This Post will be about the fix’n and Plans .
Gramps does not need much. I’m driving the truck just the way it is.. BUT there are some stuff to do. The first thing is to make an appointment with my shop to have a look for problems and to adjust the idle. Also I will get them to do a wheel alignment. There’s sure to be a list. One of the biggest things for me is the paint. It’s missing in a lot of places, and that could mean rust will happen. I really like the blue factory paint. It makes me happy like the blue colour of my ATV. So it’s a keeper for when that happens.
I’m not sure about the black lower part.. But it does look good.
June 4 2024
Today I picked up a nice canopy from a nice person for Gramps. I had to drive a few hours to get it.. That was the most I’ve driven the truck..
White is a good fit and so is this canopy. It will stay on for the summer. After that 4 hr drive I now know more about the truck, so I have a list of things needing attention. As well as the inspection, here’s my thoughts: Wheel alignment.. wanders on the road more than it should. Rough idling… The motor feels like it stumbles at idle. Cruise Control.. Yup it’s should be working. A/C .. yup that could be handy.. I believe a recharge will fix that. Fan speed... medium speed is not working. Will have to see what’s up there. Replace Multi Function Switch… Got a new one.. And it may fix the cruise.. Horn ! Needs fixing. Dash & Cluster…I have a new headlight switch to install and all the bezel needs a good cleaning. Also I will replace any bulbs that are out. That’s enough for now..
Update: Now that the truck has had it’s assessment we know the answers. A few surprises, but overall good news. Got a list from the mechanic and the costs. Adds up to just under $2000. So the plan is to have some stuff done now and some later. Here’s whats getting fixed first.
- Rear Brakes. The shoes are bad and both brake cylinders leak as well as a leak in the line that crosses the rear axle.
- Spark Plugs & Distributor Cap. I suspected this could be the cause of the rough idle. A good thing to do anyway.
- Oil Pressure Sender. The gauge goes up and down. So let’s make sure this is not the issue.
- Fuel Filter. It’s old so let’s just do this while on the hoist.
- Wheel Alignment. There was some wandering and pulling on the steering …this should fix that.
- Oil Change & Air Filter. Want this done anyway.
Here’s what is getting fixed along with those things.
- Intake Manifold Gasket. Possible leak of the coolant here. The motor will be happy.
- Power Steering Pump. Leaking and this may help the steering problems too.
So we will see how this works out… Now there is a few more things that need attention. The shocks are older. And of coarse there are a few electrical things to fix.. I will gladly do those. That’s my thing ! So by the end of summer I should have a reliable good running and driving truck. Ready for the cosmetic stuff.
July 24 2024.
We are home from our camping now and the truck spent 3 weeks at the shop having all the stuff on the list done. Including the intake and power steering. Runs great and now I have confidence in it for some long trips. I have ordered the parts for trailer towing electrical. including a new brake controller. I’ll fix all that in August. I took the left taillight out to see what colour wire did what. And the mud and dust was thick on the back of the light and the cavity.
Should have taken a before photo… But this is what it looks like now after a good cleaning. I also need access on the left side for power to the canopy light. While I have the taillights on my table …why not make them pretty again. They are faded and oxidized. So I tried a new product.
And it worked wonders on those taillights… check them out.. Again some “before” photos would have been nice.
I like clean and shiny things… So next is the trailer wiring and I’m thinking a new page for that.
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