MalibuJim

Thanks again guys, I appreciate the feedback, some of these little details concern me 'cause I don't know the trucks like y'all do. I'm sure it would sound better without a muffler, but, I think the looks would be better with one (I'm working on the shield at the moment), plus we won't be driving it too much. And Tom, Larry's right, the fifth wheel is a new Fontaine SLTPL 6000. The fifth that was on the truck originally was in real rough shape (as was the whole truck) with a super cobbled up mounting arrangement and I thought it would look better again with a later deal on it (actually a little smaller). You'll see in my gallery this Fontaine during the week I spent on it to make it fit and look good. As far as PAI making any B-Model stuff, no. But, I have used many, many parts off the shelf for this truck including all of the air components, valves, compressor, and brakes, spring brake chambers front brake chambers and slack adjusters. I used our sleeves, pistons, rods, camshaft, and all of the bolt on accessories, w/pump, oil cooler, alternator, and probably much more stuff. HOWEVER!!! I had to modify, fabricate or otherwise almost all of this stuff because most of these pieces are for R models and later and would not just bolt on or in. Thanks again and I'll keep postin' Jim

Hey y'all, Thanks for the compliments, I don't post a lot but I do appreciate the support. I have to custom make all of the exhaust from the turbo back because I moved the engine back 2 inches and am using a different manifold to mount the turbo, therefore no store bought stuff will work. I have a question about muffler location. I mocked up the exhaust this morning and in my infinite wisdom I thought it would be nice to tuck the exhaust and muffler a little tighter to the cab. I'm quite sure that originally the exhaust needs to be out far enough to help clear a trailer. Is this right? But it also seems too far for a truck that may never have a trailer behind it. Other than burning the paint (it's not that close) are there any objections that I might be unaware of? Does it look weird? Any and all opinions welcome. Thanks again, Jim Thelen Assembly dept. mgr. PAI Industries

Probably not Barry, However, the owner of the company did make a bet with me last Christmas that I could'nt have the truck done and driving by Christmas '09. And I took it!!!!!!!! No pressure! Of course, every time I get a little momentum going he brings some PAI business for me to work on. But, I think I can take his money. I'll keep ya posted, Jim

Hey everyone, It has been 4 years since I started this project so I guess I better step it up, although at the same time I do have my daily duties here in Manufacturing. I told the powers to be that I can have it finished by Christmas 09. Ought to be interesting to say the least. Here are a couple more pics for the album. I do have the brakes done (plumbed like a CH) and the EMC6-250 is under the hood and everything fits pretty good. The front sheet metal will be going to the body shop next week for straightening/priming and I'm planning on final paint around middle of May. I'll try to keep my album updated with pics when I have some worth showing. See ya, Jim

AHHHHHHH the B-model project. Well it's coming along ever so slowly but it is progressing. Moving the engine back for the A/C pulley created a clutch linkage problem that I thought was going to be a permanent nightmare. As it turned out though it was quite a simple problem to overcome so that's taken care of and I'm moving along, I'll keep ya posted. Thanks for asking Rob, Jim

Big difference! According to one of the old farts here at PAI he said that there are 3 big knots on the side of each cover to clear the exhaust rocker. So it seems there is a clearance issue on the INSIDE of the cover. No, we don't have any, I checked. Good luck, Jim

Welcome Fred, Wow, is what I say about your model. I have always been amazed at how much detail modelers can do with cars, trucks, airplanes, etc. Your fire truck looks amazing. Although I personally don't have anything I can contribute to your project, I'm sure some of the other people on this site will be willing and able to help. Good luck and again welcome to our family, Jim

Hey Chris, I haven't been logged on the forum for months until this morning. Saw your request and I have one if you still need it. I'll give it to you, all you need to do is take care of the shipping. How's that? Jim @ P.A.I.

Just came across your question. The answer is Yes you need a ballast resistor. The points themselves should not have more than 9.5 volts going to them(12 volt system?). Also, the condesor keeps the points from arcing when they break, so if the condensor(s) were bad that could contribute to the problem. Hope this helps, Jim

Thanks Barry, Those were great photos and to anyone who has NOT seen the Blue Angels in person DO IT!!! At least once in your lifetime it is something you will never forget! Jim T.