Builds My first '40 and the venture (43 Viewers)

[OlYellr]

Day 2: Sunday -

Got up, excited to catch up with Ian (@RevISK) and meeting him face-2-face. I guess my virtual profile matched enough with real life cuz he didn't drop me like a bad habit.

sun rising in Alamosa -

I rotated the clamps on the drag link in hotel lot, walked to Walmart and got a few things I forgot, and hit the road.

Ian was waiting for us on the highway to Lake City not far from where the Tx crew camped. He was standing on his rig with a Capt. Morgan Rum pose. Was great to meet him.

Our plan was to gas up in Lake City - then take Cinnamon Pass and others into Silverton, then go check in.

At the top of Cinnamon, Ian and I had the two beers I was holding on to for this occasion. The brewery that makes this, stopped this run. I wanted to get a few cases to share.

Cinnamon Pass etc shots... we flipped our rigs around here and did the photo to compare with the AI image that a computer created.

Ian and Erik up front so Yellr doesn't slow them down.

Once in Silverton, saw many more rigs. There was a repair underway on a 60's series. Ian knew them and we were introduce to many people.

Some took off to check in, the duo stayed and grabbed beer & food before we headed up to Ouray. Got unloaded and check in with the event. Got goodies in the SAS bag except a cool magnetic koozie. Ian was kind enough through the week to remind me of that fact he got his - was the sentiment. I appreciated that.

Yellr Stats:
Yellr was a dog going over the passes - some of it was me as this was my first time off roading. I broke out the timing light somewhere on the pass. Said I was at 5* - WTF. Decided to check if my light was working right at camp with Ians light.

Lost the oil pressure gage reading. WTF - bit nervous and I knew I put a brand new pump in, the wire was off sensor. Put it back on. Got a reading for a while then went out again. Check, wire on sensor. The sensor was not new with engine rebuild. Decided to watch temp gage to see if anything happens as I didn't have a spare and by the time I would order one and get it, trip would be over. (I ordered one today with other stuff).

• Lake City, CO/ 19.6 mpg (lots of downhill coasting)
• Ouray, CO/8.9 (passes)

Total miles = 179.6

 

[OlYellr]

Day 3: Monday - First day of SAS.

Up early and started get my daily miles in, headed over to Ian's for coffee. Became a daily event all week having coffee and chatting about whatever. I miss that.

The had a newb session - basically go over recovery stuff, what to do if..., & drive a short coarse. Rory from RocketCity Cruisers was the instructor and trail leader. Got a nice swag bag for attending. Didn't go on the trail with them.

I had brought some food for breakfast etc, and this year was first year (rumor) of a food truck so got a nice breakfast burrito. Truck was there all week. Ate there 2x the whole week.

We met up with @PuddinsBuddy (Josh and Jake) and the trio became a party of 4. We decided to do a trail not on the board for several reasons. I had to deal with the timing etc. & most left while the instruction was going on.

I used Ian's timing light thinking maybe mine was bad/off. Nope. His said 4* (close enough to mine) and rpm were low (older rig 650, newer 40's are 800). Set timing to 11* & quick lean drop to adjusted air/fuel and idle.

reset

Our destination was Red Mountain Pass.

Also the photo with the rigs reflecting off the pond, not going to repost that from a page or two ago.

And.

Possible Sasquatch sighting.. Edited for better picture

My brother-in-law drove some. Ian was taking photos as we were going though water. He had front wheel in the air. He punch it too hard and we bounced over that. That is all I will say about that (we were all having a laugh).

After Red Mountain (3-4 hours), drove back to camp to meet people and see all the rig for the evening.

Yellr Stats...

Yellr was way better on the mountain - the "performance" when on highway was more sluggish - in that getting to 55 took even longer than when at 4-5* and getting to 55 at same elevation. Not a big deal, just something I noticed.

got a noise with the front hub - made noise - sometimes - one day was never present. Need to take off and inspect. Russ thought the skid plate might be rubbing with drive shaft but really couldn't see evidence of it rubbing.

• Ouray, CO/ 10.2 mpg

Total drive for day 50.6 miles.

 

[OlYellr]

Day 4: Tuesday

More coffee in the am. Chatter about what to do @RevISK and @Plains Cruiser were asked to take photos during the "Cruise-her" ride on Thursday. The plan was to scout out some areas for that. The plan was Governor Pass. To get there took the trail that connects Yankee Boy Basin and Imogene.

@PuddinsBuddy had sniper issues on Monday. Tuesday am the hood was up and troubleshooting was underway. We watched and help were we could (hand a part, wrench, etc.). Leave no one behind. Finally it was determined one of the injectors was bad and calls made to see where/if some could be secured and how fast to arrive. Since they were down, hunting parts, the trio set out for the day.

