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vanscottbuilders

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Blog Entries posted by vanscottbuilders

  1. vanscottbuilders
    Another week gone by too fast. Seems to be a pattern.
    Anyway, we are reviewing all of our building options, including taking a long term lease on the
    new space available to us where we are currently located. There are some real advantages there - we get
    free use of the huge paint bay, the sand blast facility and whatever help we might need for
    assistance and specialized shop equipment. The complex is basically the home of Pooler Enterprises,
    which is a huge excavating and site development company.
    Their heavy equipment shop is right next door. The guys love our old trucks. (or they think we're really nuts!)
    And these guys are excellent mechanics, so it has worked out really well.
    The expanding business that wants our current space is a tenant of Pooler's in the complex.
    I am also doing all of my homework on what type of building would be best, and how would we
    configure the structure, if we were to go forward with building plans. I looked at several parcels
    of land this week. It's a good time to buy land here right now, with the depressed real estate market.
    The 2000 Peterbilt 379 that wouldn't leave finally did leave late last night. So my Mack can spread out again,
    all over the shop floor. I should be able to get some fresh photos this week. And I guess I need to change
    my avatar on the forums, as the truck in the picture no longer belongs to me.
    Like the man says - Nothing but Fun!
  2. vanscottbuilders
    Took a little ride to Central Ohio last Thursday
    for purposes of picking up my Uncle Jimmy's
    new Kenworth W-900-A.
    It's a very well maintained 1980 model with
    a Caterpillar 3408 and 6+4 transmissions.
    It has a custom built air to air intercooler fit
    for a little added oomph.
    Pretty smooth ride. Kind of like the big truck
    equivalent of a Harley Davidson Electra-Glide.
    Nice Toy! Just sort of oozes down the road.
    And he looks just right sitting up there too -
    Big guy with bright white long hair and sunglasses.
    We talked by phone on the way home - he says with
    the cruise set at 65, the engine's just turning 1600 rpm.
    Probably as economical as one could expect a big motor to be.
  3. vanscottbuilders
    I got to rambling on one of the BMT forums tonite - and it occurred to me that forum probably was not the place to ramble.
    I'm not a very active political rabble-rouser, but day by day I am becoming more concerned and more confused with where we are going as a country.
    Every single person in this country has to be committed to some small change in thinking. It's not even very drastic.
    Our total dependency on foreign oil, regardless of the price, is completely fixable. We have to reduce our oil consumption by about 50%.
    Some ideas: Think about your driving habits. Could you take more than one person to the same place? Could you combine the errands into one trip?
    Could the kids ride bicycles to school activities? etc, etc. It would be hard to believe that every person couldn't make some real savings without adversely affecting their lives. You have to come to grips with the fact that this is your problem. Blaming someone else does not make it go away. But working together makes the problem go away quite easily.
    Alternate fuels have a real future, particularly as fuel prices rise. Research and development costs become more feasable.
    Bio-diesel has some promise, as does ethanol. Both are good for the American farmer, too. Hydrogen has shown some real progress. The GM hydrogen vehicle research center is local to me, so I watch and read the local news on their progress.
    Just as important as the oil situation is the rampant buying of cheap Chinese junk. And it is almost all just cheap junk. Certainly not necessary to our everyday life. Yet we can't seem to get enough of it!
    Indeed, as a society, we seem caught up with buying the cheapest stuff we can find. I see it every day in our business. Hard to believe the things that people will do to achieve the "look of success" and cut all the important corners for a well built home. Their normal response to my question is "we are only going to be here for five years or less." I cannot get my arms around that attitude.
    Short story: I like to buy Filson outer wear. It's made in the USA, and very heavy duty. It's expensive, no question. Several years ago I had my first Filson work jacket. I'm hard on jackets and pants - real hard. Anyway after about two years the sleeves and bottom of the jacket began to fray and show wear.
    That wasn't right, so I took it back to the little store where I got it. Walk-in and surprise - the owner knows my name! Try that at WalMart. I explain the problem, he gets on the phone while I'm standing there, has a short conversation with Filson and hangs up the phone. He walks over to his rack, selects a new jacket just like mine and hands it to me. He says "Filson wants you to have this, no charge. Your jacket should not be showing wear yet, no matter how rough you are." Now - I challenge you - TRY THAT AT WALMART. Yes this is a $150.00 work jacket, but I only need one, and it will last longer than three cheap ones. In fact that replacement coat is now five years old, and going strong. Did I pay too much. I think not. And Americans worked to make the coat.
    Meanwhile we are concerned with the massive influx of Mexican and Central American illegal immigrants. Face it - why shouldn't they come here? We don't want to do the work that they do ourselves - we might get our lily white hands dirty. Or worse - we might not make a huge wage doing those menial jobs.
    And God forbid that perhaps someone collecting welfare might have a job opportunity. It's just easier to stay home on the couch.
    So we give the immigrants benefits, take in their children as citizens and make it easier and easier for those people to simply ignore the system. That's not right, and we have only ourselves to blame. Let's look at the system and figure out why these people choose to ignore it.
    Let's not forget, many of our own families all came from elsewhere to work here for a better life. The only thing different is that they did not ignore the rules. In fact they were proud to follow the rules. Seems like this is a fixable problem, without having to build a fence on a river!
    If we can all make an effort and a commitment to a change in our thinking, we can rebuild our country to greatness, and we can live very happy and free lives. If, however, we continue to simply blame others for our troubles, we will continue to get weaker and weaker.
    We will probably suffer through a recession over the next couple of years. I'm no economist and I don't really know what that means, but it doesn't have a real nice ring to it.
    The solution is with every one of us as a united country.
    How's that for rambling?
    Paul Van Scott
  5. vanscottbuilders

