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Topics - rcampbell

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1
Firearms / M40 inspired build
« on: March 10, 2018, 12:37:13 PM »
Hey guys, I have to admint, I have a soft spot for older Remginton 700's, especially in wood stocks. So I've decided I'm going to build an M40 inspired rifle. I want it to have all the looks of an M40, but will be shooting it, hence the decision to go 223. This caliber will make is cheaper to shoot, and a little easier on the shoulder since it's going to get the period correct aluminium butt plate.

So far, I have a leupold std base, that looks a lot like the old redfield base they used on the M40.



And I got a numrich stock from a fella that had a few kicking around. Not an "actual" M40 stock, but a pretty good facsimile.



Anyone know where a good place to find parts would be in Canada, or a place that at least ships to Canada? Mostly looking for a period-correct sling, butt plate and scope rings, sling swivels.

2
Firearms / Getting pieces for a new rifle
« on: February 01, 2018, 07:43:15 AM »
Hey all, I've always liked rifle builds, so thought I'd start mine here. I'm currently just getting parts to put together a nice little "tactical" .308. I know the 6 and 6.5 are sexier, but I've already got a bunch of .308 brass, and reloading supplies, and have shot and reloaded it a bunch, so it just made sense.

I'm going to try one of the Grayboe stocks that Ryan McMillan makes. Its an A5 clone (Renegade I think?) with Badger DBM.

Also found a sweet deal on a Krieger heavey varmint .308 barrel. It's a 30" barrel that was on a F/TR rifle (has just under 2k round through it). I'm going to get the chamber set back, and trim it down to like 24 or 25" (should be pretty close to AMU contour).

Haven't picked an action yet, but the stock is for a Rem 700 short action, or similar.

It's been a while since I browsed triggers, but I see Timney has some 2-stage triggers now. I've always like 2-stage triggers on a bolt gun, may have to check them out.

3
Powerplant, Driveline, and Braking / 1993 cummins strong and reliable?
« on: August 23, 2017, 01:10:38 PM »
I'm thinking of getting a 5.9 cummins out of a 1993 Dodge for $700. It's of course the rotary pump, not the inline p-pump that the performance guys seem to like. I'm thinking it will still be ok for me though, as I'm not after a ton of horsepower, I am more looking for simplicity (ie. mechanical diesel) and reliability. Any thoughts on how these engines (with rotary pump) are for reliability ? Would love to put it in an old suburban, but so hard to find a pre-1988 3/4 ton suburban in decent shape around here.

4
Faith Discussion / Timshel
« on: January 11, 2017, 12:25:06 PM »
So normally I'm a rock guy, but I find this to be a very nice song, and has several meanings for me, some obvious, some less so.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl-VCHzS1So

Give it a listen if you have some time, perhaps you will like it as well.

5
Firearms / Colt LE6920 build?
« on: January 09, 2017, 11:53:59 AM »
Hey everyone, just got a complete 6920 upper (16.5 bbl, BCG, charging handle incld. everything still new.) and was thinking about what lower would be good on it. I tried an Aero precision lower once, seemed well made and was a great price, but never got a chance to actually fire that one! Anyone have some suggestions for a lower, or experience with an Aero to verify my suspicions that it's a decent lower?

6
Build Threads / Car Hauler Trailer Build
« on: August 14, 2016, 08:38:25 AM »
Hi everyone, I've been collecting parts for my trailer build. I got two 3500lb axles yesterday, I have a 7000lb drop leg jack, and a trailer light kit. Will be getting the springs today likely.

Was just looking for some opinions on the build, if anyone has done something similar. I've build a 5x8 trailer out of angle, and a 5x10 out of square tube, so I'm excited for the project. I think the channel is the way to go, since up here in Canada it's easier to treat rust if it's not on the inside of a square tube.

I plan to use this to be able to haul a car, but also general purpose use like lumber, atv's etc.

Was also wondering about paint, thought about trying to 2-part epoxy paint (KlassKote).

Any helpful hints would be great!

