Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

[Private_collector]

Hello Lionel,

Bit of an inside joke, that one. I was responding to Ricks noting that instead of me writing that "it" was for sale at swap meet, I had made a typo and written "I" was for sale!

Simple as that.

Sorry, I did miss your question.

[Private_collector]

Originally Posted by Tony Wheeler

Tony, do you have specs on the street grind? I'm interested to see what they're using these days. It's a good idea IMO, the stock cam is way too conservative.

I've noticed all the flathead gurus mention difficulties adjusting lifters, mainly to do with the gadgets that stop the lifter turning. They recommend drilling a 3/16" hole into the bore and using a pin punch instead.

Hi Tony,

Don't have the specs anymore. It was listed with the cam when for sale on ebay, but I didn't bother to write them down after I compared that with some data on an American hot rod website. May have been Vanpelt or something similar. I do remember thinking it was still fairly mild. It not so, I wouldn't have dared to fit it. All the extra horsepower would have scared me.

Those lifter adjusting tools are not what I would have designed, thats for sure. Was thinking of something similar to the variably adjustable tool for locking discs onto an angle grinder....only smaller. There MUST be something better on the market, but I have not yet seen it. Possibly it will appear once I have finished all the adjustment. Quite often the way, you know!

[Private_collector]

Finished adjusting the remaining valve lifters this morning. One valve guide was so tight in the block that forcing it back up after lifter adjustment actually took some of the bounce out of the valve spring. By pure good fortune, I had a second set of springs handy so I swapped it over and threw the damaged one into the scrap pile.

With that pain in the neck out of the way, finally, I flipped the engine over and did a test fit of the crankshaft. This was the first time I have taken the three main bearing caps off, and I found that each had a quantity of crusty cosmolene under them and around the cap studs. Everything went together well, and crankshaft spun freely after 40 foot pounds of torque on each nut. From memory, I got more than 2 rotations of the crank, when it was spun by hand. That assembly lube is good stuff!!

Following a written procedure to test crank fore/aft movement (? referred to as 'thrust'), I found clearance against rear bearing was very pleasing. I couldn't pass a .0015 thou feeler gauge between them. That is very encouraging. I have now been able to confirm functionality of valvetrain, cam, and crankshaft.

What wasn't so encouraging, was the debris that fell out of the R) side water jacket, when the engine was turned upside down. Look closely at the muck and you can see portions of a deceased cockroach, and the once expelled contents of it's digestive tract (cockroach shit!). This development caused a lengthy delay in progress while I fired up the compressor and blew everything clean again. How do I know that it's clean? I looked around inside, using a borescope with a little angled mirror on the end. A verh useful tool, but some of that functionality was lost, thanks to my slight tremor when trying to hold the scope steady. There was a 'throw away' statement in my Flathead rebuilding book which recommends that the engine be wrapped entirely in a plastic garbage bag while it is still a work in progress? Guess what is around my engine.......now, anyway?

Next Sunday, the plan is to thoroughly clean ALL the engine again, apply fresh coat of light oil to bores etc, permanently install the valvetrain and cam (other way round would be best), and possibly install the crank again. I have a lot of re-reading to do before the weekend, so I can be sure I have not forgotten anything important with the above jobs. Heaps more reading will have to occur before I am comfortable with progressing to pistons, rings, and rods.

[Private_collector]

Installed one bank of valves this afternoon. You will remember I had inadvertantly damaged one of the valve springs last weekend, so I made the decision to replace them all. Didn't want to risk overlooking one which was not quite so obviously compromised. Fortunately I had a spare set of springs.

Crankshaft was installed after cam, but before the valves. It was significantly more difficult to spin, after the rear oil seal (the white rope type) was put in. It turned very easily prior, so it must be the wretched seal which is the culprit. I did try another type, which came with my gasket set, but it was FAR WORSE! That one was a dark grey, woven type.

I had been dreading doing this mod. You can see I have made a passage way for oil to return to sump from valve chamber. This modification has been documented on a number of well known internet forums and resources for French Flatheads. I now need to weld up the corresponding holes in the oil pan. If a baffle tube had been available, this alteration would not have been required. The Ford oil vent tube is nowhere near the right size, and despite numerous seraches, I have not found any French ones.

