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If anyone here has seen the movie "Hacksaw Ridge" knows about the heroics of Desmond T. Doss. There was a TV show, "This is your Life", and one episode, it honored Doss. To make this on topic, the show gave him a brand new Wheel Horse Ride-away. You can see it on the below video at 24:30. Dorothy Doss, his wife, died in a car accident in 1991 and Desmond, himself, died in 2006 at age 87. He was a real life American hero that most don't know about.

Mark the shifter where the top edge of the boot normally lives when installed. Then slide the boot up the shifter and lay a bead of grease right on that line. Slide the boot back down and will fill the seal part to the shifter with grease plus leave a bead of grease sealing the underside of the boot. Just kinda throwing this out there in the thread for info purposes

Under hood fuel tanks... I have yet to find one that wasn't really faded and/ or really nasty looking. So I did something silly: I took my little orbital sander and knocked all the grunge off this one, and put a light coat of red paint on it. At least it'll be the same color where it shows on the sides. I really wish I'd taken a before pic. It was multicolored and nasty. Looks much better now.

Painted the rear body/fender of my GT18 today with three coats of New Holland-approved paint. I used up almost three rattle cans on this body part. In hindsight, I should have just ordered a quart or two of paint and used an HVLP spray gun for this project, but it came out OK...no runs and pretty shiny. What looks like wrinkles in the paint is just the masking tape on the data labels. The GT18 came with rear-facing reflectors, which are essentially taillight lenses with a piece of white (now yellow with age) plastic behind them. Here are the original reflectors (which are still in pretty good shape): I thought I'd upgrade the GT18 by replacing the reflectors with "real" taillights, like those on my 522xi. I did a bit of searching and found a set (see part number in photo): I just ordered a set of lamp sockets for the new taillights, and I plan to add the taillight wiring when I have a moment. The taillights will come on when the headlights are on. The total current for the headlights and taillights together should be less than the original headlights alone, since I've switched to LED bulbs for the headlights.

The group out in the sun.

yeah I seen that. thanks for rubbing it in lol....

Lumberjack Day is celebrated on September 26 each year. This day aims at celebrating the archetypal woodsman: the lumberjack. It was created in 2005 by Marianne Ways and Colleen AF Venable as an excuse to eat pancakes and waffles with friends. Lumberjack Day is also celebrated because ‘International Talk Like a Pirate Day’ comes a week before it, and Ways and Venable wanted to celebrate a different character. They thought that it was important to have a day to talk about lumberjacks as well. This celebration has grown to be celebrated all around the U.S.

I would not be too concerned with the bubbles as long as the oil looks clean.

I’ve repaired cracks and missing chunks on some of the older wheels. I’ve used JBWeld or PC7 epoxy. The PC7 epoxy is a little thicker and runs less. I spray black spray paint in the epoxy as I mix it. You can use vinyl gloves wetted with water to shape the epoxy. I use a file to shape the epoxy, then finish with sand paper.

Finishing out our return home! *edit* I’ve been working on audio, fading tracks in and out, etc. let me know why you think! This caveman is trying!

No experience myself, but I watched a young buck in top notch shape muscle a chain saw mill on some18-24" logs... no thanks...

My son discovered folks in the area of his camp that will bring a portable mill onsite and mill your logs. They typically charge a daily rate plus extra if metal in your log ruins a blade. Made sense to him for occasional need.

If you have never tried "MILLING" with a chain saw, believe me it's not for vintage fellas like us. Numerous sawmills on market now. That one looks promising. I also liked Hudson models. Lots of comparison videos online.

