Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

[Private_collector]

Yesterday was a great day out. Mrs B and I took an all day round trip to retrieve some parts I have been wanting to get home for a long time. Accompanying us was Andy Cusworth, another MLU member and friend of some years now. I think Andy and I talked the whole way there and back.
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Most desired amongst the treasures was of course the sunshine cab roof. Couldn't wait to finally see it with my own eyes, and I must say I wasn't disappointed. It is in very good shape. There will be minimal dent repair work needed, and no rust repairs at all. Sandblasting will be done. It's my preferred method of cleaning. I brought back a good set of 16" wheels as well, so they will also go for blasting. When painted, I have a set of NDT tyres to put on them, and the tyres/wheels on the grey truck now will be given back to the previous owner.

I will post a number of close up photos of the cab roof shortly. Does MLU have a thread or heading where people can post images of items they have which are known to be original? If not, maybe it would be a good idea. Then everyone can benefit from seeing how things SHOULD look. I'm absolutely sure everything on my cab roof is %100 original, so far as the hardware goes. There was still remains of canvas attached to the bar that goes to the front edge of the opening, so my photos might help someone else in the future. Just a thought!

[Keith Webb]

Great find, nice to see you have it home.

The footman loops were to secure a canvas bag which fitted over each windscreen so they could be fully open and not reflect the sun to enemy aircraft.

I have only one photo of these actually in use.

[Private_collector]

Originally Posted by Keith Webb

The footman loops were to secure a canvas bag which fitted over each windscreen so they could be fully open and not reflect the sun to enemy aircraft.

Thanks Keith! Would never have guessed that. Can you please post the photo for me. I'm sourcing a roll of suitable canvas for overall use, and will make a pair of those covers, if I can.

All Members Any photos showing details of the sunshine roof with canvas closed or open, would also be appreciated. Same with sun visor/s.

[Private_collector]

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This is a cabin frame I bought yesterday, used with the steel framed doors which were canvas covered. The friend I got this from was possibly going to cut off the extra metal piece at front, where the doors fit onto the two pins, and use with the standard doors. Couldn't let that happen. So, with assistance from Rob P., and the measurements he sent me, I will need to make yet another jig, this time for funny looking door frames.

The sunshine cab roof and canvas door cabin will both be going onto my grey truck.

[David Dunlop]

Tony.

Congratulations with your Sunshine Cab Roof find.

Just curious if there were ever any supplementary Instructions or Parts Lists published covering this equipment and use in Australian Service? I am assuming if enough trucks were so equipped, there might be paperwork surviving somewhere that would be of great assistance for you.

David

[Private_collector]

That's a darn good question, David.

I don't recall seeing anything, but must say I had not been searching for anything. I'll browse the workshop manuals and parts lists. Surely they must rate a mention in there somewhere.

Does anyone know any written or photographic information directly related to these rooves?

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Private_collector

I will post a number of close up photos of the cab roof shortly. Does MLU have a thread or heading where people can post images of items they have which are known to be original? If not, maybe it would be a good idea. Then everyone can benefit from seeing how things SHOULD look. I'm absolutely sure everything on my cab roof is %100 original, so far as the hardware goes. There was still remains of canvas attached to the bar that goes to the front edge of the opening, so my photos might help someone else in the future. Just a thought!

Tony,

Great find and the MLU membership could indeed benefit from thread with pictures of an original Australian Cab 13 sunshine roof. If you wish I can split off your postings in a separate thread, or you can start your own. Just let me know what you want to do.

Regards,
Hanno
MLU moderator

[Private_collector]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

Tony,

Great find and the MLU membership could indeed benefit from thread with pictures of an original Australian Cab 13 sunshine roof. If you wish I can split off your postings in a separate thread, or you can start your own. Just let me know what you want to do.

Regards,
Hanno
MLU moderator

Hi Hanno,

Only just saw your post now.

Can you copy the related posts, leaving originals here?
Perhaps a new heading in the main menu, for individual threads of pieces / equipment known to be intact and original? That way anything people are looking for information about will be easily visible by scrolling down or keyword search if too far back. I don't know how much work is involved in doing this, so if problematic, I understand.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Private_collector

Hi Hanno,

Only just saw your post now.

Can you copy the related posts, leaving originals here?

Hi Tony, I just tried to copy your posts to a new thread, but it jumbles up the attachments. So, I have moved the relevant postings to a new thread, leaving a link to that thread here. If you don't like it this way, I will put all postings back to where I found them.

Perhaps a new heading in the main menu, for individual threads of pieces / equipment known to be intact and original? That way anything people are looking for information about will be easily visible by scrolling down or keyword search if too far back. I don't know how much work is involved in doing this, so if problematic, I understand

I could set up a new sub-forum with reference photos and material. That will take a little time, so I have started off with starting the thread with a "Reference photos" header. If MLU members feel a need for a reference material sub forum, I will set one up.

All for now,
Hanno

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Private_collector

I will post a number of close up photos of the cab roof shortly. Does MLU have a thread or heading where people can post images of items they have which are known to be original? If not, maybe it would be a good idea. Then everyone can benefit from seeing how things SHOULD look. I'm absolutely sure everything on my cab roof is %100 original, so far as the hardware goes. There was still remains of canvas attached to the bar that goes to the front edge of the opening, so my photos might help someone else in the future. Just a thought!

FYI, I have moved Tony's photos of his sunshine cab roof to a separate thread: Reference photos: Australian Sunshine Cab Roof

HTH,
Hanno

[Private_collector]

No problem here Hanno. Thanks for doing it.

Thought it would be less than straight forward. Computer things usually are. In the 1980s they promised these damn things would make life easier.

Still, without em, I wouldn't know you folk!