Gmerrill0516

Hope you land it 41chevy. It sounds like you are pretty deep into these things. Keep us posted on it and best of luck. Greg

So if you're like me and put on a bunch of miles and also do the wrenching yourself and you get a recall notice AFTER you have already changed out the steering linkage already, you still have to go to the stealer and let them have their way with your vehicle and your wallet? Seems logical. One step closer to the USSA...United Socialist States of America...Damn shame. Don't forget to vote when the oportunity arrises.

Oh ok. That makes sense. I've got hydralic power steering on the 815, but I've seen driving instructors warn about hooking thumbs in the wheel for rally cars and such. It's just good practice. Nothing worse than a tore up thumb. Thank you for the answer. Greg

COOL!!

I'm curious as to what circumstances specifically lead to what I assume is the wheel snapping around and trying to tear your thumbs off. Can someone fill me in before I become a victim? Thanks

I'd pull the rocker covers and inspect the top end. Mine was in need of a major overhaul but the valve train was actually seized up so tight it made it seam as if the engine itself was stuck but it was not. You are going to have to take it one step at a time. A bore scope can let you see inside for the money to rent or buy one. Keep us posted. I've got some parts if you need anything. Have you tried to turn it in both directions?

You have to like the look of that truck. Nothing wimpy looking on that! Looks great. Greg

It was rainy and the truck is dirty like you can't believe...and most of all I didn't want it to die outside with no help to get it back into the shop. I will get some additional run time, cleaner gasoline and hopefully some fully sorted out brakes. We have a repair plats so we can take it for a spin when I'm confident I'll make it back..Probably some laps around the shop next time to be sure we are good. The brake lights don't work either so I have to figure that little part out too...the list is getting shorter. I'm really hoping to get it to the "barrington" show this year, which if I hear right is at the drag way in epping...Hopefully more room brings more trucks even if there is a $15 admission fee.. Thanks and yes I will get pictures and video soon...then I need to get back onto the 815!!! Greg

Hope this works. I'm attaching a brief video of the first ride for the 85LS1596 in about 30 years. I've got it starting, running, driving, and pretty much stopping...need a bit more work on the juice brakes...pain in the butt. IMG_0960.mp4.mov

Other Dog. I kinda feel sorry for that poor young lady. You should have at least given a few minutes of your time to help her out. Are you sure the before picture isn't your dad or uncle or something. That beard ages the heck out of you man! I find it hard to believe both shots are the same guy. How much does a tarp like that cost out of curiosity? I'm guessing they are not cheap. As always the pictures and story are GREAT! Thanks for taking the time and making the effort. I look forward to each episode. Greg

I've run accross very gracious and pleasant people and some real "pissasss". I inquired about a classic car recently. The pictures were poor and before I drive 150 miles I'd like some idea of what I going to see. I asked a few polite questions and got back this snotty response about how it's not a show car and I should't waste his time! I was floored. As a serious prospective buyer, he shut the door on any possible deal. I'm now trying to be more "gentle" in my questions so that I can avoid that scene but seriously...what a piece of work.

I wonder what the 400 Hp version would look like. Yikes.

I would assume that harnesses are built to order so you must have paid already. I'm not sure that will all pan out IF you can find a used one worth using. A used harness is probably the best way to get the truck back to the present condition quickly. Out of curisoity, was it in a building that burnt or what? It is too evenly cooked to have had an engine fire...I'm guessing. Good luck.

Big shiny brass ones...gotta be. I could never do that. I'm impressed with your approach to life. It can't be dull and if you did half the things you listed above you sure aren't afraid to work! God's Speed...God's speed.

You will enjoy reading all the stuff on here. I am addicted to it. Where are you from other than the glorious USA? I assume you drive for a living, tell us what you do. Have a blast Greg

Vermont to New Zealand. Wow. That is a change...maybe two. Good luck with it all. I hope it allworks out and you have a great time. Send us pictures... Greg

You're a real professional FWD...Three diffs? Can you do all that from the cab or do you have to get out? Inquiring minds want to know this stuff. And yes pictures are necessary. Too funny! Greg

Love the pictures. At first glance the bananna looks like it is actually on your truck. Great photography there. It's nice to see GREEN landscapes still exist. We are just getting to where we can see grass in the shoveled and plowed areas. Mud season is getting underway. Thanks for sharing the pictures. Greg

Sorry to hear of all the troubles and especially the death of your friend and co-worker. My condolences to you and his family. It is too bad he didn't get to the ER sooner. If you are feeling poorly don't mess around. Time is critical. Call an ambulance or have someone haul your but there if you are in the boonies. They can run a simple test to check for a heart attack and it's quick. It can save your life and/or rule out a potentially fatal problem. Play it safe and you may save your own life. Let's all say a prayer for the departed and put it in our minds to take fast action when we are not feeling just right. It can make his loss a blessing to us all. Greg

You're a nut if you part with that! It is awesome! The Ac unit on the roof, the V8 and the patina on that bad boy are sweet. The color scheme is to die for too...If I had the cash we'd be talking about it but I think that if you can you should hold on to it. Great truck! Good luck whatever you do. Lord knows life, finances and space get in the way of a good truck collection. Greg

That first picture looks like a different type of luffing set up on the dozer. Typically I've seen a boom come up from the tracks and winches set on the opposite side to lift and lower it as needed to lower pipe into the ditch. That might do the same sort of thing but I'd be concerned about the higher center of gravity. So long as the load rating is observed, it would work just fine I guess. It is also a bit more flexible in terms of the distance from the side of the machine to the center of the trench if I get how it works. Cool stuff. greg

My Dad had an 8 that looked like that a few years back. He pushed all the big rocks out of the pastures and such then sold it off when he started to down size I never got to run it...wish I had. Would have been cool.

I installed Tekonsha system in my Dodge two days ago. It is the P3 referenced above and is cabalbe of 1-3 trailer axels and electric or electric/hydrauulic I think it said. It clearly states that you can wire it to work properly with a positive grounding system. The braking forces (output) is fully adjustable and is a pretty nice unit htat sences G forces and adjusts accordingly. They make the pig tails for the new trucks set up with tow packages so literraly plugging the harness into the truck then into the controller and mount the controller...done! I don't think they will have a pigtail to fit a B-61 but the wiring is not too bad as long as you keep track of what is what. They give a good written explanation of what each lead is for to help clear up the confusion if wiring is not your thing. The cost was not bad either as I recall. Good luck

How do you drive from the passenger's seat? Nice truck. You guys dress them up very well. Greg

Not fun for sure but good to see all was ok in the end. That could have been a REALLY bad day. Love the wrecker. I'm a firm believer in bringing the right tool to the job. Nothing like the right stuff and the experience to get the job done right! Good call. May the rest of your year be safe, profitable and happy... Greg