Builds My '78 FJ40 "44" (1 Viewer)

[Solace in Solitude]

No big thing... but, I needed something to do that didn’t require kneeling or bending...

I’m tired of having to constantly dig out the ‘stuff’ I use the most... so, I repurposed a seat back molle panel, on the passenger ambulance door and mounted said ‘stuff’.

I’m planning a couple of miles hike... Teddy’s first real hike... for when the wind dies down.

Chester’s anxious to go look for rabbits and Teddy is perfect onleash... this will be his first experience off leash, with shock collar. I only had to correct him twice onleash... I expect the same offleash... but, he could get by with no correction... he follows Chester always.

Teddy has a lot of bad hair days... but, this one was almost angelic.

They love to wrestle

 

[myquestoyota]

Let's see, belt and suspenders approach? Three knives, at least two multi-tools, two other pairs of pliers and what looks like the tool to clean the heads on your golf clubs?

 

[imyahucklbrry]

No big thing... but, I needed something to do that didn’t require kneeling or bending...

I’m tired of having to constantly dig out the ‘stuff’ I use the most... so, I repurposed a seat back molle panel, on the passenger ambulance door and mounted said ‘stuff’.

View attachment 1619359

I’m planning a couple of miles hike... Teddy’s first real hike... for when the wind dies down.

Chester’s anxious to go look for rabbits and Teddy is perfect onleash... this will be his first experience off leash, with shock collar. I only had to correct him twice onleash... I expect the same offleash... but, he could get by with no correction... he follows Chester always.

Teddy has a lot of bad hair days... but, this one was almost angelic.

View attachment 1619357

They love to wrestle

View attachment 1619358

Looking forward to some new western scenery photos

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Let's see, belt and suspenders approach? Three knives, at least two multi-tools, two other pairs of pliers and what looks like the tool to clean the heads on your golf clubs?

Yep, belt and braces philosophy!!

You’re close, but not entirely accurate.

Row 1 (top) - shop towels

Row 2 -
Kbar folding eaters (knife, fork, spoon);
large folding knife (found in the desert on a hike);
short flattip screwdriver, for changing fuel filter elements;
Manual chainsaw, with handles;
Knippers;
Butane lighter (long);

Row 3 -
Leatherman multitool;
Scissors;
Gerber folding pruning saw;

Row 4 -
Sheathknife and firestarter;
Small maglight;
Pliars;
Dykes;

So, There are a couple of duplicates, in the picture.

But, I also have a whole drawer full of tools under the drivers seat and a couple more rolls of shop towers in a tote.

I carry what I’ve found a use for... and also carry a clean headlamp (for Chester's use), a greasy headlamp (with my tools), a camo ball cap, with headlights and a watch cap, with headlights, another flashlight, in a holster on my overhead console.

I also have 3-4 other knives, for various reasons... in backpacks, in my vest, etc.

I could go on and on... I try to be prepared for all potentialities... to the point of anal.

When I built my overhead console, I sized it for a rack for my AR15... it gave me a place to carry it, out if sight, and lock it securely.

But, an AR15 is not very usable inside 44... I’d have to stick the muzzle out a window and drive around to ‘aim’ it.

So, I removed the rack and use the overhead console for lockable storage... for the important stuff... my DVD Player and various DVDs, my drawing stuff, various maps, sewing kit and mono fishing ‘thread’, extra pair of fleece gloves, my tiny bug out stove and it’s fuel... my plastic urinal (well used ), my .44 mag, chest rig and two speed-loaders.

Sometimes I’m surprised at what I find in 44... there’s an 8’ 4piece fly rod and reel, a chest pack of flies, tippets, etc., a metal detector, a machete, a couple of sand boards and a bag of recovery stuff.

All this, along with food, clothes, cooking utensils, a 2-burner stove (with 2 1lb propane bottles), spare parts, various sealants, wire, cable ties, tarps, portable awnings, 6 extra telescoping poles, a shovel, an ax, a bag of dog food and treats, a camera bag, a bag of dog stuff (shock collars, controller, ac adapters, prong collars, dog first aid, dog toothbrushes, brushes, bear spray, pepper spray, a 2-qt ice tea jug, a large ice tea glass, a folding 30”x60” table, a camp chair and (often) 2 tents... one springs open and is big enough to sleep in (collapses to 1.5” thick 3’ circle), the other seems like a mansion... I never know if we will sleep in 44, or one of the tents, until we get to wherever we end up.

