Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

[Private_collector]

In one way, I guess i'm blessed, as there was no foot plate on the truck when I got it. On the other hand, that means I gotta buy/make one later.

I have applying WD40 to steering wheel nut again today, and will buy a suitable socket?, spanner?, or wrench? to do the job next weekend.

The steering wheel is not too bad, so I will be REALLY careful with removal of the wheel nut.

On a slightly different note, I had a visit today from a gentleman who really knows his stuff with Blitz restorations. He rebuilt a Ford GT which I have seen locally. He pointed me in the right direction for a couple of people who have Blitz wrecks which might be available for purchase. Incredibly, one fellow is right here in Gympie, on a road I have been down many, many times but never saw an intact but rusting Blitz sitting RIGHT IN VIEW, though you wouldn't see it under the large scruffy tree and huge weeds. Until today that is. I went for a drive, followed the directions, and BUGGER ME, there it was!!!!!! I plan to visit in next couple of days.

Mental Note: Must ask my wife to drive more.......so I can just scan the properties for goodies

Thanks again Keith,

Stay tuned.

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

Hi Tony - WD40 is pretty useless. I have found that applying diesel and heat from an oxy plus tapping with a hammer will quite often shift that rust. I'll have a look in my shed in the morning as I know I have a floor plate. Just have to see if it is Ford or Chev. The other thing with sand blasting. Quite often numbers and unit signs are hidden under layers of paint. A gentle wet rub quite often reveals them.

Bob

[Private_collector]

Thanks for the tip on diesel. I will get some tomorrow. I bought a small gas torch last week, just in case.

If you don't hear from me for a while......it just means the future burns are healing!

And a big thanks for looking for floor plate, too.

Will let you know how I go

Tony Baker

[Private_collector]

Not much Blitz work got done last weekend. Here's why:-

I had been given a 'tip off' by a fellow Blitz restorer, regarding a chap who may have some of the parts I am needing.

The chap in question was contacted by me earlier in the week, and he told me that he recently had a sale on his property, when several intact Blitz trucks had been sold! He did however still have "a few bits" which may be of interest.

I arranged a time, and went there on Saturday afternoon. The fellow still had at least 6 partially complete vehicles (many of them Ford), and numerous Blitz parts spread around his property. A considerable amount of the parts I need could be sourced from this farm alone, provided I can manage removal from the vehicles.

At one stage during our meander through the acres, I pointed to a Ford radiator in very usable condition and asked about price. In reply he said he would need to check the value it would bring in SCRAP metal, and he said "after all theres no point in me selling it for $20.00, if it's worth $35.00 for scrap". He nearly floored me with his next comment that "I have a better one that you can buy, in the shed".

Since returning home, and once the drooling stopped, I have been making a shopping list for my return trip in coming weeks.

As if that wasn't enough, I had a phone call this afternoon from a fellow about 2-3hrs away who had heard I was looking for Ford Blitz parts. This guy has a complete F60L which he intended to restore but lost interest. He has two engines (one rebuilt some time ago), more doors than any Blitz needs (4 or 5 he thought), 20in wheels and even ORIGINAL DOOR CURTAINS and wheel carrier with toolbox.

My wife is by no means impressed with my plan to visit in next couple of weeks to inspect, with view to purchase. Only snag might be cost of tilt-tray hire to get it back home. I also have a nasty feeling that this truck might be TOO GOOD for me to afford without organ donation!

[Keith Webb]

Looking forward to hearing and seeing this story unfold.

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

With the way CMP parts are disappearing and the prices keep going up..impress the wife and tell her you are buying your pension plan..after all the prices are steadily rising along with the price of gold..
Buy it all all the stuff you can..sell or mortgage the kids..they are overhead anyway and tell her that you are acting business like..That will really impress her.
Waiting results..
Well done.

[Ryan]

I agree with Alex, buy all you can. Why? Because it may disappear over time and you'll kick yourself for not getting it earlier. Been there and unfortunately done that.
And yes, get your wife to do more driving and take the binoculars with you! You'll find plenty.
Only one problem with buying all you can. Your dreams of king of the hill soon turn into dreams of empire! All good fun though.
Looking forward to see your story continue.
Ryan

[Keith Webb]

There's more to add - I agree, get it while you can because there will be someone else down the track who will be glad to buy something you rescued but don't need. The other caveat is your wife, however tolerant she may be when you acquire things will soon be asking when you're going to get rid of "all that junk" and when she can have what she thought of as her undercover parking space back.
For those of you who haven't seen this before, here is some essential advice from Vernco: How to buy things without being caught