Deuce recovery: "The time has come," the walrus said...

[bsorcs]

On Sunday I fly to Huntsville to pick up a deuce...1973 AMG w/o w, ht, canvas, out of the Ky NG. Looks pretty good in GL photos. A shop there has changed fluids, filters and batteries, and generally 'laid on hands'. No problems have surfaced so far, based on multiple conversations with the mechanic leading the work...one young Willie...who has had some deuce experience as reported by an SS member.

The master plan is to drive it back to Tucson via B'ham [multiple stops along the way to look and see], then either to Dallas or New Orleans. If Dallas, will conect to I-10 in Houston. If NO, I-10 all the way to Tucson [wife asked today if it had AC]. Love her a ton.

I'll fly in with a somewhat comprehensive checklist [compiled from this remarkable site] and a cooler of tools [1/4 and 1/2 drive sockets to 1.25" [std and deep], wrenches to 1 ", 1/2-3/4 adapter, 3" 8-pt socket, misc screw drivers and wrenches [truck came w/zilch]. I'll buy ice, water, duct tape, mabe cord/rope, paper towels, Go-Jo, a jack, fire extinguisher, oil, DOT5, Seafoam, antifreeze and diesel in Huntsville, and scrounge up chocks and blocks and a cheat in B'ham at my brother's place. I'll also have the K-T tr5 and 98 and the wrench stand. Other than shopping, I'll spend Monday running the truck around Huntsville to get a temp permit and check hub temps, potential seal leaks, continuity of brakes, electricals, and tires. If no probs, off to B'ham'; if probs, back to Willie. Note to self: pack St. Christopher medal. Will be carrying a lap top [w/hopefully all of the TMs I might need], a cell, and a camera [since a thread sans photos is of little value, I hear]. I'll pull the inter-battery cable nights, as deemed needed.

I lack two things.

1. A list of SS folks enroute...just in case. In Jakob's Google list I see several in the central Tx area. Elsewhere, I have noted several in the Houston area; a few in La along the I-10 corridor and one or two in Baton Rouge. That's about it...nothing betw/ B'ham and NO or NO and Lafayette [New Site, Al is a bit east of B'ham and I've made contact there]. So, if anyone I have not PMed in the past is willing to provide a cell number or email, I'd be more than appreciative of a PM. This should be a trip [conceivably even in the 60's sense [which I remember clearly], and even if assistance is not needed, I'd like to try to contact MV folks as I move along the road...will not have 12-V assistance to keep me alert, and I'll be dependant on getting cell bars for commo between metro areas.

2. Additional words of wisdom from the multitude of cognoscenti out there. I am open to all counsel regarding [likely obvious] things I either have not thougt about or mentioned here. Be advised that all input is welcome and will be closely read and greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
bs
Hydrogeologist, ret.
Once a SP4 company clerk

 

[RANDYDIRT]

Lug wrench? Or did you already say that?

Dirt

 

[Pinz25086]

One thing that I found out that (the hard way) was I needed to carry a spare throttle return spring when picking up a truck. When I picked up mine it snapped in rush hour traffic in B'ham allowing the throttle to go to wide open. Not a good feeling! Luckily I did not hit anyone but scared the **** out of me and everyone close to me. I also would say bring an I-Pod and a set of hearing protecter shooting ear muffs. It will make the time go easier. Have fun and stay safe!

Wayne

 

[RAYZER]

12v accessory plug with 6' of wire and big alligator clips hooked to one batt. for charging your cellphone , gps,ect. Good luck on your trip!

 

[Heavysteven]

I would change all the spring vents on the transfer, transmission, and axles. If cloged they will cause seals to go out. Check the shaft between the transmission and transfer for loose bolts. Check the 4 bolts holding the steering box as well. I could go on and on...

Good luck

I think a set of those new racheting wrench would be useful.

