Recent content by Thomas

I have completed the interior of the cab. As a floor covering I installed interlocking rubber mats like you might see at the gym. I modified some seat covers to fit my seats. I used the same type of material that used to be a bench seat cover, and made it into a wrap-around curtain. I used the...

When I was working I used to wonder if retirees enjoyed their weekends and holidays as much as I do (did). I left the workforce over a decade ago at age 49 with a little military pension and savings. Now every day feels like a Saturday. I enjoy everything much more because there is no time...

We’ve been working primarily on Saturdays, and not every Saturday. But we got the old engine out of there. We assembled the new engine using nearly all new components – compressor, alternator, fan clutch, pulleys, hoses, water pump, etc. I think the only things we used from the old engine were...

"Rocinante is not only Don Quixote's horse, but also his double; like Don Quixote, he is awkward, past his prime, and engaged in a task beyond his capacities." exactly

I named my truck Rocinante (rossin aunty). It means, in 17th century Spanish, previously a work horse. Fitting because my truck used to be a U-Haul. Rocinante was also the name of Don Quixote's horse, acknowledging the possibility that my adventures may be a delusional fool's errand.

For the past 6 weeks we've been tinkering with the new engine. Some of the most basic tasks were a struggle - like getting the ancillary components off of the old engine. I had to cut the exhaust manifold nuts off, for example. But we got it done, and the shippers picked up the old engine and...

I'm re-reading the KJV Bible. It was translated into English in 1611 so it's written in Shakespearian English (similar to my second favorite book Don Quixote). I finished my first read of it a month ago, cover-to-cover just to acclimate to the dialect. I'm finding my second reading much more...

Keeping a project journal really helped me. I explained to myself what the next steps would be, and how I might go about them. It really helped me organize, prioritize, and focus. Also, I kept a main project and a "meantime" project. One thing to do, and another thing to study further. One...

My mechanic buddy and I have been doing the mechanical work on Saturdays. Pulling the engine and transmission have been a challenge. Ideally you’d like to remove the cab and put the truck on a lift. But neither of those things were good options in our case. Instead we’re using jack stands...

We didn't get the engine out yet, but it should come right out. When I was shopping mechanics in town I gave them the heads up that they won't be able to de-cab, or at least not easily due to the overhanging attic. Each one told me there was no reason to de-cab. My buddy has a line on a...

Happy Independence Day. Today my mechanic buddy and I are pulling out my old engine and transmission. Once we have that accomplished I'll need to pressure was the engine and tranny before I can send the cores back to the re-manufacturer. I'll also need to pressure wash some components that...

The engine was $4K, the transmission about $3K.

Today I took delivery of a remanufactured engine. Next week I’ll get a remanufactured transmission delivered. It took quite a while to get these items as many components used in the reman were on back order, just like lots of stuff these days. But the project is again in motion. Today and...

Check out EXPLORIST.life. They have several power plant wiring diagrams ranging from Spartan to deluxe, and they all include a materials and components list. They use Victron components. They are "code compliant" per a yachting-associated governing authority. EXPLORIST.life also has many...

The pass-through door is 2 layers of insulation board covered with PMF. I made it in two sections so that I can remove the top portion while the bed is down and have an emergency exit.