Black Mountain Truck Trail, Ramona, CA - Prickly Pear Adventure

[@joshsaramadi11]

We need more project prickly pear footage this thing is great!

[@priscillagames1313]

I can’t believe you ran into Roaming Reckless with her defender! Great job getting Prickly Pear out on the trails!

[@tedwebster1606]

Brad you might consider replacing the carb with a Holley or Fitech system. No, it doesn't stay original but some things are better sent down the road.

[@TrailRecon]

Its an option, but then I'm adding computers to this old girl... so we'll see.

[@ricardoestrada9184]

I agree Brad fuel injection is the way to go. My 83 Cj-5 would also stall in high elevations and steep inclines. The fuel injection fixed all my problems, and better gas mileage!!

[@matth4069]

@@TrailRecon agree, inject it and keep the old carb in the garage if you ever need it. Benefits outweigh the few cons

[@hodad200]

Holley sniper and the electronics are fully self contained in the throttle body and looks like a carb. You can even hide it under the original air cleaner.

[@drewgregory2370]

I definitely recommend this and swap the ignition system to and hei if you haven't already. It's really easy and the fitech is great , self learning and my old 360 woke up from it and 12 mpg average now.

[@GlennDrown]

I was on my tractor this morning, looked up at traffic on 78 and I said to myself, hey that’s Prickly Pear. Then I see your video that you were out this way. That was a good test for it.

[@TrailRecon]

Right on man! You are blessed to live out in that area, its beautiful!

[@OverlandSeries]

What’s the trail name? Would love to take out my 22re Toyota pickup there!

[@EigerSummitOffroad]

Really cool you randomly ran into Maria from Roaming Reckless! Her channel is one of my favorites as well. Such a small world!

[@backwoodstherapy]

The smile on your face as all the time and work has paid off is infectious. I know that feeling. Nothing like a build coming together and seeing the results. Happy for you, Brad!

[@TrailRecon]

So true!

[@davecoil208]

Prickly Pear is a beautiful machine. As someone who has fancied the idea of restoring an old classic and making it a trail worthy rig, THANK YOU for journaling your experiences and challenges. Definitely lots to learn. Can't wait for further adventures!

[@lalo3991]

Always enjoy

[@waltmoore3095]

Quadrajet with electric fuel pump on 360 AMC. Running this for about 17 years, awesome offroad carb.

[@blowingdiesel]

I definitely think that an EFI system would be a great overall upgrade to this rig. Great video!

[@tcfluharty]

While it'd be a good upgrade I feel like that defeats the whole purpose/mission with this vehicle.

[@caifan444]

Heyyyyyy Maria and Blue from Roaming Reckless !!!!!!!!

[@allisonwanderland9917]

Ha! You met Maria… Quite a character…

[@TrailRecon]

They were both very nice!

[@allisonwanderland9917]

@@TrailRecon Yaas!

[@lwil6393]

If this unit is equipped with a Rochester Quadrajet carb there is no reason to change, this is an excellent unit and with the center float design works well at various attitudes (lean angles). The plastic float however can get saturated with fuel and cause float level to go high. The way the rig acted when you hit the bump, I suspect this to be the case. You can also lower the float level from the original spec if you want to experiment.

[@briancraig4411]

Also sometimes raising the float bowl vent can keep high lvls of fuel from splashing up the vent tube and dumping too much fuel on the bumps, basically flooding the engine. Not sure if any aftermarket offroad needles are available like Edelbrock/Carter AFB's though.

[@TrailRecon]

It has an Edelebrock on there now. Just a bit of sorting to do.

[@briancraig4411]

Oh nice! I used the offroad needle kit in my Carter Afb on my Scout II set my float little lower and never had it flood the engine and stall. I hope to see more offroad adventures with Prickly Pear!

