Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

[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.

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.

[Private_collector]

As mentioned this morning, the following is a copy of a letter I sent to the ABC. Subject is self explanatory. Thought some here may have the same sentiments and could find it interesting. Hopefully I have remembered the details correctly.

Dear Four Corners Team,

I watched your presentation of Day of Days last night, and felt compelled to write and offer my thanks for showing this wonderful piece of history, which was also a great tribute to those that participated in Operation Overlord (D Day military designation). I watched with my Wife, often in tears, as the veterans described their experiences.*As a community health worker in Gympie, QLD, I have had the extreme honor of meeting two of the men who were among the may that stormed the beaches on that day. It is incredible that there are 2 of those fellows, living within 20 minutes of Gympie itself. One of these chaps has now passed away, and the other, now in his mid 90s, still lives with his wife on a rural property, just out of town. If I may, I would like to briefly tell you of these remarkable men.

Mr William Dodd was a British tank commander, who initially served in the 7th Armoured Division, fighting in the African desert under command of Bernard Montgomery, against the German tactical genious General Erwin Rommel. His stories, and collection of photographs, are absolutely amazing. To wage war and survive that hell of an environment is a remarkable feat itself, without his participation in the events to come. His, and many other tank crews, were recalled to Britain where he was then trained to operate a Top Secret development, known now as a 'D.D.' tank. The abbreviation stands for "Duplex Drive", and those tanks were able to be launched from an ocean going vessel several miles offshore from Normandy, where a pneumatic canvas skirt was raised to float the tank (weighing far more than 10 tons) which had a propellor in the rear that drove it forward. Mr Dodd came ashore on D Day, from the sea, driving one of these floating tanks! A number of the German defenders lost their lives simply because they were transfixed on the spectacle of tanks coming out of the water, and were so stunned by this that they stood staring, when they shood have been seeking cover. Mr Dodd is an EXTREMELY LUCKY man. Greater than half of all the D.D. tanks launched did not reach the beaches, as they were launched in open ocean*far from shore, and the ocean conditions were too rough for them to be operated without being swamped. Many men lost their lives when their tank sunk in deep ocean. A number of these 'craft' still lay on the ocean floor where they sank, and they still contain the remains of the brave men who crewed them. These tanks continue to defy belief*today! They are one example of a range of devices named collectively as Hobarts Funnies. The inventor was a gentleman by the name of Hobart. His other inventions are also remarkable, and are too numerous to speak of in detail here.

The second of the D Day veterans I mention, is Mr Stanley Fox, a Royal Marine who was amongst the first British troops to come ashore around dawn, on*6th June, 1944. Mr Fox was still a child when war broke out in 1939, and he was amongst the children who were evacuated from the major cities, to remove them from harms way. While I am not aware of the exact date of his enlistment, I do know that he joined the British army the day after his Mother was killed during a German air raid. Mr Fox told me he joined especially to "kill every German he could get his hands on" in retribution for his Mothers death. He then went on to assure me that he succeeded in that endeavour! At time of telling me this story, the anger and pain could still be heard in his voice, after some 65 years. Mr Fox was not a man to speak openly of this episode in his life, and it was only after I had known him several years that he recanted these events for me. Mr Fox's military unit were loaded into a landing barge off the French coast, in the hours before dawn, and they then made their way ashore, through high seas and eventual enemy shelling from the large artillery guns on the shore. As their barge made its journey, they were also at threat from the sea. As with Mr Dodd in his D.D. tank, the ocean was so rough that many men were violently ill through the voyage. It is now known that the weakened state these men arrived in, was a major contributor to their untimely deaths, as they had lost their physical strength and some stamina, decreasing their ability to fight. As Mr Fox spoke of what happened when the door of the landing barge was lowered, it was impossible not to feel moved and emotional. He spoke of the high spirits of the men as they travelled the final few hundred feet to the beach. He described how the men were expressing their desire to be the first off the barge, and how each man wanted to be the first to get at the Germans. The reality of what occured next would be vastly different from their expectations. The German defenders, aware of what 'sitting ducks' these vessels were, had trained their machine guns on the doors of the barges, and awaited their lowering. When the doors finally dropped, the men were cut to ribbons before they had a chance to reach dry land. Of the men on Mr Foxs barge, more than half died before reaching French soil. Seeing this happen, and knowing what fate awaited him, Mr Fox made the decision to jump over the side of the barge and take his chances in the still very deep water. As a result of the weight of his pack and fighting equipment, he almost drowned in the water, but was able to eventually make his way to the beach. May men were not this lucky. Many men drowned, or were over run by following barges. Some were shot in the water, or died as a result of enemy shelling of the barges. If there is a hell, what occured on the morning of June 6th must surely be a glimpse of that, and the events of the day continue to haunt the survivors, even after the decades which have rolled along since that time.

