Billy Ray has bought a big Jeep Grand Cherokee (I believe). The bigger one, mostly basic with the normal Texas options like Air Conditioning, automatic, windows and doors. It'll have the serious, or at least fairly serious, 4x4 drive train and support packages that go well with 4x4s.
So we've now got a new fishing ride for upcoming adventures. There will be plenty of room for El Fisho Jr. to take over the back seat for the road trip part of our fishing adventures, and with a good roof rack we should be able to do all kinds of gear hauling with rods and such up there. I've been working on a roof rack fishing rod carrier using some parts I have, and need some PVC pipe and some spacers and I'll be ready to put it together.
The idea of the roof rack mountable fishing rod holder/carrier is that the rod goes in full length if 7' or under and half length if over 7'. Because the rods that are over 7' long are bigger in diameter, they need a larger PVC tube than the one piece 7' and under rods. A slot is cut at the top and bottom of the PVC pipe for the reel foot to slide into, and a strong and short rubber shock cord holds the rod in the PVC pipe. The pipes will be arranged and spaced with spacers and some wooden supports and glued into an integral package that can be lifted on and off a roof rack of an SUV. It can be bungy corded into place for travel.
So that and some kind of large cargo basket that can be an easy on/easy off type of deal would work well for some Padre and Mustang Island beach fishing expeditions and certainly for all other kinds of fishing. Big enough to tow a boat, and I've been hankering for a boat of some sort, preferably a v hull metal boat like a Lund about 14' to 16' long. Simple, easy to launch and load, easy to trailer and large enough and tall enough to take on some large lake water or protected bays for fishing.
So Billy Ray will be going to buy his new ride from his old college buddy, whom I've bought a car from myself and Billy Ray has now bought several. So within a week or so, Billy Ray will be back in Texas with his new Jeep SUV 4x4 and I'll give you the lowdown on it then.
I'm going to put in a bid for a trip to Meridian State Park sometime this winter when the rainbow trout have been stocked. It's a great park with a great lake near a great town called Meridian, which the last few times I passed through earlier last decade had a great mexican food restaurant in town. There are other great small towns nearby, and lots of Texas history about the settlement of the nearby area by Norse immigrants. Some very cool stories and little communities if you ever get the chance to drive around the area.
More to come about the new stylin' Texas Fishing Truck. Billy Ray is convinced his new ride will brave the tip of Matagorda or go as far down the beach at the National Seashore headed south as he wants to go. Or till the beach runs out.
We'll see. There are plenty of places around here with challenging sand to drive through, so we'll get an idea how it does driving in sand before we take it out to the wilderness that is a wild 4wd only access beach.
It's an astonishing development that earlier this summer didn't look possible. I'll get some more details about the fishing truck and post them here when I do.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
THE NEW PLAN
After months of looking around, we've yet to find the bargain vehicle, or at least one for sale. I've found two local gents that are original owners of early 90's Isuze Trooper 4x4's with under 100k miles, looking good mind you, but not yet ready to sell.
Billy Ray has come to the rescue, planning to buy some sort of Jeep SUV 4WD, one with real 4WD mind you. He rode in the Wrangler we had, and knows well that a Wrangler is a great third car but a bad second car, unless you live somewhere where snow is on the ground lots of the year. And we don't live in snow country.
Billy Ray and his family have a need larger type SUV capable of hauling certain items in one of the family businesses, so this could be cool. Once he actually gets a vehicle, I'll commit to buying one of the attachable rooftop carriers to put the digging out of mud and sand gear in. Straps. Boards. Sand ladders, shovels, gloves, you name it. Heck, I'd go in half on a winch because I know we'll use it sometime on a fishing trip.
So that's the new plan. But I'll update as to my continuing search for a very old but lightly used Trooper at a bargain price.
Billy Ray has come to the rescue, planning to buy some sort of Jeep SUV 4WD, one with real 4WD mind you. He rode in the Wrangler we had, and knows well that a Wrangler is a great third car but a bad second car, unless you live somewhere where snow is on the ground lots of the year. And we don't live in snow country.
Billy Ray and his family have a need larger type SUV capable of hauling certain items in one of the family businesses, so this could be cool. Once he actually gets a vehicle, I'll commit to buying one of the attachable rooftop carriers to put the digging out of mud and sand gear in. Straps. Boards. Sand ladders, shovels, gloves, you name it. Heck, I'd go in half on a winch because I know we'll use it sometime on a fishing trip.
So that's the new plan. But I'll update as to my continuing search for a very old but lightly used Trooper at a bargain price.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
MORE DELAYS
Personal obligations of both Billy Ray and I to our respective familys, including parents and siblings, has burnt heavily into this Summer for Billy Ray and I. We both have been talking about this endeavor and we're both ready to get a truck or SUV of some kind.
Deals are out there, we've just got to look harder for one.
