Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

[Keith Webb]

I've done this job several times and have been surprised how many of the countersunk screws actually come out OK with a bit of heat and an impact driver to get them started.

What's the extra hole in the floor? Looks like someone added their own front axle declutch lever.

[Private_collector]

Thanks Keith!

Thats all I need to know. I'll get the engineering works to fill it in again when I take it for sandblasting next Saturday. Thats assuming I have got a 'donor' piece of metal by then. I have an acquaintence with a few Ford CMPs and a good oxy torch.

I didn't give a moments thought to saving the floor plate screws. Some were damaged, some were fine and some were already missing. There is a fasteners supplier in Gympie where I can buy new ones. I bought samples Saturday.

The getting of new weld nuts seems to be quite a trick though!

I'm awaiting return emails from 2x manufacturers with prices.

[Keith Webb]

Some of those caged nuts are tricky to access.

It may indeed be better to find another rear floor without the butchery.

Originally Posted by Private_collector

Thanks Keith!

Thats all I need to know. I'll get the engineering works to fill it in again when I take it for sandblasting next Saturday. Thats assuming I have got a 'donor' piece of metal by then. I have an acquaintence with a few Ford CMPs and a good oxy torch.

I didn't give a moments thought to saving the floor plate screws. Some were damaged, some were fine and some were already missing. There is a fasteners supplier in Gympie where I can buy new ones. I bought samples Saturday.

The getting of new weld nuts seems to be quite a trick though!

I'm awaiting return emails from 2x manufacturers with prices.

[Private_collector]

I know a couple of fellows with Fords, but most of the floor panels are as poor or worse than mine. Some are checkerplate, not diamond pattern, too.

I have a mate about 1hr away who might have one. The catch is that I would have to remove it from a cab still attached to the truck, which in turn is in an overgrown paddock and sinking into the mire.

From an illness a number of years ago, I have difficulty working with my hands above my head. I can do it, but get VERY fatigued, fast. The discovery of a good rear floor substitute may overide this caution, but if the bolts are too ackward to get at, I will end up crook for hours.

[Private_collector]

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Dash instrument decals arrived late this week. They were fairly good quality, but could have been a bit sharper in definition. With that said, they certainly don't look bad.
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I applied them to the gauges Thursday evening, and did the application of speedo mileage wheels last night. Not a job for anyone with poor eyesight, or if tired.

When tested, the speedometer and three of the gauges were in excellent working order! The oil pressure gauge was u/s though. This is only a minor concern because I have located a NOS one in USA which is now on the way. It still amazes me that I can buy something from other side of the world, and it is still cheaper that the bloke down the road.

Cabin floor and frame is now with sandblaster. I expect to pick it up again next Saturday. Might remove the transfer case and front driveshaft tomorrow, if weather holds out.