Where is everyone #5

That's awesome

 

That is how it feels out here today. Throw in a 20 mph wind and it feels like a blow torch on your skin! Lol

 

Shop space/access, tools and a working knowledge can be an obstacle, but do you have the ability to buy something reasonably sound and cheap and then work on it bit by bit? I realize it's a money pit of sorts until you can step out on your own and put it to work, but when you're done, you know exactly what you have. Kind of what @OLDSKOOLERnWV did.
There's a Canadian fella on u tube (359 twin sticks) who is doing something along those same lines.

 

Do you drain the fields far enough in advance that they dry out before harvest, or are they still wet? The first combine I ever ran (4400 JD gasser) had enormous lugs on the drive tires. I asked the farmer about them and he said they were rice tires. They made for a less than pleasant experience moving between fields.

 

Yes sir they usually drain about 2 weeks out. Usually gives time for the ground to mostly harden. Except over in the Cash river bottoms around Grubbs. That gumbo will get a very deceiving crust on top, ain't no bottom in it. Thanksgiving day of 88 me and Dad rode over there to rebuild a final drive on an 8820. 14 cross ties later we got it jacked up. To my knowledge them ties is still in the dirt

 

Yeah, space and tools will be the biggest obstacle. I'm really good friends with our younger shop foreman/supervisor (the guy doing all the rebuilds and gliders) and I'm sure he wouldn't hesitate to come over to help and bring the tools to do the help (he's also looking to get some trucks of his own at some point, either as an independent company or just owner; we've joked that he can teach me how to spin a wrench and I can teach him how to drive it).

For right now, the most appealing option would be something that's ready to work, but is rough around the edges. Not the best looking truck on the road, but a motor in good shape with a detailed history for an affordable price.

Depending on what I decide to go with for operating authority, I'm sure I can find somewhere to park it in or around the city for a reasonable price. My wife and I (mostly her) aren't looking at living rurally, so land and outbuildings are out of the question, but my parents have been playing with the idea of buying a house outside the city since I was but a wee lad, and I'm sure they wouldn't have a problem housing it for me.

Either way, I'm not laying down anything serious just yet, just like the dream of it for now. I'm sure when I tell my wife I can make my own schedule rather than be at the whim of 10 days paid holidays and 5 unpaid personal days for an entire 365 day year outside of resets, she'll be entirely in support of the idea. I've mentioned it (owning) before, but the house is number 1 priority until further notice. And it does make sense. Lay down a good foundation and then work towards better/more.

 

I understand the dreams and laying a good foundation for them. When the time comes, there's no doubt you'll be ready to go.

 

Covering all bases.... metallic material from the piston and liner unfortunately got picked up by the oil pump. Rods and mains showed some evidence of this, Cam bearings look fine thankfully.
Little things can create big problems.... moving along now....

 

This just rolled in beside me @superhauler thought you may like it.... 68 Road Runner. Fresh 383 with no oil pressure ...

 

Don't forget the instructions for that old school cruise control.

Pull it all the way out, twist it, put both feet on the dash and RIDE westbound!!!