I visited a friend in deep East Texas recently, he living behind The Pine Curtain, and this friend had recently bought a mid-90's Z71 package 4wd extended cab pickup truck for $1,500. The truck was in good shape, had been involved in a relatively minor front end wreck, and the insurance company wanted to total it. They instead offered the owner some cash to keep it, and owner in turn sold it to my friend for $1,500.
That's the kind of deal we need. This truck wasn't perfect, but it ran well and ran strong and was in good condition on the interior. It had about 150k miles on it, but I would take a trip in it, it was that sound of a vehicle.
We need a deal like that.
Monday, July 12, 2010
MORE BEACH TRUCK CANDIDATES
I mentioned in the last post how Billy Ray and I have more or less decided that the "best buy" in a used beach truck is going to be a 1990's Trooper. I also mentioned that if a decent deal came along on a 4wd van we'd certainly consider that. As our warchest builds, so do our candidates. Mrs. El Fisho has long desired a 4wd vehicle for deep trips into deserted beach territory to replace the Jeep Wrangler she had, and if possible one we could throw the dogs in since many of the places we stay allow dogs.
So if a great deal on a lightly used but older 4wd van, Mrs. El Fisho would grant her seal of approval.
I saw another contender for a beach surf ride today: an old Toyota Van equipped with actual 4wd and not AWD. It had lockable hubs but unfortunately had been chopped up with the horribly done "pop up top" addition from a VW Westfalia van. You could see where the bad welds were leaking into the passenger compartment, and the rest of the vehicle was no charmer either.
I had completely forgotten about these vans. In 1988 or 1989, I did a gig with an excellent band called The Slashers, featuring John Ziegler on guitar and David Foster on bass. Foster had one of these vans, in 4wd as I recall, and although not overly powerful in the get up and go speedwise department, they had a lot of torque and would do fine on the beach.
It's another possible to keep on the list. A low miles version that had a couple of owners who maintained the ride is not impossible, as we've seen with several Troopers lately. We're keeping our eyes out for a bargain that will be a bargain now in terms of purchase price as well as a bargain in terms of maintenance cost.
I remember in the 1970's when lots of folks converted cars to 4WD's by putting the car chassis on a truck frame. I thought those were cool too. For awhile, in it's dying gasp as an auto company, AMC put out something called the Eagle that was also a 4WD car, but reliability issues plagued these as well.
Back in the 1970's, although I drove hot rod cars, I did want a Chevy Stepside 4wd. I saw one today, parked in front of a house down the street. It looked pretty good, and made me think of times I had in friends who had trucks like that. Again, great fishing trucks and great beach trucks when fitted with auto transmissions.
A few blocks over from me is a fellow that has an early 70's convertible Blazer in what appears to be a complete restoration. It looks cherry. Even if he wanted to sell it, I couldn't afford it. But it's nice to look at and I'll often detour down his street to peek at it in his carport when running to the neighborhood store. It's blue with the white painted insets, just like a friend in high school in Houston had. My high school friend also had a removeable hardtop for it.
While down in Port A last week, I saw an ultra cool Power Wagon from what had to be the late 60's or early 70's. It was green, looked to be in great external condition and was looking great.
Down the street from me at a car repair business, there's an old 50's Chevy 4WD pickup on blocks. I know it ran several years ago because I used to see it running around the area. It has a lift kit and huge tires, and an extended work-style stepside bed, and the entire truck is huge as heck. It is a faded black color, and again I wish I had the time and money to take that project on. It looks to have some sort of driveshaft problem, or maybe an axle problem, but it sure would be a great beach trucking machine if it were running well and had a nice paint job.
Finally, I saw some Subarus from both modern times and from the 90's that had been fitted with the shocks and springs from a Forester apparently, with some modification, that gave them about a 2" lift. I've was yanked from being stuck in the sand in a 2WD Ford truck back in the late 70's by a Subaru wagon with a lift kit, the wagon version of the Brat.
Other very cool and competent beach trucks, like the Toyota Landcruiser, fetch premium prices in the used collector market, as does the venerable Jeep J10 truck. I've kicked myself in the rear numerous times for not buying one or both of those back in the 80's. I could have bought the Jeep J10 instead of the Chevy truck I got in 1981, and in 1984 when I got a Toyota Supra, I very nearly waffled at the last minute to go with a nice new white FJ60 they had on the lot. If I knew then what I knew now, I'd have hung onto those vehicles.
Such is the wisdom of hindsight.
So if a great deal on a lightly used but older 4wd van, Mrs. El Fisho would grant her seal of approval.
I saw another contender for a beach surf ride today: an old Toyota Van equipped with actual 4wd and not AWD. It had lockable hubs but unfortunately had been chopped up with the horribly done "pop up top" addition from a VW Westfalia van. You could see where the bad welds were leaking into the passenger compartment, and the rest of the vehicle was no charmer either.
I had completely forgotten about these vans. In 1988 or 1989, I did a gig with an excellent band called The Slashers, featuring John Ziegler on guitar and David Foster on bass. Foster had one of these vans, in 4wd as I recall, and although not overly powerful in the get up and go speedwise department, they had a lot of torque and would do fine on the beach.
