Now you wouldn’t think that there would be too much work getting the Jeeps ready for a parade.  Not the case this time.  With some problems left over from the Labor Day run and one more demon raising its head at the last minute, we still put hours into preparation for the 1 ½ mile drive down the smooth, level streets of Yukon, Ok.
 
With Andy putting the finishing touches on installing a new ring gear and pinion in his front Dana 60, (that he had blown back on the Suburban White Guys film shoot...be watching for the “Return To Power” video to be released before Christmas) and with Brad having to replace a fly wheel on the Blue Beast a couple days before the parade we had our hands full.  Then on Friday night, after all the Jeeps are loaded except the Urban Crawler, it blows a 50 amp fuse in the main power box coming from the Alternator.  After replacing the fuse and it blowing again, we start tracking down the problem.  After about and hour of chasing and checking we hooked a volt tester directly to the alternator.  She pegs out the meter at 20 volts.   So at 10:30 on Friday night we have determined that the internal regulator must be bad on the alternator.  Brad heads into Oklahoma City to an all night Auto Zone as I start loosening belts.  7 bolts to loosen up the power steering pump which in turn, loosens the serpentine belt so the hard mounted alternator can then be removed.  It takes about an hour worth of work to get it removed.  By the time I get the alternator removed, Brad has returned with a replacement and we double team the Crawler and have the new one installed in about 30 minutes.  It is now 12:30 in the morning and I have to get up at 03:00 and go to work.  Well, no rest for the wicked.
 
Brad and Judy will see to getting the Jeeps to downtown Yukon on Saturday morning and get them unloaded and I will come directly from work and meet up with them at about 09:00 after slipping away from work early.  We all get the 6 rigs into position and await the start of our ride though town. Brad, myself, Nana, Andy Austin, Phil Bargman and Lancer line up 2x2 in the number 18 position in the parade.
 
Well, not real exciting for us but the 10,000 plus folks that were at the Yukon Czech Parade got a kick out of seeing the Austin Wheels Up Clan roll our rigs down the main street for the 42nd Annual Czech parade.  Due to popular demand we were invited to make a showing.  With Brad working the rear steer and crab walking and doing slow rolling donuts down Main Street and myself, Andy Austin and Phil Bargman doing the tire climbing thing, and Nana and Lancer bringing up the rear, the crowd was delighted. 

 
Pretty tame for our game but it was great to see all the eyes light up on the kids and adults as well as I would climb Big Yeller up atop of Phil’s 49” Irocs.  It was great to have Phil and Lancer jump in and run with us for the event.
 
We were disappointed that this year we were not allowed to toss candy to the kids, but I do think it is much safer to not take a chance on a child running out in front of you after candy.
 
I am glad to have this event out of the way but I am glad we took the time out of our busy schedule to share our hobby with the town of Yukon.  Will we do it next year?  Well we will have to see.  If they continue to ask us we probably will.  Now back to the shop and to work on Nana’s Goin Big project.  She won’t let us rest until we have it all finished up.
 
Until later…  God Bless You and Yours
 
OKIE OUT
Wheels UP