7
Firearms / Ithaca M37 Defense Shotgun opinions?
« on: March 20, 2016, 05:22:52 PM »
Hey guys, just wondering if anyone has any experience or opinion on the Ithaca Model 37 Defense shotgun. I would be looking at the 5-shot model, with synthetic furniture. Reading the specs on it, it seems quite robust, steel receiver and barrel etc. Bottom load and eject which is good for ambi shooters. Thoughts?

8
Build Threads / First Chevy 350 rebuild!
« on: March 11, 2016, 09:33:59 PM »
Well, I got my first 350 Chevy engine the other day, hoping to rebuild it into a healthy V8 for some fun either in an old Chevy 4x4 or muscle car. Anyway, got a complete motor with accessories for $150! I started pulling it apart and low and behold, 4 bolt main bearings, and very solid looking bottom end! Even got two q-jet carbs that I think would be good for a street machine, plus EMP friendly! :)




9
D.O.T. / Started reading a new book!
« on: February 18, 2016, 07:28:23 PM »
Well, look what came in the mail the other day!



Anyone ever hear of this one before? Any good? ;)

10
General Maintenance, How to/DIY projects / DIY Diesel Generator?
« on: January 25, 2016, 08:18:54 AM »
So, I may soon find myself the lucky recipient of a 15kW PTO driven generator and also a 3 cylinder kubota diesel engine. I have visions of using the generator head and engine to make a genset that I can mount and use it both stationary and mobile if required.

Anyone ever tackle a little project like this before?

11
Hi guys, I've been looking for a 5" or 6" lift kit for a 2000 dodge ram 2500 cummins 4x4. Would like to keep my ability to tow properly and maintain payload capacities as well. Would upgrade to Thuren steering setup if I got a lift. What would you guys recommend for the lift kit? BDS is all I've really seen so far, any idea what those are like?


12
Shops Garages and Barns / My first garage!
« on: December 20, 2015, 10:52:47 AM »
So for almost as long as I can remember, well at least since I was about 13, my younger brother and I have dreamed about the day where we could have a garage with a concrete floor and our own tools to work on our various projects.  That isn't to say I didn't appreciate the shop we had when we were kids. It was my grandfathers shop, was wooden floor, was a little cramped and drafty. But we sure loved it in there. In fact, that's where I learned so much of my "handiness" that I enjoy so much today.

Anyway, this Christmas, I'm really counting my blessings that we are able to do this. It's not what many would call a dream garage, but I think it will be wonderful. If I was rich, of course it would be bigger, and more extravagant. But I think this will do just fine.



It's going to be 24'x28' deep, two 9x8 doors, 10' ceiling. They have already poured footings, frost wall will be poured next week, and luckily enough it's going to be above freezing all next week! Should work out great. My contractor is a friend of mine, and fellow volunteer firefighter, who jut lives up the road. I will be doing electrical and interior myself, with the help of my electrician father. Getting so excited!!

13
Faith Discussion / Where to start?
« on: November 23, 2015, 12:36:31 PM »
So I've been thinking about this for a while now, and I'm not sure how to proceed. First, a little bit about me. I've essentially been raised Presbyterian, but never really went to church much. My parents had us 3 boys, so perhaps they needed their own rest come Sunday. I did go to church some when I was young, then it was mostly only at Christmas, and now, basically not at all.

The last several years have been interesting. I'm 33 years old. I'm a volunteer fire-fighter, a step-dad to a 16 year old boy, and recently, a my wife and I had our first baby, a baby girl who is 14 months old now. This situation provides me with lots of opportunity to think about how to handle situations, how to react to things, why things happen the way they do etc. For example, one kid experimenting with alcohol, and the other learning to walk, all in the same day!

As far as faith goes, I must say, I don't miss the act of going to a building, hearing the gossip of the neighbours, and then listening to a minister, who in a lot of cases, speaks so generically so as to get a message to everyone that I can't find a lot of meaning for my specific life. But I must say, I do envy the comfort and reassurance many people of faith seem to have from either reading the bible, or going to church etc.

So how do I proceed. My fatherly, and community responsibilities keep me from being a Sunday church-goer. Would just reading the bible be a good alternative? Are there more practical ways a fellow could achieve the same result?

Thanks for your time everyone, looking forward to hearing from you.

