2010 at the Hammond Barn

[RHClarke]

This was a SEG weekend. Both Bob and I had a chance to take our CMPs out for a little run. On Saturday, I took the 45 HUP out and about Bob's back 40 acres. The transfer case works well! Once in 4WD, the HUP seemed unstoppable - but I kept in mind the amount of $, time and effort put into this truck, so nothing "wild" was attempted. Bob on the other hand, decided to take his truck up the side of a mountain of wood chips...next time, I will bring the video camera.

Grant spent a good amount of time restoring the frame of his 3/4ton trailer. That thing will be much better than new when he finishes it. Bob concentrated on installing his 10.50 x 16 tires on his C15 rims. 3 down, 1 to go. I kept busy with wiring the nose of the truck with the excellent wiring loom provided through the services of Phil Waterman. Top notch material that looks the part. As well, I sandblasted the door handles we got on our visit to Sorel earlier this month. Have you ever noticed that when you sandblast chrome plating, it looks like there is a flame near the area being blasted? Cool effect.

Every once in a while I do some work on the prototype. This week I managed to free up the roof in preparation for removal. The plan is to weld the roof section (complete) onto a jig and then put it on a rotisserie for weld repairs. I am toying with the idea of welding in complete new panels as opposed to cutting out the rust holes (many) and welding in patches. Any advice would be appreciated.

The weather this weekend was fabulous! Most of the bugs even seemed to take the weekend off. I guess there is nothing that compares to hearing your truck merrily idling away as it warms up in anticipation of a short jaunt. Everything just seems to fall into place when I get behind the wheel of my Mistress. It’s the little things in life that makes it all worthwhile.

Photos:
1. "The Trailer Parts Boys" at work (which one is Bubbles????)
2. One happy puppy
3. Halfway thru the Prototype's Lobotomy
4. Bob entertains Guy - one of Bob's buddies from the days gone by
5. Bob just before comtemplating a career change as a stunt driver...