Speaking" for transposition and then print and insert in your binder sections. Keep beating on those projects and I agree hit the problem children first, your prioritizing plan sounds like a winner! No the stars will not always align, but when they do it will be a lottery win to your motivation for sure. I would also put an indoor work space at the absolute top of your priority list. I have been working on that plan for a while now, I have been tackling the first obstacle in my pile of $#!+ ...I mean garage, but I have been piling up really long term/lasting projects and therefore my actual forward momentum on the garage hasn't really been visible, so I plan on modifying my basically same plan to make faster advancement, or will keep modifying until it does. For your pump problem on the 550 I like the "Pony" motor and pump plan why run a $15,000 motor for hours on end when a $500/1000 one will do the same job and can be made quieter and should be more fuel efficient as well. I am not aware of the PTO situation on the Ferds but I know that the Allison transmissions in GM's is missing the gear on the shaft below the PTO cover unless ordered with the PTO from just after the launch of the Allison (Peterson 4WOR did an article quite some time back that listed an approximate timeline as I recall). So beware you may need a transmission disassembly/reassembly, plus parts to instal a PTO on your ****** if the case will even allow it, since most of those are likely PTO free at this point, we know that the case will get/or has/had a price inspired make over.
Thanx Again for "Dragging" us along on your journey! Harry

 

[RADcustom]

Can the current crane be remounted forward to allow a gooseneck to clear?

Wouldn't a knuckleboom on this truck be similar to the Ford you started with?

 

[Strouty]

From what I gather with the Ford transmission, if it has a PTO cover, you are good, will be checking on it today.

The boom is about 10' long, so no matter how you position it, there would be issues. As far as the knuckle boom, this one is smaller and has a winch, the original Ford F-700 was much larger (almost as big as Perk) without a winch. After using the winch on Perk, I think it will be a standard option for me in the future. In fact, I have already been looking at how to mount one to the newest boom. Having the winch gives you the best of both worlds, the knuckle boom can be used to push, pull, or lift using the standard hook, using the winch gives you an easier way to position things for general lifting.

The F-550 is in no way comparable to Perk or to what OMO will become. This will give me small, medium, and large trucks, each with a specific range of uses making my fleet very versatile.

 

[RADcustom]

I see. I didn't realize the f700 was that big. I just remember you mentioning that it wasn't big enough. Now that you removed the box behind the cab that seems like the perfect spot for a knuckle boom. Do you have one the right size or is that something else you need to locate?

 

[86turbodsl]

What ****** does the 550 have? ZF6? or some auto?

 

[rvieceli]

 

[Strouty]

I see. I didn't realize the f700 was that big. I just remember you mentioning that it wasn't big enough. Now that you removed the box behind the cab that seems like the perfect spot for a knuckle boom. Do you have one the right size or is that something else you need to locate?

The boom on the F700 weighs about 5500 pounds and takes up about 36” of frame space (this is the smallest one I currently own). The boom that I am looking at weighs under 2000 pounds and takes up about 24” of frame space, yet it reaches further and picks more than the crane currently mounted to the 550. This boom should also keep the overall weight of the truck about the same, plus I would make an aluminum rear body, that should cut the weight down a bit. In the end I would like to have curb weight with tools be under 14k, that would give me more than 2 tons of payload capacity.

 

[rmalkow2]

Quite a debate on note taking technologies. Having used everything from paper and pencil to pen and fancy planners to Palm Pilots to iPhones to iPads, I now just use my memory. Yes, as you might expect it’s totally unreliable and I forget most everything on the list. But, on the up side my To-Do list is always short that way. It gives me more time to read the exciting exploits of all on GJ.

Bob (Retired)

 

[Strouty]

What ****** does the 550 have? ZF6? or some auto?

It is a 5 speed auto and it doesn’t have the PTO provision at all.

So I would need to change the transmission or the case and internals. Not sure I want to tackle that at all. Maybe it is time to sell the 550 and buy a bigger 4x4 or just build one, not like I don’t have the axles.

Regardless of what I do or don’t do, I am not in a big rush, probably look into a used trans just for giggles, might be able to find a rusted out truck, looks like the trans was available from 2003 to 2010.

 

[Orionrising]

nice stretch of weather ahead.no snow, not too cold.

 

[jack stand]

Its kinda the "long way around the barn" but with the long wheelbase of the 550, could you find an older "divorced" transfer case with PTO ?
Years ago I had a Bronco set up this way to power a winch. I know you're not powering a winch, but a 4sp with reverse winch sure was nice.

 

[Strouty]

I think that it would be cheaper to do the transmission swap. One of my friends thinks he may have one in a truck already, should know today. Seems like $1500 will buy a transmission and my old one has value too. The biggest issue on my end is that I am not sure I really like the truck enough to go through all this. If I sell it I can put that money towards something that I do like and want to put effort into.

