Rob

Ya'll don't knowhow hard that was for me to do. I actually kept those emblems from a VNL series tractor I fixxed a couple years ago after a deer hit. Put a used hood on the truck and saved these for such an occasion. Just knew a few of the guys would enjoy it. Notice the black electrical tape used for retention. Doing my best to emulate the way Volvo builds their own branded trucks. That B67 is a 1962 model. Be interesting to see a Volvo product at the same age. Sorry, but I don't feel "ostracized". Rob

Sorry I didn't see the message later as we left shortly after my last post. Really interesting presentation. We only seen a couple of wild eagles in the trees, and they sure are majestic. First time I've ever seen any in the wild. I'm planning to get to some of the regional truck shows this summer and I'm sure we'll meet up and swap lies at some point. Thanks, Rob

Thanks for the well wishes guys on my 50th Bday. We really didn't do a lot, just, spent time together over dinner and today we're off to see the bald eagles on the Illinois River, along with a presentation relating to them at Starved Rock State Park. Thanks again!! Rob

Volvo's spin on the re-issue of the B model. Rob

Don't look right to me. Rob

Hi Herb, what is the difference between a TRQ-7210, and a TRQ-7220? I've never seen the former myself. Rob

Thanks for the birthday wishes from everybody. Gonna sit at home and enjoy Momma's company today cause we don't get to do that much anymore. Never thought I'd see 50, guess the reality should set in. Rob

I work for the feds so I get that exam almost daily. I must check out alright, (or like it) cause they always come back for more. At least I get to clean up between episodes cause I don't believe in "sloppy seconds". Oh yeah, the doctor see me annually, but relies solely on the PSA numbers as an indicator. Rob

I'm gonna try, real hard too. Momma is in the kitchen making me a chilli cheesecake with my favorite Tabasco and "Philly" cheese whipped topping. These things always add a couple pounds to the "bottom line". Instead of using butter in the crust, she uses Miracle Whip salad dressing. No, I really don't share it. Rob

Well thanks for thinking of me on this day. I now join my trucks with the status of "Antique". I like it. Rob

I've known people that have done both. Until the economy closed in on the position it's at now, the college graduates had better prospects of employment around central IL. ADM based out of Decatur would readily pick up new drivers for awhile, but quickly realized the college educated netted better drivers due to time behind the wheel, and "coloring book" experience. I don't know much about retention, and do know that company is not real easy on people without experience. But, they did employ. A couple of young people that work there have been treated well with new equipment, (after probationary period) and plenty of work. Neither are "greedy", or expect the same as a multi year tenure driver. I also know several people that hated to work for the company and did not last. Rob

I don't have ratios either but it sure seems that anywhere from 8.5, to 11:1 reduction ratio is common in low gear without extra low reduction. Rob

I have figgered out that my B67 has 5.73 rears and a single overdrive duplex transmission. This truck in low range still backs too fast for my comfort level. If the truck is at idle and in reverse, I'll bet it will mosey along about 2-3mph. I'm sure a 4.17 ratio would be much too fast and be hard to start a loaded trailer at 10 tons. Rob

My B-61 with 6.34 rears, double over quadraplex, on 10.00X20 rubber runs 57 mph at 2150 rpm. Rob

Just don't let weight of the exhaust hang from the flex pipe to rigid union. Use a hanger to support it and all will be fine. Flex does not burn through any easier than a carbon steel pipe. Practice makes perfect. Rob

The surgery is harder on some than others. Rob

Save me some. Rob

I have to side with the obese people. I've tried every trick in the book to reduce but nothing seems to work, (for me). Hell I can't get below the "magic 300" or so to feel positive accomplishment. On another note: If you'll find me a power steering unit for my B67, I could install a smaller steering wheel and actually have the wheel return to center after turn completion rather than my gut putting the brakes on the rim. Think how much fun that truck would be to drive instead of looking at photos and making motor sounds with my lips as I imagine a road trip. My wife, (although sympathetic) says my ears are starting to sag from my belly weight, and gravity pulling on them. I get no respect around here, only ridicule as she shoves another cheeseburger in my bowl. Rob

