I just got back from PA this morning, where my father and I picked up a Deuce and 2 trailers. Upon arrival we checked the fluids and gave the Deuce a quick once-over and other than securing a broken driver's mirror mount with a wire coat hanger and noticing one slightly low tire pressure, all looked fine. We loaded up one trailer and hooked up to the other (see pic) and headed out for the 500 mile drive around 11am.
I got as far as Carlisle and noticed the temp. gauge started rising slowly. I pulled off the next exit and we found that both generator/water pump belts were gone. Fortunately I had downloaded a page from this site showing part numbers for various parts, so we headed to a part's store in my father's pickup. Apparently the interchange from the Napa part number to Advance Auto was a bit off, and the belts were too long. A quick trip back to the store got us 48" belts instead of 49". All they had were lawn/garden belts in that size, but they worked fine and we were back on the road
Somewhere in NJ we pulled over for a 1-hour nap. After the nap I fired the Deuce and let it run to build up air pressure, then shut it down to check the oil again. Just as I was going to open the hood I smelled something and thought it must be leaking a bit of oil. I opened the hood and saw flames on the driver's side! The wiring harness just in front of the firewall had rubbed on the frame long enough to short out. I was able to blow the small fire out and wrapped the wires with electrical tape. Only 1 wire was damaged, for the tail lights. Oh well, just keep the Chevy right behind it until we get home.
The rest of the trip went fine and after all of the stops and traffic we rolled in about 3:30 this morning. I have to say that I would NOT want to drive one of these that far again! The truck ran and drove great except for the noise and shaking from vibes (most likely the old tires). Anyone considering heading out cross country would have to be nuts (nothing personal...just my tired opinion a few hours after getting home). This is coming from someone who loves diesels and old trucks, especially large ones. I'm a country redneck who lives to abuse myself, so please listen to that opinion- I don't post it lightly.
With all that said, it was a fun trip all the same!!!
Jim
oops- almost forgot the pic!