Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Jacques

Good one, using old charts for gasket material, I suspect you always grabbed the rolled charts for bigger gasket. They probably make good gaskets because of the high rag fiber content.

Another good source for paper with a variety thickness is small print shops. Over the years I've gotten the large printing sheets from printing shops generally they have a pile of left overs sheets which they have either given me or sell a box full of the poster size odd sheets for $5 bucks. Great for the axle cover gaskets.

Another use for old road maps is for masking for painting, or as bench cover sheets when you are working on clean parts. I have a friend who works for AAA motor club and he gives me boxes of out of date maps.

Cheers Phil

[Private_collector]

Gentlemen,

I am looking for a replacement centre gear shaft and heavy gear for a Ford CMP transfer case (2 speed).The two end shafts and gears are OK, but the middle one is U/S. I won't be able to continue reassembly until these parts have been located. In a pinch, the gear alone would suffice, if available, but I would prefer to renew both parts.

The 0.2mm gasket paper has arrived, so I have quite a lot of hole-punching and cutting to do. I don't know exactly which pieces will require which thickness until the two main pieces of the case have been joined again. That, in turn, can't happen until the replacement gear has been found. Such is the joy of restoration, I suppose.

[mafiamike]

hi tony long time no speak i have been away , working for quite a while ring me on 0414978196 about parts required maybe we can arrange a swap
reguards Mike

[hrpearce]

I hope your postie is fit it weighed in at almost 11Kg.

[Private_collector]

G'day Robert,

Thanks for doing that for me! I am very grateful for the effort you have gone to, to help me out.

Dont stress about the postie too much. Remember, amongst other things, I have had a new flathead crankshaft delivered via post. If that didnt cause a rectal prolapse, nothing will . And if it did.......well, I didnt hear about it. Mind you, it would explain the small pile of poo I found near the letter box one day.

Mike,
PM sent mate.

[Private_collector]

Well, its been a while since I have had anything to write about. Probably still isnt anything of great interest, but here goes.

The transfer case is almost finished, but I found an issue with excessive load upon the bearings once the freshly made main gasket was installed. More correctly, issue found upon tightening the bolts joining the two halves of the box. I know what needs to be done, and have possibly got the materials required to make a thicker gasket. Knowing it's only a minor job, and dreading scraping the old gasket off (used sticky gasket sealer), I have shown no motivation to attempt the task.

I did finish the fake battery I had started on some months ago..........or is it years? Anyhow, its done. I put it in place last weekend. In discussion with a fellow member & friend, I think I will NOT put a new battery inside that case, in favor of placing a reasonably heavier duty (and larger) battery in the tool box, with the live cable splicing into the one coming from the fake battery. A sealed, maintenence-free battery will eliminate any problems with gases building up inside tool box.


Also been plugging along with a plan to make a replica artillery piece to drag behind the truck. Took a number of dimensions from a piece standing outside a local RSL hall, and with the basic proportions kept in mind.......I commenced making a breech which is nothing like the one measured. Oh well, at least it will be unique! Planning on hiding most of the details beneath a canvas cover anyway.


On a more serious note:
I had hoped this year would be a considerable improvement on the old one, but alas, it is not. Another family tragedy is evolving and nearing its curtain fall. My Wifes Father is in terminal phase of mesothielioma and wont be coming out of hospital. I am sitting with him now in fact, passing the time of day, both of us probably feeling a little ackward with the long silences, but all too aware that anything not said within the following few days will remain unsaid forever. We once engaged in frequent discussions on my CMP progress, but those and many other topics no longer seem relevent.

[Little Jo]

Hi Tony

Welcome back on the forum. I have missed following your restoration program with great interest. Good to see you back on the bike. I know you have had family problems to deal with and all I can say is, hang in there, stay strong for the family and look towards the future with courage. You are in our thoughts.

