Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

I fergot....got 3/4 the way thru and fergot to go back!!

You and others to be honest



Third MOT that I am taking this little van that can to on Saturday


A few new stickers and a wash.


Will that be all we need.


Looks like it may still be a few miles short of 90k miles by the time we get back.







.

[Grizz1963]

I was asked elsewhere, what treasures I brought back this year.

Some of you know the randomness of my collections.

Some will recall that I have an unfinished 1966 Chevy C10 truck to restore in my garage.

Got a few bits for the truck too.



Not right, but right enough, should I choose to fit it.





Truck parts.

Thanks to Dennis. He won’t be needing most of these with his NASCAR C10 build.

Which he has started messing with again.





My truck never had a rear view mirror.



Made some cool stuff at Andy’s place in Oklahoma again.

One cross for Sally too.



License plates, old story.

New Missouri plate from Adams Hellcat that he sold as he was not using it.




So there you go.

Treasures.

[Grizz1963]

Recently replaced a gate at Sally’s place.

Kept the old one, then last week she painted all her fence panels, blue, as they have been for years.

So I thought a welcome sign was in order.

Robbed a plank.



Prepped and base painted.



Progress.



Halfway there.



OK, really done.




Happy girl??


Yes of course, she was surprised, which is a good thing

[Palf70Step]

Nice, building up them points of goodness!

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Nice, building up them points of goodness!

Old enough to know what works.



Got here early.

MOT today.

Straight in.

On the ramps.......

Fingers crossed. Again.




And passed with flying colours.



Changing the subject.


Any of you know these cars at all??


What fails, what to look out for etc?


What are they like to live with?


http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...nel-style-1500


Thanks for any opinions etc.

[realvc]

What are the prices like on parts for a Mercedes in your world?

It seems to be a wagon that has been customized into a sedan delivery or panel wagon.
Just the kind of ride you would be expected to drive.

[Palf70Step]

I don't think I would own one over here. Mercedes thinks WAY to highly for their parts. Not sure about over in your neck of the woods.. MY friend loves his 90 turbo diesel (I think it is a 350 model), but it sure does seem to need LOTs of tinkering. That is my only experience with them. Did the factory make those or is that a custom someone did? It does look better than most Benzs.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by realvc

What are the prices like on parts for a Mercedes in your world?

It seems to be a wagon that has been customized into a sedan delivery or panel wagon.
Just the kind of ride you would be expected to drive.

Expensive

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

I don't think I would own one over here. Mercedes thinks WAY to highly for their parts. Not sure about over in your neck of the woods.. MY friend loves his 90 turbo diesel (I think it is a 350 model), but it sure does seem to need LOTs of tinkering. That is my only experience with them. Did the factory make those or is that a custom someone did? It does look better than most Benzs.

Decided to walk away.



Just something about the seller.




Well......

How suddenly can things go tits up?

Pic at 11.30am on Friday, at work, responding to Sally asking me on WhatsApp what I was up to.

Told her I had just been blown out again by a department that could not help me set up a meeting, but that I was headed to plan C next and all is fine in my world, hence the selfie.



So I headed to another department and had some mild success, then headed out there, being 4th floor, took the lift, as it opened, I felt like my shirt was a bit tight and a little dizzy.
Anyway, went to another department where I needed a customer to help me sort something, asked him to just randomly check my blood pressure, I was not feeling bad, just a bit of a headache, that had persisted from Thursday, through the night.

He did it, and his words were “Best you go to A&E right now and book yourself in” when he saw the reading, I tried to get him to do me the favour I needed, and he just said, get this sorted, work can wait..
of course I am 30 miles from home at midday on a Friday, not ideal, so said I would drive home to my local hospital that’s only 10 miles away. He suggested calling security to stop me leaving..... as something could go wrong while I was driving.


What he saw.




What happened over the next six hours.....

I have to say, and have said it before..... people should complain less about the NHS.

One of the senior registrars that I previously trained and see in the department when I pass through there, recognised me and asked whether I was training today, so I said, No, I was sent here by another department.
He immediately took me on as his patient and with his junior, I certainly had the best treatment and care anyone could want.
Remember, I happen to know their job too, and was I am assessor, they would pass.
I can also say that because my eyes are open, I saw them and the rest of the team, manage patients equally well as I was being treated.

