Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

[Private_collector]

Is part of the reason why I was happy to give that task to someone else.

In fact, the last of the brake lines were given to hydraulic shop this morning. Will go get them in 30min or so.

Did add an extra 50mm to each and every line, to allow for a once-only mistake such as you described, Bob!

Also saw my upholstery guys and asked them to order a couple of metres of same canvas used for the side curtain, for me to cut the pieces to make mud flaps, side light covers, and the bag behind the seats fo4 door tops to go into.

[Private_collector]

Well bugger me! Got the frame brake lines back from the hydraulic shop this afternoon, and did a tentative fit when I got home.

You wouldn't bloody well believe it. You may recall me mentioning that I allowed a slight bit of extra length with the pipes, as a 'just in case' one or more pipes required a flare to be cut off due to poor form? Guess what that equates to when they do the damn lot absolutely perfectly? Yep, one is too long, and will require shortening. As close as I can tell, and this is a guestimate until I get a joining piece that Jacques kindly offered to pickup for me, I will need to remove a further 2cm, possibly even more.

You cant win. If you dont allow for a 'visit from Mr Cockup', then you get caught short, literally in this case, and if you try to outsmart the berks of this world, you end up getting one of the few people that is actually good at their job.

Once I know the exact amount to be removed, I'll take that pipe (rear most one) back for an adjustment. I will be sure to tell them why too. At least they will get a kick out of the story.

to the guys at Wide Bay Hydraulics!

Needing to get one pipe flare done again, is neither a huge deal, nor a huge cost. Makes for an amusing anecdote too.

[Jacques Reed]

Hi Tony,

Glad to see I am not the only one who has to do things twice to get it right.
My wife and I call ourselves Mr. and Mrs. "Twotrips". Usually when you buy something you have to go back to the shop a second time for something defective, omitted etc. In your case it was something actually correct!
It seems to have permeated my hobby too!

As for me doing my brake lines twice as per previous reply in this thread I am very grateful for the replies and photos here. Could have save myself a bit of work. Least I held off doing the rear chassis line so it will only be done once, hopefully.
I re-read the F15A Spare Parts List brake section and have attached a scan here on the brake lines. Some interesting points:

Seems to confirm that at one stage there was a separate line to each side of the front axle like the F15 even on the F15A 4 x 4 version. Parts no CO1QF 2263 and CO1QF 2264. I would assume the larger models of CMP's had the same arrangement.
They were then replace by 91A 2269 (a roll of Bundy tubing) and fabricated in the field.
Note the quote "Used with brake tubing attached to axle housing- new location"
So everyone debating three or four flexible lines to the front axle is correct.

Had I read it more carefully also the lengths of CO1Q 2267 = 46-7/16" and CO1Q 2268 = 19-11/16" might have tipped me off that my brake lines did not follow the original path on the rear axle. Oh well, as my Dad used to say "By the time you are dead you know everything!"
Another interesting point is Part CO1Q 2070: Union- inverted, that you mentioned, Tony, and showed in the diagram does not appear in the F15A brake line diagrams but does appear in the parts list for it. This is not uncommon though with the parts lists I have found.

Now if I can ask Keith, or anyone else here for a good close-up photo and/or dimensions of the brake line clip under the rear springs I think I will have all the info I need to re-do the rear diff lines.

P.S. it only cost me $5 for a 1.8m offcut of Bundy tube at Industrial Fittings when I picked up the joiners so it's worth correcting the mistake on the rear axle. All I lose is a bit of time.

Cheers

[Tony Wheeler]

Originally Posted by Jacques Reed

Now if I can ask Keith, or anyone else here for a good close-up photo and/or dimensions of the brake line clip under the rear springs I think I will have all the info I need to re-do the rear diff lines. Cheers

Hi Jacques,

It seems there were two different types of clip used. The type seen in the first two pics appears to be p/n 2081, which is also used at several other points to secure the brake line to the chassis, as shown in the maintenance manual diagram (Fig. 1 on page E0). It's listed as "Clip, brake pipe, 1 1/8" long (old design)". As you can see in the photo the brake line itself has been dragged out from under the clip, bending it back in the process.