I’m sure I carry more than I need... but, I’ve broken down a few times and prefer to carry stuff I never need... just in case.

Wordy tonight, huh?!?

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Looking forward to some new western scenery photos

Me too... I’ve been going to physical therapy, for my knees. Turns out the tissue that allows the kneecaps to ‘glide’ smoothly has deteriorated... the idea was to build up the quads and vmo muscles. But, it started screwing up my back... I just started walking again 3 days ago.

I’ve quit PT and bought a pair of gel knee pads...

While my knees burn, they only hurt when I kneel on them... then, it hurts like hell.

So, I’ll deal with it and return to what I enjoy... rather than screw my back up again.

I’ll get some new pictures before long.

 

[imyahucklbrry]

Me too... I’ve been going to physical therapy, for my knees. Turns out the tissue that allows the kneecaps to ‘glide’ smoothly has deteriorated... the idea was to build up the quads and vmo muscles. But, it started screwing up my back... I just started walking again 3 days ago.

I’ve quit PT and bought a pair of gel knee pads...

While my knees burn, they only hurt when I kneel on them... then, it hurts like hell.

So, I’ll deal with it and return to what I enjoy... rather than screw my back up again.

I’ll get some new pictures before long.

My wife’s knees bother her because of that very reason... we both still go to a gym to workout - I’m no authority but did work with high school athletes teaching strength and condioning - advised her to avoid bending knee to 90* (which would normally be ideal) but stopping short of that so that the muscles can still be strengthened some. Her knees still bother her but not quite as bad.... Course, sounds like you have to be mindful of that back also!

 

[Weber Sarge]

Same issue here from the dual knee injury in '06 , both knee caps are very coarse and cannot be knelt on at all without a lot of pain - and it lasts for generally 3-4 days afterwards. Both have been ground, scraped and polished twice, each. Doesn't work - it comes back and now they are grinding again most days and especially in the winter. The miniscus has gotten a lot worse, or at least what is left of it - woke up this morning with the left one half dislocated again - it should pop here after while and then ache like crazy the rest of the day but at least that leg will be straight, man - I hate that . Back has further deteriorated , still on the fence about any surgery but I can retire here in the next year or so .

I still have my 40, probably send it down the road this spring after I fix the left side rear wheel cylinders, both are leaking (original). The rust has certainly gotten worse from sitting and I've barely driven it in the last 2yrs now - just can't stand being punished by it's suspension or using the clutch. Regardless, it still puts a smile on my face and my GSD still loves riding in "his" truck. Glad to see you're still out and about - the new pup looks like a real character - glad Chester has a buddy now. Been wanting to check in for awhile but have been sick with the flu going around - it's getting better but my wife has to go see the doc, she's just not able to shake it at all.

Have you weighed "44" lately...lol ?

Sarge

 

[65swb45]

Same issue here from the dual knee injury in '06 , both knee caps are very coarse and cannot be knelt on at all without a lot of pain - and it lasts for generally 3-4 days afterwards. Both have been ground, scraped and polished twice, each. Doesn't work - it comes back and now they are grinding again most days and especially in the winter. The miniscus has gotten a lot worse, or at least what is left of it - woke up this morning with the left one half dislocated again - it should pop here after while and then ache like crazy the rest of the day but at least that leg will be straight, man - I hate that . Back has further deteriorated , still on the fence about any surgery but I can retire here in the next year or so .

I still have my 40, probably send it down the road this spring after I fix the left side rear wheel cylinders, both are leaking (original). The rust has certainly gotten worse from sitting and I've barely driven it in the last 2yrs now - just can't stand being punished by it's suspension or using the clutch. Regardless, it still puts a smile on my face and my GSD still loves riding in "his" truck. Glad to see you're still out and about - the new pup looks like a real character - glad Chester has a buddy now. Been wanting to check in for awhile but have been sick with the flu going around - it's getting better but my wife has to go see the doc, she's just not able to shake it at all.

Have you weighed "44" lately...lol ?

