Jim Shepard

Man, I can hardly wait! I was looking forward to meeting you, Don. Maybe next year. I'll be pulling out of my drive about 9 Saturday morning and I 've got 5 other confirmed trucks (Glen's tri-five Chevy; Rudy's '48 Ford; Charlie's Hemi B3; Ted's B3 and Bob's '50 Chevy) caravaning with me. I think John's coming again with his B3 flatbed. Also, my neighbor might make it with his '56 Ford F100. Good times are a comin'...

Nice looking truck...

I know this is a little OT, but I notice your lift. Can you inform as to brand, cost, features, etc. It looks pretty compact. Is it portable?

I'm available most of the week before and for sure on Friday (my particular specialty is going to the dump/landfill... ). Friday is also "Squeeze Inn" day with Merle, et al.

Tim! I've seen pictures of Don - I don't think he's a flat head. As I remember, he's kinda round. Anyway, I'm recruiting all the local trucks I can get. I've got a confirmed '51 Dodge, '48 Ford, '55 Chevy, a "maybe" '55 Dodge, a "maybe" '56 Ford, and I spotted another '56 Ford today I'm going to track down. Also got a lead on a Pilothouse in the area but I haven't seen it yet. Tell me when to STOP!

My understanding is, and I may have read it in Bunn or just made it up myself, that after 1950 the hood ornaments were an option installed by the dealer. Those old enough to remember or who just paid attention in history class will know the Korean conflict (i.e., "police action") started in June 1950. Thereafter, and for several years, the auto industry "adjusted" to government mandates regarding production. Things like chrome and aluminum were in short supply. I suspect, although I don't know for sure, that the hood ornament as standard equipment went the way of the dodo bird... As an aside, I prefer a "naked" hood on the 51-53 trucks because the grill is already pretty "busy" and the hood ornament just "gets in the way..."

Paul, Can't really say anything that hasn't already been said. It's pretty gut-wrenching to see the photos. Glad no one was hurt, albeit, the kitty. Hope you still make it to the BBQ.

We goin' to the "Squeeze" again?

Looks like a nice truck. Don't forget the 3-point seat belts...

I've had this discussion with Tim and thought I'd mention it here and get some feedback. I've got a line on a couple of car lifts (four-poster type) and was wondering what the collective experience here is. Any thoughts on lifts, design, safety features, etc?

Don't know why you had to do that. I've had mine off and on many times and didn't have to...

What did George charge for all this?

Cool setup, John. I still don't know anyone who's used the Offy or other after-market dual setup on one of our trucks. George's setup using the truck manifold allows for the stock linkage to be retained. Part of my mods will be to fab a similar bracket between the carb and manifold and spin the carb around to get the linkage on the passenger side so it lines up with the linkage under the floorboard.

Pics?

Dodge is coming out with a new V6 diesel in their 1/2 ton PU's for 2014. It's the Motor Trend Truck of the Year. With enough money you could probably snag one...

While someone from the car side can answer your question, I'd be real surprised if anyone is running dual carbs on one of our trucks. I've never heard of anyone doing it. I looked at doing it awhile back (even had the offy intake) but the linkage issue was too much trouble. The dual setups were made for the cars and there is a significant difference in the way the linkage works. I decided to go with the factory 2bb setup used on the mid-fifties cars. Even at that, there are some linkage mods I will need to make... If anyone has gone to duals on a truck please post a few photos - I'd love to see how you handled the linkage.

Bike inner-tubes. Punch a hole in 'em half way so they can drain...

I can hardly wait! I'm not scheduling anything else in April until I hear from you...

Topped off my master cylinder the other day (it was way low) and noticed its all wet on top. It appears like it's leaking out the little hole in the cap. What's the purpose of this hole? It's located on the side and penetrates all the way inside. Is it some sort of pressure relief thing? Is the leakage normal?

I notice that one of our new advertisers has B Series stamped steel outside mirrors, Anyone ordered these yet? If so, how's the quality? Are they worth $90+?

Wow! What a great day. Looks like everyone had a good time. Wish I coulda been there. Maybe after overdrive and disc brakes...

I've gotten good stuff and bad stuff from Roberts. I think Gary frequents this site and reads comments and, to my experience, has tried to set things right. Interestingly, years ago I bought my rubber from Steele and everything but the vent window gaskets fit fine. I sent them back and ordered a pair from Gary. They went right in with no problem and have held up very well over the years. I have had no problem returning stuff to Roberts...

Steele is a one-piece gasket...

At the corners, although I suspect the water is getting in at the top and running down.

Well, I got it finished and washed and - it leaks! I'm going to take it to a windshield shop and have them work their magic. When I used the last version of Steele's gasket I had to build up the center divider with extra rubber and use longer screws to avoid a gap between the divider and the gasket. Didn't have to this time. The center divider just touches the metal on the cab. I can live with it...