Sadly, Mr Fox passed away last year. I attended his funeral, and was quite surprised and very honored to see that the photograph which adoned his casket was a photo I had taken of him on ANZAC Day a year prior, that showed him formally dressed and standing very dignified, wearing his military medals.*

In closing, allow me to once again express my gratitude to your airing of the story of the men of D Day. Despite what the participants have felt and voiced, I continue to believe they are ALL heroes, regardless of their part in the event, or their longevity since that day. I have watched and listened closely to media reporting, as D Day anniversary approaches each year, and I have always been dismayed to find very little (if any) mention or recognition of the significance of that day, despite it being the event which stands alone as the largest single human endeavour in history. For the anniversary to pass into obscurity would be a shameful blight against the sacrifice of those whose memories and nightmares can only be relieved by their own death.

Having watched your presentation, and while this remains fresh in my mind, I intend to make the time*today*to visit my one living link with D Day, to shake his hand and thank him once again for the sacrifice he has made to ensuring the world remained free from the nazi rampage of World War II.*

I eagerly await, and always appreciate, your stations coverage of ANZAC Day commemorations, and very much look forward to your program Ten Days to D Day, on the evening of this years anniversary of the event.

Yours humbly,

Tony Baker
Gympie, QLD

As a foot note, I did visit Mr Dodd, and he looks EXACTLY the same as I saw him last, some 6+ months ago. He still lives with his Wife, in their own home. He continues to display the same warmth of personality and sunny disposition! His Wife continues to provide him with her care and love, as she has done for over 60 years of marriage. They are both the epitome of youthful minds in aged bodies!

Hope you enjoyed the letter.

[Dinty]

Well said mate, I also watched the program last night, most of us could not imagine the anxiety / horror of what fate was awaiting on that morning.
My late father is a WW2 veteran Royal Engineers, but he was in Nth Africa, Sicily and Italy, my late Uncle Bert Harvey was with the Royal Engineers and went in on the beaches of Normandie at D-Day +24hours i.e. the next day, from what he told me it was not a pleasant place, cheers Dennis

[Private_collector]

Cheers Dennis. I see you and I are in the same line of work.

Don't forget to watch Ten Days to D Day, on 6th June.

Recently received 5 small bottles, each one containing about 7ml of sand from one of the landing beaches. When I get the chance, it is my intention to make a nice wall hanging piece once I settle on which photos to accompany the map, with each bottle above the applicable beach.

[Private_collector]

Its medal polishing time once again, and this year there are 4 sets instead of just the one.

I will wear my Fathers WWII campaign medals. My Wife will wear her Fathers nasho medal/s (not yet picked up, ? 1 or 2 medals), her Grandfathers WWI trio, and finally, her other Grandfathers medals.

I will be ill from the fumes of Silvo & Brasso.

Is anyone else having problems with uploading photo attachments to MLU at present?

Special thanks to Robert Pearce, for making parts available for me to finish the transfer case. There really are a lot of first class chaps here on MLU. Couldn't keep things going ahead without you!