 

[Squashfest81]

If the 550 is not the “right” truck, leave the crane and move on to the next rig.
Maybe I just want to follow along on a 6 wheel drive boom crane hydraulic flatbed 20,000lb front winch fully caged hook truck slide in camper fire truck!
Seriously, get going!

 

[Craptain]

Quite a debate on note taking technologies. Having used everything from paper and pencil to pen and fancy planners to Palm Pilots to iPhones to iPads, I now just use my memory. Yes, as you might expect it’s totally unreliable and I forget most everything on the list. But, on the up side my To-Do list is always short that way. It gives me more time to read the exciting exploits of all on GJ.

Bob (Retired)

Exactly the method that I use. Works really well for me. Not so much for SWMBO.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

 

[Strouty]

Ultimately I wanted a Perk sized truck that was all wheel drive, but in the end, it is too heavy for the GVW of the truck. I would need to find one already built with proper GVW or build one that has proper GVW, it is either going to be a pain or expensive.

 

[RADcustom]

Wouldn't the 5ton military truck be suited for that?

Or when you say "perk sized" you mean single axle?

 

[Strouty]

Yes, single axle. The 5 ton’s frame sits too high for my purposes, there are a few military trucks that would be suitable, but they are well outside of my price range right now. The 5 ton trucks are great off-road, not so much on road.

 

[Strouty]

This is the truck that would be usable, it is basically an updated version of Perk, same cab, newer nose, with the big engine from OMO and a seven speed automatic.

 

[xtremek]

That looks likes a beast. What does something like that cost? And is it practically roadworthy?

 

[mybigwarwagon]

Next you will be building kill dozer.



With a knuckle boom.

 

[Strouty]

Totally road worthy, could do 80 MPH with minimal adjustments. The cost is what kills me, they are over $50k now, a few years ago they were $25k all day long. Now the supply has run out and they come up for sale less often plus the price is rarely lower than $45k before fees. It is an M916A3, you can buy earlier versions for less money, but they are underpowered and have a 4 speed auto transmission.

 

[Strouty]

I am up at the Hill shuffling things again. I need to get some more waste oil into my tank. I want to get the fifth wheel i bought last weekend inside and cleaned up so I can test it out. Also need to figure out what model it is and the specs from Holland.

Major plan for today is to do something, not sure what, but something will cover it. Last week felt way to unproductive, almost as bad as the last week of December. I need to keep moving forward even though I really want to hibernate for the winter.

 

[Strouty]

I got OMO on charge, this week I would like to move the trucks around so the spacing isn't so ridiculous. In reality, I should tear apart the Cascadia, might do that just to get one truck gone. I wanted to start pulling the front bumper assembly off OMO, it will make it fit the shop better, even with that off, I think it still will be too tight to close the door without moving my toolbox from the front wall. I don't dare trim the rear frame yet, might need the length and don't want to be doing something for nothing.

 

[Strouty]

Hopefully I can get the fifth wheel freed up after all the dirt thaws out. I used the air hammer with a chisel bit to get as much as I could out while it was frozen. I think the only issue will be that it may need to be pressure washed to get it totally cleaned and the pressure washer is not fully functional yet. I am going to put the oil to it and see what happens tomorrow.





The springs are the problem right now, hard packed frozen dirt.

 

[casmurbax]

Strouty, that last pic, looks like the plate is bent and is that a crack?



That doesn't look like any fun getting that ice/dirt out of there either.

 

[Strouty]

There are lots of bends, but that plate is more of a guide than anything, the track that has the teeth is the important part, as long as there is no issue with that, it should be fine. Perk has similar bends on the same plate.

 

[xtremek]

I feel your pain on getting things moving forward. I'm trying to stop anything new from coming in the door until the Girlfriend ('82 c30 dump) and Smooth ('03 F-150 Screw) leave. Even so, during the BiL move, he gave me a nice buffer motor just to get it out of the old place. Sigh.

 

[Strouty]

Even my old stuff seems new.

I have been doing research on Perk’s VIN and some of the rules DOT would apply. My GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) tag says the truck has a 12,000 pound rating, this is because the truck was a glider kit and is consider “incomplete”. It is the responsibility of the builder to finish and rate the rest of the truck. At that point they can do anything they want, changing the front axle adding rear axles, whatever, they just need to include it on a new tag that would be placed on the door jamb or other areas outlined in the rules. There is no tag like this because it was a private individual that built the truck. I am going to have to learn how to make stickers.

The good thing is deciding the VIN shows all across the board that the truck is incomplete, it shows that the truck has “no engine” as well. I think this is the perfect situation, a bit of creativity and I can actually make lemonade from lemons. If the “builder” of the incomplete vehicle put the “correct” sticker on the door jamb, I am in business!

If the front axle is rated at 20k pounds, not only is the knuckle boom no longer an issue, but I can also make Perk a 4x4 like I originally wanted to. I just need to find that sticker now.

 

[Strouty]

I found the truck I should own, of course I would need a big knuckle boom instead, but you get the idea.

 

[xtremek]

Looks like the exact one you need.