The Dodge Truck Rebuild

Well here we go again, This will (I hope) chronicle the rebuild of a 1994 Dodge Ram 1500, 5.2L V-8 now owned by my stepson Nick Balsbaugh. This truck has come to us as a family "hand me down" and I have hopes that we can do the repairs justice and Nick can carry on a love with this truck just as its previous owner did.

Years ago my cousin Tricia White purchased this new 1994 Dodge Truck. At the time this thing was the vehicle to have! To Tricia this was her "baby" and it was a beloved member of her family. This was the first year that Dodge had produced this retro body style and she, along with allot of others, loved it. Unfortunately several years ago Tricia crashed her truck and was subsequently heart broken by the mishap. Due to other issues the truck had been sitting for quite sometime until recently her brother Bill White had some transportation issues. Tricia generously allowed Bill to take her child (broken bones and all) as a replacement means of transportation until a time as he could make a decision on other transportation... WELL..... The accident that Tricia had crunched the driver side front fender as shown to the left, Bill's accident unfortunately creamed the passenger side... Needless to say there was not much hope for the truck at this point without a real investment in either time or money. With that in mind I showed Nick the truck and asked if he was ready to tackle this challenge? He agreed he was up for it ready to hit it head on, he now owns the truck. Just after Christmas 2008 (December 28th to be exact) we started to work on the beast. On that day we were able to (in a matter of about three to four hours of tinkering) able to get all of the body panels removed. From that point I really felt like we were making progress. Since that time, Nick secured two fenders from a local junk yard at a reasonable price. The passenger fender has a small "ding" in the well, center line of the wheel arch and will require some minor body work. As for the drivers fender everything at the moment looks OK, even the color matches! As of January 6th 2009 we now have both left and right fenders installed and aligned. The passenger fender was white in color and we had to paint the interior before installing it.... So far so good. The new front bumper has arrived along with the new front billet grill assembly. We are still waiting on all the final hardware to finish assembling the truck. You can check out more pictures here.






Well its Friday January 9, 2009 and we made some nice progress tonight. The Headlight buckets, headlight assemblies, bottom bumper trim, and lower bumper inserts have still not arrived. Tonight the Front main bumper assembly was installed with only minor issues. On initial installation the main attach brackets appeared to "sag". After some inspection and a little brogan maintenance we found that there is quite a bit of adjustment in the attachment of the main bumper supports. The secondary side supports were mangled during both crashes but Terah and I were able to "make like new"! It did involve a torch, a hammer and some umph, but after some gentle persuasion it all came together. Bren stopped by for his two cents worth and he informed us that we had installed to bumper too high. So



again, Nick is ob his back with a wrench in his hand... Even after this discovery we have opted to wait on all the additional bumper trim until we receive the new light buckets. There is some minor concerns that when the headlights are installed that we may have some clearance issues. I think some is this is simply due to our inexperience.

The next part of the project to tackle was installing what on initial inspection is a cheeze piece of chromed plastic. The new grill was installed without any real problems. The original grill had certainly taken it toll during its mishaps but the new grill from LMC Trucks looks great! Luckily all the necessary hardware was still on the original grill support and it was undamaged! The installation took some time but after the process was over with it really wasn't that bad and it looks great. Nick has ordered new lower bumper inserts to replace the factory original grey plastic inserts. These new inserts will have the same look as the new grill. The ole girl is really starting to come together.



Here's Nick feeling pretty good about himself! Great job Nick!











Terah looks to be happy cleaning up 15 years of grime! Terah is a pretty good sport and great help around the shop!













She's coming together nicely! New Chrome bumper and grill. There will soon be some euro headlights, chrome top bumper cover and lower valance to complete the rebuilt front end!








This truck is over 14 years old and looks like new inside!








Notice the new Airtex intake - installed by Terah Cash (with some guidance from Mr. Miyagi...







Mr. Miyagi say "Make like new"! Thanks for the Shades Tricia they make a nice addition at no extra charge!





Again, thanks for stoppiong by and taking a look at our progress. We are hopeful that we could be complete with this project inside a week. Nick should be able to transfer tags and pay his taxes on this truck next week and he has contracted a local paint and body shop to do the final color matched factory colored pait job.


You can check out more pictures here.


