Above 1200 Sq/FT The Warthog Hidey Hole

[jbmatth]

Very true 1/2, a little QST is chicken soup for the soul. This morning it felt like someone put habanero peppers in my soup though. I was trying to install one of the half shafts into PPP and it fought me all morning. It is a tight fit, and not really easy access then just about the time it was in the right location one of the U-joint caps would fall off. I ran out of time before I could get it back together. You live to fight another day.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

Looks like I really need to get better with photos, I did get the half shaft back into PPP and it rolls much better now. I also stripped some more off of the body of the suburban that I plan to use as well as stripped the frame of everything I'll need other than the front end parts, it will make a new toy I'll fill ya'll in on when time gets closer.

Other than that it has just been a lot of yard maintenance, clearing a few extra trees, cutting a few old stumps closer to the ground and lots and lots of mowing.

I did order two new O2 sensors for the Lil' Blue Truck, a new radio, door speakers, and turn signal lenses. That along with window tint will be the last of the upgrades I do before leaving for the HRPT in 3.5 weeks.

JB

 

[JohnnieMo]

What radio did you go with? I finally got my Chinese Joying radio working, but it was a bit of effort.

 

[jbmatth]

I went with a JVC KD-X350BTS, the S10 only has a 1.5 din slot and it is short. I've seen where others have made a double din work but for this truck I didn't see much need in more than that. It is mostly just to get some sound in the cab, the factory radio isn't working very well. I also picked up some Rockford Fosgate Prime R165X3 3-way 6.5" speakers for the doors. The only option Crutchfield had for the dash speakers was out of stock and were $400 each so I passed on them. I'm hooking up my 12 year old Sony P5 amp and 2-12" P5 subs because I have them and the back seat would be wasted otherwise. I'll most likely keep them turned way down, I'm not 18 anymore.

If I went the Joying route it would be in my Duramax, it is easier to justify the money spent there.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

I have a few updates that I haven't been able to post recently but here goes for at least a couple of them. I have everything completely stripped off of the suburban that I will need. I have it loaded onto the trailer, that was a bit interesting, but it is there now and I didn't loose an arm:

I also installed a pneumatic ******** onto the collection cone of my blast cabinet. So far it seems to really help keep the media down by the suction of the gun:

I also pulled the Lil' Blue Truck in this morning to install the new Denso O2 sensors PN 234-4103, it is tight to get them installed and... I'm still reading .45 volts. I'm not sure, I haven't gotten to test them with a meter at the sensor plug yet but am really getting frustrated with this part. I'm tempted to just take it in to a shop and have it looked at.

I did install new clear corner lights and they look much better than the old hazed amber lenses. I was going to install the rest of the stereo system this morning but I only had 4 connectors and didn't want to spend the, or had enough time soldering wires for a radio. I picked up another 50 pack this morning. By this weekend I should have better and more sound in this little truck.

I have one more update, but don't have any photos so I'll save it for another time.

JB

 

[oldironfarmer]

I've been missing your thread. That ******** looks familiar...

I'll check my shop.

The Suburban looks to have a lot of good parts, is it going into your salvage business?

 

[Nlped]

I also installed a pneumatic ******** onto the collection cone of my blast cabinet. So far it seems to really help keep the media down by the suction of the gun:

JB

Tell me more about this lil piece.



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[jbmatth]

I've been missing your thread. That ******** looks familiar...

I'll check my shop.

The Suburban looks to have a lot of good parts, is it going into your salvage business?

I think I picked up the smaller version than you did Andy, I have the GT-8, it works well but I haven't used it for any extended length of time to date.

There really isn't anything left on the inside of the suburban, I pulled all of the seats and quite a bit of the interior plastics. I managed to find almost $5 (98.75 Pesos) in change under the seat. I have someone intersted in the fenders and hood, but they haven't come to pick them up so they may get scrapped too. I did pull the airbags because they are always fun to play with.

Tell me more about this lil piece.

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Nlped,
That is an Industrial Pneumatic Turbine ********, it uses I think 1/4" OD hose and is dead simple to install. I think it is just a weight off center hooked to a common shaft with a pneumatic turbine. Supply air and boom it shakes, rattles, and rolls. Here is the link. "Link" But please for the love of all things holy don't tell my wife I bought an Industrial Pneumatic Turbine ********, she just wouldn't understand.

All,
I installed the remainder of the stereo in the Lil'Blue Truck, much better sound and all of the speakers work now, woo hoo. It will even get loud enough to drown out the exhaust but that boarders on bleeding ears so I probably won't use it very often.