    Ramblings

    By vanscottbuilders,

    We got a new forklift in the truck shop today - I think it's a sign of old age. It was a nice surprise, though.
    I share this shop space with my uncle, and it is strictly hobby space. So the lifting equipment is really a luxury.
    We had a large (24' x 40' x 20' high) bridge crane installed with a 6000# hoist a while ago so heavy parts could be moved about the shop easily.
    But it wasn't good enough. The forklift is to move those parts not located under the crane area.
    Like I said - I think it's old age. We don't lift anything ourselves anymore.
    Anyway - I am in the process of disassembling my original 5.46 single axle rear end to rebuild it with the new 4.28 gears and carrier I got a couple of weeks back. The springs needed to come off anyway, as ithe axle will be rehung on the truck with an air ride suspension.
    The suspension will require some serious thinking and some fabrication before its done.
    I've also decided to put the B67 back together with the original Dayton hub front axle. The axle has brakes and, although I will rebuild it, it seems to be in excellent condition. I like the look of the Daytons too.
    The B67 is really a test bed for my B61, which will follow later. I am keeping my best parts for that truck - like my Jake brake, the fresh 711, the Budd hub front axle and some other little treasures that I have saved.
    Getting to this point in the restoration has been a lot of fun. Now I'm ready to start seeing some of the pile of parts fit back together.
  6. vanscottbuilders

    Catching Up

    By vanscottbuilders,

    Just an update -
    I listed my 1959 Willys for sale on E-Bay this week. 1st time for me trying E-Bay.
    Nice experience. What a great way to advertise your stuff.
    The truck did not sell, but I think it was my fault. I put the reserve too much above the starting bid.
    In the end, though, I think the truck will sell to one of the two high bidders with a negotiated sale.
    And if it doesn't sell - I will use it as ground transportation at the truck shows next summer.
    Got my prize package from Barry today - free stuff is always good.
  7. vanscottbuilders
    Been a little quiet in the truck shop recently.
    But, for a good reason - I've been pretty busy
    putting together new work projects for our building business.
    It sure does feel a whole lot better now than it did six weeks ago.
    Anyway, I'm still working on my B-67 front axle.
    Gathering up the original B Mack parts is getting harder
    every day. But I've had pretty good success, and a lot of
    good help with finding the pieces I need.
    It will have new king pins and bushings, tie-rod end kits, new bearings,
    new sleeved-seals, new bushings in the brake shoes and everything else
    polished and checked over really well.
    The brake linings appear close to new, and the drums are in excellent
    shape as well. The little compression springs that hold the shoes away
    from the backing plates had to be made and the shoe mounting pins needed
    some attention. The hubs have a little wear from spinning bearing races,
    but nothing that couldn't be fixed.
    With the new kingpins, and all of the rest of the work - I'm hoping that I get a
    really nice steering front end.
    We found springs and diaphragms for the original brake cans and the brake operating
    shaft bushings are in great shape, as well as both adjusters. The drag link is excellent,
    and the tie rod looks like new.
    If you work on one of these projects long enough - it's funny what gets you excited.
    On to Spring.
    Kathy and I are leaving this week for a little sailing trip, and will be back in about three weeks.
    Spring should be in full progress when we return.
    I'm leaving it up to Other Dog Tom to see that this happens.
    Someone needs to check on him though.
  8. vanscottbuilders