Kirk Lewellen
Regional Sales Manager
Monterey Boats
1918 Cliffview Ct.
Murfreesboro, TN 37128
Cell - 615.207.1108
Fax - 615-896-6635
http://www.montereyboats.com/
http://www.kirklewellen.com/

Dad's Potato Leak Soup with Nana's "Souper" Cornbread

Well it seems the potato leak soup has been a hit. I thought I would share it whomever might like to know what it contains and how to put it together. The Soup reicipe came from my father from years gone by. This soup is always a hit and not difficult to make. I don't really think you can screw it up. The cornbread recipe came from my mother in law that scavenged it from somewhere. She and I made it for the first time during Thanksgiving it seems to now be the preferred bread accent to several of our meals lately. It is hearty with some yummy goodness inside! Check them both out you won't be disappointed!

Potato Leak soup

1 Bunch of Leaks
3 Carrots
2 Med. Onions
2 Cloves of Garlic
2 16 oz. Cans of Chicken Broth
6-8 Med. Potatoes
3-4 Stalks of Celery
12 Oz. Country Ham
8 oz. Sour Cream
1 pt. Heavy cream

Cook onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and Leaks in olive oil (just a little). While that is cooking, cook and chop the country ham and add it to the Onions and carrots. Add one can of Chicken Broth and continue cooking. Peel and grate more than half of the potatoes (if you use 6 potatoes grate 4) chop the other two into bite size pieces. Add the grated and chopped potatoes with the second can of broth to the pot. After all that gets “rollin’” turn down the heat to a simmer and add the sour Cream and Heavy cream to the mix and that’s about it…

The Cornbread is not hard either….

1 – Can cream corn
1 Med. Onion
1 cup of Sour Cream
2 Cups of Cheddar Cheese (more or less)
1/8 – ¼ cup of milk
2 Cups Cornmeal
1 cup Flour
Pinch of salt
2 – Eggs
½ stick butter

Heat oven to 400 deg. Place your cornbread pan in the oven with about ¼ cup of oil. Mix Cornmeal, flour, salt, with the onion, cream corn and milk enough to make cornbread consistency. Pour that mixture in a heated and oiled cornbread pan. Melt the butter in the microwave and pour the butter over that mixture. Over that layer 1 cup of sour cream (more or less, I have found it easier to thin the sour cream with a little milk to spread easier) I have also found that too much sour cream can be over powering, more is not better in this instance. Over THAT layer the Cheddar cheese and bake for about 45 minutes! Yummy Goodness!

Hope you enjoy


Kirk Lewellen
Regional Sales Manager
Monterey Boats
1918 Cliffview Ct.
Murfreesboro, TN 37128
Cell - 615.207.1108
Fax - 615-896-6635
http://www.montereyboats.com/

http://www.kirklewellen.com/

 

I have had an inspiration

1-3-2009



With my recent loathing of any television programming as of late, I have to admit that for what ever reason I have been inspired! The DVR taped the latest New Yankee Workshop program I watch occasionally. This program started almost elementary in discussion but I too was made again aware of things we get sloppy and sometimes impatient doing. The explanation was excellent and not too "dumbed down" to remember the basics. I can envision a total novice with a band saw and a teaspoon of gumption completing this project with no problem!


As a wood worker I "grew up" with my father in his shop. I learned wood working by osmosis I enjoy it, I can do it, it's creative and I find it entertaining and fun! I too have a small shop in my garage that I occasionally "play" in. This most recent program went back to the roots or at least to me, seemed that way. Some of the first things I remember my father creating were tables, parson benches, pie safes and the like. This program reminded me of those times. So with that, I have been inspired to build some desperately needed Adirondack chairs for the yard.

I can't say at the moment I have fully examined this project but I'm thinking.... Mahogany or teak?

Well I found a chair that I think will work nicely for a pattern. It will involve disassembly, that won't be an issue considering there was no glue used in its original construction just a few screws and bolts. After disassembly and a light sanding to cleanup the parts I should be ready to start production. this chair was purchased from Harbor Freight and is constructed from a light weight Fir (I think). It has been somewhat maintained over the years but it is starting to show its signs of wear. This chair is about three years old. It is stained with a simple, old, cheap, red wood stain which worked very nicely. For the new chairs I am still leaning toward a Teak or Mahogany and a more natural finish... Well, something else to think about...

