Hey Guys -
Honestly, with my schedule, I kind of wimped out on the wrenching. Just general maintenance stuff. But it did need ALL of the hydraulic lines replaced on the crane (dryrot). I know the limits of my knowledge for "what looks good and what looks ready for replacement" on heavy trucks, so I let some pros that I trust do it. I'll stick to what I do well - electrical. So, it didn't need much else (mostly some "straightening of fender edges and mud shields/flap hangers). It has some small issue with the dash lights (I think it is the dimmer control because they are all out - it shows the procedure in the TM). Got a good deal on some 24 Volt Strobe Lights off E-Bay, so I'll have to put that on. There is already a factory bracket ober the back of the cab for it and a switch on the dash, so it really should be no big deal. May have to change the feed to the switch from 12V to 24V if neccessary (or pick up a multi-volt unit) as all of the lighting on the PLS is supposed to be 12V.
As far as the "accessories" for the PLS to carry on its back - been thinking about that. According to some data I saw once, the PLS with an 8' tall container (think "camper") on it is at 13'8" I think. Pretty sure that will get me in trouble sooner or latter. Have been toying around with building a "pop-up" (think crank-up, or maybe hydraulic or air) enclosure. I think it would look better with a lower profile, too. Wouldn't catch as many trees either. Just a bit of fabrication, so it may have to wait. The Military does have quite a few "specific application" loads for the truck. I have heard of a dump bed, mechanics setup, concrete factory, field kitchen, not to mention the flatracks for general loading. I have 2 of the flatracks in nice shape - one for the truck and one for the 1076 trailer. I have to be a little realistic in what type of loads I get for it as most of them I will never get any real use out of for the money and maintenance involved, not to mention storage space to keep them from rotting away before my eyes.
I'll get some pictures of the cab and dash, etc. next time I'm working on her. Going to have the dash open anyways to get to the dimmer switch. Ah yes, nothing like spaghetti in the morning!
Dave.