Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

The CA DMV Gestapo issue came up again. Guess even driving any vehicle with out of state plates might be probable cause to get stopped by Local and CHP. Some regular and car club guys here in OR reporting being pulled over for just that in Sacramento and LA areas and let go because they had valid OR addresses and OR Drivers licenses. The big increases in CA DMV fees causing a crackdown on those living in CA and registering elsewhere. Just a heads up as fines are beyond heinous.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

with the 700r4, is there a shift module inline? they are electronically shifted correct? I am sure you have that figured out though.
that sucks but at least you got some road time. do the throttle pates work properly with the warped base? not binding?

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

No electronics on this one except OD. The shop and I agree sitting for so many years may have destroyed it. Not sure the warpage will affect the plates They did need to add a 1' spacer and thicker gasket to resolve the vacuum issues and the engine runs fine. Will be speaking to MFR directly concerning the additional costs and hassles involved.

Toying with idea of ordering a new performance 700r4 and having it installed. Don't have that much time left to fuss with a poor rebuild.


If you can still do your own work you have this old mans envy,

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Well its been over a year with all sorts of ups and downs. One positive note is that there's an auto Parts supplier that is over and above.. I am completely impressed that Rancho Shocks stepped up to the plate and honored their "lifetime guarantee" and replaced all my shocks (and steering stabilizer}. They were added around 2001 and now 16 years later completely shot. They took the old ones back and shipped new ones at no cost. They make a good product unlike EDELBROCK whose quality control and customer service are in the toilet. I will never buy or recommend badly made and machined EDELBROCK products to anyone ever again. Their products cost me about a grand to resolve.

Also a thumbs up to PEP BOYS who warranted my 17 year old alternator. They were delighted to get it back in the original box for display.

Both the brakes and the tranny remain pricey issues but trying to have them both addressed soon. The last step will be the adding of the HAP ARNOLD AIR force wings to the doors and the memorial myrtle wood side racks. Then off to local shows, parades and USAF recruiting centers.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Well "George" had his first bath in about 20 years and a celebratory trip to the beach. The sliding rear and new weather stripping seemed to work to keep water out. First time in near 50 years its been anywhere near a beach. Use to go down to Corona Del Mar on a pretty regular basis often funded by hitchhikers with gas money. Wife hasn't ridden in since 1999 and looked a bit terrified but calmed down. Even saw a 50' dead sperm whale washed up north of Nesika. Will avoid that area for a good long while as even a dead sea lion can stink up the whole area.

Rides nice with all new shocks (thanks Rancho!!). I left off the 2 of the quad front shocks as i value what is left of my teeth. Tranny still shifting funny and brakes need another look as well. Still a hoot to drive and get thumbs up and honks all up and down 101.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Well been spending inodinate amout of time and $ correcting things the shop missed or messed up. That said i ordered the new side emblems today and went for a celebratory trip to the beach. Was able to contact the daughter of one of the pilots that rode in in this truck and later crashed in Laos. She seemed very pleased someone remembers those we lost in that war.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Well we missed the memorial day parade --AGAIN! We tried like hell to be in the parade. The day we were to have the emblems applied the trans went out. Thought we could squeeze another couple hundred miles out of it, but no. Tranny burned up on post wash "drying drive". Poor thing has been up in coos bay last 3 weeks waiting for fix. Wound up sitting there as just another spectator right in front of Fred Meyer. Went over to the car show in harbor to explain our absence to friends Sorry we missed any of you who showed up to see us. Sorry no pics as was in poor mood. Well maybe next year.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Very cool story with this truck. So glad that you kept at it. The insignias on the doors look fantastic. My grandfather was Army Air Corps. I'm impressed and moved by how you've kept track of those who were lost. I hope they can fix your transmission for minimal cost. Keep going on this thing. The frustration is natural, but don't lose heart. It's a great story and a great truck.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Sadly still waiting for shop to call and say that tranny is fixed. Just as well as needed to wait for another pension and VA disability check to help pay for this latest major setback. My project is running on less than fumes now.

