We were out today trying to find the problem. Gerald witnessed the truck stalling. I called Chuck from Chuck's Trucks thinking I might be needing fuel pump and asked him what the thought the problem was, since he has a lot of experience working on the big trucks. Right away he suspected bad fuel (which we also thought) and he asked where the gas tank was and if we were using rubber fuel lines. I told him I had used Marine fuel lines and I used a four foot run of it(The rubber fuel lines were perfect inside). He said maybe they had deteriorated or were collapsing. He recommended draining the tank and putting in steel lines. We did that and added fresh fuel from a name brand station. It ran better but we noticed a lot of bubbles in the fuel pump bowel. We also saw that the brass 90 degree fitting on the fuel pump was not tight. Once we tightened it up the bubbles disappeared and she seemed to run good. It was late in the afternoon so I didn't get a chance to take her for a test drive. If you are reading this Chuck ....thanks again for your advice!!!

On a down note. I noticed a 1X 1/2 inch chip in my top fender right where the hood meets it. When I was at the school having issues, the hood wouldn't close and I was slamming it shut not noticing the rubber bumper had fallen out. I was pretty bummed to see the damage. When the hood is closed you can barely notice it. We will touch it up by hand.

Also got my 20-24 Ft RV cover in the mail so we tried it out and it fit decent. One day I will get a custom cover for it. For now I will use the one I bought on eBay for $100 delivered. Here are some pics of it!!

 

I've had a couple custom covers made by California Car Cover, and they did an excellent job with the fit.

 

Not a bad cover option for $100 Keith. I have to say though that I do prefer the look of your truck without the cover on! Just sayin'...

 

Congrats on getting the fuel issues resolved. Yep, you typically want to keep runs of rubber lines down to a minimum, basically the rubber lines are there mainly as transistions between the fixed hard lines along the frame and the engine mounted fuel pump, body mounted fuel tank, etc. any area where a little flex is needed.

As already mentioned I too would rather see your truck without the cover...LOL. The RV cover seems like a pretty good fit, especially since the truck is being stored indoors. Heck, it should last a long while.

Sorry to hear about the paint issue. When you're stuck in traffic or on the side of the road its hard to maintain your patience and not slam the hood. hopefully the touch up process will go smooth and easy for you.


...now, onto the rear brakes.....sheesh, will it ever end....LOL
Bobby

 

AXracer, I heard they do good work. I think they made one for a guy in my fire truck club for $500.

Rob, I like the truck uncovered too but the barn is open and gets dirty at times. I need to get it cleaned up by this weekend because I am having a truck is finally finished party combined my birthday party (50th) OUCH

drtman2- Thanks!!

 

Bobby, I hope the fuel issue is resolved. I will feel better when I take it for a spin and there are no problems. Yes, the never ending saga of the brakes are next on the list but that won't be till next week when Gerald is available.

 

The first chip and ding always hurts the worst. And they will happen. They get easier to tolerate as the restoration ages but they are always painful.

If you can, add a little hardener to the paint before you touch it up. Once it hardens you can lightly wet sand it to make the repair blend in easier. Just don't go too far.

 

Thanks Bob, it hurt all right. I just couldn't believe the size of it!! Gerald told me to quit looking at it and covered it up with a towel!!

 

Keith,

Happy Birthday!!!! You old fogey!

Mine is next month, but I won't have to face that 50 hurdle for two more years yet

Bobby

 

Thanks Bobby ..... you're right behind me LOL

 

.....that may be, but you'll always be older...LOL

I may be getting older but I'm just as immature as I ever was.

Enjoy the party, you deserve a good celebration, you've been busting your hiney on this truck, now its time to sit back and revel in what you have accomplished. Have fun

Bobby

 

California Car Cover is on the third try to get the cover for my Panel truck fitting correctly.

As for the chip, the area where the hood latches is prone to chipping. I suggest finding or adapting slightly taller rubber bumper stoppers instead of the ones that "originally" came on the truck. Otherwise, you'll get more chipping on the fenders and the hood.

 

Less than a year to go for me to the big five-ohhhhhhhh...

Just think Keith, a 50 yr old kid joy riding around town in his firetruck on his birthday! Gotta love it! Congrats and have a good time.

 

Thanks Guys. I'm expecting 60 people for the party. I am going park the truck in the back yard and set some tables around it so the guests can eat and admire a true masterpiece !!

Good friends, good music, good food, good alcohol and even a couple of Blackjack tables with dealers (wife said no to some strippers LOL)..... couldn't ask for a better birthday!!

I will be sure to post some pics!!!

 

You should have told your wife that you were going to hire paint strippers. Oh wait, your truck is already painted and done.