Buying '78 Lil Red Express Truck

[GCroyle]

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.



Wayne,

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

Cheers, Ron

Uh, South Carolina? Palmetto State? Home of the Lady in Black? My adopted state? We're in Darlington County.

I've got pull thru space in my driveway, water and 15A. Plus Camp Hickory in the backyard.

Timing?

 

[Wayne M.]

Ron that sounds like a great trip! What are some of your points of interest in these states? Dollywood for Tenn?

 

[Wayne M.]

Back to the ThermoQuad!
Here’s a you tube by the incomparable Tony DeFeo showing some tips and tricks on this piece.
Tony is originally from NYC, and for a while I knew him. He’s quite a trip!

 

[HPSimpson]

Ron, Can you still buy rebuild kit for Thermoquad, that probably would be better since the age of soume seals, would you think so.

 

[Wiredawg]

Friends,

Vivian sent me our trip itinerary this morning. If we land in anyone's locale, be nice to have a cup of coffee or beer with any of y'all.

 

[Wiredawg]

Wayne,
Thanks for the video...I'll definitely check it out.

Homer,
Best price I found for a rebuild kit is $64. After I finish other trip preps and we get back from RV trip, I'm going to methodically follow video and OEM manual instructions.

All,
Long ago, I used starting fluid to check for vacuum leaks...if there is one, it increases engine RPMs. Is this what y'all do too?
Been way back in the 80s since I did this on my 78 Volare station wagon with 318V8.

Thanks for the inputs and advice.

Cheers, Ron

 

[gsbrockman]

I’ll try to link up with ya in Campbellsville or Gatlinburg, @Wiredawg !

 

[Wayne M.]

Ron, when in Pigeon Forge, try to get to Dollywood and ride that steam train, Craftsman Valley, and eat. So much to see in that area!
In Ocala, I see you’re only a touch n go, but if there’s any way for you to add 3 hours at check out time, I strongly recommend stopping by Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing. Parking is very RV friendly.

 

[jhenderson]

I use an unlit propane torch to look for vacuum leaks.

 

[Wiredawg]

I use an unlit propane torch to look for vacuum leaks.

JH,
Thanks! I know if I throw something out there someone has a better way to do it.

Cheers, Ron

Cheers, Ron

 

[HPSimpson]

Ron, That is one interesting vacation going many places please do have excellent trip and remembered enjoy your vacation!

 

[jhenderson]

Mecum just sold an LRE for about $20K. It didn’t look near as good as yours does. I’m sure it’s not in as good a shape where it counts either.

 

[Wiredawg]

Mecum just sold an LRE for about $20K. It didn’t look near as good as yours does. I’m sure it’s not in as good a shape where it counts either.

Yep, you're right. When you into special edition vehicles, details are important. It had Crager or American Racing mags versus the stock wheels, interior was nice, and wood was ok. This is probably more me than fact, but I like the round head lights, last year non catilytic converter, and there were only 2188 built. For the life of me, I can't believe there is no body work on this truck. When I shopped mine, it had the nicest body and interior.

Thanks for the compliment. I drove it today and it was great. The steering is tight, it holds nice in curves, and with windows down and Mountain screaming Mississippi Queen on the stereo, it's amazing. The 1200 watt sub under the seat kinda shakes your innards.

Last week, a friend and I were coming out of a BBQ joint and 5 folks were checking it out. Started her up and idled into a lefturn, goosed her a little, and kinda slid nice into the turn.... got a bunch of smiles and thumbs up.

Have a great evening... I certainly have.

Cheers, Ron

 

[HPSimpson]

I am sure glad you are driving '78 Lil Red Express truck enjoy the pleasure of your hard work, and not park in some corner with cover over it.

 

[Wayne M.]

Hello Ron, I hope you’re well. I just got the Summit Racing mini catalog, and they have so many nice toys (actual toys) and trinkets. This among- I thought of you!

 

[Wiredawg]

Hi Wayne,

I'm a bigtime toy collector:
LRE and Warlock

Gave me a chance to drag them out of the display case.

Have a few other cool ones too

And,

Thanks Brother

Cheers, Ron

 

[brucejohnson]

Hi Wayne,

I'm a bigtime toy collector:
LRE and Warlock
View attachment 119333
View attachment 119334
Gave me a chance to drag them out of the display case.

Have a few other cool ones too

View attachment 119335
And,

View attachment 119336

Thanks Brother

Cheers, Ron

Dang Ron. All of that collection is cool! Especially the Seaview! Where'd you get that?

 

[Wiredawg]

Dang Ron. All of that collection is cool! Especially the Seaview! Where'd you get that?

Thanks Bruce,

Bought it on line... it's 33 of 800 numbered units, has LED lighting in the nose, front nose area, and rear fins. It has sliding doors underneath for the flying sub. Its museum quality.

The Flying Sub next to it is also numbered and I think 1500 produced worldwide. It had lots of LEDs,has cool sounds and a removable top and has Admiral Nelson and Capt Crane at the controls.

I need to run power strips inside the display case and wire power to everything that only uses batteries. Almost forgot the Seaview and found the batteries just starting to leak.

Anyhoo, thanks for the comments... I really enjoy these and the memories of watching them on TV in the 60s.

Cheers, Ron

 

[HPSimpson]

Yes very nice collection you have Ron, yes batteries leak even Duracell alkaline does too.

 

[Wayne M.]

OH MY GOSH!!!