    Mid-winter

    By vanscottbuilders,

    Not much to report in on.
    I've been tracking down all of the little parts for my B-67
    front brakes and tie-rod ends.
    Think I have everything except the little brake shoe retainer
    springs. Going to have to find a spring vendor and match them up.
    I did find an old fashioned clutch and brake shoe re-lining business
    in Rochester. And they think they have a Mack 673 clutch, pressure
    plate, flywheel, throw-out and pilot bearing assembly all re-lined,
    resurfaced and ready to install stored upstairs in their shop.
    So - I've definitely got that on the radar.
    This is the time of year when everything just seems to drag along.
    And with a slow world economy, a slow business environment, a
    wet, gray weather pattern and just plain old grumpiness - it's
    really dragging along more than usual.
    On a brighter note - the sun came out last Friday, and the telephone
    started to ring for the first time since Thanksgiving.
    I now have two new appointments this week to discuss new houses with people.
    All from one day of sun!
    Do you think we maybe don't actually get enough sunshine?
    I've been smiling about that all week.
  9. vanscottbuilders
    I had a very pleasant experience this past Friday.
    I went to Harpersfield, NY to meet with Kevin All, the owner of All Macks.
    Nice day, nice trucks, nice people and very fair pricing.
    Kevin has a new web page - www.AllMacks.com
    He also has a really good selection of used Mack, mostly B and R model
    parts and whole trucks. Pretty well organized yard - and a lot of good stories.
    People like this make the sport very enjoyable indeed.
    Try them - I think you will like what you find.
  10. vanscottbuilders

    Catch-up

    By vanscottbuilders,

    Been a few days since I was here last -
    Funny how time goes by and so much happens that we take for granted.
    I'm another year older. My puppy became a national champion last week. And last, but not least, I got my new gearset from "Thermodyne diesel" in Minnesota. That's got me very interested. The rest of the stuff is just stuff - it happens all the time, then you die.
    It's a bit unknown to me how the engine/transmission combination will react to the new ratio. Going from a 5.46 gear to 4.28. Wondering what will happen to my pulling power with the 673P diesel. The direct drive duplex transmission has been replaced with a .86 overgear triplex, which should help with the bottom end, and help with road speed at normal cruise.
    Very few people understand - but this has been a very entertaining project.
  11. vanscottbuilders
    This is for Other Dog - who is known to
    carefully follow instructions -
    As I re-read my latest blog entry, I found a
    couple of typos - the result of typing without
    reading glasses!
    Anyway - I will not assume any liability for anyone
    who licks his truck for security. You do what you want to do.
    Just don't do what I say and you should be OK.
    Have a good week-end.
  12. vanscottbuilders

    Cecil, Pa.

    By vanscottbuilders,

    There is a dealer in Cecil, Pa. who has several R Macks for sale on E-Bay.
    These trucks look to be fairly priced and pretty decent for anyone who might be interested.
    I still think that there is a fair business to be had for someone who specializes in reconditioning
    and guaranteeing these vehicles on the used truck market.
    We have some inquiries for trucking loads to various parts of the country - so I will post truck
    availability for moving antiques or parts as we get confirmations.
  13. vanscottbuilders

