Took the holiday weekend off, it being our Independence Day on July 4....
Resumed work on the truck on Monday, Day 27:
Picked up the front axle with the new bushings installed and new king pins
Dropped off a set each of all the front and rear brakes at the brake shop for them to match up with some of their old stock. (They've been in business for some 50+ years and felt confident that they could supply the needed parts.)
Had to saw through the front pins on the rear springs as they were completely rusted stuck! Used a portable band saw and it cut though the pins like a table knife through butter!
Located a spring shop nearby who will re-arch the springs as necessary. Got a surprise when talking with the owner; he's from the Chicago area and his dad and he used to work on CMP trucks that had been sold to US citizens. He identified my truck as a F8 just from my description of it!
Called the stripper (bead-, sand-blaster
) today and am dropping off the frame on Monday to be stripped
Called the body shop and arranged for them to paint the frame (Too convenient, they're next door to the stripper.)
Cut the material to make a floor support for the right side. Will post pictures when we've got the welding done.)
Did some grinding on the frame to remove the welds where the addition to the rear frame had been added to accomodate the extended bed
Quit early today; had to go to hospital early Tuesday morning with kidney stones. Was there for several hours and then sent home with a bunch of prescriptions. Am ok but am heeding the wake up call to drink more water in the 105+ F temps we're having!
Regards,
Jim