Cheers

Tony

[Private_collector]

For those that don't yet know, my wifes father passed away two weeks ago last friday. He had fought an ongoing battle against mesothieloma for roughly 2.5 years. Average life expectancy after diagnosis is under 1 year. He was an extremely intelligent fellow, who had travelled widely in his life, and was a very skillful metal worker. His life ebbed away at 22:15hrs on 28th Feb, while in hospital. I sat with him, as it was my intention to remain at the bedside through the night. We knew he did have long, and I had promised him that he would not die alone. He is greatly missed.

Now that my mother in law is on her own, the decision has been made to sell the small family farm they had for some years. Today (actually yesterday, i'm writing this at 0340hrs), by request, my wife and I assisted in cleaning out the farms shed & workshop, and allocating what would be retained, sold, or discarded. A job I really did not want to do. It just doesn't seem right to be judging his life long posessions, and though I have been in this same situation half a year ago, it never sits well!

There were some very interesting things that my father in law had kept in his shed. Some years ago, I had given him my MIG welder, in thanks for helping my wife and I move from Brisbane to our current home. That welder has now returned to me once more, and I doubt it had even been used, because he preferred Arc welding. That niw brings my tally of MIGs to three. Its a long story, don't ask! In the processof sorting, a number of military items were uncovered. As nobody else has the slightest interest in militaria, and the items are not of financial value, I have asked to keep them. There are several documents from homefront WWII, including life insurance policies, letters from family in military service (not yet read), and a book of war savings stamps in VERY nice condition. The most unusual piece I found was a small, unopened package, containing a "Booby Trap, MK 1". The instruction sheet demands that it should be destroyed after reading, and is market "Secret". The device itself looks to be complete, and has a blank 303 cartridge included. I can't wait to investigate this further. Should imagine the trap is borderline at legal best!

On the farm, there is one of those bulk fuel storage tanks which sits atop a set of tripod legs, and fuel is dispensed by gravity alone. About 5 years ago, I had tapped on the side of the tank and discovered it was empty. About that time I realised it had never been used since my wifes parents moved there over a decade prior. I meant to enquire if they would consider selling it to me, to be restored and displayed at my place. Obviously, once my father in law became ill, it would simply be distasteful to make the offer, so that conversation remained unsaid. With the farm now being readied for sale, I have made the offer to purchase. Despite my protests, no money will be accepted and I am now the new owner of a very nice 100 gal fuel storage tank. Luckily the legs are able to be unbolted, so one day soon my son and I will lower it down to the ground for dismantling and transportation the sandblasters. I plan to paint it in a suitable military color and set it outside my workshop. I have ordered a period correct fuel company sticker for the side of the tank. It will be a nice addition to my increasingly military themed workshop area. It will also be a good sentimental piece and reminder of my father in law. He was one of only two family members genuinly interested in the progress of the truck. The other person was my brother.

I will post a couple of photos later today. Please excuse any typographical error in this posting. I don't have my glasses at hand, so may not pickup all mistakes before sending!

[Robert Bergeron]

Sir,

Please let me express the most sincere condoleances from all the contributors of this site to you and your wife.

May the passage of time help alleviate the pain.

Sincerely.

Robert Bergeron

[hrpearce]

Tony the Pearces are think of you and your family at this sad time in your life.

[Private_collector]

Thanks Fellas.

Year is not off to a good start, is it?

I'm the last guy in the family now.

Below are the photos I promised, of some of the items I found during the cleanup on Saturday.



The compass is very interesting. Is it one of those that came in the proverbial boxes of "Cracker Jacks"? It is really tiny and bloody hard to photograph with my tablet. Curiously, the closer I got with the camera, the wilder the pointer swung around. Must be a strong magnetic field in the thing.

[Private_collector]

Returned to work on the transfer case today.

Removed the main gasket that was too thin, and replaced with one of ideal thickness. Lucky it WAS the right thickness too, because I really didn't fancy making an additional one to build thickness!

When I installed the emergency brake mounting frame, I realised I did not have the part which slides onto the output shaft. The missing part is also what the brake drum bolts onto, so I can't go any further there until I find the missing part.

