IH8MUD.com - NM- High Desert Cruisers http://forum.ih8mud.com/ en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:41:54 GMT vBulletin 15 http://images.ih8mud.com/images/misc/rss.jpg IH8MUD.com - NM- High Desert Cruisers http://forum.ih8mud.com/ Brakes and engine swap in 3 weeks http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/335287-brakes-engine-swap-3-weeks.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:06:02 GMT Can I do it? Here is the deal....I would like to help out a photo shoot for Fossil (see this... Can I do it?

Here is the deal....I would like to help out a photo shoot for Fossil (see this post). Since I will be in the area of the photo shoot the week of Dec 18th it would be great if I can drive the FJ40 down to Marfa, TX. I just need to get my brake and engine swap done. I have all the parts for the disk brake conversion. I will start tearing into my axle this weekend. I will let the group know when I get into trouble and need help. Once that is done I can drive the FJ40 to Dan's shop to work on the engine swap.

For the just in case factor that I do not get the work done, is anyone up for trailering the FJ40 down to Marfa? Yes, Fossil will pay for all expenses plus some. If not, I will call a transport outfit. I need to get Fossil a cost by the end of next week.

ADDED THIS:
Ok, I have decided to host an impromptu wrenching day on Saturday (11/21/09). If anyone reads this and has nothing planned and want to help please call me at 350-5535 (obviously a local call in in the ABQ metro area) for direction, times, etc. Dan S. is going to try to make it over on Sunday for the front axle reassembly. Probably could use some help on Sunday too!

Plan for Saturday:
  1. Remove rear drum brakes and install Poser's brackets and rotor for rear disks.
  2. Tear apart front axle
  3. Replace tie rod ends
  4. Dry fit proportioning valve

Plan for Sunday:
  1. Rebuild front axle for disk brakes using stuff from a '77 FJ40
  2. Install rear disk brake calipers

I have not purchased any brake lines. I am hoping I can get everything except the lines done this weekend. The next week I will run the lines. Keeping the hard lines in place. I will need to cut and flare in a few places and replace all the soft lines. ]]> NM- High Desert Cruisers Source3 http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/335287-brakes-engine-swap-3-weeks.html Sunday sunday sunday! http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/335262-sunday-sunday-sunday.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:28:06 GMT I don't know about all of you... but i need to wheel a bit! I would like to stay local (have a 4PM engagement). Thinking of exploring Cabezon, never been out there, any thoughts or ideas - lets here them! ]]> NM- High Desert Cruisers jericho http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/335262-sunday-sunday-sunday.html shackles vs. add-a-leafs http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/334329-shackles-vs-add-leafs.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:12:42 GMT What are the pro's and cons? I want to put some 33x9.5x15's on but need some lft...what do you guys recommend for my 78 FJ55?? ]]> NM- High Desert Cruisers ABQIRONPIG http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/334329-shackles-vs-add-leafs.html TLCA Update http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/334319-tlca-update.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:59:24 GMT I figured I would start a new thread with some of the latest developments. First, the good news... I figured I would start a new thread with some of the latest developments. First, the good news from Casey Campbell, TLCA Treasurer:

************************************************
(from Casey Campbell)

Current cash balance $32,952.66. Still need to pay the Nov/Dec Toyota Trails printing invoice which should be around $6000 and a few other small invoices.

The Oct P&L is attached and I'm happy to say we are within $7 of the budget. Cost savings have helped offset the lower membership amounts. The $1410 we received from Gator helped a bunch, thank you Art, Murrah, and all the others that pitched in!!!

I'll be working on the 2010 budget in the coming weeks and will post it up well before the December meeting for comments/changes. If you have anything you'd like to see or not see in next year's budget, please let me know.

Casey

************************************************** ***

So, the financial numbers look pretty good.

And then some not so good news. Mark Algazy is resigning his membership in his local California club and also resigning as a TLCA board delegate. Mark is the one who offered an FJ-40 to TLCA as a raffle truck to raise some money for TLCA. After reading this, if you have any questions, please let me know.

Evan

Here's Mark's note:

**************************************************
(from Mark Algazy)

Gentlemen [and ladies]
This evening I resigned my membership in the Los Angeles County Trail Crew. As such, I am no longer a delegate to the BOD. Please remove my name from the e-mail list as soon as possible.

My resignation served two purposes. First, it serves as a wake-up call to my club as to just how serious I consider their lapse in following the requirements of a 501[c]3 organization to maintain protection from personal liability. Secondly, it allows me to escape from watching the slow but steady disintegration of the TLCA here on BODreps. I am too appalled by the even the possibility that one of the most critical decisions of the TLCA's future, the decision to put the entire TT online in downloadable form, was made without a VOTE, to stay. I have several personal grievances as well, but they will stay that way.