Yes. I had an 18 1/2 foot Real-lite trailer that I bought at the dealer I worked at. I new it's history. It had a leak from the ceiling vent that ruined the floor under it and it was traded in. We but a new floor in and carpeted it. Redid the vent. Everything else was like new. Had a shower/ toilet, water heater, fridge, furnace and stove. That was it. No slide outs, TV antennas (that never worked) Had a sewer tank but no gray water tank. As stated before I found out how fast the shower could empty out the fresh water tank. So I improvised. I got 2 of those blue tanks with wheels that you can tow with your trailer ball. 1 was for gray water and the other was for fresh water. I ran wires from the battery to the back where the tank was and put 2 external terminals there. Then I got a 12v transfer pump and would connect the pump and refill the trailer tank from the blue tank. I did put a brand new roll out awning on it but that's it. We ended up selling it for money on a down payment for our house. We got a pop up later but in true pop up fashion one of the lift cables snapped. I knew from working at the dealer that a cable replacement is like the last thing you ever want to do in life. I made custom fit props to keep the roof up that worked well and actually looked pretty decent. But it got to the point where my wife would get homesick as soon as the camper was set up so we gave up camping

The fuel tank cap has a vent to prevent a vacuum from forming in the fuel tank as gas is used. Once a vacuum builds up in the tank the fuel pump can not overcome it and the engine starves for fuel. Try operating the tractor without tightening the fuel cap all the way to see if the problem goes away.

Yeah, I've got the front end in the air right now. May not make back to shop tonight so it will get a good drain tonight .

While you're in there, replace that shifter set screw that's known for breaking. And speaking of brakes, you need a seal behind that drum.

While waiting on fuel pump kit, done a chem dip on carb and reset points on the 856 I brought home from big show. Sure is a sweet runner. IMG_7488.MOV

I used these an they have been pretty good. https://www.agrisupply.com/universal-tractor-seat/p/14119/

You can drive the pin right down into the wood. I use a left over piece of 2x4

You need a roll pin punch of the right size, and you'll need a block of wood sized just right as an "anvil" to support the bottom side while you pound the roll pin out - they can be a real PITA. Otherwise, perhaps you can break away the plastic and then cut away the core and pin with a die grinder (Ive had to do that a time or two when the dang thing just wouldn't budge) and then replace the park brake rod and new knob & roll pin (both then installed with a dab of never-seez) If JUST the U-nuts need replaced you CAN push the old ones off and new ones in place with a good putty knife (challenging but do-able)

It can be difficult to get and keep them level - You'd want to consider pouring concrete footings to below frost line for a permanent location installation or you'd have to re-level it on a pretty regular basis - and then you have to consider how you're going to get logs to it and up on it (fork lift?) Log jack/ peavey CAN do it a bit, but only with smaller logs.. you'll need a long (1/2" per foot) sloped ramp and maybe consider a couple of block & tackle systems on either end to roll logs more safely up onto the mill deck - whatever mill you get on a manual mill like that you can expect a lot of back breaking labor per log , and you'd want to have a good supply of logs - seems like out here in the boondocks, everybody and his brother bought a portable sawmill (since the covid pandemic thing) and then discovered it is so much work and they just have a big piece of machinery sitting around gathering rust and dust once they got a bunch of logs milled up and find they have more lumber than they can use, (and can barely sell it at fire-sale prices - it isn't easy to get good prime grade lumber that people would pay "going prices" for... So I'd just sit back and dig around on local ad sites , put up a wanted ad on facebook or somewhere, chances are if you are in a rural timbered area you'll find someone with a Harbor Freight or Woodland Mills or Norwood sawmill for half the price (or less) as a new one... I've been tempted by a couple (under a grand and just a few years old) but I'd have to buy log truck loads to get enough logs to mill , plus all the work that goes into properly setting up and maintaining the mill, just ain't worth it.... (and I'm a woodworker / woodturner) when I can buy a 20 Bd Ft pack of lumber from Muterspaw or KJP for $150 or so and its already kiln dried and skip planed ...

Don't forget how you will handle the logs. They are heavier than one would think. Two of us could not roll on level ground a straight 30" White Pine 16'-6" long let alone get it up on the mill.

The show also gave him some attachments for the Wheel Horse as well, if I heard it right.

Fuel line done foot steps on will fire up the motor tomorrow hope it goes well and adjust the throttle if that all good put the exhaust sheld on and work on putting the front blade on and be ready for the show next weekend does anybody have a picture on how the blade hooks to the lift system

You can probably do a series on YouTube on fixing up the "Pig in a Poke Motorized Palace" I have no doubt that you can overcome the mechanical and cosmetic issues and keep us all entertained in the process. By the way; has Colleen met the new bus? Hope she doesn't get too jealous.

