Rob

Several folks have met me on the board. The "chick magnet" is me. Some just refuse to believe it. Although the photo was a couple years old when posted, it is still an accurate representation. Lucky I have thick skin as the artwork could be deemed offensive to some. I was hoping to make Macungie this year, (but our government had other intrusive plans for me in this timeframe) to clear up your doubts. One of these days the mind will be put at ease. Rob

Here you go Albert. I will personally vouch for this gentlemans work as I've seen it. http://www.classicpreservation.com/fuelpumpkits.html Rob

As is Tyrone Malone. Rob

The CJ's are another excellent case in point. We fixed many of those from rollovers in the late 70's to early 80's in their heyday with the younger set, (myself included). If you go back to the CJ2, and CJ3 days with the four cylinder "Whirlwind" powerplants, with spicer 30 running gears, they were virtually indestructable. Difficult to run modern hiway speeds they were never designed for anyways. I've never owned one myself, (too small) but have had plenty of mud boggers of nearly every type. Never had anything that particularly got me upset when a tree got bashed except I had one less thing to hug...... Rob

It is good that you weren't stranded waiting "your turn" for repairs. Been hot and of course that is when a/c failures occur. Rob

I've got a couple 1693TA's. One in a truck, and one on the floor. It is a big engine. If Joe got that into a H-63, he did some modification(s) to make it fit. Also beefed up the front suspension as the 1693TA weighs in at 3550# before ancillary components are bolted on. The original Mack engine less than 2200# fully dressed. Sure would have been fun to operate. I agree that a 1693 is quite a bit larger than an 855 Cummins. Rob

Four ain't gonna cut it. Seven achieves equal balance. Rob

They've sure paid for a lot of mine plus lodging, food, travel, entertainment, etc.... Rob

Hi Paul. I think the thread got crossed as Mike started the conversation about locating a "mystery valve" on the firewall. It had to be Other Dog whom is responsible for this misguidance that the path of progression has assumed. Of course, "I had nothing to do with it". Rob

Kindergarden taught me well.

I won't argue over the durability of either Ford, Chevy, or Dodge. I've owned, and repaired all of the brands. I don't really think one is built any better from the other, nor is any more durable. It all depends on the maintenance the unit is given. I think where Ford screwed up is to get away from king pins in the steer axle, (2WD) and using flimsey pivot bushings in the axle ends, and radius arms. The newer ones don't get good longevity due to the ball joints being sized too small. Till they did this to ease up the ride to appeal to the masses, they had the best front end, (my opinion) from a durability standpoint. The Dodge and Chevy both also suffer from joints that are physically too small to perform adequately for thousands of miles. This coupled with a lack of grease zerks and all parts are short lived no matter the brand. All I know is the damn things cost too much. No offense meant to anyone. Rob

I haven't heard Johnny Beauchamps' name in a lot of years. Don't know if he is still racing or not. I've not been around any of that since the early 80's. I do remember he was fairly aggressive in a stock car. I moved onto winged sprints about 1980 as the speeds were greater as were the purses. My wife drove push truck/recovery, (as did I) and we painted many, many cars that ran that circuit. I had some very strong engines in my personal vehicles build by some of the best mechanics and machinists in the area. This was of course when a competitive engine could be built for less than $3000.00. Ahhh, the days, the memories...... Rob

Gutters are to contain/route rainwater or some other type of liquid runoff. I have personal limitations and am cognizant of them. Somethings, I just cannot help. Rob

If your shaft is wobbly; I can't help. Rob

Peoria Speedway on Farmington Road? It is still a big draw on Friday and Saturday nights. I used to be there a lot in the 70's when I worked with/built bodies for a couple of racers. I lived in Springfield and worked, Shaheen's in Springfield, (defunct) Macon County Speedway, Tom Knowles, (Canton, IL), Granite City IL, Alton IL, and several others. What were some of the names around when you were a participant? Rob

Hey!! You're in Luck!! I have several pints of NOS "blinker fluid" left over at the shop. Also got Johnson rods, Kunuter valves, (lifetime warrenty) muffler bearings, stantion remover, (spray only) and many new, left over, or obsolete fine products guaranteed to make your life easier. Prices available upon request! Rob

Aww, shucks. Why do I feel "picked on" again? Rob

Can't agree on that one whole heartedly. I've got right at 200,000 miles on the "trusty, crusty" Dodge without a single mechanical breakdown. It is a V-10 gas, with automatic trans, 4.10 axle gear. The Mack weighs right at 22,000#, plus the extra axle and hood, and the trailer is about 8300#'s empty. Thanks to Morgan, (B61 Fred) for the use of his trailer. I snapped the photo just after getting back to the shop after the 262 mile trip. Rob

Naw, I don't think so. Pretty conscientious guy that there Other Dog is. You have to keep in mind that if you try to operate a Pete as a Mack; It will reside in a repair facility more often than not. Rob

Imagine that...... A Pete in a repair shop. Sounds like calling the kettle black to me. Rob

Yup, that's it all right. Doesn't everybody wish they could wear my shoes...... I'm stuck in a training class at OKC for a new radar installation at work. Don't get out of class recharging my magnatisim until the 23rd of this month. And they think they can teach a rock to do tricks! I'll show em...... Rob

The "Chick Magnet" will be unable to attend. Rob

Which one has achieved greater success? Sucess.bmp

Here ya go.

Ever wonder how Tarzan developed his famous yell?