'46 Chevy Shorty

[Sleddgracer]

Originally Posted by Tango

Howdy All --- Been a while and I have very little to show for it. In spite of having been off chemo for over a month, I have felt just as bad (if not worse) than ever (?). This really sucks. All I have managed to get done was to have the ladder powder coated...and get some rattle can paint on the bottom of the rack frame. Now I need to flip it back over and finish painting the other side. From there, it can be mounted onto the bus (after a fair amount of drilling and such).



Ladder turned out pretty OK with silver powder coating.



Probably looks pretty much like the last pix but the paint is different. I discovered that Rustoleum's generic "silver" is pretty awful paint. Does not harden at all and dries out with silver dust on the surface that wipes off with anything. Had to go back over it all with a scruff pad, wiped it down with a track rag, then applied a (hopefully) tougher silver paint. Used DupliColor "Wheel Paint". Appears to form a much better bond and surface.



We'll see.


Back to the VA hospital later this week to see what the latest plan is. Man...am I ever ready for something different. Hmmmm...for some reason that thought reminds me of the old line..."be careful what you wish for".









ONWARD-ish!

GREAT job - that ladder is a piece of art and the deck frame is likely the best I've seen anywhere - hang in there Tango (Y)

[plfking]

Originally Posted by Tango

Howdy All --- Been a while and I have very little to show for it.

We'll cut you some slack.

That ladder looks absolutely terrific.

Back to the VA hospital later this week to see what the latest plan is. Man...am I ever ready for something different. Hmmmm...for some reason that thought reminds me of the old line..."be careful what you wish for".

Really hoping they can help you in a big way. Stay strong.

[Frochevy]

The rack and ladder look great! Wish you the best and hang in there. Will send prayers up for you.

[GuidoLyons]

Looking good Tango. Hang in there buddy.

[Tango]

Many thanks to all for the kind words and good wishes. I will take all I can get these days.



Hey Guido...are you gonna have a few free minutes in Houston anytime soon? I could use a pair of hands to help me flip the rack over. My usual helper on such stuff runs the Art Car Museum and with the big, annual Art Car parade next weekend, he is pretty much swamped around the clock right now. Literally a 5 minute job at most and I'll buy lunch at El Rojo Loco.

[GuidoLyons]

Sure thing. I'll give you a call, I have some time tomorrow afternoon.

[dredman]

Tango gets more done while sick, than I do healthy (not mentally) and several years his junior. Makes me rethink my habits and priorities for sure.

Art is an understatement.

[HazMatt]

Originally Posted by dredman

Tango gets more done while sick, than I do healthy (not mentally) and several years his junior. Makes me rethink my habits and priorities for sure.

Art is an understatement.

Ditto, cubed.

[GuidoLyons]

Originally Posted by dredman

Tango gets more done while sick, than I do healthy (not mentally) and several years his junior. Makes me rethink my habits and priorities for sure.

Art is an understatement.

Just keep your shirt on would ya?

[Tango]

Well Howdy Boys & Girls --- It appears that I need to find a home for my Skoolie project as well as a goodly number of parts & such...and do it fairly soon.

My last visit to VA hospital confirmed my suspicions. All the chemo they poured into me over the past few months thoroughly whacked me out...but has basically done nothing to slow the cancer. It has grown substantially and is not responding to the (very) aggressive treatments they have had me on. I have known from the beginning they had no cure to offer for the type of cancer I have (small cell lung cancer) and that the best we could hope for was to buy two or three years, but even that appears out of the question now.

And while I have never figured on living forever...I really hoped to complete this project and drive it a bit before I croaked. Barring some major miracle...not gonna happen.

So...I will be putting together as much info as possible on what will be available. The bus, its' state of build, the engine, trans, running gear, brakes...all I can get on paper. Any of you who have followed along over the years have some idea just how much time, love and energy has gone into building this old gal and I would really like to see someone who appreciates classic Skoolies pick up the torch and finish her out but I am also prepared to part her out if necessary. My only heir is my daughter and she would be completely lost trying to deal with it, so if necessary...I will part it out.

I cannot begin to tell how much that idea hurts after all I have put into it over the past seven years, but now I need to try and do what's best for my survivors.

Anyone interested in acquiring the whole project can PM me. Otherwise, I will post a (long) list of top of the line parts & accessories in the next couple of weeks.

For now, here are a few of the basics:

Chassis: 1946 Chevy 1.5 ton shorty with body by Wayne
Engine: Mid-90's Cummins 4BTAA Factory Recon - Refurbished and tested by Diesel Specialists
(130 hp/327 lbs, torque but estimated at about 175-180 hp based on tuning)
Trans: Factory built (brand new/never run) Gen 5 Allison 2200MH, 6-speed, dual OD automatic, SAE 3.
Radiator/Intercooler: Custom built
Rear Axle: 1998 Chevy 3500 4x2 Dana 80 HD Duallie w/wide track w/4.30 gearing
Brakes: 4 wheel disks with Hydroboost
Tires: 8R19.5 Bridgestone R187 Steel belted radials
PS/PB
New leaf springs all around


And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Let me know if any of you are up for finishing this classic (all major components are there).



Meanwhile...All my best to my Skoolie friends & family.








ONWARD!

[o1marc]

Prayers to you brother. Hopefully you'll make a deal to see it completed. Make a list of your vision for it's completion.

[plfking]

**** a duck.

Honestly, your attention to detail and countless re-works for perfection inspired me to up my game on my own build....and I thank you for that.

[HazMatt]

What a heart-breaker! So sorry the prognosis wasn't better, and that you put up with the pain and poison needlessly.

I've lurked your build thread for some time, and it's been an inspiring trip, thank you for sharing!

It says a lot about you that, on the heels of such devastating news, you'd expend this much time and effort to see that your baby finds a good home. I doubt I'd react with such grace...

[ermracing]

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Hopefully you can find someone who can continue your vision for the bus. Your work is awesome!

[Rovobay]

Tango, heartbreaking to hear. I hope you will find someone to take on this project with as much passion as you have. All the best

[Sleddgracer]

I'm extremely sorry and disappointed to hear this news, but I must say you are handling the 'transition' with as much care and class as you put into your build - you have set a great example to not only your daughter, but to all of us on the forum, and it's my guess that the same applies to everyone in your life - my talents don't come close to yours, but watching your build, and admiring the art you have created has encouraged me to put more into my build than I had originally planned - and my thanks go to you (Y)

[Randal02]

I just wanted to add to those here offering well wishes. I am sorry to hear the news. I joined this forum just to keep up with your build. Heck, this may even be my first post!

I also wanted to say that your build has inspired me. You didn't take shortcuts and you did things right. I appreciate your artistry, dedication and tenacity. I'll be thinking of you when it is my turn to build my old shorty.

It'll be done the Tango way.

[EastCoastCB]

Can't find the words to say, just that we all LOVE you Don.

[Oldcarnut]

That sucks Tango. Wish you the best.

[Ronnie]

Yea, I can not find the words to say either. You have a great build, and great words for others who need your advice. Sorry to hear the news. Wish you the best.