Well guys and gals of our little corner of the world. I actually got to drive the big truck. After dealing with so many little tedious things to finally get it running, and mobile, I finally managed to fire it up, and pull it out of the driveway. I only drove it about 500 feet orso, but I still drove it. And tooted the air horn. The neighbors actually had to come out and see what all the rumbling was in the streets.

 

Good work Joe, did anyone take pictures to document your first ride?

 

No, I didn't get any "in action" pics. I'll get some when I actually get to drive more than a few feet. I also have a friend with a video camera, so I'll film it.

 

Good goin' Joe!.........persistence pays off!

 

This picture turned out the best I think:

 

How did the Cat engine run?

 

Like a wild lion from the plains of Africa......lol. It runs very good. It has a distinct sound. I bought the donor truck becasue it sat for a year untouched, and they jumped it, and it fired right up. Now, that was with red off road diesel, and it actually smokes less, and doesn't stink near as much with fresh clean on road diesel fuel. It fires right up, well, after a couple cranks to fill the cylinders anyway. And it idles smooth, well, as smooth as a big industrial diesel can anyway. I did notice an oil leak, but I think that's just part of having a big diesel engine like that. I'll address that issue when the time comes.

 

no leaks on the injector lines? The 3208 has a problem with cracks internal on the fuel pump that leaks out onto the ground thru a drain tube that fed from left front side. If you have the same problem you can make a line to go back to the tank from the drain tube. It's not a proper fix but the cost associated with yanking the pump and parts it cheaper.

 

Good job Joe, look forward to seeing out on the road.

 

Injector lines are all good. No leaks. The only prob I had, was the PO brazed a hole inthe return line. I just replaced the short section and said to heck with patch work in the fuel system.

 

Are you going to start hauling freight to Alaska with me now?? Put a sleeper on it an make it earn its' keep.

 

No way. I'm gonna haul the kids to school, and haul my lazy ars to work, and to the grocery store. Then, I'm gonna sell it, and build another one, but with full air ride, sleeper, and Cummins. I do, however, kinda like the new International 6s I saw at our local International facility yesterday. I may go that route, or the Cat C13 or C15. The new ones are a twin turbo job rated upto 600 HP, and 2000 something LB-FT torque. I aint even got my CDL. Won't need one for these, since they are concidered antique, and not subject to DOT inspections or regulations, as long as they are registered under 26K, and have a not for hire sticker.

 

Well Joe had much time to tinker with the big truck?

 

Oh yeah. I got my headlights and tail lights, and brake lights all working. I also got the lower radiator hose, and lower radiator mounts in place. I'm going on Saturday to get a bunch of big rig parts from a guy I ofund on Craigslist. My boss ordered me a set of mechanical gauges and a upper radiator hose/filler neck adapter today. I'll have those on Friday. I still have to mount the shifter for the aux. transmission, and then go over it with a fine toothed comb, to make sure it's completely assembled. After that, I will be able to start saving up for the restoration stuff....New chrome, rubber, etc., etc. I won't be in a big hurry for all that, and am thinking about taking it to the Brooks, Oregon truck show in August. The episodes that will be showing my truck on Power Block will be aired August 29th and 30th. Here's a couple pictures from Sunday, and of course, there are many more (160 something total) in my photobucket page.

 

You have made some good progress, that's awesome you got the lights all working. Is the original bed going back on when your done?