[@KiloLima]

I’d add my two cents as I had the same issue with my Wagoneer on speed bumps at sea level. Bowl was just too full and fuel would splash and cause a momentary flood. Though the Howell Eli Is most ideal for wagons over the excellent Holley, it’s not necessary but will help reduce the exhaust smell. You’ll be able to enjoy the rear window down for a drive. Best thing I’ve done with my wagons … run it on 100LL … a gallon or two in every tank makes a most noticeable difference. Every once in a while a full tank of 100LL makes it sing. The exhaust smells better and it’s just as unhealthy as any other petroleum you can run through them. My AMC 360 motor with an Edlebrock 4brl gets 12MPG in cruise. Who doesn’t enjoy the vintage wheeling videos more than the ones of modern vehicles?

[@bonita3710]

So fun to see how happy you are with what you accomplished with the FJ. She looks right at home on the trail.

[@jmsuitter5]

Coming along great. Looks like it has been given a new wonderful life

[@tacoma_jon]

That’s awesome. I’ve been following Maria for about a year now. Prickly Pear looks great Brad.

[@zeyadalmamoori4477]

I am happy for you Brad. Finally we get to see your old one made it. beautiful JEEP . Also what a beautiful trail !

[@olliehopnoodle4628]

You've wheeled a full range of rigs. I love how you love driving the old iron. There is something special about taking a rig that is half a century old out on the trail. Folks love to see them on the trails.

[@xj_overlander]

Watched this just before leaving for a work event and was going to drive the XJ. But ultimately decided to drive the carbureted YJ after watching this! Great video and really makes me appreciate the classics

[@scotteramsey]

Maria with Roaming Reckless has a great channel. I watch both of your videos. Awesome that you came across her.

[@richarddannibale7131]

Love the Cherokee! Owned 2 79 Cherokee Chiefs when I was younger. First one was a manual with granny low and a dana 20 second one had a turbo 400 with the quadratrac. Currently own a jk 2 door Rubicon and my 46 cj2a project.

[@jessebfly]

Yep...if you wheel in CA, elevation and cold starts are your reality. That’s why I’m putting an EFI on my new engine for my ‘88 YJ. Beautiful restoration on Prickly Pear! What a fine machine and a rewarding ride!

[@cwo8771]

Sweet old Jeep. Love everything about it.

[@johngray9702]

You looked so HAPPY driving it. Thanks for sharing

[@jeffberry5773]

Brad, you and Prickly Pear did great. Not out of luck or chance but preparation.

[@taurota1554]

Awesome as always.Nice to see it on the trail.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@akuriarenzaul]

Love following this project. I’m working on a ‘66 J2000 truck. Looking to have it done this year and watching you take yours out in the dirt for the first time makes me jealous.

[@jplascencia5189]

I think you should get an EFI system, better driveabilty, reliabitlty and maybe better mpg. But its looking good overall. Glad you happy with it!

[@TrailRecon]

It's something I'm thinking about.

[@mikebriscoe380]

When Prickly was going uphill and hit that bump and then died, I knew right away it was flooding from a carb float issue. If you do not have the carb float set just right, uphills will cause flooding. Also, the jets would need to be replaced to run at higher altitudes (it's not just a screwdriver adjustment). Thus the comments below for using fuel injection.

[@donnapablos8752]

The good all days sometimes I miss old rigs she looks good thanks Brad

[@traeberkeley3902]

You never disappoint! Prickly Pear looked right at home on a dusty dirt road and tall grass. Great shakedown run. I'm looking forward to more classic offroad videos.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@jime.angulo4151]

Thanks man, as someone who owns an old rig, I love this video!

[@KarenStuart-f8y]

In 1983 made it to the top of Big Black in my 74 VW Super Beetle with 3 hanggliders and 4 people with Dave and Ed!!

[@mejkkg]

She sounds soooo good now! You're smiling from ear to ear! That's awesome man! Good for you! I would love to do the same thing.

[@chipsrafferty8362]

Best Jeep ever,had a red Chief,wish I still had it.

[@sinoble]

Gorgeous ride. Love the patina on the old girl.

[@realbob6669]

That's a nice truck. Thank for showing.

