Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: rodekyll on August 17, 2016, 03:10:37 AM
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I'm looking at moving and storage options and have stumbled upon a 1993 Isuzu cabover diesel truck with a 16' cargo van. I believe it's called an 'NPR', but I don't know what that means. It would be large enough to pack my belongings including bikes. They're asking $5500 for it which I think might be a bit high. I don't know anything about these trucks other than they share parts with a chevy that looks about identical.
I think the cost of buying the truck and shipping it loaded to Seattle would beat the cost of buying a container (van), having that shipped to Sitka, hauled to the house, hauled back to the barge, shipped to Seattle, hauled to Whidbey Island and dropped on skids. Aside form the cost, the scheduling and logistics of it are overwhelmingly complicated.
So I need some opinions on this vehicle, what to look out for, what the value might be (the internet is not helpful on something this old). It's a 1993 Isuzu Diesel 16' box truck. At this point that's all I know about it other than it runs and the tires look legal.
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Is it a USD or a Japanese import? If it's an import, and not a common model steer well clear!
These things are a nightmare for finding the correct brake parts for and they need wheel cylinders and linings often.
If it's a USD and common, then you should be fine. But I often deal with JDM imports and their wheels cylinder prices can make Guzzi parts look cheap cheap cheap.
Generally Isuzu's are not bad, like anything servicing is key. If it's been serviced and the steering greased, there isn't really much to look out for other than standard wear and tear.
NPR is part of the model code. What engine is in it? 4JB1? Tough as nails, if non turbo will be slower than a wet week but will get you there.
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My experience with Isuzu's is limited, however they seem pretty bullet proof. We had problems with several different aftermarket fuel filters plugging and thereafter adopted a policy of original filters only. Had some power steering gear problems on cab-over models but not consistent enough to call it a fault. Never had transmission, driveline, brake or other chassis problems. Interior problems were frequent but easily fixable, seats, window cranks, lights, that sort of stuff. Basically RK it seems if it runs and drives OK it probably would work for your limited usage. Price Idk.
Brian
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So this could have a diesel pickup engine in it? :shocked: I never would have guessed.
How do tell if it's a USD or JDM, and while you're explain that, please tell me what USD and JDM mean.
And what do you mean by "for my limited use?" I understand that these trucks are usually used for delivery route work. What if I found a new address in Colorado? Could I expect this kind of rig to go there?
But I like words like "bulletproof" and "not bad" when talking big trucks at beater prices. That's guzzi context right there!
It is parked out in front of the collision center where my current project (besides moving out) is getting a '78 superbeetle running and stopping. That's my payback for using the shop to build the trike. I saw the truck today as I was leaving. It was raining and I was tired so I took only a quick look. The thing that impressed me most (besides what looks like an electric tommy lift that tucks underneath, relatively unhammered body for the age, full-height 16' box [read that 'no CDL required'], possibly auto trans, cabover, and diesel) is the faded sharpie on the for sale sign. :wink:
But I have no idea of the condition yet. I thought I'd check in here for things to pay attention to, and then talk with Ron, the shop owner about who owns it and what the story is. Then I thought I might contact the owner.
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JDM = Japanese Domestic Market
Those are bullet proof delivery trucks. Yes, they have a small diesel engine.
If the truck is in decent condition, it sounds like the perfect answer to your quandry.
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If you are lucky it has a 4BD1 in it (4 cylinder 3.9 diesel) It will be slow and load will have no impact on the speed it travels and it will be leaf springs all round so it will be a bit crap in the ride department especially empty. We have a couple of the current model 4WD versions at work the tray/box will be somewhere between 2.1 and 2.5 meters wide and 3.7ish meters long. I'm assuming its the 3tonne version unless its bigger (rated on carrying capacity 3tonne approx 6600lbs) these tend to me more a round town delivery vehicle than an open highway, just did some quick maths 16ft = 4.8 meters seems a little long for a 300 there is also a 400 550 800 etc etc although this model designation system came in well after 1993. Some people in the US were using the 4BD1 motor as a more reliable upgrade to their older landcruisers.
