Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

[Shane]

Hi Tony. This came off my Ford cab 12
dont know if it is of any use to you.

20130926_150451a.jpg 20130926_162649a.jpg

20130926_162710a.jpg

[Private_collector]

Cheers for the pics, Shane.

I have downloaded them (finally) and will see how mine compares.

From first impressions, yours looks to be smaller pipe. Maybe it's just the photos, or maybe it's just my vision.

I'm gonna drop into an exhaust shop tomorrow when in town, to see what they may have in stock that is reasonably close in sizing, to the original.


All going well, I will start work on the transfer case some time over the weekend. I'm really hoping it's a straight forward job of cleaning the case and replacing the seals, gaskets & oil. Not that I actually believe it will go that way!

[Keith Webb]

Shane's exhaust system looks correct. Don't let the muffler place be lazy and do what is easiest, ie running twin pipes!

[Private_collector]

I have been trying to upload these photos since yesterday. Internet playing up again.

Did some work Sunday on the replica top for the newly acquired Ford battery case. I cant attach any parts to it yet. The cell caps you see here are not the ones I will be using. The Ford caps have not arrived yet, so I worked with the ones that came with the empty battery case. Each cap will be attached with a small bolt, and be removed if needed in the future. The lead cell connector strips cleaned up fairly well, and have had several coats of clear poly paint. They will ultimately be glued in place. Before that can happen, the top will be permanently joined to the case, and black sealer will be run around the edges and between the individual cells, like they would have been originally. I dont have the lead cable terminals yet, but they have been ordered. I do have a pair here now, somewhere, but as usual cannot find them when I want them. I will surely stumble over them on the day I receive the ones I have just ordered.
New Battery top 2.jpg New Battery top 3.jpg New Battery top 4.jpg


Started on the transfer case yesterday.
Transfer case unrestored 1.jpg
Pulled the shifter tower and selectors off. They cleaned up really well, but lack the gear selector lever. that was lost before I bought the vehicle. Took the front axle drive part off and it was stuck fast. Should have taken the lack of oil inside as a very bad omen! Did manage to free it up easily, and although I can't get a good look at the bearings, it turns freely and without grinding or free play in any direction.
Transfer case primed 1.jpg
Got a nasty surprise when I removed the oil drain plug. Nothing came out, unless you include the thick jammy sludge and red grit that clung to the inside of the box. OH DEAR. I had naively hoped (but not really expected) that I wouldn't have to pull the two main body halves apart, and just replace the oil. Talk about an unrealistic expectation! The shafts do turn OK, but I expect (now) that there will be internal parts that need replacing, beyond the usual bearings, seals & gaskets of course. Still, one step at a time, eh?

[Ganmain Tony]

Originally Posted by Keith Webb

Shane's exhaust system looks correct. Don't let the muffler place be lazy and do what is easiest, ie running twin pipes!

But by geez it'll sound marvellous!!

[Nathan Clark]

Tony i may have a shift lever for your tranfercase here. I picked up a half cut blitz couple of weeks ago that all running gear was intact. Ill have a look tomorrow and get back to you. We only wanted the engine and the carrier radiator it had in it so every thing else is not much use to us. It was a shame that someone with sticky fingers had recently removed the data plate so its anyones guess what the back half of the truck was
Regards, Nathan

[Private_collector]

Thanks Nathan, thats a very nice offer. without all you good folks on MLU, I wouldn't be able to get this bloody truck finished. I'm quite sure of that!

I would offer to buy the entire transfer case from you, but fear the postage would be prohibitive. Also the workers comp claim from the postie would cruel me.

There is a fellow here in Gympie (just outside of Gympie actually) who has made an exceptionally fine restoration of an early FGT. I have been told he does not use internet, and did the entire job without all the support and assistance that comes from networks such as MLU. I cannot imagine how he did that. I would like to put that question to him really, but for some reason the phone number I have called him on many months ago, now goes to a fax, so i'll have to wait until I see him around town. Maybe next ANZAC Day, at the parade.

[Private_collector]

Originally Posted by Ganmain Tony

But by geez it'll sound marvellous!!

I do like the way you think, GT.

Better stick with the one pipe though. Will probably have to compromise on the muffler anyway, but thats as far as I will go..................probably!

[Nathan Clark]

Tony, I have inspected the truck and the transfer case lever is there. It is however stuck fast in the pivot point....I removed the 2 retainer bolts but it may need a bit of tlc to work it loose from the housing. Other then that, the lever appears to be in reasonable condition, only surface rust on the shaft, the gear knob is missing as usual.
If your still interested Tony ill get a quick snap of it in the morning and post it up to see if it meets your needs. If so, then ill work on getting it out.
Regards, Nathan

[Private_collector]

Nathan,

PM sent. Thanks very much.