Moving Day

[FINOCJ]

Last week we started the big move. We drove through a couple hours stop and go traffic getting out of Denver. We had road closures due to high wind (extreme roll over hazard - not good for the U-Haul). It took us over 7.5 hrs to get from Denver to Casper - normally a 4 hr drive in a car in good conditions. We drove another 8 hrs the next day with mostly no issues except some rain and snow as we neared Bozeman. The soon after we arrived, it began puking snow....6" in the next 24 hours, but we were able to unload and continue the fun. We used the 58 as our errand runabout in town - enjoyed driving it even with no floor pan tunnel and some mish-mash of seating I managed to temporarily get in it. The key ignition starter switch had some issue with its mounting in the dash, so had to sort of rig that to work temporarily, and had to adjust the clutch cable near the end of the first day as it stretched a bit. Its got a ways to go with the interior to be a 'comfortable' driver, but encouraging that its seems to be running and driving pretty well.

We have a standard attached 2 car garage for the DDs (as an aside, we are trying to reduce our car ownership and combine usage, especially with my father moving in, so are selling my tacoma and his subraru - if you are in need on one, let me know!). The new place has a detached garage shop which is basically the size of a 2 car garage, but only has a single car garage door. It should be possible to keep both the small CJ and willys in it with some creative parking....but I also want it to be a bit more useable shop space with work area than what I've been squeezing into in Denver. It also has a full loft for additional storage.Some details TBD for sure....and when it's all said and done, it'll still be too small.

We are back in Colo for a couple week (minus a river trip I am doing to Idaho next week), and will then repeat with a second load of stuff (mostly my father's stuff)....Anyone want to buy a house in Denver?

[Tom]

Congrats on your new start. Should be an adventure. Loved the Bozeman area when we lived there in the early 1980’s.

[RockyMtRebel]

Good timing, we leave for Hole in the Rock tomorrow (or today like Shane, Trent & Steve).... :lmao::lmao::lmao:

Just kidding! Houses are going for top dollar right now so hopefully you'll get a buyer quickly! Best of luck James, hope to wheel with you at some point maybe up in Montana. I have a bunch of friends in the Bozeman and Missoula areas since I lived there as a young man.

[Jim]

when it's all said and done, it'll still be too small.

A built-in "feature" of every shop of all time.

Congrats on the new digs!

[TDash]

looks great and beautiful, James! Hope you can make Chinaman Gultch in a couple weeks :)

[FINOCJ]

Good timing, we leave for Hole in the Rock tomorrow (or today like Shane, Trent & Steve).... :lmao::lmao::lmao:

Just kidding! Houses are going for top dollar right now so hopefully you'll get a buyer quickly! Best of luck James, hope to wheel with you at some point maybe up in Montana. I have a bunch of friends in the Bozeman and Missoula areas since I lived there as a young man.

The moving plan was built around the expectation that I would go to HITR, but then a few weeks ago a main salmon river trip evolved for the 19-23, and then I would basically have to go straight from utah to idaho....with the move in full on go mode, it didn't seem like being gone for the better part of 2 weeks right when we are finishing prepping the house for market and finalizing the 2nd round of moving stuff wouldn't be the best idea....so guess I had to choose between utah jeeping or river trip. I choose the river. I plan to be in Leadville with the early cj5 group again this Aug for some wheeling, and of course I would like to get to Moab (or somewhere in Utah) in the later fall, possibly with some from this group or early cj group. Its even possible I might try to make it back to the Rubicon in July....so basically, lots of chances to wheel, but not so many river trips.

[FINOCJ]

Getting closer...CJ fits next to 58 willys
https://beamingpix.com/images/2022/05/18/PXL_20220519_025152064.jpg

[FINOCJ]

Did a second big move day last week and starting to get settled in a bit. Been very wet and rainy....local farmers are very delayed getting crops planted with muddy fields....at the same time, everyone knows fire season is just around the corner. A pic looking west towards the Spanish peaks of the Madison range where big sky is (my winter ski area work).
https://beamingpix.com/images/2022/06/05/PXL_20220606_023551132.jpg

And a nice sunset this evening...
https://beamingpix.com/images/2022/06/06/IMG_20220606_210928.jpg

[Jim]

Sweet - thx for the pix. Congrats on getting things checked off.