Price i can't tell you anything about it varies place to place I'd expect a commercial vehicle that old to be just about completely !@#$ed and 5000 south pacific peasos would be steep for a well used one. One in good condition however might make sense. You wouldn't buy one for regular long haul runs 60mph will be about all you'll squeeze out if it on the flat.
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A friend has a 90's model with a dump body with a 6 cylinder Diesel that does ok for local driving...Repairs can be expensive....If you spend an hour reading owner reviews on the Internet the NPR's have a reputation for engine failures when used over the road...The other options in this class are traditional step vans
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Isuzu are tops IMO. I've owned two Troopers have done little maintenance to either one.
The commercial trucks seem to be very popular. I don't think you'd have any problem with parts or maintenance. If it is some oddball non US model, call a parts supplier and find out. My guess is that these trucks have world-wide parts availability.
Isuzu is one of the top diesel engine companies in the world. They've designed and manufacture in partnership with GM the Duramax diesel found in GM pickups. They are expanding the Duramax line to smaller trucks.
$5500 sounds like a good price for a commercial truck provided it's not worn out or rusted in the climate.
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These were sold in The USA as GMC and Chevrolets, as well as Isuzus, so parts should be no problem. I see these little trucks in daily use, all the time in this part of the country.
Only hassle will be as mentioned. These things will not be mile munching interstate bullets. Between the gearing and the smallish engines, they'll be best for a leisurely pace outside city limits.
I don't think that will be an issue for Rodekyll. Hell, if he buys and and moves his stuff down to the lower 48 with it, then decideds he doesn't like it, it will be a lot more marketable and easier to move than an old sea container.
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Full size 16' box may have the 6cyl which is pretty strong. GVW and usage determines whether or not you need a CDL and vehicle insurance and licensing requirements. Your limited use is that you aren't going to be driving it 8-10hrs a day six days a week. You aren't going into business are you? All vehicles suffer from sitting so plan on some work before putting into service. Some suffer worse than others, some of ours saw pretty limited use during winter and suffered from excessive chassis rust problems, nothing to keep them out of service long, steel brake, fuel lines, that sort of thing.
Brian
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Some states don't require a CDL if used privately, aka not for hire.
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I'm pretty sure GVWR requirements for CDL start at 26,001 pounds.
CDL will not be an issue for this little "not for hire" box truck.
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RK- moving to Colorado? Probably a slow trip from Seattle but not such a bad bet up and down the Rockies. OTOH 60 mph isn't bad when considering a trailer or travel trailer as an alternative. Probably not so much fun in eastern CO. :undecided:
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I'm pretty sure GVWR requirements for CDL start at 26,001 pounds.
CDL will not be an issue for this little "not for hire" box truck.
A fcriend was going to buy an ex na$car hauler to haul both his race cars and as long as it was for private use no CDL was required.
He scaled back to one car and got a F550 with 44 ft trailer.
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Wonder if it was a rental. Enterprise uses Isuzu
https://www.enterprisetrucks.com/truckrental/en_US/vehicles.html
Ryder rents them too. Advertised as 'City Van' trucks.
I've always wondered what one would be like to own. A friend used one to move from Huntsville to Annapolis and said it did great.
Once done moving you could outfit the back like an RV toyhauler :) Especially with that liftgate.
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Ok -- so it's a 1993 Isuzu 16' box truck. Cabover; 6-cyl turbo-diesel; 208k miles. It was originally a fleet truck and has the fleet maintenance stickers all over it. Everything I checked works except the heater isn't blowing to the defroster and the lift gate doesn't work. The owner says the last time he tried it the smoke came out and he hasn't tried it since. I don't see the control box anywhere, so I'm guessing he removed it. It appears to be hydraulic/electric, so I think the problem will be with the (huge) motor.
