GRIZZ’s Chevy S10 - Random Rambling NEXT ROADTRIP 27/10/23

[grizz]

Realised back home, after Mickey helped me collect it, that typically, the tires/tyres were dry rotted and needed replacing.

Got them off, ordered two new ones, slightly wider with lower profile, near enough the same.

£70.00 fitted, with new valves and old ones disposed of.



Removed the rear panel and light board as I wanted it removable for the proposed coming tasks.

Then used a trusty skateboard to move the wheel-less body up the driveway.

Pressure cleaner and some serious attention saw me get to know all the flaws.





Left to dry for 48 hours.

Then had some time to knock together a slip on frame.





Done.



After work Thursday evening I found some old black paint in my stash (mistake) and painted the underside of the floor, all the steel and mudguards and wooden sides with this enamel paint. On the wood just to act as a sealer in case another colour came into play.








Now some of you may know this, but nickwheeler thinks that I am a whizzz with a brush and pot of paint.

So the last drops of green in a tin, made it onto the wheels.

Still need a pair of random hubcaps for them.

Green stripe.



But that was not enough, so I dug out some red Hammerite as well.

Better.



Friday I took a day off work to do things like shopping, coffee and lunch with Sally.

She very rarely asks me for anything, and even this was forced on her.

We had a good day.

Before she came over I painted all the white panels, again, more wood protection than aesthetics



Reassembled the tailgate, lights, and fitted the wheels yesterday morning.






I think I am happy with that.


Seems the original reason for buying it, will not be happening.


Still, I have a neat trailer for a few hours work.

[grizz]

More story when it happens.

[grizz]

Craig sent a pic this morning at 06.00 when he was about to leave after filling his tow vehicle.



Yesterday he ran 40 miles into Wales to collect this little “gift” and 210 miles coming down to me today, then 35 to load a bunch of industrial shelving, back here again…… followed by a Turkish dinner tonight and headed home early tomorrow morning.

That is a bit of a trip.

[grizz]

Trailer was bought for a small scooter based bike that did not happen.

Have put it up for sale or trade as I need something with a slightly longer and wide deck that will take the lawn tractor above.

Clearly I priced this too high, or nobody close enough wanting it.

If I put it on the free goods thread it would not find a home either, as nobody needs it.

But for now, price dropped to £120.00 plus a mug of tea and Digestives or Ginger nuts.

Anyone interested, or want to trade for a chassis that will cary a lawn tractor (small boat trailer can be modded, so also of interest) I need a deck of 6x4 or 1.8m long, by 1.3 wide between the wheels.

PM please if you have something.

Thanks.

[glenanderson]

Can you not just modify that one to suit, or are it’s underpinnings not up to the job?

[nickwheeler]

Oct 31, 2022 10:46:41 GMT glenanderson said:

Can you not just modify that one to suit, or are it’s underpinnings not up to the job?

He would end up using 'just' the wheels, spindles and hitch. And using the spindles isn't the best idea, as they've already been badly welded to a scrap bit of tube.

It's less work(and probably not much more expensive) to build one from scratch using suspension units that are actually up to the job

[grizz]

Oct 31, 2022 10:46:41 GMT glenanderson said:

Can you not just modify that one to suit, or are it’s underpinnings not up to the job?

Weirdly, been down there this morning early as it bugged me after posting up.

Measuring up, it will work. Cut the sides away and retain the extremely robust chassis.

I need to cut off the “hitch pole” completely, and add a 1.2 meter length of 100x50mm under the chassis, then modify that to take the hitch again, the current one is only 500mm long.

The width between the wheels/mudguards will easily take the front wheels.

Then I will widen the rear just behind the mudguard fixing points to take the rear wheels and have a few hooking/mounting points.

Out front a similar modification for strapping down.

And most importantly, a set of ramps for the wheels that fit under the tractor and get bolted/screwed down.

Brand new 14 x 165/70 tyres and wheels that are probably better for towing than the usual 10” wheelbarrow wheels you see on the motorway may be a better option, especially as I paid for that already and have the spare steel to fit.

I believe it will work.



May have to look around doe some strips of ally or similar for the ranps.


.

