I've Waited Far Too Long For This!

[@davidmartin7660]

Battery box cover, Get to a fab shop that can do diamond plate. Looks like a simple job to bend one into shape for you.

[@stevelalondejr2183]

He has some good ones fairly close to him one or two on the Ohio side even.

[@SHOdown13]

Check an interstate truck stop ot a Buc-ees

[@digdrivediy]

Definitely no shortage of shops that could do it around here!

[@johnny6507]

Stepped on a rake! Hahahahahahaha. Best joke I’ve heard this week.

[@lisaleeper9399]

Gave us a laugh

[@klschofield71]

I truly feel blessed to have accidentally discovered your channel (Bruno build). Thank you for sharing you and your families adventures, wholesomeness, and positivity with the rest of us.

[@digdrivediy]

Thank you so much!

[@jckeddy]

Happy 21st Anniversary Neil & Karen. Nice summer time video.

[@erock8816]

Congratulations on 250k subscribers. I look forward to your videos each Sunday morning.

[@AkiSan0]

can someone try to do the truck in black and the current three stripes in the DDD colors? (yellow top, then green then white)(22:46 is good for that)

[@Legendary_UA]

Thank you for bringing us along on vacation. It makes me feel like being part of the family and enjoy seeing how close everyone is.

[@tgmod]

You’re fortunate to be able to share a vacation with your family. Great show.

[@kevenhiemie]

Neil I think you need to rethink the idea of barn Gates on the dump truck. A two-way spreader gate, like yours, is more useful. Your current gate just needs a little modification. I believe you could build a cheap, simple winch and pulley system. To easily lower and raise the your current gate. Then you have do you still the spreader gate and a pickup like tailgate. That at a push a button you can lower the gate to load anything in. With barn doors you would be driving over a larger span with ramps not attached to the truck. Think about if you had barn doors you'll have to get out of the truck and walk to the back every time before you dump & after you dump to secure the doors. Not like now where you just reach out a driver's side door to lock unhook your gate. Many times when my Dad brought logs home from the job site he would lay the 2 way gate flat with box. Then he can haul logs longer than the dump bed. I just think with some math, some inexpensive parts, your knowledge and time you would spend a lot less time, money and effort building a winch system over building barn doors.

[@househen1]

What a wonderful vacation! I love Tennessee as well, I’ve been to Eastern, western and Middle Tennessee and love the entire state.

[@ALZ2526]

Neil, thanks for sharing. A paint job idea is each of your trucks if you lined them up the stripe could start at one and finish at the last one. As if they went through the paint booth one after the next.

[@pnuttheclownh2254]

This KZbin channel is educational, entertaining, and factual, offering overall excellent content.

[@shepgre]

Black. Yep. Have had 3 different vehicles that were black. Beautiful when clean. Miserable keeping them beautiful. Within two days after nice wash and wax they were always dusty looking sitting outside. Told myself every time, don't do it again. Here's a heads up for your consideration. Think about climbing up in the dump bed after truck has sat in the sun and you are dealing with implements or changing tarps, etc. Grabbing any part of the frame will be like grabbing a frying pan. That goes for the cab too. I've been burned by my paint a time or two. Love em. I keep going back. Just thoughts. Edit addition: dents, scratches, mars of any sort are magnified....OCD may not like that. I didnt.

[@ericreinoehl4350]

Thanks for sharing, nice vacation. Good family time

[@eldavis1311]

The truck looks great. What a fun family vacation. Loved hearing the kiddos laughing. Happy 21st Anniversary.

[@ezekelwilson5084]

Get that colors of your logo on your truck that look good and it be yours

[@summitcraftwork]

Hey Neil, Happy Summer! Nice you could take a family vacation and get more work projects completed. Several weeks ago I shattered my shoulder downhill Mountain Biking. Unfortunately, it required surgery and a couple of screws 😢. This has royally screwed my summer plans for adventures, DIY projects, and creating YT content. I’m trying to stay positive as I recover but it’s not easy. I’ve been looking forward to watching your video and vicariously feeling productive. Keep up the good work and I’ll see you next week.

[@digdrivediy]

Man, sorry about the injury! That would really put a damper on summer for sure! Thankful to have you watching though Best of luck!

[@paulshewmake7924]

I know that most people are advising you to keep your old colors but I feel you should go with what is pleasing to you-when you hit 500k and have an awesome fleet of machines and merchandise that are attractive to most , you’ll be glad you did:-). Just my 2cents worth:-). You’re not changing the logo-just the colors. You’re not a large corporation- just a very blessed guy! I like the retro colors that you want to change to:-).