It runs straight down the road and isn't as cobby-riding unloaded. The doors and back door work good, interior is crappy, radio removed (holes in dash). Brakes seem ok (unloaded), although the dash light saying 'brakes' is on all the time. transmission shifts well except to first, where it appears to be non-synchro. First acts normal for a non-synchro low. Headlights work but they're half full of water.
I had it up to 50 on the road out of town. The twisties are such that you can't go faster. It feels like I should be able to do 60 or 65. Nothing feels abnormal at that speed.
That's all I've got for now.
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Sound's like it's not a dreaded import model so should be all good!
A lot of these types of trucks have 1st as a crawler gear, only used when heavy or in steep situations. Start off in 2nd usually.
Brake light could be fluid level (I assume it's hydraulic brakes not air over hydraulic?) or a lining wear sensor.
It's obvious you're not a mechanical muppet so I reckon your judgement is best from this point on :thumb:
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I misheard the owner -- it's got 280k, not 208k.
It's also got A/C, which in Sitka is kinda funny, but which might work. Hard to tell a/c from normal air up here.
The lift motor let the smoke out last time he used it and he says the lift pins and bushings are shot. :cry: I'm going to take it to the guy who knows this stuff in the morning and get his opinion on the cost of repair.
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Full size 16' box may have the 6cyl which is pretty strong. GVW and usage determines whether or not you need a CDL and vehicle insurance and licensing requirements. Your limited use is that you aren't going to be driving it 8-10hrs a day six days a week. You aren't going into business are you? All vehicles suffer from sitting so plan on some work before putting into service. Some suffer worse than others, some of ours saw pretty limited use during winter and suffered from excessive chassis rust problems, nothing to keep them out of service long, steel brake, fuel lines, that sort of thing.
Brian
More likely to be the 4BD1-T (turboed version of the 3.9) very strong motor 30psi plus boost is not a problem if you so desire, what is fitted to the SASR LRPV's which supposedly are used to recover humvee's when they get stuck.
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Too much money for anything with 280K on it. Crappy interior tells me the PO wasn't all that kind to it either.
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$5000 was the value 5-10 years ago. NPR great truck. I had a couple. You sure it has a 16' box? they usually came with 14' box unless it was a longer wheel base. It has a turbo 4 really fair diesel mileage(unless it has a chevy v8/auto, under no circumstances buy it with a gas motor, it could get 4-6 miles per gallon) NRR has the same body with a turbo 6 diesel and a longer wheel base allowing 18-22 boxes.
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$5000 was the value 5-10 years ago. NPR great truck. I had a couple. You sure it has a 16' box? they usually came with 14' box unless it was a longer wheel base. It has a turbo 4 really fair diesel mileage(unless it has a chevy v8/auto, under no circumstances buy it with a gas motor, it could get 4-6 miles per gallon) NRR has the same body with a turbo 6 diesel and a longer wheel base allowing 18-22 boxes.
This is a 16' NPR with the 6-cyl turbo diesel.
Any idea on what I can expect for fuel economy?
I had the diesel shop check out the lift. At the least the pump's electric motor needs attention and the loading platform hinge/pivot stuff has been replaced with some old iron pipe. The pump motor looks like a giant (ford) starter motor and might come off easily. It's what happens next that might slay me. Fixing the motor only qualifies me to discover if the hydraulics are working. If they're not, the expense could get out of hand in a hurry.
I'm pondering my offer. I see 1999/2000 NPR's going for the $5500 he's asking (no details on those -- just skimming listings). I think that alone makes this one worth less. How much less I don't know. We have to factor in the part where this one is on the island and anything else would need to be shipped up.
A/C non-functional and no clues
280k miles
that lift issue.
possible leak in the front wall of the box. Box has been lined with some sort of wood paneling so I'd have to deconstruct that to get at the inside wall.
I want to make this guy an offer tomorrow. I don't want to insult him, but I don't want to be called "Rube-n" after the deal, either. What would you horsetraders do?