JB

 

[oldironfarmer]

Do you have a needle valve to adjust the ******** or do you just use the regulator?

I had trouble finding tubing to fit the quick coupler on the turbine but lucked out with 5/64" vacuum hose. Looks like you used vinyl tubing.

 

[dchance]

Jb are you having any codes show on the engine?

Dwight

 

[adbanshee]

But please for the love of all things holy don't tell my wife I bought an Industrial Pneumatic Turbine ********, she just wouldn't understand. JB

Yeah, definitely be careful what pages you open if you search for it on Google!

 

[jbmatth]

Do you have a needle valve to adjust the ******** or do you just use the regulator?

I had trouble finding tubing to fit the quick coupler on the turbine but lucked out with 5/64" vacuum hose. Looks like you used vinyl tubing.

Andy,
I just run it at blast pressure which I usually keep at around 60 PSI (~4 bar). I somewhat lucked out too, I had to get a couple of fittings I din't have laying around and they had this clear vinyl tubing that was the right size. I bought a little extra just for giggles.

Jb are you having any codes show on the engine?

Dwight

Dwight,
Yes I have P0134 (O2 sensor circuit no activity detected bank 1 sensor 1) and P0154 (O2 sensor circuit no activity detected bank 2 sensor 1) I haven't had time to dig into it any more since then though.

Yeah, definitely be careful what pages you open if you search for it on Google!

Banshee,
I work in refining where there are lots of towers that typically separate more dense liquids from less dense. Many are said to strip a certain material away, thus the name stripper tower. Don't google that at work please.


All,

I don't know why but I didn't do much in the shop this weekend. I planned to replace the bushings on the leaf springs on the Lil' Blue Truck which turned into pulling a leaf spring out of each spring pack, knowing I could easily put it back if needed. That worked out great, it rides much smoother now and lowered the back about 2" (50mm) now it is only 1/2" (13mm) higher in the back instead of 2.5" (63mm). Then I cleaned a little more and loaded up the suburban with more parts for the scrap yard.

I was also talked into helping my friend out on his Jeep Grand Cherokee. He wanted to replace the axle seals and bearings as well as the pinion seal on the rear axle. That was pretty uneventful and is all back together now, I even got to use Andy's aluminum hammer and it worked great, thanks again for that Andy. He will bring it back at some point as I found some other parts that need changed but we couldn't get them on such late notice. I also replaced out dishwasher in the house. Well now that I type it all out it seems like I did get a good bit accomplished after-all.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

I am still around and busy but it doesn't seem like I've gotten much done for a while now that is post worthy. It has been taking me 5 hours to mow and trim which sadly is pretty quick I don't feel like doing much else. Anyway excuses are like a... well you know.

My friend Alex dropped off his Jeep again and I did a little maintenance on it, I think I mentioned I replaced the rear axle bearings and seals along with the pinion seal well after 3 attempts at the parts store I have the front pinion seal replaced as well. Andy's hammer came in handy:

I've been finishing up some last minute things on the Lil' Blue Truck lately like window tint that will be very nice in the southern states during the HRPT. I had a few pieces of broken trim on the interior as well as both armrest having broken attachment points, and the spare tire cable thing. Off to the pull a part yard and scored everything I was looking for for under $50 rather than just the arm rests on the Bay for $75. Score!

One thing I've wanted to do is add a hitch to it, with the roll pan I didn't want a hitch that hangs down so I looked into a hidden hitch but they are close to $150. I have two duramax hitches and the hitch from the suburban laying around, surely I can make something happen:

As you can see it wouldn't work as built so I'm hacking it to pieces and "making" my own. All of the material I had on hand and with probably 2 hours in it total I'll be good to go. It isn't finished yet but should be in the next day or so, I bought a hitch pin, wiring harness and spring loaded license plate frame from a Jeep YJ. All in I'll have about $40 in those parts and be able to move my trailer around or even loaded as long as there isn't too much tongue weight, and no-one will be able to see the hitch when not in use. Woo Hoo

I leave for the power tour next Thursday and have a few small items on my list to finish before I leave, oil change, reattach the rear-view mirror, plug a vacuum hose that keeps coming off for the HVAC controls, oh and finish the hitch, I think I can handle that. If anyone is along the route this year and wants to catch-up shoot me a PM and we can work something out. This year it goes from Bowling Green, Ky. on the 9th to Chattanooga, Tn., Birmingham, Al., Atlanta, Ga., Darlington, Sc., Raleigh, NC., then ends in Concord, NC. on the 15th.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

We had a round of storms come through last night around midnight and were under a tornado watch that for some reason startled me last night. Or maybe it was the 7 times my phone alarmed saying to run for your life. Either way I didn't sleep and stayed up listening for them to say one was about to hit my house. Good news is we had plenty of rain and no damage that I know of.

