SkippyMack

Yes!

Yes! Makes a HUGE difference! Mine are 24.5

Friends, We rolled Skippy out the shop this week! We converted all the old tires and split wheels (which nearly put my husband over the edge as we really don't have proper equipment to break them down efficiently). There was a lot of cursing and ultimately torch cutting and then a lot more cursing getting the "new" (used) tires on the "new" (used) wheels. Still a few details to attend to and lots more that could be done, but we may have finally reached the "let's just drive her for a while" stage of the project. Spring may finally be here in northern Vermont, at least the sun is shining today, so we took her for a good long drive. I put in about 90 minutes behind the wheel on the back roads, getting comfortable driving the old girl. I feel much better about getting her started and shifting up through the gears. I've got some work to do with timing my down shifting. It's giving my brain a good work out! My husband is a saint and a patient teacher–and he just left to go fishing (he may or may not come back 🤣) Skippy got a lot of attention going down the road today - I think she looks pretty sharp!

Hey there, So sorry for your loss. If you decide to keep that beauty of a truck, don't second guess yourself. "Just a girl" - HA! Gender's got nothing to do with it. If you really want to learn how to drive that truck, you can! Just came back from a couple of hours in mine, getting used to it and learning. It's totally doable if you put your mind to it! Your Dad's truck is really incredible! I've got a bazillion hours in mine (thousands) and agree with the seasoned crew here, they don't end up being "worth" what you have in them from a market perspective. Best wishes with whatever you decide and take good care! -SJ

Another night of "I am a fabricator" in the books. Shifting lever trim piece done and ready for install! https://sjcreativevt.pixieset.com/skippymack/

Front end done! I intended to paint the expanded metal flat black, but decided to go for an aluminum finish at the last minute...and I LOVE it! She desperately needs to get out the shop and have a bath - getting there! Bringing home wheels and tires this week. Painting hood latches black and a few little details and she'll be ready to roll!

Been on a roll up here, friends! Bed is done, complete with functioning running lights! I think I fixed "the mouse" by changing some hardware in the passenger seat and reinstalling - we'll see when we drive her next. I installed lap belts donated from an airplane and speedo is now lit up thanks to aviation gauge lights (it pays to be married to an A&P mechanic!) Said husband built me a custom grill that's ready now for hardware after I install the expanded metal which will cover the radiator. I played fabricator and built a custom "trim cap" for that middle section above the windshield that had some rot. Riveted that in tonight. Just need to wrap wires tomorrow. Did put the tool box on the bed and I really like it, so my custom Mack vinyl is coming off and I replaced it with a smaller version on the rear window. Home stretch!! Photos updated: https://sjcreativevt.pixieset.com/skippymack/

Bob, Tonight I looked at it long and hard...she'll be a flatbed for now...always the option to add the rails at any point in time. Subzero again tonight! Grateful for winter to get projects done, but getting ready for spring!

I may have to redo that anyway--because I have a tool box to add!

I got the decking all polyurethaned and the missing piece in today. I will get the end plates installed tomorrow. Picked up reflectors and reflective tape for the bed today. She's looking pretty darn good. Can't wait for a warm day to pull her out and get her washed up. Below zero here tonight! Brrhhhh! 🥶

I'm planning an 18" stake body, simple. I know a guy. 😆 😉

It's good to be back! Got my decking stained last night. It's just on to "test the look" right now. Need to pick up one more length of wood to replace one that was just too warped. Progress! I like it!

Bob, You and I both! Upright and above ground is good!! 😁

Paul, We were so surprised how quiet it is (especially now with doors!) and how smooth she rides. If I can take care of that squeaky seat, we'll be golden!

Since I'm the camera person, no one got a video of my first drive, but it happened right after this one! I need to take the passenger seat out and reinstall with some rubber or nylon on the back to eliminate the squeaking. 😁 FYI: This was back in November. We've since installed the doors! https://drive.google.com/file/d/13wqIeXRIuBSVX4_xMgvtGSrBEoe24R1M/view?usp=sharing