Mild success today,
We wrestled with a recalcitrant
alternator until we figured out it was bad. Tried to get a new one, which took two hours and three auto parts stores until we found one in Northern Virginia that actually had one in stock. A frustrating experience, but probably just how it is with parts and parts houses these days. Once the alternator was installed, we could not get the truck to run without a jumper battery until we figured out that it needed a jumper wire between the battery and field terminals (since there were no wiring connectors on it). Long story short, we got it running and, finally, charging.
SWEET took young
Merrick for a
drive (I'm filming while SWEET leaves me behind) to assess the repair and get a feel for the truck. It's a long way from being safe to drive. He discovered that the cab is being held to the frame with a 1x4 wood block and assorted hardware. It has a single taillight and two front parking lights and all three are wired to the ignition. The brakes are there more in theory than in person. Took a picture of the funky proportioning valve on the firewall for later reference.
Basically, there is nothing stock on this truck beyond the rusting sheet metal. It's a true FrankenTruck, with all the problems that brings. I told Mom we'd do our best to help Merrick get it as safe and reliable as it could be. That will be a tall order, as you can all witness at Homecoming. Mom and Merrick say it will be there.
We're glad we went to help them out, as both were lost for what to do. But it will be a journey to get it safely moving down the road.
Chris, I don't think this truck will fit in your trailer. SWEET thinks it's about the same height as his.
More as I get it.
-Jim
