The Stovebolt Site Forums The Side Lot Old Dominion Stovebolt Society (MD, VA, West VA, DC, DE and PA) Call for Bolters in the Northern Virginia or Springfield Area

keep us in the loop! I am picking up my trailer shortly and prepping to load my truck this evening since I don’t want to drive her in for the exhaust work in a winters mix on Tuesday.

Chris

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

Tis a great thing you guys are doing!!.
Let us know what other parts/tools/help, we can do at the Homecoming.

Don

I believe 6 1/2 foot is my roof height.

Go measure it, Chris -- With all the effort involved, and the potential for cab roof impacting a door frame, this is no time for guess work.

I will measure tomorrow when I pull my truck out at exhaust shop! If not, I am sure we can find a trailer (U-Haul) that I can pull it on.

Thanks Chris.

Jim

80” door height for trailer.

OK. I'll have Merrick take a measurement.

Thanks again,

Jim

If your trailer floor has a built in ramp, you may want to check the height in farther where the floor is flat. Also look at any hanging obstructions, vent crank handles or interior lights.. Yes, experience cracked a light..

What’s the status of the individual That took the truck and then finally owned up to it,
hopefully he’s being taught that it’s not appropriate to take non-abandoned vehicles.
🎩

FYSA,

Still have not heard from owner what the measurement is.

-jim

I will double check it all

Chris,

The truck is reported by the owner to be 72 inches tall. Looks like it will fit, if needs be.

-Jim

it must be lowered about 4" or so like mine if it is 72" tall.