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Rented one of these from Enterprise last month and we loaded it up with equipment to fit 4 medical clinics. I drove it over the mountains and it was tight - BUT only 20k miles on it. The lift was a big help and there are times when it's the real value to the truck. Maybe factor in the cost of fixing the lift - offer 2500 or so for that reason is my take on it.
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You got a TRUCK for that? When I first got sent to the clinics up here to do equipment I got a bush plane. There's nothing like trying to outrun a snowstorm to Hoonah in a Beaver!
But yeah. I'm bummed about the lift. My toolboxes and bikes are heavy. I'm going to have to replace the hydraulic pump and motor entirely because there won't be time to order more parts if a motor alone doesn't fix it, and then hope the posts are good. Until I can drop the lift I can't even evaluate the pivot and pin damage. It could easily come to over a grand. I've been thinking about it all night and I'm going to lowball him in the morning.
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Yep, I'd lowball him too, this is where he pays for not maintaining it. If he had, he could probly get what he's asking.
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We settled on $4500 with him paying anything over $500 on the lift repairs. Not a stellar deal, but it still works out within my total moving budget. Spending big money always makes me nervous.
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Isuzu was building trucks before WW1. They built trucks before they built cars.
Isuzu built a version of the 4wd jeep before any American manufacturer did.
They have the experience. In the early 70s I knew of a couple who had an open bed diesel Isuzu
of about that size. I drove it. It was simple, just rev it up against the governor and shift to the next gear.
It probably would not exceed 60 MPH but it did get better milage than most cars. When I saw the guy about 10 years later it had over 200,000 miles on it and was still going strong. He was a farmer so he probably maintained it well.
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Isuzu was building trucks before WW1. They built trucks before they built cars.
Isuzu built a version of the 4wd jeep before any American manufacturer did.
They have the experience. In the early 70s I knew of a couple who had an open bed diesel Isuzu
of about that size. I drove it. It was simple, just rev it up against the governor and shift to the next gear.
It probably would not exceed 60 MPH but it did get better milage than most cars. When I saw the guy about 10 years later it had over 200,000 miles on it and was still going strong. He was a farmer so he probably maintained it well.
Isuzu may have built built 4x4's but didn't build any Jeeps..... :wink:
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Mechanics I have known from the Middle East have thought Isuzu Diesel engines were the best. My wife had a (gas) Trooper, I always was impressed with the 4WD setup (except for the terrible auto-locking hubs, which I changed out to manuals).
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All modern 4 wheel drive systems used in rear drive SUV's and light trucks are based on the Lipe and Brown ,AKA Dana18 transfer case as used in WW2 era Jeeps...Flip over your $50,000 new 4x4 and it pretty much looks like this :azn:
[/img](http://i.imgur.com/Jbwr2lsl.jpg)[/url]
Isuzu designed the Duramax Diesel used in GM PU trucks..
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And the Duramax was quite problematic the first year out.
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An NPR box truck, eh? Was Ari Shapiro the previous owner?
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I believe it came from Lake Woebegon.
I've researched the lift to be a "Waltco" C-series Flipper Gate, probably power-up/gravity-down; probably medium-duty with a standard duty pump motor. I still have not found the model sticker on the unit (lots of rust) I'm going to R&R the motor today right after I get the carbs and manifold off my Honda outboard and the engine out of that super beetle.
Retirement is fun!
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And the Duramax was quite problematic the first year out.
Yes, expensive common rail injectors that needed replacement prematurely, like 2600 bucks parts and labor.... now all the full size truck Diesels have common rail expensive injectors... :grin:
Generally speaking ,Isuzu stuff is just fine...
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I think you made a decent buy. :thumb: Isuzu's have a good reputation for medium size delivery trucks. Got chased by one yesterday on the way home from the beach. I've driven one and used one for deliveries. Should be a good "tool" for you. Long distance hauling would be more problematic.
Short read on Honda having Isuzu making their SUV so that they could enter the U.S. market with one. Kind of like Aprilia (Pegaso 650) making the Funduro for BMW.
http://www.honda-wiki.org/wiki/Honda_Passport
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Fuduro? Is that something ridden by Elmer?