Sarge

Kevin

we've been talking about you, and missing having you around. I even told someone last week I was going to call to check up on you, but obviously that never happened. Obviously very sorry to hear about your health issues. I was thinking about replying myself last night, as the current bout of gout in my left foot would give Danny a chance to keep up with me on the trails! I could laugh out loud at what the combination of any two of the three of us would look like in a three-legged race!

One of the things that I've synthesized from four decades in the Cruiser world is that selling your truck is like giving up a small bit of hope. The most recent case is my friend Sam, owner of the MM40, the mini-motorhome FJ40. At 72 she's currently going thru a second round of chemo, and her vision is so messed up she doesn't know if she'll ever drive herself again. She hasn't driven her cruiser in over two years. But she's a fighter, and that's one of the reasons I love her like a big sister. I will certainly bawl like a baby the day she asks me to take the truck.

Do what you gotta do, but keep the faith. And check in more often, so we can help you keep the faith.

 

[Weber Sarge]

Geeze, thanks for that - much appreciated. I've stayed away for the simple reason it breaks my heart I can't keep it ,the decision is not just about health/abilities, but also financial. I'm a Union Laborer, pretty much near the end of my career, haven't been able to do any of the normal "heavy" work for several years now - just can't stand it nor can I keep up with everyone else and it's embarassing . I've been basically stuck waiting for the "light duty" jobs and get stuck being a target most times doing traffic control - which is probably not a good idea since I can't outrun the idiots trying to run us over anymore, lol...our society really needs to take a deep breath and just slow down a bit.

I pulled a 6wk stint last year at one our local coal fired power plants - that job about killed me but I did honestly enjoy it - besides, that was the best money I've made in the last 5-6yrs easily. The Super was the best guy I've worked for in my whole career - he never stood on my shoulders, just gave me a certain amount of work he needed done for the course of that shift (6-10hr days) and left me alone to do it my way. I always do my best regardless, our wages demand that we perform and I don't ever want to put forth an example of someone being lazy and overpaid - I still take pride in my work ethic regardless of health. The plant actually helped me out a lot - their main manager and head engineer made some changes to help me get my job done without getting hurt any further, just little changes that I appreciated more than they'll ever know - what a great group of people. That outage lasted a lot longer than expected, was suppose to be 3wks max, but we ended up putting both units down completely due to some unforseen issues, which is pretty common for one this old, built in the late 50's. There may be another one this spring - if the same general contractor takes I'm hoping for a return gig, they were so great to work for I'd go back in a nano second, regardless of how tough it can be most days.

Our income has taken such a hit that any repair work to the 40 is just out of the question. I can't watch it just sit there and rot - the truck has been far too faithful and it doesn't deserve it. I do want it to go to someone that will restore it and I'll price it so that can be done , not to mention I have accumulated a lot of parts for it over the years thanks to MUD. In no way do I want to ever see it get cut up - it's not that bad overall and there is no reason for that, besides - it will still run 80+mph if pushed hard enough , engine is in great condition. Someone will still have to dump $20K+ in it to do it right, but it would make a nice example of a 03/'77 FJ40 in dune beige and I saw one last summer going down I-80 near Ottawa on a trailer - wow that was beautiful...

I don't want to pollute Danny's thread any further, this one is at the top of the list of what I follow and I have checked in a few times over the last year or so - most times I don't log in is all or comment on anything but I still read up on what others are doing. I see Racer is continuing to come out with more "Unobtanium" parts as well as others - glad to see things are still going strong in the market. Lately it seems some of the market has gone down on Cruisers overall - figured that had to happen sooner or later - those outrageous auction prices were getting far out of hand and hurting us overall on parts cost, bubbles can only last so long. I wish Toyota would stop dropping parts - you'd think they would be more supportive overall but they are driven like everyone else my money - that's a shame. My other passion is old Wheel Horse garden tractors, Toro bought them in the '90s and are dropping off old stock like mad as well as discontinuing a lot of parts that were used up to 2002 on the classic line - it's hurting the restorers but we've got a great support group and a forum that is as good as IH8MUD, not kidding. We also have a group of internal vendors - some have taken on some huge investments to make NLA parts that are pretty tough to get done - they are absolutely top quality and the collectors are supporting them very well, hope it lasts. These tractors were very simple, extremely tough, amazingly capable for their size/age and just refuse to die - very much comparable to the Cruisers. The forum folks love seeing my pics with the old 40 in the backround - many know what it is and love to see more of it.