The NHS is so short staffed, and yet, this department just continues to function really well.

So observations, done about 10 times while I was there, interestingly, they do BP bilaterally, and in my case the arms read differently, my left arm consistently lower than the right.

Bloods, urine, ECG, an incredibly thorough history by two doctors and the triage nurse.
Also a 3 minute (really 5 minutes) neurological checklist and examination.
Thorough !!!



This little guy stayed in right up to discharge, so they would have instant access to my veins should things go a bit weird and they needed to jump on me.



Highly impressive ECG machine, and also identified a problem which will be followed up after a visit to my local GP next week.



Four hours later, this was how I felt, tired.



They also started me on some blood pressure lowering meds that they made me take in department and wait 45 minutes to see if it worked and if I did not react to it badly.

Then discharged with a script for 5 tablets.......

Made me smile, £9.00 for 5 tablets..... ouch.

But 6 hours of care, investigation and tests etc = £000.00 charge.

Discharged, a 20 minute wait for pills, and then an hours drive home.



Got it at 7.00pm

Relaxed as much as one can.

Rubbish night and took my pill this morning, that’s a new one for me.

Some things that need to change, sent by a good friend.....

My life is over.




So the future seems to have a lot more of this (walking and exercise ), and other changes in store for me.

[Palf70Step]

Glad you were caught and things are OK now. Walking and working on old trucks is a very good remedy for high BP.

[Indian113]

Glad you found out your problem, Eve says to follow the Dr's orders or Else! Need you to hang around a little longer still have lots of things to talk about.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Glad you were caught and things are OK now. Walking and working on old trucks is a very good remedy for high BP.

You made Sally a very happy girl Bill.


Showed her your comment

Her reply: SEEEEE, I TOLD YA, YOU NEED TO BUILD YOUR TRUCK AGAIN.

Originally Posted by Indian113

Glad you found out your problem, Eve says to follow the Dr's orders or Else! Need you to hang around a little longer still have lots of things to talk about.

Hi Ray,

Please tell your Bride, I absolutely intend to follow orders.

And yes, I have a lot to talk about.

[Grizz1963]

Thank you for PM’s and replies on here.

Weird how sometimes this sort of thing comes from nowhere though.

Quick update.

Spent the weekend trying to rest and relax, but had a load going on so not very successful

Started walking 2 miles or just over 3km daily from Saturday, it is something I used to do a few years ago, heading over the farmers fields and some lanes.

No Rum since Friday
Need to address my salt use, I love it and Sally always curse word me for it.
Diet.... need to eat less of the good stuff.
Chicken wings and salad? Maybe.

So Monday morning just before 08.00 I was at the GP surgery to try get one of the available booking slots.......

9 people before me.

So I waited my turn, no GP appointment left but got an 08.30 appointment with the practice nurse specialist, and that........ was a good thing.



She spent 40+ minutes with me, more than any GP ever has, incredibly thorough, knowledgeable and concerned too, in a grown up way.
Did an ECG with her freshly delivered and calibrated machine, found more abnormalities but no MI which is good.

Blood pressure still high even after meds.



Suggested (TOLD) that I stay home the rest of the week and funny girl she was, made me repeat after her R-E-S-T and stay away from day job to try get blood pressure down.
She upped my meds, added some, and asked for more bloods, done this morning.

Take a number



She also referred me to the Rapid Access Cardiac Clinic as she wants to know more.
Advised me on a load of things, some already started and sent me off.
Seeing her again on Friday as follow up, and got appointment at Rapid Access Clinic.

So in the mean time, it kills me doing very little except sit about, must be honest, head still throbbing, and get tired walking around the house even.


As part of my personal “Recovery Plan” I need to refocus on some stuff that distracts and relaxes me.

Three pics, bought last night for “Grizz price” of two Pork pies and a lump of cheese after asking on FB marketplace for a cheap or free 2/3/4 berth caravan. Mickey next door will help me recover it.

Right now: IT’S ABSOLUTELY MINGING, there are better words to describe the interior but once all the asbestos sheets, stored in it, are removed. By the owner, and I break out what’s left of it’s furniture, pressure clean it, paint the interior bright white, and close up the broken rear window, unless I can find a roller door to fit in a hole that could be cut into it, it will be just fine.