Distributor and backing plate were installed, just to stop the cam from walking when I turned (with some force) the crank. I used a modern single piece front crank seal. Wish there was something similar possible for the rear. That rope seal is just primitive!

[Private_collector]

I had bought a set of rubber seals for the valve guides, from Macs. They were not the correct type for my guides, and couldn't be used. That didn't really concern me, because a number of sources have virtually deemed them 'prefered, but optional'.

I was pleasently surprised to find a bag of 16 o-ring type seals in my gasket set. I am making the assumption that these actually ARE for use on the guides !?!?. Can't think what else they could possibly be. Anyhow, the fit the guides, so that's where they have been put.

[Private_collector]

Anyone have any first hand knowledge of how much additional resistance is felt on crankshaft of Flathead V8 once the rear rope seal is installed? Crank is harder to rotate now, but once moving it continues to move easier than the initial first 'start'.

Thanks,

[cliff]

Tony judging by the photos the motor looks great. Congratulations!

Now when are we putting her in my wheelchair and 'firing' her up?

I know, I know

[Private_collector]

Hey Cliff!

I'm game if you are. Will require you to sign a form first, but that's just a formality, trust me.

I was very pleased to have had a phonecall from Lloyd McCarthy this morning. Was good to talk to him again. Have not seen or spoken to him since I saw him at the funeral of our Brigadier, Keith Outridge, AM. That was at least a couple of years ago now. Lloyd intends to have his FGT at the Canungra swap meet this year, which is in October. I have given Lloyd an open invitation to some on up here on any Sunday he likes. Last time / only time he has been here, I only had the CMP hulk now known as The Organ Donor. I hope he would approve of what I have done, thus far. Lloyd is an old school perfectionist, who had restored his vehicle to an exceptional level. Inspiring!

Lloyd did not have my contact details until he visited one of the local auto electritions in last couple of days, and was shown a business card I left with the guys, for them to call me once they have done the work I had given them. That work was to replace the two brushes attached to the fields of my starter motor with new ones I bought from Macs. The auto electrician is keen to do any wiring I feel is better done by an expert. That could be substantial.

I know the timing may not be great, but I can come pick you up some time if you would like to see the truck for yourself. Did you end up writing the additional details for the Maryborough Military Museum?

[cliff]

Originally Posted by Private_collector

Hey Cliff!
I know the timing may not be great, but I can come pick you up some time if you would like to see the truck for yourself. Did you end up writing the additional details for the Maryborough Military Museum?

Sorry Tony Timing is bad due to Kathie's health although she is doing OK at present despite the circumstances! Yes got the details to the museum for the models I donated.

I'll keep in touch mate. Thanks for the kind thoughts

[Private_collector]

After some very helpful replies to questions I had asked on another forum, the piston and con rod sets are now assembled. A quantity of French cosmoline (or froggy equivelent) had to be scrubbed away from the connecting rods first. It was good to see that the people at Grant have done their best to label the ring set in such a way that it would be almost impossible to make a mistake with installation.

I did the mandatory test fit of one piston and con rod. The piston you see in the cylinder looks to be sitting too low because the big end bearing has NOT been added. Difference in height required for piston to sit correct, is same thickness of a big end bearing. I know, because I measured, but did not want to handle the bearings until final assembly commences. That may be this weekend.

[Private_collector]

Several days ago I ordered a custom made muffler from the USA. It will be very close to the photo above, though the in/out pipes will be in different locations. While not a cheap item, it is about as close to an original as I will ever see. Cost is under $180, including the $50USD for shipping. I won't see it for quite some time. Manufacturer asks for 10-15 business days for production, and I would expect another >2/52 for the journey to AU. In the meantime, hopefully I can acquire a suitable piece of 1 & 5/8 pipe and the one remaining pipe hanger I will need to complete the job.

Thanks to Jacques earlier postings showing correct pipe hangers, I have been fortunate enough to locate the hanger that bolts tothe chassis rail. Now need to search for the hanger that attaches to fuel tank strap.