We made a wrong turn and ended up on Sydney Basin vs Governor Pass and it was great.

Sydney Basin...

More Sydney.

Went over to Governors next - had a beer, put rain coats on and look at old abandoned buildings/mine and chatted for a while.

had some water crossings. I think this is the trip where Ian soaked Erik and his camera.

It was on this day that I really became more confident with Yellr. The second water crossing had a big rock on the right side of the trail and loose soil on the left. Was in 4 low and scampered up easily.

After the scouting trip, headed back to came to... that's right drink beer, visit, and eat.

Yellr Stats
No issues with carb etc. all working well. no noise the entire day with hubs locked.

• Ouray, CO/7.7 mpg

Total miles 83.1

Edited - wrong MPG. Had 10.7 initially was really 7.7 for the drive.

 

[OlYellr]

Day 5: Wednesday

Coffee with Ian, and a slower start is firmly in the DNA by now. Today was a ride with the bigger SAS group. Maggie was the trail lead and @Plains Cruiser was tail gunner. The destination was Ophir Pass. Rocky pass, normally where you see cars next to huge snow banks not melted yet. It was all melted on this trip. It was here that I met Jorge (@RodrigzCrzr) and others that read this stream of conscious. The decent is where we met that 200 Series driver I spoke about earlier.

When we got off the mountain in Ophir, two little girls were selling cookies and lemonade. Who could resit that while airing up to drive back?

This is the area we got stuck on for over an hour.

At camp, saw my first LV! (never a production run. precursor to the Pig.)

Yellr Stats

• Ouray, CO/10.7

Total distance 123.3 miles

There is a pattern I forgot to explain with filling up in Ouray. There was one place that sold non-corn gas. Pure gas was highly advised, especially for carb engines. The issue is vapor lock at altitude. Corn gas has a lower boiling point vs pure gas. With the elevation, the boiling point is even less. The last thing you want up high like that. Some people even insulated the fuel line to keep heat away. I brought some, never put it on.

 

[Green Bean]

Maybe it was covered elsewhere, but given the very limited room, also would be very interested to hear about packing gear, spare parts and tools for a trip of this nature.

 

[OlYellr]

Speaking of airing up. I got asked about my setup several times, and people were taking pictures vs just ask.

I got/use Thor's Lightning. Both compressor and hose kit. This hose kit comes with a digital regulator - air down was easy, put hose in regulator (regulator closed) - connect hose to tires. Turn regulator on. Open up to let air out. Close, give it a second and is balances air to all 4 tires, read pressure. Rinse and repeat until desired deflated pressure.

To air up, use the compressor (red thing on ground) just connect to hose kit. I got the model that was select and forget. Hook to battery for power, select desired tire pressure, hit go button. Grab beer and talk to others. It stops automatically when the desired pressure is reached and as all 4 tires are connected, the pressure is equalized. It is a 10 CFM dual compressor. It doesn't take long.

Hose kit regulator is that Y looking thing between hoses and compressor.

Edited - Ian @RevISK taught me a trick to wrap up the hoses. Over-worked and under-paid - is the saying for an over/under loop method.

 

[OlYellr]

Maybe it was covered elsewhere, but given the very limited room, also would be very interested to hear about packing gear, spare parts and tools for a trip of this nature.

Sure, I was typing about the compressor as you sent this. Will cover it, most likely not tonight.

Edited for grammar.

 

[OlYellr]

Maybe it was covered elsewhere, but given the very limited room, also would be very interested to hear about packing gear, spare parts and tools for a trip of this nature.

Maybe I will do that now.

Tools:
wrenches, speed ratchet with swivel sockets, regular socket set, metric allen wrenches, screw drivers. I also brought 24 mm socket for oil, the 1 13/16 socket to turn engine via claw nut, baling wire (naturally, from Nebraska), zip ties, timing light, vacuum gage, and temp gun, Spark plug socket, booger pickers, feeler gage.

Parts:
oil filter/gasket, thermostat and gaskets, diff crush gaskets, oil, gear oil, pink antifreeze. old birf from when I swapped birf in May. knuckle gaskets, hose clamps, spare radiator hoses. 2 feet of 3/8 trans hose and 2 feet of 5/16 trans hose. various bolts, washer, nuts. The Overland Metric Fender Kit has a good assortment of bolts washer & nuts in one bag. Cotter pin, couple size of castle nuts. Oh yeah, bulbs and fuses.

I didn't bring as many spare parts since so much was new and gone over. I lost my oil pressure unit, would I have brought it if I had one spare? probably not.

the 3/8 hose was used for the sniper trouble shooting (was going to use that to create an axle breather extension like I have on the front axle - but needed elsewhere). and I gave my thermostat and gaskets to @PuddinsBuddy to make sure he had something to get home. He was overheating a lot on Imogene (which is next day). and thought he may need it more than I would to get home.

paper towels - drop cloth to lay down on if needed.

