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Now that spring has sprung, and I've recovered from getting a new knee, I'm sorting out ambulance projects. My plan is to qualify for a MN RV license plate ASAP - every time I get new license tabs, it takes a bit of arm waving for the DMV to understand that I have a non-commercial, commercial...

You'll probably be OK -- the siren lives on a 20 amp fuse. The warning lights alternate on/off, so figure about 3-5 amps per light for half your lights -- with a typical KKK light setup, you'd have about 12 lights, so about 18-30 amps. The light bar would be at least 20 amps. The module lighting...

I decided to install Tecniq K90 scene lights. They have a streamlined shape, so tree branches shouldn't be a biggie.

Yep - and both hands to pull the steering levers. I used my toe to shift from forward to reverse. When it was below zero, the oil-wetted clutch would drag so you couldn't get her into gear until it warmed up --- or you could run the blade up and down until the oil warmed enough to let you get...

If I go way back in time, I used to have a Caterpillar D8 (model 2 U), complete with a 6 ton cable operated blade and a pony starting motor. Built about 1952 as I recall. When I got it, the tracks were so worn that I had to remove a pad to take up the slack, which was about the only option other...

Even with the nice unit you bought, you'll have to chase gremlins from time to time. Look for an independent truck repair shop that's close to you thst can be a fall back for repairs you don't want to do or can't figure out. Stay away from dealerships - they'll charge twice as much per hour! I...

My rule of thumb is to try to keep the fuel tank at least 3/8 -- 1/2 full. Since most ambulances were used within a city, they generally have about a 45 gallon fuel tank. Many also don't carry a spare for the same reason -- the city garage gets called to handle any flats

A hint - don't be in a big hurry to throw out what you remove. What you don't want today might be the widget you need down the road, either for it's original purpose, or to rework into something else.

Welcome to the club!

Nicely done. Probably a little slower than an air-arc, but definitely neater. There's always a trade off between time and technique.

Do the axles have any failures, or will you be tearing them down just to overhaul them? You might wish you had a military wrecker before you're done - maybe a nice old Diamond T 969 twin boom wrecker?

I tried to attach V-MUX operational data, but the Expedition site can't handle the file size -

You have the V-MUX system. It is manufactured by Weldon Brass Company. Re-programming it gets expensive, but if you leave it as-is, it will probably panic if your (non-existant) oxygen bottle pressure is low. Parts for it are available, but a new display runs about $900. Components are available...

Is your 2007 Medic Master equipped with standard relay / diode switching (console mounted switches), or does it have the Weldon V-MUX control system (touch screen control)? Mine has diode/relay logic, but I have data on the V-MUX.

It sounds like you're planning to run an ambulance 275 amp alternator, then to batteries or to an inverter. That way, the exact speed isn't crucial since you're not trying to hold 60 Hz. Good plan!. A slow diesel will be a lot quieter than a 3600 RPM Yanmar. The only GOTTCHA you might think...

Sounds like a good solution. Live on solar, with the generator for backup.

As much as logic says DIESEL, logic also can also say GASOLINE. Consider this: Frazer ambulances are designed to be primarily 115 volts, with a 12 volt converter to power emergency lighting and other 12 volt accessories. They use an Onan 5.5 kW gasoline generator as the ambulance's primary...

Medical issues have slowed me down as well. A new knee in November really messed up my winter work plans.

Back in "The Old Days", I used to work for a power company at a coal fired generating station. Twice per year per boiler, I had to verify the settings of the boiler safety valves. These boilers were about 150 ft high, and the ambient temperature on top of the boiler was about 140F of very humid...

"Reefers starting all night" reminds me of a time when I was a LOT younger, and I had to baby sit a load of refrigerated strawberries overnight. It was hot, with no cab AC, so I decided to camp out inside the trailer. Nice and cool sounded great, except as noisy as the Thermo-King units were...