1970 Gladiator 1 Ton 6BT 12V Cummins Build
9 Feb 2012
Excuse the long-winded intro. A LOT of people and businesses made this project possible, literally. I feel it very important to publicly give them some recognition before anything else. Without all the help it never would have happened.
I need to give some well deserved credit to
BJ’s Offroad.
http://www.bjsoffroad.com I got lucky enough that I can easily drive to BJ’s from where I live and bug Brent on a moment’s notice. Seriously, without all the help, knowledge, willingness to price match, and willingness to get non-FSJ parts from Brent this project NEVER would have made it this far. If anyone is doing any kind of project they should seriously consider contacting BJ’s.
Some other notable mentions:
Clover Park Technical Collegerebuilt both differentials, transmission and transfer case. A lot of the time schools won’t install aftermarket parts. Wayne, the instructor in the Drivetrain Program, jumped right onboard when he heard where I wanted to go with the project. Kurt and Greg, in the Auto Body Program. They painted the frame and did the sheet metal work on the cab. Note- This is an academic institution and the students needs come first and foremost. If you approach them don’t be surprised if they turn down your work. I got VERY LUCKY.
A skilled professional welder for all the welding of critical components (things that can kill you) and other work.
Justin and Dennis at
Metal Supermarket on 100th, in Lakewood.
Ron at
Hi-Strength Bolt on 100th, in Lakewood.
Also, some others that have treated me right:
4 Wheel Parts, Tacoma and Portland
Discount/America’s Tire, Tacoma and Portland
RE Electric, Tacoma, WA
Tacoma Speedometer, Tacoma, WA
All the craigslister’s that bought, sold, and swapped with me.
A Special Note:
Ballistic Fabrication- After placing my first order in November, 2011, I learned that Ballistic had developed a bad reputation. After learning this I basically thought if I get screwed I just won’t use them again. Let me tell you that they’ve been making huge efforts to correct the problems they were having. I’ve now ordered from them 5 times. Every order has been correct and shipped immediately. The one snafu I did have(minor) I sent an email on a Sunday about getting it corrected. Dave replied within 1 hour from his iphone saying i t would be fixed. The little replacement part was in the mail before 10AM the next morning. I’ve spoke with several of them on the phone. They openly admit that they did have troubles and are doing everything they can to
“earn customers trust back” (their words, notice earn). I’m a pretty good read of people and I believe each one of them are sincere in this desire. Just my take on them so far.
Edited on 13 July 2012 to give some thanks and free advertising to more people and businesses.
I’m now well into rebuilding and finishing the engine. The following businesses have really leaned forward to help me out. All of them are top-notch companies. Most of them I have used in the past and the ones I’m trying for the first time have outstanding reputations. In dealing with all of them their reputations are well earned.
In no particular order:
Once again,
BJ’s Offroad.
The
machine shop at Napa on Pacific and 96th,in Tacoma, WA.
Remflex Gaskets- I’ve used them in the past and love them. This time I needed an exhaust manifold gasket in a hurry and they went above and beyond to get it to me.
Performance Coatings, in Auburn, WA.- I’ve used them in the past. They do an outstanding job and every time I’ve used them it’s been a pleasure.
Turbo Technologies- They helped hook me up with some of the misc exhaust pieces I needed, as well as knowledge, advice, and expert opinions.. Edit addition- Since first writing this TT stepped up and did A LOT of the welding on my exhaust. THANK YOU.
BD Diesel Performance- I can’t say enough about the positive experience I’ve had dealing with them. I made a road trip up to their facility in BC, Canada, to drop off my cores and pick up my new parts. They took me on a tour and went out of their way to help me get the most bang for my buck.
Colt Cams, in BC Canada- This is my first time dealing with them. They come highly recommended by BD Diesel Performance and I stopped by their shop to drop off my cam went I road tripped to BD Performance. Geoff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable and helped me spend my money wisely.
Bud's Machine Shop, in Lakewood, WA. They've been around for decades, have an outstanding reputation, and have done some really top-notch engines.
Larry B's-
http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/ Larry B's makes some really nice products and the website does a really good job of explaining why they fail, or appear to have failed when they haven't. I got lucky and live near enough I drove to his shop to pick up my parts. Larry is extremely nice and VERY knowledgeable. Plus, I'm impressed with his products. When all was said and done, I left his shop with a solenoid, relay harness, fusable link, "Solenoid-Saver" diode, and heavy duty starter contacts. I highly recommend checking his stuff out.
If I’ve missed anyone I feel bad and will edit them in if I think of them. Every business and person I’ve dealt with has been a pleasure