Volvo 670/Loader/Smart/ET For Trade?

8/2/2015

Volvo 670/Loader/Smart/ET For Trade?

Crazy Idea

Donnie Barnes
07 November 2010
10:02 AM
Okay, just floating this out there for possible interest.  I kind of doubt the right deal is available, but I figure it can't hurt to ask.

Basically, I don't want to sell and build another truck as I don't want to be without one if I can help it, so I'm interested in possible trades.  I'm offering up my 2005 Volvo 670 with the Henry-built Smart loader and ET Hitch,  *and* my G&K imported Smart (so it's under the 102" required legal width) in trade for an HDT.  My truck has about 550k miles, a D12, and full two pedal automatic.  It also has an integrated inverter and is titled as an RV in NC already.  It's tandem and has the cool "rollback" style sideways Smart loader that Henry designed.  Works great.  In theory it could also load a Jeep or similar vehicle longways, but if you do that you can NOT use the ET to tow .. you'd have to bumper-tow.  It has a 2.5" receiver for bumper towing.  And a BrakeSmart.

What am I looking for? I'd be interested in a late model Volvo (projector headlight models only...2003+?), Kenworth T2000, or Pete 387 (well, or a nice Argosy).  Open to almost any sleeper cab configuration.  Would actually prefer a properly done single, and short is fine.  Not planning to haul anything on the bed.  Would prefer something that already has an ET Hitch, but flexible on the bed configuration.  I'll need a receiver on the back, too, but that's the kind of thing I can certainly add if necessary.

The only negative toward someone pulling their 5er right *now* with my rig is I only have a gooseneck ball setup.  Henry has been promising me a Binkley head for my hitch and I'm sure we can twist his arm if I were to find a deal that might work.  Obviously the trade would need to include cash from your end, but the amount would just have to be negotiated based on the trade.

Pictures of my truck are in the sig. No, not the motorhome, just the Smart-hauler.  And why am I thinking about doing this?  Since the time I commissioned this loader and now my life has changed more than I thought it would and I don't race nearly as much.  Hence my haulers do much more sitting than they used to, and I just hate seeing the Smart sitting around, too.  It runs great, never given me any problem (well, it did once, but we found out we simply had bad fuel!).

PM or email me if you have something you think I might be interested in and I can give you some idea of how much cash it might take on top of your truck.  Keep in mind that building a loader like this was around $25k, though the second one is probably more like $15k or maybe a bit more.  The Smart is probably worth $15k or so, too, I'd guess, though I haven't researched it that closely yet.
Donnie

hjsdds
07 November 2010
11:17 AM
Donnie I don't want raise too many "false hopes."  If "attempted again" that would be a $25K deck loader build, otherwise Wayland would have a big Texas belly laugh about these northern Yankee hicks who don't know how to properly charge for a bed/loader.

A Binkley, or a "super" Binkley can be installed on your ET, but it's not swappable situation, only one or the other.  I can supply one.  Also your ET is installed 4 inches lower than normal, therefore the pin box on any fifth would have to be lowered to the 43 inches height (with a Binkley head).
hjs

Donnie Barnes
07 November 2010
12:39 PM
Heh, good info. My price just went up!
Donnie
J.W. Morgan
07 November 2010
02:24 PM
Henry,
So am I to gather that you charge $9.76 per hour to build a smart loader bed? (16 months, which is roughly 64 weeks at 40hr a week, 2560 hours divided into $25,000)
waylandlong
07 November 2010
02:47 PM
JW
You left out the materials and the ET Hitch.

Henry
Based off of Bluenoser's project, I am going up on everything I do.

campswithcritters
07 November 2010
03:17 PM
Gee thanks Bluenoser!  Mine is in the line-up at Wayland's shop.
Jack Mayer
07 November 2010
04:54 PM
Hmmm, guess I will have to stick with Larry.  But, heck, I can always "ask" when my time comes around again (likely this summer).  Maybe JW will be building beds then...
hjsdds
07 November 2010
06:43 PM
Wow, did I make that much?  I thought I worked for less than the minimum wage.

