The driver side step/battery asembly is finished. The last bolts went in this evening. I'm relatively happy with the result.
It's certainly better than it was originally!
I am now looking for a correct fuel filter that goes on the step assembly too. The one I have could be used for cosmetic purposes only. It's eaten away inside with rust. Anyone with one of those to sell, let me know & we'll do a deal.
Also got a set of tank brackets ready to go on. One tank is with a panel shop in town & the second one will accompany it tomorrow. It has a very small rust out that needs brazing up.
No idea on expected return date for chassis, so I guess there will be more of the little jobs being done in the meantime.
Have moved on to rebuilding the steering box. Started stripping it down on Sunday.
Last week I ordered a new brake master cylinder from Rockauto in USA. It should be here within next week or so. Received an email from Rockauto this evening, with a discount code for next purchase/s. That will be the flexible brake lines. They have them all in stock.
Planning to make up the brake tubing for the rear axle this coming weekend. Have had the tube for some months, waiting for the right time to make em.
Still working on the fake battery top. Received an original cell cap with Ford script, which will be used to make a mould for more. Nearly finished the cast to make the lead cell connectors, but scrapped it because now that I have the Ford script cap, I decided I want 'Ford' on the lead strips too. That means making another casting, and more effort to incorporate the Ford script. Lucky i'm not in a hurry, so that's not a real problem.
I plan to remove the rear spring sets of my other CMP, and use those whole, provided I can get them soda blasted well.
Speaking of soda, I mixed a batch of caustic soda in a large bucket, and ran a few amps through one metal piece on Sunday. I selected the brake master cylinder & booster actuation assembly for this trial, because it's too fiddly to be done by hand. The results were EXTREMELY encouraging and rather dramatic. More so when you consider it was only taking a current for less than 6hrs! I'll clean that part off on Saturday.
Nearly forgot: Bought an early 50s Singer sewing machine Saturday, as I had been told by several knowledgeable people that the old machines are near industrial quality and capability. According to the manual accompanying the machine, it can sew multiple layers of denim, light plastic (? window sort like the side curtains), sail cloth and even overcoat material. It should manage two layers of canvas without problem, so I will be making my own mud flaps, side curtain bag (friend gave me the correct brackets) & perhaps even a sunshine roof if I dare.