Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

[Private_collector]

On Saturday I went to look at an F60L which I had been told about. The gentleman was interested in selling, and the vehicle, while not assembled, was complete. It even included a very good tyre carrier / toolbox, pintle and mounting hardware, windscreen frames and even the ORIGINAL door curtains. These are the only curtains I have seen outside of photographs. Their construction was quite different to the ones I have seen photos of, as he frame was made out of round steel as opposed to flat steel rod. I do not believe they are reproduction, as the canvas is showing signs of applicable age and carries the D of D stamp.
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Majority of parts removed from the truck have been stored in shipping containers and are not suffering the deterioration of other Blitz's I have looked at. There are numerous NOS spares, including generator armatures, exhaust pipes and many small parts are still in boxes wrapped with cosmolene (hope that's homw it's spelt).

Even the crank handle and the wheel hub removal tool are included with the sale. I won't be getting the truck until early January 2011.

Re: Headlight reflectors for the 'F15 ', I have ordered reproductions from the U.S at far cheaper cost than resilvering here. They are chromed, but thats OK. The money saved will go into the kitty to pay for the F60.

New shed is now more urgent than ever before.

Tony

[Keith Webb]

Sounds like a dream find Tony, congratulations!

Look forward to seeing more pics.

[Ausmick]

Hi Tony,

I did a trip up through Qld in my old truck few months Back ending in Alice Springs for a show. Was amazed at the amount of WW2 vehicles still around the place.

If you ever get over to Cunnamulla take a right at the Roadhouse and go 200 metres down the Charleville road and there are four Blitz trucks sitting there in a paddock on the left.

Roma had a crane Blitz at the first big shed on the left.

Augathella was amazing, two streets behind the Pub on right are several owned by an old chap in his back yard as well as a willys jeep in the back yard of a house on the top of the hill.

Tambo, well drive around town or see an old dozer driver called Doug, he found a new 6volt generator for me when mine broke down, but lots of Blitzs there to restore. The last ones I spotted in Qld was a cab 12 outside Longreach and a cab 13 near Boulia.

My truck (C8AX) is fully restored so while I loved looking at all the old ones I spotted, my bank manager would shoot me if I took time/money and started another, hehe.

Mick

[Private_collector]

Cheers Mick, and hello to all,

The places you spoke about are all familiar to me. Not because of Blitz hunting or personal travel, but as Dad was from Barcaldine and the places you have mentioned, he would talk about, as with many others such as Alpha, Aramac, Jericho, Blackall (where he was born), etc. Funny thing about Dad was that he could tell a yarn in such a way that when you actually saw the place (decades later sometimes), you actually felt like you already knew the place. Must tell you all sometime about the time in 30s when Dad lost a wheel from his Chev truck, and got it going again without the wheel on. True Story!.

I am still amazed how many Blitz trucks are still to be found. For example, today I have returned from a 200km round trip, where I had arranged to buy a Ford V8 engine and gearbox for $100.00. The shame of it was that the engine, which was in a 'Monkeyface', made us feel like a pair of monkey faces too, beacuse it would NOT bloody well come out. We know that the problem rested with exhausts and a clearence problem, but had to call stumps at 1815hrs due to poor light and two silly, tired, and generally stuffed buggers past their prime.

The owner of the Blitz is a dear old guy who has around 6 part trucks (Chev & Ford) which I can pick bits from. None are in too good of condition, but I need lots of the small stuff which he has plenty of, and look forward to a good chat with him anyway, so who really cares if it takes 3.5 hours to NOT get the engine out. Really wanted it brought back today, but did bring a consolation prize of perfect seat, radiator (no idea they were so heavy until today), carburetor, fan blades, air filter and generator. Basically, all the bits we had to remove to start hoisting engine. Oh, the seat had to be removed because I kept having to lean over it and it really S%&T me!

I won't be able to retry removing engine until after newyear now. We'll get it the next time though, just need more sunshine, a grinding wheel and energy from me!

My good lady wife is trying very hard to tolerate all the scavenging trips and incessent truck talk, though you can tell when the novelty has worn off. I don't think I will be any more popular when she sees that as consequence of todays' trip, I have deposited rust powder and scale on the rear floor of her 4WD, and grease/dirt on the centre consol fabric.

I had fully intended to photograph all the trucks todays host had around the property, but ran out of day and hands were probably too greasy to push the button anyway. Next time.

One remarkable thing which has only struck me today, is that EVERY bolt I undid for removing the engine, came away without more than a 'tweak' with the spanner, and from then on they were unscrewed with fingers. Only exception was one engine mount bolt, that had 1/3 rusted away. That came easy with a cold chisel and two strikes (Thought it was 3 strikes and you're out!).

Time for bed now. 2 x pain tablets prior, for aches and bruises. Photos in P.M tomorrow.

Tony B.

[Keith Webb]

Hi Tony

Despite not taking the engine with you it sounds like a thoroughly good day. I enjoyed reading your well-told story and completely understand the lack of photographs!
Just as well you didn't try to get the engine into the rear of her four wheel drive or it may have been your last trip there.

[Private_collector]

I will be away from tomorrow until December 23rd.

No progress on workshop construction. Certifier has reported my council requre additional $190.00 for "Fire Assessment" because I live in a 'moderate fire risk' area. This cracked me up then made me angry......there is nothing to burn within at least 40mt in one direction, and 50mt in other. I have emailed them, asking exactly what they fear may happen to a STEEL shed located in a 40mt stretch of neatly mown lawn! Perhaps they are concerned in case of nuclear blast and subsequent firestorm! No option but to pay of course, but I did get partial stress relief from sending very sarcastic letter on the subject.

Excavations and concrete slab will have to wait until we return, or more correctly, when the contractors return from holidays.

I hope to get some good photos of Pearl Harbour, which I will post when back.

As Douglas McArthur said in his farewell to the troops.........................Farwell Troops!

[Private_collector]

Now back from holiday, and willing the rain to cease. Nothing useful achieved with workshop construction. Wet weather has stopped the site from being levelled. I can go get a trailer load of bits of my recent purchase of F60, but the parts will need to stay on the trailer until shed is completed. Covered with tarpaulin of course.

Our time in Hawaii was wonderful, and I didn't want to come back. Locals were so easy going and friendly. Took massive amount of raw video footage from USS Arizona memorial and USS Missouri. Both sets have now been cut into a DVD of 60min duration. I have posted a few photos below. Photo quality is average, as video camera has ability to take stills, but with reduced quality.

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The last photo shows the minute damage sustained from a Japanese kamikaze attack. The airecraft hit the side rail first and then broke up before it hit the ships deck. They left the damage unrepaired. Pilot was given military burial at sea.