When I picked up my 418-C it wouldn't preform well forward or reverse. I removed the tunnel cover and found a stash of black walnuts some critter had stashed there. The nuts were keeping the lever from moving all the way in either direction, tossed out the nuts and problem solved.

I'm not a Kohler Twin guru. But to my knowledge Kohler supplies an" Oil Sentry", not an oil temperature switch. This is an oil pressure switch, It is located down around the oil pan possible near where the optional oil filter adapter would mount and has 2 wires coming out of it.

Today I got the group out in the sun for Front End Friday. I worked some on the C-141 rerouting the gas line to make it start easier, which was a success. I also worked more on the C-85 getting it to the point where its easier to move around. I also started a bit of disassembly on the shaker motor mount as I'm going to set it up like the others. I also removed the PO added external idle handle.

Thank you. I changed the oil that was in it when i got it. it was fairly dirty. Then mowed the lawn and dropped the oil again and refilled in hopes of getting the majority of the dirty and bad oil out.

Eric - that looks like an import mail order item - any New England Dealers that also provide experience and service?? This item looks loke an investment, not a tractor attachment or camoing toy....

Thank you, all of the safety switches have been removed

The spec number of the engine will ID Series 1 or 2. I have never heard of a temperature cutoff on a KT. Above comments about the coil failing are first choice.

I did a little tree trimming on the live oak yesterday, today I'm taking it easy.

I never minded the up close at the campground. We camped with 2 other couples next to us all over my area and had a great time. But I remember the first time I camped with my future wife out in the middle of nowhere in the fall. Got cold one night and ran out of propane. Next time was the spring. Got cold at night and the fuse for the furnace blew. There were 3 fuse boxes and I found 2 of them I had to tear things apart and follow the wires until I found the fuse BEHIND a cabinet. Then there was the time at Pocono when I found out how fast you can empty a fresh water tank with the shower!

RV's are one of the unique things in like that need constant attention whether you use it a lot or not. I spent a week at the Winnebago plant in the 80's. I have seen how they are built. I have worked on the coaches and the chassis. Some of the stuff they do is pretty scary. They grab stuff out of a box and work on down the line. When that box is empty they grab another. The latches they were installing may be different than the last box. Who cares if there are 2 different latches on the cabinets in the same RV. Let the repair shop worry about it in 2 years. All white wiring under the dash? Looks good from my house! These things barley survive an RV show with minimal damage. The good news is you are handy at all sorts of trades. You gotta be a plumber, carpenter and auto mechanic to keep these things usable and keep them out of the weather unless you are using it. And the more bells and whistles you have, is the more bells you'll be clanging and whistles you'll be blowing. I've seen people spend more time fixing stuff at a campsite than sitting around a campfire relaxing.

Yep you can get large, luxurious, complicated and expensive, comfortable and affordable or just plain simple and basic. All depends what she wants... If I didn't exhibit and have to get tractors to shows I would just have one of those little pods. As long as it's got something for her to pee in at night. Guys ... well you know we just go outside...

Check out the left exit Simplicity deck because those blades are next to impossible to find. Even the right exit blades are getting hard to find. Go to this much work you want to ensure it will be serviceable for a long time. Left exit Wheel Horse blades have not been available for years. Many are not aware WH had such a deck.

7.9 mpg going through the mountains and plains home including 10 hour genny time didn’t seem terrible to me. Slow to 62-65 from 70, and I bet I’ll get pretty good (relative) mileage anyway!

I towed my heavy tandem axle 28' camper with an F-250 crew cab. I had around 400 lbs on the hitch with the equalizer bars and it handled great including several trips to Florida at 65 mph. Then one day I didn't bother connecting the equalizer bars or the brakes for the 3 mile trip to the inspection garage. At around 40 mph it went into a violent fish tailing that nearly rolled the truck. When I braked it got worse and I had to coast to a stop. Be careful out there. Bad things can happen.

