The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Moving and buying stovebolt instead of renting a u-haul

Finally after reading the glove box manual I know how to post links to my pics. Thanks for the patience guys. What do you think of the trade? Galaxie for stovebolt ? I still need info on the truck but it seems to have a 292 with four on the floor. What do you all think? http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=14600923&uid=7729391

I can guarantee you that I would be moving to if I showed up at home with a flatbed. More than likely I'd be moving into intensive care with a flathead after my wife dinged me.

Great shots! Thanks,

I think you did the right thing, jj. That is a right-lookin' unit. I envy you the adventure you're gonna have. When does the move happen?

You mentioned that it's your first truck, so I'll offer you a bit of advice from a guy who's been truckin' since before you were born, maybe. I see no convex mirrors on there. Don't leave home without 'em. You can use one of those stick-on things on the driver's side, but buy a bolt-on unit with a little "L" bracket for the lower bolt on the big mirror. What's behind you IS important, even more so when it's everything you own. Check fluid levels frequently. We do it every day, or at every fuel stop. Beyond that, drive the truck around a bit before you leave. Get used to it, and let it get used to you. It'll show you a thing or two, I promise . .

HEY THANKS GUYS! We should be setting off in feb. I still have a bit to do to the truck. I think I will start with the electrical and end with an oil change. I was thinking I will have to do the brakes also and maybe change the thermo. It starts right up. My wife said no a couple of days ago but I think she is behind me now. Does anyone think I should put another temp sensor in to be safe? It will be pretty cold though in febuary. I am going to update pics from all the towns library computers on the way so keep checking the progress....

JJ, neat truck. Why not pop in a new heat gauge and oil pressure maybe for the trip. They are an easy Kragen purchase. I always feel better looking at newly installed guages if I have to go any distance, and you have some great distance to go.

Hey thanks Tomcoe sound advice. I was also thinking about bringing her bed walls up to 5 feet? You think that would be too much wid resistance? http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=14600923&uid=7729391

Temporary, removable stake extensions would give you the best set of options; the most versatility for your bed. You'll be tarping your load for the trip, I expect. Get a bunch of those little hooks to retain the tarp (bungee) straps and put 'em 12-16" apart, low on the sides. If you think the thermostat needs changing, then it does. An oil change would come right after that on my truck, because an engine which hasn't run hot enough has put a lot of what you don't want into your oil. Once that's done, take another look at your gauges. Then if you don't like what you're lookin' at, go with what Tomcoe said. All these things are cheap insurance.

The brakes are another thing. What makes you think they need work?

Well hotshoe they feel like they need bled. But beings that this is my first big truck I am unsure about the brake booster under the driver door step. I used to rebuild Bendix and midland boosters and brake valves out of high shcool in portland oregon at a place called brake systems but shoot that was 89-90 I am rusty. also I was thinking of changing the master cylinder. Is that necesary with a booster? and I am not even sure the booster is for the brakes or an old lift for the bed? What do you suggest just a bleed? http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=14600923&uid=7729391

If it stops and don't leak, don't fix it.

I would bleed and make sure you can lock up or almost lock up at least. If so, with no leaks, should be good to go. Check the boster line if it is rubber and the brake hoses so no road leaks develope, but the metal lines will be fine....right guys? This is a lot of responsibility to get a fellow bolter across country!

Hey joejam, nice truck.

I would fix whatever you know that it needs for sure, then take it for a 50 - 100 mile trip down the highway. Do this long before you are loading it up for the move. It is possible that some problems may not show up driving around town. I would also drive it at least a little everyday to get comfortable with it, and also know that it's going to be dependable.

I had a truck that was very dependable around town, but overheated at highway speeds after about 30 minutes of driving. I could drive this truck all day around town, and the temp gauge wouldn't even show that it was warm, let alone hot.

How many miles away are you moving? Will the wife be riding in the truck also, or following in another vehicle. If it is a real long drive, don't forget about your comfort. Is the seat OK, is the exhaust too loud, does the heater and defrost work well, etc? If you, and especially your wife are not comfortable, the trip will seem 10 times longer than it really is.

This is really cool, I like adventures, you are creating memories, you had better be prepared, so they will be remembered as good ones.

Good Luck, and keep us posted.

John

All memories concerning this truck should be good ones, but living thru them may just be the trick!

You know all the excitement getting the truck I did not even think about a test drive. Good Idea. I can be a little impulsive. Thats what the wife says anyway (ha-ha) thanks tomcoe will do! I will be taking the dog and the oldest son in the ol' girl lucas. The wife and other pipsqueeks will follow. No heater though. Factory no heat option I guess ? I do not know about an inverter option but maybe if I cut a hole in the floor panel (Ha-Ha-Ha) just kidding guys. Anyone have a solution to my defrost\heat challenge?

Right on !! I just sold my house and Im getting ready to move also. Cross country from las vegas to north carolina and Im right in the middle of upgrading my 51 3100 with a 350 TBI along with a 700R & IFS & power steering & 4 wheel power disc brakes ! I sould be finished by late febuary with it " I hope " My wife and I agree that if when your leaving Las Vegas DO IT IN STYLE !!
Good luck with yours
Todd

All right tabdoo. Please post your adventure on Stovebolters too. I would love to see the difference in travel locations as we only live over the hills from one another and are going to other directions. Man these days it feels like different worlds though huh. (sorry, I just had bad supermarket crabs and watched the Patriot). But the excitement for your trip reminds me of of mine. Sounds like the wifes behind you as well so thats all that matters right now. Bolters forever!!! (sorry peggy my wife brought me some rum so I am really excited tonight). And I am off to the tree outside.

WELL FOLKS I HAVE SOME FUN ON THE MOVE WITH THE CHEVY. My wife agreed with me on the flatbed. Thats +1 for me ( and her because I will get the stuff she loves home).I also get a point because of the dog. No Chickens she says!!.... +5 she gets her way finally.