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Fuduro? Is that something ridden by Elmer?
Corrected it. I'll return the favor sometime. :shocked: :grin:
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I'm tinkering with the hydraulics motor today. It's a mess, but once I got it cleaned up it looks like I can maybe salvage it. The bearings and basic armature look good and the commutators will clean. If I do get it running it will have to be with the same brushes it's already got. NAPA estimates $80 for the set, and I can get another Chinese one (this one says made in China) for about the same money. I'm not going to throw a new price at brushes on speculation.
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Just got done with the paperwork. It's a "Forward Tiltmaster" NRR/W5, not the NPR I thought he said. So it's a real truck.
We now return me to my starter rebuild, already in progress.
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My, that's a big one.
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. . . and that concludes the hydraulic motor portion of our program. You will notice that the lift goes both down and up, and that nothing catches fire as it happens.
Having gotten the controls working, now I have to find some good solid rolled bar stock and refit the hinge pins everywhere. Some of them have been redone in plumbing pipe and some have not. So all need replacement. They're like really big clevis pins. I might even try really big clevis pins.
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'ey Dave......so if I get this right. You're going to be an Alaskan Refugee under the U.S. Self-relocation to the Lower 48 Program??? I know you got fed-up with extra shipping charges.... :grin:
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The really cool trick would be to get the Isuzu to turn back into the smaller NPR after making the move , easier to store and cheaper to run :huh:
Dusty
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Yes, I'm shipping myself south. That's as close as I can come to an actual address.
Dusty, I'm liking the idea of living in it. Add a window and a bucket with a toilet seat and it would be just like home.
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Yes, I'm shipping myself south. That's as close as I can come to an actual address.
Dusty, I'm liking the idea of living in it. Add a window and a bucket with a toilet seat and it would be just like home.
Sounds like a plan , South Texas or Arizona in Dec-early Apr , Northern Rockies or the PNW in Summer . No AC , no heat , hell , where do I sign up ?
Dusty
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I use to be an Isuzu guy back in the day, owned 2 Troopers, 1 Amigo, 1 Rodeo, 1 Stylus. Loved the Troopers the best which were both made in Japan. I have nothing bad to say about any of them as no Isuzu I owned had any problems.
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There doesn't seem to be any immediate mechanical problems with this one. It starts right up warm or cold, runs to the governor, shifts like I'd expect, steers and tracks ok, and the basics like lights, and wipers all work. The problems are things like the a/c, the lift, defrost ducting, and cab draftiness. Comically, it's the first vehicle I've owned with A/C.
I think the best analog I have to this truck is a '58 VW van made large. You gotta climb into it, and then the steering wheel is upright instead of tilted. It tilts, but not like a car. It feels slow and clumsy, takes a long time to get through the gears, has poor rear vision, doesn't cruise fast, and can probably get loaded to the gills with no change in gas mileage or performance. The PO said "It's a no horsepower, all torque engine." I believe him. I've owned 11 VW vans.
Tom -- you commented that "Long distance hauling would be more problematic." Do you mean slow and uncomfortable, or that this isn't capable of long hauling?
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Sound like you have yourself a nice little truck. I'd bet Tom meant slow and uncomfortable.
And clevis pins would work great if you can find the right size.
Living in it could be pretty simple. I used to 'camp' in my 16ft cargo trailer. Porta-potti and a "couch/bed". It needed a couple of windows though.
Is it small/light enough to register it as a passenger vehicle? If not, in most states you can outfit it with a couple things and register it as an RV. I know folks do that with Class 7/8 trucks.