14
Tires, Wheels, and Suspension / Wheel Identification and Restore?
« on: November 15, 2015, 07:30:15 AM »
I did have this in my build thread, but then I remembered there's another category for wheels and tires so I thought I'd move it here.

Here's a picture of the wheels on my parts truck. The tires wouldn't pass inspection, but they are good enough to be able to roll the thing around. The center cap say Xtreme II, they are steel and 16" wheels. Any idea what make they might be? I was guessing maybe procomp?

Anyway, could these be sandblasted and repaint? They do have some surface rust in spots, would would make a real nice set of backup wheels for my dodge.


15
Build Threads / 2000 Dodge 2500 4x4 QC Long Box Cummins
« on: November 03, 2015, 12:30:25 PM »
Well, I finally found a truck that will serve my purposes as rugged enough for farm duty, and hauling trailers, wood etc. Needs some work on the transmission shifter, as it seems like it jumped out of the notch or something. I do like the fact that it's a manual transmission, and also has manual shift lever for 4x4 which I prefer for this type of truck. Has been undercoated it's whole life, and was a 1-owner truck. Has high miles, 325K, but runs well, no smoke, no blow-by etc. It runs well, has some new front end parts and new clutch, good tires on it etc. I also had recently bought a 98 dodge 2500 2wd cummins which will come in handy since I now have a spare engine, a whole truck worth of interior parts, good set of spare wheels etc.

Not sure what to call it, perhaps RoundD, BlueD, CurvedD hahaha. I'll get some pics up soon, picking it up tomorrow or thurs I'd say.

16
Powerplant, Driveline, and Braking / 2000 Dodge Cummins NV4500
« on: November 03, 2015, 08:52:35 AM »
Took a truck for a test drive the other day, and the shift lever had quite a bit of movement in it, even when in gear. When I got backed up and was headed out the driveway, I couldn't get it to shift gears, too much play in the shift lever. Eventually it felt like it must have popped out of the notch altogether and was more or less flopping around. Truck drove fine in the gears I was able to get it in. Would this fix be more related to the shift lever and tower do you think? Truck itself it in really good shape for year. One-owner, well maintained. High miles, about 325k miles, but starts really easy, no smoke at all, runs great. Undercoated it's whole life. Quad cab and front doors have a little sag, but that's to be expected for a 15 year old truck I guess. I figure it would still be good if I could get a good price?

17
Build Threads / 2005 Chevrolet Ext Cab Dually 4x4 LLY
« on: October 27, 2015, 02:05:17 PM »
Hi all, considering the amount of Duramax knowledge here, I figured I'd ask the question. I'm looking at buying a used 2006 LBZ 1-ton 4x4 ext cab. What I know so far is that it has about 200k kms (125k miles), needs an exhaust manifold (one of them is cracked), ABS light was on because a wheel bearing was put on it with no sensor, it has been laid up about 10 months, but does currently run and drive.

That's mostly what I know so far. The good part is that I can get is for a decent amount under $10k. It won't be my daily driver because I"ll have my Tacoma still, but it will eventually do some hauling for farm/personal use.

Anything I should look out for? Is that a fair price? It has a service box on it now, but I would be getting it with the stock dually box and a cap.

18
Hey all, I think since I've got 1999 Dodge diesel truck coming that I'm going to put back on the road, I figured now might be a good time to pull the trigger on a plasma cutter. My local shop (about 15 mins from my house) stocks the  Victor Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster plasma cutters. Does anyone have any experience with them? I've read some good review, seems like it might be a decent rig?

19
Powerplant, Driveline, and Braking / Convert 2wd to 4wd?
« on: September 30, 2015, 12:10:28 PM »
Hi all, In my search for trucks to put my cummins in, I've noticed it's a lot easier to find older trucks that are in decent shape in 2wd (fords and chevys). Maybe because the 2wd's were used to haul campers to Florida or some such thing. Anyway, just curious if anyone knows how easy it might be to convert one to 4wd? I figure since I'll have it tore apart anyway, might not be too bad to change a cross member or two, and add a solid front axle and a t-case?