It's another possible to keep on the list. A low miles version that had a couple of owners who maintained the ride is not impossible, as we've seen with several Troopers lately. We're keeping our eyes out for a bargain that will be a bargain now in terms of purchase price as well as a bargain in terms of maintenance cost.
I remember in the 1970's when lots of folks converted cars to 4WD's by putting the car chassis on a truck frame. I thought those were cool too. For awhile, in it's dying gasp as an auto company, AMC put out something called the Eagle that was also a 4WD car, but reliability issues plagued these as well.
Back in the 1970's, although I drove hot rod cars, I did want a Chevy Stepside 4wd. I saw one today, parked in front of a house down the street. It looked pretty good, and made me think of times I had in friends who had trucks like that. Again, great fishing trucks and great beach trucks when fitted with auto transmissions.
A few blocks over from me is a fellow that has an early 70's convertible Blazer in what appears to be a complete restoration. It looks cherry. Even if he wanted to sell it, I couldn't afford it. But it's nice to look at and I'll often detour down his street to peek at it in his carport when running to the neighborhood store. It's blue with the white painted insets, just like a friend in high school in Houston had. My high school friend also had a removeable hardtop for it.
While down in Port A last week, I saw an ultra cool Power Wagon from what had to be the late 60's or early 70's. It was green, looked to be in great external condition and was looking great.
Down the street from me at a car repair business, there's an old 50's Chevy 4WD pickup on blocks. I know it ran several years ago because I used to see it running around the area. It has a lift kit and huge tires, and an extended work-style stepside bed, and the entire truck is huge as heck. It is a faded black color, and again I wish I had the time and money to take that project on. It looks to have some sort of driveshaft problem, or maybe an axle problem, but it sure would be a great beach trucking machine if it were running well and had a nice paint job.
Finally, I saw some Subarus from both modern times and from the 90's that had been fitted with the shocks and springs from a Forester apparently, with some modification, that gave them about a 2" lift. I've was yanked from being stuck in the sand in a 2WD Ford truck back in the late 70's by a Subaru wagon with a lift kit, the wagon version of the Brat.
Other very cool and competent beach trucks, like the Toyota Landcruiser, fetch premium prices in the used collector market, as does the venerable Jeep J10 truck. I've kicked myself in the rear numerous times for not buying one or both of those back in the 80's. I could have bought the Jeep J10 instead of the Chevy truck I got in 1981, and in 1984 when I got a Toyota Supra, I very nearly waffled at the last minute to go with a nice new white FJ60 they had on the lot. If I knew then what I knew now, I'd have hung onto those vehicles.
Such is the wisdom of hindsight.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
TEXAS SURF FISHING TRUCK MUSINGS
I've decided that a 90's Trooper is the vehicle I'd like to have as my surf fishing truck. I've seen several in my neighborhood and approached the drivers/owners and asked them about them. In both cases, they were one owner rides with under 100k miles on them. Both immaculate, both with auto transmissions, a must for beach driving.
Early 90's Troopers are probably more studly in an off road sense, as they are lighter and a bit simpler, but the late 90's Troopers (and the Acura version of that ride) are still great off road vehicles.
Troopers are reasonably priced on the used market, and low milage Troopers are not that rare. Parts are still readily available and there are lots of aftermarket accessories. They are almost Land Cruiser like in their off road abilities, and are quite a bit more tolerable on the highway than the FJ60 Land Cruisers of the 1980's, a legendary and much higher priced "vintage" 4WD for which parts are pretty expensive, and sometimes rare.
I quite like the FJ60 series of rides, and would love to have one. But after trying to buy one for several years and not being able to find one that didn't have at least one seemingly unfixable problem, or a bunch of problems, I gave up.
My friends with Troopers have had nothing but good luck with none of the woes of FJ60 owners.
So barring stumbling into some converted 4X4 Van for a good price, the Trooper will be the vehicle that Billy Ray and I seek to create for fishing adventures. There are some decently priced used 4x4 conversion vans out there, but I have not found the perfect one yet.
A 4x4 extended length van would provide options that an SUV trooper cannot, such as extended living and sleeping area and a head, and until we actually find a vehicle, I've got searches going on for 4x4 vans just in case there is a deal in the area where we can check it out before we buy it Apparently there are a number of governmental agencies who use these vans, particularly in snowy and/or mountainous locales.
These 4x4 vans occasionally come up for auction, and are usually well maintained. I've seen several with low miles but out of my reach pricewise.
At a bare minimum, what I plan to do once I find a vehicle is some very minor additions, but ones which will make it beachworthy and hopefully, a very nice ride.
THE VEHICLE ITSELF
I would add a second battery under the hood, since I plan to be driving in remote locales in this vehicle.
I would add some sort of radio with emergency rescue features, like a boat might have, for being in areas where there is no cell service. I'm all for getting away, but frankly, accidents do happen plus me and my pals aren't getting any younger and a med emergency could happen at any time. A rescue copter ambulance might make a big difference in life or death.
