International AR162 Update

Today I finished cleaning up and coating the old rear guards with rust converter. I then got onto wiring. Despite interuptions I got 4 of the 6 clearance lights wired up. They work but then the battery was flat :-[. I wanted to take a photo with the lights on at night to put here but without power it is a bit hard.

I have put the charger on the battery overnight and will take it off in the morning and try it then. I don't think it has died but the battery is one I put in the XP soon after I got it in 1999. (I turned up to pick up the Truck and leave my XP Ute for servicing but the truck had a flat battery. As the mechanic didn't have one in stock and they were both the same ratings the one out of the Ute was put in the truck and a new one ordered for the ute. They have stayed there ever since.

I think it has just been run flat by the testing of lights as they get wired up but we will find out in the morning. Hopefully I can get some photos tomorrow to add here.

Well today was a successful day.

Firstly I got the wiring finished.

Secondly I got the final timbers onto the headboard

Thirdly I had problems trying to hold up the guards while bolting them onto the temporary tray. As the tray timbers were not yet nailed down I held the guards up with a G-clamp while i drilled the holes and fitted the bolts (not even finger tight yet as they need to come off again)

Once all that was done I put the timbers back down in their correct places ready for nailing down. So now to some photos.

This is how it looks all fitted up
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/173/459625126_b009df68f1.jpg?v=0

The tray from behind showing the gap around the window
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/183/459625138_385e7555f8.jpg?v=0

The lights down the side
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/252/459625176_704122ff94.jpg?v=0
By the way that step is one of the most useful $35 I have spent. It hooks over a wheel and is also useful when checking oil etc.

People should know if I am in front of them
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/240/459625160_2494840d55.jpg?v=0

or see me parked (yes I need to locate and install a new bulb holder on the right - that has been dodgy for a while - I got it working then as the truck rocked as I got down it stopped)
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/240/459625142_9969bb5ca7.jpg?v=0

and the indicators work too
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/202/459625180_da24c43191.jpg?v=0
(sorry about the focus - this is the only photo I have been able to time with the indicators flashing)

Left to do,

- Touch up red and black paint
- remove and paint guards
- fit mudflaps
- repaint white on rear
- fit reflectors and appropriate signs
then this stage is finished.

Future stages include
- fitting of 9000lb winch (with box to protect it from the weather)
- replace worn parts in front suspension (calling Dr Corstorophan)
- and continue the general tidy up that has been taken since I got the 'Red Terror' on the road

I am starting work at 11pm tonight so had today off. I was under strict instructions not to wear myself out on the truck as I am expected to be awake and able to think tonight.

So I took thing easy but still did a couple of jobs as it is healthier than sitting in front of one of these screens.

All I did was
touch up the red paint on the tray
paint the white on the rear
remove and paint the rear guards.

Todays work didn't really show up in photos so I haven't loaded any more.

Saturday I need to get hold of a couple of bits and pieces and a carpenter down the road is coming to help nail the tray down on Sunday Morning. It is getting close.

The boards were drilled and nailed last Sunday. Today the guards were given a coat of paint and are currently bolted up to the tay (only hand tight at present). I still need to drill holes through the tray for the supports.

The tray was given a coat of deck oil as was the headboard (the headboard will need another coat I did some sanding to tidy it up.

There is still work to be done but it will be going to Maroondah Dam.

I still need to sort out what I am doing with the rear of the tray. I am not sure whether to leave it flat or have some form of lip like it did before.

The disadvantage of the lip is it means I have to winch things over it. The advantages are that I can hook ramps over it and if I adjust the angle of the tipper while I am winching they don't fall off. Anyone else have relevant experience or ideas?

No photos today it was dark by the time I finished.

The headboard was given another coat of deck oil, The rear guards were bolted up properley, mudflaps refitted, Signs fitted to rear of tray.

I went around with a spanner again but all the bolts were tight.

I backed it out and went and fuelled up ready for the Maroondah Dam run tomorrow. By the time I cleaned the windows it was dark.

The cab really needs a wash but with wet paint nearby I wasn't game to go to a car/truck wash. Its meant to rain tomorrow anyway, but, having said that it was meant to rain today and there was maybe 1/2 hour all day!

At last Thursday's club meeting Deadly asked for more photographs so here is one taken at Maroondah Dam today.

The old girl didn't miss a beat all day. Pity about the rain still we are in drought

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/180/476477617_40e7102ca3.jpg?v=0