[@MrTwisted72]

It’s was cool to see Maria, Blue, Poe and Seena from Roaming Reckless!

[@ThePhotographyHobbyist]

1:31 Ah...the ole pump the pedal routine. I have to say, I don't miss those days, BUT it is a bit nostalgic and there's still a part of me that misses the simplicity of the older engines with carbs.

[@tonyk1amt806]

Prickly pear is looking good, having fun. Good to see it out in the trail. Shoutout to Bellingham, Wa, my hometown 👍✌🤟

[@Venture2Roam]

Holy Drone Shots Batman!

[@matsherwood6277]

I have a 79 cj7. Its fun when you have these highs, and a bummer when they leave you stranded. A fun ride.

[@jacobtrujillo1324]

At 2:15, you can see the headdress of a Native Chief (just the tire reflection) in the rear glass. Pretty cool.

[@GusGonzalez91]

Grateful for the opportunity to work on this beauty 🙏🏽👊🏽

[@TrailRecon]

Appreciate you!

[@diegohorton869]

I had 89 Jeep Cherokee manual 2 door. Took me twice over the Rocky Mountain 🏔️ Just me and my sleeping bag. 😊

[@tcfluharty]

Congrats on getting Prickly Pear out on the trail!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you so much!

[@allanstipe2829]

Very nice old school rig, and that exhaust is awesome!

[@tarasmith398]

We love Prickly Pear and how excited you were to do this trail! We might do this one over the weekend since it's so close!

[@TrailRecon]

It was a long time coming! It’s a great local trail and I hope you have fun!

[@rmpruitt228]

Nice work with the Cherokee! Having enjoyed/struggled with a couple of Grand Wagoneers, I have a real appreciation for the amount of work and money this type of project takes. And it's never done. Love your videos.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you and while I know it will never be done, hopefully I am over the hump of big projects.

[@victora.soriaf.6096]

Congratulations!! Great work 👍 I love to see the old Cherokee in action

[@dantecangri9125]

Nothing better than a classic cherokee with classic land rover and lexus best offroad vehicles out there

[@brucehawk09]

Man you can tell how much rain you guys have gotten just by how green it is. I love your Jeep, to me thats the pure offroader.

[@JeeperSteve2011]

Great video! Some are saying look into EFI, I say if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! May just have to update your tool roll with a few more tools that will help you on the trail. Prickly pear has a lot of character and I think that makes it all the more fun! Can’t wait to see it out on future adventures! Glad you held onto it and hung tight in the process of giving it a refresh! Looks like your patience has paid off!

[@BobS515]

My TJ gets 9.5 MPG and i drive it all across the country. I understand the positivity you expressed at that!

[@bertsanford9156]

Woo Hoo, It's good to finally see the old girl out on the trail Brad. Can't wait to see more of the Prickly Pear adventures.

[@A71-c6v]

Looks like an edelbrock carb You can get replacement needles to lean out your fuel at higher altitudes Very easy to change get up high change them out have fun Then change them back at lower altitudes when your airing back up I think part of the fun of a classic is tinkering with them I mean you got some really nice and very capable jeep in your garage Keep it old school have fun and keep learning Thanks for your video I enjoy them

[@jeffquick7917]

Truly enjoy seeing a classic still rolling and being treated with some tough love and inquisitiveness! They seriously don’t make them like they used to and you know what, super glad! I have a ‘72 Nova that likes to be cranky from time to time and I’m totally fine with it, makes me appreciate both the old and the new. Great vid Brad thanks for sharing.

[@junkopotomus]

Looks like Black Mountain. I have had the pleasure of surveying all over that area.

[@tmcnicho]

I literally just ran this trail last weekend after watching a very old video of yours. It was my first outing with the whole family in the car and they loved it. I even aired back up in the exact same spot!

[@TrailRecon]

It's my close to home favorite get away!

[@searchingforhistory]

You are always an inspiration. Thanks for another fun video!

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks so much!

[@Kevin01TJ]

I'm so happy for you Brad. This is so cool!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you, super excited!

