2001 Texas Rally was Great!!

[JConley]

First off, any posts you read regarding a strange knocking sound after upgrading my Ram are for the most part... ... More on this later...



Thanks to all the people that put this together. This rally was first class all the way. I dont know the final number of trucks that attended, but it was A LOT!! The food was great, the door prizes were great, and the RV park was one of the best that I have been to. Piers, Joe D, and Bill K ( from this point on known as Hydraulic Bill ) put on a great seminar the first day answering questions from the crowd covering a wide range of subjects. After the seminar, we had lunch at the resort, and then went on a hill country cruise through some of the most scenic routes in central Texas. We had about 30 or so Rams in the caravan. I was the fourth Ram from the front, and all I could see in my rearview were Rams. For some reason, there was this strange black cloud at times that seemed to follow us The last part of the cruise turned into a testing run to see when our trucks start to de-fuel Personally, my TC Saver started to kick in around 85 so I didnt do that well.



After the cruise we had a pot luck dinner at the resort. There was so much food that no one went hungry. in fact, I bet they are still eating the leftovers. After the dinner, BOMBing, and the BOMBing of the TDR members started. Thanks to a great doorprize, I got a discount on some parts from Piers company PDR. I decided to get a fuel plate, and everyone else decided FOR ME!! that I also needed a Governor spring kit. (thanks guys... ) Piers and I installed the parts, and after everything was together, I (unknowingly) turned into the nightime entertainment. Piers got under my truck with a hammer, and as soon as I started the truck, this loud knocking sound started and FREAKED me out!! To make matters worse... they have pictures I admit... Ya got me good. Oh well... it's a small price to pay for a great running truck. If you have a 12 valve, you HAVE to get the plate and governor! Holy cow is thing thing fun to drive!!!



They say it isnt a party until something breaks, so thanks Strick-9 for making this rally (and the transmission seminar in Dallas) a BIG party. (I hate to see what you have lined up for the next rally).



Someone will have to write about Bill K's seminar on Sunday. I had to go back to Austin Sat night Someone else will also have to explain the story behind the "Hydraulic Bill" nicname. (hint... it doesnt have anything to do with trannies )



Thanks Piers!!! for the time you took to show me the guts of my pump. Your great customer service, willingness to answer questions, and knowledge will guarantee the success of your company. I look forward to talking to you again in the future. Ya know... With Piers and Bill K in Canada, it looks like we have one stop shopping in Canada!!



I dont know how the 2002 rally could be much better than this years, but if it is only half as good, you can bet that I will be there. Thanks Lone Star TDR for all the great work!!

 

[Ramboy]

What John said! Also, Curtis must know one of the weather gods. It was an absolutely beautiful week-end. Thanks to "danandme", I got a BHAF and for you guys that have upgraded your injectors and don't like smoke, the filter virtually eliminated my smoke. Can't say why??? Thanks also to "Barry" for setting me up with a Frantz filter. I think I can say that a great time was had by all. I'm already looking forward to next year.

Phil

 

[_Hyde]

I'll second that!

This was great! I'm already looking forward to next year. Chaw & I stayed in Southbound's new Jayco 5er and that made the trip. May have to consider using this place again. Hats off to whoever picked it out. Weather was very nice although it seemed a little cool in out trailer this AM after having the windows open all nite, just the way I like it. What's in store for '02?



Darren

 

[Chris N5CWM]

Made it home safe and sound

What an awesome event! Terri (my wife) and I made

the trip back to Conroe (north Houston) with no

problems. Too bad there weren't any of our group

leaving at the same time to "convoy" back.



I have several digital images to upload from the

event. I will post the website URL when they are

ready. I also have some HI-8mm video to convert

to . mpg but I'm afraid my video card is SOL. More

on that later too.



As I was unloading the travel trailer tonight, I

could not help but feel kind of sad that it is all

over so fast. My wife and I had a great time

and we're looking forward to the next LSTDR meet!



-Chris & Terri McKendry

 

[Deezul1]

JConley



The look on your face when your truck started knocking was worth the trip. And the look on your face when you got back from your test drive, well we knew all was forgiven you were a happy Diesel driver. We all darn near busted a gut to keep from laughing when Piers crawled under there with the hammer.

Glad you are liking your BOMBS.

 

[Bill Lins]

Please add my thanks and congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to put this event on- to call it a success is an understatement. To those of you who missed it- YOU BLEW IT! Can't wait 'til next year!

 

[TxDieselKid]

I don't want to hear another diesel truck for....

Great time. Could not belive how much fun i had, and i learned. My girlfriend and I would like to thank... .



"Roll back Bill" , and Steph K for the lights, and box. WOW, still can't beleive that deal.



Piers and Boss for coming to Texas, and giving the shirts.



Okie for letting us hang around the camper, and drink a few cold ones that I owe him now. I also owe him for watching out for some deals to send my way (try to at least), and for letting us ride on the crusie.



Sandy, and RustyJC for the dinner.



Curtis, you are the man.



DanandMe for the BHAF.



And a BIG thanks to Merrick for the hotel deal (has anybody heard from him let, hope he made it home).



The bad side is I got the BOMB bug a little too much, I did get those headlights, a box, and I don't want to hear a diesel truck for about 3 or 4 weeks. My girlfriend tells me there is only so many times the word turbo should be used in one conversation. I think I would have to agree.



To much fun, can't wait for the next one.



AJB

 

[MCummings]

Whew!.