The emblems shown are just digital for now. the real ones are sitting in sign shop waiting for truck as well. The USAAC symbol is the nicest one the AF ever had. Almost glad the USAF forebade the use of the current symbol (which i dislike). FWIW in the same phone call in which the said i couldn't use the current symbol they solicited me to bring the truck to a recruitment event. Still may attend. Missing the Memorial Day parade really hurts.

FWIW not hard to keep track of lost aircrew. My hand drawn attack plans were in their hands when they died. I was often last to see them. Only a Sgt but all treated me with respect and their advice changed my life. They will always stay young in my mind never get any older, and a constant reminder to to live my life the best i can because theirs ended so abruptly.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Been busy with life. The trans was "fixed" but had to go back to Coos Bay because of leaks (150 mile round trip). Many other fixes and upgrades added. Most notable was the GPS installed on dash. Made it to first parade. Very small town but still a parade. This is the culmination of the 50 year+ plan. Still needs much work and may never really be finished. Becoming a "coastal cruiser" for our nearly daily trips to beach (weather permitting). Always seems to draw a crowd of appreciative folks and brings back many memories.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

I like doing math and what is fun to think about is that this truck was only 13 years old when it was given to you. for everyone else to wrap their mind around, that is like being given a 2005 chevy short bed truck today.

very nice work, I remember when you posted the first time! its a rare thing to "finish", unofficially only 10% of the projects in the projects forums are done in less than 3 years.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

I was upset it took so long. Another "bucket list" checked off.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Been working on little stuff. Found my brake light switch i installed so 20 years ago finally died. Was able to take it apart, lube with silicone and its good as new. Attached is a pic of the third brake light. The location is only one i could use given limitations and looks like it was made for truck with the 1954,55 rear bumper. I wanted it to also light up with the turn signals but no deal. If you buy one the know this. White is ground, black is parking and red is stop. Drunken PRC Engineers.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Cool truck, glad I found your build thread

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

What's the story behind the outside mirror change?

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Peeps were useless with vent windows and downright dangerous for me in traffic.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

What did you end up using instead? I see you have the small peeps on the truck in those pictures. I have the same ones on my truck but they are usless and was thinking of getting the longer armed ones with the 4.5" mirror.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Used an original 54 arm i had on the drivers side and bought a painted repro arm for the passenger. Used 4x5" rectangular mirrors with 1.5" convex spots in corners. Even with a 1" extension a small part of the rectangle mirror is blocked by the windshield. Use them horizontal to increase view. Peeps about got me in an accident changing lanes. BTW you can drill holes thru the factory holes in the interior supports to make it easier.

Pic is at local tiny town parade.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Looks nice.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Thanks. Nice comments soften the continual onslaught of costs and repairs (and re-repairs).

The trans shop fixed the bad leak at the np208 output shaft by using a heavy duty seal. Apparently the seal kit they used in the rebuild did not have real good ones in it. Seal has a bright red outer ring (instead of green) and much thicker. Hope it works. Pan is still leaking and think its the same deal on seal quality. Going back this week to hopefully get leaks fixed. Another 150 mile round trip and $40 in gas.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Well the trans leak appears to be finally fixed. They had to pull it pound it straight where it had been over tightened and replace the seal that got split. Only another grueling 150 mile round trip in driving coastal rain with partially operable wipers.

Added "U.S. AIR FORCE" to side emblems and another over the crap paint spot on the tailgate. Sadly too many folks flat did not recognize the old USAAC emblem and did not understand what it meant. Apologies to vets and purists but necessary.

Same shop that did the body/paint work messed up a number of mechanical items. I fixed Loose header and carb bolts and about 100 other things. Truck now drives well but still needs front end work. That will be done soon.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

I think we can all relate. Keep plugging away, it'll be worth it Great truck!