Certainly, you need a real backcountry GPS, along with a detailed map of your area. Extra batteries for the GPS and flashlights are a good idea.
ROOF RACK PLUS
I plan to get a basket type roof rack. On one side, it will have a cargo carrier and the other side will be empty for putting rod holders, ice chests or other stuff I want to carry.
ROD AND REEL RACKS: I have an idea for a rod with reel rack using PVC pipes on a wooden frame, and attaching same to the roof rack with bungee cords. It would have a handle so you could carry it in your hotel or condo room, or put it in the vehicle for better safekeeping. Either that or some sorf of rack on the inside roof of the Trooper using suspension to hold multi-piece rods.
KAYAK RACK: The roofrack could also carry open sit on top kayaks for those bay locales where kayak fishing is not as foolish as in the surf. Wild beaches Matagorda Island are great for this kind of setup with kayaks, because you can drive to the other end of the Island and get to the bay and go kayaking and fly fishing there for reds and trout. Then just drive back around to the surf and fish for who knows what.
I don't own a kayak, but both Billy Ray and I have significant time in the water in kayaks, and I have access to a couple.
SAND LADDERS: On the bottom of the roof rack will be carried things called sand ladders. Somewhat reminds me of the ramps you use for loading motorcycles or atvs onto a trailer, but flatter and with bigger flared holes. They are less than $200 and used in many other places in the world for beach, jungle and desert driving with great success for getting unstuck.
CARGO CARRIER: The single side cargo carrier can carry clothes, backpacks, food items, extra shoes or any number of items to keep the interior of the Trooper less filled with stuff.
LADDER: It'd be a nice touch to outfit some sort of ladder to the roof rack on one of the rear doors, like Land Rovers often have, but I'm not sure how the rear door spare tire would affect that. I intend to use the roof rack a lot, and a nice ladder would sure be handy.
Another must have add on is one of the awnings made for SUV roofracks. Similar to those on the sides of RV's, it gives a shady area to hang when the sun is blazing, as it often does in Texas at the beach.
With an awning on one side, the rear back end side and the other side will need to have a mounted high-lift jack and some shovels.
TENT
I want one of the Tent contraptions that attached to the open rear of the SUV and goes out onto the ground with a tent that is about the size of a 6 person tent outside the back of the SUV. They make inflatable air mattresses that are shaped to fit in the cargo compartment of certain SUV's like the Trooper, thus a sleeping and hanging out environment.
When the rain or wind or both are blowing hard at the beach, it's nice to have a place to stretch out and relax and get some respite from the weather. When you're way out on the beach, sitting in the car to escape is ok, but it's much nicer to climb into the rear of the suv and stretch out and get solace from the elements.
GENERATOR AND LIGHTS: It's nice to throw strong beams of light out into the surf, to attract fish. Small outdoor lights on folding tripods and a generator can provide lots of lighting for your camp and projected out onto the water. I myself think that the best Texas surf fishing there is occurs in July and August at night way out on the wild beaches.
TRAILER
I know a cargo trailer at the beach in heavy sand is questionable, but what about a shorter ballon tired trailer? For a great weekend at the beach, you need a few things. A small trailer with a frame that carried a rooftop mounted cartopper fishing boat, the trailer could hold a small motor, oars, ice chest, cooking stuff, outdoor lights and a generator, etc. Fun stuff to have at a beach fishing camp. I have a friend whose Suburban tows a small beach trailer with a metal fishing boat on top and all kinds of gear in the trailer, including a portable air conditioner powered by the generator to turn the back of the suburban into a cool sleeping lodge for three.
A trailer could also hold some jerry cans with gasoline for extended trips up or down the wonderful North and South Padre Islands and their environs. I've seen several vehicles like jeeps and suburbans pulling trailers at the beach with no problems, so I know that with a good vehicle it can be done.
This raises the question of building a very cool lightweight beach camp house structure on a trailer. A camp house on wheels, not unlike the size of a 25' Hunter front sailboat cabin. Carbon Fiber and a great design could lead to a sleeping and lounging chamber at the beach, complete with A/C, a generator and a head. I really think that with the right materials, a lightweight trailer with some big tires would have no problem traversing deep sand behind the right vehicle.
Early 90's Troopers are probably more studly in an off road sense, as they are lighter and a bit simpler, but the late 90's Troopers (and the Acura version of that ride) are still great off road vehicles.
Troopers are reasonably priced on the used market, and low milage Troopers are not that rare. Parts are still readily available and there are lots of aftermarket accessories. They are almost Land Cruiser like in their off road abilities, and are quite a bit more tolerable on the highway than the FJ60 Land Cruisers of the 1980's, a legendary and much higher priced "vintage" 4WD for which parts are pretty expensive, and sometimes rare.
I quite like the FJ60 series of rides, and would love to have one. But after trying to buy one for several years and not being able to find one that didn't have at least one seemingly unfixable problem, or a bunch of problems, I gave up.
My friends with Troopers have had nothing but good luck with none of the woes of FJ60 owners.