[grizz]

Oct 31, 2022 11:28:25 GMT nickwheeler said:

Oct 31, 2022 10:46:41 GMT glenanderson said:

Can you not just modify that one to suit, or are it’s underpinnings not up to the job?

He would end up using 'just' the wheels, spindles and hitch. And using the spindles isn't the best idea, as they've already been badly welded to a scrap bit of tube.

It's less work(and probably not much more expensive) to build one from scratch using suspension units that are actually up to the job

Agreed, and I will look at it all again.

Guaranteed, UncleBob will have something to scavenge, (sell to me for a pouch of rolling tobacco) I know of two rotten trailers at his house, and who knows whats down at the yard.

Working with fresh steel etc makes a load of sense.

But you know I struggle with sensible…. Hence falling out a tree.

[glenanderson]

Yeah, looking at the underneath of that I’d say it’s definitely good enough to modify. I’d probably go for an A-frame from just behind the axle on the outside, up to the hitch at the front, rather than 50x100 box though.

You might not need ramps either, if you design it so that lifting the nose on a jockey wheel tilts the whole thing like a see-saw…

[glenanderson]

But, I’ll add the caveat that you’ll need to look long and hard at those stub axles, having read Nick’s concerns about them.

[nickwheeler]

Oct 31, 2022 12:44:17 GMT glenanderson said:

But, I’ll add the caveat that you’ll need to look long and hard at those stub axles, having read Nick’s concerns about them.

Nick also has a very different definition of extremely robust chassis.....

The existing trailer was clearly built a long time ago and is, now that the tyres and bearings have been serviced, OK for occasional transport of lightweight loads. I've recovered the wreckage of far too many similar contraptions to have much faith in them, let alone modifying them. Just look at how the stub axles are attached.

If I wanted a trailer to tow a lawn tractor behind the Rockit, I'd start with the weight of the tractor, and sort the wheels and suspension first. Then I'd build a simple box section platform to carry them, the hitch and the load. If recycling was a concern I'd start with a FWD Escort(or the later Transit variants) van axle, which would allow for matching the wheels to the car. That's assuming I couldn't find a suitable one for cheap that just needs servicing. And all cheap  secondhand trailers need servicing.

[grizz]

Oct 31, 2022 12:41:50 GMT glenanderson said:

Yeah, looking at the underneath of that I’d say it’s definitely good enough to modify. I’d probably go for an A-frame from just behind the axle on the outside, up to the hitch at the front, rather than 50x100 box though.

You might not need ramps either, if you design it so that lifting the nose on a jockey wheel tilts the whole thing like a see-saw…

I will look at it all carefully.

Oct 31, 2022 12:44:17 GMT glenanderson said:

But, I’ll add the caveat that you’ll need to look long and hard at those stub axles, having read Nick’s concerns about them.

Certainly will do, and base anything I do on what I find.

Preference is still to replace it all outright.

But there is time. .

[grizz]

Oct 31, 2022 13:09:26 GMT nickwheeler said:

Oct 31, 2022 12:44:17 GMT glenanderson said:

But, I’ll add the caveat that you’ll need to look long and hard at those stub axles, having read Nick’s concerns about them.

Nick also has a very different definition of extremely robust chassis.....

The existing trailer was clearly built a long time ago and is, now that the tyres and bearings have been serviced, OK for occasional transport of lightweight loads. I've recovered the wreckage of far too many similar contraptions to have much faith in them, let alone modifying them. Just look at how the stub axles are attached.

If I wanted a trailer to tow a lawn tractor behind the Rockit, I'd start with the weight of the tractor, and sort the wheels and suspension first. Then I'd build a simple box section platform to carry them, the hitch and the load. If recycling was a concern I'd start with a FWD Escort(or the later Transit variants) van axle, which would allow for matching the wheels to the car. That's assuming I couldn't find a suitable one for cheap that just needs servicing. And all cheap  secondhand trailers need servicing.

I agree Nick, this pretty much is a garden trailer for tip runs or to collect a fridge, lawnmover, mulch or plants at the local nursery.

My hope is still to find something different to either use or repurpose for the job.

[grizz]

90% rain forecast for Sunday

Perfect weather for a 160 mile trip in the S10 to go load some “spares or repairs” stuff and a few tools from a friend, then driving back.

