Haha my names at the top of the list...uh oh. Actually I told Richie to go spray that steering arm with penetrating oil a month ago.

 

Sometimes the list will get done quick and other times it can take all day on one item. I dont see how mechanics that make a living at it do it so well. I always hit a snag. It has come along ways from where it was.

 

Haha. It's getting closer

Out snag alley has come in the form of a lot of vehicles Jamming us up in the shop. We have consistently had 7-9 vehicles at any given time getting repairs done. Slowly getting caught up this week.

 

Keep cranking those vehicles out giz. We need updates on the yota! Lol

 

Super busy lately

 

He guys I know its been awhile since I have made an update. Work has been getting done just on other vehicles at the moment.

We actually got some good progress made on the project. Its still slow going.

For almost three weeks we have had 9 cars getting work done at one time. It has been a very challenging time for me with the students. Especially getting them to stay on task.

I have been having a lot of trouble with getting kids to come to class. Some of them have 22 days missed out of the 53 that we have in session. And this is in my Blocked 2hr period class.

This has been the hardest year teaching since 2006 when I started. The kids do not like to stay on task and have to be reminded to do so every 5 minutes.

I do have a few that actually like and want to work so I try to have projects and work to do so that they can still learn.


Anyhow, moving forward, We have been working on the project again as well as other vehicles that have stalled us out.

Most recently they have been trying to retrofit the new (used) seats into the cab via the stock mounts. I had an extra set of seats up stairs that are trashed and came out of my 4runner when I purchased it.

I have them cutting the old brackets apart so that we can attach them to the stock sliding seat brackets.



Kind of an Idea on where they are going to sit.


Separating the old brackets.








Most recently on another vehicle (99 4runner) has been the starter removal


This was my first time removing a 3.4L starter. Let me tell you, it was kind of a pain.


Not very much room. Had to disconnect the brake likes on the frame and move them out of the way. Also had to loosen the tranny dipstick tube so it could be moved. Then disconnected some PS lines and was able to get it out.

I would seriously not like to do this on the side of the road.

Finally got it out and started to tear it apart.


As I suspected, the contacts are all crusty and need to be replaced.








I need to get new contacts and a plunger assembly. I have called around everywhere and non of the local parts houses can get them.

There is a specialty place in Omaha. Old school guy that rebuilds starters, alternators, and generators that I am going to go talk to. Hopefully he has some stuff on hand.

Otherwise, I am going to have to order everything online and wait a few days to get it.


Still need to wire the engine, get cables, linkages, etc... hooked up. Have to do a once over on all the bolts and nuts.

Need to get more nuts for the bed bolts. Lots of other housekeeping items that I need to look into.

 

Hey Mark, glad to see your update, sounds like you've been really busy at work, and also at trying to keep some of your students on task! I like the looks of those seats, those side bolsters look like they will keep you comfortable and from sliding around when wheelin. Are those seats leather? Can't wait to see more!

 

I am on my laptop at work and it is slow. On my 88 runner build on the first page, I have a place that I get my plunger and contacts from out of SE Missouri. When I get home in a while and my home computer is easier to get to information I will post a link.

Keeping kids on task now a days can be a challenge. I haven't been to excited about working on the 3.4 but I know my days are coming.

 

Here it is http://nationstarteralternator.com/ first itiem

 

Seats look good,that sucks on the 3.4 starter replacement!

 

Thanks ED! They are Leather and look to be a recaro seat from the 90's or early 2000's. They are not in bad shape just need cleaned.

 

I will look into that Terry. It is easier for me to order them online than to try and go somewhere these days. I cannot seem to find the time when I am not working.



Thanks Terry!! I am going to place an order for the stuff today.

Thanks Chris! I really like the look of the seats also. They are super comfy too.

This 3.4 starter was a bear to take out compared to the 22re starter.

 

By the way,great pics on the starter,good info.

 

That starter reminds me of one of these! Man that looks like a pita

 

Thanks buddy!


So true!!! Thats what it felt like. Only able to come out one way and only able to go in one way. Very frustrating at one point. But glad we got it all fixed up for the guy so he can enjoy driving it.

 

Still trying to plug away at the project. We started a new trimester and I got back all my seniors that helped start and build the truck last school year.

What a breath of fresh air compared to the last trimester kids I had!!

Currently working on getting the engine and cab wired up and hoping to get things cranking or running this week.

Also got the Power steering mounted up to this block from the donor one that we had. The old 81 truck did not have power steering and definitely going to want it with this truck. So we swapped the PS bracket and pump over to it.


One of my better students tackled the job in no time at all. Hes a bit of a wild child everywhere else but is great for me. Works really hard too no matter what the job is. Im hoping he continues to stick it out and I can try and get him fixed up with a job.

Installed






We need to get a new bearing for the tension-er pulley and it will be all done and ready to go.

Next we are going to start tackling the wiring and swapping it over to get some juice to this bad boy.

More updates soon.

 

It will be running soon! Cant wait!

 

X2, nice work! It makes a big difference having some self motivated students! Look forward to seeing it finished!

 

Thanks for the positive vibes!!

Thanks ED!! It's actually refreshing having these kids back.

They start job shadowing next Tuesday at the local GMC dealer. I have a good relationship with them. The general manager of the dealer is a family friend and his wife's my coworker. Works out pretty nice

 

I believe you can just replace the bearing on the tensioner rather than the entire thing...