hurstscrambler

FWIW, I spoke with Bill today about International parts, he didn't seem to have anything I was looking for but he sounded like a very sharp and pleasant man. I would like to take a ride out there to see some of the trucks and parts first hand. Andy

Congrats, hope to see a thread with updates as you get it back into service. Andy

It looks great either way, nice truck. Andy

A few of my friends have used this guy with good success. Andy http://tbichips.com

That is excellent , I think the GM TBI system is underrated. There like quadrajet carbs, if you take care of them they can provide excellent drivability, performance and won't break the bank to maintain and operate. One word of caution is that those vortec heads are notorious for failed intake gaskets, which can cause oil consumption at an alarming rate. This happened to a friend of mine after he put a truck together for his wife. He was lazy and didn't check the oil for a week or so and the motor developed a knock. That is an awful way to find out you need to replace a $20 gasket, he ended up buying a 383, but it was a costly lesson. I believe Fel-pro offers a quality gasket for that application, as I recall the part # is MS1255. Andy

In my opinion AMC made some good products, they definitely had some wacky/goofy designs, but alot of cool stuff as well. Not to go off topic, but some here may be interested. I'm currently on the home stretch with getting my Amx drag car together. The motor is 431" and made 730 hp and 565 ft lbs, backed by a Jerico DR-4 and a Dana 60 rear. I also have a SC/rambler, but it is needs a full restoration, and I need to take a break from AMCs for awhile. I need to finish the AMX up so I can get to working in the old IH I recently purchased. Andy

That's exactly what it looked like to me, I believe there is a dragstrip right next door to where they were. Why they didn't set Bob up on the dragstrip is a mystery to me. I've never driven a wheelstander, but I've driven drag cars. Bumps and turns on slicks with soft sidewalls are not cool.

After looking at the truck again, it needs new rails front to back. Im a firm beliver in the "buy once, cry once" motto, i likley will have this truck for a long time, so I should at least consider doing it right. That said, I sent some basic info to PG Adams, getting a price on three new crossmembers and new inner and outer 5/16" rails. The double frame on this truck extends to about 2 feet shy of the front bumper. I'm guessing on the thickness as I forgot to get that measurement. But as I was typing out the quote form a started to wonder if ordering 1/2" thick single rails were a possiblity to prevent future corrosion issues. Is this viable, or is backyard engineering a bad idea? Thanks, Andy

Also picked up a parts cab/truck. It's not perfect, but it is an improvement for sure. I was able to find someone who can use the motor and trans as well. Hate to see this stuff go to waste! Andy

PG Adams is only 3 hours from me, so in that respect they are my local fabrication shop. I looked at the truck again today, the outer rails aren't too bad. If there was a way to cut the inner rail without damaging the outer it would be a straightforward fix. If i can pull the inner rails out, sand blast whats there and re install fresh inner blanks I would be off and running. Realistically I don't mind the spring suspension it's not getting driven that often, everything is there and functional. It probably is the cheapest option to retain it even after having the suspension rebushed.

Thanks for the input, frankly I want to do as little as possible to get the truck functioning again. If the frame was solid I was gonna put a 5th wheel on it and cut the frame behind the rear axle. I'm still gonna do the fifth wheel but I will likley take another foot or two of wheelbase out between the cab and axles. I hate to think I'm getting in way over my head here, I'm not after a show truck just a simple soilid truck. I ve been doing some research and it looks like PG Adams offers a pretty good service, that may be an option. Im curious if splicing the frame behind the cab be done with quality results, I'd like to be able to pull a low bed or gravel trailer when this is all said and done. I'm also not sure if retaining the original rear suspension is wise or if I should move to a more modern setup for easier serviceability and ride quality. I m happy to have the truck and work on it, but I'm not sure what the most realistic plan is for me to do this and not break the bank. Andy

Obviously I got the flatbed off as well, it was an easy decision after looking at it. It was rotted beyond practical use. Thanks, Andy