If anyone has a spare of the part I need, I would certainly be interested in purchasing.

I think I can still raise and mount the transfer case as is, so will be attempting that next Sunday. Might even have a go at it on Wednesday, as I have gone down to working 4 days per week instead of 5. Usually Wednesday is my rest day, but I may get a chance, if not too worn out!

Got a visit from a retired mechanic I know, this afternoon. He is keen to maintain his skills, and has expressed great interest in doing the engine assembly. He couldn't believe that ALL mechanical parts are brand new. He also couldn't believe how much it cost me to accumulate all those new bits. Neither can I, looking back.

Looking forward to getting some real progress done from now on!

[Private_collector]

Was just trawling through internet looking for a new 6v starter motor, and saw several 'Hi-Torque' 12v units of great attraction. Now, i'm not electrically minded, so the following question may come across as daft, but I need to know.

I plan on hiding the battery inside the took kit, so I can get away with using modern equipment. Would like to retain a 6v system overall, and don't wish to be adding voltage regulators to achieve that from a 12v battery. Besides, alternator I have is 6v. I would REALLY like to use one of the compact high torque starters, if possible.

Is it possible to have 2x 6 volt batteries, and run one circuit from them in series, and another seperate circuit in parallel??? That way I can utilise 6v for everything except cranking, and 12v for that task. Alternator should be able to return charge to both batteries in parallel, and crank from series, IF its possible to wire that way.

Can this be done.........or will I just burn the truck to the waterline?

[hrpearce]

There are trucks that run on 12v with 24v starters so the duel voltage can be done. I am not shore how the connections work or how complicated it would be.

[Private_collector]

Robert,

Your info is encouraging.

Might see if I can get to talk with a local auto elec tomorrow. Being Saturday, might have to wait until Monday.

Thanks,

[Private_collector]

Almost slipped my mind to mention that after a process which has spanned more than 4 months, my Son has received confirmation that he has been accepted into the Army to train and qualify as a mechanical engineer. There is still a set of physical exercises to be done and some more paperwork to seal the deal. With basic training being done at Kapooka, N.S.W, and winter coming along fast, I don't fancy I would swap places with him, thats for sure.

I didn't do any good with the 2015, Gallipoli attendence ballot. That's a shame. Would be the event of a lifetime.

[Grant Bowker]

Here's a link to one supplier
http://www.texasindustrialelectric.c...lel_switch.asp
One comment - in order to pass the same energy, a lower voltage circuit needs higher current which in turn needs larger cross-section wiring and contact parts. In other words a 12-24 series parallel switch may have problems working in a 6-12 volt application. As well, the solenoid in the switch may not work as well as it should.

More links that may interest
http://www.qualityengineeredcomponents.com/?page_id=564
http://www.antiqueautobattery.com/accessories.html
http://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/...&Number=710615

[hrpearce]

Originally Posted by Private_collector

With basic training being done at Kapooka, N.S.W, and winter coming along fast, I don't fancy I would swap places with him, thats for sure.

Don't worry winters are mild at Kapooka, it shouldn't get below -2c.

[motto]

The Diamond T 4 ton 6x6 trucks (such as the wrecker) were 6 volt system/12 volt start and used a large series/parallel switch mounted through the floor under the drivers feet. They had two 6 volt batteries in the system.
The switch was quite large as befits the amount of power it handled to turn over the 529 cubic inch engine.
Somebody may have one kicking about.

Condolences on your loss of family members. It is quite a tragedy to lose people you respect and like and they take all their knowledge and wisdom with them.

David

[Shane]

Hi Tony

Mate when i went through Kapooka you didnt have time to get cold or for that matter feel bugger all(its all go go go). Started with 50 lads marched out with 23, the company above us started with 50 and marched out with 13. Ive been told its not as hard these days and hope your lad all the best you must be very proud.

[Private_collector]

Thanks for the info, gentlemen.