Should be waterproof, or else I will invest in some tubes of cheap silicone.


Guesses invited at its intended purpose



Back window smashed.






So there you go.....


Life is good, just a bit slow right now.

[69Tom]

Originally Posted by Grizz1963

Need to address my salt use, I love it and Sally always curse word me for it.
Diet.... need to eat less of the good stuff.
Chicken wings and salad? Maybe.

Hey Rian, as you have high BP, I'd definitely do my research on it, but a few years back i was having terrible GI issues, and had to completely overhaul my diet. I had a doctor who fully believed in what we consume has a major effect on all bodily systems. Long story short, she had me using raw Celtic Sea Salt, and said I pretty much could use as much, within reason, as I wanted. Allegedly, the process and chemicals used to bleach/iodize regular table salt is allegedly the culprit that can cause high BP. As you're near the ocean, you definitely know that salt should NOT be white. At all.

In any event, as it's your BP, please do your own research on this matter, but it definitely might be a good alternative to table salt all of us are used to. Celtic Sea Salt is just considerably more expensive.

And as the wings, er, well, unless they're grilled. Cause then you'll have to start worrying about your cholesterol. It's always something. Haha.

Good luck man. And get going on that truck!

[Palf70Step]

Glad you are doing better Rian. Been deal with the BP issue for 10+ years now. Like you salt was my big nemesis. Besides the meds, the 3 things that seemed to help me most...1 Retirement 2. Lots of salads & green. I don't use dressing of any sorts, use dried cranberries & other fruits to add flavor. 3. Lots of chicken and fishes, no sauces. Normally just Mrs Dash seasoning and lemon juice.

Everyone is different. Walking is very good also. Keep at it bud, want to see the truck pulling your camper or whatever you guys over there call them ...caravans???)

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by 69Tom

Hey Rian, as you have high BP, I'd definitely do my research on it, but a few years back i was having terrible GI issues, and had to completely overhaul my diet. I had a doctor who fully believed in what we consume has a major effect on all bodily systems. Long story short, she had me using raw Celtic Sea Salt, and said I pretty much could use as much, within reason, as I wanted. Allegedly, the process and chemicals used to bleach/iodize regular table salt is allegedly the culprit that can cause high BP. As you're near the ocean, you definitely know that salt should NOT be white. At all.

In any event, as it's your BP, please do your own research on this matter, but it definitely might be a good alternative to table salt all of us are used to. Celtic Sea Salt is just considerably more expensive.

And as the wings, er, well, unless they're grilled. Cause then you'll have to start worrying about your cholesterol. It's always something. Haha.

Good luck man. And get going on that truck!

Yes, I agree with you.

Truck, absolutely. Soon.

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Glad you are doing better Rian. Been deal with the BP issue for 10+ years now. Like you salt was my big nemesis. Besides the meds, the 3 things that seemed to help me most...1 Retirement 2. Lots of salads & green. I don't use dressing of any sorts, use dried cranberries & other fruits to add flavor. 3. Lots of chicken and fishes, no sauces. Normally just Mrs Dash seasoning and lemon juice.

Everyone is different. Walking is very good also. Keep at it bud, want to see the truck pulling your camper or whatever you guys over there call them ...caravans???)

Me too Bill, the teardrops waiting

[aggie91]

Glad to hear you are feeling better. I too have high blood pressure that I take meds for, but for a different reason. I have not had the desire lately to do much of anything but this past weekend I went to see my parents with my kids and my sister and her family. Did me a lot of mental good. Need to walk more and eat better to loose some weight.

Maybe we need to start a Forum Weight Loss and Exercise section...LOL

[flashed]

Wow Rian , shocked to read all this . Hope you get it all figured out quickly , we need you here . Let's get on that truck again soon .

[Indian113]

Maybe we need to start a Forum Weight Loss and Exercise section...LOL

You know that really isn't Funny, I actually think it's a darn Good Idea! I recently started walking about 3 miles a day and in 2 months I lost 35 lbs. Still have a little more Body than I need and I am going to try and ride a stationary bike during winter. Seems like it's more Fun to put it ON than take it OFF. Hang in there Rian,I've found that push aways are harder for me than Push Ups!

