Good morning, and happy Easter to everyone. I finally had a little time to work on the truck yesterday. First, I removed the gas can and put the fuel line back together. Then I filled the tank with 20 liters of gas for the first time.


Everything's sealed up tight, and it starts right up.

Then I fixed the dashboard on the steering wheel.


Something must have come loose. Inside, there are just a few plastic tabs that are heat-sealed in place. I reattached the tabs using a heat gun and some additional adhesive.





That should hold up now.



Then the turn signal was blinking too fast. I ordered two new turn signal relays. The truck has two of them: one for the regular turn signal and one for the hazard lights. But the new turn signal relays weren’t working in my truck. I cleaned the contacts again, and now it works.


Then replace the missing trim.




After that, I let it run. Checked the transmission fluid again. Now that it’s running, I added another two liters. Then I tried adjusting the carburetor. I’ve got it running at 800 RPM now. But it doesn’t feel quite right.

In the lower fuel filter before the pump, the fuel is flowing very slowly. The filter isn’t full. The gauge at the top of the pressure regulator isn’t showing anything.

So, another issue to fix.

The alternator is charging; I measured it. 14.2 V. But the gauge on the dashboard isn’t moving. So, another issue to fix.

Then it seems to me that the brake booster isn’t working. I don’t notice any difference when I step on the brake. So, another issue to fix.

Then the left brake light isn’t working. No signal is reaching the rear. The signal comes from the steering wheel switch. So, time to get to work.

Then the power steering isn’t working. The power steering pump is turning and there’s enough oil. So, time to get to work.

At the end of the day, after I’d already closed the gates, I suddenly noticed moisture under the truck. Coolant. At the upper hose connection.


There was a slight hissing sound. I tightened the clamp. Then the hissing stopped. The truck had been idling the whole time. The temperature gauge read normal. Normally, the pressure is released through the valve on the radiator. That’s what the hose is for. So, time to get to work.



There’s still a lot to do.

But there were some nice moments, too. The grandkids are here. The little one is playing in the garden and the older one is riding a moped.

Then there were presents from the Easter Bunny for Grandpa.




That instantly puts me in a better mood.



Best regards, Bernd 61 HD

 

Hi, I had an hour to work on the truck. I tackled the problem with the brake light. Since the turn signal works but the brake light doesn't, it must be the steering wheel switch. First, I checked the connector on the steering wheel switch. I took it apart a bit and put it back together. Then I used pliers to press the pins together properly. And it works.




So, the first problem is taken care of.

Then FedEx came by. I ordered it on Friday, and it arrived today.



There are only a few little magnets in there, but it arrived quickly. The rest—the parts—are on their way.



Best regards, Bernd 61 HD

 

Hi, today I stopped by my favorite local metal shop. I had dropped off a drawing there before Easter.
I still need a few more instruments and switches.




Engine and transmission oil temperature, tachometer, and vacuum gauge. Voltage is displayed in the small socket. Then there are 4 switches with indicator lights: fog lights, roof lights, LPG (to be added later), and something else. The small lights are on their way.



Then my favorite delivery service showed up. Ordered on Sunday and delivered today.



Since the original brake booster is almost 50 years old and the brakes don’t work any differently whether the engine is running or not, it’s time for a new one. There are some things you just shouldn’t experiment with.




The brake booster was replaced quickly. Then a test run. Start the engine and apply the brakes. It works. The brake engages smoothly all the way to the point of resistance. It works just as a brake should. Now I’ll bleed the brakes again, and then I hope the red brake warning light goes out.



Regards, Bernd 61 HD

 

looking good! getting close!

 

Hi, time is flying by. Not much has happened with the truck. With this weather, it’s time to focus on the house, yard, and garden for now. And chop some firewood. Then the motorcycles need some attention again. New tires for the Road Glide.








The weatherstrip for the windshield, too. I installed the lights right away.


I like it. Then yesterday morning I started connecting the cables.

Looks good so far.

Best regards, Bernd 61 HD

 

love that gauge panel

 

Hi, I spent a little time in the workshop again yesterday. First up, the dashboard. An extra switch for the instrument panel lights would be nice. So I looked around a bit and found one.


