I have been trying to upload these photos since yesterday. Internet playing up again.
Did some work Sunday on the replica top for the newly acquired Ford battery case. I cant attach any parts to it yet. The cell caps you see here are not the ones I will be using. The Ford caps have not arrived yet, so I worked with the ones that came with the empty battery case. Each cap will be attached with a small bolt, and be removed if needed in the future. The lead cell connector strips cleaned up fairly well, and have had several coats of clear poly paint. They will ultimately be glued in place. Before that can happen, the top will be permanently joined to the case, and black sealer will be run around the edges and between the individual cells, like they would have been originally. I dont have the lead cable terminals yet, but they have been ordered. I do have a pair here now, somewhere, but as usual cannot find them when I want them. I will surely stumble over them on the day I receive the ones I have just ordered.
Started on the transfer case yesterday.
Pulled the shifter tower and selectors off. They cleaned up really well, but lack the gear selector lever. that was lost before I bought the vehicle. Took the front axle drive part off and it was stuck fast. Should have taken the lack of oil inside as a very bad omen! Did manage to free it up easily, and although I can't get a good look at the bearings, it turns freely and without grinding or free play in any direction.
Got a nasty surprise when I removed the oil drain plug. Nothing came out, unless you include the thick jammy sludge and red grit that clung to the inside of the box. OH DEAR. I had naively hoped (but not really expected) that I wouldn't have to pull the two main body halves apart, and just replace the oil. Talk about an unrealistic expectation! The shafts do turn OK, but I expect (now) that there will be internal parts that need replacing, beyond the usual bearings, seals & gaskets of course. Still, one step at a time, eh?