I had planned on hiring a van, then realised the load bed is long and wide enough, and that I already own a truck…… yes it can do the job, rather than sitting looking pretty on the driveway.

Then collect craigrk ‘s son from Leatherhead to come pick up the Nissan Micra that will be headed down to Poole in Dorset

Really would love if it did not rain, at least while loading, but the dice are cast.

[grizz]

Winter prep job No 1 completed.

Used the hedge trimmer to mulch and cut up the branches that were left over after cutting out everything smaller than a broomstick to pack away to dry for next years fireplace wood.

All the chopped up stuff fitted in the wheely bin after I repeatedly jumped on it to compact further.



Leaving the pile of cut back branches all at around 5 foot or 1.5 meter long.

I then used thick string to tie them into 5 large bundles to put out on the sidewalk. Lets hope the recycling guys put them in the truck.



The amount of work it takes to harvest alm of this wood almost does not seem worth doing.
But it needs to be processed so I may as well do it right.



Filled the Chevy up last night for Sundays Mini roadtrip

Current mileage will slip over to 40k miles or 65k km on Sunday.

Really low I guess for a 21 year old pampered truck.



I also took out roadside recovery today.
Not something that I ever do.
But this truck is so under used, you never know when something does go bang.

I expect no trouble but neither did Kennedy

Should be a nice trip.

[pedalcarjoe]

safe trip mate

[grizz]

Nov 5, 2022 13:23:58 GMT pedalcarjoe said:

safe trip mate

Thank you as always Ernie.




Looking forward to the trip tomorrow

Rain forecast for the whole day, but it should all be fun.

Made up.a couple of ramps earlier, including a pair of stops against the tailgate side for when you shove the dead weight of the tractor up there.

Rather than have the ramps run away from me.



Tie down straps are also in the truck and some bits of padding.

I trust it is all good to go.

Off to dinner with friends first, and then hopefully to bead early for an early start.

[grizz]

Headed out just before 06.00

Stopped for a darkness photo.



Then stopped for an expensive motorway coffee.



A fellow motorist pointed out that I have a lovely looking truck, and that my rear foglight was dangling out back.



Carried on driving until I got to this point.



Followed shortly by this……

40k miles.

Only driven it about 1700 miles in two years.

Bit of a waste ehhh?

Pulled over to capture these.



Shortly after the clock turned over I got to my destination.

Passing this landmark.



And then pulled up here……

Not far from the top secret Secret Volcano Lair.



Walking around while waiting for Frankenhealey to get there from where he was hiding in the mountains…….

Parked up and watched farmer Brown drive his tractor and trailer around.

Perfect way to be spending time before 09.00 0n a Sunday morning.

[grizz]

Once Frankenhealey got to the Volcano Lair he brought out the donor and spares or repairs mower.





14 horse power V-Twin.

Missing it’s carburettor a battery and of course not running.

Measuring the cutting deck, it became instantly apparent that it was not going to fit between the wheel arches, 47 inchest do not fit into 37 inches.

So we had to remove it.





Once loaded up the ramps, I pulled it over to the one side, using the wheel arch as a chock for the rear wheel.

Along with 4 corners on the truck strapped to the tractor.



Followed by adding a roller, Suffolk Punch mower with proprietary Chinese 87cc engine,with centrifugal clutch.



Closed up the rear……

Soft, car like suspension shows the load.



Once the truck was packed, we headed to Frankenhealy’s home for coffee, a chat with Mrs F and of course I got to play fetch with the dog….. best part of my day.

Until Frankenhealey disappeared out of the kitchen for a few minutes, returning with two packs of Mts F’s Amazing, home made Pork sausages.

Seriously humbled, as I always am by these very personal gifts.

A drive around with Frankenhealey followed by being dropped off back at the truck.

After which I headed out homeward in the rain, which had not stopped all,day, except very briefly exactly while we were loading.

First stop was at the service station to fill up the truck again.

The idea was to see what the truck used empty, bit with the bed covered, compared with the load and no aerodynamics.

Return trip report in a bit.


.

[glenanderson]

Cool. That’s basically the same mower as the one you/Craig gave me the other year. When you’re done robbing bits off it let me know what’s left and what you want for it. 👍