Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

[Private_collector]

He, he. No probs Bob!

I like cats.......but I couldn't eat a whole one.

At least everyone gets a drumstick.

[Private_collector]

The long weekend, as it turned out, afforded me no additional time to work on the CMP.
Saturday was entirely consumed between hours spent in the morning, searching for a new daily driver, and locating a blockage in a septic tank at the mother-in-laws farm, in the afternoon. Finding the block was one thing, clearing it was another story all together, but fixed it by nightfall. I will NEVER enjoy gravy again. The smell of a freshly opened septic tank is an insult to the olfactory system that will outlast religion. I can still smell it now.

Sunday was dedicated to a nice drive to the beach. Far too cold and windy to actually enjoy the beach, but at least we got to see it and bring back memories of when it was warmer.

Today, I was determined, would be 'truck day'. I got my piston/rod sets back from the engine rebuild shop on Friday, and they did a rather good job. When I did initial assembly of oil pump to pickup I managed to strip a thread. Didn't know why, at the time, but the engine shop guys tell me it was because another bolt hole which intersected the one that stripped caused mangling of the thread I damaged. Apparently it was going to happen regardless. Thank you very much, Melling manufacturing folks.

As mentioned previously, due to the extra girth of the rod big ends (literally) I had to sink the pistons from the crank case side. This was not a bad idea anyway, because the relief between cylinder and valves meant that there would be a length of ring not compressed by the installation tool. The first piston I installed went in without a problem, and just as I was thinking things would go smoothly, I hit a major problem. Imagine my surprise when I tried to put the second piston in, only to discover that the additional metal that strengthened the crank bearing bosses made it absolutely IMPOSSIBLE for the piston to be dropped in from that side. Typical! The piston would have needed to go in at a 10-15 degree angle, and that wouldn't have been good! I took a closer look, and saw that every second piston would encounter this same issue. Bloody French! In light of the above, I now had 4 pistons which had to be seperated from their rod, put in from above, pushed through until the rod pin was clear, and attach the rod from below, paying VERY close attention to checking locking clips and compressing the bottom piston ring (now out of the cylinder again) prior to sliding the piston into the cylinder properly. Quite a sod of a job, I can tell you! Got em all done by tea time though. Those pistons are quite difficult to slide up & down by hand, despite lashings of assembly grease.

Very nearly carried on to put the crank back in, but thought better of it with light and motivation failing. Because of how the pistons & rods now sit, I will need the arms of an Indian god to keep em all out of the way of the crank, as I lower it in. I have a cunning plan for that little glimpse of hades. If my approach doesn't work, I'll wait until my Son comes home in a fortnights time. That will give me one person to mind each bank of rods, while I lower the crank into place. Sounds easy, don't it? Fingers will be scarred, tempers will be raised, words will be said.

[David Dunlop]

Tony, Tony, Tony…

How on earth do you manage to wring sooo much excitement out of working on your Blitz when the rest of us poor sods get nothing more than taking it apart and putting it back together?

David

[Private_collector]

Hi there David,

Everything in the world is exciting, if we allow it to be!

In case of my resto, I remind myself the significance of the finished product. I restore to honour my Fathers WW2 service initially, then as time went on, I decided to broaden the dedication to ALL the servicemen & servicewomen that I have had the pleasure to have known. I say known because a plaque will be attached to the truck cab, in memoriam of those veterans who have passed away. The count currently stands at 37 names. It will climb yet higher, no doubt, but the figures won't go up as fast as they have in past years. There are precious few of them left. I only have one WW2 gentleman left to my acquaintance. A fellow approaching 95 years old, who is a D Day veteran, coming ashore in a DD tank! Before that, he commanded a Churchill in Africa, under 'The Old Man', Montgomery.

Put into context, every small step I achieve is insignificant by comparison, but exciting for me. When the vehicle is finally finished, it will probably be amongst the saddest days of my life, because the last job will be to afix that brass plaque with all the names on. I have been given tentative permission from the RSL for that final task to occur on ANZAC Day, sometime between the Dawn Service completion and prior to the parade at 1000hrs. Exactly WHICH ANZAC Day that is, who can tell. In the meantime, I enjoy getting as intimate with a piece of history as any man can, and that is hugely rewarding.

