TIP: Click on subject to list as thread! ANSI
echo: old_engine
to: Alexander Bilan
from: Craig Healy
date: 2002-11-18 12:07:32
subject: Pick-em-up E-test Results

-> CH> I'm certainly considering an older pickup as the winter ride.

-> Most every part is available for them from multiple sources, so you wouldn'
-> be faced with the same problems of sourcing some items like you would with
-> an older car.

I like the Chevy trucks for the parts availabilty.  For example, the whole
rear floor pan was readily available for my '88 K5 Blazer.  Not so for
the comparable Ford Bronco or Dodge Ramcharger.

But I am *not* looking forward to repeating the process in a few years.
Maybe it's time to find a good supplier of stainless steel.  Start with
a reproduction frame made of 316 alloy stainless.  That'd outlast me.
Then drop one of those reproduction fiberglass body tubs from US Body
Source on it.  End of rust problem.  Probably cost about $10,000 by
the time I was done.  Not bad, actually, compared to the cost of a
new truck.

-> CH> Propane has advantages, no doubt.  As long as the engine is built
-> CH> specifically to take advantage of it.  High compression, better
-> CH> valves, etc. Natural gas is not quite as good, though (eventually)
-> CH> being able to fill at home would be neat.

-> They do offer the home filling stations here. Their only problem is it
-> takes all night to refill your vehicle. (Compared to typical 5-10 minutes
-> at a "normal" fill station).

I wonder just what the problem is?  Small compressor?  Limited capacity
from the street?  I wonder if there's any way to put in a high-capacity
meter/regulator in a residential application?

-> I don't see to many issues with NG. Seems its less prone to detonation
-> than propane.

Less power.  I've looked at generator ratings, for example.  A 10kw gen
set is derated to maybe 8kw on natural gas.

Of course, I'd be interested in some way to use tree/shrub/lawn waste
like leaves in a still to produce fuel alcohol.  Kill several birds with
one stone.

-> CH> He remembered you, and sends his greetings in return.

->  Uh Oh. =-)  Thanks.



-c-

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