    Out Of Touch

    By vanscottbuilders,

    Looks like I'll have to leave for a while in the interest
    of making money.
    I'm going to Texas on Sunday and expect to be working there
    for a month or more.
    Part of our business is writing estimates for the repair of
    damaged buildings. Especially larger damages and historical structures.
    And, after a careful polling of our qualified people, (all three of them)
    all of whom must be better at winning arguements than I am -
    guess who gets to go to Texas to look at hurricane damages?
    It may take me a little while to get the lay of the land -
    but rest assured - if I can, I will be out scouting for trucks and
    trucks parts, too.
    I'll be starting in Houston on Monday. Probably coming home two
    weeks later. Then going back to Houston, Galveston or Beaumont,
    depending on where the losses that are contested are located.
    Won't be doing too much posting for a while. Mostly, I'll be brushing
    up on my "standing in line at the airport" skills.
    And brushing up on my Tex-Mex eating skills.
  14. vanscottbuilders
    Nice day here in Upstate NY. This is a good time of year for us.
    Just got the news that one of the tracks on a rented Fiat Allis dozer just beat the tractor to the dirt pile. That's not usually too good. Apparently the chain broke. Turns out the owner knew it was worn badly - and just hoped it might work for another day. Cheap So and So.
    So, before I go out to the job and lose my cool - I thought I would relax and post another blog entry.
    It's hard to get too mad at my operator. Fred is a retired union operator with more experience than I can even imagine. And he is as trustworthy as the day is long.
    The machine, on the other hand, probably shouldn't have been rented at all. And I can't say anything too nice about the owner right now.
    I've leased a new tractor for Tuesday, and life goes on.
  15. vanscottbuilders
    Checked on the truck shop this morning.
    The cab reconstruction on the B-67 is actually
    progressing nicely, finally.
    The welder is a really talented guy - just hasn't been too
    focused.
    I'm happy with the work, though. And I doubt anyone will be
    able to tell what was repaired.
    So, all in all, it might have been worth the wait.
    Back to Pa. on Monday, and probably done with that project
    in about two weeks, if all goes well.
    Had to cancel out of going to Macungie for fear of divorce court,
    after being gone for two weeks and leaving again in two days.
    Some people just have no understanding.
    Anyway - best to all and have a good week.
  16. vanscottbuilders

    Old Mack Country

    By vanscottbuilders,

    Just got home from a week of work in Wayne County, Pa. (Northeast Pa.along the Delaware River)
    It's a pretty rural area, and still enjoys a lot of small logging companies, excavating contractors
    and dump truck operators.
    Guess what they use?
    I saw more active older B & R model Macks being used every day than I have seen in years.
    There was a beauty of a single axle R600 going by our jobsite several times each day loaded right to the boards with
    topsoil. You couild hear it coming from miles away as it growled up the hills and around the curves. Very cool!
    At another time, I saw a pretty battered B model single wrecker with a very new and disabled import car in tow.
    Seemed like a little sweet justice!
    Several loggers in the area are still using old R models every day - and the old dogs are still earning their keep.
    A pretty enjoyable week!
    And I delivered my old Willys to its' new master last weekend. I hope they enjoy it as much as I did.
  17. vanscottbuilders
    Got a big scare this week - Food related. I take that very seriously.
    After buying my wife a new septic system for Christmas (when you need one, it's a very romantic gift), apparently the plumber needed to move my freezer in the basement in order to connect the new waste line. Anyway, the freezer did not survive the move. So, after discovering water running out the bottom of it, I needed to find some borrowed freezer room fast for an entire year's supply of beef, venison and a couple of turkeys. At least it was cold enough outside to box up some of it to store overnight. Glad the yard is fenced to slow down the meat eating varmints.
    Fortunately I didn't lose anyuthing.
    Spent some time this week working on a cedar strip canoe that I started building about nine years ago for my wife. She no longer believes me when I say that the best things in life are worth waiting for. So I better get it done. Besides I could use the shop space.
    I think I will build a temporary spray booth in that shop section to paint the B-67 cab and sheet metal.
    We have used booths like this for years at work to finish large cabinets both in the shop and on jobsites. Nothing very revolutionary about this technology.
    We simply build four wall frames and a ceiling frame from 2x2 lumber and cover them with clear poly. Usually the room size is about 10 x 10 x 8' high. But it can be any size you need. In this case, I will probably make it 10' high and reuse it for the H-63 (Cherry Picker) cab.
    A plastic covered door frame goes in one wall for entry. A 16" x 24" air inlet is framed in one wall with a standard furnace filter cleaning the inbound air, and an exhaust fan drawing the fumes out of the opposite wall. Finally, we duct the fumes out a shop window, if we can. Taped together cardboard boxes can make a pretty good fume duct. We use an explosion proof shop fan unit, but I'm told that almost anything will work, if you filter the outbound air, too.
    I just don't like the prospect of a loud boom with me in the middle of it! Already lost enough hair, no need to burn off what's left.
    The wall panels are held together with old interior door hinges and hinge pins for easy assembly and disassembly, and we set the booth up around whatever is to be painted. The ceiling framing is strong enough to hang fenders and doors from, which makes painting them a lot easier.
    Usually a piece of poly serves as the floor, too.
    The booth cuts down on any dust, flies and bugs in the paint, and allows work to continue elsewhere in the shop while the painting is in progress. And the booth provides an ideal drying room, because it is sealed up pretty well. Just close the door and walk away. When the painting project is done, just take the panels apart and find a place to store them until needed again. (We usually hang ours flat from a tall shop ceiling, so they are out of the way)
    If you spend $20.00 on the booth, you spent too much. Just don't skimp on the fan.
    That's my contribution this week to "How To Restore Your Old Truck on a Shoestring" .
  18. vanscottbuilders