Just being a part of such an esteemed group of restorers as the folks here on MLU is another aspect which I find very rewarding. There is still so very much to learn, but the few times that I have been able to assist another member, it's a great feeling to contribute to someone else, even in a small way. Lord knows I have been the recipient of that assistance so many times. When it's my turn to help, I get a real kick out of that.

I don't believe for one minute that any of us find this hobby mundane. A pain in the arse sometimes, physically and mentally stressful perhaps, but boring...nah!

How could we not be excited, right?

[hrpearce]

I'm excited Tony I just don't think my bank manager shares my enthusiasm.

[Private_collector]

Originally Posted by hrpearce

I'm excited Tony I just don't think my bank manager shares my enthusiasm.

.....and that's why Banker rhymes with something less flattering!

[Private_collector]

Gentlemen,

I am very excited to say I have been loaned a small photo albumn, belonging to a former British tank Commander who served in the desert under Monty. He also 'drove' ashore in a DD tank on D Day. The photos are those which he took during his time in Africa. Each photo is rather small, but I am trying to scan them into the document centre at my office, and will email them to myself, so I can present them on MLU. Failing that method of copying, I will photograph them, though i expect that will not be as good in quality.

They are certainly worth looking at. I see there are at least several threads which may be a good place for them. Is there a preferred thread for them to go to??

[Keith Webb]

Can't wait to see them Tony! Perhaps give it it's own thread in the Sergeant's Mess just for that album of images?

[cliff]

Originally Posted by Private_collector

Gentlemen,
Each photo is rather small, but I am trying to scan them into the document centre at my office, and will email them to myself, so I can present them on MLU. Failing that method of copying, I will photograph them, though i expect that will not be as good in quality.

Tony I can high quality scan the photos and email them to you if you like

[Private_collector]

Thanks Cliff, that might be best.

I did get them scanned at work, but they went through as pdf files and stayed on their sides, as that was the way I fit them on the glass platen. I incorrectly expected to be able to rotate them prior to posting. Still trying, but will post then 'as is' initially, if no success.

Added 1900hrs: Unable to upload the pdf files. Too large, apparently.

[Lionelgee]

Originally Posted by Private_collector

Thanks Cliff, that might be best.

I did get them scanned at work, but they went through as pdf files and stayed on their sides, as that was the way I fit them on the glass platen. I incorrectly expected to be able to rotate them prior to posting. Still trying, but will post then 'as is' initially, if no success.

Added 1900hrs: Unable to upload the pdf files. Too large, apparently.

Hello Tony,

It all depends upon what program you are running - there are some scanner programmes that allow you to select JPEG. The PDF option seems to be becoming a default function lately. This is a pain in the arse! The JPEG option might be a better way to go.

I have found that sometimes when a forum's "Manage Attachments" tells me that a file is too large to upload I add an additional step. I paste the image into "Paint" and save a copy. I then attach the Paint version and it seems to let the attachment through the system.

No I am not trying to teach Granny about various methods of removing the internal contents of an egg

Kind Regards
Lionel

[Keith Webb]

I've sent you a PM on how to send them to me to fix for you.

[Private_collector]

Just stumbled across this MASSIVE repository of all things military, from virtually every conflict in last several hundred years. Everything here from Hiroshima photos and scientific research, to a Service Manual for the T - 34 tank.

http://www.allworldwars.com/subjects.htm

Add it to your bookmarks, people!!!

[Private_collector]

I made a curious discovery this very day. Dogs don't chase CMPs! At least the two I saw today didn't fancy their chances with mine. The first occasion, a dog was chasing cars driving by, but it took a close look and decided it better to sit on it's fat arse instead of taunting a Blitz. Second one, dog actually ran away. I wasn't even trying to run that one over.

Maybe canines are smarter than I give them credit for. Guess they realise one squishing from those tyres would mean bye bye Sunday walkies.