[motto]

Tony, if you are still interested in a 6/12 volt system, Steve Greenburg has a used Diamond T series/parallel switch for sale at a reasonable price on the G503 forum. It's in the 'Other M.V.s U.S.' section under the 'Trucks 2-1/2 ton +' heading.
No need for a response.
Cheers
David

[Private_collector]

Thanks David. A duel system would be a great advantage, because I could then use a modern high torque starter, and GPS to verify speed. Not that I expect to be ticketed for speeding.

[Private_collector]

The long awaited muffler has now arrived. I am quite happy with the final product, and both inlet and outlet fit their respective pipes without problem. At a landed cost of $170.00 AUD, it is comparable to modern 'off the shelf' mufflers which although cylindrical, are not ot a patch on the appearance of the custom made version. Personally, I think it's money well spent. While still cashed up, after yearly tax return, I also purchased a pipe bender capable of bending exhaust tubing of both sizes required. I anticipate working the exhaust piping myself. Managed to stumble across a job-lot of vintage Ford exhaust brackets and clamps about a week ago. Should be sufficient suitable pieces in that bunch to do the whole job.......unless I have overlooked something, which is quite possible.

Here's something you wouldn't know about yet. The new connecting rods that I bought over a year ago, turned out to be unsuitable. I had been told they were 2" crank pin size, and had requested confirmation from the supplier that this was the case, before money was sent. However, when I went to install them (after attaching pistons, mind you) I very promptly discovered they were in fact the larger crank pin size, and therefore were not of any use to me. I have now acquired the replacement set you see above. They are a Scat product, are definately the right crank pin size, and the machining quality is unbelievable. Call it serendipity, these are far stronget than the French military set which they replace. The set is balanced to within 1gram over the whole batch, and have ARP bolts that are apparently superior to all other fastening systems.......so they say! Intended for use in engines up to 700hp, and compatable with supercharge induction, i'm sure they will withstand the puny horsepower of my plant. It cracks me up to think that at some point in the future, another owner will disassemble the engine to recondition or rebuild, and come face to face with these rods. No doubt they will be struggling to understand exactly WHY these girders are in such a modest engine. Not sure I understand why either, suffice to say that I didn't want to run a risk with second hand or NOS rods of questionable parentage!

If anyone is wanting a set of brand new French made con rods for the LARGER crank pin size, let me know.

Engine building is easy eh? Bah!

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Tony

Your Good Cautionary Tail on the connecting rods is a very good one for any of us collecting or ordering parts for a project. Double check the dimensions of the parts and then check them again once you have the parts in hand. That's going in our club news letter as a Tech Tip.

I'm sure there are many of us who have parts sitting on the shelf that we bought and then when it was to late to return discovered that they were not correct. I've got set of gas tank, brackets, box of NOS valves that I don't know what they fit and few other odd bits sitting on the shelf.

As to ending up with rods that are rated for 700HP, those would go good with the 1000HP axle shafts I had made for my HUP. Only place I could find who could make the axle shafts was and race parts outfit.

Cheers Phil

[Private_collector]

I neglected to mention in my previous post, that the whiz-bang connecting rods do not use the standard Ford big end bearings which would normally be the required part. Instead, they need part no. CB-610P bearings, which are a type used on Buick vehicles (and many others). They are not expensive, but are not an item I have laying around the shed on the off chance that I may one day require a set.

I am yet to receive mine, so things are on hold.....again.

And so it continues.

[Private_collector]

Two Days To Go




You'll work it out!

[Private_collector]

At midday today, Monday 13th of October, 2014, my Son Bryce took the oath, pledging allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen. This oath, and the ceremony which preceded it, were the final stage to my Sons enlistment into the Australian Defence Force, where, at completion of his 3 month basic training, he will begin his vocational instruction as a member of the Royal Australian Corp of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. I can say, without fear of contridiction, that today is one of the proudest moments of my life.