[@andysolorzano4126]

It was obvious from the smiles on your face that all your hard work, time and money, was well spent on Prickly Pear. I think it looked great out there and loved the drone aerial views on the trail. Pretty good first trail ride vid! 😉✌

[@chknlyps2373]

In 2004 I got a 600 CFM Edelbrock Quadrajet copy carb for my 85 small block suburban, never rebuilt or touched the cab yet except for a choke spring. It runs fantastic from sea level in Ocotillo wells to 8,000 feet high on top of Santa Rosa Mountain. I don't know if they make them as good now as they did 19 years ago but 100% pleased

[@wagoneerdad]

Best one yet Brad! Thanks for sharing.

[@TrailRecon]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gettinglost8914]

Heck yeah! I am happy to see the success with the old ride. My 77 will be on the trail eventually. Dust come in the rear lower quarter panels right behind the tires.

[@bobbyc13]

I have an 85 Chevy K5 Blazer with a 350 and run a Holley Sniper EFI unit on there. It made a night and day difference on performance and would self tune itself on elevation changes. That may be an option with the carb issues. Glad to see that old beast out on the trail.

[@jamesm.1467]

Are we not gonna talk about those album covers over there on the wall??? 80's heavy metal was the absolute best!!

[@CJ-rk5eg]

Highly HIGHLY RECOMMEND Howell TBI kit and dump the carburetor. Better fuel economy, starts up without problems and runs like a top. Swapped out my carb on my 4.2 straight six. But get an experienced shop to do it right. 👍

[@danielsalm6410]

That is just a perfect Jeep. Love it!

[@shawnconrad9292]

That was great! I also have a Golden Retriever named Duncan. That was really cool. Great rig

[@garyleibitzke4166]

I recognize that highway, drove it MANY times. Gassed up in our old home, Ramona.

[@daviddyogi8279]

Brad the sound of the Magna Flow exhaust is awesome!!!,..glad you finally get to take it out for a shake down,..as usual awesome video!!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you, it was great to finally get it out!

[@DubzBoyz30214]

What a great video Brad, you've done a fantastic job on this old timer, this Jeep is gonna kick butt on the trails and I can't wait on the camping vids with the old time vintage camping gear you've got, but like you said just gotta tune up the carburetor and trim the fenders a bit but other than that I'm so happy for you Brad for all the work you've put in to this 74 Jeep can't wait for more videos on this Jeep

[@V8AmericanMuscleCar]

Great video and I like that Jeep a lot! It is true that you can sit in a modern Jeep, turn on the AC and drive carefree, but there is something about those old Jeeps. I love my XJ and I don't want to change it, at least not for now.

[@t.o.f.t.s.]

😃 That's cool you ran across Roaming Reckless..She has a good channel.

[@midnite8791]

Great video and congrats on getting her on the dirt! I live in Ramona and will have to find and check out that trail when I get an off-road capable vehicle! If you are ever around here and need anything feel free to reach out!

[@tb77073]

Great video Brad, I’m happy that you got to enjoy it that’s what it’s all about!

[@stevetabor4447]

Oh sweet she looks so good on the trail congratulations on finally getting to get her out, how exciting 👍👍👍👍👍 as always be safe

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks 👍

[@SD07BIKER]

As a Poway local i love that trail! I took my 4xe up a few years ago. Now im in a for lightning, looking to a trip soon to take it up and see how it does

[@terrymurphy4177]

Just listen to the mighty 690 rock and roll😎

[@shawntoohey5728]

HBD DEVIN!

[@bradleycunningham998]

Prickly pair is looking good. You may want to consider an aftermarket fuel injection system like Holley or Edelbrock. It won’t be original, but more reliable. Great work on her.

[@DF4Trap]

Carbs off-road can be an issue. Whenever on an incline and hitting a bump, fuel can splash into the ventures from the bowl vent. Usually, a mode can be done to extend the bowl vent up higher, minimizing the issue. The float needle sometimes can also allow unwanted fuel in the bowl with the bouncing of the float. We would install an adjustable fuel regulator, and drop the pressure when running offroad. Fuel injection was a great leap in offroad vehicles, just as electronic ignition. How times have changed. Thanks for the great video.