    Quality Built

    By vanscottbuilders,

    I had some time this week to completely disassemble the front axle of my B-67.
    It's actually fun to take this truck apart.
    Everything just cracks loose with a wrench, then unscrews by hand!
    It looks terrible. All rusted up and nasty looking.
    But you just snap it loose and twist off the nut. That simple.
    I am really interested in the simplicity of the design and
    the quality of the machining and the castings. But what really
    has me impressed is the assembly. Everything is fine machine threads,
    and tapered where necessary to draw tight, and hold tight forever.
    Even the frame bolts with exactly the right length of threads,
    and just the right amount of thread on each bolt to get exactly a full nut of coverage.
    Really nice stuff. And probably not duplicated anywhere today, even in the high tech stuff.
    And these were "just trucks". No wonder they work forever with proper care.
    On another note -
    I took my older (1966) R-600 out for a ride down the road today.
    No plates - so I took it nice and easy. This truck really runs like a
    sewing machine. Pretty neat old unit.
    Every light works, the heater and defroster work, door latches work great,
    windows work great. No smoke, no bad smells or noises.
    Stops good and drives straight.
    The tires are square!! Really square!! But even they smoothed up after a bit.
    Pretty lumpy there for a while though. (Old bias ply, heavy duty rubber)
    I'm ready to sell this one, and just wanted to be sure everything was OK.
    Great Fun!
  19. vanscottbuilders
    B-67 Update:
    The frame is leveled and squared upside down on stands in the middle of
    the shop floor.
    The front springs and axle are bolted in place.
    The rear air suspension cross member is in place, and the removeable parts are all
    sandblasted and epoxy primed to match the frame and axles.
    Rear spring hangers are going in, and the rear springs are next.
    The cab is almost back in one piece. The donor roof and back panel are all
    blasted and primed and fit in place. I should be welding tomorrow.
    I saw a color on the cover of "Classic Trucks" magazine this month. It's a street rod
    magazine. Anyway the color is a DuPont sage green on a late 40's Ford F-1. It might look real
    good on a B Mack. especially with a red frame and running gear.
    I'm having a little trouble with my original choice of red with black running gear (the factory original combo).
    Seems everybody has the red color.
    Red is the color of my company trucks, although lately my own work vehicles have been white or gray.
    So - I'm looking around.
    Pretty good week, all in all.
    PVS
  20. vanscottbuilders
    Check out Photo #34.
    (In the state of New York - we give everything numbers -
    since our governor took the title of Client #9)
    Anyway - check out #34 in the ATCA - Macungie photos that
    Barry posted the link to last week.
    It's exactly what my R-600 looked like as a new truck.
    And - it's where I'd like to go with it. After the B-67.
    I probably would not use the fender mount spot mirrors.
    Sorry I missed Macungie this year. Looks like a great turn-out.
    Got my sights set on Barry's show in the Fall.
    Nice thick T-bone steaks last nite slow cooked with a bourbon BBQ sauce.
    Outstanding!!
  21. vanscottbuilders
    So it has occurred to me that the R-Mack has not been as collectible as some others.
    It seems, I believe because it looked essentially the same from the mid-60's up into the 80's,
    the truck lacks a desireability that might exist with a B model or an L model Mack.
    Perhaps in the next generation, when these trucks actually are considered "old", they will become
    more attractive to the collectors. I wonder which of the power trains will be most sought after?
    The R Mack as a work truck, however, is a very different story. The truck has a lot of good features,
    and a simplicity that lends itself to being a really dependable, tough work vehicle.
    The cab has great visibility out of the windows, plenty of room for us "size challenged" operators and
    good heat and venting.
    The engines were all rock solid - especially the early Maxidyne series (237, 285 etc). The Maxidyne lent
    a new dimension to operating a Mack, with the extremely wide torque band.
    I'm wondering about a new business that specializes in reconditioned and guaranteed R model Macks
    for sale as reliable work trucks. Seems like it might work. Especially if I can guarantee the performance.
    I am looking for info on persistant problems, if any. And what to look for in the cabs as far as rust damage goes.
  22. vanscottbuilders
    Got a phone call today from the fellow that bought the big
    power Peterbilt from us last spring. You all might remember
    that it took him forever to close the deal. After he finally took
    the truck, he called us for about six weeks asking us if we wanted
    to buy it back. Meanwhile the bottom was falling out of used truck
    prices. Especially big, thirsty ones.
    Anyway - he called me from Buffalo on a trip from his home in
    Oklahoma to tell me that everything is going great!
    Apparently he just started to run the truck about five weeks ago.
    (Hard to imagine that he let a $50,000.00 plus purchase sit in his driveway -
    but to each his own)
    He's got the truck pulling a flatbed for a specialized equipment vendor in
    Pennsylvania, I think.
    I was very surprised to hear he is averaging around 6.0 mpg, with 6.6
    being his highest trip average. Pretty good for that C-16 Cat. He must be a
    very conservative operator.
    Really nice to hear that he is doing well. I wish him the all the best.
    Meanwhile - back at the ranch -
    I've been thinking about what to do with my little R-600.
    The building business could actually use a good single axle dump truck,
    and that might be a great candidate. Except no power steering. Might have to fix that.
    A low mileage truck like that could last us the rest of our lives with a little care.
    And it would be great promotion for our business.
    The shop move is going very well. The crane is reassembled and operational.
    Most of the new electrical work is done. The new roof is going on next week.
    Then I can untarp and unload the two flatbeds that have all of my parts on.
    It sure will be nice to get that stuff organized on shelves. (The worst roof leak
    is right above where I want the parts racking to go)
    It sure is nice being to able to put all of the trucks inside.
    Might have a local customer for the H-63. And he would like us to do the restoration.
    That would be fun.
  23. vanscottbuilders

