Ralph Pearce

Thanks for all the responses. The backfire happened on start-up. The "clunk" happened when I turned the power on and off (without starting, but had been running earlier). Anyhow, will take the truck into the shop and see what they say.

So yesterday I had a backfire on start-up after sitting for a couple hours. Then a while later at the store after sitting about a 1/2 hour I had the clunk after turning ignition key on and off. After driving home and turning the engine off, I had the clunk again when turning the key on and off. This morning (w/o starting the truck), I turned the ignition key on and off many times (sometimes letting is stay on for a bit), with no response. All stock except 12v with Petronix ignition.

Should also mention that I'm running Petronix electronic ignition (12v).

So had an immediate backfire on start-up, stopped by the store on the way home, so wondering if it would do it again. When about to start up again and head for home, I turned the key on then off cause I decided to call my wife. When I turned the key off, something kind of went "clunk" and the truck rocked a little. After my call, I went ahead and started, no trouble, and drove home. After I got home and turned off the engine, I decided to turn the key back on and again, "clunk" and the truck rocked. Thoughts?

I used a good enamel after repairing some cracks, then put a good cover on it (protects and also fattens the grip). Topped it off with a high quality spinner knob and have been very pleased.

I'm yet another with a 6 volt starter on a 12 volt system about five years no issues. I never over-crank, and I have a rebuilt spare handy just in case.

Well, first thing this morning I pulled on the headlights and nothing. Lifted off the battery cover - yeesh, what happened to that fresh clean battery I put in there four years ago (marked 4/15). Then the cable clamps lets go when I tightened in the new battery, so back to the store for new cables. Fired right up. Have an extra bendix spring and gear if I ever need it though. Thanks for the input, though, all good to keep in mind.

Thanks, I was reading a bit on the H.A.M.B site and sounds like that may be the culprit. Any recommendations on who/where to have the bendix drive replaced?

So I was going to drive the truck to work today. I stepped on the starter and it engaged the flywheel as usual, but that was it; didn't turn over and didn't disengage. I thought maybe it was stuck and tried rocking the truck in low gear, but nothing, still engaged. Couldn't explore further as I had to get to work. Just exploring the archives here, and thought I'd put this out for advice - could it be as simple as the battery (about 6 years old)j. This is a 6 volt starter on a 12 volt system, though never ask much of it (starts easy). Thanks.

Folks hangin' out...

And here's ggdad1951 receiving his award, "Key to the Ranch" (wire cutters) I think for his many contributions with preparations and otherwise being a swell guy.

Here are the rest, you know who you are:

I'm just the photographer, you'll need to speak with our stenographer. Maybe Tim can chime in with names/awards...

And here's the first batch from the trophy presentations:

Here's another batch: