Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

[Private_collector]

Frank & Marc,

Here are the compressor photos I have at hand. Will continue looking for others, but the following are the sum total right now. If you have any specific questions, post them here. If I don't know the answer, someone will!

The pump should look like this one, and simply bolts onto side of the gearbox by removing a blanking plate.
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You use the same bolts which came off, and should only have to make a gasket. Oil for lubrication is shared with the gearbox. You will see in the closeup of the compressor crank, I was missing a bush between connecting rod and crank. If I remember correctly. I got one from my local bearing shop, and had to ream the inside to fit correctly.
Tyre pump assembled 1.jpg p3101954-resized-1024.jpg

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Let me /us know if you need specific photo of anything in particular.

[Private_collector]

The rivets to attach the two canvas tabs to my CMP rear curtain, have now arrived.
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In order to cover all bases, I have bought three different styles. One is 3mm thick shaft with flat head. The other two are 2.5mm thickness, with one of those having rounded head, the other flat. All three are copper, for ease of forming. I won't need them to be particularly strong. The two pieces of canvas will be invisibly sewn together, with that sewing being entirely (I hope) hidden beneath the metal plates that the rivets will hold together, with one each side of the curtain.
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In the interest of overkill, I also have a strong fabric glue that will be used as well.
The rivets were deliberately ordered in excess length. Once I determine how long they actually need to be, I'll whittle em down to size.

If for any reason I bollocks the job, by inability to form the rivets well, or causing damage to the metal joining plates, I have a backup plan. The fasteners for that plan are yet to arrive. Hopefully won't need those.

[Private_collector]

Wanted to paint inside my cab roof today, but only got the seam sealer applied to applicable drip channels.
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So it doesn't shrink back when paint is applied, it should be left undisturbed for a couple of days. In my scenario, it will get at least a week. Horrible stuff it is too. Gets everywhere and doesn't come off easily, but has exceptional flexability and lasts long enough to see me out! I used Sikaflex Auto+. It is sandable when dry, and will take top coat paint without need for priming (though I will apply primer x1 coat. Thats just my paranoia talking, because I waht to be absolutely sure it doesn't bleed black through the green finishing coats. Product usage specs say it won't do that, but lots of things happen that shouldn't, right!
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Unable to do anything further on the roof today, I painted the panel that holds the canvas cover to front of the roof. Needed to file some/most of the edges of this piece. Several areas were surprisingly sharp, and bearing in mind the canvas will be tightly pulled against the front edge of this panel, I wanted to avoid damage to the canvas when taut. Perhaps paranoia again, but you gotta avoid as many potential threats as practical.
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My attempt at using solid copper rivets to secure the tabs on my rear window, were laughable. I don't have the correct size rivet setter, and without the correct tool I would just butcher the job. What you see above is the compromise method of fixing the lower corner tabs that hold the curtain from flapping. More about them once they are in place.

[Private_collector]

Due to recent deterioration in health, I find myself unable to maintain and drive my grey truck as often as it deserves. By now i expected to have painted it green, but that hasn't hqppened, and probably won't for some time. It deserves better attention than i am able to give, so I'm putting it up for sale. I have a new set of king pins, and would like new owner to get these installed, as it should cure the steering wander, which although not dramatic, (and you do get used to it) annoyed me greatly. Brakes are good. Dual battery system has been set up by previous owner to me, who was a retired electrical engineer and used the truck on interstate trips over a period of years. For long distance driving, both fuel tanks have been swapped for ones approx 50% bigger than originals. A modern 4cyl diesel engine has been professionally installed, as has a 4 speed synchro gearbox. Truck cruises at 85km/h peacefully, but goes faster if you don't mind the noise! At some point in the vehicles past, the roof hatch has been removed, and the welding up is not attractive. I was going to apply a coat of stone guard over it and put cargo on the roof, such as camo netting etc.. I have a spare frame from a sunshine cab that can go with the truck, if that is of interest. I also have 2x spare rooves that could donate hatch and replacement roof metal to braing6back original look. Buyer is welcomed to these as well!

I have light truck tyres on it at present, and there is two more new tyres of same tread in the shed. I also have a set of 4 wheels (in green) with bar tread tyres. Which tyres/wheels go with the vehicle is to be discussed with potential purchaser.

I am selling so i don't watch this vehicle deteriorate for lack of attention. It deserves better than that, and I am not capable of giving the care needed. Vehicle is for sale at $4000. It will be sold with QLD registration. Personalised plates do not go with the vehicle.

I intend to continue with restoration of the green truck and the 25 pounder replica. These two can more than fill my time.

Further details available to prospective purchasers. Please send me a private message in first instance.

Im sorry to see this truck go, but i have to be realistic. I'm not able to do everything i used to do, and things are worsening. I want my legacy to be a well restored (green) CMP and a 25pr copy pulled behind it. I don't have time for other projects.

[Private_collector]

Won't be doing much on the green truck for a little while. All sorts of home repairs and improvements to be done, and all that. Before I back off posting, I would like to share a story which unfolded over past 5-6 weeks. Story will be finished when Bryce graduates his RAEME qualification later this year, but this first bit is the amazing portion.

For a while I've been looking for a suitably memorable gift for Bryces graduation, in latter half of this year. What do you get for a military man who may move locations a number of times and have little space to spare? It would need to be light and portable, yet remain special and memorable. After considerable thought I decided to call on another of the Baker clan from the English side of the family. He's a retired Doctor (lets call him Tom), and has always been my favorite for over 40 years. I wrote him, spoke of the significance my Sons graduation had for Mrs B. and I, and asked if he was able to come up with something suitable. What Tom sent me was absolutely wonderful. We were so overwhelmed with the gesture, that we had to have it professionally framed, with no expense spared. What do you think of it?

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Everyone loves Dr Who, right?

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Fairly safe to say, the worlds favorite Doctor Who is Tom Baker.
He was, is, and will always be, one of the nicest characters you could imagine.
God bless ya, Tom Baker! Your gift will be cherished for a lifetime.
Britain, Britain, Britain!

[Keith Webb]

Isn't that wonderful!

What a nice thing for him to do too.

Originally Posted by Private_collector

Fairly safe to say, the worlds favorite Doctor Who is Tom Baker.
He was, is, and will always be, one of the nicest characters you could imagine.
God bless ya, Tom Baker! Your gift will be cherished for a lifetime.
Britain, Britain, Britain!

[hrpearce]

Wow that's great.