As far as the raffle truck, I am sure you share with me the disappointment in the fact that the project has not moved forward. But more importantly, as I stated in the e-mail last week, I NEED to get the truck moved from my shop in order to deal with the city inspector. I donated this truck in good faith six months ago, and have waited patiently for the project to commence. But everyone's patience has a limit. Therefore, I must insist that the truck be moved by December 14th [which is exactly SIX MONTHS from the date I offered it to the TLCA]. IF the truck is not moved by that day, I will consider the TLCA to have constructively abandoned the project, and will consider the truck my own again.

I would like to share a final thought with you good folks as you continue your honest efforts to help this organization based on a common observation that history has a tendency to repeat itself.

Four years ago we were an organization of approximately the same numbers we are now. At that time, we had a conservative but stable budget, as well as $80,000 in cash reserves in 2 CD accounts. At that time, We as a BOD made the collective decision to expand and enhance our flagship publication in several successive stages. First we agreed to expand the number of pages. Then increase the number of color pages. Then increase the quality of the paper. Then the binding. Then the specific quality of the materials used on the cover. Each of these changes cost money, but we saw it as a calculated risk that the increased quality would help get more members in our big push to 4000 that occured when Erik Vogt was MSVP. The fact that the glossy magazine stroked our egos, and helped our position when a competing Toyota mag hit the market didn't hurt either. But needless to say, the 4000 drive was not sustainable, and we drained our CDs as an indirect result of our increased magazine costs.

You can call me a retrogrouch if you like, but I see TLCA.org as another manifestation of the thinking that got us into this mess. The website is an attempt to stroke our egos, an attempt to look like a 'player' on the field of club websites, and is an increasing drain on limited remaining resources. I do not expect those whos egos are being stroked by the website, or those who have benefited financially from it, to see this objectively. But I do know a good number of you on BODreps question its ability to draw and keep members the way that the magazine has. In the meantime, it has consumed a LOT of TLCA time, energy and money and has no proven return on the investment. I believe that in order to maintain the interest of a public who are quick to abandon anything that isn't constantly being refreshed, it will consume more and more time, energy and money than it does now, all the while trying to feed a public who are not only clamoring for 'more for less,' but determined to fi nd a way to get it. In my opinion, this is worse than the calculated risk we took on the magazine. Except that now we don't have the 80k to gamble with!

I would say more, but it could be percieved as getting personal, or bickering, and I do not wish to 'go there'. It has come to my attention that certain people already see me as part of the problem. That in and of itself makes it a little easier for me to step back from the TLCA now and focus more attention on all the other land use projects I am involved in.

Sincerely,
Mark Algazy, TLCA #1086
P.S. Unlike Art Schramm, I am not mad, or considering quitting TLCA. ]]> NM- High Desert Cruisers evanz80 http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/334319-tlca-update.html Ugly business, that http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/334013-ugly-business.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:58:02 GMT http://forum.ih8mud.com/tlca-discussion-forum/333034-fwiw.html#post4963275 http://forum.ih8mud.com/tlca-discuss...ml#post4963275 ]]> NM- High Desert Cruisers Cruisergreg http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/334013-ugly-business.html Christmas Tree Run http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/333669-christmas-tree-run.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:29:47 GMT Since a day has been set for the Tree Run, I'll be the first to confirm my attendance. It's on the calendar before anything else so it might stay there!:bounce: ]]> NM- High Desert Cruisers marcfj60 http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/333669-christmas-tree-run.html New foster dog: Rowan http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/333514-new-foster-dog-rowan.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:04:33 GMT Generally I put this kinda stuff in Chat, but it's local, and year-end coming up, and there's a need. May the big hand-o-Shawn smack me if I'm outta line.

Some of you know I'm into doberman pinschers. Fewer of you know I assist w/rescue. This is the fourth dog I've hosted in the past year-plus, and he's a luv-bug.

Sharing w/you b/c the higher-ups recently sent an email, saying that there were more dogs than fosters, and asking for help. Rowan is my part, right now. Adopt a Doberman Pinscher: Rowan: Petfinder. Had more pix to post but I'm not that computer savy n got the wrong size SD card sideways in the slot... :bang:

Rowan ('rowdy') looks and acts like an 18mo old dog, but the vet thinks he could be as old as 9-10, based on dentition and the type of gum cancer. He is currently bones and soul, horking down food and hungry for lovings.He has very few manners, but we'll work on that as his bones fill out. He 'got' the dog door right away, and rain hasn't deterred him from his 'mission'. I've seen him be playful w/adult dogs, though when he meet mine today he was more interested in checking out the turf (and knuckle bones) than playing. Results on his biopsy are due Monday, and we're hoping for good results.