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I've been watching this thread not because of an affinity to medium duty Isuzu trucks, but because for 9 years I owned one of the last Japan-built Isuzu pickup trucks, an extended cab '94 that I bought new in spring of '95. (MY '95 ended the Isuzu import trucks, rebadged Chev S-10 after that.) Our first brand new vehicle. Bare naked basic- no radio or AC, hand cranked windows, and only rear drive. 2.6L 4-cylinder, 5 speed manual. Dark forest green. My bride brought us to Idaho from MN for the first step in her career. We bought the truck weeks before moving as our personal vehicle and for use in my future employment. Damn, that was a reliable, faithful truck. Many times I worked it to its limits and it never balked. 5 years later we came back to MN with the truck. After 9 years and 120000 miles I sold it to a coworker for his kid, who promptly went forward with slowly destroying it. Lil' f***er. He did not appreciate that truck at all, and I'm still appologizing to its memory to this day. I should have kept it.
Oh how I wish Isuzu would bring a Japan-built small pickup back to the USA. A diesel engine with a 5-speed tranny... maybe an automatic, I'm aging... would be delightful. At least Chev brought a diesel (Isuzu built diesel?) small(ish) truck to market, I hope others follow.
Good luck on your move, nay, adventure. I'm sure that truck is up to the task.
Steve.
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I had an Isuzu PU through mid 80s-90s. It too was a reliable old thing. It was slow accelerating but would keep 75mph all day long once it got there. I think it had around 113K miles on it when a drunk soccer mom totaled it, my neighbors 69 F-150 and about $1,200 damage to my Accord. Fortunately all those vehicles were parked and not occupied. Bad news was that she put her grade school aged daughter through the windshield, but of course the drunk mom wasn't hurt.
GliderJohn
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Dave....."slow and uncomfortable" for problematic. Drive it with your VW van experience. They are real reliable trucks. If Isuzu meant to compete in the long haul business. The cab lay-out would have been designed differently. For your use, it sounds like it'll work just fine after the maintenance repairs. Have you explored the A/C problems yet?
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I want to be able to putt this thing to wherever I end up living. Speed isn't an issue (VW bus content), but the ability to go the distance is. Yeah, the interior isn't built for long distance comfort. The cab is loud, driver's seat is lumpy and I can't do a proper gangster lean.
No, I've not considered the the A/C yet. I have a sunny day so I'm working on the Honda outboard today. I got 4 carbs to install and synch. I have to make another run at the Rodekyll's starter, too. The Isuzu A/C is on the list right below fixing the cab air leaks and radio -- and it doesn't have a radio. :grin:
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Gotta fix the air leaks before winter sets in.
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Several years ago we asked a young lady with an obvious New England accent how in the heck she had ended up in Muskogee . The story was that a her family was on vacation travelling in a motorhome , and they had broken down just South of Town , decided the repair costs were too high , so they parked it on Tenkiller Lake and stayed . Let's hope the Isuzu quits (if it does) in a much more interesting locale :laugh:
Dusty
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My brother bought an ex-Lowe's delivery W5 w/24' box from a dealer out in Missouri. Why he bought one half way across the country instead of local I'll never understand. On the trip home, as soon as he started up any hills of appreciable gradient, it went into "limp mode", belched smoke and slowed to 40 mph. He did a bunch of work and thought he had fixed the issue. But, it quickly became apparent that he hadn't once all of his junk was loaded and he headed for Oregon. It made it about 50 miles and died on the side of the road. Second try after another round of repairs and it made it 11 miles. This time he parked it, rented a Penske truck and trailer. :laugh:
I hope you have better luck with yours...
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I tell people I ended up in Sitka by coming up for a visit and running out of gas. Than I say "That was 25 years ago and I still don't have gas money."
Charlie -- that's a terrrrible story to tell a new owner! :shocked: I'm proud of you! :thumb:
But this truck only has the 16' box. I'm sure it will be fine. :grin:
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I tell people I ended up in Sitka by coming up for a visit and running out of gas. Than I say "That was 25 years ago and I still don't have gas money."