20
Powerplant, Driveline, and Braking / Best transmission for 5.9 Cummins
« on: September 29, 2015, 01:30:28 PM »
Hi all, with all the 6BT experience on here, I was wondering if there's consensus on what the best choice of transmission would be to go behind the cummins? Some sites would have you believe anything short of a Eaton transmission from a medium duty truck wouldn't suffice. I plan on keeping the motor at stock power levels, can the 47RE be made to be reliable behind this engine? I'm open to anything, auto or manual.

21
Coffee Induced Early Morning Rant / YAPR - Yet Another Preparedness Rant
« on: September 29, 2015, 12:16:22 PM »
Ok, so it's not early morning, but nonetheless is a rant, and likely a coffee induced one!

As other threads have mentioned, there's a lot of talk about preparedness these days, and a bunch of money to be made selling things to people that for the most part they likely don't need. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all about being prepared, but I think I've taken an approach that a lot of people who are "buying preparedness" overlook.

I've seen sooo many stoopid threads on various survival/prepper sites where the various people of said forums will argue the minutia of how a .40 is better than a 9mm. Or about how a 22LR is soo much better than a 22wmr, or how the small back with the black straps is soooo much better for their "op sec" than the one with OD straps etc etc etc. When I read forums like this, I inevitably start to get a little annoyed, start clicking the buttons on the mouse a little harder, mumbling under my breath, and eventually turning off the monitor on my computer.

I suppose my point here is that, so many internet experts are spending so much time and money analyzing such small details, that in the grand scheme of things don't matter one damn bit. Yes security is important, yes a good bag is important. But really if you have any gun, it's likely good enough. Or if you have any well made bag, it's likely good enough.

What people tend to be missing in this day and age, is a practical skill diversity. By that I mean, being able to put a new light switch in your house, do repairs in your own car, build something out of wood, use a welder, sharpen a knife, tie a proper knot, build a shelter in the wood, use a compass, do first aid/cpr, etc etc etc. If I read another thread about how some dude is all set because he's got a slick maxpedition pack, a .45 pistol, 10 carbines, a sniper rifle, a combat shotgun, a 22 survival rifle and a gazillion rounds, some MRE's and whatever other "credit-card funded preparedness" he did, I'm going to lose my mind!

I believe Heinlein's fictional character, Lazarus Long, said it best:

"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects."

</end rant>

PS. All of the guys I've encountered on this site seem to be wonderful exceptions to the normal. So much knowledge here, it's very refreshing!

22
Build Threads / Early beginnings
« on: September 29, 2015, 09:43:08 AM »
So I've started gathering some parts for a truck build lately. I lucked out and got a 4L80E transmission out of a Chevy K2500, also has the t-case still bolted on to it! Also got a Eaton mid-range 5spd transmission (sadly not OD). I initially wanted to use the 4L80E behind a cummins in an old chevy, but depending on what truck I end up going with that my change. The best part is that I got all these things for free!!

I've also found a 2wd 1998 dodge with cummins and auto trans that I can buy for 1300. I figured if I get the drivetrain out of it I could recoup a bunch of the purchase cost by selling the rest of the parts.

My eventual goal is to build a reliable cummins powered 4x4, for year round use (ie. must start well in winter, pull small camper, do work on the farm etc). By the time it's built I hope to be able to sell any vehicles that I still owe money on, and hopefully keep my cash for parts/upgrades. My biggest struggle so far is finding an older 3/4 ton or 1 ton that's not too rusty. You guys in some of the warmer states seem to be able to find them a little easier than I can here on the east coast of Canada. Anyone want to send one up for me by any chance? :)

Anyway, stay tuned, I know this thread is in early stages, and will no doubt take a while, but will also no doubt be a fun journey!

23
Canning & Food Storage / Home Use Flour Grinder?
« on: September 25, 2015, 07:26:47 AM »
Just curious if anyone here has ever ground their own flour? As I see it, the benefits are as follows:

  • Wheat (all grains really) will store a lot longer in a sealed bucket in whole kernel form rather than ground as flour. Like for years as long as cool and dry.
  • Freshly ground flour is much healthier, but since shelf life isn't as long as the refined, bleached etc store bought flour, you'd have to grind it as you use it basically.
  • I started farming with a neighbour of mine recently, and we have many tons of organic rye, barley, wheat and buckwheat, so finding some to use isn't going to be a problem!

