Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

Private_collector · #1 08-11-10, 12:32

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!
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Self explanatory. I finally got a Manual!

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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

Bob Moseley (RIP) · #2 08-11-10, 12:41

Hi Tony - I would leave the containers intact as in that state they are quite collectable. Go for a bigger shed although no matter what size you get they always seem to fill up very quickly. You did well on the manual.

Bob

gjamo · #3 08-11-10, 22:31

Hi Tony,
Heres a link to a shed builder. His site is one of the few with prices. I only use it as a guide to get some idea of there value.
Graeme

http://www.shedsonline.com.au/

Private_collector · #4 08-11-10, 23:07

Graeme,

I did look at "shedsonline" a week ago, but they couldn't accomodate all of my specifications (construction method and wind rating, etc). It's easier for me to deal with local company where I can negotiate in person and view examples of their work. I also wanted added strength of frame for one area where I will be using frame to hoist parts. I would have prefered larger size shed, but finances overrule this.

Tony

Bob Moseley (RIP) · #5 09-11-10, 12:56

YOU'LL BE SORRY.

Bob

Private_collector · #6 10-11-10, 23:30

Took some small parts to sandblaster yesterday. They came back a bit lighter!
Headlight bowls were the worst. I was aware of two small rust spot holes, but wasn't entirely ready for what I saw when blasting was complete.
They quite resembled a sieve. Fortunately, I had planned for this and had a plan to remedy.

Examples of the extent of rust damage.
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Using a tar based tape, the rear of bowls were treated with a layer over majority of the portion which will be largely unseen under the nose panel. While this is NOT my prefered method, I did not want to throw them away, even though I may have access to buy replacements. The tape will be sprayed with a 'stone guard' compound that should make the tape invisible. I will have to buy special spray gun for this step. Alternatively, a brush-on underbody compound would achieve the same result with less expense.
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You may notice areas of black already visible around edges. This is a bitumin based blade putty that actually dries to be tack free. I will be using this on areas I cannot apply the tape (eg: areas where I do not want to add extra thickness, so that installation will not be affected. It can also be used on inside of bowls because it can be painted without problems.

This is a quick before / after view.
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Will be purchasing the material for final step today and pictures of finished product will be posted when I can.

Tony

Lynn Eades · #7 10-11-10, 23:49

When you design it, and site it, with Bob's words in mind, allow for the forthcoming extention.

Alex Blair (RIP) · #8 08-11-10, 22:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Moseley

Hi Tony - I would leave the containers intact as in that state they are quite collectable. Go for a bigger shed although no matter what size you get they always seem to fill up very quickly. You did well on the manual.

Bob

I agree with Bob 100% ..Bigger shed and leave the canned parts intact..worth much more and the rubber seals in the can have deteriorated over time so would be useless anyway ..leave the cans intact..