Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

[Private_collector]

MILITARY WITTICISMS

"A slipping gear could let your M203 grenade launcher fire when you least expect it. That would make you quite unpopular in what's left of your unit."-Army's magazine of preventive maintenance.

"Aim towards the Enemy."-Instruction printed on US Rocket Launcher

"When the pin is pulled, Mr. Grenade is not our friend.-U.S. Marine Corps

"Cluster bombing from B-52s is very, very accurate.The bombs are guaranteed to always hit the ground."-U.S. Air Force

"If the enemy is in range, so are you."-Infantry Journal

"It is generally inadvisable to eject directly over the area you just bombed."-U.S. Air Force Manual

"Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons."-Gen. MacArthur

"Try to look unimportant; they may be low on ammo."-Infantry Journal

"You, you, and you . . . Panic.The rest of you, come with me."-U.S. Marine Corp Gunnery Sgt.

"Tracers work both ways."-U.S. Army Ordnance

"Five second fuses only last three seconds."-Infantry Journal

"Don't ever be the first, don't ever be the last,and don't ever volunteer to do anything."-U. S Navy Swabbie

"Bravery is being the only one who knows you're afraid."-David Hackworth

"If your attack is going too well, your walking into an ambush."-Infantry Journal

"No combat ready unit has ever passed inspection."-Joe Gay

"Any ship can be a mine sweeper... once."-Anon

"Never tell the Platoon Sergeant you have nothing to do."-Unknown Marine Recruit

"Don't draw fire; it irritates the people around you."-Your Buddies

[Private_collector]

Well worth a read!
article-2195389-14BB9F0B000005DC-43_634x422.jpeg

http://www.warhistoryonline.com/feat...line-duty.html

[Private_collector]

While cleaning up at my Father In Laws place, we came across a curious, and very well constructed, metal frame, which was initially of unknown purpose. It is 2.4m (?8ft) long x 2.0m (6+ft) wide. A lot of work went into this, with weld around all sides of all joins. None of us knew this even existed, and no one recalls seing it being constructed! It is most definately a frame for the rear of a decent size utility vehicle. Odd though, the only vehicle he had already has a tray back, and I don't think he was considering changing that off.

After some prelimenary measurements, I believe this frame will fit the back of my truck with minimal modification. Certainly isn't too wide, and I do believe once the tool box & tyre carrier are installed, it will fit in nicely behind that, with little hang over (possibly < 150mm/6") at the rear. Many options have been considered for what to do about rear body, and with the discovery of this frame, I think this is my choice. It's too good to overlook, and it would be a shameful act to see it go to someone else, or possibly end up as scrap. My Father In Law was every bit the welder I knew I wouldn't be!

Prior to discovering this frame, we discovered a sizable pile of tongue & groove floorboards in one corner of the shed. We had no idea what these were for, as no renovations were planned, nor was there any other lumber anywhere around. The mystery depened when, upon closer examination, each length was seen to have a unique number written on one end. There was around 25 - 30 boards, from memory. Once we found the steel frame, the mystery was solved of course. The hardwood lengths were intended for the construction of the ute tray! Such was the thorough planning and execution of everything he did. When all the boards were lain roughly in their final order, I couldn't help notice that despite a lot of variation in the board colors, when in 'order' they looked to be in a nice pattern, with no two identical ones together. I will ensure they are fixed in their correct order, as was intended by the maker. Quite a nice touch to an otherwise mundane item which nobody will give much thought to. I intend to have the boards fine sanded (professionally) when secured in final position. Floor sander guy will probably think I have gone rather potty, but those of us in the family will know the full story.

Now you do too.

[hrpearce]

Tony your blitz will end up being an encyclopaedia of your family history.

[Private_collector]

Too true, Robert! Guess this truck will be destined to stay in the family, so long as there is someone willing to take it.

Found heaps of trailers etc.. for sale in USA.
Screenshot_2014-04-20-23-31-00.jpg $_12-5.jpeg
I only want a pair of wheels like these, and an axle, for my little side project. This would be too good to cannibalise for that, but woukd be great to use as a 'daily' use trailer. Wonder how much to freight something like this to Australia?

Heading back to my inlaws place, to retrieve some 8m lengths of rectangular steel box. I think there are 5 lengths, from memory. Was also intending to dismantle the fuel storage tank I have been given, but that may need to wait, thanks to a stinging pain in the back that started last evening. Never a dull moment.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Private_collector

Found heaps of trailers etc.. for sale in USA.
Attachment 64973 Attachment 64974
I only want a pair of wheels like these, and an axle, for my little side project. This would be too good to cannibalise for that, but woukd be great to use as a 'daily' use trailer. Wonder how much to freight something like this to Australia?

If you only need a pair of wheels and an axle, I am sure one of the MLU members in Australia can help you find a pair. From what I see on this forum, everyone down under with a back lot has a couple of rusty old trucks stored for cannibalisation?

Hanno

[Private_collector]

Hello Hanno!

I think you are correct. We Australians dont like to see an opportunity pass when it comes to acquiring the odd relic. Especially those amongst us who have the storage capacity and transportation to retrieve.

