47-55.1 55 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100

[vintovka]

Sorry was thinking you were referring to chassis cleaning. My issues with engine overheating has been resolved although i find the very powerful SPAL racing fan noise a bit annoying. Fan pulls like 40 amps and required all new HD wiring and breakers. Its really loud but only needed intermittently at slow street crawl speeds or when stopped. I swear its so powerful it pulls me forward like an airplane propeller.. Yesterday was first time i had opportunity to cruise old town at like 5 mph with 70F ambient temp to try it out. Slowly got to 210F fan cut in and ran for like 45 seconds dropping temp to 190F. this lasts about 5 minutes and then the cycle repeats. This is acceptable but fan noise is not. Thinking of insulating hood. Its already rhino lined but not enough.

[VWNate1]

My solution to the noise problem was to delete the finjer protection device .

This is VERY DANGEROUS SO Don't DO IT ! .

Unless, of course......

[PhilnTX]

Have you thought about using a variable speed controller for your Spal Fan?

Something like this? https://www.jegs.com/i/Proform/778/6...MdJKvwovtSHxlw

[vintovka]

[QUOTE=PhilnTX;9342848]Have you thought about using a variable speed controller for your Spal Fan?

Yes but its pulls many amps and cools so fast its just a minor problem.

[PhilnTX]

This controller will handle the amperage and can do variable speed as required to cool it.

Just a thought.

[vintovka]

I agree. The idea is sound, but some of the reviews on these aren't the best. May keep looking for a heavy duty one that can reliably dissipate the heat involved. HAve to admit the big spal fan works well - so well i think it drops temps below the 185 thermostat.

[vintovka]

Was getting into mine and got a comment on how its set up so here it is. Sorry if a repeat but recently saw an older fellow fall and injure his leg climbing into his lifted 53.

Mine is a 54 on a 84 GMC with a 4" factory lift. Factory running boards are 18" of the deck. Easy for 18 olds - not so much for us pushing 80. I added AMP power boards suspended under the factory boards and they work well. Spec'd for a cj-5 jeep they fit with just shortening the boards. Even then it was not enough and age and balance were issues. I added grab handles both outside and in as shown. Kinda a jungle jim set up. The outside one Allows me to easily pull myself up on the AMP boards and then step up to the factory ones. The inside one allows me to comfortably swing into the cab without pulling on the steering wheel. Yanking on the wheel is not good for original GM tilts and can damage them fast.

Getting out is easy and safe. Grabbing the outside with the left hand lets me step down both boards onto the ground without losing my balance. The outer grab is also the anchor for the 3 points,

Both handles seem unobtrusive as shown and not sure i could get in and out without them. Do remind my of my flying days climbing in an out of aircraft cockpits. Hope idea helps others.


__________________

[nvrdone]

where did you source your inside grab handles from? My wife broke her feemer (?) and those would help her getting in. Thanks.

[vintovka]

Amazon but years ago.

similar to these for inside:
https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Ste...lbWF0aWM&psc=1

[vintovka]

These for outside : https://www.amazon.com/Just-Marine-H...lbWF0aWM&psc=1

The bolts on mine were threaded into the handles and used for upper 3 point belts.

A broker femur is a very serious injury hope shes ok!!!

[nvrdone]

Thanks for the info. And yes, my wife is doing fantastic. It's been 2 years since she fell. Original surgery installed a plate and 9 screws. Then a bone graft 8 months later. But now she is walking with out a walker or cane. She still has a slight limp but Dr says that will go away with time. Right now one of her favorite things is to go riding in the truck so I take her as often as possible.

[vintovka]

Good to hear. Breaking the biggest bone is not good. We often forget access and comfort stuff for AD passengers. An additional mod i will be doing soon is adding a hanging grab strap for my wife on the passenger side. The fixed grab handles help her get in but needs a place to hold onto when driving (especially my driving).

[VWNate1]

Very nice ! .

My Sweet uses the grab handles in every vehicle I've added them to .

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by VWNate1

Very nice ! .

My Sweet uses the grab handles in every vehicle I've added them to .

Yes saved my wife and I's proverbial butts on several occasions. Probably why interior grab handles are stock on most newer cars. Really work when boards are wet/muddy. Used them just now getting stuff that slid forward in bed.

[vintovka]

Old man just got a new AD toy. Not a 54 ad but cute supposedly a 53. Thing is actually a 3 speaker bluetooth with FM. HAs sounds. flashing lights. talks and even answers your phone. Getting some scale Hap Arnold USAF wings. And yes i drove the 54 to go pick it up. Store folks loved it.

[VWNate1]

That's cute .

You should provide a link, I'm sure others here will want one .

[vintovka]

They have them at local Bi-Mart in Oregon for $17 but also at Amazon. Comes in red and black too.

https://www.amazon.com/QFX-BT-1953-R..._hp_atf_d&th=1

[vintovka]

After a few mods:

[vintovka]

Well another Veterans Day Parade has come and gone. Thought it wouldn't happen but the torrential rain gave us a break. Lots of food and drink at the form up coffee, donuts, hot dogs, sausages, soda -- the works. Lots of cars and cheers for the old AD. Big hit with kids and everyone. Only downer was a leftist nutjob puke who attempted to start a ruckus in mid parade with expletives and other words against the President Elect. Bad idea as yours truly and half the crowd were carrying. Got himself turned over to cops for his trouble. Rest of parade was great.

[VWNate1]

I didn't see any parades in my area .

My best friend for 50 + years,a USN Veteran, passed away this Summer and I'm still heartbroken .

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by VWNate1

I didn't see any parades in my area .

My best friend for 50 + years,a USN Veteran, passed away this Summer and I'm still heartbroken .

Sorry to hear. We are losing more vets, many bronze and silver star winners every month.

[vintovka]

When i think i have ruined my dash with too many mods i think of this:


If you like mods and projects check this guy out:

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid...29514220657221

[VWNate1]

The factory gauges have everything you need, only a tach for those who cannot tell by ear when the engine's being over revved or lugged .

Plus that simply looks FUGLY .

However, the person who pays the bills gets to choose how it looks.....

I hope all here had a nice Thanksgiving holiday .

[vintovka]

I agree. the FB link is very interesting and shows how a 54 AD was modded to max to create a heavy duty all terrain vehicle from way back and supposedly being resurected. I'm pretty much done with mods but may eventually rebuild the instrument cluster as its very faded. Also installing a dash cam seems appealing for some reason and debating using my on board screen or a cell shone app. All these are still like magic to me un like the old vacuum gauge mileage monitor that used to be the height of modern tech.
Winter is on us again with Bomb Cyclones so most crusing is over. Now prepping for winter hibernation with Stabil and Battery maintainer. Debating changing oil and filter now or in spring. Will be repainting both the fixed and electric steps with bedliner next year as they have wear. 80 is approaching fast but much happier due to Red wave!!!!

[VWNate1]

Consider removing the ground cable from the battery and tucking it down the side so no possibility of contact, this will eliminate the corrosion buildup and the parasitic draw at the same time .