[@Tailhook369]

Happy Anniversary we celebrated ours on the 24th. Many blessings!

[@shellsssinner]

I love your idea with the retro color scheme for your trucks. The Ford Bronco one is my fav with the fluid and rounded look. Since you like to keep your stuff looking 💯, black is such a hard color with all the dust (I drive a black vehicle on gravel roads). I love black, but what about gray? Just some thoughts. ❤ your channel!

[@mmathis3947]

Neil you have a welder and some know how why don't you just build your own battery box cover...that way it's yours and it goes with the whole DIY

[@TeddyBongo-zf1ih]

Ah! The good life. Happy, happy anniversary.

[@dizzystick9]

great format for this video! I liked that you explained on how vaca went as you took care of some of the odds and ends on the truck. I am so glad ya'll had fun! There is nothing better than time with the family.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks. I appreciate hearing that since I knew that I didn't want to do a full blown vaca video of it's own.

[@SHOdown13]

I agree with painting your trucks and doing a retro stripe color theme, but you would miss on a golden opportunity to do them in your Channels logo color theme. Harvest Gold, Cornfield green, Farm house white

[@digdrivediy]

Yeah I'm torn. I'd like to change the logo colors to match though. Thoughts?

[@Manoffire260]

@@digdrivediy - I think it would be a bad choice to change your logo and colors. It’s now your “brand” and companies pay good money to get the good will and recognition you have earned here using that combination. I’d even suggest using the colors on a repaint - embrace it! It was right then, it’s even more right now!

[@cvbajc]

Nope, don't change your colors, run with them!

[@ScotReeder]

Another wholesome Sunday morning video from DDDYI. Thanks for taking us along. I lived in Tennessee for a couple of years. I'd have stayed, but the job I moved down there for, went out of business. I looked for something comparable for a few months, then tucked my tail between my legs and came back to north central Indiana.

[@DirtBrute]

Hey Neil, take it from a long time dump truck junkie. Put a new floor, barn door and any other welding you can think of to your body before you paint it . Happy anniversary to you both!! 🎉

[@blakestandal8294]

The bed tarp would be perfect for a garden shade! Don't throw it out. Partial shade is great for growing some veggies under. (supported on some posts and wire run through the hole rivets)

[@Drfsr77422]

Truck does look good! I think your color scheme is right on! Thanks for sharing.

[@hindsight57]

Your channel is my Sunday morning routine as I am waiting for the wife and kids to get ready for church. Enjoy you channel a lot.

[@CarCommentator]

This video is a masterpiece! The dedication and love you put into restoring this car are truly inspiring. Can’t wait to see more from you!

[@terrancesnyder9323]

Good Sunday morning & may God bless you all beyond measure today

[@sloeryd]

That’s an awesome shirt that your brother is wearing! “Treasuring Christ Together”

[@painedinks]

That vacation footage made me smile, to see everyone having a blast out on the lake and skiing was cool. thanks for sharing that. Maybe on the battery box you could have someone bend a piece of aluminum plate (diamond plate) in like an "L" shape and then weld 2 sides to attach those rubber latches that hook into those little "C" latch things? Just look up "battery box rubber latches" and you'll see what I mean. We have something like that on our Peterbilt trucks at work. They have the rubber latches mounted diagonally to pull it down and in towards the frame and keep it secured. Our California highways are some of the roughest and they hold it down perfectly and are quick and easy access. Also being made out of aluminum it isn't as heavy to remove when and if you need to.

[@ErictheAmateur]

Treasure those moments with your family. My dad and younger brother were 2 of the closest people in my life. You never know how much you will miss them until they’re gone. I know I’ll see them again, but their absence is tough.

[@tycloud4601]

We have family on Norris Lake, When we get down there we like to go to Bubbas. Looks like you guys had a great time. The dump truck is coming along keep going!

[@Oklahoman-in6ph]

Great video! Neil, you make it seem like I live next door, every Sunday I stop by to see what you're up to. Well see you on the next one neighbor.

[@dongalloway6888]

Born in Northern Indiana... Noble County... Grew up in Cromwell, and went to school at West Noble...Class of 76... LOve watching your channel...THe Orange Red Yellow Stripe pattern that you like so much... and showed the quick pics of the different vehicles it came on... That Ford was a 78 Bronco XLT... 4x4... I had that rig... Black with those stripes... Loved that rig!!!