[@markperza384]

Great video Brad glad to see it on the trail finally!!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! Hopefully many more adventures to come.

[@tommy-guns478]

I know its probably in a video somewhere I couldn't tell if you 74 had a low range unit on the transfer case some came without.. Makes me miss my 76 almost identical to yours. I did put a mile marker part time kit in the transferase no overdrive. Not even sure if they make them still Sold mine back in 1999 bought it in 1989 or about then. I far as i know its still running around Albuquerque. If you want to get ride of the Quadratrac easiest way is to find a jeepster commando with the T400 they have the mainshaft, adapter, and tcase model 20. I did that on another project I had.. love watching the progress.. i need to find pictures of mine

[@s_lespy]

Hey! Love the videos and I can't wait to get my grandpa's 72 CJ5 on the road. I'm not sure if you're aware, but Retrosound radios are designed to look like old school radios but still give Bluetooth features. Might be a good fit for this rig.

[@anthonymissirlis3710]

jeez Brad , has it been two years already ! wow, time flies when you're having fun i guess lol. even though i'm not a fan of the colors it looks amazing and as long as you love it then it's all good . enjoy

[@Neverlostoverland.]

That is such a cool rig. Can't believe it's been 2 years.

[@TrailRecon]

Time flys!

[@ashleyhonore-rushing9969]

I love that trail one of my favorites

[@OverlandSeries]

What’s the name of the trail? Want to take my Toyota pickup out there!

[@tiquillin]

​@@OverlandSeriesit's black mountain truck trail

[@OverlandSeries]

@@tiquillin thanks!

[@jeepinbanditrider]

Looks like Black Mountain Truck Trail. I used to go up there and camp when all I had was one night to camp when I was stationed in SD and lived in Lakeside.

[@DCSHEEP158]

As far as radio goes, they have old looking radios that have a discrete Bluetooth function. That would be sweet to play music from your phone and still look vintage.

[@KlausVillaca]

Great video the Prickly Pear looks great, very nice also see that you really enjoyed. Great project car with good results, and yeah the sound is great too.Well done and congratulations for such achievement.

[@TheOffroadCamper]

And by the way, Brad, I totally approve of the new ride. I’m strongly considering going with a classic or vintage rig myself so that I can self rescue self repair when I’m off grid.

[@shanew.8784]

I also replied giving a recommendation for a fitech, but if you want to stay with a carburetor, the Holley truck avenger is a good option, we ran one on a sbc in our cj8, we could drive from denver to 13,000 feet in the mountains with no issues, it also runs at extreme angles

[@johnmcvey2059]

Great video. Love the views from the top. Used to go up there in the mid 70's to launch hanggliders and land in the valley. There used to be a fire watch tower up there so they maintained the road a little better. We just drove 2 wheel drive vans up there.

[@fotomotoxxiii]

Oh it's been years since I been up there with my yj that's also carburetor ran. No problems with mc2150 carb. I can't believe you ran Into Maria that's so random. Nice shakedown run.

[@jakebaker301]

As mentioned before look at a fuel injection setup for reliability, for the radio there are several companies that build retro fitted radios with modern options with original style faces. Looks great man!

[@jerrycrawford6123]

Congrats on first dirt. She sounds amazing and the prickly drone footage isn’t too shabby either!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@GallagherKeith]

If someone else hasn't mentioned it yet, you really need to get an accurate oil pressure gauge, soon. That's showing very low oil pressure for a fresh engine. I would also consult your engine builder and confirm what weight oil they recommend for your build. This is such a great old Jeep!

[@10mmnuck60]

That’s a sweet ride! My dad had a grand wagoneer when I was a kid. Wish he would have kept it.

[@garyleibitzke4166]

Brad, I've seen radios with the same form factor as what you have, but are AM/FM/Satellite and will connect to your phone.