This is a video from a few weeks ago. We had been working on the engine of the truck off and on for some time before this. We changed the fluids, filters, and belts. It took us a long time to change the air compressor belt because the pulley was stuck tight in place. Eventually I had to use a propane torch to heat the metal until it glowed. After that I was able to break it free.
The engine started beautify after sitting for over a month. I really love how dependable these trucks can be.
Disclaimer: Normally I take very good care of my truck, running it at least once a week.
I didn’t get much sleep the night before my group of friends and I went to pick up the truck. After waiting more than a month since wining the auction I was itching to see my truck. John, Christina, Kathi, Daniel, and I woke up and started our drive to Portsmouth Virginia at 8am on July 28th, 2009.
After around 4 hours on the road we reached the military base and headed to the DRMO area. On our way to the sign-in station we passed by the storage yard and we got our first distant look at the truck. Even standing relatively isolated in the yard it looked impressive. As luck would have it we arrived at the beginning of the lunch break for the personnel. After some time we were able to sign in and go back to get the truck. My heart fluttered as we made our final approach. “Oh S*@&” I thought to myself, “What have I gotten myself into?” Read more…
In high school I gained an interest in alternative building materials and designs. I began investigating what people could (and are) building with whatever they had on hand. I was looking into everything from re-purposed shipping containers to dirt with concrete reinforcement. After some time I stumbled across people living full time out of their RVs. This further led me to people who would convert old Greyhound buses into RVs and travel the country. After some more time I found people who were “preparing for the zombie apocalypse” and had “bug out vehicles.” Some were just econo vans loaded with food, tools, and some tents, but others were more elaborate. I found a posting of someone who was using a “Deuce and a Half” for his bug out truck. The offroading ability of 6×6 drive intrigued me, as did the multifuel engine. “A diesel engine that can run off of gasoline? Wow.” Read more…
We have made a lot of visible progress in the past few weeks. John and I have put in new flooring, paint, carpet, a fridge, chairs, etc. We still have to make the new battery and wiring system, but John as been working on the new design. Sadly I didn’t take as many pictures during this part of the renovation, so you’ll have to imagine the hours and hours of work that went into this.
After removing all of the desks and rotten wood (as seen in the previous update) we began installing the new wood. We painted all of the boards before we laid them in place so that they would last longer and receive less wear and tear. In the high traffic areas (the middle and forward “L” shape) we also put down 5/8th” composite board so as to add even more protection and strength to the floor. After measuring, cutting, painting and bolting the boards down we screwed a carpet into place.
After getting the fridge, carpet, and couch installed John and I took a break.
One of the few pictures I have with the new floor boards exposed. After this we repainted all of the original floorboards as well.