[@ianmckay1780]

You got more done than I would especially after a break. I do so agree with you using paper for notes, Me too. If you forget, you find the piece of paper with a note of some sort, then it goes in the pile of other notes, until you go through the pile and dispose of all the old notes. Or do like I do write in a wire bound notepad and as you check them off, tear out the page. Love the glimpse of the break, and would love to go there... Thanks from UK.

[@borange6641]

Hi Neil, I love your channel! It is a pleasure to watch you and your family beeing busy all the time. About the repainting of your trucks. As a marketeer I was wondering if you have considered to strenghen your Dig-Drive-DIY brand and use the logo and brandcolours on your trucks. I know, black looks cool, certainlly with th A-team-like stripes on it but using the DDDIY brand makes a lot of sense! You got about a quarter of a million followers and the list keeps on growing. Start valueing your brand! Don’t think of a new one. Use the strongest brand you ever made buddy! Not only on caps. Show them! Driving around with the brand makes your brand even more famous and well known. Get recognized! Build your brand!

[@digdrivediy]

I had hoped to keep my logo but just change the colors. You think that's a bad idea? I've just never been in love with the green/yellow/white. I picked it in a hurry when first starting the channel but just never felt it was that great. I'm honestly very grateful for your opinion on this subject. Is a color change at this stage gonna be detrimental to the brand?

[@Tractorgal]

⁠@@digdrivediy- Neal - love the videos - BUT I like the colors and style of your existing logo and think they serve your endeavors here VERY well. Your KZbin branding is instantly recognizable, clean, clear and now speaks to your “mission” here - people can find you easily using it as a mental cue. Many companies have found that changes to a performing logo/ color scheme is detrimental. Imagine if John Deere went to blue?!!! While not a “marketing gal”, I’m often paid to consult on things like logos and colors for multi - million/billion $ companies (and I’d like to think my edumaction helped.) I’d think a scheme with the current logo colors would be most advantageous to your branding here on KZbin and reinforce the channel in the eyes of both subscribers and those who might potentially be. Isn’t that your ultimate goal?

[@Manoffire260]

@@digdrivediy THIS! 🔺

[@borange6641]

@@digdrivediycan I DM you Neil? I have some ideas I want to share with you outside this KZbin comment thing. I am a designer as well. No worries. I don’t want to get payed. Really like to help you out maken the right decision.

[@samuelball8775]

Your family holiday looked like great fun! Thanks for sharing.

[@markdilley6422]

Great time for family, thanks for sharing. I like the paint job that is on both truck and dump.

[@iammattjones]

Hey that's my town! Glad you enjoyed your stay in Norris. I work for the TVA, we built that dam. If you can, try to catch the view when they spill over Norris Dam, it's impressive. There are LOTS of trails in Norris State Park for biking and hiking. Happy to give you some pointers for the next time you head to Knoxville.

[@leeparsley-xh8zo]

Great job on this video. I love seeing you family gatherings. That's what makes America Great Again.

[@godsworkshop5563]

Thanks for sharing with us, Neil! God bless you and the family. Love seeing God loving people enjoy the finest in life, God and family.

[@BB-sc1jv]

Enjoyed the video. Black paint finish on a truck that will be in an environment with dirt and heavy dust will be a nightmare to maintain and don’t discount how much heat that black paint will retain. I’d recommend a light color but go with what you like. Appeared that the vacation was really enjoyable. Beautiful place and scenery. Those golf swings? I’ll be kind and not comment. 😂

[@ryanv3751]

Wow Neil, most guys would have poked some holes and used zip ties to extend that tarp’s life. Also, was expecting you to turn the tarp arms around so the bend keeps the tarp from getting hit during loading. Thanks for sharing!

[@mcqueeninc]

Truck looks good and you should repaint it that paint scheme looks real good sometime that truck is in really good shape for the year and everything

[@Drawman76]

Congrats on 21 years you two. My wife and I also celebrated 21 years this year as well. And have just returned from a fantastic whole family holiday too. I kind of want a dump truck now.....

[@jsweizston5410]

Good for you for raising your kids right, god bless brother! All I've done is raise my beagle right and raised her to vote conservative.

[@tjw4947]

Looks like a DIY video will to be coming up on how to make your own battery cover, Great video Neil.

[@ronaldcamp6757]

Lakes are great. I live on one, pontoon boat 40’ from the house also swimming and fishing plus the view of water 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. I highly recommend it. Been living here for 40 years.

