47-55.1 55 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100

[vintovka]

Was getting into mine and got a comment on how its set up so here it is. Sorry if a repeat but recently saw an older fellow fall and injure his leg climbing into his lifted 53.

Mine is a 54 on a 84 GMC with a 4" factory lift. Factory running boards are 18" of the deck. Easy for 18 olds - not so much for us pushing 80. I added AMP power boards suspended under the factory boards and they work well. Spec'd for a cj-5 jeep they fit with just shortening the boards. Even then it was not enough and age and balance were issues. I added grab handles both outside and in as shown. Kinda a jungle jim set up. The outside one Allows me to easily pull myself up on the AMP boards and then step up to the factory ones. The inside one allows me to comfortably swing into the cab without pulling on the steering wheel. Yanking on the wheel is not good for original GM tilts and can damage them fast.

Getting out is easy and safe. Grabbing the outside with the left hand lets me step down both boards onto the ground without losing my balance. The outer grab is also the anchor for the 3 points,

Both handles seem unobtrusive as shown and not sure i could get in and out without them. Do remind my of my flying days climbing in an out of aircraft cockpits. Hope idea helps others.


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[nvrdone]

where did you source your inside grab handles from? My wife broke her feemer (?) and those would help her getting in. Thanks.

[vintovka]

Amazon but years ago.

similar to these for inside:
https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Ste...lbWF0aWM&psc=1

[vintovka]

These for outside : https://www.amazon.com/Just-Marine-H...lbWF0aWM&psc=1

The bolts on mine were threaded into the handles and used for upper 3 point belts.

A broker femur is a very serious injury hope shes ok!!!

[nvrdone]

Thanks for the info. And yes, my wife is doing fantastic. It's been 2 years since she fell. Original surgery installed a plate and 9 screws. Then a bone graft 8 months later. But now she is walking with out a walker or cane. She still has a slight limp but Dr says that will go away with time. Right now one of her favorite things is to go riding in the truck so I take her as often as possible.

[vintovka]

Good to hear. Breaking the biggest bone is not good. We often forget access and comfort stuff for AD passengers. An additional mod i will be doing soon is adding a hanging grab strap for my wife on the passenger side. The fixed grab handles help her get in but needs a place to hold onto when driving (especially my driving).

[VWNate1]

Very nice ! .

My Sweet uses the grab handles in every vehicle I've added them to .

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by VWNate1

Very nice ! .

My Sweet uses the grab handles in every vehicle I've added them to .

Yes saved my wife and I's proverbial butts on several occasions. Probably why interior grab handles are stock on most newer cars. Really work when boards are wet/muddy. Used them just now getting stuff that slid forward in bed.

[vintovka]

Old man just got a new AD toy. Not a 54 ad but cute supposedly a 53. Thing is actually a 3 speaker bluetooth with FM. HAs sounds. flashing lights. talks and even answers your phone. Getting some scale Hap Arnold USAF wings. And yes i drove the 54 to go pick it up. Store folks loved it.

[VWNate1]

That's cute .

You should provide a link, I'm sure others here will want one .

[vintovka]

They have them at local Bi-Mart in Oregon for $17 but also at Amazon. Comes in red and black too.

https://www.amazon.com/QFX-BT-1953-R..._hp_atf_d&th=1

[vintovka]

After a few mods:

[vintovka]

Well another Veterans Day Parade has come and gone. Thought it wouldn't happen but the torrential rain gave us a break. Lots of food and drink at the form up coffee, donuts, hot dogs, sausages, soda -- the works. Lots of cars and cheers for the old AD. Big hit with kids and everyone. Only downer was a leftist nutjob puke who attempted to start a ruckus in mid parade with expletives and other words against the President Elect. Bad idea as yours truly and half the crowd were carrying. Got himself turned over to cops for his trouble. Rest of parade was great.

[VWNate1]

I didn't see any parades in my area .

My best friend for 50 + years,a USN Veteran, passed away this Summer and I'm still heartbroken .

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by VWNate1

I didn't see any parades in my area .

My best friend for 50 + years,a USN Veteran, passed away this Summer and I'm still heartbroken .

Sorry to hear. We are losing more vets, many bronze and silver star winners every month.

[vintovka]

When i think i have ruined my dash with too many mods i think of this:


If you like mods and projects check this guy out:

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid...29514220657221

[VWNate1]

The factory gauges have everything you need, only a tach for those who cannot tell by ear when the engine's being over revved or lugged .

Plus that simply looks FUGLY .

However, the person who pays the bills gets to choose how it looks.....

I hope all here had a nice Thanksgiving holiday .

[vintovka]

I agree. the FB link is very interesting and shows how a 54 AD was modded to max to create a heavy duty all terrain vehicle from way back and supposedly being resurected. I'm pretty much done with mods but may eventually rebuild the instrument cluster as its very faded. Also installing a dash cam seems appealing for some reason and debating using my on board screen or a cell shone app. All these are still like magic to me un like the old vacuum gauge mileage monitor that used to be the height of modern tech.
Winter is on us again with Bomb Cyclones so most crusing is over. Now prepping for winter hibernation with Stabil and Battery maintainer. Debating changing oil and filter now or in spring. Will be repainting both the fixed and electric steps with bedliner next year as they have wear. 80 is approaching fast but much happier due to Red wave!!!!

[VWNate1]

Consider removing the ground cable from the battery and tucking it down the side so no possibility of contact, this will eliminate the corrosion buildup and the parasitic draw at the same time .

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by VWNate1

Consider removing the ground cable from the battery and tucking it down the side so no possibility of contact, this will eliminate the corrosion buildup and the parasitic draw at the same time .

Always a good idea. Some time ago i installed 2 separate negative battery disconnect switches. One isolates the battery from everything but the alarm as an anti theft device and when working on the electrical system. The other isolates the alarm during storage. Both have worked well and very handy as almost down to having to need help for simple tasks. Also have a plug installed under the passenger side door between the body and running board so i can easily use the trickle charger. I put a sticky note on the steering wheel to remind me when its plugged in. Never underestimate age related stupidity!!!

[VWNate1]

I'm going to take a pass on the age related stupidity, instead I'll claim "C.R.S. Syndrome" .

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by VWNate1

I'm going to take a pass on the age related stupidity, instead I'll claim "C.R.S. Syndrome" .

My attempts have all been thwarted. I can only laugh at the silly stuff i do now,

Almost at point where i say "step away from the tools!!" Luckily life has been really good and i can easily afford "minions" and then annoy them with directions.

My only issue is finding competant minions.

[VWNate1]

And therein lies the rub : few have the understanding to properly repair our oldies and fewer still care .

I'm rapidly getting to the point where I may give up and sell off most of my vehicles and parts, the tools I think I'll keep, my son can scrap them after I die .

I have many special tools no one seems to even remember anymore .

[vintovka]

I get a kick out of folk who pay $5K+ for an AD wreck and suddenly find out a) it will cost $15K+ in parts and another $15-25K in labor. This only to find out there's only a tiny few that are competent and able to do the job. Seeing lots of AD wrecks for sale because of this. I also think scammers are raking it in from the uninformed.

[vintovka]

Sad to hear but true. I tried selling on some of the AD related FB sites and get zero response as i stated earlier. I would think an open trader would be good and even boost interest. Some sites that have traders require a currently dated pic of items along sellers net name to control scammers.