Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

[Private_collector]

Hi folks.

Jacques,

In comparing brake line photos, there a certainly differences in the lines. My front one was original but squashed in places. I copied off that and recreated a fairly close copy. I must admit I dont like seeing the tubing anywhere near a surface that could rub against it now or later. For that reason, I tend to add more bends to the line, to follow around raised areas, brackets, etc. That is most evident on the rear set of tubes, but the front ones have a lesser degree of the creative licence. My rear right side line does not follow around the diff hump like yours does. I'm wondering if I can rework that one to do so. Will have a look at that tomorrow. I have saved a copy of those photos for future reference. Thanks!

After roughly a week of back & forth emails to Macs, I finally got the information I had initially requested. That being the OD measurement of a shackle bolt in their 1932-1948 passenger &1932 -1947 pickup catalog. It is the correct Ford part, 01T-5780, but I have had experiences in past where I have gone from part no. alone, only to discover Ford reused the number for a subsequent civilian vehicle application, and the part was way too small.

The exact lising for the shackle bolt is: "38-47 4.28" long, 2 ton truck except 122" (6 required).......01T-5780 $9.50. This is the 1" thick bolt for Ford rear springs on 4x4 vehicles. I have no experience or info as to whether it is same for the 4x2 variants. Have now ordered six of these, along with the bolt locking pins (part no. 81T-5782) for each. I should not need to purchase bushings from Macs, because local hydraulic shop can source an extensive range of bushings. I prefer to try to support local businesses, so long as the service warrants this!

My thanks to Jacques, for supplying me with the rear spring hanger which I had been missing. once again, the MLU community to the rescue.

[Private_collector]

By good fortune of having the remains of left side rear line, my replacement does go along past the hole that Keith is referring to. I'm glad you mentioned that Keith. I had initially thought that was quite a tight fit there and considered NOT going through there, but eventually did it same way.

Not looking forward to ordering the bolts etc for front springs, bearing in mind the amout of effort it took to get the dimension of rear bolt from the guy at Macs. It was a simple request for one measurement, but they asked for the vehicle type and model, then said 'sorry, Macs does not supply parts for your application'. One more email later, reminding them I wasn't asking for suitability just a technical spec., I eventually got my affirmative answer. For some reason, some of these companies (both online & over counter) seem to feel that if it's not in their vehicle compatability list then it can't possibly be suitable. That really shits me to be honest. Give me fact, not opinions.

[Jacques Reed]

Originally Posted by Private_collector

Not looking forward to ordering the bolts etc for front springs, bearing in mind the amout of effort it took to get the dimension of rear bolt from the guy at Macs.

Just re-reading posts: Try Auto Surplus in Mitcham Vic. I remember they bought up a lot of Bruce Cowley's stock from Geelong when he shut up his workshop. He had a bin full of those bolts when I was there a few years back. All still wrapped in grease paper. Hopefully they went to Auto Surplus and not Simsmetal.

Good Luck.

[Private_collector]

Originally Posted by Jacques Reed

Try Auto Surplus in Mitcham Vic.

Good tip, thanks. I'll get the correct part numbers and email them tonight.