| Author | Message | ||
| Cliff (Floridacracker)
Rating: N/A |
Well, Here was my plan. My Buddy Kelly was going to drive me up to pick up the 4905 and then follow me home. My wife took a picture of us as if to imply that we may not be seen again. Well the coach that ran like a top, would not stay running for some reason, Clogged fuel filters. After we tracked them down and configured a priming set up for the system we were ready to go. Almost. I had planned to drive to the tire shop for some new steer tires but the time had slipped away. I also had a pesky air leak from the rear tank, but careful use of the brakes could deal with that. We aired up the tires and planned to "Take it slow" on the way to my house. I also found out that the headlights were not working, but not to worry, it was only 1 hour until dark and I only lived 58 minutes away. So off we went, as I waved goodbye and turned my coach onto the highway for the first time. Suddenly, the door opened and my cell phone bounced across the pavement as if to say "your on your own buddy". Well thank God I had Kelly following me to pick up any items that were thrown off. I was amazed at the power that this thing had and I found out quickly that there would be a little bit of a learning curve on shifting this spicer. Well we got about 10 miles when a sudden feel of thud, thud, came from the right front and I was down on the rim. I found a spot that was sort of flat and pulled over. After a few choice words and realizing that I should have listened to Bob and had the tires changed at his house, we were on our way to the truck stop. I was lucky to get ahold of the 24 hour tire man right as he sat down to dinner, he said he would meet me at the truck stop in just a little bit. It was obvious that dark was going to ruin our little excursion but, a set of fog lamps, some wire, duct tape and a spare battery later and we had devised a master plan to get some "headlights" on the bus. The tire guys were great and I learned why I have roadside service on my RV. The temp headlights were on and we were on our way once again. I usually like rain, but when I found out that the windshield wipers moved, but did not touch the windshield I just laughed. Ok, about 10 miles to go and were home free. Just as I crowned the top of a bridge there sat the DOT man with a Semi pulled over. He gave me a good once over , but I guess the semi had more to offer. All that was left was the speed trap town and we were through. It must have been my lucky night as they were both at dinner. As we passed my street Kelly called on the cell phone andsaid goodnight and I thought only a mile to go. I called Julie and said watch out front as your bus is arriving. I would also need her guidance as I navigate down the driveway. Well the bus just wont quite make the curve with one of the oaks trees, but she is on my property now and thats were she belongs. The chain saw will be getting a work out in the morning. But you know what, I still love my bus. Happy Thanksgiving to all Cliff | ||
| Robert Wood (Bobwoodsocal)
Rating: N/A |
TIMBERRR!!! Glad you made it home safe, Cliff. Bob | ||
| Sojourner (Jjimage)
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Amen to what Robert Wood said. That what Busnut's blood is like...keep looking up with patience.. Thanks for your testimony. | ||
| Cliff (Floridacracker)
Rating: N/A |
Well I cut down the two small oak trees and hit the start button, instantly she purred, I love diesels. With the two trees gone she fit right around the corner. A little backgound; I told my wife that when I planted those trees that they would never be in the way, she disagreed, obviously she received a small amount of pleasure watching me remove them. I guess I am not the first person to discover that these buses seem to have grown once you get them home. Well I set up the wood ramps and I will be repairing that pesky air leak tommorow. I fixed the sticking windshiled wiper with just a shot of WD, everthing is easier in the daylight. The fun begins. | ||
| Bob Oakman (Bobsbus)
Rating: N/A |
Congats Cliff! Great story! Have fun fixing her up. I now have lots of space on my property, but when I brought the bus home the first time, I lived in a sub-division in Houston. As I weaved through the streets to get to my home, I was doing a whole lot of tree trimming on the way. I looked in the rear-view and the street was littered with small branches behind me.  | ||
| Sojourner (Jjimage)
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Cliff.... Just for safety stake........... I don't know if you are newbie or experience bus shop mechanic. If newbie, Be sure "wood" ramp is wide & well support. Always keep in mind, air bag can break at anytime while you’re underneath bus. Are you in Florida? Sojourn for Christ, Jerry | ||
| Cliff (Floridacracker)
Rating: N/A |
Jerry, I am a newbee to buses, but have been reading the boards and bus magizines for about two years. The idea of loosing an airbag while underneath is scary as well as probably deadly. The ramps are made out of 2X12 pt boards and I have one for each wheel, They have a 45' cut where the grade changes. I will be blocking and chocking it on each side once up on the ramps. I was told it was the rear tank drain that was leaking so I believe I will probably loose all of my air Yes I am in Florida. I am up near Wildwood and if you have ever been up to the Webster Flea Market on Mondays you know about where I am at. Cliff | ||
| John Rigby j
Rating: N/A |
Cliff, Bock,block and block again. We dont want the bus to roll or an air bag blow or you to touch an automatic leveler and have the body come down. John |