So barring stumbling into some converted 4X4 Van for a good price, the Trooper will be the vehicle that Billy Ray and I seek to create for fishing adventures. There are some decently priced used 4x4 conversion vans out there, but I have not found the perfect one yet.
A 4x4 extended length van would provide options that an SUV trooper cannot, such as extended living and sleeping area and a head, and until we actually find a vehicle, I've got searches going on for 4x4 vans just in case there is a deal in the area where we can check it out before we buy it Apparently there are a number of governmental agencies who use these vans, particularly in snowy and/or mountainous locales.
These 4x4 vans occasionally come up for auction, and are usually well maintained. I've seen several with low miles but out of my reach pricewise.
At a bare minimum, what I plan to do once I find a vehicle is some very minor additions, but ones which will make it beachworthy and hopefully, a very nice ride.
THE VEHICLE ITSELF
I would add a second battery under the hood, since I plan to be driving in remote locales in this vehicle.
I would add some sort of radio with emergency rescue features, like a boat might have, for being in areas where there is no cell service. I'm all for getting away, but frankly, accidents do happen plus me and my pals aren't getting any younger and a med emergency could happen at any time. A rescue copter ambulance might make a big difference in life or death.
Certainly, you need a real backcountry GPS, along with a detailed map of your area. Extra batteries for the GPS and flashlights are a good idea.
ROOF RACK PLUS
I plan to get a basket type roof rack. On one side, it will have a cargo carrier and the other side will be empty for putting rod holders, ice chests or other stuff I want to carry.
ROD AND REEL RACKS: I have an idea for a rod with reel rack using PVC pipes on a wooden frame, and attaching same to the roof rack with bungee cords. It would have a handle so you could carry it in your hotel or condo room, or put it in the vehicle for better safekeeping. Either that or some sorf of rack on the inside roof of the Trooper using suspension to hold multi-piece rods.
KAYAK RACK: The roofrack could also carry open sit on top kayaks for those bay locales where kayak fishing is not as foolish as in the surf. Wild beaches Matagorda Island are great for this kind of setup with kayaks, because you can drive to the other end of the Island and get to the bay and go kayaking and fly fishing there for reds and trout. Then just drive back around to the surf and fish for who knows what.
I don't own a kayak, but both Billy Ray and I have significant time in the water in kayaks, and I have access to a couple.
SAND LADDERS: On the bottom of the roof rack will be carried things called sand ladders. Somewhat reminds me of the ramps you use for loading motorcycles or atvs onto a trailer, but flatter and with bigger flared holes. They are less than $200 and used in many other places in the world for beach, jungle and desert driving with great success for getting unstuck.
CARGO CARRIER: The single side cargo carrier can carry clothes, backpacks, food items, extra shoes or any number of items to keep the interior of the Trooper less filled with stuff.
LADDER: It'd be a nice touch to outfit some sort of ladder to the roof rack on one of the rear doors, like Land Rovers often have, but I'm not sure how the rear door spare tire would affect that. I intend to use the roof rack a lot, and a nice ladder would sure be handy.
Another must have add on is one of the awnings made for SUV roofracks. Similar to those on the sides of RV's, it gives a shady area to hang when the sun is blazing, as it often does in Texas at the beach.
With an awning on one side, the rear back end side and the other side will need to have a mounted high-lift jack and some shovels.
TENT
I want one of the Tent contraptions that attached to the open rear of the SUV and goes out onto the ground with a tent that is about the size of a 6 person tent outside the back of the SUV. They make inflatable air mattresses that are shaped to fit in the cargo compartment of certain SUV's like the Trooper, thus a sleeping and hanging out environment.
When the rain or wind or both are blowing hard at the beach, it's nice to have a place to stretch out and relax and get some respite from the weather. When you're way out on the beach, sitting in the car to escape is ok, but it's much nicer to climb into the rear of the suv and stretch out and get solace from the elements.
GENERATOR AND LIGHTS: It's nice to throw strong beams of light out into the surf, to attract fish. Small outdoor lights on folding tripods and a generator can provide lots of lighting for your camp and projected out onto the water. I myself think that the best Texas surf fishing there is occurs in July and August at night way out on the wild beaches.
TRAILER
I know a cargo trailer at the beach in heavy sand is questionable, but what about a shorter ballon tired trailer? For a great weekend at the beach, you need a few things. A small trailer with a frame that carried a rooftop mounted cartopper fishing boat, the trailer could hold a small motor, oars, ice chest, cooking stuff, outdoor lights and a generator, etc. Fun stuff to have at a beach fishing camp. I have a friend whose Suburban tows a small beach trailer with a metal fishing boat on top and all kinds of gear in the trailer, including a portable air conditioner powered by the generator to turn the back of the suburban into a cool sleeping lodge for three.
A trailer could also hold some jerry cans with gasoline for extended trips up or down the wonderful North and South Padre Islands and their environs. I've seen several vehicles like jeeps and suburbans pulling trailers at the beach with no problems, so I know that with a good vehicle it can be done.