Any suggestions or experiences with flour mills for home use?

24
General Vehicle Related Discussion / Why a side-by-side?
« on: September 21, 2015, 10:16:16 AM »
Hey guys, been looking recently at SxS's, both here locally and at some of the cool builds you guys did. They seem like a pretty sweet toy, and some of the options you can get are crazy, like heated and A/C cabs, winches, winshield wipers etc.

The main thing I always end up thinking, usually after seeing the price tag, is why would a person want one of these instead of say a Jeep? Considering a purchase price of a new SxS is 10-15K (at least here in Canada), I could get a used TJ for like 3K and put some upgrades on it, and it would be awesome offroad, but more importantly I could legally drive it on the road too!

25
Firearms / Sig P226 vs Glock 17
« on: December 24, 2014, 10:42:48 AM »
Hi all, still doing some research for my first pistol purchase. I've had a little bit of training using the 226 when I did basic officer training with the Navy, and have fired a couple other semi-auto pistols at ranges. I've never personally fired the Glock (any Glock for that matter). For anyone that has used both, how does the Glock 17 compare to the Sig? Does the Glock trigger take some getting used to? I loved to shoot the Sig, and found it was comfortable. Just looking for some opinions, reviews etc. Thanks, and Merry Christmas!

26
Here's a few pics of the fire ext. mount I made to mount my 5lb fire ext in the the bed of my tacoma. I bolted it to the rail system. Turns out that 1/2" carriage bolts with two parallel flat sides ground on the head of each bolt slide right into the rail system nicely. The mount I made is from 1/8" flat bar that is 1" wide. There are two horizontal pieces, and two vertical pieces that I welded together. The bottom of the vertical pieces I bent at 90 deg. to act as feet. I then bolted on two big quick fist clamps, and voila! Easy to access from the side hatch of the cap. I mounted it about the wheel well so that  it doesn't get in the way when sliding things in and out of the bed floor.





27
Hand Tools, Power Tools, Welders, etc / Plasma Cutter?
« on: October 23, 2014, 06:57:05 PM »
Hi all, recently been thinking of getting a plasma cutter. It didn't take too many days of going home after building my utility trailer with a nose full of grinder wheel dust to want something better. Anyway, I was looking at Hypertherm plasma cutters recently, anyone have any experience with those? Would you recommend any other brands?

28
Tech/Electronics / Wifi and Telephone for small community!
« on: October 23, 2014, 06:41:31 PM »
Stumbled across this when I was trying to think of an easy solution to have a phone and wifi in my brothers house, workshop, and my parents house since all the buildings are within 100 m of each other. This setup was pretty much all I had in mind, but was already built for me!

http://villagetelco.org/mesh-potato/

29
Firearms / What shotgun do you guys prefer?
« on: October 23, 2014, 07:14:47 AM »
Looking for a home defense type of shotgun. Thought about maybe an older wingmaster with a new barrel, or a 590A1, any one here prefer one over the other? Or would you recommend anything else? Don't wanna go broke on a Benelli M4, though they are pretty sexy!

30
Build Threads / Turbocharging gas V6??
« on: October 20, 2014, 12:29:58 PM »
I want to take on a half-ton build project, probably of an older chevy. I do have a 4L80E and transfer case I can use, but I thought it might be cool to look at using a turbo'd V6 instead of a V8. I figured if Ford can pull it off, why not :)

My question though, is what would be a good V6 for a starting point. By "good" I mean, strong enough to withstand trailer towing and offroading while turbocharged. Would a 4.3 fit the bill, or another engine? Maybe the 3.8 used in the Turbo Grand National?

31
Site Rules & Introductions / Hi from Canada!
« on: October 19, 2014, 09:57:52 AM »
Hi all, stumbled across this site when I saw the sqaureD pics somewhere. Looks to be some nice content here, hopefully I can contribute as well as benefit from the existing knowledge! Cheers!

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