I just want to say hello and what a great forum and just reading some of the old postings and I have learned alot in just a short time. I've been building my concession van for the last 4yrs and I'm closer to finishing it this year.
I started with a 1986 kurbmaster 20' Ford chassie and went to a city auction and won a bid on a 1985 F150 and took it home and pulled the engine out and put new gaskets and front and rear main seals in the 300 CID. Then I went to wreaking yard to pull out a transmission,
bellhousin,clutch and pressure plate.
I put for said into van the first year, the next year I was planing to finish it and sell it. As only the Lord knows it did'nt happen. I got hit on the dock at the post office by a toto goat in des moines, Ia and had my knee broke in 7 pieces and lay up for 9 Mo's.
And there is nothing to do but research the web and came across concession vehicles and the wife saying it would make a great kitchen. I've try to make this a short story,but that not how it is. The van was put in storage for 1 1/2 yrs and then towed home and started cleaning out the back,while in storage a raccoon had made a home out of the back of the van. He had'nt even payed rent, so out he went. I lined the walls with stainless steel and put in new counter and tops, three bay sink with a hand wash sink. plumbing and gray tank in. Southbend 6 burnner w/stove. I still have to place and hook propane up.
I dicided to stop on the back and start on the wiring of the engine and dash. I looked at the wiring under the dash and dicided to cut the complete wiring out of the dash and engine and start from scratch. My wife was concern about the idea that it must go down the road on it's own power. women!
If their a time when you think that you bittin off more than you can chew this is it. Last Tuesday, I started at 8:30am and at 10:30pm I turn the key a the van started. Only for about 4 sec, I only put gas down the carb cause I still have to pull the fuel tank out a clean the diesel in the tank because the van had a bt4 cummins diesel engine in it. Now I still have to wire the headlights,heater,wipers and turn signals.
Also found out that I need to replace the clutch master cylinder and all componets. $250.00. Now I only payed $375.00 for the engine and $100.00 for transmission complete. $600.00 for the van. Its a labor of love and I would'nt give a sec thought about doing it again. But my wife just left the house to buy a gun! I still have away to go,but the end is insight and freedom to live on my terms is on my shoulders.
It's a drive and a force that keep me going and what I don't know I have learnd and teached myself to do on my own. And readed and learnd from People like you! THANK YOU. Michael Trickler (mctrick)
P.S. I really did make this a short story. Thanks again for letting me bend your ear for a while.
t
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