My Wife and I were over at her Mothers place yesterday, mowing the acres. Took the trailer with us, and later I discovered some of the trailer lights weren't working. What that means is that I will be seeing an auto electricion as soon as possible, so I will get his thoughts on wire gauge required, and any special additions needed. The guy I have in mind is the Son of one of my patients. Not met him, and won't mention I know his parents, but a number of sources have told me he is an extremely competent and neat tradesman. He must have done at least part of the work on anothere restorers FGT, because I saw the vehicle there. I know the guy that owns that truck, and if the sparky is good enough for him, he'll certainly be good enough for me. Will take my new wiring set with me when I call in. Going from the accompanying paperwork that came with the wiring loom, and as each cable is clearly labelled, he might just be able to give me a guestimate to do the job.

I've been putting some effort into researching any issues which may be unique to the French Flatheads, such as the one I am using. Very glad I did, because there are several small points which will require attention. For example, in Ford engines there is a tube in the block, under front of the intake manifold, which is NOT on the French engines. I will need to weld up the venting opening in Ford engine, and make a groove in a portion of the block to return any oil to the block. Obviously I will want some confirmation of this requirement before I go doing surgery on a new block! My source for majority of info is The H.A.M.B website, where I have recently joined for that purpose.

Grant: I have started looking through those links you sent, and will save them as favorites. Your knowledge and assistance is greatly appreciated.

David: Thank you for your info, and your sympathies. The last 9 months have been very trying, and while I don't think you ever recover, we have to get back into life and carry on. As the English say, Keep Calm and Carry On!

Robert & Shane: I wonder if the Army would allow my Son to be wearing additional thermal underwear beneath his uniform??? I have been told that they take a ruler to check if your ironed creases in trousers are where they want them. Then you put them back in your locker and go off for the days yakka, and when you return they inspect lockers and then you discover you clothes are all scrunched up again. Then they yell at you for not keeping your clothes ironed and stored neatly! Bastards!! When I heard that, I asked my boy if he wanted to borrow my recently acquired WW2 booby trap mechanism. He declined the offer politely. I suggested he put a note on inside of locker saying "keep your bloody hands OFF my clothes", but I don't think he wants all the extra attention that move may incur. Seriously, i'm certainly proud of my boy. He could have turned out a lot worse, thats for sure. He has an eye for seeing opportunities too. When he was in high school, he started coming home with money he didn't start the day with. Naturally, I got concerned as to WHERE this money was coming from, and his reply that some kids had 'given' it to him, didn't immediatly settle my worry when I asked why he had money. Here's where it turns from worrying to just plain funny. Apparently there are a number of kids which are just too lazy to stand in the line for buying lunch at the canteen, so my Son would take their orders, write it down on a list, along with the amount of money they had given him, and do the purchase for them. He would receive a small fee for this. The lazy kids wouldn't have to 'waste' their time in line for lunch, and my Son would come home, having made a profit! Classic!

[Howard]

G'Day Tony,
Be sure to let us know when you come down this way, for your young bloke marching out, there is a tribe of us green truck chasers around here, and we'd like to catch up with you, And the young bloke!
All the stories, all the rumors about Kapooka being a cold and harsh environment are true. Except during summer, when it is sinking filthy hot.
You must be very proud.
H

[hrpearce]

Originally Posted by Private_collector

He would receive a small fee for this. The lazy kids wouldn't have to 'waste' their time in line for lunch, and my Son would come home, having made a profit! Classic!

Greg didn't always make a money profit. He used to buy the lollies after lunch for the girls in his group and kept the change, no change meant they owed hin a cuddle, either way he was happy

[Howard]

The son of a former boss wagged school one cold morning, went to the local op-shop and paid $3 for a sandwich toaster. He then ran a lead from the gym to his locker, And charged $2 to toast sandwiches at lunch times. He was averaging $20 a day until discovered by the teaching staff, And was suspended. I have a few stories about this kid but I won't hijack this thread any further.
Cheers,
H

[motto]

Sounds like Greg has a fair amount of initiative and drive. He should do well.