[Private_collector]

Just finished a phone conversation with the friend of mine who sourced and retrieved the sunshine roof I spoke about a while ago. He emailed me this morning, to say he is now back home from his trip to central QLD where he acquired my roof and a complete vehicle which he will be restoring for himself. In the email, he reported that my roof panel still had ALL the wing nuts intact and in place. In fact, everything is present, minus the canvas which had rotted away. I can't wait to go and get the thing, but will have to be patient for a few weeks. We had to fork out for another daily use vehicle, a couple of weeks ago, and it doesn't have a towbar yet.

This is the truck my friend brought back from a 1500km round trip into the sticks. That truck still has all the original military side, tail, and diff lights. I REALLY want to get a close look at that vehicle, and will take as many photos as I can. That's my roof upside down on the rear tray.

The tri-axle trailer the truck is on, was manufactured by my friend in a week! It was made primarily for the retrieval of CMPs. Thats dedication to the cause. He is one of those rare people who can do anything he turns his hand to, and do it well.

[David Dunlop]

That roof is a great find, Tony. Congratulations! Also keen to see more photos of your friends CMP. Hopefully the plates have survived as well to help tell it's story.


David

[Private_collector]

Thanks David. I will check what identification is present when I go there to pick up my roof panel and some other parts. Will also take photos of anything significant, including the original side and tail lights. I believe the diff light and changeover switch are still in place, and may be surplus to owners needs, so he may be selling the military lighting. Possibly to be sold as a complete set! Parts usually get sold via ebay.

[Private_collector]

Hey Folks,

I have just got back home from what will no doubt be the BEST drive I will EVER have. I'm still buzzing with excitement as I write this.

A couple of folks had been telling me about a CMP seen from the highway, at a place called Tiaro, which is about 30km north of where I am. This afternoon, after I got home from taking Mum shopping in town, I decided to jump in ole Gandalph...(the grey), and go take a look. I would be surprised if anyone in Australia doesn't know of the large scale military exercises which have been in progress, way up in North Queensland etc. As im driving north, there was a lot of the Army vehicles heading back south from those exercises that ended in past days. I have been seeing them driving south since Monday, because I do a lot of driving for work, and some of that driving is on the highway. So, moving on, I drive up to Tiaro, and find the aforementioned CMP sitting in a fenced off area out front of a business. It was a Chevrolet, and had an invasion star on the doors. It would be quite restorable, I think, and although it appears to be there as an advertisement for the business, looks to be fairly complete. It was obvious that the crane jib on the back wouldn't pull a greasy sausage off a plate, because it was far too lightweight, and very crudely applied.

While in Tiaro, I drove on a little further, to take a measurement from the shield of a 25pdr which is standing outside the local memorial hall. Now that I'm back home, I realise there was an additional measurement I had forgotten to take. Ah, the wonders of an aging mind, and case in point for always writing down a 'to do' list. Lesson learnt.

Having finished what I travelled there to do (memory lapse excepted), I head for home again. I do enjoy my drives in the truck, but highway driving would normally be my LEAST favourite travelling, because although my truck CAN do 90 to 95km/h, it would rather not. In fact, to achieve that sort of speed, you really to be going downhill on a slope akin to.......say,.....a water slide! Assuming that speed has been attained, it quickly decays once the road levels off again. God forbid, the road should start going uphill, then you really lose momentum quickly. And there's the reason I don't have a love of highway driving. Some motorists are happy to sit behind, as I toddle along at anywhere between 70 and 85. Most are definately NOT a fan of vintage military vehicles, at least not while one is holding them back from achieving their land speed record breaking attempts. I make the assumption that those impatient sods probably weren't even BORN when these vehicles were in service, either military or civilian. Philistines!