How did you attach the flex pipe? Rob

I still don't think it was bad. Renault has never had a good infrastructure base in this country. The same plays for Puegeo, Citreon, Simca, etc. The would export their wares, (automobiles) but could not maintain the parts and support until they were forced to pull out of the marketplace. The first three make some fine diesel engines that really last well in Europe but there was no market for them here. Same reason Mercedes pulled out of the passenger car diesel engine market for several years. With Volvo being the parent of the corporation there has been money invested in R&D that probably would never have been and would have lead to the demise of the Mack marque. Renault Vehicle Industrials was going broke in supporting commercial vehicles in the Unites States so they wanted out of the market. They have a quite large presence in Europe. Just like Scania, Daimler/Mercedes, and a few others not seen here any longer. Rob

Hi Mike, I've never seen the shutter work on this truck so can't say anything. Since getting the engine back together it has not been up to 140 degrees so they probably wouldn't even attempt to work yet. My 64 B61 will modulate the shutter assembly fully opened, and closed as the temperature varies. Kinda neat to hear them pop closed after driving the truck in the warm months, after shutting the engine down. The shutters will be closed and the heat soak from no water flow will cause the shutterstat to pop them back open and after a little cooldown, shut them again. Eventually the air receivers bleed off and the shutters remain open and close when the air pressure approaches 60psig. Rob

Hi guys and thanks for the input. I took the governor apart and cleaned it tonight. It was full of hardened oil, and gunk. The supply line to the shutterstat is also partially plugged so it, along with all other lines on the truck will be replaced next week. Never did get the cylinder to not leak past the piston cup so I have rigged a regulated air supply at 75 psi, and leaving it applied overnight to reform the packing. It does not leak past with this amount of air holding on it. Thanks, Rob

Hi Mike, you're a glutton for punishment. I'd have removed that grille guard without a second thought; but then again I've manhandled those radiators a few times. They are not that heavy but to balance on a ladder to elevate it over the guard is prolly something I'd rather not do. Especially with the recored radiator you will most likely have on your return trip from the radiator shop. Assuming your engine has no external oil cooler on it I would replace all the radiator, and heater hoses while it is apart. It is much easier to reach through the radiator opening get to the hoses than when the truck is together. You mentioned that you were in for a restoration and you could replace everything when the sheet metal is off much easier yet. Rob

Hi Speed, no need for any type of apology and certainly no sore spot irritated. We all have our "look what I done" stories that would fill volumes but should they be posted to ensure others look at us favorably? Not really. I've done very similar over the years with of all people "insurance companies". I've actually refunded monies to these crooked, greedy pieces of shit because they overpaid, or paid incorrectly for goods/services that were rendered. That in itself does not make me a good person but it is good business, and my motivation. If I find a wayward twenty dollar bill in the street, no doubt it's going in my pocket unless there is resonable assurance the proper owner can be found. I actually may not keep it, but forward onto a homeless shelter I support, (which also does not make me a good person). I live life trying to get by. Sometimes I help others, sometimes I don't. I'm a strong believer in "paying it forward" because in the end, there is nothing to make up as the stage has already been set for your arrival. How you lived your life will reflect on your spirit. Rob

Certainly nothing wrong with trying to live right and not infringe upon others. I have clear conscience because I go out of my way to not fuck people over. I tend to do others as they do me. Of course I am a very vindictive person when wronged. Wish I could get over that part sometimes as it can be all consuming, but there has to be a system of checks and balances for all. I'm not perfect and would not be happy if others looked at me as if I was. I have the admiration and respect of my family and that's about all that is really important to me. I've earned that as it was not given. The rest in life, I'm still working on. Rob