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Well its been quite a awhile. Been busy in human body shop getting old parts replaced like eyeballs and teeth. Still struggling with mistakes and poor workmanship our local pot head mechanics did during the "restoration". Had to completely rewire most of the truck due them scabbing on new wires to old. The intermittent starting issues have completely disappeared due to all new wiring. Was about to pull tranny as it was suggested that the flex plate was shot. Bozos didn't replace it during engine upgrade (another FU). Flex plate is fine Pot heads not. Was afraid to drive it for fear of getting stuck somewhere. Still having Speedo issues and have a separate email out for help. In line for new ball joints and transfer case leak repair. Think I found Pot free shops this time. One local (and costly) shop says they have fired 13 new mechanics in last 2 years for drug issues. Also said they "share" info on abusers info on net so they are cooked as far as employment goes. Just wait till your doctor becomes a pot head. Will be posting some new pics soon.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Now that its starting ok been on to other long post poned projects. Made a mistake buying black face gauges. Very hard ro see without the lights on. Since all my dash lights are LEDs it dawned on me to wire them so they are on whenever the key is on. Having to pull the headlight swith to running light mode each time was a pain and tired of forgetting to turn them off whenever i left truck. This works.

Still struggling with seat belts as noted in another post but gave up on the new speedo and cable. Still jumpy half the time but barely livable. The seller is really bad and if they don't make it right i will let everyone know soon, FWIW in dash GPS provides speed info as needed anyway. It also beeps when i go to fast, approach a curve, speed limit changes, red light camera zones detected and on and on. Except for odometer my Analog gauges are doomed.

Wife and i watched the 4th fireworks down in Gold Beach harbor fro the truck bed. Best seats in the house (but a bit breezy).

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Ha ha, laughing about your experience with Oregon potheads since the state legalized recreational marijuana. Have you ever noticed that as Oregon minimum wage rockets upward, the higher minimum wage the worse the service? When state minimum wage went past my Social Security amount a few years back I stopped tipping in restaurants. Nowadays min wage workers get about $5000/year more than I do on SS. Hell, waitresses should be leaving ME money!

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Yup. Legalizing pot was a real mistake (or an intentional act of sabotage). ALL of the employers around here are desperate for drug free employees. Workmans Comp costs and issues will play out like home owners insurance in fire zones.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Was invited at last minute to our local antique plane fly in/car show at our podunk airport next to the Beach. Tons of very nice planes but only 5 cars showed up. Essentially this is the first show ever for the 54. I was flat astounded that thing got tons more attention than the perfect restorations right next to it. Notice was so short i didn't have time to wash it or clean cab. Kinda nerve wracking to have folks all over (and under it) looking at my Hausegemacht Arbeit (homemade work). Everyone had kind words and no complaints.

I wish I could have taken a pic of it in front of the old Bi-Planes. They had a heck of a lunch for us which i did not expect with "ordervies", cheese and fruit as well. Sadly no beer. While chowing down it dawned on me that this was the first time this old flightline truck was actually back on any sort of flightline in an astounding and some what rapid fire 47 years.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

In the continuing soggy saga four issues continue to annoy. There's a continuing drip from where the "cone" section of the NP208 that meets the main body. Still under warranty and needs to be pulled apart and properly resealed. The leak around the output yoke has returned despite a thicker seal. I hear there's a sleeve that might help but unsure. Hate to have to by a brand new yoke. An intermittent squeal is coming from the power steering pulley seems unstoppable. I cannot tighten belt anymore and reservoir is full. Lastly the new speedo still has low speed shakes. Goes away at 25. Got a new cable coming. it will be number 3.

Despite all these things it a flat joy to drive. I cannot go a quarter mile without honks waves and complements (and thanks for our service for --- both the truck and i). Just a visit to the Post Office or grocery store turns into a one vehicle show

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

your perseverance is admirable, and the end result is gorgeous, so take heart in that.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Speaking of perseverance thought i would add the following thread concerning what i thought was a mysterious Power Steering squeal that i couldn't resolve.

"Well another strange but not unexpected turn of events. It wasn't the PS at all. I looked closely at the alternator and was shocked to see one bolt so loose only the valve cover kept it from falling out. Apparently on turns it caused the Alternator to tork slightly causing belt to slip and squeal. been driving around like that since it left the shop. Luckily the shop left the exact size open end wrench stuck between the motor mount and engine. Grabbed it, fixed it and squeal is gone. The pain of knowing i paid a professional mechanic/restorer/pot head remains. Wait til your pot head surgeon leaves his tools in you or you kid. "

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

I get that you are unhappy with the work done, but try to see the truck for what it is, instead of what you wish it was. we are all our own worst critics, I have grand mal seizures overthinking about things I have done to solve a problem on a build that on the next one I did differently and better, and thats what really learning is, screwing up and learning from it. cant be afraid to do it, and cant regret it. no matter what you think you have out of this, its a damn fine looking truck and at least you are constantly improving it.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Hey, have you ever noticed this AD truck sitting just off 101 in Gold Beach on Google Maps Street View? Click on the link for a closer pic.