[FINOCJ]

Do what you gotta do sometimes....bought a used riding mower from 2-3 miles down the road. I couldn't get a trailer on short notice, and its too heavy to lift into the truck bed, so Jen just drove it on home. If only she had a beer in hand...
https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2022/06/07/PXL_20220607_233009170.jpg

[Jim]

2-3 miles? How long did that take? 40 minutes? What's the MPG on that mower?

beer in hand - Jen could be the poster child for DUI via lawn mower - LOL

[Java]

That's awesome! I would have been too tempted to clean up the shoulder if I was her.

[The StRanger]

Looks like a poss Montana State flag !!!

[TyTheJeepGuy]

You mean you didn't fab up something off the Willy's transfer case to drive a mower blade?

[FINOCJ]

You mean you didn't fab up something off the Willy's transfer case to drive a mower blade?

no....but I am potentially using the small need for a snowplow to keep my eye out for an old rusty flatfender jeep! If I get one of those, then you never know what other farm implements might be needed to make the agri-jeep fully functional.

[Jim]

I would vote for James to accumulate those unique Jeep accessories - post hole drill, mowers, etc. Was a "factory" snow blower ever produced?

[FINOCJ]

I would vote for James to accumulate those unique Jeep accessories - post hole drill, mowers, etc. Was a "factory" snow blower ever produced?

I am all for it...just need a go fund me page. Maybe you all can chip in. Not sure about OEM rotary plow (snow blower) for a willys - I would guess there was a PTO version. Certainly plow blades were common, including v-plows.

[FINOCJ]

Yup...here you go...sno-flyr

[Jim]

Looking at the sheet on the right - that is cool. A mini-version of what's used on Trail Ridge Road & Beartooth Pass - front end loaders with rotary plows that are powered by a second, dedicated, engine to run the plow. The vehicle engine simply moves the vehicle.

I vote Yes! to said accessory. Group funding might be needed.

[FINOCJ]

Moving to MT was a hard way to get a fresh flat plate for the CJ - going to figure out a hinge for it at some point.

[TDash]

i have to look at getting Montana plates for my truck. With all the changes i have check engine, check 4WD, ABS etc all the lights are on and I don't think I'll be able to pass inspection next year when I am due. I guess there are legal ways to get Montana plates for of course a price

[Mad Maxx]

i have to look at getting Montana plates for my truck. With all the changes i have check engine, check 4WD, ABS etc all the lights are on and I don't think I'll be able to pass inspection next year when I am due. I guess there are legal ways to get Montana plates for of course a price

I've looked at getting plates from elsewhere for similar reasons if I have to move back to the Denver area. It's absolutely insane how impossible they make it for non-USDM vehicles like my Jimny to pass. I kept up with a guy on Facebook who did a ton of work on his, including splicing in a catalytic converter ('91s and earlier kei models didn't come with them stock) and it still wouldn't pass. I found this site in my research - https://yourbestaddress.com/

[TDash]

I've looked at getting plates from elsewhere for similar reasons if I have to move back to the Denver area. It's absolutely insane how impossible they make it for non-USDM vehicles like my Jimny to pass. I kept up with a guy on Facebook who did a ton of work on his, including splicing in a catalytic converter ('91s and earlier kei models didn't come with them stock) and it still wouldn't pass. I found this site in my research - https://yourbestaddress.com/


Thanks for the info! I had thought about Montana mainly because Gerald had shared with me the possibility of "permanent vehicle registration"

[FINOCJ]

i have to look at getting Montana plates for my truck. With all the changes i have check engine, check 4WD, ABS etc all the lights are on and I don't think I'll be able to pass inspection next year when I am due. I guess there are legal ways to get Montana plates for of course a price

Ummm...I am not the person to ask as I am not that familiar with MT motor vehicle registration, but I can say they do require 2 items of proof of residence, and they only mail titles to a MT address. You would need the same for a MT driver license, which the license can then be used for any other residency proof. In my case, the backlog to get a DL is a 3-4 month wait - i signed up for an appt in April that is for July - so I had to provide the 2 proofs of residence to get my vehicle titles transferred and registered. For out of state titles, they must be transferred to MT title first and then registered of course, and that can only be done in person, and requires the proof of residence. The website lists what that is, but its stuff like warranty deed for house, rental agreement, property tax bill etc is proof of residence - generic mail is not. It may depend on the staff member you work with that day, but when we registered the 2 DDs, they barely looked at our proof of residence, and technically, they only verified Jen's residence (we do not share the same last name) for the title in her name, and never verified mine for the title in my name. But today, when I went to register the two old jeeps, a different woman was a bit more 'detailed' in her review. Finally, the titles are mailed to you a couple months later, and they are only mailed to the MT residence address. In other words, its not a trivial game to play....