This raises the question of building a very cool lightweight beach camp house structure on a trailer. A camp house on wheels, not unlike the size of a 25' Hunter front sailboat cabin. Carbon Fiber and a great design could lead to a sleeping and lounging chamber at the beach, complete with A/C, a generator and a head. I really think that with the right materials, a lightweight trailer with some big tires would have no problem traversing deep sand behind the right vehicle.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
THE TROOPER EXPERIENCE
I think it's all been decided as to what kind of vehicle we'll be getting for our Texas Fishing Truck project. First off, Billy Ray's fishing buddy Dan, who is my friend as well but I don't get to hang with him as much as I'd like, has had excellent luck with his early 90's Isuzu Trooper 4x4. Likewise, I've known several folks who put well in excess of 200k miles on their Troopers of this era.
Then I ran into a fellow at the Wal-Mart last week. He had a faded red Trooper, about a 1994, and I asked him how he liked it. He was an elderly retiree, and said he had bought it when he retired as a tow behind vehicle for his RV. Been using it ever since. He had thought on various occasions about getting other vehicles as a tow behind, like a CRV or an Element, which apparently are popular as tow behind RV vehicles. He said that he had not had any real problems with the Trooper and it was hard to sell a truck that wasn't giving you problems.
He said about a third of his miles were "tow behind" miles, and that he'd used his vehicle some for off-roading for fishing and hunting. He said it was light, powerful for what it was engine wise and that he had only gotten stuck once or twice. Although the paint was somewhat faded, you could tell the whole car was in great shape and it sounded strong when he cranked it up. Seems like most red Troopers I see of this age have the paint fade thing going on.
He wasn't interested in selling, but I got his name and gave him one of my cards.
Again, we have faith that providence will provide us with an ideal vehicle with which to base our Texas Fishing Truck on.
Ultimately, we'll run into someone we know, or who knows someone we know, who has an appropriate one or two owner vehicle for sale, with an honest maintenance history and relatively low miles for it's age.
Then I ran into a fellow at the Wal-Mart last week. He had a faded red Trooper, about a 1994, and I asked him how he liked it. He was an elderly retiree, and said he had bought it when he retired as a tow behind vehicle for his RV. Been using it ever since. He had thought on various occasions about getting other vehicles as a tow behind, like a CRV or an Element, which apparently are popular as tow behind RV vehicles. He said that he had not had any real problems with the Trooper and it was hard to sell a truck that wasn't giving you problems.
He said about a third of his miles were "tow behind" miles, and that he'd used his vehicle some for off-roading for fishing and hunting. He said it was light, powerful for what it was engine wise and that he had only gotten stuck once or twice. Although the paint was somewhat faded, you could tell the whole car was in great shape and it sounded strong when he cranked it up. Seems like most red Troopers I see of this age have the paint fade thing going on.
He wasn't interested in selling, but I got his name and gave him one of my cards.
Again, we have faith that providence will provide us with an ideal vehicle with which to base our Texas Fishing Truck on.
Ultimately, we'll run into someone we know, or who knows someone we know, who has an appropriate one or two owner vehicle for sale, with an honest maintenance history and relatively low miles for it's age.
Monday, May 31, 2010
FEATURES OF THE TEXAS FISHING TRUCK: PHASE ONE AND TWO
I'm going to keep this as a running idea thread for Billy Ray and I as far as what features and accessories we need to get fishing. Other ideas and hopefully some craigslist and ebay bargains might come along and how they might be incorporated.
We're not looking to make a head-turner or a boy racer here with the TFT, the Texas Fishing Truck. Function over form and style is the key thought. We'll be limited by budget, but I have a pretty good track record of finding and getting bargain items for all sorts of outside interests, and I have no doubt some of the things mentioned for phase two of the vehicle will come around at a good price sooner or later.
Phase One will be the immediate phase, once we buy the vehicle and the maintenance and things we need to get going on fishing trips immediately. It will be judicious and will include some vehicle improvements as we go. Of course, we'll be wanting to go fishing as soon as the TFT is roadworthy, and somewhere where we can do some thorough driving through some interesting conditions.
PHASE ONE
DOUBLE BATTERY-adding a battery to a 4X4 is good sense and cheaply done. Gives good backup power when out in the woods.
I've seen some rod racks for some different types of racks and baskets, and I've got a few ideas of my own for a stackable rod rack made with PVC tubing and which would mount as a stacking unit on a roof rack.
HITCH MOUNTED ROD RACK- For beach fishing, these are handy, and I'm inclined to have a welder friend make me one that I can plug in a square hitch just for beach fishing trips. It makes more sense to weld a square hitch receiver on the bottom of the front bumber, under a winch (Phase Two) and put the rod holders up front. Depending on how much weight you want to carry, you can have a removeable front or rear bumper rack that can carry large ice chests, generators, water and fuel (in the rear of vehicle, please) jerry cans and live wells.