I'll make an effort to check in more often and try to keep up around here - looks like folks have been quite busy...wow.

Sarge

 

[120mm]

My wife’s knees bother her because of that very reason... we both still go to a gym to workout - I’m no authority but did work with high school athletes teaching strength and condioning - advised her to avoid bending knee to 90* (which would normally be ideal) but stopping short of that so that the muscles can still be strengthened some. Her knees still bother her but not quite as bad.... Course, sounds like you have to be mindful of that back also!

Of most importance is to retain mechanical advantage while bending the knee. That means not allowing the knee to move past the toes while bending.

I'm convinced most knee and back problems are caused by inactivity and sitting. Which causes the IT bands on the outsides of the thighs to lock up, and ruin your basic squatting motion, putting all the stress on the knees and lower back.

The fix for this is to employ a foam roller to unlock them, an exercise which most people won't do, because a) it hurts to start, and b) it's undignified. My own wife refuses to do them, but I've found it has saved both of my bad knees and put off surgery.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Same issue here from the dual knee injury in '06 , both knee caps are very coarse and cannot be knelt on at all without a lot of pain - and it lasts for generally 3-4 days afterwards. Both have been ground, scraped and polished twice, each. Doesn't work - it comes back and now they are grinding again most days and especially in the winter. The miniscus has gotten a lot worse, or at least what is left of it - woke up this morning with the left one half dislocated again - it should pop here after while and then ache like crazy the rest of the day but at least that leg will be straight, man - I hate that . Back has further deteriorated , still on the fence about any surgery but I can retire here in the next year or so .

I still have my 40, probably send it down the road this spring after I fix the left side rear wheel cylinders, both are leaking (original). The rust has certainly gotten worse from sitting and I've barely driven it in the last 2yrs now - just can't stand being punished by it's suspension or using the clutch. Regardless, it still puts a smile on my face and my GSD still loves riding in "his" truck. Glad to see you're still out and about - the new pup looks like a real character - glad Chester has a buddy now. Been wanting to check in for awhile but have been sick with the flu going around - it's getting better but my wife has to go see the doc, she's just not able to shake it at all.

Have you weighed "44" lately...lol ?

Sarge

Great to hear from you Sarge!!

Winters must be really painful for you... hope the flu clears up and your wife gets over it soon.

No weigh 44 lately... but, overall it’s about the same as always... except I’ve put on 20lbs since Thanksgiving... working on dropping it and more.

Would it help to drive 44 to my WeightWatchers meeting?

 

[65swb45]

Great to hear from you Sarge!!

Winters must be really painful for you... hope the flu clears up and your wife gets over it soon.

No weigh 44 lately... but, overall it’s about the same as always... except I’ve put on 20lbs since Thanksgiving... working on dropping it and more.

Would it help to drive 44 to my WeightWatchers meeting?

If the dog’s feet would just stop reminding you of Fritos!

Mmmm (my snack cabinet at the office)

 

[Solace in Solitude]

@Weber Sarge, @65swb45, et al

Please, never worry about “polluting” my thread... talk amongst yourselves... I enjoy the discourse.

Just think of it as sitting around a picnic table, telling war stories, over a hot game of dominoes.

I certainly understand your position, Kevin. I can do much of my ‘exploring’ in my 2002 Tundra... and MUCH more comfortably... especially on hot days.

The last couple of times I’ve run into problems, on the trail, I’ve ranted and raved about how I ought to sell 44 and quit spending my time and energy fixing stuff.

But, then I drive her again and forget all about it!!

I never planned to ever sell her... but, my right elbow hurts all the time (from that avulsion, 3 years ago). My hands hurt all the time... playing video poker practically puts me into a coma...my current back issues are manageable, with 2400mg of Advil/day... and that helps with my knee pain too... some days, I also need a couple of muscle relaxers.

I don’t have your issues... but, I whine good...

Financially, we are fine... if we ever get to a point that we need money, 44 will go on the block.

If it gets where I simply can’t drive her, she goes on the block.

I may even sell her if/when I know my time is short... just to take that headache away from Dianna.

In the meantime, I’ll whine and enjoy, enjoy and whine.

Feel good Kevin... warmer, drier weather would probably help... if that were an option.

Get well soon!!