The wheels & axle are not an urgent need. They can wait until a later date.
I did enquire with a fellow I know who has contact that often imports shipping containers into Australia from USA. His usual cargo is American vehicles, but can certainly accomodate such an item, if needed. The deal killer is the initial transportation costs of the trailer from purchase site to shipping depot.

Many chaps here in Aus. have assisted me with parts already. Some have done so a number of times, and to those guys, I am truly grateful! A set of wheels & an axle should be easy enough to source locally to me. Just need to have patience and watch the auction sites and upcoming farm auctions. Slowly slowly, catchy monkey!

Later today, I will post regarding a wonderful piece televised last night, concerning the stories and recollections of a group of D Day veterans. I felt compelled to write to the television station this morning, to offer my thanks. As usual, the email turned into one of my 'Trilogy in 4 parts' scenarios.

[jack neville]

Originally Posted by Private_collector

While cleaning up at my Father In Laws place, we came across a curious, and very well constructed, metal frame, which was initially of unknown purpose. It is 2.4m (?8ft) long x 2.0m (6+ft) wide. A lot of work went into this, with weld around all sides of all joins. None of us knew this even existed, and no one recalls seing it being constructed! It is most definately a frame for the rear of a decent size utility vehicle. Odd though, the only vehicle he had already has a tray back, and I don't think he was considering changing that off.

After some prelimenary measurements, I believe this frame will fit the back of my truck with minimal modification. Certainly isn't too wide, and I do believe once the tool box & tyre carrier are installed, it will fit in nicely behind that, with little hang over (possibly < 150mm/6") at the rear. Many options have been considered for what to do about rear body, and with the discovery of this frame, I think this is my choice. It's too good to overlook, and it would be a shameful act to see it go to someone else, or possibly end up as scrap. My Father In Law was every bit the welder I knew I wouldn't be!

Prior to discovering this frame, we discovered a sizable pile of tongue & groove floorboards in one corner of the shed. We had no idea what these were for, as no renovations were planned, nor was there any other lumber anywhere around. The mystery depened when, upon closer examination, each length was seen to have a unique number written on one end. There was around 25 - 30 boards, from memory. Once we found the steel frame, the mystery was solved of course. The hardwood lengths were intended for the construction of the ute tray! Such was the thorough planning and execution of everything he did. When all the boards were lain roughly in their final order, I couldn't help notice that despite a lot of variation in the board colors, when in 'order' they looked to be in a nice pattern, with no two identical ones together. I will ensure they are fixed in their correct order, as was intended by the maker. Quite a nice touch to an otherwise mundane item which nobody will give much thought to. I intend to have the boards fine sanded (professionally) when secured in final position. Floor sander guy will probably think I have gone rather potty, but those of us in the family will know the full story.

Now you do too.

Tony ,

Can you post a picture of the frame you found. I have a suspicion...

Jack

[Private_collector]

Hi Jack,

Not yet brought it home, but will be there today and will take a photo to post.

[Private_collector]

Bought the foam tubing I will use to protect transfer case from the chains while hoisting into place. Didn't get home until after 1630hrs, so that will either be done tomorrow, if I have enough day left after the mowing, or Wednesday, which is my day off.

Jack, here is the rear body frame I have been talking about. The front of it is closest to camera, and it is standing up on one side. Must gat that home soon too, before the weather ruins it! I think it should go to the sandblasters before finishing the trip home. The timbers for the floor will have to be stored in one of my sheds. We have termites in the ground, here. They must have teeth of steel. They can even chew hardwood......eventually.
DSC_0070.jpg

This is the fuel tank that will eventually get 'restored' in an appropriate military color, have a 1940s Shell sticker applied, and stand outside the workshop.
DSC_0072.jpg
It will get a thorough sandblasting prior, of course. I rebuilt the fuel nozzle a couple of weeks ago. The correct type of fuel hose rubber is available locally, from Roadside Relics in Gympie. They specialise in vintage fuel bowsers and service station related collectables. Have a look here:
http://www.roadsiderelics.com.au/

I spoke with one of the guys at Jacobsens Auto Engineering on Friday. They will be contacting me next week with a guestimate of cost to reassemble the engine. Because the block is one of the French made flathead v8s, there are several special requirements which do not apply to a Ford manufactured one, so I will need to ensure these are relayed to them so they can do the build correctly. No idea how much $$$ to expect it will cost!

[Private_collector]

DSC_0074.jpg
Both the front shafts are now reassembled, awaiting transfer case installation, courtesy of a replacement uni bought yesterday. Note, all the lube nipples face the same way, to make servicing less painful!
DSC_0075.jpg
I took the cowards way out, and added eleventeen gasket pieces to the oil seal plate of input shaft.
DSC_0079.jpg
Started to attempt istallation, but ran out of day, and my better judgement took over, to halt play for another day. I think I will put the selector tower bracket on before I raise the case again. I came to realise the chain at that end of the case would foul against the chassis because the lifting attachment points are too close together. Even though there is a piece of carpet around the cross member, if I don't attach the chains better, i'm sure to scrape paint off.
DSC_0078.jpg
This is as far as I got before putting the truck to bed. Pity not to finish the job, but it'll keep. We have a public holiday here on Friday, so if I can't get it done on Wednesday, i'll aim for Friday.