Charlie -- that's a terrrrible story to tell a new owner! :shocked: I'm proud of you! :thumb:
But this truck only has the 16' box. I'm sure it will be fine. :grin:
My brother seems to be too "price conscious" (cheap) sometimes and likely bought someone else's problem. I'm betting yours will make the trip fine. :thumb:
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I had the traditional Sitka choice when I went looking for a truck in this size -- take it or leave it. It cut into my dickering space. :rolleyes:
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Same out here. "You want in now? You want it here?" factors into the price negotiation. Price centric because of the island thinking. We don't figure into the North America dealer network for new vehicles.
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Yeah , but don't you "Islanders" get really cheap fish ? :laugh:
Dusty
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Please keep up on this tale, and never stop posting. Those of us who only commute in the big city live vicariously through you :wink:
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Yeah , but don't you "Islanders" get really cheap fish ? :laugh:
Dusty
Uh...NO! Misconception. Everything cost more out here. So what we do get is maybe a better quality or more of it. The prices aren't better. Any commodity is priced for profit. Most times if bought on distribution chain, a product will cost less if sold out of state.
Maui Gold Pineapples sold through Costco and other warehouse chains are less than whats available in Hawaii. I purchased said pineapple in Moscow, ID for $1 less a lb. and larger by about 1lb.
Fresh fish availability is better and so is the local grass fed beef. Fuel cost more than other states. Equipment cost more than other states. Wages are to the U.S. minimum standards with a local interpretation. Fishermen unless they own their own boats and are don't have employees are "feast or famine" providers. Very few of those. Same situation as farmers in OK.
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Fish is mostly free to me. If I can, I chase them down myself. I get big kings (salmon) off the beach with trout gear, because it's fun and literally no-cost. When I don't do it by myself, I'm driving the boat for the 'crew'. I'm too busted up to fight fish from a boat anymore, but I can keep them in the bite and they'll catch it for me. When I don't do it at all, I have a lot of ex-customers (I'm retired -- remember?) who pay a bill with fish or drop some off just 'because'.
Deer and berries are the same way. That's the part about losing everything up here that hurts the most.
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Totally understand. I don't fish or hunt. Lousy at that. The time involved and coming up empty handed wasn't worth. I accepted the fact that I "sucked" as a procurer. :grin: BUT as a processor of information, I get fish provided by the procurers. So it works out. :shocked: Kind of a barter. Most of the time, I pay but I know the supply line. I buy from the fishermen pulling their boats out of the water. They need gas money and will sell whole fish below wholesale/market prices.
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OK -- so I went to the "Junk Trunk" and found a $10 DC motor with brushes I could carve a little for fit. Hydraulics work good now. Control lever not so good. Needs springs reattached somewhere, but not sure how.
Did a test run with a wheelbarrow full of old iron stuff. Lifted fine, but the angle of the platform went way down to the rear and the wheelbarrow tipped over and off. I don't think it's supposed to work that way. So I examined the linkage and found all the hinge pins to be either badly notched (over halfway through 1" steel dowel -- look like the interlock of Lincoln logs) or they've already been replaced with iron plumbing pipe (WTF???). I've made and installed 4 of the 6 necessary pins so far and the platform is approaching level. I'm home to safety-wire-drill and chamfer the two remaining pins, and then I think I'm ready for business.
Cost of the repairs so far $18. $10 for brushes and 8 for 30" of 1" cold rolled steel dowel. I might be able to afford fuel if this keeps up.
My bumper sticker will be: YES, IT'S MY TRUCK, YES I'LL HELP YOU MOVE. I'LL DRIVE.
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Since prices of goods were are being compared, you paid 8 dollars for 1"steel round stock. My price locally for 5/8 was quoted at 11 dollars for 36 inches.
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It needed to be descaled before I could use it, so I think I got a break.
The lowest two pins, the ones that pivot the part the hydraulic post pushes, are so tweaked that the pins cannot be driven out. I'm going to have to cut them. The problem is that I can't tell when the pins are unloaded, and I'm worried about where the apparatus will go when the pins are cut. I have visions of split rims (do they still have those?) dancing through my head . . .