My ambo...

[offroad]

Always shocking when those things give up. Too much of a mess.

 

[Ballenxj]

Well the heater core died the other day, and coolant leaking in the cab is a bad thing.

I sure hate it when that happens. I think the worst one I ever did was on my old second gen Trans Am. 
Glad to hear you got yours fixed in time for winter.

 

[Baloo]

After the whole heater core issue, I found a few steel lines that has internal rust. I replaced them all with reinforced silicone hoses. Even though I flushed the cooling system last year, I decided a filter change (yes, big trucks have a coolant filter) couldn't hurt given the rusty lines that had been in use all that time. I cut the old filter open to see what was in it, glad I changed it!





At least now I am ready for the winter!

 

[Ballenxj]

I decided a filter change (yes, big trucks have a coolant filter) couldn't hurt given the rusty lines that had been in use all that time. 

They do?
 I know a guy that has a couple International Diesels that look similar, with the exception of one being a dump with a boom, and the other being a goose neck hauler. I think I should probably tell him as I don't think he knows either. Is it on the engine side of the firewall inline with a heater hose or something?

 

[highdesertranger]

omg that filter is ugly. nice choice with the Wix. I only use Wix filters. how's that stick conversion coming along. highdesertranger

 

[Baloo]

The filter is on the engine near the oil cooler. I have been driving the truck a lot this past few weeks. The tranny swap will start next weekend, at national guard this weekend. Slept in the ambo last night, gotta love the military sleeping bag! It was very cozy with the little buddy heater on fort thing this morning. Very happy with the ambo so far. I am excited about the tranny swap.



It tows very well, lots more power than I thought it had.

 

[MikeRuth]

43 pages and I must have missed that you also have a TT.

Nice Balo0!!!

 

[Baloo]

280 miles later...



Ready for installation



Also, all the coolant is still there after replacing a faulty radiator cap!

 

[Baloo]

Little ambo camping, coffee is much better from the ambo!

 

[Ballenxj]

Little ambo camping, coffee is much better from the ambo!

I'll bet it is.  

 

[sassypickins]

Cute 'lil mini-Ambo there in the corner...

 

[offroad]

I am just shocked you can find parts for that truck. Can it last 20 more years? Given random parts sources ?

 

[highdesertranger]

I am not shocked that he can still find parts that truck was probably designed for a 30 year life span and over 500k miles. even with my 1978 chevy I don't have a problem finding parts and it's well served by the aftermarket industry. if you choose the right older vehicle you can keep it running indefinitely. however it's best to know how to do the work yourself or labor will kill you. highdesertranger

 

[Baloo]

I am just shocked you can find parts for that truck. Can it last 20 more years? Given random parts sources ?

The cool part about a commercial truck is how little they change over the years. Parts are super easy to get. Some of the plastic cab parts will get tough eventually, but they made that body style as late as 2004. The frames and suspension are exactly the same today. Eaton still makes the same model transmission, and as far as the engine goes, they sold millions between the agricultural industry and commercial chassis. That is one of the biggest reasons to skip over the kid vehicles and get a commercial rig!

 

[Ballenxj]

The cool part about a commercial truck is how little they change over the years. Parts are super easy to get. Some of the plastic cab parts will get tough eventually, but they made that body style as late as 2004. The frames and suspension are exactly the same today. Eaton still makes the same model transmission, and as far as the engine goes, they sold millions between the agricultural industry and commercial chassis. 

In other words, "If it ain't broke, don;t fix it?"  

 

[BobBski]

Great read and fantastic transformation....just finished reading from start to finish, thoroughly enjoyed. Love the rig. You're very talented indeed...10 years of persistence, gotta be proud. Look forward to following the rest of your journey.

 

[Baloo]

I have been working a few things in the ambo, mostly driving it the past few days. Really need to sway the tranny, I finally have everything to do it, just not the time or the help (it is heavy). Getting it ready for a 2 meter antenna install as well. Oh yeah, figured it needed a cool name too, thinking it will be the M.I.TE.V. Which stands for; manned improved terrain expedition vehicle. Just falling back on my army roots. I will play around with that idea for a bit.

 

[offroad]

Mighty five?

 

[ainley53]

WOW!!! Just finished reading this thread from page #1. AWESOME JOB !!! I'm currently in Fulton, KY. and would love to come see your rig. Love what you're doing. Are you going to make RTR 2016? This read was as good as watching The Avengers the first time. Keep the posts and pics coming.

 

[Baloo]

Antenna mounted and almost ready to communicate!