The type seen in the third and fourth pics wraps around the brake line and is thus more secure. I'll post some pics with dimensions in case you want to fabricate this one.

[Keith Webb]

Nice work Tony, I'm still just near Loch Ard Gorge so a long way from my FGT. Thanks for the pics!

[Tony Wheeler]

As can be seen from the pics the wrap around clip is made from a 3" length of 5/8" strap (appears to be 16 gauge) with holes stamped either end for the 1/4" bolt.

The other clip is 1 1/8" long, which would seem to confirm it as p/n 2081. This part may be readily available (although it's rather less suitable IMO and the hole is way oversize).

Anyway I trust that's of some help Jacques. BTW my back seems to be on the mend at last (touch wood!) so I'll give you a ring to arrange a blitz day soon if you're up for it.

Cheers,
Tony

[Tony Wheeler]

Phil Waterman covers this topic with the relevant service bulletins here: http://www.canadianmilitarypattern.c...ailphotos.html

[Phil Waterman]

Originally Posted by Tony Wheeler

Phil Waterman covers this topic with the relevant service bulletins here: http://www.canadianmilitarypattern.c...ailphotos.html

Hi Tony

The service bulletins are Chevrolet CMP, but they may also have been in response to a general problem. The Chevy early Pat 13 had a hard brake line running around the front of the truck basically under the radiator mount and it is virtually impossible to work on with the engine in place. The later routing greatly simplified repair. In that light it might also have been an issue on Fords.

Cheers Phil

[Jacques Reed]

Originally Posted by Tony Wheeler

As can be seen from the pics the wrap around clip is made from a 3" length of 5/8" strap (appears to be 16 gauge) with holes stamped either end for the 1/4" bolt.

The other clip is 1 1/8" long, which would seem to confirm it as p/n 2081. This part may be readily available (although it's rather less suitable IMO and the hole is way oversize).

Anyway I trust that's of some help Jacques. BTW my back seems to be on the mend at last (touch wood!) so I'll give you a ring to arrange a blitz day soon if you're up for it.

Cheers,
Tony

Hi Tony,

Many thanks for that info and photo. You've been a great help again.
Was just thinking recently I better contact you in the New near too to have a Blitz day at your place and return that long overdue battery holder to the "library". Hope the fine isn't large!
Least it is now dry for moving Blitzes in paddocks. Hard to believe just two months ago how wet it was.
Glad to hear the back is on the mend and look forward in the next few weeks to catching up.

[Private_collector]

Got the rear springs off my parts donor truck on Sunday. While each set had the overrider leaves, they weren't directly bolted to the main stack. That truck didn't have the overrider bump brackets when I bought it, but I think there is a full set amongst the parts that came with the truck being restored. The resto. truck does not have the holes drilled in the chassis, to take the brackets. Not counting the overrider, the main leaf set contains 10 leaves per side. There are 4 each in the other stacks. The U bolts and nuts came undone (eventually) without damage, but as we have a springworks in town, I hope to buy a new set for the final reassembly. The shackle pins/bolts were in a surprisingly good condition. I could probably have use some or all of these again, but you can't beat brand new. A full set of those, and locking pins are en route from USA.

Two packets of wiring clips arrived yesterday. These were to replace the previously bought ones, which of course, were immediately discovered once the order was placed for the second time. Total number of clips on hand is now approx 42! I should have sufficient quantity to place a clip every 3 inches, and still run the wiring around the truck a dozen times. The clips have a pair of nasty little teeth on the under side. I'm thinking of the best way to install these without scratching the paint badly. I have a cunning plan!

If I get the time today, I will call Vintage Wiring down south, to order a new wiring loom. They carry a pattern for F60S, but as mine is now a bit more 'S' than it once was, we should be able to get correct length for rear wiring, by agreeing on a reference point that I can then measure aft from. Also want them to include provision for a second brake light. I know it originally had just the one, but having one on each side might offer a little more safety from being rear ended. There's a lot of moron drivers out there. I don't want them writing off their car by scratching the paint off my pintle.