Back home again!
Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2016 8:27 pm
I don't post here much, but I lurk quite a bit! I want to give a massive shout out and "kudos" to Andre Swanson (Fat Fabrications) and Todd Hoffmaster (Graeman LLC http://www.graeman.com) for their incredible work on my 710M and transport back to North Carolina. 
In March, Andre came to get the truck and I basically said "I don't care about aesthetics... just make this thing mechanically perfect. Take your time, the budget isn't important, just do it right." After tons of photos, a gaggle of text messages, and a ream of emails, Andre finished a few weeks ago. The list of things completed is quite lengthy, but it is fair to say, the truck looks the same, but is absolutely 100% different. The clutch is amazing, the brakes feel great, the 4wd engages smoothly, the lockers are predictable, the idle is smooth, the power is smoother, the carbs aren't gunked over, etc. etc. For coachwork, Andre installed front hub steps, a folding rear step, beautifully recoated the wheel arches, made the witches hat look new, and magically got all three doors to open/close as smooth as butter.
(The list could go on, and on... but I'm too excited and want to go out driving!)
For transport, Andre recommended the services of Todd Hoffmaster at Graeman. DANG! That was a fantastic recommendation -- Todd told me exactly what day he'd get the truck in Texas and sent a lot of pictures as it was loaded safely on his rig. En route, Todd gave dead-accurate updates on his progress and estimated delivery time into North Carolina. Basically right on the minute, he was at my front door with the Pinz in perfect shape. The price was extremely reasonable, and I'd recommend him for *any* of these transport jobs. His trailer could easily manage a 712, Mog, or several Haf's. Blah, blah. He's the guy.
That's all I've got for now.
Great forum. Great resources!
In March, Andre came to get the truck and I basically said "I don't care about aesthetics... just make this thing mechanically perfect. Take your time, the budget isn't important, just do it right." After tons of photos, a gaggle of text messages, and a ream of emails, Andre finished a few weeks ago. The list of things completed is quite lengthy, but it is fair to say, the truck looks the same, but is absolutely 100% different. The clutch is amazing, the brakes feel great, the 4wd engages smoothly, the lockers are predictable, the idle is smooth, the power is smoother, the carbs aren't gunked over, etc. etc. For coachwork, Andre installed front hub steps, a folding rear step, beautifully recoated the wheel arches, made the witches hat look new, and magically got all three doors to open/close as smooth as butter.
(The list could go on, and on... but I'm too excited and want to go out driving!)
For transport, Andre recommended the services of Todd Hoffmaster at Graeman. DANG! That was a fantastic recommendation -- Todd told me exactly what day he'd get the truck in Texas and sent a lot of pictures as it was loaded safely on his rig. En route, Todd gave dead-accurate updates on his progress and estimated delivery time into North Carolina. Basically right on the minute, he was at my front door with the Pinz in perfect shape. The price was extremely reasonable, and I'd recommend him for *any* of these transport jobs. His trailer could easily manage a 712, Mog, or several Haf's. Blah, blah. He's the guy.
That's all I've got for now.
Great forum. Great resources!