check, check

ok, knock two more off the list. Got the plow frame off and the rear bumper stubs off.

Add to the list 'get new hardware for both'.

Now I figure since both the front and rear bumpers are off, I should POR15 the ends of the frame. Add that to the list too.

Dang, back where I started... or worse, since I also found a nice slash in the side wall of one of my tires. ugh. Two trucks with the same problem now. I'll have to keep my eyes open for a good used 32" tire.

6 down, 40 to go

So I sat down this week to make a list of things to do on Hanky. After 5 minutes, I stopped at 46 things. Boy, I've a lot of work to do.

Yesterday was so nice, I figured I needed to make time to get some stuff done on the trucks. The first order of business was to check out the brakes on Heavy D. Sure enough, the pads were worn right down to the rivets. Took a ride over to Napa, ordered some pads, picked 'em up a while later and voila, good as new. Well, almost, I still need to flush and bleed the lines.

I also helped Brian H put the front skid plate on his Scout. had to do a quick Google search to find a pic of a truck with one installed to see where the mounting points were, but once we had that, a little grinding for clearance and it went on slick as you please.

Did manage to get some of the to-dos done on Hanky. Put away the high lift, re-attached the loose front shock, doubled the heater hose back on itself (until I can replace the core), removed the plow wiring, put on a new distributor cap, and removed the rear bumper.

Of course, in the process, I thought of at least six more things to add to the list, so I'm no closer to finishing the list than when I started (of course, I fully expect that the list will be perpetually self regenerating). I also noticed how bad my driver's side wheel arch and quarter are. A brighter individual would be hunting for a new tub right about now. But, I figure I still need more welding practice and there are some custom mods I want to try on this one.

Another nice day today. Maybe I can knock out a few more in between stints doing yard work...

...and yet I buy more

Well, in my defense, KB really needed help getting rid of some of his stuff... and he needed help doing some moving and cleaning at his house so he can get it on the market. So I figure, I can help him out and pick up some parts at the same time. Makes perfect sense to me. That is until the wife reminds me that there are plenty of projects to be done around here too. Doh!

Anyway, I picked up a front skid plate for BH and for myself a mid skid plate, drag link, alternator and uh, what else. Oh, right, a step bumper to replace the one that tried to take on a tree last month (and lost). Also too a run out to Mom's place to drop the plow and pick up her recycling.

Gotta remember to bolt up that driver's side front shock - not that I notice a discernible difference when I drive. Might as well make a list of projects to tackle - there are plenty. Hopefully, I can get a lot of them done before Pinelands.

While at Mom's I made a failed attempt at moving the Speester into the barn. It didn't want to go. The rear wheels are locked up. I assume the brake pads are frozen to the drums. I'll tackle that another (sunnier, warmer) day. Poor car has been neglected for far too long. Mice have been in it despite my efforts to thwart them. Hopefully they haven't done too much damage.

You's a Lucky Man Mr. Clean

While filling up both tanks on Heavy D this weekend, while the guy with the minivan was looking at me crosseyed because I had to move the truck to the other side of the pump to fill the other tank another dude says "wow, haven't seen one of them in a while and it was all rusted out, sitting in a farmer's field."

I says "yup, uh huh, that's the fate of a lot of 'em." Then he says "you need an old Scout to go along with it." To which I say "Got one; a '78. Go wheeling and plowing with it."

He just looks at the ground, shakes his head and says "you's a lucky man," gets in his car and leaves. Indeed I am; a lucky man. :-)

Ready To Go Topless

Rec'd my new bikini top today. That's right, the price for those white bikinis on eBay was too good to pass up. First trip to Pinelands it will be brown, but we'll see how it holds up.

Took Heavy D on a parts run to take some stuff from the garage up to Mom's shop. That driver's side caliper is dragging big time. I need not drive it until I get a better look at it.

While at KB's fire sale, I couldn't remember what parts I did and didn't have, so I figured I needed to poke around in the barns to remind myself what's there...

four tailgates

three hoods

two each doors

two each fenders

at least one grill

three windshield frames

...ok, I think that I can stop collecting body parts.