Hope all the Aus & N.Z. guys have an enjoyable and memorable day tomorrow. Dont forget to set the alarm for ungodly early!

[Private_collector]

Found this muffler for sale. Looks to be about as close as any I have seen so far.
The vendor is in USA, ......naturally.
Price is $100 USD? Another $115 USD to send.
I guess for that sort of postage it is coming by private chartered jet???
Costed a standard truck muffler locally, it was the right dimensions, but both ends were 2". That one was $170. Volvo ones that had been advised some time ago were cheaper again, but dont have the domed ends I want.

Come on tax return time!

[Lynn Eades]

Tony, With your skills (eg battery) you can make the domed ends (out of a heavy gauge steel) along with the rest of the muffler.
I think some muffler manufacturers use pressed ends still, but put them together the other way around.
Failing that, I reckon someone like Colin Jones would press the ends to your spec, in the wink of an eye.

[Private_collector]

Hi Lynn,

I did consider making a pair of domed ends, but after getting them made I would need to find someone to attach them to a suitable standard muffler. My welding often resembles rat vomit, except a little more chunky! Though what I lack in skills, I try to make up in enthusiasm. In this instance........i dont got either.

As Dirty Harry once said, a mans got to know his limitations!

I can't afford that expense right now, but should be able to after tax return.
From what I am hearing in the media, sounds like I will be having to work another few years before I can retire. Govt. is raising the retirement age again, this time to 70 years. Won't be thanking them for that, miserable swines! Obviously they don't care that a lot of folks won't be physically able to hold employment by that vintage.

[Lynn Eades]

O.k. I'll try this another way. Some muffler shops make their own mufflers.
You might be able to have what you want, made for a bit less than the $200 for the American one. With practice, lumpy rats vomit becomes smooth rats vomit.

[ozm29c]

Tony,
I know its a long shot but have you contacted Mercury Mufflers in Buderim? They are muffler manufacturers and based very close to you. They only supply to the trade however I am sure that they could advise you what they have in their inventory.
http://www.mercurymufflers.com.au/index.html
Cheers
John

[Private_collector]

Cheers John! I'm looking into their website now, and will call their Buderim facility on Monday. I would be more interested in keeping my $$$ here in Australia, if possible. The US seller is also capable of manufacturing to my specs., and can do this at any time I request, so it is good to keep that as a last resort. Speaking realistically, there is still a chance that it may be cheaper to buy from the other side of the planet, than from a retailer here in Aus. Global market indeed!

When my Father in law passed away, I got a good quality MIG welder returned back to me, having given that to him about 7 years ago. That one is a 'real' welder, and is capable of working either with gas or gasless. It can also be adapted to TIG. Tomorrow I will have a little play around with it, to get familiar again, and hopefully use it ongoing from now on. My other one (well, actually I have 2 identical 'others') is only gasless, and although it is quite usable, it does have a quirk in that the wire is always live. The good one only makes the wire live when the trigger is pressed. When I found the other one had that quirk, it took some time to come to terms with. Initially I thought it may have been faulty, but this is not the case, it's just a different way of working. I will be pleased to return to the old fashioned way of working!

When I was spraypainting, all those decades ago, I was taught to MIG by a friend of mine who was a panelbeater. I found it very difficult, because the helmets then did not have a self changing glass, so in the second or so that it took me to lower visor.......well, lets just say I had 'wandered' a little. Still within same post code of the area the weld was intended for, but often astray sufficiently to be useless as a weld! I have a slight tremor that makes me entirely unsuitable to stick welding. The distal end of the rod waves around like I was water divining. At least with the self changing masks, I can usually get away with MIG welding, even if I cannot use the other hand to stabilise the nozzle.

I have some more welding to do tomorrow on a breech mechanism I am making, and will do that with the better welder. That said, it has become BITTERLY cold here tonight, and I believe tomorrow will still be cold and windy, with possible rain. If there is rain, I won't be welding. All my welding is done outdoors these days.

