rkldesign

Hey guys, Leaving the paint as is was under a lot of consideration, cost to do body work was one of them but not the main one. I wanted to drive it and drive it a lot. I also did not want to obsess over scratches or door dings when ever I parked it in a parking lot. For shows I wanted to be able to say to kids, "Sure hop in and try out the seat, have mom take your picture". As a kid I remember my Dad telling me to keep my hands off and don't touch anything. I wanted the van to be approachable to all. I see it as a piece of history and I want people to experience what it was like for the delivery guy to drive this beast every day running his route. Yes the patina thing is getting too much but then the original look of the van is neat to look at since this is how it came to me. It is also what drew me to buy it in the first place. So for now it is preserved with a flat clear coat to prevent further rust. It drives like a tank and I am getting used to steering this beast. I really wanted to go to the BBQ this year but the to do list on the van was too long. Next year for sure.

Hey there guys and gals, It has been almost two years since I dragged this beast home and she is finally ready to hit the roads. Thanks for all your help in the process and here are some pics to feast your eyes on the beast. Now it is time to drive to meet ups and shows. Any suggestions? Hope to meet some of your folks in the months to come. Richard

Hey guys, I need to get my Stromberg BXV-3 rebuilt, any suggestions as to where to have it worked on? I found a place called Recarb Company in Pittsburg, Ca. Has anyone used them for their rebuild? Moving right along with the Route Van. Richard

Hey there folks, Is there any interest in getting pin striping done on your trucks? I arranged for an artist to come to the BBQ to do striping on my Route Van and he will be available to do other rigs if wanted or interested? His name is Ron Miller and I met him at the Autorama in Sacramento last weekend. He is coming to the BBQ because it is easier for him to come there instead of Napa. Thanks, Richard

Wally you are not alone in your thinking, the two things we need to count on with our trucks are brakes and tires. All the other things help us get down the road. Maybe he could trailer the truck to the BBQ and we can bring all our spare parts and load him up for his rise out of the ashes. Richard

Wow....I am speechless. Glad to hear family is OK.

I have taken all my leafs apart and cleaned then and now need to paint them. SO I will try the Por-15 and then lubricate before I put them together. It has been fun to work on an old truck again as it is much simpler than todays trucks. The history of design is neat to see too. Richard

Hey Guys and Gals, I am cleaning up my leaf springs and want to know if I should use Por-15 on them or some other paint? I know they need to slide against each other and so not sure on the finish for them. When I assemble them is there some form of lubricant that I need to use? Thanks, Richard

When you get the system all set up and start making kits put me down for one.....OK? I neeeed to put one on my Route Van, every little bit of extra horsepower is a big help moving down the road.

Have you seen this video? This is one way to make a flattie sing!

Here are detail shots of the wheels from Stockton Wheel. They are 16x6.5" Centers were cut from the split ring rims and there was a loss of .25" of the diameter. They were welded into new barrels that were just the right size for the trimmed centers. The barrels have a part number as follows: Made in USA 16x6.5 L.G.I.D. JJ Dot CT&W 02 28 2013 Stockton Wheel, Andre, 209-594-0486 and 209-464-7771 Cost per wheel was 170.00, 50.00 powder coating, so after taxes and shipping back to me about 250.00 a wheel. They fit perfectly over the large monster drums that I have on the rear of my DRV. If you don't want powder coating he can send them back to you media blasted ready for primer and paint.

Well guys and gals, the DRV body is back home and I am starting the assembly. Here are some pics of the body and the wheels that I got back from Stockton Wheel. Wheels were made with the original centers added to new barrels. Can install any type of tire now.