Re: My '76 PY Explorer Open project...
Clean up continues...tree debris lines the road on both sides of the street, in both directions from our drive. Cut up downed oak tree into wood stove-sized pieces, then with help of neighbor with a big backhoe, removed the stump and dragged it to the street. Inspired, cut down four 14 year old river birch trees in front yard -- 2 were damaged by the storm -- removed stumps and dragged them to the street. At this point, I have oak branches in back yard and pine around the pool still to be picked up, then down the lane along back pasture fence. Had to repair the fence to the swamp last weekend, the magoos (quarter horse mutts Gracie and Knightly) found a way across it where a broken oak limb had come down in recent winds. While working last Saturday on the birches, I looked up and could see Knightly grazing in the back pasture. Besides the many sections of fence with rotted cedar posts where they could walk through if they'd a mind to, there are several sections downed by pine trees from the ice storm, so they've been kept in the front pasture since the storm. Spent Sunday afternoon putting up t-posts and tightening barb wire on the section from gate to swamp. For now, they are again contained, although I found two more sections down around the swamp that, if they want to get their feet wet, would allow them to take a runner.
Remaining besides the back yard -- remove the roots from the birches and fill two stump holes; plant a couple of trees; another clean up run around the yard preparatory to mowing (the weeds are flourishing, the grass is coming in); clean out downed limbs/fallen trees in front pasture and haul to street.
The son-in-law (youngest's hubby, auto mechanic, all around skilled handyman) suggested last night that rather than rebuilding the Chrysler 318 that came with my PY, that he order a crate marine motor through his business instead. So, time to research those options. For longevity -- supportability -- and current technology, mercruiser (chevy) or PCM would be options. Part of me wants to stay old school, rebuild that 318, stroke it out a bit.