Not much today but I did finally manage to get that trailer hitch lock off my truck. Previous owner didn't leave the key for but with my trusty Dremmel tool, my sledge and chisel and some good ol platano power I got it off!

 

Isn't that those green (verde) banana things?

 

Yes sir....I am from Puerto Rico and I love eating them deep fried and smashed up with garlic, olive oil and a little bacon to make mofongo or slice and smashed flat, fried and seasoned. I joke with my wife that that is where I get my strength from

 

I love those things! I used to fry those up and eat them with ketchup lol. I just got confused when you said "I used green banana power".

 

I pulled my Ex in the garage and i'm charging my Viper remote for it so i can drive it tomorrow. Been awhile, i hope it doesn't rain!

I figured you guys would like to see another truck we just finished. Built for extreme arctic conditions (everything to work in -60F) in remote locations. The total on a truck like this including the chassis is around $155k. We have built one every year for the same company for the last 4-5 years, plus we did a bunch of them back in the early 2000's. I used to built them in the shop, now I dream them up on paper.

 

That's just a rip-off. I mean if it was red with a racing stripe then yeah but white and blue?

 

I'm curious... what do you do to make it reliable at -60f? I mean... you've got to think of everything... from batteries, to coolant... fuel... and even most greases aren't made for those temperatures. I know I'm not as far north as you but I can tell you -30f temperatures make my X or any other vehicle act a little hungover... I can't imagine -60f...

 

There is a lot and it depends on the customer and specs they require. We have done some crazy stuff before in terms of "winterizing" trucks. Fords themselves handle the cold better then other brands. But power steering lines are replaced with Arctic grade lines, O-rings in the coolant connections are replaced, oil pan,transmission pan and battery heaters are added, along with battery chargers. When it comes to the van and accessories the vans are rated at R30 with 3" urethane insulation, 2 Large Webasto heaters are in the box van, vital components are brought into the work area to keep them warm, All wiring is Arctic grade and weather proof. I've been up there in -40 and it's brutal. this truck will go out on remote location and stay for awhile, one reason this one has a fridge in it

 

You need a fridge in -60F

 

Well yeah, how else are we going to keep the drinks... oh...

 

Last night I found out my cooling fan was not turning on. After some troubleshooting, I discovered the wires for the fan clutch got caught in the fan and were severed. Spent about 2 hours removing the shroud, moving the radiator out of the way and adding some wire length and reconnecting the harness.

 

Picked up a parts truck. The dakotas frame is almost perfect for the project this is meant for.

Really should look into installing these V/B springs I keep tripping over...

 

On my 2003 Ex I cleaned & greased brake slide pins on drivers side, one was stuck, replaced slide pins on passenger side. One was really stuck so I had to heat it up to get it out and that melted the rubber on the pin. I did this because the brakes were pulling to the left. It brakes straight & true now. Also the battery was run down by a switch sensor on the rear liftgate not recognizing that the door was shut. A little WD-40 in the door latches and all was well.

 

I bought some F-250 stock tires and rims from a guy who upgraded this weekend. Tires only have 20k on them and came mounted on the OEM rims. Not bad for $400! I'm going to balance them today and have them mounted. Its going to be s smoother ride than these Nitto Mud Grippers on here, plus i get to keep the 20" rims.

 

You scored on those wheels and tires !