Hey all, we may have the first person for the race. FTE member Ron_coach pm'd me, and may be able to assist in the great state of Iowa near the end of May. Ok, this can work. What I am thinking, is we can get some people together, and go get her picked up. Get her to a members house, and do some maintenance. Make sure she'll make the trip. Then, we can get everyone interested together to get on here, and set up meeting places, and schedules. At first, the cost of fuel would have to be the driving members responsibilty, but after she gets here, I can get a list of everyones names and addresses, and start sending reimbursement letters. The pick up man would be the one to start the list, and just pass it along as the relay unfolds. I can send the siren and fuel tank to the pick up man, and that person can inspect the consumables (brake hoses, lingings, etc.). We can do this, and it would cost a lot less than paying for any one person to go get it and haul it to me. I think the only real issue would be to make sure that a bottle of lead additive is used for refueling, we don't want a burnt valve to cut the trip short. Any other input, post it up, and we can get a thread going that has the list of names.

 

We're gonna have to drive it. I just called a few hauling places, and it's going to be over $2000 to get it hauled. I don't know what else to do. The cheapest route to do this is to drive it, and even cheaper if a bunch of people drove it a little ways, and handed it off to another to relay it to the next checkpoint, with everyone pitching in their own $20-$50 for gas along the way. This would eliminate the need for hotel costs, and at night, the truck could just sit at someones house until the next day. If it lands in the hands of another person that has to work the next day, it can even sit until the next weekend at some ones house, until it can back on the route. Pipe in anytime people, lets get something going. I am in desperate need of help now, since it will be several months before I can afford a $2000+ shipping price, especially with the price going up weekly due to fuel costs rising.

 

What kind of mileage does that thing get? I'm guessing 6-8 mpg at best....???? Have you checked into what the insurance is going to cost?

 

It'll probably be in the 6-8 range, maybe as high as ten, but not likely. I have not had a chance to check on insurance yet.

 

Not only insurance but check what it would cost for AAA or the such incase it did break down in the middle of nowhere. I'd love to help but I'm pretty tied up with college for the rest of the summer, stupid Engineering!

 

I was a AAA service provider for 7 years, I wouldn't leave home with out it.

 

Randy in Iowa e-mailed me some more info on the truck. He says that it would possibly make the trip with out too many issues. He did say, however, that the master cylinder needs rebuilt, but works "ok" when you refill it. He says that he would change the oil, and maybe the belts. He suggests a spare tire, ecause the ones on it are about 10 years old, but in like new condition. All the other fluids have been changed, and he also said that the battery should be replaced. So, where are all the drivers at? When are we gonna get this show on the road? Come on guys, I am offering a chance to let all the FTE members between Miles, Iowa, and Redmond, Oregon drive the fire truck. There's gotta be enough of you Ford truck guys out there that would be interested. Anyone? You know you want to. COME ON, PLEASE! Don't make me beg, or worse, cry. This could be huge. These sort of events draw national attention. No one wants to be in on the action? I'll send the siren. It works, and it's loud.

 

If I could figure a way to get up there some how, I'm ready to go, but........

 

I appreciate you attitude, and your circumstances. I wish there were more true blue Ford Enthusiasts like you. For the members who've responded with support of my situation, I am ever greatful for your concern and support. I wish you were all residents of the six states that my truck needs to cross in order to get to her new home. I wish there were people like you. If circumstances do not change in the near future, I will out of a fire truck, and the time and money I have spent during this endeavor of a life time. To answer the statements of I should just go there and get, I wish I could, but I am already on the brink of bankruptcy, and I literally cannot afford the trip to go and get it. I am forced to try and barter with some one to accept payments for delivery services, or attempt to gain the support of my supposed fellow Ford Truck Enthusiasts. My situation was alot less bleak a few months ago when I got the truck, and I was actually anticipating it's pick up and delivery happening at the end of this month. I guess the only thing I can say is life happens.

 

Joe-

If you can't afford delivery at the moment, why not just check into having it stored at an RV storage unit for the time being. They are all over the place out here, and they don't cost that much per month. At least it would give you time to save up the funds to either have it delivered or drive it.

 

The guy says he can store it for me, but the cost of fuel is going up so quickly, that I can't afford to move it now, and sure as heck won't be able to in a few months. This has really got me sitting in a catch 22.

 

joe, i could take it in pendleton oregon.

 

Where exactly is Pendleton? Is it enroute from Iowa to Redmond, Oregon? If so, then I guess you've got that leg of the trip. Hey, this means we have two that are willing. Ron_coach in Iowa said he could go get it towards the end of May, and he would possibly be able to do some tinkering if needed to make sure she's at least drivable. Two drivers is better than none.

 

pendleton is on I-84. IT is about 100 miles from where you jump on the 97.

 

Eastern, Oregon? On the route up from SLC through Idaho? I think I know ehre you're talking, I'll look at the map. I think that's the route mapquest listed. So, you think you can pick it up in Pendleton, and bring it closer to Redmond?