m880 kate
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- Location
- new hampshire
Hello, I own a 1977 Dodge M880 truck, formerly property of the Groton Mass fire department. There is a bit of rust around the door panels, oh, and a couple of small holes in the body the hornets used as a home last year. I am in need of a few parts, like a passenger door handle, need to put on a rear light for the license plate, and I need to figure out how to put a radio in a HUGE hole that apparently was used for dispatch that was cut out with a saws all. I dont want to install a new dash because the m880 plate with the info is mounted to the dash, and, I think, looks really neat.
My plan is to work with what i have and try to keep this as original as possible. I will need to change paint, and remove the reflective tape, but, would like to paint it a blue camouflage, okay I am female, and originally I wanted flamingo pink, but I think the blue scheme would look nice and not take away from the truck too much.
My first dilemma is that the truck was parked for a year. She started up easily but does not stay running unless the key is held open. I have read that it could be the ballast resistor, but the last mechanic that worked on her said it was fine. Could anyone tell me please: what the problem could be, how to troubleshoot and what tools I would need. I am not mechanical, but as long as I am told what I could "fry" if I don't do something right, I think I'd be okay. I also have my beau to help, but, this is my project and would like to learn as much as possible.
Next, I have purchased a new wiper motor, but i need to get the plastic things (like linkage or bushings). Is there something I should not do for fear of "frying it" when I attempt to put it back together? Looking for a heads-up, because I am the prodigy child of Murphy's Law.
Last, for now anyhow, is the tires. I have read it is easier to change out rims to a 16. and leave 16.5. The sad thing is my tire tread is awesome, but dry rotted. Is there a company that makes 16.5 at a fair price? If I have to change rims, does the truck look awkward?
That is all. thank you for any advice
Kate
My plan is to work with what i have and try to keep this as original as possible. I will need to change paint, and remove the reflective tape, but, would like to paint it a blue camouflage, okay I am female, and originally I wanted flamingo pink, but I think the blue scheme would look nice and not take away from the truck too much.
My first dilemma is that the truck was parked for a year. She started up easily but does not stay running unless the key is held open. I have read that it could be the ballast resistor, but the last mechanic that worked on her said it was fine. Could anyone tell me please: what the problem could be, how to troubleshoot and what tools I would need. I am not mechanical, but as long as I am told what I could "fry" if I don't do something right, I think I'd be okay. I also have my beau to help, but, this is my project and would like to learn as much as possible.
Next, I have purchased a new wiper motor, but i need to get the plastic things (like linkage or bushings). Is there something I should not do for fear of "frying it" when I attempt to put it back together? Looking for a heads-up, because I am the prodigy child of Murphy's Law.
Last, for now anyhow, is the tires. I have read it is easier to change out rims to a 16. and leave 16.5. The sad thing is my tire tread is awesome, but dry rotted. Is there a company that makes 16.5 at a fair price? If I have to change rims, does the truck look awkward?
That is all. thank you for any advice
Kate