FSM - hard copy - I have one one my phone too, but that is on the cloud somewhere and no cell service.

Recovery Equipment:
I got the tow rope, snatch block, tree saver etc for recovery. Didn't do the hi-jack, just the bottle jack if an issue. Compressor/air hose. 5 gallons of pure gas.


I Forgot:
fpig for thermostat gasket etc. Maybe I'd bring my power-probe next time. (Would have been easy to apply 12v power to open up the injector vs the wiring to make it happen for troubleshooting.) Carb cleaner, brake cleaner,

Witnessed:
Standard Allen wrench would be helpful for others - took time to find someone with a set. Someone snapped the caliper bolt in half on the trail. Someone lost a TRE, they wrapped/strapped the bars to get off the mountain, got new part overnight from CruiserTEQ.

I think the parts/spares depended on what you think might be next with your rig more than anything. I just went with, "if my engine/suspension was 5 years older, what do I think I would need?"

90%+ of what I brought, I didn't use. Timing light, vacuum gage, 10 mm wrench, and screw driver for carb were the tools needed for Yellr and I am sure every year would need those.

There is a buddy system that just happens. We thought Ian was pissing TC oil and I had some oil with us on the mountain to get him off if needed. Turns out the rain was just cleaning his TC underneath making it a) clean b) look like oil was flowing out fast. People were eager to help when and where they could. Like mentioned before, no one left behind.

I'm sure more will come, but that was about it.

 

[rfitzpatrick]

I’m really digging the log and it’s always helpful to see anyone’s tool list/parts list! Awesome pictures, too! My 40 is still immobile, but I’m headed down there next month in my Tundra.

 

[OlYellr]

Day 6: Thursday

Really the last day of wheeling. Started the day off how? Coffee with Ian, he makes a mean pour-over. They, @RevISK & @Plains Cruiser, were set to do photos of the woman's only run. My brother-in-law were chatting with Josh - his sniper part came and he got fixed.

Charlie and Bob, don't know handle, came over and asked if we wanted to do Imogene. We said yes after sniper has some trial runs.

We debated which way to go up and down. Decided on the Ouray entrance vs driving over to Telluride to start the climb. Bob and Charlie were trail leading most of the way. Was like driving over basketballs. Ugh. Josh's rig kept overheating, or at least temps would raise fast. Use my temp gun to check his vs mine. I was running about 30 degrees cooler. Yellr is cold blooded.

We made it to the top, but the not without some trauma. I think I mentioned that Russ and I discussed there are some concerns with the frame in a couple area, should be ok for this trip if not too crazy, but need to address in near future. Well one of the jars make it next in line! Frame tore some in the area of concern - rear passenger leaf pin area. We were past the difficult section, but I could not get off fast enough and gingerly enough. The way down Telluride is more gentile in comparison. Had we gone up and back that way, I don't think the frame would have crack like it did.

And got some nice photo along the way (sips more bourbon as I type this day).

@PuddinsBuddy and me

Another...

and tried an inverted panoramic while waiting for Josh's to cool off. EDIT: he became the trail lead to see and that help keep rpm up and fan moving. He has a vintage air and that vent system is before the radiator (blocking it) so makes it more difficult.

After done and off mountain, picked up @Plains Cruiser at camp and had Gnary tacos. Loved the Nashville hot chicken taco! Had 3 different types. Oh the Sketchy Tots!!! Must do if you don't know what I am talking about with a few local brews. Bough some fresh Colorado Peaches for the drive home starting Friday.

We made Erik @Plains Cruiser drive Yellr back to camp. He has never driven a 40 before. Maybe I will get to drive his 80's

Back at camp to say some good byes (oops need to modify Wednesday - forgot the raffle) and with laugh friends.

Ian and I took off for a bit. He wanted to drive Yellr and I wanted to drive Norman. OMG. Norman is a Ferrari compared to Yellr. Power steering? WTF? If heading west and turn the wheel 1* right, you will be going to Canada, to the left a smidge you will be in Mexico. Crazy tight. Clutch adjustment is near the top. Without the sides, you feel the wind in your hair so it seems even faster. Norman is a blast!

I think Ian said Yellr is old school land cruiser.

Yellr Stats:

Performance no issues - some damage to a stressed area.

• Montrose, CO on Friday/10.7

Total miles Thursday and Friday from Camp to Montrose = 190.3 Miles

 

[OlYellr]

Day 7: Friday

Had coffee and eventually went back to pack up. Came back over to the other side of camp to say goodbye.