Colo can be a PITA to get a missing title replaced, and depending on your location, the emissions or inspections can also be difficult etc. Montana doesn't have nearly as much issue (like no emissions, no inspection) with that assuming you have a residency, or some good way to claim one. One nice thing MT does is a 'permanent' registration for vehicles over 10 years old. It costs about twice what a yearly registration is, but its good forever. They do NOT have a 'collector vehicle' tag like CO has - which I kind of liked on my old iron. They do have an 'antique' tag, but its only good for travel to and from ceremonial/historical functions and parades (Colorado also has this). So, in theory, if your vehicle is over 10 years old, and you can play the game well enough to get the MT title and permanent registration, then yes, you are good to go with a lot less hassle...

[FINOCJ]

I've looked at getting plates from elsewhere for similar reasons if I have to move back to the Denver area. It's absolutely insane how impossible they make it for non-USDM vehicles like my Jimny to pass. I kept up with a guy on Facebook who did a ton of work on his, including splicing in a catalytic converter ('91s and earlier kei models didn't come with them stock) and it still wouldn't pass. I found this site in my research - https://yourbestaddress.com/

There is kind of dead zone of production years that are difficult to deal with in Colo with regard to emissions. With my old cj and willys, they were old enough to qualify to collector plates and thus exempt from emissions and any concern about engine swaps and what not - plus you get a 5 year registration. But if you venture into the late 70 or early 80s, then it does not qualify for collector plates, and emissions on those age vehicles are often problematic, and if any engine swaps or modifications have been done, it can get tricky. In other words - buy old iron and then you never have to worry about that stuff even in the front range!

[TDash]

there is actually an industry behind this entire thing now. basically you pay this lawfirm company, they setup an LLC for you and take care of it all

https://www.49dollarmontanaregisteredagent.com/montana-vehicle-registration

an article on jalopnik was written about it basically telling you not to do it but i dont know what other choices i will have. either drive illegally without registration because they won't pass? move? idunno what everyone does for these situations

[RockyMtRebel]

I registered my Corvette in Minnesota since they don’t have emissions testing and it was easy, they also send me my yearly sticker to my Colorado residence. At the time I went into a DMV in rural MN where I owned some land and they didn’t ask for much of anything. It was easy and I pay $63/year to renew the plates

[FINOCJ]

Saying goodbye to our home for the last 14.5 years. We signed closing papers and taking the last few remaining item back to MT. Not the best picture, but I am too tired to stage the truck properly. And BTW....yes new truck for us. We actually bought it a a month ago, but it's essentially been parked here for this final trip. We sold my father's Suby a few weeks ago, and the Tacoma goes up for sale next week to cover a big chunk of the cost. Check in with us if your in the Bozeman/big sky area. I'll be in Leadville the first week of aug so maybe see/wheel with some of you then. Also looking to join in a Utah trip this fall. July Rubicon trip is happening, but I may opt out for budget (gas price) reasons. But one day, I think it'd be a fun trip for the FR4x4 crew to go do. Thanks all...hope to wheel with you again...and guessing I'll be around the forum for a bit.

[Jim]

Bittersweet pic.

Congrats on having things fall into place (yes, a bit of work needed to get there).

Don't be a stranger.

Now, what's the first car in the street behind the trailer - some 50's classic?

[FINOCJ]

My neighbors 57? Plymouth belvedere I believe. First car he owned as a youngster out in Rocky Ford - guessing that was early 70s or so...it wasn't new when he bought it. At some point when he replaced it, he decided to store it away for 20+ years and revisit it later to build a hot rod. He got it back on the road 10-12 years ago with a big block v8 Mopar and some slightly more modern upgrades...new paint and interior etc. It's a 4 door. Mostly a Sunday cruiser for him.

[Jim]

Headed to Kelly Flats for some deadfall limb trim. I had the camera ready when I passed the log jam...