I know the economy sux, but I just wanted to put it out there. If you are fortunate enuf, as am I, to be considering year-end tax write-offs (or any other sponsorship/involvement), please think about the dogs. Any dogs, not just dobers. Heck, any animals, not just dogs. If I had more bux, they'd be going here: Walkin' N Circles Ranch, Inc., Edgewood, New Mexico

Thanks for thinking about it.... :cheers: ]]> NM- High Desert Cruisers sirenmoses http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/333514-new-foster-dog-rowan.html Old Iron http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/332940-old-iron.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:14:57 GMT During the Harvest Festival in early October a bunch of us were taking a break and the Director,... During the Harvest Festival in early October a bunch of us were taking a break and the Director, Rick, came by. We were talking about how we have this modern New Holland tractor doing wagon rides and how cool it would be if we could acquire an old time tractor. To our surprise Rick said no problem. No arm twisting or anything. So Linda, my Assist. Curator for the Farm, and I set out on a search for a worthy acquisition. It didn't take long. There was a woman in Aztec with three tractors. Her late husband collected such things and she now wanted them gone. Email and phone calls back and forth for two weeks.

The three tractors were: 1943 John Deere B (Johnny Popper, or Poppin Johnny), a 1939 IH Farmall M, and a 1939 IH Farmall H. She sent us pictures. My first choice, being the practical guy, was the Farmall H because I knew it would fit on the trailer. The Farmall M was too wide by an inch. The H was also in better shape. Linda wanted the Farmall M because it was a stronger tractor. I also considered the JD because of it's Poppin nostalgia.

The lady selling the tractors told us they ran. Today, Linda, David (Master Farmer), and I drove up to Aztec with a check in hand. The three of us were anxious. Before driving up there we told her they had to run, and we needed to be able to load them under their own power. We were not sure.

We arrive, and things are not good. The lady, with a friend, couldn't get them running. Now I like a challenge, so to work we go. How difficult could 70 year old technology be, right?

First, the Farmall M. It's rough, but not too bad. Electric start. Tires are shot. David and I look it over and find a loose wire. Ummmm. David sees that the on/off switch is missing a wire. YES! We hook up the wire and flip the switch. I walk over to the starter and just before I hit the switch the tractor starts smoking. I walk around to the "fire" and there is a wire hanging down on the engine, the other end with a clamp to ground. I disconnect. Wander back to the starter, push the button and I'll be a SOB if the dang thing roared to life on the first crank. I was shocked. The seller was shocked. We let it purr for awhile and then went to the next tractor.

The Farmall H was sort of restored and in reasonable condition for a 70 year old machine. It also has four brand new tires. The wires to the starter button were cut, and the wires to the on/off switch were cut. WTF. The seller tells us the magneto is grounded and it should start. Problem. No battery. It does appear to have a starter motor, an option in 1939, but nothing is hooked up. So how? The crank on the front of course. I crank, crank, crank. David cranks, cranks, cranks. Nothing. It has fuel as it's pouring out of the carburetor. The seller asks us if we want the ether. SURE. I pull off the air cleaner and she gives it a squirt. I crank ... and it not only fires, it runs. I was so surprised I dropped back about three steps hooping and hollering.

David takes it for a putt. Then I take it for a putt, and back it up onto the trailer. It's MINE! Linda takes care of business while David and I secure this beast.

Worthless without pics? Not hardly. Enjoy.
Attached Images
 
]]> NM- High Desert Cruisers pappy http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/332940-old-iron.html FJ40 sitings x 3 http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/332907-fj40-sitings-x-3-a.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:24:53 GMT Slow day at work today so I decided to take a trip to a collision repair shop on Alameda today. ... Slow day at work today so I decided to take a trip to a collision repair shop on Alameda today. Why? I saw the infamous white top of an FJ40 peeping over the brick wall on my way to work this morning. The 1981 FJ40 was in the transport lot:


Since the vehicle is ready for transport (coming or going I do not know) I was unable to touch it too much (an insurance thing). But I was able to get a shot of the engine bay:


An the interior through the closed window:


The frame was galvanized.