Better news I was able to get in some QST ("Quality Shed Time" 1/2-Cup). I started off by reinstalling the rear view mirror, and installing the trailer hitch I'd finished the welding on:

Before I pulled it off after final fitment and tack welding I marked the location on the back side of the roll pan so I could make a clearance hole. I recently purchased a set of step bits that many have mentioned but I'll give credit to Bob. I used those to cut the corners then a die grinder with a cutoff wheel to finish it off then installed the hitch:

*Edit* I did paint the freshly cut metal but didn't take a photo of that. *Edit*

As usuall I need to clean my vehicles, but it fit great and was centered in the hole better than it has any right to. Later I changed the oil in the Lil' Blue Truck thus completing my "need to do" list before leaving for the HRPT next Friday.

After all of that it was only 4:00 so I decided to try to install the trunk handle on my cobra that fell off during the 2016 HRPT. it required a little grinder work on the actuating rod but went in without a hitch:

Glad to have all of the little things off my list for both vehicles. All that is left to do is clean them and pack for the trip. All in all a successful morning.

JB

 

[Nlped]

I’m planning on roaming around the parking lot at the Hoover, AL stop, so maybe I’ll see you.


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[jbmatth]

Cool, depending on how things go I should be there around 2, that day I am picking a friend up from the airport at 1. Feel free to shoot me a PM if you'd like.

JB

 

[Nlped]

Will do


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[oldironfarmer]

Great work on the hitch installation. Must be nice to have your own salvage yard.

Glad the little hammer got a workout too!!

 

[jbmatth]

It is very convenient to have spare parts at the ready, but it isn't quite a salvage yard...maybe an indoor salvage shed.

Yep it is earning its keep.

JB

 

[rmalkow2]

The hitch looks great and just like it was original equipment. Pardons if I missed this in a previous post but, are you towing the Cobra behind the truck for this Power Tour?

 

[jbmatth]

The hitch looks great and just like it was original equipment. Pardons if I missed this in a previous post but, are you towing the Cobra behind the truck for this Power Tour?

Thanks for the kind words rmalkow2, however I might suggest you have your vision rechecked. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit proud of how it turned out. But like everything I see places where I could improve it. One of those being paint...Yeah I'll paint it this winter when I pull the body again for "maintenance" work.

You didn't miss anything however, I'm not planning to tow the cobra, I just wanted to have a hitch in case it is needed. At least two people in my group are pulling teardrop campers and I wanted to be able to help them if required. Plus what use is a truck if you can't connect it to a trailer? LOL

JB

 

[charleyw]

The license plate on the Cobra is great!

 

[jbmatth]

Thank you Charley, it holds pretty true for a car as small and light as it is. Whereabouts in Oklahoma are you from? Also welcome to the thread.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

I thought I was done with the hitch mount, but apparently not. I did a bit more before I pulled the truck off of the lift then let it down last night and noticed it didn't seem to be setting as low in the back and had VERY little down travel. That is when I noticed this:

I cut those brackets shorter but apparently not short enough. So back up with the lift, pull the spare tire, remove the 4 bolts and connect the plasma cutter. Spent a couple of minutes with the flap disc and:

Plenty of clearance now. Sadly now that the glue had dried for the rear view mirror mount I put it back on, while adjusting it apparently I pushed too far and it came back off. Oh well I have a new installation kit and it'll go back on in the morning. That and the wiring harness are all that I really need to do before leaving. Well packing, I still have to pack, now where is that list...

JB

 

[1/2 Cup]

JB, heaps of clearance.


I hate doing stuff twice but then again it happens.

 

[oldironfarmer]

I wish you well on your trip!!

May there be no breakdowns, have a great time!!

 

[jbmatth]

JB, heaps of clearance.


I hate doing stuff twice but then again it happens.

I agree, but for a 10 minute fix I can't really complain too much. Better than having to pull the engine I just put in to replace the rear main seal like I get to do this winter.

I wish you well on your trip!!

May there be no breakdowns, have a great time!!

Thanks Andy, I hope so too. I really look forward to getting to enjoy the AC this year, I almost feel like I'm cheating.

