It's Alive and Moving!

July 12, 2011 6:45 p.m. after putting the power steering reservoir hose on and getting the air bled out, was unable to turn the steering fully, why? Because as the truck sat in the driveway the right rear tire went flat causing the left front to migrate off the edge of the driveway and sink slightly into the yard causing the tire to bind on the curb. Only one thing to do, move the truck!

Yes! it moves under it's own power and also stops, it has not been driven since 1994, yes I am aware that some of you were not even around then.

After the initial in and out or the driveway, we did make one lap around the block, gotta get the vacuum line on the trans so it will shift and need to clean the windows badly, sorry no video of this ride.

But I am glad to report that it made it safely back into the driveway.

and yes it did chirp a tire coming up onto the driveway.

Project Diesel

Well things are moving ahead, although slowly, but still moving. Latest news:
After getting the beast fired up on Memorial weekend, and only finding a couple of fluid leaks, the oil feed for the turbo and a trans cooler line at the radiator, both minor, and easily fixed. The excitement is starting to build. A few tweaks to the injection pump timing, and viola, no white smoke and fires right up and has the rattle that it should. Next problem though, the steering gear leaks, off to get a reman one, (ouch). with the new gear on now the Power steering pump is leaking, more parts, result, no P/S leaks and the steering works.It is amazing how many rubber parts dry out when a truck sits for 15 years.

Next came the interior, 4th of July weekend, instead of camping with the family I chose to stay home and work on the beast, John Thaxton came over as well and after a case and a half on Mountain Dews and Pepsi the doors got hung and the wire harness for the windows were routed right. As well as a little fiberglass work on the floor to seal up some holes.

Next came some carpet, Stock interiors supplied molded carpet, did I say supplied? I meant sold me some carpet. I looks good in there, and fits pretty well.

Starting to come together, front seats are mounted, brackets were welded to the floor, and holes drilled for other bolts. Now just have to find the trim pieces to finish the front, and then get the rear seat recovered and recover the headliner the interior will be nearly done.

After nearly 2 weeks without running the battery cables were hooked up and it fired right off. Makes me feel good that it might be reliable.

This is a newer and bigger 6.5 liter that replaced the original 6.2 liter,and has been upgraded with a Banks Turbo. The donor engine was bought from Phoenix core and rebuilt by me at B and B Automotive machine Co. and the heads were welded and redone by Tony at Continental Diesel. and the rotating assembly was balanced by Basko Engine Service in Gilbert, and the Trans was done by Mikes Auto Works in Mesa, it is good to have friends in the automotive business.

Hopefully it will be on the road soon, tires, exhaust, A/C compressor, and a few more minor things, (I hope).

4th of July weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Does doing something fun two years in a row start a tradition?
We had a change of camping spots last minute. Rachael and Dusty to the rescue.
Great spot!
Lots of riding.
Rain in the afternoon.
Large space in front of camp to watch little ones ride the smaller toys.
So many trails you could get lost, and some of us did, for short periods of time.
Plenty of food, naps, and visiting.
I think even the dogs had a good time.
Thank you so much for being such a great family.
I love all of you!!!!!
mom

ps I forgot to pack the camera. oops......