All I can say is I had a GREAT TIME!, it was very cool to put faces to names.



The weather was awesome.

I left with some great memories, a bunch of new friends, a BHAF, and about an extra 190-200HP.

DEFINATLY looking forward to the next rally.



Was very nice meeting everybody.



MerrickNJr



P. S. Did yall know that the Cruise Control won't set any higher than 86-87MPH. . ?

 

[MCummings]

FAST1 says I talk to fast, but apperantly, I type too slow. .



Hey TxDieselKid, had a great time hangin' with ya, no prob with the hotel, anytime.



Danandme, I got that airfilter in my truck, good deal, I couldn't catch up with ya, so TxDieselKid picked one up for me, Thanks again.



"Hydraulic" Bill, and Stefan Kondolay, Thanks a million for the PE COMP, and doing nearly 100% of the install before I could say, "Where's this plug go?"



Hyde, Thanks for lettin' me wash the truck in your parking spot. It' still clean, except for the right rear fender, Diesel smoke is just to much fun...



WierCummin,, Piers, Bill K. , KWIKKURT, Fast1, Hyde, and all the others that pitched in to help with the my injectors, I thought my injection pump was as good as gone. I would not have had any idea what to do if I woulda been by myself. So far my starter and batteries are still holding up well, and the truck runs as good as ever, except, quicker.



The drive through the Hill country was very cool.



So many names, so many people helping, so many Dodge trucks in one place!, I'll never be able to remember everything that happened, or everyone I talked to.



MerrickNJr

 

[Huntmastr1]

What a great event!!!!!!!!!



It was very nice to meet some of you for the first time and good to see Bill Lins again.



I made it there at lunch time on saturday and enjoyed all the drawings but had to leave shortly afterwards.

Thank you to all the contributors.

Thanks to Bill K. for the heads up on selecting a fueling box.

Txdieselkid, it was good to meet you and I know the excitement you feel about getting that Cummins to hummin .

Next year you can bet I will plan to be there for the entire time.



Jeff

 

[Deezul1]

A great big Thank you and attaboy goes to the guys and gals of LSTDR who put a lot of effort and money into making this a great event. Join the LSTDR and help make this event a annual thing, they need our support to keep it going. Thanks to Joe, Piers and Bill for making the looong drive to come out and share their knowledge and good deals.

Lets do it again next month.

 

[Southbound]

Great Texas Rally!!!!

Wow..... what a rally!!! My hat goes off to all of those that made this event happen. LSTDR you guys did an excellent job!!! Somehow we need to have two rallys a year instead of one... . maybe one in the spring???? I dont think I can wait another year for the next rally. Well I hope everyone makes it home safe and for those of you that are retired... . dont forget about us workin folks. Take care everybody and God Bless!



Southbound

 

[zap]

I also want to say thanks to everyone that made this a great event. Looking forwaerd to the next one.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Welcome to the Piers rod knock club JConley!! #ad
I was bitten by the same thing at last years (2000) Scheid diesel event. His timing is UNREAL isn't it - he's gotten a lot of practice! In my case though I was oblivious for a while because Doc told me that it would run horrible for a while (I had to replace the connector tubes as well on mine so the whole fuel system was full of air and we only bled a couple of injector lines). But when Gene started jumping up and down and yelling "SHUT IT DOWN, SHUT IT DOWN!" I started to get worried!

 

[Rd.Runnr]

Amen

Well, I don't think I can express all of my feelings about this rally. Here is a short list:

What a job done by LSTDR--Curtis, Thank you

A great location -The Texas hill country has to be one of God's favorite places--He made it so beautiful!

Wonderful people with a common interest Great speakers-honest & forthrite & best of all very knowledgeable

Wonderful sponsors & vendors (lets make it a point to give them our business & support

Super hosts -a remarkably clean, spacious facility with focused, friendly, accomodating personnel

What can be said about the weather?? Fantastic!!



Yes, I am ready for an encore & I know that is being discussed.

 

[dmurdock]

yes, it was a great time... same comradery and info sharing found at the first rally, just on a much larger scale. merrick, glad to see you got home, i think you aged enought saturday night to not worry about being old enough to rent a hotel room in the future

 

[HBarlow]

2001 Texas TDR Rally

Those who have already posted on the subject have done an excellent job of describing the event and no futher repetition by me is needed. I would, however, like to add my personal thanks to the great folks in the LSTDR whose initiative, leadership and organizational skills, and hard work made the event possible. A GREAT JOB!!



I would also like to thank Joe Connally, Piers Harry, and Bill Kondolay for the outstanding technical seminars they presented and for driving very long distances at their own expense to give so freely of their time and knowledge. Thanks also for the fine vendors who set up and staffed their displays, donated door prizes, and answered questions. I hope we all bought enough parts to make it worth their time.



I met and enjoyed hanging out with a great bunch of fellow Dodge-Cummins fanatics. It was a great weekend.



Texas is pickup truck country. Let's focus our attention toward making the LSTDR the largest and most active TDR chapter in the US. I am a newcomer to the entire experience but have to confess - I'm hooked. I'm already looking forward to the next one.

 

[danandamy]

Ditto's

The wife and I had a blast. It was great to meet new folks and see folks that we've met before. The RV resort was GREAT Hangin' will all of ya'll was great and my wife's proud that I actually managed to not spend a huge wad of money on accy's. I hope to let her down in the near future in that department, however



Dan