[@blakeedge8066]

"Stepped on a rake" - that is an instant classic and not one I've ever heard before haha! Y'all are my kind of golfers! Great video once again. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@rickbell3402]

Great family time! Congratulations!

[@BG-vq9fd]

That looked like a grand vacation. Those tractor weights have really gone up in price.

[@jennamccleery2393]

I would have bought your videos on VHS 30 years ago. My oldest child would have LOVED watching you tinker with his favorite trucks and machinery.😊

[@terryrogers1025]

Your vacation looked like fun, afraid I’m not one for cow pasture pool, but glad you enjoyed it. The ole to do list, I like the paper, and the ability to cross it off the list when your done. Thanks for the update, enjoyed watching.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Looks like a great vacation spot!

[@digdrivediy]

We really love it! On Norris Lake. Thanks a lot, Chad!

[@mitchjones2821]

Those battery box covers are on every heavy truck it seems to me. Three different trucks at work have nearly identical battery set ups, just like yours as well. Our international 4700(?) tray portion(not the cover) was beyond shot so we actually rebuilt it ourselves. The original cover worked and everything. But still, I would think those being so common that they’d be available somewhere.

[@rlelito]

I’ve been following for years. I love your content and family. You represent what America is. I know you read all or most of your posts and comments. Thank you.

[@TinManKustoms]

Happy 21st wedding anniversary me and my just celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary. Good to see you guys had a wonderful family vacation. Have a wonderful weekend 🍻

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks! You too.

[@chamjack]

Just a thought about black. Black looks great, when it’s clean. The problem with black is it’s only ‘clean’ for 10 mins after a wash because it shows everything. The dumps would look sharp in that scheme, but they will always look dirty if you go with black. A lighter color will stay cleaner looking when dirty and be less maintenance while looking good. Black will also highlight any imperfection on the body surfaces when you look down the sides. Any dent or ding that isn’t fixed prior to paint will stick out like a sore thumb once it’s painted.

[@Georgiagreen317]

I guess I'm wondering why "make this week's video" wasn't on your list? Those Tennessee reservoirs are beautiful for sure. It's one of the things that attracted us to this area after living in Florida for ten years. The truck looks great. As your weekly videos always do. Happy anniversary and glad to see you had a great vacation.

[@digdrivediy]

The video took longer than anything else on the list! 😕

[@sharp9877]

I love the lakes up in the Smokies. I had a cabin south of Pigeon Forge for almost 30 years. We loved to play on Douglas Lake. Never got up to Norris Lake. It’s amazing how deep the lakes can be. We liked to get on the Tennessee River and just ride. We would put in at Lenoir City and ride up river about 50 miles to the beginning of the Tennessee River. Enjoyed your video.

[@TinManKustoms]

Love the idea of black truck with the yellow, orange and red stripes especially the second rendering. But I'm also a fan of the old school pinstripes with corner accents and pinstripe accents on the rims

[@digdrivediy]

I like that look too.

[@jeffpicken5057]

I want to make the trip from NE Wisconsin to Harlan days sometime. I grew up in a small town with a carnival right in front of our house. Some of the greatest memories of my childhood.

[@TheHobbyShop1]

I really like the old Ford trucks with the free wheeling paint or decals. You can buy them for your bronco too.

[@nathancreel9866]

I use ratchet straps to hold battery in trays. They dont look the best but they sure do work .

[@MegaMantim]

Loved how you flipped back and forth with your vacation and work...

[@littlejason99]

Thanks for sharing everything, a little work, a little play. I guess everything BUT battery boxes corrode up north? Can't believe nobody could at least point you in the right direction. lol...

[@lisaleeper9399]

Great video! Glad to see your vacation video, looks like fun. I personally prefer the red then black on the dump truck, but will wait for the new paint. See you at Harlan Days and thank you and the crew for all the work you do in our community. I’m working Bingo tent so maybe send the girls and Kara down to play. Happy Anniversary to you and Kara

[@jasonmaxfield6y312]

Great video. Nate went golfing with us at Noble Hawk this past Friday. He's a good player. By the look on his face, I think he kept score. 😊

[@digdrivediy]

Oh, you know he kept score! 🤣

[@michaelmcguire3983]

Good morning Niel! Looks like you and your family had a good time on vacation. Nice that everyone makes that a priority 😁 Good luck with Harlan days, Thanks for exemplifying good citizenship!! Take care my friend

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks as always Mike!

[@EdBrumley]

What a great memory for your entire family. Happy Anniversary! P.S. Louie is looking great too!

