I finally got my deuce after a 3+ week wait on the EUC. I flew into Harrisburg, PA on Sunday and took a taxi to Ft Indiantown Gap monday morning to meet Mike, the GL rep at my 0700 appointment. We both got there early. The deuce appeared to be in good condition. The fuel tank was full, radiator full, brakes and lights worked, etc. The oil was several quarts over-filled. There were no signs of any leaks, and frequent checks during the trip revealed no subsequent leaks. I was especially concerned about the brakes, but they worked flawlessly. The batteries were good and the engine started immediately. and there was good oil pressure and the alternator was charging ok. The deuce had 8 new tires, two about 33% worn and a very bad spare. It had been 38 years since my army days from the last time a drove a deuce, so I took a few minutes to remember where everything was. I left Ft Indiantown Gap at 0730 for the start of a 16-hour and almost 700 mile drive to Hiawassee, Georgia. The truck ran great and I only had a few problems noted below. My slow time was due to a slow speed of around 52 mph max, road construction and four thunderstormes.
1. The fuel gauge worked great on departure, but quit working after a few miles.
2. The inside turnsignal light started flickering after about 100 miles, but the outside lights continued to function properly.
3. During the first of four thunderstorms during the trip I discovered that the windshield wipers did not work - I forgot to test them prior to departure.
4. I got wet repeatedly due to massive amounts of rain coming in around the windshield due to leaks.
5. After about 500 miles, the right mirror deciced to partially fall off, although it appeared to be tight when I started. I re-attached the mirror.
6. At about 30 miles from the end of the trip, the speedometer needle started jerking due to a bad speedometer cable.
7. I had a VERY sore butt after 16 hours and 700 miles and very sore ears from cramming cheap ear plugs in too deep to cut the horrendous noise.
8. Fuel consumption was about 7 mpg, better than I expected.
All in all it was a very good trip and I would do it again. I also saved $1468.00 in transportation charges, the lowest quote I was able to obtain for truck transport. I obviously got a very good deuce since there were no serious drive-train problems. The truck ran and handled great. The radiator was still full at the end of the trip and oil consumption was nil. I also have to say that Mike, the GL rep at Ft Indiantown Gap, was very friendly and helpful, although I believe he thought I was crazy for starting off on such a long trip by myself with minimal tools. He was probably right.
God, my butt is sore!!!