This time drove north to I-70 and up and over to Denver. Karl @sogncab said he was in second gear all the way up before we left. Gave me lots of comfort. Somehow managed to cruise along quite well. On the big climb up to Eisenhower/Johnson tunnel - about 40-45 mph climb - unless super slow truck ahead. Way better than I thought it would be.

Chose not to adjust the timing back once in the flats to see what is what with data (spreadsheet isn't going to populate itself with new data). Gassed up in Fort Morgan, Co. Kept 11* - there is some hill climb too so not totally flat/downhill to be fair.

Yellr Stats:

• Eagle, CO/19.3 mpg (lots of down hills to balance out any climb)
• Fort Morgan, CO/16.4 mpg (big climb to Eisenhower/Johnson - and big decent to rush hour Denver)
• North Platte, NE/14.61 (this with 11* timing).

Stayed night in North Platte

Total Miles for the day 556.89

 

[OlYellr]

Day 8: Saturday

Final stretch. Woke up, set timing to 7* and did a bit of adjustment to air/fuel and idle (need more idle adjustment). Put the 5 gallons of fuel from Jerry Can in tank before filling up in North Platte and added that to what ever was pumped in. Forgot to mention that. Don't need to store gas.

Yellr Stats:

• Lincoln, NE/16.3 mpg (at 7*)

Made it home about an hour after filling up. Didn't do another fill-up to complete the drive. I was pretty much done. Unpacked, and took a long nap.

Drive 218.3 miles + maybe 40 more to get home

EDIT for grammar etc.

 

[OlYellr]

Lastly - today I was doing the correction factor calibrations etc. for my MPG calculations with such long drive to SAS and back.

I had some stretch & compared a few ways out and back.

For example when I filled up here to start the journey to the first gas station. The odometer showed 168.7 miles traveled. The correction factor I computed previously and applied to the odometer yielded 223.5 miles. Google Maps was 225.2 and GPS tracking was 225.5. So the factor was generating corrections close to GPS tracking and Google Maps.

Same on way back from SAS. From North Platte to Lincoln (plus stop in Kearney). Odometer showed 163 miles traveled, correction yielded 215.9 miles - GPS and Google Maps was 219.3 & 219 respectively.

I feel very comfortable with my calcs now and the mpg I state I am getting, and will continue to test it to make sure if something changes (IE bad MPG that can't be explained).

 

[Plains Cruiser]

Just chiming in to say thanks for an incredible trip. One for the books. Can't wait to do it next year in an actual cruiser myself

Off to enjoy my last peach.

 

[70fj40]

Great write up. Felt like I was along for the ride. This adventure wrap up reminded me a little of the Seaknight’s adventure with the Turtle and the more recent Route 66 adventure in the fact that I looked forward to where the story took us everyday. I love these cross country adventures in an FJ40.
Thanks for the adventure!

 

[knuckle47]

I am in awe of the beauty of this region of the country. The ride alone would be cake but the surroundings are just majestic.

Great stuff @Ol Yeller

EDIT: So wait ! There are 2 @OlYellr s?

 

[OlYellr]

Yeah

I am in awe of the beauty of this region of the country. The ride alone would be cake but the surroundings are just majestic.

Great stuff @Ol Yeller

EDIT: So wait ! There are 2 @OlYellr s?

- that is my bad when I first signed up. I got specialty plate here in NE - could not get "ol yeller" only "ol yellr". so when I plugged that in to create an account on MUD, that was not taken. Not knowing or even thinking that there could be an @Ol Yeller on MUD before me and double check.

one e & space vs. no e & no space are the difference between the two (Ol Yeller vs OlYellr).

I've apologize before - feel like I am a contestant on the price is right and bid one dollar more than the previous bidder.

If I could change my name and it cascade around I would.

again apologies for being "that" guy @Ol Yeller

 

[Ol Yeller]

Yeah

- that is my bad when I first signed up. I got specialty plate here in NE - could not get "ol yeller" only "ol yellr". so when I plugged that in to create an account on MUD, that was not taken. Not knowing or even thinking that there could be an @Ol Yeller on MUD before me and double check.

one e & space vs. no e & no space are the difference between the two (Ol Yeller vs OlYellr).

I've apologize before - feel like I am a contestant on the price is right and bid one dollar more than the previous bidder.

If I could change my name and it cascade around I would.

again apologies for being "that" guy @Ol Yeller

Not at all, actually getting pinged on threads is very interesting as I’d probably miss reading them @OlYellr

 

[POTATO LAUNCHER]

It was a pleasure meeting you in person at SAS. Your willingness to jump in and help with the group photo is truly appreciated my friend.
Casey..
Oh', and your 40 is ok too, I guess...

 

[OlYellr]

Oh', and your 40 is ok too, I guess...

Resorting to spreading rumors now I see…

Like you said last week, we are a family. And in my family if someone asks for help, you help.

Thanks and cheers to you!