Well, we got it back to the yard with no incidents, it ran well. The wipers weren't functional and it was drizzling so visibility wasn't great. I drove it back with the aux in under or direct and I was able to maintain 55-60 mph with ease. The aux shifter was seized, but once home I got it freed up. The linkage is sloppy, so I need to look at that. I also figured out the big winch on the back and got that moving, it's gonna be a challenge to get that working as it was intended I think, but doable. The cab is rougher than I had hoped, but I have located a replacement and will be picking it up tomorrow. The engine ran great and the tires are even better than I initially thought. The bad however is that the double frame is junk from just behind the cab back. I'm bummed, but not undeterred. I'd like to find a air ride rear clip and section it onto the front original frame. I don't know what is best or even what all my options are. It is gonna be a lot of work but I still think there is enough good to work with on this old truck. What do you guys think? I'd love to see another similar project that someone else is doing. Thanks guys, you've been a great help. Andy

The way I understand the aux. transmission is that 1st is deep reduction low, really for off road only, the 2nd is under drive, 3rd direct, and 4th OD? Is that accurate. Thanks, Andy

It is in Kingston, MA., the man who ended up with it was a customer of the previous owner (Rudy Taylor) who passed away a month or so back. I shared a few stories i remembered about Rudy and we had a laugh. He was a unique guy for sure, very mechanically inclined. The current owner said that it wasn't for sale, but he thought I should have it. I'm giving him what he paid for it, and he seemed happy that I want to get it back on the road. At the moment I plan on doing an extensive service, fix some of the cab and fender rot. It's in tough shape, I need to make sure the frame is sound as well. Long term, from a practicality standpoint I should put a fifth wheel on it and keep it as a long wheelbase tractor with the winch, but it will probably stay as is for this year at least. I believe the stick with the glitter shift knob is for the winch, so I believe it is a 5 + 4 trans combo. I'm gonna have to learn quick to get it home! Any tips for a first time twin stick driver?

That's true, but I would have to wait 4-6 weeks for a duplicate title to show up. I think I m gonna borrow a friend's repair plate and hope for the best. We will see, need to go look it over good on Saturday morning, hopefully I can drive it home as well. I already let this thing slip through my fingers once, I don't want to do that again.

Figure I should put a few more pics up. I have no clue what to do with this truck yet, initial plan is to just do an extensive service. Get it roadworthy and inspected, then go from there. I'm considering removing the flatbed and putting on a fifth wheel.

Ha-ha, no plate, truck hasn't been registered in three years. Front tires look brand new, rears have 60-70% tread. Rears are caps but no weather cracks, all matched. It kills me, tow will probably be $400-$500 which sucks. On the other hand it's probably alot more in legal fees...... Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Andy

Well, I got it bought. Now I need to get it home. It lit right off after sitting for 5 months or so. It's about an hour and a half from my house, trouble is the only way home is very busy roads and I don't want to get stuck on the road side with an unregistered truck. I'm gonna see if I can get a repair plate from a friend, but I don't know. I have access to a tractor, but not a landoll. I think I should have it towed, but maybe I'm being a wimp? What do you guys think? Thanks, Andy

It is still in New England, I'm hoping to talk to the owner tomorrow. I had been around this truck since I was about 10 years old and I worked with the owner for a summer when I was about 15. I was bummed thinking it could be in a junk yard, but fortunately it isn't. This truck was in service with a 30' Derrick boom on it up till about 3 years ago. I have a question about the engine in this truck, the ID plate on the door says it it rated at 249 net HP and 270 gross HP. Would that make it an NH-250 or NH-270, or neither? I didn't want to open the hood without the owner there, but I'm pretty sure it has the original engine. Thanks again, Andy

Found it, thanks for the replys. Andy

Mike, just out of curiosity how many trucks do you have? Every pic you post has a couple of cool old trucks in the background, but that looks like a huge feild full of trucks. BTW, I m jealous and the new rig looks good. Andy

I saw that they had a west coaster from some pics on the web. I will definitely give him a call. It will help having the name of the guy who actually collects them. Thanks alot. Andy

Ha-ha, I meant the mack dealer taking care of Mike. But I hope your kids come around too. I think some kids get babied a little too long these days, but they still may come around. Good luck on both accounts. Andy