Then on my way back to the office down north 4th street, with a stop over at Sophia's Kitchen (yum) I saw two more 1973 green FJ40's. One was at a meat market. I stopped and talked to the guy. He dropped a 400 sbc and 3.73 diffs. The last one was at a mechanic shop on 4th. All original with F engine (just rebuilt) and was having an issue with the single barrel carb cutting out at high throttle. Sorry no pics of the last two. ]]> NM- High Desert Cruisers Source3 http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/332907-fj40-sitings-x-3-a.html Camping down south this Thanksgiving holiday? http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/332598-camping-down-south-thanksgiving-holiday.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:05:27 GMT Looks like the family wants to go camping this upcoming holiday and so I'm open to some ideas. I was figuring on heading to southern NM since I've never camped in that area. Hopefully the temps will be decent during that week but who knows!

We've been to the Gila nat'l forest but will that area be too cold in the higher elevations?

Let's hear some suggestions pls. If anyone else to join up, that'd be great too.

Thanks. ]]> NM- High Desert Cruisers alia176 http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/332598-camping-down-south-thanksgiving-holiday.html <![CDATA[It's over....]]> http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/332434-its-over.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:29:53 GMT Sleeping in, 'till 7:30 - no more
Working on the 80 all day during the week - nope
Playing with Diesel Dan at his shop - no mas
Going for a bike ride in the middle of the afternoon - see ya
Afternoon couch nap - goodbye
Going on wheeling trips all week - no more
Driving the wife batty with too much exposure after being on the road for 12 years - screeching halt.
Eating breakfast with the toddler every morning while we watch the news together - done
Getting stuff done around the house and making trips to Lowe's when it's practically empty - ended
Rebuilding engines because it's just too much fun and I'm bored - yeah right


I got a job :crybaby: :bang:

I start Monday at a small local electrical (Paragon Electric) company doing automation type work. It'll be a different lifestyle working locally and being home every night. Commuting via car- now there's a foreign concept to me. I'm used to commuting to an airport and coming home every other weekend.

A steady paycheck does sound good though!:hhmm: ]]> NM- High Desert Cruisers alia176 http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/332434-its-over.html Death Valley and Surf N Turf trip report http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/332418-death-valley-surf-n-turf-trip-report.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:00:35 GMT As my last trip as an unemployed guy, I was able to squeeze in my annual trip to Death Valley with... As my last trip as an unemployed guy, I was able to squeeze in my annual trip to Death Valley with a bonus trip to SnT. Not a bad way to end my lazy arse bum career, if I do say so myself :D

I flew into Reno and Spressomon picked me up in the uber cool hundy and off we went to DV where we met up with TrickyT, Cruiserdrew and Beno. Beno pulled an all nighter after work to get to the meeting place on time.

The temps in DV were absolutely fantastic and so was the food and drinks. As usual, I ate better camping than at home.

SnT was a neat experience as well - got to put lots of faces and names together finally. We arrived at Pismo Beach on Thurs eve and departed on Sat before high tide rolled in.

All in all, an epic trip.

Pics: Ali's album

Dan's album ]]> NM- High Desert Cruisers alia176 http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/332418-death-valley-surf-n-turf-trip-report.html Mechanic http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/332195-mechanic.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:35:11 GMT Anyone point me towards a good mechanic in ABQ? I just picked up a 66 FJ40 with a Chevy BB 396,... Anyone point me towards a good mechanic in ABQ? I just picked up a 66 FJ40 with a Chevy BB 396, and the motor needs some minor attention! Gaskets / Tune up yada yada ...

Thanks! ]]> NM- High Desert Cruisers TheHylandr http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/332195-mechanic.html Nov meeting minutes http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/331700-nov-meeting-minutes.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:25:22 GMT thanks to Brian and Christi for hosting! November run will be Sunday the 22nd. Keith will... thanks to Brian and Christi for hosting!

November run will be Sunday the 22nd. Keith will probably have a second run on Saturday the 28th as well. places TBA and discussed here.

December Christmas Tree run- Sat, Dec 5th. this is it! the biggest winter run for our club, be there!

Dec meeting- Sat the 12th at Keith and Han's.

Jan 1st- traditional New Years Day run.

other business. Tshirts was brought up again. we have sold about half of our stock. almost all Large shirst are gone. it was voted to make a second run with some other colors. i will gather that info and pass it on to you all.
I will also see about expanding into hats and maybe a flag for Paul.:D

Stickers was mentioned. I will also look into having club stickers made. Round with white background was the consensus.

Steve H announced that he will step down in Jan as VP. and Evan will step down as TLCA delegate. start thinking about if you are interested in filling one of these spots. we have 1 person interested in 1 of the spots.

anything i forgot? ]]> NM- High Desert Cruisers BionicCruiser http://forum.ih8mud.com/nm-high-desert-cruisers/331700-nov-meeting-minutes.html