I don't want to carry much at first, just a simple rod rack that mounts to the front of the vehicle to hold rods at the beach, bay or other body of water where trees and obstructions get in the way. You can move your fishing camp to follow the fish and birds if you're beach fishing, and that's the point of
The purpose
INSIDE CEILING ROD AND REEL STORAGE-Part of the reason to have this ride is to have 5 or 6 rigged rods and reels ready to go at all times. There are several brands of inside the SUV roofline rod racks that can be installed, most using heavy elastic lines and small poles to provide support for rods. Extra long rods can be broken in two, with reels attached. The reels reside near the hatchback portion of the car, and the elastic bands in the headliner mounted holders keep the rods up against the headliner out of the way of passengers. Also, since the rods and reels are inside the car, they don't grow legs and walk away so easy.
VEHICLE THEFT AND ALARM SYSTEM Again, the vehicle we pick might already have an alarm. Or not. One thing I like for older and easier to steal trucks is the pin plug that must be plugged into the dashboard to complete the ignition circuit and use the car key as normal. I'm sure there are a lot of vehicle security products out there and I know nil about them. But some sort of alarm system as well as a theft deterrent will be something added soon after purchase.
Since most aftermarket alarm businesses also seem to install various sun screen window treatment, this would be a good time to get the windows done (or likely, redone) and save some money.
ON BOARD AIR COMPRESSOR - A decent one, under the hood, for a myriad of reasons when off-roading.
BATTERY POWERED COOLING FAN-Depending on how old the vehicle is, even if it is not having radiator/cooling issues, a flex fan that runs off electricity is nice to add on.
MECHANICAL-Any vehicle I buy will get the once over BEFORE I BUY from one of several mechanics I know, depending on where the vehicle is located. This limits me perhaps getting some screaming ebay deal from Oregon but it also means my chances of getting a good decent vehicle increase proportionatly with an inspection by my trusted mechanic and buying a vehicle I get to see in person before buying.
Chances are, there will be things wrong, minor or major. There may be problems that the seller is trying to cover up or hide. A good mechanic, and about a hour worth of tests on the engine and transmission and a good look up underneath can tell a lot about the condition of the vehicle.
The point is, if you can turn things the seller knows about (and is not telling you) and show him other things that might be wrong with the car that he didn't know about, you can avoid the deal or save more money discounting the price. Just figure there's gonna be something wrong with a used vehicle, it's just a matter of adjusting the price and knowing what problems to avoid.
TUNE UP AND REFRESH - Once we buy the vehicle, it gets new hoses, plugs, filters, plug wires, distributor (if applicable) belts, all fluids, radiator flush, etc. Try to buy at least one spare of every part that is reasonably priced, like hoses and belts and put them in a toolbox for later use. I'd put new lightbulbs all the way around too, just to keep from getting stopped with a burnt out 20 year old tail light bulb. Again, buy an extra bulb and put it in that parts box.
Have your mechanic steamclean the engine and compartment and consider this being done to the undercarriage as well, or do it yourself. Spend a weekend day detailing the car inside and out in every possible way to the smallest detail you can stand. Lube doors and hinges. Pay your mechanic to show you the underside of the car, where everything is and how it works. Get a manual for your vehicle and have your mechanic check the nuts and bolts underneath the car. Use a torque wrench.
Become intimately familiar with the engine compartment, and have your mechanic show you how to adjust the various pulleys for various belts on the engine. Learn about the carburator, if your car has one, and how to perform minor adjustments on it.
I'm going to want to try to find some new pre-cut insulation because when I detail the vehicle, I am going to remove the seats and carpet and try to get dust and what not cleaned up. If the carpet is still good, it's a good time to replace insulation/sound deadening (or if there wasn't any in this vehicle, it's a good time to install some) under the carpet. Steam cleaning the carpets outside the vehicle and cleaning the floor pan thoroughly can get rid of whatever musty odors or mold or dust that has accumulated and can make the ride smell fresh and clean.
This list will undoubtedly go on and on, but these are just a few ideas to start with. Of course, even without the roof rack or rod racks or anything else, when the vehicle is in road tripping condition, it'll be a good excuse to take off for the weekend and do some fishing and camping in the TFT.
We're not looking to make a head-turner or a boy racer here with the TFT, the Texas Fishing Truck. Function over form and style is the key thought. We'll be limited by budget, but I have a pretty good track record of finding and getting bargain items for all sorts of outside interests, and I have no doubt some of the things mentioned for phase two of the vehicle will come around at a good price sooner or later.
Phase One will be the immediate phase, once we buy the vehicle and the maintenance and things we need to get going on fishing trips immediately. It will be judicious and will include some vehicle improvements as we go. Of course, we'll be wanting to go fishing as soon as the TFT is roadworthy, and somewhere where we can do some thorough driving through some interesting conditions.
PHASE ONE
DOUBLE BATTERY-adding a battery to a 4X4 is good sense and cheaply done. Gives good backup power when out in the woods.