    Early Fall

    By vanscottbuilders,

    Well it's another very nice day here in Upstate New York. This is a great time of year for us, as I have said before.
    My experience with E-Bay so far has been excellent. Several people from further away than I would have imagined
    have been here to see and drive the old Willys. And a lot of people have asked good questions on E-Bay about the truck.
    The auction ends tomorrow about noon EST, and I am getting anxious. This money will fund the completion of my B67 and the
    lowboy trailer I intend to use behind it.
    Speaking of the B67 - I have started re-assembly, finally. If I can figure out how to post pictures, I will.
    The frame and all attached parts are sandblasted and primed with epoxy. The cab has new floors and door sills.
    The rear axle was delivered to a friend's shop for conversion to a 4.28 final ratio and a general re-build and check-up.
    I am going with all new shoes and drums, and all new studs in the wheels. New tubeless rims and radials will complete the rolling picture.
    The plan has been to convert to an air suspension, but now, at the eleventh hour, I am thinking of taking out some of the rear leafs
    and staying with springs. It's a whole lot easier than fabricating up new saddles and hanging new, non-stock, brackets and plumbing
    for the air. Reality is setting in - just how much do I really think this is going to be used, anyway?
    The next big purchase will be a wiring harness from Top-O-Hill.
    It's getting exciting.
  24. vanscottbuilders
    I have just contracted with Yellow Freight to bring a 450# pallet from Minnesota to Upstate New York.
    The overall cost is $237.00. I can't drive to Minnesota one way for $237.00!
    As hobbists, I guess my point is that we should not overlook the obvious way to get our parts around the country.
    Common carriers are everywhere.
    Faced with driving out to Minnesota, I probably could not have justified the purchase, even though I really need the parts.
  25. vanscottbuilders
    Top that title Tom!
    Anyway, Joe asked how the B-67 was progressing.
    The answer is quite well, Thanks.
    We have the ACE air ride crossmember in hand. Nice piece of equipment.
    And we have the new springs back from the shop.
    The rear axle is completely rebuilt except for one pair of pesky brake shoes, which the relining
    company now is refusing to do, although I paid for them. So I'm doing those myself.
    The engine has to be looked over by a local retired master mechanic, along with the transmission
    of choice. I believe that both are good, healthy pieces of equipment.
    The frame, axles and suspension reassembly is underway. Should be rolling within 30 days.
    Then we will plumb and wire the chassis, before setting the engine & transmission in place.
    No progress on the cab surgery, although I now have a Plan A and a Plan B.
    So all in all things are moving along pretty well Joe.
    Thanks for asking. How are the kids?
    Paul VS

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