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by aggie91

Glad to hear you are feeling better. I too have high blood pressure that I take meds for, but for a different reason. I have not had the desire lately to do much of anything but this past weekend I went to see my parents with my kids and my sister and her family. Did me a lot of mental good. Need to walk more and eat better to loose some weight.

Maybe we need to start a Forum Weight Loss and Exercise section...LOL

I saw your family farm photos, very smart.

Far from better, but not as bad as Friday through Wednesday, so improving.

Originally Posted by flashed

Wow Rian , shocked to read all this . Hope you get it all figured out quickly , we need you here . Let's get on that truck again soon .

Yes boss.

Thank you John.

Originally Posted by Indian113

Maybe we need to start a Forum Weight Loss and Exercise section...LOL

You know that really isn't Funny, I actually think it's a darn Good Idea! I recently started walking about 3 miles a day and in 2 months I lost 35 lbs. Still have a little more Body than I need and I am going to try and ride a stationary bike during winter. Seems like it's more Fun to put it ON than take it OFF. Hang in there Rian,I've found that push aways are harder for me than Push Ups!

Morning Ray.

Yes, I have no choice, the good life certainly has caught up n a big way.

Just need to manage it appropriately now.

[Grizz1963]

So.......

While some of us are working.

Mate Craig is in London for al all day Board meeting and sent this.



Others have been told to rest, destress, don’t think of work, distract ourselves, get some exercise, stop drinking, eat less salt, chocolate, drink less coffee and try to get the meds to work in the mean time.

Casualty of Friday, a missed, pierced vein, least of my concerns.



I have been doing all of this......

Well, kinda some.

Stopped all alcohol last week, no coffee since Saturday, less salt, not using any, walking 2 miles or 3+ km a day, no chocolate (almost) taking meds, head still sore. Cannot ignore work calls and mails, my head would explode in a different way, trying to distract myself getting the caravan to clean out and gut, pressure clean, then paint white.

So, the price of a caravan, and add £10.00 for a beer and fight for Mickey next door who towed and fetched it for me.

Pork pies and a lump of cheese.



So this morning Mickey and I went to fetch it.

Sweet old man, knowing that I am not 100% he hooked and loaded it, would not let me do any labour.

Pumped the knackered tyres on site.



Home



Back home, Steve the night shift electrician neighbour on the other side and Mickey pushed it through, amazing how these guys look out for me, we all,do, but it’s weird being on the receiving side.

Inside.

Well beyond terrible.

Will be torn out in its entirety

It has a small gas fridge, condition unknown, which will be available for prompt collection, if anyone wants it.





Bad panorama, but you get the picture.

Pressure cleaner and paint.....

Then purpose.




Waiting

But I have other light duty tasks first.

[Palf70Step]

That is a wee-bit on the ruff side. Well at least you are way better with wood than I am. You will have it looking like the Sistine Chapel with your handi-work!

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

That is a wee-bit on the ruff side. Well at least you are way better with would than I am. You will have it looking like the Sistine Chapel with your handi-work!

Well....

Tear out the insides, pressure clean and paint white.

Then set up as planned.


After the delivery Mickey and I had a cuppa and a chat.

Kinda relaxing and therapeutic



Asked by my buddy Stas in Siberia what the caravan was worth, I said nothing based on condition but Google said its still more than the pork pies and a lump of cheese I gave for it.



So the rest of the day I did some very light carrying and moving,

Clearing rubbish into Prozac the van that can.



Its part of my therapy and trying to get back to stuff I enjoyed before

Big hospital day tomorrow with an appointment at the Rapid Access Cardiac clinic.

[Grizz1963]

Right.......


Caravan conundrum plays out thus.


Cardiac event last week, a timely warning, reminder that you get one chance really.

Saturday morning, Sally asks me if she can help me with rebuilding the Red Truck, she has been pushing me since day one, despite all the distractions I created or experienced

So I say yes, that would be awesome but winter is here, my garage is filled with stiff..... gotta love her: “Well, let’s clear some space, then you can weld and prime all the smaller bits over winter.

No. But. Yes. But. No. But..... I start........ In winter the garage temperature is between 3-7’C so too cold to spend time down there, and certainly not warm or dry enough to paint.