No, the ET was not part of the "deal", Donnie bought that separately and he bought the air tag hitch separately.
hjs

Donnie Barnes
07 November 2010
08:14 PM
Sadly, it didn't get anywhere near 40 hours per week for long stretches of that time.  But that wasn't Henry's fault, either.  There was a third party involved in the fabrication that let us down a bit.

Anyway, I'm guessing if I really want to do okay on this deal I'll just have to buy another truck and then sell this one, but time will tell.  I'm keeping my eyes open for the perfect truck.  Not sure there are any of our group currently selling quite what I'm after, though.  If anyone sees anything, feel free to forward it on to me.
Donnie

hjsdds
07 November 2010
08:24 PM
Hmm. maybe I could spit and polish Kechup.
I will certainly roll down a tear when I see it gone.
hjs
J.W. Morgan
07 November 2010
08:29 PM
Guys,
I was just poking fun!
Donnie Barnes
07 November 2010
08:50 PM
Wow, I wish it weren't such a PITA to retrofit a two pedal automatic into one of these:
http://www.truckpaper.com/listingsdetail/d...px?OHID=2492452
Could probably make some money back selling those two extra axles, too.  Dang thing might not look as good as this one picture suggests, but it certainly has JW's kind of motor in it.  Shorten her up in the singling just a bit, drop the drop axle completely, install two pedal auto.  Dang.
Donnie
J.W. Morgan
07 November 2010
09:54 PM
When would you like me to go get it?
Donnie Barnes
08 November 2010
08:05 AM
If it weren't 3000 miles away from me, I'd think harder about it.  My guess is that it's seen some extreme use with that much HP and a third rear axle. *shrug*

I gotta think putting an AutoShift in one wouldn't be that bad, but going to a true two pedal auto would be a lot harder.  And way more expensive.  Ever done either on any big truck?
Donnie

J.W. Morgan
08 November 2010
09:08 PM
Donnie,
I have never tried it, but if it can be done I would be glad to do it.  3000k is nothing for a stepper, they make airplanes for that sort of thing too.
Bill B
08 November 2010 - 09:44 PM
Donnie
ghillie did that with his truck - 3 pedal to a 2 pedal transmission
DJW
09 November 2010
04:07 PM
And it was a straight 10 speed if I remember right.
Dennis
J.W. Morgan
09 November 2010
08:32 PM
Scrap will have to chime in and let me know if it is compatible with the big C15, without me looking it up I am not sure and he knows off the top of his head.
Phil D
09 November 2010
09:34 PM
They are compatible with a majority of the C15s.  Ultimately, it would depend on the output rating of the C15 in question.

Both the Ultrashift and FreedomLine are available with up to a 1650 lb./ft. torque rating.  The FreedomLine is maxed out at 1650.  I don't know if the Ultrashift is available for torque ratings beyond that or not.

Scrap
09 November 2010
10:22 PM
Yea you'd have to derate it or go with an Ultrashift Plus.  I don't know if the Plus works with a pre-07 but if that truck is an ACERT there might be a good chance.

That truck probably ran heavy at 102 - 105,500, but it is a pretty standard highway truck around here.

I think Donnie needs to do that old needle nose he's always wanted!  Long and low........

Donnie Barnes
09 November 2010
11:49 PM
I don't ever recall wanting a "needle nose"!  I want something that turns sharp and won't leave me stranded.  With a two pedal auto, Jake brake, and cold AC.  And a good ride quality and QUIET engine.  And at least 200 gallons of fuel capacity.  And preferably single.  Needle noses look like shit singled.  If I REALLY wanted to roll like that I'd have to stretch it and lower it a *little.*  Which I admit I like the thought of, but I'm not doing it.  Nope.  Not in the cards right now.  Practical is king right now.
Donnie
Scrap
10 November 2010
08:58 PM
Man I could have  swore.  But I had to go search back and, well, turns out it was an old 352 y'all were talking about.

Oops, I had that one all wrong!!

J.W. Morgan
10 November 2010
11:15 PM
So Donnie do we need to take a look at it?