[@chuckgym]

“Treasuring Christ together” ❤

[@djski9757]

Coincidentally we flew down to knoxville last week, I have a nephew that lives in Luttrell, just south of Norris Lake. We ate at Hickory Star Marina. What a nice area!

[@digdrivediy]

Sure is!

[@michaelmullins1290]

Might I suggest the Mueseum Of Appalachia's fall homecoming for a trip. Little later than this vacation. Usually in October. 7 to 10 stages of old time and bluegrass music. Many amazing machines and crafts. Worlds of different things.

[@waynemcghee5986]

Hi Neil, love your videos. I live about half hour from Norris lake. We use to go often but haven’t been in years. I was surprised that there were so few other people on the lake. Always look forward to your videos!

[@jhamaker]

When ever a project goes smoothly, I'm trying to figure out what I missed.

[@attaat]

And that dance, where the girls came and joined you, is the picture of the decade. Family, it doesn't get any better. A, belated, Happy Wedding Anniversary to you both. God Bless you all.

[@jdh395]

WOW that rake joke was NUTS 😂

[@davevmey]

I also need to find a battery cover for the box on my Sterling dump truck so I'll be watching to see what you do. I liked your brothers T shirt when he was captaining the boat on your way to dinner. Happy anniversary to you and your bride!

[@ChiefsFan62]

Happy 21st anniversary to you and Kara! Red, orange, and yellow look great on black. Maybe change your Dig-Drive-DIY logo to the same colors to put on the doors.

[@keithfrazier2558]

I know you want to paint the red dump, but it would look 1000X better just with a cut and buff of the notorious oxidizing Ford red. Had 2 Ford vehicles that color and both almost looked like new after. The bed may look like a pain with all the nooks and crannies and I would probably avoid it, but would definately do the cab.

[@kennyp507]

I love the stripe colors, hammer down and get it done!!!

[@baddad79]

I think a chrome DDD emblem with each color stripe coming off a D would look good. Happy anniversary!

[@adammiddleton4037]

Neil be cautious with the electric tarp roller. It will rip the tarp. We went back to air powered just for that reason

[@digdrivediy]

I believe it!

[@jackel440]

Happy Anniversary! Looks like a wonderful family vacation. We too were in Tennessee at Pigeon forge for the 5th time. We did get the rain off and on all week. Truck looks great. I'd just go to a fab shop and have them bend up a lid. I'd make you one but Im booked up till after august.

[@PatrickGunderson]

For the battery box cover. You can weld. Buy some diamond plate (or salvage some sheet metal from a friend) and fab one to your own specs.

[@PetersonFarmsofNashvillePFON]

Excellent Video and looked like a Fantastic time in Tennessee 👍

[@gregd931]

Happy 21st to you and your lovely bride Kara. We won't even discuss the whole golf thing. The bling on the truck is totally a "guy thing", but I still think you should paint the truck pink. Or at least pink highlights or pinstriping. One of the girls may inherit it one day. As always, love home my brother.

[@TripleTAcres]

You are such a great storyteller. Great video Neil!

[@TinyGiraffes]

Use dish soap and water to clean windows. Windex can leave a coating. You can also clean windows with just a set of Microfiber clothes in place of a squeegee. If you have a lot of streaks, you need to clean it again. You can easily get the rest off with a dry cloth.

[@Rindarko]

I’d go with stripes like the option offered on the ‘79 Bronco. It was an option known as “Freewheeling package”. They were red faded down to a yellow-orange.

[@joebacarella2829]

Ah yeah, the to do list, hey another great family trip, looks like a riot all the kids tubing and water skiing, be well my friend, what a great family you have there.

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

Good advice about the diy battery cover. Get an old sheet of diamond plate and have a shop put a 90 bend in it with a brake.

[@user-dn6ij6lm2g]

Love to you and your Familys had a very good Vacations and the Truck Menthane and dont Forget The Tailgate too

[@billwashburn8568]

If you do the stripes they have to be wide, bold and yes red orange and yellow! Subtle is not used if you do the 80s theme stripes.

[@Lee-At-Green-Pheonix-Rc]

Yeah the black and the retro stripe design with orange and yellow is dapper mate

[@drewdane40]

"We didn't keep score so we don't know who won or lost." 😂 Priceless!

[@austinlocklin4155]

Look up Renegade Wireline Services, Levelland, Texas. We go through tons of aluminum bright and tons of Mothers aluminum polish. It's an Oil and Gas Wireline Company. Trucks are washed everyday of the year no matter the time or weather.