Working On The M561 Gama Goat

[combat32]

I got one side, halfway through the other them broke my last sawzall blade.

I will go back and finish her off this week.

 

[Another Ahab]

That's some serious plate to tackle with a sawzall, but it looks like it did a good job.

I'm kind of surprised that it worked so well (or at least seems like it did).

Did you eat a lot of blades to get there?

 

[combat32]

Cuts easy as it is aluminum, but I got the blade bound up and snapped it, it was the only one I had with me.

 

[mkcoen]

I got one side, halfway through the other them broke my last sawzall blade.

I will go back and finish her off this week.

Thanks! I've got your tranny and fan blade all tucked away.

 

[Another Ahab]

Cuts easy as it is aluminum, but I got the blade bound up and snapped it, it was the only one I had with me.

Ohhhh, that explains THAT real clearly.

I was wondering how that could have gone so easily like you were suggesting, and how that cutline could look so smooth; aluminum explains it all.

 

[mkcoen]

Been sick as the Proverbial Dog since Sunday. I haven't had a cold this bad for at least 5 or 6 years. Pulled out a bottle of Nyquil and noticed it had expired in 2009 then threw it out before I learned they stopped using alcohol in it since then (now I have to get into the good stuff - Mohawk 190 Proof Grain, I can't afford EverClear). So I've been moping around all week feeling crappy when I went outside this afternoon to air my clogged head out and found a present from the UPS man. Actually a present from m38inmaine just delivered by the UPS man. It made me feel a little happier if not better. Thanks Mark!

Now, anyone else have parts for the top? Combat32 is bringing the pieces that weld to the tub and I've got the main bow now but I need all the little fiddly pieces that go with it. The actual cover is easy but the framework seems nonexistent.

~

 

[Another Ahab]

Been sick as the Proverbial Dog since Sunday. I haven't had a cold this bad for at least 5 or 6 years. Pulled out a bottle of Nyquil and noticed it had expired in 2009 then threw it out before I learned they stopped using alcohol in it since then (now I have to get into the good stuff - Mohawk 190 Proof Grain, I can't afford EverClear). So I've been moping around all week feeling crappy when I went outside this afternoon to air my clogged head out and found a present from the UPS man

My friend is a doctor (he's got a rock-and-roll degree). He says you're supposed to drain the contents in a single gulp, and then immediately hold the empty bottle against your head:

- Says the aches and pain will promptly disappear

(One possible side-effect; possibility you might lose ALL sensation completely).

 

[combat32]

Been sick as the Proverbial Dog since Sunday. I haven't had a cold this bad for at least 5 or 6 years. Pulled out a bottle of Nyquil and noticed it had expired in 2009 then threw it out before I learned they stopped using alcohol in it since then (now I have to get into the good stuff - Mohawk 190 Proof Grain, I can't afford EverClear). So I've been moping around all week feeling crappy when I went outside this afternoon to air my clogged head out and found a present from the UPS man. Actually a present from m38inmaine just delivered by the UPS man. It made me feel a little happier if not better. Thanks Mark!

Now, anyone else have parts for the top? Combat32 is bringing the pieces that weld to the tub and I've got the main bow now but I need all the little fiddly pieces that go with it. The actual cover is easy but the framework seems nonexistent.

~

Blake at red river has the side supports that go from the windshield to the main bow

 

[cowboy4581]

I have read your entire thread from start to this point.I must commend you,I would have given up a long time ago..I recently bought a running Goat,my first MV..I'm not sure whether that was a good or bad decision.I have learned so much from your thread and the comments from others..Mine starts and runs great but has no brakes,It needs little things,a paint job,you mention the top cover is easy,can you buy these or have them made? I have the frame but no fabric..It's hard entering and exiting with the frame in place so i'm going topless for now..Keep up the good work, and thanks for sharing your story..

 

[mkcoen]

I have read your entire thread from start to this point.I must commend you,I would have given up a long time ago..I recently bought a running Goat,my first MV..I'm not sure whether that was a good or bad decision.I have learned so much from your thread and the comments from others..Mine starts and runs great but has no brakes,It needs little things,a paint job,you mention the top cover is easy,can you buy these or have them made? I have the frame but no fabric..It's hard entering and exiting with the frame in place so i'm going topless for now..Keep up the good work, and thanks for sharing your story..

Welcome to the madness! NOS tops are available at muttparts.com for $79. I do enjoy mine being topless as it's easier to get in and out of but recent rain events and being parked outside indicate that I really need a top.

 

[Another Ahab]

I recently bought a running Goat,my first MV..I'm not sure whether that was a good or bad decision.I have learned so much from your thread and the comments from others..Mine starts and runs great but has no brakes,It needs little things,a paint job,you mention the top cover is easy,can you buy these or have them made? .

That HAS too be causing you a few problems, right?

I mean doesn't it!?

 

[Keith_J]

I got one side, halfway through the other them broke my last sawzall blade.

I will go back and finish her off this week.

So you were the source..we got them welded up last week, took less time to weld than prep. I was cutting the weld and base to keep height correct. Hand held cutoff die grinder was too slow, saws all is much better. I still need to dress down the weld, got a little peppery on me with being outside. But they will hold for sure.

 

[mkcoen]

Sorry, been falling down on the job. Here's some pics of the process.

~

And managed to get the photos in exactly the reverse order.

 

[Another Ahab]

Sorry

And managed to get the photos in exactly the reverse order.

Hey, its all good, mckoen:

- Gives a sense of turning back the clock

Like having our own MV Time Machine!

 

[combat32]

Looks great!

 

[mkcoen]

Wow 2 months with no posts. I'm really slacking off lately. But I guess we should have a party since it's been just over a year since starting on the Goat AND IT'S STILL NOT DONE!!!

I did get the new BO Drive Guard from m38inmaine. Thanks Mark it looks GREAT! I got it painted and set it on the dash for some pics but haven't bolted it down yet. I still need to repaint the light and figured I'll bolt it all down at once.

 

[AZK9]

... But I guess we should have a party since it's been just over a year since starting on the Goat AND IT'S STILL NOT DONE!!! ...

It's so much more fun when the project still needs lots of work. What's the fun in being done?!


Still... progress is a good thing!

 

[mkcoen]

The other thing I worked on this afternoon was the engine cover. I pulled the reinforcement bracket off the right rear of the cover as it was obviously bent. The plan was just to pull it off, straighten it, then put it back on. Unfortunately underneath the bracket was a tear in the metal corner of the cover itself which let the cover move backwards from the position it should be in. I was able to get it back in place with a C-clamp but need to get it welded back together. Even then the cover will be sitting a good inch back on the right side from where it's supposed to be. In the 3rd photo you can see where the right side bolts are sticking up on the back of the crew compartment. The cover should be centered over those bolts. The left side is just a little ahead of being centered so it definitely has a twist to it.

 

[Another Ahab]

I did get the new BO Drive Guard from m38inmaine. Thanks Mark it looks GREAT! I got it painted and set it on the dash for some pics but haven't bolted it down yet. I still need to repaint the light and figured I'll bolt it all down at once.

View attachment 608899

It looks like something from back in The Stone Age, when you used to have those high gain UHF antennas to pick up certain TV channels.

What is that thing; what does it "do"?

 

[mkcoen]

What is that thing; what does it "do"?

Well it's called a Blackout Light Guard so.....(I'll give you a hint: it guards the...).

Here's m38inmaine's with the actual light mounted: