HAMBO build thread
- Thread starter Abitibi
- Start date
Abitibi
Explorer
We went for another 3 weeks on the Island, had a blast and met some new amazing friends along the way! That Bigfoot is a 1984 Steyr, an ex-military truck from Austria. It belongs to friends of mine from Quebec (originally from France). They are slowly (53mph cruising speed) making their way to South America 
Haven't seen my truck from this angle before! That was on the small ferry to Saltspring Island. The solar panels (660w) are temporarily mounted as I'll soon move them on top of the poptop.
On the way to Bamfield we found a nice secluded spot right on the lake. Nice swim but since I didn't have anything on I didn't include any pictures
Here's Bigfoot, he sure makes my Hambo look tiny!
This was one really cool vintage Greenbrier! Never seen one with a Doormobile roof before. Wife said "Don't even think about stopping!" lol But I did stop to check that cool carving!
She does blend in nicely doesn't she!
Nice way to end the trip!
Haven't seen my truck from this angle before! That was on the small ferry to Saltspring Island. The solar panels (660w) are temporarily mounted as I'll soon move them on top of the poptop.
On the way to Bamfield we found a nice secluded spot right on the lake. Nice swim but since I didn't have anything on I didn't include any pictures
Here's Bigfoot, he sure makes my Hambo look tiny!
This was one really cool vintage Greenbrier! Never seen one with a Doormobile roof before. Wife said "Don't even think about stopping!" lol But I did stop to check that cool carving!
She does blend in nicely doesn't she!
Nice way to end the trip!
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Abitibi
Explorer
And on another note, here are various pictures of current projects... I'm sure you can all guess what this is! I have another identical one that will get welded together... Can't wait to get that one off the bucket list!
Also boxed in the space for the custom composting toilet and added a nice big sliding storage tray. On the side against the wall are two 100w solar panel that I use when I prefer to park in the shade.
I was hoping to install these Australian 9" LED lights on my front bumper but they are massive and don't fit so they'll have to go on the roof rack above the cab. I'm also planning to mount that aluminum box but might chop it 4" to make it lower profile.
And after a long work day, nothing like a good old glass of milk! Hahaha
Also boxed in the space for the custom composting toilet and added a nice big sliding storage tray. On the side against the wall are two 100w solar panel that I use when I prefer to park in the shade.
I was hoping to install these Australian 9" LED lights on my front bumper but they are massive and don't fit so they'll have to go on the roof rack above the cab. I'm also planning to mount that aluminum box but might chop it 4" to make it lower profile.
And after a long work day, nothing like a good old glass of milk! Hahaha
Bikersmurf
Expedition Leader
Interesting… that one appeared to be leaf sprung, and your’s coil.I helped build the interior on that ambo and my best mate Laurentiu built the rest. He's the one who helped me build the 4x4 on my current one
It just sold last week.
I’d like to know more about your coil setup.
If we ever sell our business I’m tossing around the idea of a 4wd conversion and exploring more.
Abitibi
Explorer
I've already started a separate post for my custom aluminum poptop here: https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/hambo-aluminum-poptop.228606/ and while waiting for the right time to dig deeper into this project I started another project that I hoped to do on my 1st ambo but never really did... a custom double swing out rear bumper. It's steel, it's heavy and it's strong! lol
To be honest I only worked a little on this one as my best mate Laurentiu did most of the work for me. I'll post more picture once it's all painted. I'm removing it to clean the welds and apply a few layers of paint (bedliner?). But for now here's a little teaser
Also a few unrelated but still cool pictures including one of my mate's old camper truck. We went on a bunch of roadtrips and backcountry excursions with his old bus (he since sold it but for some reason it still comes and visit, lol)
To be honest I only worked a little on this one as my best mate Laurentiu did most of the work for me. I'll post more picture once it's all painted. I'm removing it to clean the welds and apply a few layers of paint (bedliner?). But for now here's a little teaser
Also a few unrelated but still cool pictures including one of my mate's old camper truck. We went on a bunch of roadtrips and backcountry excursions with his old bus (he since sold it but for some reason it still comes and visit, lol)
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Arctic Travelller
Adventurer
Fantastic progress so far.
Abitibi
Explorer
Thank you guys and sorry for not responding sooner, paying job is getting in the way! But not for much longer, only another 6 weeks then I retire and can finish this project! (Or leave it as it and travel right away, lol)
I have yet to install the air ride seat. Still have other projects to complete first like the ceiling.
