Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

Private_collector · #1 01-11-10, 11:34

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 · #2 01-11-10, 11:49

Looking forward to hearing and seeing this story unfold.

Alex Blair (RIP) · #3 01-11-10, 14:47

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 · #4 02-11-10, 05:20

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 · #5 02-11-10, 05:30

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

Private_collector · #6 05-11-10, 14:08

Anyone have any thoughts on how much I should expect to pay for a set of good Ford Blitz window frames with glass?

Are Ford and Chevrolet windows interchangable?

I finally got to see a fellow today that I have been trying to catch home for some time, and he has found a set of windows with glass still intact, and also an excellent Ford grille with NIL DAMAGE OR RUST!!!!

I am wondering how much to offer him.

Plan to go again this Sunday to look over a wreck in his paddock that may have some useful bits.

Tony

Keith Webb · #7 05-11-10, 20:18

Not sure what you should pay, but the frames are interchangeable. By far the harder to find in good condition are Australian made Chev frames which have a curved profile and are far more susceptible to rusting through. They also have two diecast arms on the inner lower part to keep them closed. Either way definitely worth saving.

Private_collector · #8 08-11-10, 11:32

Went to look at a couple of 'wrecks' last Sunday. They may be of use for limited small parts, but largely rusted out. Cabs completely rotten, chassis intact but all useable parts would be VERY difficult to remove due to location of truck and extent of deterioration from being outdoors for many, many years.

No joy with them at all.

On a more curious tangent......can anyone advise if these wheel cylinder kits are suitable for Ford Blitz? It seems the only way to examine contents is to break the lid or side of tube. The cans are almost too neat to ruin. I'm inclined to just keep them for their novelty value!
PB090171.JPG

Self explanatory. I finally got a Manual!

PB090174.JPG

I had planned to take some smaller parts of Cab to sandblasters today, but weather not suitable. Instead I have been shopping for quotes to have new workshop built, so I can work on the truck without fearing the sun or rain (or burglars). Have decided on 6m x 9m, with 3m height. For those in imperial measurements, thats 20ft x 30ft x 10ft height. One third will be walled off from the rest, to be used as spray and sandblasting booth. Workshop will not be built until after New Year, so I will concentrate on refurbishing small pieces which can be stored in my existing shed for now. Additionally, will be gathering some of the spares I have found from recent travels.

Tony