The boy who has been so much joy to my Wife and I, has grown up to become a a man we are both so honoured to call our Son. Today he has left to start a life of his own. That will take a lot of getting used to, and as we said our goodbyes at the conclusion of his enlistment ceremony, I had mixed emotions. I'm happy he has found his calling, but home will not be the same without him.

Bryce,

[Bob McNeill]

Tony, you must have done something right just to get him to this stage, It,s a big step and will set him up for life. WELL Done

[lynx42]

Congratulations Bryce and to you and your wife, Tony. I am sure that Bryce will continue to make you proud. Those emotions you felt will stay with you forever.

Regards Rick.

[hrpearce]

All the best for the future Bryce Tony it shore changes a house when one moves out. Time together in the future is special and you notice the growing they have done more when you only see them every few months.

[Private_collector]

Thank you for the kind words, Gentlemen.

I will pass them on to Bryce, when he comes home for Christmas.

He phoned from Sydney at around 2030hrs last night. The recruits are in a hotel there overnight, before the drive to Kapooka today. The Army has already started feeding them an unbelievable amount of food. We all know why that is, dont we! Wish his Granddad was alive to see Bryce follow in his footsteps. He would have been so proud.

Apparently the flight down was good, but the landing in SYD was a bad one. Bryce told us the landing was so hard the aircraft actually bounced off the tarmac and down again.

He has never liked being in large aircraft. Light aircraft, diffrent story, especially since we took him on a flight when he was about 10, where the pilot allowed him to have the controls for a little while. He thought that made him a pilot.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Tony,

I can see why you are proud of your son, and rightly so

But why combine this with your rebuild thread instead of starting a new one? I'm asking as a moderator as for us it is quite a job to keep threads aligned and in the right sub-forums. We spend much of our spare time keeping the information as much as accessible as possible, and by bundling wildly varying subjects in one single thread, it makes it a nightmare finding back very useful information. Sharing information in an easily retrievable format is the prime goal of MLU.

Puzzled,
Hanno

[Little Jo]

Hi Tony

Nothing like the beaming smile on a proud fathers face, it will never go away. Please pass on my congratulations to Bryce, I know he will do his family proud and he has chosen a good career path. I spent 10 of my best years in the army and can highly recommend the service.

Cheers

Tony

[Private_collector]

Thank you Tony V.

Hanno, yes this is a resto thread, but it is also a timeline of the events which impact on that resto, as well as the mechanics of the job. Tell ya what though, I promise as of now I will make it REALLY easy to follow from now on.

To all those who have offered kind thoughts, my most heartfelt thanks.

Bye one and all!

[David Dunlop]

I am truly amazed!

You do a brilliant job of raising your Son, lend him to Her Majesty's Services for a number of years and in return you get a skilled assistant who comes home on leave and can give you a hand with your restoration projects down the road. Not to mention the immediate gain in wiggle room around the house, plus the fact you will very possibly have a paid for Recce Team wandering about the far reaches of the land spotting even more MV's and related bits and bobs for you to put back together. You are going to need a bigger shed! Maybe two sheds??? One for your projects and one for Bryce to fill.

Great Son! Great restoration project! As I said, you are brilliant!

Now, get back to work!

Cheers to all your family,


David

[motto]

Seems like Tony has shut down for a while.
If there is anybody in direct contact with him can they pass on the message that there are quite a few of us miss his contribution here and hope that his story continues to be told.
Over 93,000 views is not insignificant.

David

[cliff]

Originally Posted by motto

Seems like Tony has shut down for a while.
If there is anybody in direct contact with him can they pass on the message that there are quite a few of us miss his contribution here and hope that his story continues to be told.
Over 93,000 views is not insignificant.

David

Tony has indeed left us but hopefully he will return because like others I enjoy his posts too

PS> have emailed him a copy of your post David

[Little Jo]

HI Guys

I think the last time he was on MLU was when his son went into the army, I sure hope all is OK. I enjoyed following his restoration.

Cheers

Tony

[Allan L]

Posts 1403, 1408 & 1410 tell the story.

Unfortunately it can be easy to misunderstand the intent and sentiment in black and white words on the internet where we don't see the body language, nor the tone. Just the seemingly harsh words.