 

[dburd72]

extra fuel filters

 

[Oilleaker1]

Full-Time NG Mechanic told me to also check the bolts that mount your alternator. He has a "collection" of deuces and found quite a few had rattled the bolts either loose, or out! You don't want that unit to walk around your fan----yikes. Ear plugs are a absolute must as mentioned. Sounds like fun to me! John

 

[Oilleaker1]

If you get a shot of bad fuel somewhere, a set of fuel filters along may save you too! John

 

[Recovry4x4]

If you are going to centertap a battery for 12V power, switch battery locations each night. I know from experience (1100 miles) that centertapping too long will draw down one battery. When you scrounge your chocks, get some sections of 4x4. Driving a flat front tire up on one of these makes changing a flat with a bottle jack much easier. Compression fittings, take a few of each size from 1/4 to at least 1/2. These can prove invaluable for repairing a ruptured fuel line (Same 1100 mile trip) or as a temporary measure on a brake line. I would probably buy a gallon pesticide sprayer and make a really basic pressure bleeder for the brakes. That along with a 4" 1/8NPT nipple and a hose clamp makes a cheap means of bleeding ones brakes alone. Just make sure you keep that cell phone charged and know your route. Have fuzees of tri-angle reflectors in the event of a breakdown and maybe even a cheap CB walkie talkie in case you are in a fringe reception area. Can at least get the attention of a professional driver.

 

[6x6guy]

Have a good trip, and enjoy the ride. And don't forget to check the wheel bearings
every once and a while for excessive heat.

 

[EMD567]

The list sounds good, The only thing I would add is an Iron Butt(it's along ways to Tucson)

 

[bsorcs]

John,

Thought about that. The spousal unit is a wound-speccialist RN...got me a slick foam-gel cushion [mfg Medline]. I'll be posting about how it works out!

Still adding to the list, beyond what has already been suggested: padlocks, digital voltmeter/tester.

Thanks,
bs

 

[Heavysteven]

Full-Time NG Mechanic told me to also check the bolts that mount your alternator. He has a "collection" of deuces and found quite a few had rattled the bolts either loose, or out! You don't want that unit to walk around your fan----yikes. Ear plugs are a absolute must as mentioned. Sounds like fun to me! John

So I check my truck today an guess what alternator bolts were loose. Thanks for your words of wisdom. I would have never thought to check.

 

[Oilleaker1]

Glad that helped you! There is another good thing to know: On top of your fuel tank is a rectangular cover with 3 hex nuts, under that is a slow burn glass tube 4 amp fuse that protects the in-tank pump. If you don't hear the pump running (with the air buzzer not breaking your ears) check there first. Mine was burned out on my recovery. I took fuses (longer stye) along and was darn glad I did. SS has the best info. and help for Deuces . One of my favorites. John

 

[bsorcs]

STATUS: Several daysand ~1100 miles. into recovery. Currently in Houston. Next jump Sunday. Deuce is running well, brakes are good.

Fluid leak just showed up inside the right rear wheel around Dallas. Checked the accumulation, and hub temps, every 40 or so miles...hubs all about the same slightly warm temp. Fluid is somewhat clear, so I'm guessing that it's not GL5 from the differential/axle. Getting ready to pull the cap on the master to check bf level. Might want to delay start until day after labor day, in case I need a shop along the way.

Truck was not quite as advertised on GL. Turns out it had no spare, but it does have a heater and drop sides ! No substitute for blind luck. Huntsville shop did a good job getting it road ready. ARDUECE [aka Mike Arnold] supplied me with a great spare, headlight, et al. Richard the wreckerman and Caleb in Huntsville provided informational assistance and generous offers of help...thank you, gentlemen.

So far, so good. Pics will follow once I clear up this leak issue...insh'allah.

bs

 

[AceHigh]

Nice looker! You are riding on 4 spares already.

Just a reminder on the fluid leak, check the axle vent and make sure it is not sticking. Keep her rolling!

 

[NDT]

Let us know if you need support here in Houston over the weekend. Swing by the Military Museum of Texas, take 610 east loop north one exit north of I-10, exit Wallaceville, turn west, about 1/2 mile on the right. Deuce is spoken there!

 

[runk]

on the help. I'm near downtown.
Definitely lucky on the weather ! First cool (ish) front of the year last night...

A small note- if the picture shows how your bed cover is currently on, the corners are backward. Fronts lap over the sides, sides lap over the back. Keeps the wind from pulling on the cover quite as much.

 

[bsorcs]

Gentlemen,

Thanks for the good words. Turns out the Al shop put in DOT 5.1, not DOT 5. Sheist! So, I've spent the last couple of hours trying to run some down here to have on hand...no luck. Turns out that all of the glycol ester fluids are mixable, so I can use 3 or 4 with the 5.1. I'll just have to flush and replace with DOT 5 when I get home, and that'll drive making a pressure-flush gadget like so many in the forum have described.

bs

 

[KsM715]

bs, Nice looking truck. Odd place for the bridge plate, never seen it mounted there before. Did you pick up the truck from GL or did a someone else do it for you? I ask because I think someone would have noticed in the pics if it was a dropside.