Buying '78 Lil Red Express Truck

[MarkEagleUSA]

I call it being prepared. Problem I have is finding it when I need it

I have that problem as well...

 

[Wiredawg]

I have that problem as well...

Or remembering I even have it now what was I looking for?

 

[DavidC]

Or remembering I even have it now what was I looking for?

I was gonna say that but I couldn't remember

 

[Wiredawg]

Stopped to sip coffee... before it's time to have a be-eer. Going topside to inspect back of engine, vacuum lines and whatever. Thought I'd share the BEST tool I've bought in the last 20 years... the topside creeper.

No more balancing on ladders or laying on the engine ....AND Amazon has 'em free chipping..

Che-eers, Ron

 

[DavidC]

Don't know about the creeper but you may want to check out these fender covers, they are NICE and no more paint marring. I bought 2 a few years ago, 2 fenders 2 covers
https://www.griotsgarage.com/product/ultra+soft+fender+cover.do?from=Search&cx=0

 

[Wiredawg]

New discovery.... backyard mechanics bypassed the vacuum solenoid for the throttle positioned system and ran straight vacuum from the intake manifold to the vacuum throttle positioner. Think that has an impact on the engine?

So, gonna run everything right and see what's what. OEM manual has some test to verify operation. Buddies coming over for Ribeyes and pool at 1700, so gonna run these vacuum lines and call it a day. Might need a short nap to get ready for company after this.

Cheers, Ron

 

[HPSimpson]

Oh the treasure working on top part, then look down in dark corner and discover something mickey mouse that will need to be repaired next, eek.

 

[Wiredawg]

Friends,

At long last, the LRE is back on the road. I ran all the vacuum lines, ran the windshield washer hose and installed the windshield washer nozzles. That was fun.... first effort was shooting washer fluid over the truck hitting the top of the tailgate. Here's the completed engine:

I measured and cut the 2inch flexible exhaust pipe and fit it onto the exhaust manifold and onto the air clean intake horn.

I guarantee it will not tear like the aluminum foil ones.

Took her for a spin this evening and was nice everything working on the truck. I'm pretty much calling the project complete. In few months I'll get the A/C working, but 2/70 works great, especially with the wing vent windows.

I will post time to time when there's pictures or events.

Cheers, Ron

 

[TFucili]

Well done, Ron!

 

[brucejohnson]

Ron,
Great job!
Now, where is the short 0 to 40 heavy throttle run video with amazing sound effects?

 

[HPSimpson]

Great to hear that the truck is running, what was the out come on the drive shaft did you mange to grease the u-joints or did you just replace for many happy trails!
Ron, Enjoy the little red express truck for many years to come!

 

[Wiredawg]

Great to hear that the truck is running, what was the out come on the drive shaft did you mange to grease the u-joints or did you just replace for many happy trails!
Ron, Enjoy the little red express truck for many years to come!

Homer, yep greased the u joints with needle nozzle. All is good.

Cheers, Ron

 

[HPSimpson]

Thanks Ron, just go drive the '78 Dodge Little express with cop motor and enjoy yourself you earn that much!

 

[jhenderson]

You’ve done a fantastic job on the truck. I don’t mind the mechanical end of things but your patience for detail under the hood and with wiring puts me to shame.

 

[Wiredawg]

Friends,

Thanks for the kind compliments. I actually thought I was buying a turnkey truck with little or no effort, but as i got into it, I found the important elements of good body, paint, engine and transmission, were there. I kind of think of this as a GROUP project, thanks to everyone's input. Hanging out on the TDR and working on this truck helped me make it through the worst year of my life with my ankle. I wished ALL of you could come over and hang out. Thanks for the friendship and support... it made 2019 bearable.

One of my next objectives is to master optimizing the thermoquad carburetor to get this baby REALLY dialed in.

Cheers and Best Wishes,

Ron

 

[GCroyle]

I wished ALL of you could come over and hang out.
Ron

I've been to Texas for work but very little for pleasure. Newly retired, don't tempt me.

Now about that shot of a carhop delivering to the window of the LRE!

 

[TFucili]

Currently in Pecos, be right over

 

[Wiredawg]

Currently in Pecos, be right over

Tom,
C'mon over, just 384 miles to my house.

All,

Took the LRE out for a two hour spin through the country La Vernia, New Berlin, and Seguin TX. Then took her on I-10 and ran 15 miles doing 80 MPH with plenty of throttle left. She rode smooth, steering tight, and a little noisy. Got LOTS of thumbs up and waves. Great to be on the happy side of LRE ownership.

Cheers, Ron

 

[Wayne M.]

Ron that news made my night! Now loosen up that air door on the TQ!

 

[Wiredawg]

I've been to Texas for work but very little for pleasure. Newly retired, don't tempt me.

Now about that shot of a carhop delivering to the window of the LRE!

C'mon, same as Tom, but we leave 21 Mar for a month hitting Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansa, and back home 22 April.

Ron that news made my night! Now loosen up that air door on the TQ!

Wayne,

Thanks, that means a lot. You and many others helped a bunch.

Cheers, Ron