 

[Solace in Solitude]

If the dog’s feet would just stop reminding you of Fritos!

Mmmm (my snack cabinet at the office)
View attachment 1619634

My sister-in-law bought me a new Trasheroo for Christmas ... my old one wore out... I’m hard on it.

I carry dog boots in this compartment... every time I unzip it, I crave Fritos for some reason!!

I wonder if that’s how Mr Frito-Lay came up with the smell of Fritos... by smelling dogs’ feet...

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Of most importance is to retain mechanical advantage while bending the knee. That means not allowing the knee to move past the toes while bending.

I'm convinced most knee and back problems are caused by inactivity and sitting. Which causes the IT bands on the outsides of the thighs to lock up, and ruin your basic squatting motion, putting all the stress on the knees and lower back.

The fix for this is to employ a foam roller to unlock them, an exercise which most people won't do, because a) it hurts to start, and b) it's undignified. My own wife refuses to do them, but I've found it has saved both of my bad knees and put off surgery.

How is the foam roller employed, Drew?

I’ve never tried that.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Chester and I took Teddy for his first hike this morning. Completely off leash.

When we first arrived at our parking spot, I was digging some boots out of the Frito compartment of my Trasheroo. When I turned around, Teddy had disappeared. I called him 3 times... no sign... I yelled ‘NO’ and zapped his shock collar at 1, 2, 3 and then just as I hit it again on 4, he cleared the drainage and yelped.

I never had to correct him again. He stayed by me until I told him to go with Chester. Then, he followed Chester religiously.

I’m really pleased with him!!

Chester chased a huge jack rabbit about 200 yards before I called him off... so, he had a great time.

Teddy’s so shirt, he was beside me and never saw the rabbit.

Here’s a short video of Teddy’s first steps in boots.

Here’s a short video of Chester and Teddy responding to my command.

44 moved on down the highway, at 75mph and performed flawlessly... first time I’ve driven her since I dropped/cleaned the aux tank and installed an aftermarket fuel gauge and sender.

 

[65swb45]

I think the additional weight helps with smoothing out the ride a lot. My 800’ of extra gear made even the old Rancho 3-leaf springs in my 40 behave...without a shock collar

See, we do have occasional tech.

 

[waiting for time]

I use glucosamine for my hands and knees. It takes a while to kick in but it does help a lot.
I’ve been away for work and didn’t bring it with me and it gets noticable after a week.
My father had the same problems with his knees as you Danny, he could not put any pressure on his knee caps.
It took a while to convince him to use it long enough but now his pain is a lot less and he can sit on his knees again without suffering for a week after.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

@waiting for time

Thanks Michael!! I’ve given my older dogs glucosamine... I guess it makes sense for this old dog to use it too!!

 

[Weber Sarge]

My problems stem from an accident at work - I got hit with a chain that had links over 7/8" thick, almost 2.250" in diameter. We always had to move it with the excavator, 6 large men couldn't carry it (30' in length) nor drag the thing. I was standing next to the huge drilling rig and cleaning up my work area when it broke during a pipe pull - that was a 26hr day and I did finish the bore pull the next morning - barely. When it broke and whipped around ,the dumb thing caught me right below both knee caps right on the big tendon - I don't remember anything of it other than hearing the chain explode and the 135,000lb rig lifting up off the ground. It bent both knees backwards pretty far and threw me end over end almost 25' away from where I was standing. I thought the Operator had hit me with the excavator bucket - it's what I saw when I woke up, other than the crew standing there with cell phones in hand - I thought those idiots were taking pics, pretty pissed about that but they were getting ready to dial 911...they thought I was dead.

