Has anyone ever moved an old Hydramaster cds from an older van, to a new van. The van is old and shot, but the unit runs like a champ. I was considering it and maybe while I was at it putting in a new pump, replacing some switches and redoing all the plumbing and wiring. Possible heat exchanger replacement as well. Any thoughts?
I have never done it but I have heard that a PTO is very difficult to move to another vehicle. Some say it is cost prohibitive and not worth it. Please correct me if I am wrong.
fuzzsucker, I think I know a company here in the Indianapolis area that has done this. They will be happy to talk to you. Call Smith-Mathis at 317-842-7398 and ask for Buddy (owner) or Bobby (mechanic). They used to exclusively run Hydramasters about 10 years ago, and they have done just about everything to them you can think of.
I have a Jem shaft drive unit that is in it's 4th van. New in 1988 installed in a 3/4 ton Ford van with a 6 cyl engine. 1990 swapped to a 90 ford Van with 351 V8, Owner wanted more trk power for climing hills and what knot. Swap preformed by Jem had to remake and reposition some parts. cost about $2800.00 I bought the unit in 94 or 95 in pieces after it was removed from the van. (For Cheap) He tried to sell van with unit, no takers at his price. So he removed it and actuly lost more that if he just dropped price with unit installed. It also included a 6 mo old power reel he just paid 1700 for. 1998 had it installed in a 92 E350 with 179,000 miles and a 351 V8 by JEM cost about $2500 no new parts needed for install. This was to become our spare van for occasional use only and a back up when a 3rd van was used on some of the larger jobs we do. My daughter liked this trk better than hers with a prochem legend so she started to use it full time. This truck started to rust where they didn't put the rhino liner in the step area of the center doors. After we down sized the Co and stoped fire and water jobs. My son hurt his knee and couldent work for almost a year. so I was put back out on the truck full time and I liked it better than our Bruin II so this is the unit I used. So in 2003 or 4 we pulled our Bruin II from the 97, I took the shaft drive out of the 92, Drove the truck back up th BC Canadia and had JEM install it again. This time it cost $4200 to install, The shaft was moved from the left to the right side of the engine, so the pump and blower had to be relocated in the box behind the seat. The extra drive pulleys were eliminated and a serpentine clutch was installed which was inline with the existing serpentine pully system, Yes we still had Air Conditioning, If I had known it was going to cost that much I would have just sold the unit old van and all for about 5-6 grand and bought new. I would recomend you have a dealer or some one who knows give you a install quote before you go much further. I looked at your location and saw you are lost and found, almost looks like you are up the creek without the paddle too.
I just knew Mr. Elwood J would respond! Well, I considered moving my '87 CDS to my 2004 van, but lot of costs involved and plus finding a place to do it, Jondon told me they really dont do them that old anymore. They generally outlast the van. Too bad in my case I couldn't transfer mine over, it hardly has any hours on it for the age of it
Im just trying to figure the cost against getting a new one. I figured about $5,000 to refurbish it and get it installed with a new pump. I was thinking about putting in a new emperor pump instead of another cat pump. That does not sound to bad against $20,000 for a new one. What are you paying for really? A new blower, waste tank, and hose reels? The old ones on the current unit are fine. I'll probably replace the electric clutches as well while I have it pulled apart. Its a second unit so I can handle it having some down time over the winter. I dont know maybe I'm just trying to talk myself into it.
Perhaps it is time to buy all new...van and equipment. It would probably take you to a new level in appearance and attitude. This could lead to getting higher prices and revenue to make up for payments imho. Rob Allen.
Hi Guys: We have done a bunch of these. Mostly Butlers. If your like me and would like to build hot rods, but have a familty to raise. You might just do it. ANd I agree with Eyeball Smith & Mathis (my buddies) might just be able to help ypu. They were into Steam Genes, but now I think do CleanCo's. Thx, Dale
Yep, I learned on a Steam Genie there. They started using them instead of Hydramasters. Since Steam Genie went the way of the dodo they are doing CleanCo's now. I don't work there anymore, but I live across the street. Which used to really suck, because if the on call guy got locked out or had a breakdown at 3am, guess who would get called?
This story is reminding me of my current issue with our office PC. (yes this is the same topic) In order to keep up with todays applications and graphics I tried to "beef it up" and started buying better video cards and more ram. In the end I still had an old, outdated computer that doesnt run new programs very well. Moral of the story, our equipment has a certain turnaround point when its time to start over with something new, it requires all new investment, but it keeps your company on top in your customers eyes and refreshed your own enthusiasm in your business. In the long run, less hassle and probably a lot less expense with downtime and maintenance.
