uncledj

I bought a new (to me) pickup. It's a 2017 Ram 2500, crew cab, 4x4 it's a Tradesman, so not a lot of bells and whistles, which is OK by me for a truck. Anyhoo, it's in great shape, low mileage, and after looking at pretty much all the trucks out there 5 yrs old I see a lot of rot...especially around the rear wheel wells. I did a bit of research on how to undercoat, and there's different products out there that people swear by but I decided on Fluid film. I gotta say...I love this stuff. I undercoated the entire vehicle (6 cans) and got the 360 degree spray nozzle on a 3' tube so I could get inside the rockers, doors and wheel wells. A bit smelly for a week or so after treatment, but this stuff creeps like you wouldn't believe. The thing about it is it continues to lubricate as well. On my Expedition, I've the running boards that retract, and they tend to get stuck. (common problem) So, I'd WD40 them every couple of weeks to keep it in check, but if I'd go a month without treating, they'd start sticking again. I treated them with Fluid Film, and it's been over a month with no sticking....not even the hesitation that I'd notice when they started getting tight. I sprayed the coupler on my trailer with it to protect it for winter, and am amazed how smooth it works now. I gotta tell you....Fluid Film is right up there with Seafoam in my book. I'm in no way associated with the company that makes this stuff, but just wanted to share with my Venturerider friends what a great product this stuff is. Take it or leave it, but IMHO this is one of those products that actually works great to protect, or for lasting lubrication.

Any specifics on exactly what ya got there? I might want to do that same upgrade.

DEFINITLEY go with the gas shielding over flux core. Mig welding is mostly about getting it set up right for what you're doing. Once you get in the zone, you can make some beautiful welds that'll penetrate. Like someone said, when you're in the zone you'll hear a consistent sizzling. I just use CO2 and it suits me just fine. Maybe not as good as ultramix or the like, but as I get the CO2 for free, that's what I use and have done quite well with it. Practice makes perfect, and once you get the knack, you'll be amazed when you see all that you can do and will wonder how you ever got by without it. I've a Lincoln Weldpak 120v mig, A Lincoln 225 AC/DC stick welder and an old oxy acetelyne setup from my days in the steel mill. 99% of what I weld is with the Lincoln Weldpak mig. I only resort to stick welding when I've something really heavy to weld. (1/4" and over). Have fun with it.

Yup, I'm still around...but heck...you know that.... As an AC Tech, I'm usually pretty busy in the Summer and this year is no exception. Been some issues at work causing people to quit...they almost lost me but I hung in there and there HAVE been some positive changes. Rode the bikes up to the Cabin with friends last month. Meant to post about it but haven't had time. Had some interesting issues with the motorhome...(2 flats within 10 miles).... Just returned from a trip to PA with the motorhome and saw your message, so figured I'd better respond, but all is well with Lisa and I, and looking forward to the next get together...probably next year....possibly at the cabin. All's well, and thanks for askin'.

Don't know that that will work in this application. I think that's meant to be used for machine control and the like. (Looks cool, though)

Looks like a great event.....Got somewhere I gotta be this weekend or I'd be there. Dave...Good to see you're still around.

Where might I find "venture rider merchandise"?

Very pleased to hear that ya got out to CTFW. Was gettin' worried about ya. I need some wind therapy myself and have only ridden a bit at the VR get togethers....finally going to ride up to the cabin with friends weekend after next.

Piqued my interest.

Sounds fair. Keep in mind that if it grabs ya, don't spend too much time worrying about if you're getting it at the cheapest possible price. Pics would help, but if it's in decent shape I'd go for it. As far as things to watch out for I'd say there's a chance the clutches will slip under load. It's an easy fix and a lot of us choose to upgrade to stronger springs. When sitting there, bounce it a few times and see if the rear shock squeaks. That seems to mean there will be a shock replacement in your future. You may want to check the brake / clutch reservoir window for the color of the fluid. The darker it is the longer it's been in there...not a problem, but will need to be changed soon. These bikes are generally pretty reliable when maintained....hard to go wrong with a Venture. Good luck....visit often...

Signed up for the 16th thru the 19th. Lisa and I will be doing the motorhome thing, with the bike on the trailer. Called Niagara Shores and reserved a spot for the motorhome.

Made it home safe...We walked in the door around 2:30. Thanks to everyone who made this happen, and thanks to all the good folks that showed up. Always a good time.....Hope no-one was too intimidated by all my tats...... Now....I gotta look into those Spyders a little better...lol.... ​ Looking forward, we should all consider Pioneer when looking for a new scoot....just sayin'...

Since they say "Property of Big Tom"....do you wear them, or are they just for show?

Been busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest, and haven't had time to get it together for the trip, but am planning on getting the motorhome ready, hooking up the trailer and loading the bike Wednesday night after work, then will drive up Thursday morning. Should be there early Thursday afternoon. See y'all then.

He's been in my thoughts and prayers since I first heard that he was having trouble....was hoping to see him at WNY Rally...Keep in mind that when we send such well wishings, it's for ourselves as much as Bob...we don't want to see a good man leave us, nor do we want his family to be in pain. We should keep in mind that, if we have faith, that faith must accept that this may be part of Gods plan. Should Bob continue to suffer, it may be best that he's allowed to return to his true home. If we have faith, we should temper our pain of loss with the joy of knowing that this may be his time to return to the eternal love and joy that we all hope to someday achieve. Bob....if you're to leave us....Gods' speed...I'll look forward to seeing you on the other side. Still praying for recovery, but failing that, I'm sure he'll find peace.

Thoughts and prayers are with you and your father during this difficult time. You're both fortunate to be so close, and to have so many pulling for you. God bless you both.

I need to replace the vacuum caps on the carb test ports, and the vacuum hoses on my 06 RSV, but would like to have the correct sizes handy before tearing into it. Any gurus out there know the sizes???? And... Is that something I can get at the local Auto Zone or the like?....or do I order them online...?

Happy Birthday Brother !!! Many happy returns. !!!

NICE !!!

Thoughts and prayers will be with him.

Lisa and I are plannin' on it. See ya there. Looking forward to another great rally !!!

Went from Don's to Youngstown, where I replaced an air conditioning condensing unit for an old friend, then home where I backed off the gravel drive into the yard and got the motorhome stuck. Couldn't pull it out with the truck, ...had to hook up the winch to get back on the gravel.... A full day. Thanks to Don and Eileen for putting up with us and being such gracious hosts. Always a good time, and love meeting the folks on the site. Now looking forward to NY Mini Rally.

They can be fixed. Not that much to them. Come on up to MD and I'll look at it for ya. lol Like Don axed,....is the fan motor and compressor running?....if so and it's not putting out cold air, it's likely a leak, which is usually pretty easy to fix. If no fan or compressor, could be fan motor or compressor failure, or either on / off switch, (usually a turn knob type switch) ...or could be thermostat. Anyhoo, if you can work on a Venture, you should be able to work on your AC. Feel free to call or PM if there's anything I can do to help.

I understand your reasoning, but being a Venture owner is only part of the equation. Sad to see you go, but you don't have to renew to visit. Best wishes for your future endeavors.

CONGRATS !!! I'll be watchin' for ya on the National news !!!