I'll post again tomorrow night, with outcome of how I went with the good welder. If the results are still not acceptable..............don't expect any photos! Ideally I will be able to finish that part and show it off. With FAR TOO MANY episodes of being let down by the guys that do my blasting, I finally told em I had tolerated their repeated delays too long and would not be giving them any further business. A chance discussion with a long time friend enlightened me that the other sandblasting business in Gympie had changed hands, so I went there on Wednesday with a number of small parts (for both truck & replica artillery piece). The boss took my parts and said they would be ready for me to pickup next day. Sure enough, they were. I had asked them not to etch the parts, because I wanted to see their workmanship. Very pleased to discover they were all PERFECT! Took the two barrel pieces there yesterday, and will get them back mid next week. Don't think I will get them joined together (or to the breech) before I go back to work in a weeks time, but will try. The 40 metres of 55mm wide steel box I brought home recently, will be making the upper & lower edges of the carriage legs. Steel plate will make the sides of each leg. A local welding works has been promised that last task. They are keen to get involved in the project. That's serious welding there, so i'm keen to have them do it instead of me!

[Private_collector]

Fired up the better MIG this morning, and did that welding I needed to get done. Played around a bit first, getting all the settings right. Damned pleased I did too, because it took me a little while to 'un learn' the technique I had been using on the other, crapier welder. This one is sooooooo much better! Never had a misfeed, didnt have to suffer that horrible continually live handpiece, nor did it sound like it was a microwave running on defrost! Excellent machine. And I can finally buy the wire in sizes larger than sewing bobbins.

The breech block is now under primer, with a first coat of blade putty applied. I had not yet applied the putty at time of taking this photo. Tomorrow I will sand that back and see if I need to apply any more.

With that done (anti-climax, really) I turned my attention to blasting some driveshaft parts, including the pieces Robert had sent me. The blast cabinet was constipated, so I emptied all the medium out from the hopper, and intended to clean the cabinet & strain the grit. Then I remembered I had bought a hand held spot blasting gun, so I used that to do the job instead. Only problem was that within 2 minutes I had completely changed color, to a nice hue of Garnet (The mineral that is, not the Warren Mitchel character). Another 15 min of work and everything was primed, ready for painting at next opportunity. Wouldn't dare have tried applying color today. Quite windy, and rather chilly. Not painting weather.

As one final gesture, I did a test fit of the recently arrived flange...thingy..that the emergency brake drum is attached to. Fits beautifully. I found an issue with the oil seal retainer plate and coresponding bearing cup where the gearbox shaft goes. The bearing cup does not fit in the transfer case sufficiently deep enough for the seal plate to fit as it should. The bearing is definately in as far as it can go. The shaft turns OK, with no slack or strange noises. This little problem has me scratching my head. I really do not want to disassemble the case a third time. Only other way around it is to apply an extrordinary amount of shims, and thats just a cowboy fix! Has anyone come across this before? All bearings & cups are new, and all others sat in the correct positions and did not need anything more than just a single gasket +/- a thin shim. Buggered if I can work it out!

Oh, I nearly forgot......May the 4th be with you. :-)

[Private_collector]

Started assembling a couple of driveshafts this afternoon. Ruined the first one! While tapping in one of the end caps, the universal body moved down a little too far, and one of the rollers that sit inside the cap fell down on the top of the spindle. Didn't realise until I discovered I couldn't push the cap in properly. Cap couldn't be retrieved, so I had to cut the uni, destroying it entirely. Never had that happen before. I'm tempted to blame the LNP Govt., but really it's just my stupidity. Too late in the day. Brain had already knocked off. The body should have as well. Words were said!

Am hoping to get the transfer case into the chassis tomorrow afternoon. The problem with painting something nicely prior to installing is the obvious fear of paint damage.........often becoming the reality of paint damage. After scratching my head a bit, I came up with sleeving the chains in some of that foam tube that goes over roof racks. The local foam shop has it, and i'll get some tomorrow when in town.

