Well, I headed out to the truck show and about a mile out I blow a radiator hose. At least I had enough foresight to throw in tools and a jug of water. All of the water hoses are new, so I didn't think one sprung a leak and I was hoping that one wasn't rubbing on something that cut it. After the steam cleared, I could see one of the hoses blow off the end of one the stainless-steel tubes that runs back to the water pump from the radiator. I re-attached it and tighten it up this time (dam I thought I checked all of those) and poured the gallon of water in that I had brought with me. I live out of town several miles and from walking the dog every day I knew there was a creak about 1/2 a mile ahead that I could refill the jug and fill the radiator. I wasn't going to let this stop me from getting to the show.
That taken care of I was again off to town. I stopped at the gas station and filled it up thinking that the couple gallons I borrowed from my mower supply wasn't going to be enough and not surprising it drew a lot of attention there. From there I was off the show. I got there about 7:00 am and they said that they were going to start parking at 8:00. Well, I was in line about 2 miles from where the entrance was. 2 hours later I was directed down a side street facing away from the main street at the far end. All you could see was the back of the truck with the Pantera on it from the main area. People would walk down to see the car and them start walking around the truck and be blown away. I got a lot of great comments from the ones that made the walk, but I have to say I was disappointed where I was parked.
Earlier, I had written up a little description of the truck and took it to the locale print shop to see if I could get a sign printed up for the show. I dropped it off 3 weeks before the show and agreeing on a price. I was looking forward to seeing a mock-up. 5 days before the show thinking that was plenty of time and not hearing anything back from them, I called. After waiting on hold for 15 minutes I was informed that it wasn't something that they wanted to do. I was not happy, and they won't be getting a 5-star rating from me. Sometimes things are meant to be. I grabbed what I had written out and headed out to find another print shop. I knew there was a trophy shop in the next town over and if they couldn't help me maybe they would be able to point me in the right direction. The awesome young lady that helped me was more than I could have asked for. She looked at what I had and told me to e-mail her some pictures, and she would e-mail me a mockup in the morning, and I would have a sign the next afternoon. It turned out amazing and for less than the other print shop wanted. I'm so happy I'm having her do one for the Pantera.
Well even after a few challenges the show turned out good. I got to put some road miles on the truck and short of the radiator hose it run and drove great. I was invited to several other local shows with the promise not to be parked in the next county. The people that ventured down the side street commits ranged from OMG look at the front of this to this is the coolest thing here. My Grandkids even got to try out their seat and what to know when we are going racing.
hcb 3200, I like your idea of adding some LED lights to the under seats and maybe the bottom of the dash/foot well area. Wayne it's 8'8" to the top of the upper cab and 9’9” to the top of the flexible antenna.
I know I'm going to find little things I want to change but I'm going to officially call the COCOE DONE! After driving it down the hi-way at speeds and around town I'm very happy with the way it handled. I think it's time to enjoy it and start the next build. Thanks all for following I appreciate all the support and encouragement. COCOE
Last edited by Phak1; 06/25/202512:09 AM. Reason: Corrected typos