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.4171...7i13312!8i6656
.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Isn't our town lovely - NOT. Gold beach is in a state of intentional accelerated decay.

Saw that one a long time ago and never since. Think it was a 52 on a later 4 wheel chassis. FWIW Yesterday we saw a 54, full rust patina with a 20' (?) trailer in tow parked on an ocean overlook on 101 near Port Orford. Woulda taken a pic but circumstances prevented it. Hope he had a big engine and great brakes. There was a 300' drop onto the rocks where he parked.

Gold Beach has been fast food free for 2 years with the closing of Dairy Queen and Subway, quickly followed by the local Chase bank. BTW the "fountain" in the lower right side was reportedly built at a cost over 10K by a crooked councilwoman who pocketed most of the $.

This is our star attraction. The intentional wreck of the Mary Hume:

https://s3.amazonaws.com/oceanscape-...jpg?1410365900

You can Google the whole lurid story

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Thanks for complements and encouragement. Tons of fun to drive and never fails to get approving thumbs up, honks waves and or instant one truck "carshows".


Having to re-fix stuff myself, However, is both physically and psychologically painful.

Sadly the issue goes to the heart of current life in a pot legal state and its costing everyone money, and from what I hear-- lives. I figure i'm out at least $10K + due to shoddy work. Last local, respectable repair shop here says they can't find drug free mechanics and have fired more than dozen over the last year due to drug/pot related issues. Many think they don't have to pass a P-test anymore. Failing a test is reported to everyone in Solar System so adios Workmans Comp ( and future employment) and hello $125/HR at the repair shops. Local govt loves it cause POT DUIs are treated same as alcohol and now can be detected remotely from other vehicles and even clothing.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

After finding more motor oil leaks coming from the bell housing just now i think you have mistaken my perseverance with my abject stupidity. IMHO this is another clear sign that the current mechanical workforce and the manufacturers may have declined to a new low. Makes one wary of everyone who offers a paid service and everything you buy. We may be in real trouble.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Been trying to hire a trustworthy local mechanic with no luck, so back at it again. Can't do a thing to fix the drip from the NP208 case or from the driveshaft seal. Thinking about getting the seal and sleeve combo shown on the net. Also wondering if tranny "stop leak" might be ok if confined to the transfer case. Also Wondering how the sleeve is held in place. Did pull the rear bumper off as they did not paint where it meets the brackets and starting to see rust. Last time this bumper was off was before many of you were born. Found out fast it was under some "spring" pressure and bolts were hard to remove. Putting them back was almost at the limit of this old mans strength and barely finished. Did get under it and tighten all the hose clamps to the coolers and radiator. These routine maintenance issues are another reason to hook up with a local shop.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

On other issues the winds here are brutal. ADs are not known for their exceptional aerodynamics and being lifted makes fighting 45=50 MPH headwinds a chore. Back when i had a 235 and was crossing the desert twice a week, strong headwinds would literally slow top speed down to 45 floored. It has taken a toll on wiper blades too and, after a half century, i have finally had it with wind twisting blades sideways. My first attempt were tight zipties to hold the little pressed in detent in place on the blade arm. No deal. Today i took off the blades, drilled out the detent, and replaced it with a 6-32 nut and bolt. Seems very strong and resist any twisting. May post pics if anyone wants to see my poor efforts.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

I'd be interested in seeing pics of your wiper mod.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Here you go. This side still needs to be aligned and fastened down. Other side is done and solid as a rock. Seems to hav improved blade to glass contact and wipers are NAPA off the shelf. Changing wipers just requires unscrewing and a minor hole enlargement in the plastic BUT better than losing a wiper in a down pour.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Well it actually rained pretty hard here on the SO Beach and the fix was put to the test. Worked great! Hopefully the days of the sideways or tossed wipers are over. I also found that rainx stuff works so well you can drive with out wipers in an emergency if you need to.. Wonder how long it lasts?