JB

 

[dchance]

Have to agree with Andy, Have a great trip.

Dwight

 

[Bob Heine]

JB, less than a week to the HRM Power Tour. Stay dry and have fun!

 

[jbmatth]

Have to agree with Andy, Have a great trip.

Dwight

JB, less than a week to the HRM Power Tour. Stay dry and have fun!

Thank you Dwight and Bob, I don't think I'll have too much of a problem staying dry this year now that I'll actually have a roof.

I have all of the tools and parts packed I had on my list, hopefully I didn't forget something:

No I'm not taking a spare engine and trans for me, I'm dropping them off with a buddy in my home town in S.E. Mo. They were heavier than I expected, I knew it was going to be riding low with that much weight but didn't realize it was going to be riding on the bump stops. Today I ended up adding in the leaf spring I took out a couple of weeks ago and will remove them again when I get back. Nothing like a little rework.

I also received the trailer wiring harness and flip up license plate bracket. I have them both installed and ready for action:

Not much left to do except pack my clothes and hit the road on Thursday.

A little side story, my friend Alex wasn't going to be able to go because he had a small outage at work that week. Well the outage was moved up to now, so he will be able to join. The reason I'm at work now is because he is currently on a training trip with the Air Force Reserve and wouldn't get back to Ok. until Sunday. Through the magic of governmental coordination he will be meeting me in Birmingham, Al. on Monday then making the rest of the trip with me. Woo Hoo, that would be a long boring trip alone. I may or may not check back in before I get back so ya'll have a good one!

JB

 

[don long]

Have a great trip JB
I've always wanted to do a power tour just never pulled the trigger on it

 

[Finallygotit]

Enjoy the ride JB. I hope all works well for you!


Drive safe!

 

[jbmatth]

Have a great trip JB
I've always wanted to do a power tour just never pulled the trigger on it

There is no time like the present Don, I'd love to have you join our group one year. The toughest part for you will be deciding which vehicle to take. There are worse problems to have.

Enjoy the ride JB. I hope all works well for you!


Drive safe!

Thanks Finally, I'll hold onto the beer until I'm done driving for the day.

JB

 

[charleyw]

Thank you Charley, it holds pretty true for a car as small and light as it is. Whereabouts in Oklahoma are you from? Also welcome to the thread.

JB

Thanks for the welcome, I've been following along for quite some time. I'm in Broken Arrow, close to NSU.
Can't beat a thread with trucks, tractors and a Cobra!

 

[1/2 Cup]

JB, enjoy your trip

 

[fastjohnny]

I thought I was done with the hitch mount, but apparently not. I did a bit more before I pulled the truck off of the lift then let it down last night and noticed it didn't seem to be setting as low in the back and had VERY little down travel. That is when I noticed this:

I cut those brackets shorter but apparently not short enough. So back up with the lift, pull the spare tire, remove the 4 bolts and connect the plasma cutter. Spent a couple of minutes with the flap disc and:

Plenty of clearance now. Sadly now that the glue had dried for the rear view mirror mount I put it back on, while adjusting it apparently I pushed too far and it came back off. Oh well I have a new installation kit and it'll go back on in the morning. That and the wiring harness are all that I really need to do before leaving. Well packing, I still have to pack, now where is that list...

JB

Something seems to tell me that DOT requirements for hitches are minimum 3 bolts per side. I could be wrong...

 

[jbmatth]

Thanks for the welcome, I've been following along for quite some time. I'm in Broken Arrow, close to NSU.
Can't beat a thread with trucks, tractors and a Cobra!

Cool, not far away at all really. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment and I do happen to have all of those even if I don't work on each very often.

JB, enjoy your trip

Thank you 1/2, I'll do my best.

Something seems to tell me that DOT requirements for hitches are minimum 3 bolts per side. I could be wrong...

Fast,
I hadn't heard that but will look into it, that is all that were on the suburban hitch I cut apart but it also had mount points in the center where the bumper hitch could have gone.

Edit* I did a little digging and couldn't find a requirement per DOT for bumper style hitches. All I could find was that it needed to be securely mounted. Next time I talk to a cop I'll ask if he is aware of any regulations. That said I don't plan to pull much weight with the truck, that is why I have my Duramax.

JB

 

[mybigwarwagon]

My network of spys has caught him in the act in NC

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Haha....not JB!

 

[realvc]

I follow the Power Tour updates looking for a picture his truck. So far he has not been spotted by me.