A new & improved Clyde

[Billy Mac]

Ladies and gentlemen......it is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that Clyde, as you know him, may soon be permanently retired. The motor in the ol' boy has HAD it (it knocks so bad that I can not even describe it)....the floor board at my feet and around the dog box is rotted away to the extent that I can look down and see the road whizzing beneath my feet.

I have another 1 ton van, that is 6 years newer, with a brand new motor in it, that I am going to stretch and modify (to MY specifications) that will become the new "Clyde"!!

A LOT of thought has gone into this much needed construction phase, and the fact that Peggy is now all back together and ready to prance and dance up and down drag strips in the area (and beyond)......it is past time to get myself a dependable tow/work vehicle. Bear in mind, that I am NOT a wealthy individual who can go out and purchase what I want.....and I just refuse to take out a loan for such a vehicle. So, I will build it the way "I" want it to be.....It may take me a while.....and the time invested will probably be substancial.....but I can better afford to do it this way.

I plan on trying to find a used box (like I made my trailer out of).....damaged if at all possible (those are much cheaper)...but if I can't locate one nearby, I will build the box section as well.....

I really need a "scoot around" vehicle and perhaps a small truck (or van) for my everyday doin's but I just can't see having two or three vehicles sitting in the yard......So....a multi-purpose vehicle (like Clyde is now) will be fabricated.....I like to think of it as, "the Ultimate SUV".....go [pretty much] anywhere, haul tools, equipment, supplies and Patch (my trailer) plus, I can sleep in it, cook in it, shower/shave/whatever in it, all in one, admittedly longggg, package..stay tuned...

[WildcatOne]

Good luck with this new necessary but difficult project, Billy. Good move, and it will certainly pay off "down the road"...keep us posted! WC1

[Gator]

Clyde 2 is a "plan"
Cool......

[greenracing]

Sounds like a cool and necessary project Billy. I know our old motor home that we use is getting to the point where we question whether it will bring us back home. Haulers are expensive as heck tho - so I know where you're at.

[Rapid Randy Baker]

Cool Deal Billy Mac. Sounds like a fun build-up!

[RH]

Billy,
While I did not personally know Clyde, in fitting tribute I will have a drink to him later today.
It's difficult to part with loyal old dogs and loyal old trucks

Ron

[Mr. Jean]

Good luck on your new project. Of course, we want pics.

[Lippy]

Good luck on the build Billy! I have a 79 chev p.u. that's one of those old loyal dogs!!! I'll never sell it!!! A friend built a motorhome type hauler out of a freightliner, it's really cool. Plus he pulls a trailer behind it. I hope to have him help me with one.

[Billy Mac]

Thanks, Guys.

Clyde HAS been Very loyal to me in the nearly 6 years I have been driving him.......YES, he has made life (and a trip or two ) rather interesting, but he NEVER left me stranded beside the road: "close" but I was able to get to and from where I was going, albeit kinda slow.

For no more than I have invested in the ol' boy, he has been a pretty good ol' ride.............but his useful time on the roads has come to an end.......

To be honest....I'm gonna miss the raggedy box-a-bolts, but I fully intend to incorporate some of his features into the new and improved version.....
Plans are for it to be longer and also have some more "creature comforts", but still be able to be a "work" vehicle as well as a homemade Toter for Patch and Peggy.......

I'll keep y'all in the loop as things progress