Bought a set of tool cabinets yesterday. Been wanting those for a long time. Supercheap has a special on (OK, I know they ALWAYS have a special on) and I couldn't resist. Now I will have somewhere for all the tools I have inherited from Dad and my Brother, Darryl.

The new sandblasting guys came through for me again. I had sent some tapered metal tube (an old light post) earlier in the week. He did say they would be finished by end of the week, and they were. Exceptional work.......again. Wish the current owner bought the business long ago. I wouldn't give business to previous operator. Didn't like his attitude.

Still trying to find the time to disassemble the fuel storage tank I have been given. Maybe tomorrow morning. Maybe.

[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.


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.

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]

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!

I took the cowards way out, and added eleventeen gasket pieces to the oil seal plate of input shaft.

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.

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.

[Dinty]

Nice work mate, I enjoy looking at work done by other enthusiasts, thanks for sharing, cheers Dennis

[Private_collector]

You may recall I recently contacted an engineering firm for a quote to reassemble my Ford Sidevalve engine. That phonecall was Friday, and as they had promised, I got a return call today with their quote. Firstly, let me say the price indicted was not a firm amount, it was advised to be a rough estimate, and was based on similar rebuilds they had done in past. Playing devils advocate, I think they may have been struggling with the concept that this is effectively a new engine. As the conversation progressed, I clarified that a number of tasks associated with a rebuild are not applicable here. Things such as line boring mains, testing & repairing con rods where applicable, and machining valve seats were spoken about. I could confirm these jobs were not required, and although they said this could decrease the cost by a bit, I can't help but feel the estimate of $3400 to put the engine together is a little harsh! I know of two people who have had work done there, and it has been exceptionally good standard in both cases. There is no doubt I would be happy with the outcome, but at 3k+, that is more than I wish to part with.

Perhaps I should be writing a list of what parts are brand new, and document the tasks which will not be required in this assembly. I initially hoped that my indicating 'everything is new' would allow any prospective firm to quote for what is in essence a very easy build. That said, I know for a fact that in this case it was not fully understood that the block itself was absolutely ununsed & literally brand new. Not surprising when you consider that not many (if any others at all) of the French manufactured blocks/engines have made their way to Australia. I should imagine that after clarification of the above, the final cost of reassembly would be very much reduced from the estimate, but can I afford to take that chance? Not really! Even if the invoice was 1/2 the amount, that is more than I had expected under the circumstances.

Guess I will get further quotes. I'll also do my best to ensure that it is fully understood that no internal components require repair or reconditioning in any way.

Ho, hum!

[Shane]

Wow my motor to be completely striped and rebuilt cost me $1000 and she was not in good health. However i did spend around $400 on parts and we shall see what happens when i fire her up, i will know in two months or so. Its been great reading all your posts, your information on each step will help many of us who are learning the art of restoration.

[Lionelgee]

G'day Tony,

Isn't there a hot rod mob at the back of the ponds in Gympie. They do custom work at their place; and they have a yard full of interesting old stuff too. If they cannot do the engine reassembly work themselves surely they could recommend someone for you to see?

Kind Regards
Lionel

[Private_collector]

Lionel,

I know the place you are thinking about. I wouldn't get it done there.
When I was looking for an engine, a long time ago, he tried to sell me an early flathead with the water pumps in a different location, and said I could just change the heads and it would then be correct!

When I challenged him to show me where the pumps would fit the block front, he had to admit (after another look) that it wouldn't work. Long story short, he doesnt know as much as he thinks he does about Flatheads. Definately dont want to go there!

Already making other enquiries. I know several guys in the local Historic Vehicle Club, so I will consult them, I think.

[Tony Wheeler]

Originally Posted by Private_collector

I initially hoped that my indicating 'everything is new' would allow any prospective firm to quote for what is in essence a very easy build.