EXTRACTION GEAR: At the minimum, some shovels and high lift jack and tow straps/chains and a set of Sand Ladders. The Sand Ladders can be had for under $200, and you can throw them on the bottom of your roof rack mesh floor
I've seen some rod racks for some different types of racks and baskets, and I've got a few ideas of my own for a stackable rod rack made with PVC tubing and which would mount as a stacking unit on a roof rack.
HITCH MOUNTED ROD RACK- For beach fishing, these are handy, and I'm inclined to have a welder friend make me one that I can plug in a square hitch just for beach fishing trips. It makes more sense to weld a square hitch receiver on the bottom of the front bumber, under a winch (Phase Two) and put the rod holders up front. Depending on how much weight you want to carry, you can have a removeable front or rear bumper rack that can carry large ice chests, generators, water and fuel (in the rear of vehicle, please) jerry cans and live wells.
I don't want to carry much at first, just a simple rod rack that mounts to the front of the vehicle to hold rods at the beach, bay or other body of water where trees and obstructions get in the way. You can move your fishing camp to follow the fish and birds if you're beach fishing, and that's the point of
The purpose
INSIDE CEILING ROD AND REEL STORAGE-Part of the reason to have this ride is to have 5 or 6 rigged rods and reels ready to go at all times. There are several brands of inside the SUV roofline rod racks that can be installed, most using heavy elastic lines and small poles to provide support for rods. Extra long rods can be broken in two, with reels attached. The reels reside near the hatchback portion of the car, and the elastic bands in the headliner mounted holders keep the rods up against the headliner out of the way of passengers. Also, since the rods and reels are inside the car, they don't grow legs and walk away so easy.
VEHICLE THEFT AND ALARM SYSTEM Again, the vehicle we pick might already have an alarm. Or not. One thing I like for older and easier to steal trucks is the pin plug that must be plugged into the dashboard to complete the ignition circuit and use the car key as normal. I'm sure there are a lot of vehicle security products out there and I know nil about them. But some sort of alarm system as well as a theft deterrent will be something added soon after purchase.
Since most aftermarket alarm businesses also seem to install various sun screen window treatment, this would be a good time to get the windows done (or likely, redone) and save some money.
ON BOARD AIR COMPRESSOR - A decent one, under the hood, for a myriad of reasons when off-roading.
BATTERY POWERED COOLING FAN-Depending on how old the vehicle is, even if it is not having radiator/cooling issues, a flex fan that runs off electricity is nice to add on.
MECHANICAL-Any vehicle I buy will get the once over BEFORE I BUY from one of several mechanics I know, depending on where the vehicle is located. This limits me perhaps getting some screaming ebay deal from Oregon but it also means my chances of getting a good decent vehicle increase proportionatly with an inspection by my trusted mechanic and buying a vehicle I get to see in person before buying.
Chances are, there will be things wrong, minor or major. There may be problems that the seller is trying to cover up or hide. A good mechanic, and about a hour worth of tests on the engine and transmission and a good look up underneath can tell a lot about the condition of the vehicle.
The point is, if you can turn things the seller knows about (and is not telling you) and show him other things that might be wrong with the car that he didn't know about, you can avoid the deal or save more money discounting the price. Just figure there's gonna be something wrong with a used vehicle, it's just a matter of adjusting the price and knowing what problems to avoid.
TUNE UP AND REFRESH - Once we buy the vehicle, it gets new hoses, plugs, filters, plug wires, distributor (if applicable) belts, all fluids, radiator flush, etc. Try to buy at least one spare of every part that is reasonably priced, like hoses and belts and put them in a toolbox for later use. I'd put new lightbulbs all the way around too, just to keep from getting stopped with a burnt out 20 year old tail light bulb. Again, buy an extra bulb and put it in that parts box.
Have your mechanic steamclean the engine and compartment and consider this being done to the undercarriage as well, or do it yourself. Spend a weekend day detailing the car inside and out in every possible way to the smallest detail you can stand. Lube doors and hinges. Pay your mechanic to show you the underside of the car, where everything is and how it works. Get a manual for your vehicle and have your mechanic check the nuts and bolts underneath the car. Use a torque wrench.
Become intimately familiar with the engine compartment, and have your mechanic show you how to adjust the various pulleys for various belts on the engine. Learn about the carburator, if your car has one, and how to perform minor adjustments on it.
I'm going to want to try to find some new pre-cut insulation because when I detail the vehicle, I am going to remove the seats and carpet and try to get dust and what not cleaned up. If the carpet is still good, it's a good time to replace insulation/sound deadening (or if there wasn't any in this vehicle, it's a good time to install some) under the carpet. Steam cleaning the carpets outside the vehicle and cleaning the floor pan thoroughly can get rid of whatever musty odors or mold or dust that has accumulated and can make the ride smell fresh and clean.
This list will undoubtedly go on and on, but these are just a few ideas to start with. Of course, even without the roof rack or rod racks or anything else, when the vehicle is in road tripping condition, it'll be a good excuse to take off for the weekend and do some fishing and camping in the TFT.
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