But the roof is mostly done along with the custom rear bumper.
I went on a 3000miles trip and the 6.0 was awesome. Powerful and quiet.
I also had the tranny rebuilt with a HD torque converter. 285k miles before it started to act up.
So for now this is what will keep me busy in the next little while:
Paint and install electric actuators for the poptop then re-mount the solar panels.
Finish ceiling paneling and ceiling lights.
Complete the 4x4 (transfer case and new driveshafts)
Modify front end to cross-over steering.
Change front bolt patter from 8x170 to 8x6.5
Fix a high pressure oil leak giving me hard starts (just started couple days ago). While in there I'll delete EGR, new up pipes, new cooler, upgrade turbo...
And a bunch more. As you can tell I really need to retire, lol
I have yet to install the air ride seat. Still have other projects to complete first like the ceiling.
But the roof is mostly done along with the custom rear bumper.
I went on a 3000miles trip and the 6.0 was awesome. Powerful and quiet.
I also had the tranny rebuilt with a HD torque converter. 285k miles before it started to act up.
So for now this is what will keep me busy in the next little while:
Paint and install electric actuators for the poptop then re-mount the solar panels.
Finish ceiling paneling and ceiling lights.
Complete the 4x4 (transfer case and new driveshafts)
Modify front end to cross-over steering.
Change front bolt patter from 8x170 to 8x6.5
Fix a high pressure oil leak giving me hard starts (just started couple days ago). While in there I'll delete EGR, new up pipes, new cooler, upgrade turbo...
And a bunch more. As you can tell I really need to retire, lol
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Bikersmurf
Expedition Leader
Looks like you’ve got your work cut out for you. I’m looking forward to the slow season for my our buisness. In the last 2+ years it hasn’t slowed down because of COVID related stuff.Thank you guys and sorry for not responding sooner, paying job is getting in the way! But not for much longer, only another 6 weeks then I retire and can finish this project! (Or leave it as it and travel right away, lol)
I have yet to install the air ride seat. Still have other projects to complete first like the ceiling.
But the roof is mostly done along with the custom rear bumper.
I went on a 3000miles trip and the 6.0 was awesome. Powerful and quiet.
I also had the tranny rebuilt with a HD torque converter. 285k miles before it started to act up.
So for now this is what will keep me busy in the next little while:
Paint and install electric actuators for the poptop then re-mount the solar panels.
Finish ceiling paneling and ceiling lights.
Complete the 4x4 (transfer case and new driveshafts)
Modify front end to cross-over steering.
Change front bolt patter from 8x170 to 8x6.5
Fix a high pressure oil leak giving me hard starts (just started couple days ago). While in there I'll delete EGR, new up pipes, new cooler, upgrade turbo...
And a bunch more. As you can tell I really need to retire, lol
If you’re bored you’re welcome to come visit the rock and help build my truck(s)…
JK
Your pace is at least 20x what mine is. I’m at almost 31 years for my 40, and 8 for the Ambulance. In contrast, your working towards finish your 2nd Ambo.
On another thread you mentioned you’re running a rear sway bar. Which sway bars has you used and what would you recommend for an ambulance?:
Abitibi
Explorer
Abitibi
Explorer
It's an Hellwig, pretty sure it was for the Econoline. I had to drill the end holes wider to modify the mounting style. I'll get back if I can find pictures.Looks like you’ve got your work cut out for you. I’m looking forward to the slow season for my our buisness. In the last 2+ years it hasn’t slowed down because of COVID related stuff.
If you’re bored you’re welcome to come visit the rock and help build my truck(s)…
JK
Your pace is at least 20x what mine is. I’m at almost 31 years for my 40, and 8 for the Ambulance. In contrast, your working towards finish your 2nd Ambo.
On another thread you mentioned you’re running a rear sway bar. Which sway bars has you used and what would you recommend for an ambulance?:
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iggi
Ian
WHAT?? OMG
Is that that what it looks like? A hub and unit bearing in 8x6.5 for the 2005-2011 Super Duty Dana 60??
Is that that what it looks like? A hub and unit bearing in 8x6.5 for the 2005-2011 Super Duty Dana 60??
Look closely at the picture with the 2 orange boxes
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