Then I get the clever idea of posting up on my local area FB group that I am looking for a FREE or CHEAP two/three berth caravan.
Remember, there is one already parked up, stripped back and painted magnolia a few years ago, filled with truck parts and scooter panels.
Less than 10 minutes after posting up my request, there is an offer.......
You have seen the pics by now.
It is mucky, messy, pretty dead, but it’s free, well, the price is two pork pies and a lump of cheese.
BARGAIN

SO THE IDEA IS TO GUT THE CARAVAN, PRESSURE CLEAN INSIDE, PAINT IN WHITE EMULSION, FIT LIGHTS, EXTRACTION SYSTEM AND USE AS A WELDING, GRINDING, PAINTING BOOTH THROUGH WINTER FOR SMALLER PARTS FROM THE ‘66 C10

It will be parked outside the garage, in front of the main door, which can still be opened.

If I could find a small roller shutter door to fit to the rear where the window is smashed out with the help of Mr Sawzall, in order to get bigger stuff in than what the regular door will let in, that would be cool too. I did look for a piece of checker plate ally at the scrapyard today, none to be found.

I can heat the caravan within 15 minutes with an oil heater, then work as long as I need possibly with the heater on low. My woodwork shed is like that.

Sally can keep me company, learn to weld, grind, paint, make tea, sandwiches and pick up,any limbs I may hack off, on the way to hospital, but most importantly having her there will be great.


Caravan purpose now cleared up. I guess.


.................................................................................................... ......................................................


So at the same time as this thing kicked off:

Free From another forum..... as my hoist did not have one.

Engine balancer bar.

Will be great for refitting the motor in the C10, kinda like a sign.






Will be recovered it from Cambridge in exchange for a welder and possibly the fridge from the small caravan once gutted, from mate “Sparkplug’s” place.

Of course, this blood pressure thing and it’s associated issues means that stuff even now just does not happen as fast as anticipated, or as I want it to. I find that I do less, slower than before.

But as Ta2Don always said “Progress is Progress”

So clearing a load of clutter, scrap metal from the drive and garage has to happen first.

One bike trailer sold to CraigRK, some Chevy alloys passed on to a friend, whose steel wheels are on the C10, other items to be sold or skipped etc.

Current driveway and garage Status.



Harley is chuffed the garage is open again. Straight in she went to inspect





This was my welding table.



Yup, truck still waiting in here.



Some may know that I have had a new lodger since August.
He happens to be a builder, and lecturer at college.

So the plan is to employ him while all this is going on, to break down the most of this wall which got broken by a fir tree that I planted too close to it. Tree will be drilled and poisoned to stop further damage, but ivy or some creeper encouraged to cover it.

The curved Wall will get moved back from existing space by 600mm and a tighter curve created, while I am going to put up an 8 plus foot galvanised post in advance of a carport that will go up some time.




So there you have it.

Caravan conundrum clarified.

Chevy C10 back on track too, Sally said so.

There is another couple of changes, events, things happening in the background but they will be exposed as they happen.


Bedtime now me thinks

[Palf70Step]

Very cool (or warm)...having a mobile welding center!!

[Grizz1963]

So what to do if you wake up by 04.00

Well, read, and get out to shops early, food and two pairs of boots for,Sally, with her walking with me now, her old walking boots chose to self destruct and she needed some going out boots.
Now here is the point..... Sally dislikes shopping, so she researches online, we walked into two shops, and within 10 minutes were done.
Then food shopping and home.

My kinda shopping.

Had to top up,her cars oil, check vitals and then we started on the caravan

Cleaning up before you,destroy.



Sally actually did all the heavy hyping as I am supposed to be on light duty.



Giving Stuart my neighbour a call to come fetch the fridge he had asked for, for his MX carrier van.

Sally always has a camera at hand.



Yup, big guy.



Interior shifted.



Cooker and sink is available for anyone who can use it.

Prompt collection expected.



After much clearing and cleaning.......

Ready for paint.



Yes, lots of space.

I kept a few shelves up on the walls for storage.



31p and a gold chain.

Along with a few other random items, like a litre of power steering fluid.



Done for the day.



Paint, position, tables next.

Chuffed.