My daily driver/beater : How I turned lemons in lemonade

[legendman]

Another great thread by TX Firefighter.

Looking great so far.

[Tx Firefighter]

I sure appreciate the nice words from everyone. The longer I've been here, the more I realize that due to budget constraints, I won't ever have an exceptionally trick truck. I hope to standout by having lots of tech details though.

[PEDROSKI]

New here, but I have read majority of your threads from start to finish.

[Zane M]

Kevin, you should be proud of what you have done with what you have available to you.

Within your budget constraints, you have put together a solid truck. I am sure it feels solid going down the road, and it doesn't puke or dribble fluids when it is parked.

It may not be pretty to most, but it is a very respectable work in progress. You haven't skimped on the important/safety items, while staying within the budget you need to follow.

I'm not trying to sound sappy, but you are an inspiration for the budget minded. I have 2x into my truck that you have into yours just taking care of essentials to keep it running and reliable. But along the way, after following your builds, I have taken the mantra that just because the budget is tight, you don't have to be "ghetto". I don't skimp on important things like brakes, ball joints, etc., but will go for "good enough" on non-essential items utilizing what I can find in the wrecking yard or online sources such as ebay or local classifieds.

[Greenlee]

You guys with your "no oil leaks" policy are making me feel bad about my truck!

I have this annoying oil leak coming from the oil pressure sending unit. Oil drips down the back of the motor around the starter area. I originally thought I must have a bad rear main seal. But, I checked it when I had the transmission out and the seal was dry and it was coming from the oil pressure sender. I replaced the sender and put the fittings back together with Teflon tape and it still leaks just as bad as before. What sucks is it is at the back of the motor and is very hard to get to. Okay, I'm done ranting in your build thread now.

[Tx Firefighter]

Fixing a leaking oil pressure seeding unit it a pretty straightforward job. It sounds like you covered the bases when you did it. I'd strongly suspect the back edge of your intake manifold is leaking if you're still getting oil from that area.

[Greenlee]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Fixing a leaking oil pressure seeding unit it a pretty straightforward job. It sounds like you covered the bases when you did it. I'd strongly suspect the back edge of your intake manifold is leaking if you're still getting oil from that area.

Good point. I guess I shouldn't assume it's the sender. I crawled under the truck this morning and cleaned everything real well. So, hopefully, I will be able to see where it's coming from.

[Average Joe]

Cool build! Every time I read one of your threads I learn something new or a different approach to doing something. Great work.

[rusty76]

Anything new to add this week? Got to get my fix man....lol. Hope all is well.

[Tx Firefighter]

Nothing new or exciting. I've been using it to haul fencing supplies lately for some improvements around the place.

Right now it's sitting in front of my shop in the rain while I'm inside building the 4x4 engine.



Last winter I dedicated all my time and money to building on my dually, but I think this coming winter the stepside is gonna get a warm spot inside the shop for a rehab with some cash and labor infusion. I've been researching air suspension lately....

[rusty76]

Cool man. I felt the need to check in. I'm interested in seeing what you may come up with for air suspension that would be neat. Keep us updated. Thanks.

[Hankster]

Just found and read this thread! I been wanting some info on this thing! I love it. Keep up the good work man!

[chewiebarker]

Thanks to Rusty for turning me on to this Low Buck Build thread.

It is amazing what someone can do with a little determination and know how! I appreciate your practical approach on this truck and for turning a difficult situation into something to admire. Sounds like your stepson could learn a lot from you - and not just about resourceful, creative fabrication! Good luck to you. Subscribed!

[rusty76]

You are welcome!

[jhama78]

Gotta love a 'phoenix' style build. I'm digging the 'out of the ashes' budget build ya did on this rig man.

[Tx Firefighter]

Wait till y'all see the 4 wheel drive I'm building now. It was ready for the junkyard. Trashed interior, beat up body and dead engine. Phoenix indeed.

[tommyd241]

You always have the coolest, most resourceful builds!

[Malo83]

Cool build Kevin! like your style

[crashz]

I'm inspired every time I see your build threads. Great job restoring that turd to a nice driver!

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by crashz

I'm inspired every time I see your build threads. Great job restoring that turd to a crappy driver!

Thank you for the words. But, I fixed them for you.

[K5owner]

Awesome build considering the circumstances. I hope your step son is running his tail off and gets his kicked in by his DI and C.O once he gets to his MOS. We had a guy who didn't live up to his word like that in our unit and the nightly tune ups wore him out to the point he want AWOL. Couldn't of happened to a more deserving jerk.

[Jake Wade]

Nice build! One of the few you could actually get more $ for than you put into it.

[powell72]

Kevin, I really enjoy your build threads. Cheap, dependable, cheap, detail oriented, and cheap. You always add a really simple style that just works too. Nice job.

[Randy S. Hager]

Kevin you sir are an inspiration to me since I have so much work I need done to my 82 SWB. I have my 35mpg Saturn to drive so I should have no excuses to get to work. After I get back from overseas I'll jump in with both feet and chip away at it until I'm done. GREAT WORK!

Randy S. Hager
Venus, TX

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by Randy S. Hager

Kevin you sir are an inspiration to me since I have so much work I need done to my 82 SWB. I have my 35mpg Saturn to drive so I should have no excuses to get to work. After I get back from overseas I'll jump in with both feet and chip away at it until I'm done. GREAT WORK!

Randy S. Hager
Venus, TX

Randy. Thank you. Your post means a lot to me. You've been a member here for four years and finally made your first post in my thread. Lurk no more !

No real updates on the truck right now. I'm researching wheel, tires, and suspension mods. It needs some modern rolling stock and lower ride height. Looking at 18/20 combos right now. I think this winter will be stepside time. I like to do one major project per winter. Last year was my dually.

My view yesterday as I was mowing around my shop.