An old TV. I removed the switch and started mounting it on the board. First, I drilled the hole for the switch.






That was done. I flipped the switch and rerouted the cables. I disconnected everything and tested it. Two gauges stay lit, one doesn't light up at all, and one works. I'll have to figure something out. I decided to call it a day for now.

Then I got the windshield ready.


I’ve properly installed the rubber seal and put the windshield back in place. Once we have enough helpers, we’ll get it in.

Then I’ll remove the seat cover.




Unfortunately, it doesn't fit. So back to the store.

Other than that, not much has happened. The weather is cold and wet. Somehow, that's dampening my enthusiasm for doing anything.

Best regards, Bernd 61 HD

 

looking good and best of luck on the windshield

 

Nice work as usual Bernd...moving right along!

 

Hi, thanks for now. Things have been moving slowly lately. Even though I no longer have to rush to work every day and can manage my own schedule, I just don’t have the time. We’re currently redesigning the garden, and there are other tasks around the house and the commercial property that need to be taken care of. On top of that, my wife’s Audi has been in the shop for repairs again these past few days.








But the truck adventure continues. Tomorrow, my wife and I are going on our first trip to a classic American car meet. In the Mercury. I’m really looking forward to it. The weather is nice, and so is the mood.

Best regards, Bernd 61 HD

 

Hi, it’s been a while since I’ve worked on the truck. There’s a lot to do in Rehagen Süd. With the nice weather, I’ve been spending a lot of time in the garden, which is still under construction. Then the motorcycle season started up again. Last weekend I went on a long ride through Poland. I also helped a few friends out with their motorcycles. Every now and then I work on other Harleys, too.




I'm waiting for some parts so I can get the Harley back on the road.

Yesterday I worked on the truck again. The seat. I was actually planning to buy a whole new seat cover.

The seat doesn't look that bad.






The fabric upholstery is still in perfect condition. Only the faux leather is damaged. I spoke to the upholsterer on the phone yesterday. He can salvage the seat and just replace the leather. That way, as much of the original upholstery as possible will be preserved.

So I started taking the seat apart.







Two springs on the side are broken. I was able to fix one of them.






I hope I’ll have time soon to take the seat to the upholsterer. Time is flying by and the work keeps piling up.

So next up, I’ve got to work on my Harley again. Not just for friends, but for myself, too.

Best regards, Bernd 61 HD

 

Hi, since the weather isn't suitable for gardening, I'm back in the workshop today. First thing this morning, I went to the local auto parts store and bought two batteries.
The battery on the right is the main battery. The one on the left is connected to a relay and is only activated when the ignition is turned on. Interesting technology. New cables were also made for the left battery. I bought two identical batteries.



Next up: the additional gauges. First, I hooked them up and tested to see how they work.



Especially the two oil temperature gauges. They work. Then I installed the adapter for the oil filter with the temperature sensor.



Then I held the board up against it. It doesn't look bad. But there are still a lot of cables to run.

Maybe I can continue tomorrow—at least in the morning. Things are finally starting to come together.

Best regards, Bernd 61 HD

 

Nice

 

Good morning. I attached the cables to the additional fittings yesterday. Somehow I managed to get everything working.


I went ahead and installed it right away and ran the cables.




That's fine for now. What I don't like is the oil temperature sensor connection on the transmission. I installed a standard temperature sensor there, and the gauge goes all the way to the max. For the engine oil, I used the sensor that came with the kit, and it works as it should.






Maybe one of you has an idea. Otherwise, I’ll have to get an adapter and install the included temperature sensor.



I’ve also ordered a fuse box with relays for the rear fog lights and the front light bar.

The only thing I’m still missing is the connection for the tachometer.

Does anyone know where I can tap into the signal on my ignition distributor?




I still need to figure that out.

I hope I’ll have time next week to finally adjust the carburetor so the bike runs. If I can’t get it adjusted, the plan is to install a new intake manifold with new Edelbrock carburetors—without the EGR and all that other crap nobody needs.

Regards, Bernd 61 HD

 

If you are asking about where to hook the tach up to, there should be a terminal on that gm hei distributor that says "tach" right next to the other connections for power ground etc.