They helped me get up after a few minutes and into the break trailer to inspect the damage - no broken bones, but some skin splitting from the impact and I still have the impressions of the chain links in both legs. Didn't go to the Doc for a week, knees hurt and felt like rubber but I pushed through it to finish the job as I was the only Laborer on site other than the company guys and operators. That was 10/23/06 ,first surgery was in December on the 7th after we finished the bore work and I was laid off. Spent over 4yrs off work and countless hours in therapy trying to get my legs to work properly again. First surgeon was an idiot and I swear he worked for the insurance company - second one was a top sports medicine specialist in Chicago, he did far better cleaning up the damage and made both legs a lot more functional. The joint replacement options won't work - there is too much damage to the tissues/ligaments/tendons around both knees to make them an option, just basically have to live with it. Almost half the inside and bottom miniscus was removed , both knee caps ground and polished 4 times now - they still want to grind at times. Both knees will not bend much past 90* due to the joints being so badly rearranged and kneeling or squatting is totally out of the question. I do still work and at times can work pretty hard but I don't walk very well, sort of like a wobbly drunken sailor just coming off a tour...stairs are a problem early in the day too, have taken quite a few trips down during the winter months when they get so stiff. I take 1400mg of Soma compound a day as well as Indomethacin and a lot of Tramadol - that medication keeps me out of the more strict plants due to regulations, they will not allow someone taking that much medication through the gate. It's been over 11yrs now and eventually the joints will fall apart - so I have to be careful and doing mechanical work on anything low to the ground or on the ground is just too much anymore. Add to that a spine that is 1/3 in need of replacement bone, the degradation has gotten pretty bad due to a lifetime of doing heavy physical work on a skinny guy - I just wore out too much of it , lol.

So, that's where I'm at - I hate pity and won't have any of it , I always survive one way or another and pretty sure I'd been better off if they had just cut the dumb legs off above the knee - it is what it is.

Teddy sounds like a typical pup - very short attention span and that nose will get him in trouble. It's nice you have Chester to show him the ropes - he will be a great teacher. That video of him with the boots is hilarious - that made my day. I'm sure Teddy will grow into a great dog - he's quite handsome as well. Hmm, Fritos and dog's feet - never put the two together but my nose isn't that great from being around chemicals and dust all my life - the nastiest carb/brake cleaners I don't even notice nor care. I agree about weight , the Cruiser is pretty bare inside since I wanted all the repair work done first before I'd ever outfit it for my needs. I believe it does have a set of lift springs on it , they are stiff as a board and sure don't help. When I put the Bilstein shocks on the rear that made a pretty decent difference , but not enough to help with it beating my spine over Illinois' rough roads - some of them around here would rattle the old girl to peices in a hurry.

How far out does those shock collars work ? We lost our old lab mix buddy back in November from some form of dimentia - he got pretty bad there at the end and was getting really weird at night towards my wife, had to put him down at 13yrs old. Our GSD is now 7yrs old already - he's bored out of his mind since his buddy is gone and I can't be out much in the cold now, I've thought about getting a Golden as we both like the breed - wife wants someone to curl up with and the big fluffy GSD is not into that , he can't stand getting that hot being against someone due to his long, heavy double coat. He was the easiest dog to train I've ever had, show him something once and it's done - very obedient and eager to please as well as the usual excellent judge of character. If he doesn't like you - I don't either and trust him totally. He is loyal to the bone - one thing I love about shepherds and the way he naturally guards the perimeter around us is pretty cool - it's what they were bred for and he's more of the Old World GSD than the current breeding going on - he's all German with both parents being imported. I don't mind too much the stubborn streak a Golden can have , most are manageable more easily than any Lab or Lab mix in general. Just considering something that can be more supportive for my wife when I'm gone, the GSD can be pretty standoff-ish most times and being a lap buddy is not what they were bred for. I still prefer a shepherd, but she wants something different - just not sure if I want to start over again with another puppy and their needs at this point in life. I love seeing your pics of your treks out with the dogs - it's one reason I follow this thread regularly, your pics are astounding of such a beautiful place. The shepherd is rarely leashed , he stays tight to me when we're outside or at least within a few yards to watch the perimeter and guard the territory - no one comes here without meeting him first. Most all of his commands are silent - just a hand signal is all he needs and his blood line was designed for search and rescue. Favorite game of his is finding a favorite toy after I throw it while he can't see or hear where it went - "find" command sends him into an ever widening circle until he can pick up the scent - he loves it. I've also hidden scent objects on him at times and let him find those - he never fails and I should have spent the time to work with him in the resuce groups around here, he would have done a great job but he's fine as just a pet and guardian. What I don't want with him is long-term boredom, it can drive a high energy dog like a shepherd to some really bad behavior - he and the Lab invented their own games pretty well and kept themselves entertained, it's what he needs again now that the Lab is gone.

Interested in suggestions - or more insight to a Golden's behaviors as I've never personally raised one...?

Sarge