That being the case Tony, and at the risk of stating of the obvious, can I suggest you do it yourself! There are no special tools required and everything you need to know is in your trusty Ford manual. In your case the only issue is compatibility, eg. crank/rod/piston combo, and you've already sorted all that. You just need to assemble it now, which I can assure you is a piece of cake. In fact it can be done by a 16 yo kid with no mechanical experience beyond Meccano and bicycles! And you don't even need a shed!

Seriously though I'd recommend you do it yourself, because quite apart from saving money it's probably the most enjoyable and satisfying part of the whole resto. The only tedious part I recall was adjusting the valve clearance after lapping the valves in, because you have to repeatedly reassemble the valve guides into the block and remeasure the clearance, to make sure you don't grind too much off the mushroom tips. Also I was using a hand driven grinder which didn't help matters much! However you can avoid all that by getting a machine shop to grind the required amount off each valve, after you've measured the initial clearances. Apart from that the only tricky part I recall was putting rings on pistons without a ring expander, as they have a nasty habit of snapping! These days you can probably buy the appropriate tool dirt cheap, otherwise get an engine shop to fit the rings. Also I notice the French block is relieved, which could make it tricky to install the pistons, ie. the rings may pop out of an ordinary ring compressor tool. You could probably trim one to fit the relief, otherwise get the engine shop to do that stage of assembly as well.

Apart from those areas the reality is you'd probably do a better job than someone on an hourly rate, and you can be pretty sure they've never even heard of a French flathead, let alone seen one! You're the one who knows it intimately and you're the one who sourced all the right parts, and you're the one with plenty of time to be fussy about assembly. Personally I'd rather torque every nut and bolt myself so I know it's been done to spec, not just to standard shop practice. Plus you get to measure every clearance yourself, which you'll never know if you give it to an engine shop. Also I doubt there'd be an engine shop in Australia as scrupulously clean as you!

Anyway Tony I think you should give it serious consideration, because this is purely an assembly job, not a rebuild, and having seen your work in this thread it's obviously well within your ability. All the instructions are in the Ford manual, and if you need any advice along the way you can always ask on MLU, just like everything else on a CMP. Like for example the importance of thermostats, which I seem to have overlooked as a kid!

[Keith Webb]

I can also remember when we discovered the sump had to come off again to fit the clutch.

[lynx42]

You are right Tony W. ["That being the case Tony, and at the risk of stating of the obvious, can I suggest you do it yourself! There are no special tools required and everything you need to know is in your trusty Ford manual."]
If you can read a book, you can re-assemble a V8 side-valve.

Here is a photo of 13 year old Joel, My sons stepson, torquing down the head on my Lynx engine. You are never too young to learn.

Regards Rick

[Tony Wheeler]

Nice photo Rick, great to see youngsters still working on flatheads in 2014! When are you going to buy him his own blitz to restore?

Perhaps we can start a thread on kids restoring CMPs. I think Euan may hold the record at age 12 or something equally ridiculous! Mine was a fair effort with no shed or workbench, but Keith restored his first blitz in the street!

[Keith Webb]

Well, we got it sort of running, with one front brake working, but at least it was alive again... not bad for a couple of 16 year olds I guess. And the front shell got a coat of paint.

[Private_collector]

Hey, hey, hey! The transfer case is finally back where it belongs.

There was a point in the lifting that I expected the hoist to run out of reach. The boom arm looked to be very high, and I wouldn't have been surprised to need to lift the case in two stages. In the end, it all worked out fine. Once bolted in place, I disconnected the chains to see how much height would have still been available, if needed. I found there was only another 1/2" beyond the height I needed. How's that for lucky.

Is this really how the speedo drive sits? That's quite a sharp turn the cable has to make.


Now I need to decode how this goes together.
I did take some photos of the way I pulled it apart, but like the maintenence manual, those photos are not as instructive as I would like them to be.