Keep your eyes peeled and see if anything develops, spring is right around the corner.


Kirk Lewellen
Selling fun and lifestyle
Monterey Boats
615-207-1108
http://www.kirklewellen.com/
lewellenk@comcast.net

Building a Bicycle with a Gas Engine

This idea started a whimsical idea after running across a YouTube video of someone in Franklin Tennessee with an electric bicycle. I found the 80CC engine on ebay and started the process. After initially losing the bid on EBay the seller send me another offer and I took it! The MSRP on these engines can run $200 +. Needless to say I didn't give that much for this one... After a week or so waiting anxiously on UPS, the package arrived from BC Canada!

Now, with an engine and no bicycle I had to "go on a hunt"! A friend had told me of a used bicycle shop on the outskirts of town that also doubled as a tack shop. You gotta love Tennessee... The proprietor was fully aware of the bicycle conversion and made a suggestion of the cruiser pictured here. Ironically enough it is called an Earth Cruiser. All things considered I thought this would probably work very well for what I had intended to do. Contrary to that however, This was not a project for the complete idiot. It did involve some modification to the kit as well as some modification to the Bike itself.

The first issue is the sprocket that mounts to the rear wheel.... The hole is not large enough to accommodate the coaster brake or the diameter of the hub. After "enlarging" the hole things went smoothly until attempting to mount the motor... The Motor mount was not designed for such a large frame and there was some minor modifications there also. All in all, nothing was a "big issue" but again, this is not an installation for the complete idiot!

Finally after two nights of tinkering, modifying, beating, banging and with a few choice words I was ready for a test. I really thought this was going to be more difficult and cantankerous that than it turned out to be. I primed the carb, engaged the clutch and peddled away. at about 8-10 mph I released the clutch and it roared to life and I was cruising! Unfortunately that wasn't the end of the adventure... It seems that the back sprocket was considerable out of round with the wheel and took some work to finally get it lined up... Another night or two later the subsequent test went flawlessly! To date I have only about 50 or 60 miles on it but it purrs right along the weather herein Tennessee has gotten too cold to enjoy riding but I am anxiously waiting for warmer days!

The Preverbial First Post

Well, here we go! OK, seems like the thing to do... Blog... This is my first attempt and I am really not sure what might be some things to come. I am not a writer, I tend to have a conversational tone in general. So, wish me luck and I hope you enjoy it!

Here might be a few things I could write about in the life and times...

My experiences in boating, boat sales, the boat industry in general or Monterey boats? My creative side has a greater tendency to be a bit more "tactile" in nature i.e. I like to build stuff... Cars, like the Bradley GT, Bren's Volkswagen, the Long EZ, the newest gas powered bicycle, RC airplanes, Boats and more. In short, this verbal creation is a new thing although, I did take creative writing in High School...

Kirk Lewellen

The New Job!

WILLISTON, FL – Monterey Boats recently added Kirk Lewellen to its corporate roster. Effective immediately, Lewellen is the new regional sales manager for the Mid-Atlantic region, which includes TN, VA, NC, SC, GA and AL. Lewellen brings plenty of RSM experience to Monterey. He worked seven years as an RSM for Wellcraft Marine, as well as13 years prior to that as a sales manager and RSM for Hydra-Sports. Lewellen attended the Nashville State Technical Institute. His duties will include overseeing the dealer network in his area and establishing new dealer prospects.“Kirk has vast experience at the RSM position, and we feel he will be a true asset to not only our sales force, but also our growing dealer network,” said Monterey Boats Director of Marketing & Dealer Development Lou Vazquez. Monterey Boats, a leading independent boat manufacturer, has specialized in manufacturing premier quality sport boats, deck boats, sport yachts and cruisers for more than two decades and currently features 24 models ranging from 18’ to 41’. Monterey has a growing worldwide dealer/partner network, a dedicated staff of more than 600 skilled boatbuilders, and is an industry leader in designing and building superior pleasure boats. Every Monterey boat is NMMA certified and backed by a Lifetime Limited Warranty to assure continued customer confidence and satisfaction.For more information on Monterey Boats, visit www.montereyboats.com, or contact Mark Jerkins at Higher Advertising, Inc.: phone - 407.447.1340 or email - Mark@higheradvertising.com.