Why would I not need a truck? More Towing capacity. More cargo capacity. And also the truck is part of the show circuit.

Gas tank and on/off ignition switch are installed should have the fittings so I can put the fuel line on tomorrow night and maybe the throttle and choke lever assembly on too thanks for the pictures it helps me out a lot

I bought the Westinghouse 2550W inverter unit on clearance for $250 at Menards this summer to use in my parents’ barn. It seems like a nice little unit. Price was too low to pass up. It was a store return, but didn’t show any signs of usage. I don’t know that it’s noisier than the little Honda inverter I’ve had for several years, but it does sound different and “seems” louder to my ear. Pretty quiet when in Econ mode and under half load. I think if you aim the exhaust away from other campers it would be quite acceptable to use in a campground. I ran it in the full sun for several hours on a humid 100 F day this summer under a constant half load and it never seemed to get too hot, so that’s a win. The gas gauge is nice. And it has a convenience light on it too. I like it a lot. I do like my EU3000i more as the Honda build quality is certainly more robust and more pleasing, but no complaints about this one yet. These little inexpensive inverter generators are a good value. I don’t think there is much of a replacement part market for them, but that’s an acceptable trade off. I view them as semi-disposable. Steve

So, let’s get to some of the good parts! The biggest part of our journey was planning the road trip! Interstate 80 runs from Reno Nevada all the way to Southern Michigan. It was quite easy to plan our route. We never really made an exact goal, but we wanted to be home in three days. 2100 miles, three days, 700 miles per day was our estimated goal. That is not including any travel on Friday. If you can recall, I recently did a trip down to Southern Kentucky and home in one day. That was 915 miles. I set myself a goal to drive 800 miles Saturday, 800 miles Sunday and have an easy drive on Monday. I think I ended up around 900 miles on Saturday. We stayed just outside of Sparks Nevada on Friday and dropped $550 at Walmart on RV, fluids, food, and fluids for us. I wanted to make sure that I had enough oil, coolant, and transmission fluid for any surprise! We drove Sparks Nevada to Laramie, Wyoming on Saturday. We made it from Laramie all the way to the Iowa 80 truckstop on Sunday. That place is huge! Monday we made it home for 2 PM and was able to pick up Rylee from school with the big turd. We saw all kinds of cool sites along the way. We saw deer, antelope, wild horses, roadkill coyotes, it was all great! The views in the mountains never get old. I feel like every single mountain. I see I can take a picture of. I love it just as much as the one before and just as much as the one after. The colors that come out of the ground, the shapes and sizes, the objects that defy gravity, it’s also so beautiful! I also realize that when it gets dark out, there is a very predominant star to the east that I can see from home. Most likely anywhere you are if you look to the east, you’ll see what I’m talking about. I followed that star from Nevada all the way home. We set up a time, lapse camera, had fun, stopping when we wanted to, enjoy a little break at Bonneville salt flats, and all kinds of other cool places along the way whenever we road trip, I try my best to get up early and get a couple hours of drive time in before the world wakes up. we’re also battling time zones. Nevada is three hours behind Michigan and it seemed like we crossed a time zone every day. So, getting up at 4 AM kind of meant that we actually only got up at 5 AM. We lost an hour every day. now, we are home. We don’t exactly know what we will end up doing with this bus. There is enough water damage, body damage, and exterior needs, that we know a big project is going to cost even more money. I also don’t want to lose all the money we’ve “invested“ into this! for not now, I plan to replace the bushings in the track bar that are so sloppy. Then, we will take a breather from it. I did walk the roof today and was kind of impressed. It’s nice to know that it’s one solid panel, not a applied barrier of vinyl or other soft material. It’s hard, solid, and serviceable.

Go big or go home. We've seen several full size tractor trailers converted to campers at the Owls Head show over the years. I feel like this is a good excuse/ reason.

Hopefully they don’t get confused…or combined…people do weird things when half awake. Not me but I’ve heard stories about other people.