[FINOCJ]

Feel like we are settling in....got the important stuff organized - sad part is the small gear room is getting full and I still have 3 more pair of skis and quite a few backpacks that are not in there.
https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2022/06/22/PXL_20220623_030828120.jpg
https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2022/06/22/PXL_20220623_030834431.jpg

and starting to get the shop set-up - I found the floor at least!
https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2022/07/05/PXL_20220706_024239309.jpg

Lots of other distractions of course....the property we bought is amazing, and at one time someone put some effort into landscaping, trees, planting beds etc. But its been neglected a bit over the past few years and is pretty overgrown. So we found an old troy bilt, made in USA chipper unit and spent some time getting it running - mostly needed some carb and fuel system clean up etc:
https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2022/06/24/PXL_20220623_222541272.jpg

pretty simple carb:
https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2022/06/25/PXL_20220625_143608701.jpg

And now it works! Its going to help dispose of all the tree trimmings as well as we can put the mulch to use.
https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2022/06/25/PXL_20220625_180017029.jpg

As I also found the 'missing' box - it had important stuff like my welding PPE and MTB stuff (sure that makes sense) - so we are off to explore in the jeep tomorrow. Will let you know what we find.

https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2022/06/23/PXL_20220623_034216016-PANO.jpg

[Jim]

Progress!

It's amazing how well "stuff" expands to fill the larger space available.

[FINOCJ]

Sorta feel like this was the last step of the move....sold my beloved Tacoma today. My last photo:
https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2022/09/12/PXL_20220807_213604579.jpg

This is the day I brought it home - I think I took good care of it:
https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2022/09/12/P8130132.jpg

That weekend, we took it on its first camp/hike/4wd trip - We camped near the trailhead to Mt Shavano, and then hiked Shavano and Tabaguache. It didn't have the rack or bed cover on it yet....
https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2022/09/12/P8200165.jpg

https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2022/09/12/P8210194.jpg

It took us all over the country and on many skiing, hiking, biking and camping trips across the west with lots of fun backroad 4wd exploration (especially in Utah and red rocks country). Although at one time, I wanted to lift it a bit and make a better wheeler out of it, I bought the cj a year later, and as that turned into a trail running, wheeling specific jeep, there was less need to build it up. It has 172k miles (of which I am responsible for 164k) and was still running great with new factory replaced frame - and overall it was still a very clean and mostly pristine looking truck....I started to sell it a couple times over the summer, but between being busy and both and Jen and I having some separate travel plans etc, and not really excited to see it go, I didn't try all that hard. But as we've settled in nicely here and essentially only need one primary vehicle with the new Ford for most things - it was time. Plus, with the 58 now having an OD and running well (along with the CJ), there is always a another vehicle for me to use for simple stuff. Sold it to a MSU college student who wants to put a topper on the back and build a platform to sleep on and ski bum etc in. Pretty much why I got it....anyway - was a bit sad to see it go. I honestly like driving it better than the Ford for most DDing, but then again, Jen loves the Ford, and its essentially become her truck and DD - I get to drive at her discretion or on road trips. We towed the cj down to Leadville in August, and it does tow it like a dream compared to the Taco. Fare thee well....

[Jim]

Congrats.

You treated it well and it treated you well.

Next owner seems a bit like the current owner. It'll be happy visiting remote roads.

[FINOCJ]

Been stuck mostly on the couch per doc's orders for a couple days - so been watching the deer in the yard. A new, larger buck has appeared and pushed his way into the space and been chasing off the smaller one - he's been relegated to the neighbor's yard.
https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2022/11/19/PXL_20221119_172028802.jpg
https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2022/11/19/PXL_20221119_172130584.jpg
https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2022/11/19/PXL_20221119_160056884.jpg

[Tom]

Hope nothing serious James. I myself tested positive for Covid yesterday. Sucks but doing ok.

[FINOCJ]

Best wishes Tom ....all good here....today is day 3 and able to start doing 'normal' day activities, so waiting for the temps to get above 0F and head out to the shop to at least entertain myself. Full go on most all stuff including athletic activities after a week.

[Jim]

`hope you both get back to good health in short order!

[Tom]

Tested negative for covid this am.

[hiimmike]

I'm going to do this. Hopefully we didn't get in too late and have some housing crash. We paid $417k for our house and all the stuff I see says it's valued at $550k. In 10 years when we have more equity, I'd like to sell and pay cash for some property that's more remote and I can still work, my wife can stop working, and have a nice quiet life. She grew up on a farm so she can raise the cows and chickens and tend the garden.

Looks like a great setup!!