Of course I have never swapped an AutoShift in one, but it sounds like fun!  I keep thinking of a conversation I had with an inspector one time, we were talking about a particular method of installing a section of pipe and I told him I had never done it that way but it would work.  He asked me how did I know it would work?  I very calmly told him .. "Look I have never slept with your wife before, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't be good at it."  Amazingly enough he left me alone and we completed out little project.

Donnie Barnes
10 November 2010
11:18 PM
Hahaha.  I'm gonna keep looking for a little better candidate to consider, honestly.  Lack of pictures and the size of that engine and the three axles on the rear add up to one hell of a hard working beast.  More than I need, even if it's in good shape.  And too far away.
Donnie
J.W. Morgan
10 November 2010
11:25 PM
I took a picture of an Argosy a few weeks ago parked here at the hotel where I am staying and meant to post if for you and forgot and now I don't remember where I stored the pic.....
hjsdds
11 November 2010
09:35 AM
I thought that engineering and being able to do what hasn't been done before had its roots in math, physics, chemistry, science, etc.  And here you go with a simple, logical and Freudian explanation that it is all about sex.  All I had to do was to hook up with one of the "fast" gals in high school and I could have skipped all that book reading, studying and drudgery.  What a waste of friggin' time, plus I could have had a second "career" in the porn industry when I came to this country, because "I know I would be good at it if I got an 'early' start."
hjs
J&V
11 November 2010
10:08 AM
Regardless Henry, you have one of the very best!
Phil D
11 November 2010
11:58 AM
There may not be anything Freudian about it, Henry.  It's entirely possible that J. W. just meant that he's really good at sleeping.

Sometimes, after all, a cigar really is just a cigar

J.W. Morgan
12 November 2010
12:25 AM
Henry,
I have laid pipe all over this country and parts of two more, I made sizable paychecks for doing it since I was a teenager.  I was known for spending said checks in adult beverage dispensaries, from those experiences of what happened after leaving places like that, I can make a battle hardened vet blush, promise.

Your post summarizes why things seemingly never get done, everyone wants to think about them until it finishes itself, instead of getting to work.

dandy2
27 November 2010
04:57 PM
Donnie,
It is unfortunate you need to "let her go."  For quite a period of time I looked out of the shop at your truck and Smart just waiting to be put together.  Yes, mine was slipped in front of yours, a green cab was slipped in front of mine and we both got out before yours came in for a little while and out to wait again.  I believe your patience was rewarded with a good rig.

Life is that way for all of us, one way or another.  The bumps in the road cause us to alter our plans, like it or not.  Hopefully this change will provide you with long term fulfillment.  Best wishes in the next adventure,
Dan

Donnie Barnes
27 November 2010
10:15 PM
Dan, just so we're clear, I don't *need* to sell the truck/Smart.  My life change is really just that as my kids get older I'm finding myself having more fun spending time doing things with them rather than running off racing so many weekends out of the year (especially now that both of them are in traditional school and thus we have much more limited time periods with them).  Also, before I felt like I wanted to cut back, I spent more weekends autocrossing than road racing even though I liked road racing more.  But that was somewhat out of necessity as I didn't want to commit the SERIOUS resources it takes to go up a level with the road racing, and autocrossing was really fun, too.  But when I decided to cut back more, I chopped autocrossing pretty much completely.

And the unfortunate part of that is that the Smart was WAY more useful to me at autocrosses than at road races.  At many autocross weekends you *can't* stay "on site" as a lot of the big ones are at active airports (on inactive parts, but within security, which means no overnight stays).  So thus the need for a hotel vehicle.  But at road races you can ALWAYS stay on site, so for those I'd take the new motorhome instead.  Since I can put a "real" car in there, I again don't need the Smart.

So it sits unused, and most of the pulling I do with the Volvo is without the Smart at all since I don't need it most of the time.  So there's no reason to stare at both vehicles not being used for what they were originally intended for.  I'd really like to just get a nice singled truck and pass the usefulness of the Smart hauler on to someone who can use it.  It's just much more annoying to sink more money into haulers and THEN sell the thing, so I was floating the idea.  With no takers, however, it looks like I won't have much choice.
Donnie