David

[Private_collector]

Robert, sounds like your young fella has his head on right!

Hearing stories like that just crack me up!

Will certainly let you know when the visits to Kapooka occur. Just wish I had the truck finished. Think how embarassed my Son would be if his dad turned up 'in theme'.

[Private_collector]

MILITARY WITTICISMS

"A slipping gear could let your M203 grenade launcher fire when you least expect it. That would make you quite unpopular in what's left of your unit."-Army's magazine of preventive maintenance.

"Aim towards the Enemy."-Instruction printed on US Rocket Launcher

"When the pin is pulled, Mr. Grenade is not our friend.-U.S. Marine Corps

"Cluster bombing from B-52s is very, very accurate.The bombs are guaranteed to always hit the ground."-U.S. Air Force

"If the enemy is in range, so are you."-Infantry Journal

"It is generally inadvisable to eject directly over the area you just bombed."-U.S. Air Force Manual

"Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons."-Gen. MacArthur

"Try to look unimportant; they may be low on ammo."-Infantry Journal

"You, you, and you . . . Panic.The rest of you, come with me."-U.S. Marine Corp Gunnery Sgt.

"Tracers work both ways."-U.S. Army Ordnance

"Five second fuses only last three seconds."-Infantry Journal

"Don't ever be the first, don't ever be the last,and don't ever volunteer to do anything."-U. S Navy Swabbie

"Bravery is being the only one who knows you're afraid."-David Hackworth

"If your attack is going too well, your walking into an ambush."-Infantry Journal

"No combat ready unit has ever passed inspection."-Joe Gay

"Any ship can be a mine sweeper... once."-Anon

"Never tell the Platoon Sergeant you have nothing to do."-Unknown Marine Recruit

"Don't draw fire; it irritates the people around you."-Your Buddies

[Private_collector]

Well worth a read!


http://www.warhistoryonline.com/feat...line-duty.html

[Private_collector]

While cleaning up at my Father In Laws place, we came across a curious, and very well constructed, metal frame, which was initially of unknown purpose. It is 2.4m (?8ft) long x 2.0m (6+ft) wide. A lot of work went into this, with weld around all sides of all joins. None of us knew this even existed, and no one recalls seing it being constructed! It is most definately a frame for the rear of a decent size utility vehicle. Odd though, the only vehicle he had already has a tray back, and I don't think he was considering changing that off.

After some prelimenary measurements, I believe this frame will fit the back of my truck with minimal modification. Certainly isn't too wide, and I do believe once the tool box & tyre carrier are installed, it will fit in nicely behind that, with little hang over (possibly < 150mm/6") at the rear. Many options have been considered for what to do about rear body, and with the discovery of this frame, I think this is my choice. It's too good to overlook, and it would be a shameful act to see it go to someone else, or possibly end up as scrap. My Father In Law was every bit the welder I knew I wouldn't be!

Prior to discovering this frame, we discovered a sizable pile of tongue & groove floorboards in one corner of the shed. We had no idea what these were for, as no renovations were planned, nor was there any other lumber anywhere around. The mystery depened when, upon closer examination, each length was seen to have a unique number written on one end. There was around 25 - 30 boards, from memory. Once we found the steel frame, the mystery was solved of course. The hardwood lengths were intended for the construction of the ute tray! Such was the thorough planning and execution of everything he did. When all the boards were lain roughly in their final order, I couldn't help notice that despite a lot of variation in the board colors, when in 'order' they looked to be in a nice pattern, with no two identical ones together. I will ensure they are fixed in their correct order, as was intended by the maker. Quite a nice touch to an otherwise mundane item which nobody will give much thought to. I intend to have the boards fine sanded (professionally) when secured in final position. Floor sander guy will probably think I have gone rather potty, but those of us in the family will know the full story.

Now you do too.

[hrpearce]

Tony your blitz will end up being an encyclopaedia of your family history.