Tournament Time - FLW Outdoors - Morehead City, NC Team Reel Krazy

FLW Outdoors - Morehead City, NC


Team Reel Krazy



Sunday Oct, 9 2005 - Arrival in Atlantic Beach - Condo rental from Spectrum Properties a huge benefit for the team. Splashed boat and moored at Portside Marina / Miramar Boats in Morehead City, NC. Thanks to the great folks (Denhard and Kay) at Portside/ Miramar.


Monday Oct. 10, 2005 - Tournament day one, boat number 40 and a 7:30am checkout. Cold and Rainy. We bought bait from Capt. Stacy before checkout and initially they looked BIG and strong. Straight to the Dead Tree hole and trolled without a strike. A 13 mile run at 11:30 to the Little Ten yielded big seas and strong winds. Once we arrived at the little ten it was difficult to even get baits in the water. After about thirty minuets, we made the agonizing run back to calmer waters. Special Thanks to Pat with ESEA RIDER his beanbag chair came in handy!!! Late day reports from Team Extreme (Wellcraft Capt. Mike Everhart) broughtus to the Rock Jetty "parking lot" where we latched on to several fish with one weighing 20lbs 09oz. This fish put us in 13th at the end of the first day. Special thanks to Genmar for putting on a great spread for all the Wellcraft and Hydra Sports owners, the food was excellent! Thanks


Tuesday Oct 11, 2005 - Day two, cold and rainy, back to the Rock Jetty "parking lot" for a string of teenagers. Seas were easy but the wind continued to blow. Final fish to the scales was only 15lbs 15oz. Bumping us to 34th… we still managed a $1500 check for our efforts and we secured our spot in the championship event! Congratulations to Marcia-D Perry Johnston in his new Hydra Sports on the win… it's a shame he left $30,000 in Yamaha's money on the table…

Wednesday Oct 12, 2005 - Thought we had a day off and the FLW had scheduled the Wellcraft Kellogg's team for a 7:00am photo shoot. Delays in the shoot proved fruitful… We found plenty of bait on the backside of Shackleford Island and floated the net in one throw. More delays found us searching the chart for options… We ran three miles East to AR315 and within 5 minuets and only two baits in the water we had a 25+ on and on its way to the boat… Prospects for the championship were looking better.


Thursday Oct 13, 2005 - Championship day one, boat number 37 and another 7:30am checkout. . Bought bait from Capt. Stacy before checkout again and decided to only buy 2 doz and put them in one baitwell and catch another baitwell full before checkout. After checkout we found bait on the beach at the Atlantic Beach water tower we didn't manage to get it before checkout… Straight to AR315 we caught 7 - 8 fish all day the biggest coming in at 23lbs 13oz. Team Kellogg's, Wellcraft and Carolina Boat and Yacht were in 8th place after day one!!! Needless to say, we were excited but we knew our fish was not likely to hold…

Friday Oct. 14, 2005 - Reports from My Turn (Hydra Sports - Capt. Steve Venable) in second place after day one put us in the ship channel. We brought two fish to the boat and watched as Reel Culture (Wellcraft - Capt. Shane Hollar) boated a good fish and left the area!!! Questions arose with Team Kellogg's and at about 11:00am we returned to the beach for a tough time of catching bait and returned to AR315 for the remainder of the day. We caught plenty of fish, the sun came out (Thanks Solar Bat Sunglasses) but nothing to beat the 23-13 we had at the scales. There was an FLW camera on the boat with us and we had a great time. We took Tony to the scales but unfortunately we came up a little short finishing 14th in the Championship event.
Saturday Oct. 15, 2005 - Congratulations to Early Riser - Capt. John Parks - A Wellcraft and Yamaha owner on winning the first FLW Kingfish Championship and $150,000. Congratulations also have to go to Team Reel Culture, Rebecca Ann, Double Shot, Team Chevy, Sea Rat, My Turn, Capt. Dan, East Coast Sports and Team Snickers! And all that just go to go fishing!

Team Kelloggs - Reel Krazy - FLW Team is comprised of: Captain Bryan Edwards, Mike Glover, Kirk Lewellen and Shelly Lewellen. Consistency was the key we finished 9th in the points overall for the year and the first Genmar / Wellcraft / Yamaha as well as the top finishing sponsored boat. Thanks to Wellcraft and Kelloggs!!!
See ya Next Year!!!