Back to the story, now that I have set the scene for what was to follow. I'm on the way home, heading south. Same direction as the large number of present day military vehicles, and their ADF crews. I come to a halt at a stretch of roadworks, and when finally waived through, naturally there's a loooooong procession of vehicles moving off at the same time......Most of em BEHIND ME! I find a suitable place to pull over and let them all go past. Achieving that, I set off again, but within a mile an Army truck starts to close in on me. I don't mean that in a manner like the movie Duel, where a psychotic truck driver stalks some poor boob who he feels disgruntled about. The Army truck keeps a respectful distance back, and we both beetle along at 80km/h, because I'm now going up hill. Damn, the rear view mirrors now show me a scene like a congo-line building up behind again. I was enjoying the drive so much that I decide to take the southern most highway exit home, giving me another few kilometres of driving pleasure. That decision single handedly was responsible for my best experience in years. To get to my exit I first go up and over the 'Gunalda Range'. Sounds impressive, but it's not. It is little more than a steady incline through a moderate size cutting, and it's two lanes, so I'm planning to stay in the slow lane and let everyone go past. As the road starts to climb, the big military truck goes past.....slowly, and I see it is carrying a shipping container on it's back. It goes past, and I hear the driver honk his horn in approval. What happened next, brought a lump to my throat. All the civilian vehicles go streaking past at the speed of sound. A Bushmaster, another Army vehicle begins to overtake, THEN SLOWS BACK DOWN. I watch in bewilderment as it indicates for the left lane, then pulls in behind me! Then another. Then another, and another. By the time I get to the top of the cutting, I have somewhere between 10 and 14 Army vehicles sitting behind me, in the left lane, where there was ample room to overtake safely. I spend far too much time staring into my side mirrors, amazed at what I am seeing. I notice the passenger in the vehicle immediately behind me is gesticulating something. It takes me a few moments before I realise the action of opening and closing his hands means 'put your lights on'. I do as directed, and the hand movements cease, replaced by a gentle wave from the owner of said appendages.

So, here I am, driving at the lead of a small convoy of my own. If ever there was a time I wish someone had a camera, it was that moment! By pure good fortune, my Wife, on her way home from work, drives past in the opposite direction. My day is now complete. But there was one more moment to savor. Because I was having such a wonderful time, I keep driving right past my chosen turnoff. If it were up to me, I would have kept driving all the way to whatever barracks the Trucks, Bushmasters, Land Rovers, and Mercedes vehicles were retuning to. Even of they were from NSW, it wouldn't have bothered me greatly, except I would have run out of fuel well before I get there. With tremendous reluctancy, I pick a stretch of highway with a short piece of truck lay-away and indicate to pull off the road. As i start to slow down, the lead Army vehicle (real Army, that is) comes up alongside. The horn blows as they pass, and I wave in recognition. I turn my head to look at them as they overtake, and I see the passenger, a serving member of the Australian Army. My eyes grow to the size of saucers as I see him salute. I almost burst into tears, I was that moved. In fact it was the most moving thing I have experienced in a very long time (with exception of ANZAC day, naturally).

From now on, all my journeys will seem mundane, no matter what the circumstances! I do have but one regret. I wish my CMP had been a suitable green, not the grey that it currently is. Should the day come that I acquire alzheimers disease, please God, let me keep memory of today!

[Dinty]

Fabulous, shame about the camera though, cheers Dennis

[hrpearce]

Right place, right time with a little luck thrown in.

[Richard Seymour]

Fantastic story

[Little Jo]

Hi Tony

Great story. I am so happy you are back posting on MLU, I just love following your exploits and stories. Keep up the good work mate.

Cheers

Tony

[Howard]

Wow. What a fantastic yarn to share. Good on you, Tony!

[Private_collector]

It was the biggest kick I've had in a damn long time, I assure you!

[Private_collector]

Yesterday I received my copy of the RAEME history book, With Skill and Fighting.
It's a damn fine book, and absolutely full of information. Equally important, the book has a large number of photos, making it a visual treat as well. I only started reading it last night, but have already identified the WW2 AEME unit I will eventually represent when I restore the currently grey truck.

Will upload some images of the book, when I can do so. Right now, the book is in our bedroom, and once again I'm awake and about far too early. Don't want to wake Mrs B by going back in there to get the book, so it'll have to wait till later. I can absolutely recommend With Skill and Fighting to anyone who has an interest in military history, for current or former members of the Corps, or even those who just enjoy a stimulating read. The book is $80, which includes postage within Australia, and can be purchased by following the instructions found here http://www.raeme.org.au/index.php/co...ail?Itemid=278

P.S: David, i read your post about the orangutang (I have no idea how to spell it), and intended to reply later. Went looking for the post this AM but can't find it now. Anyway, it's more arms I need, not longer ones!

[cliff]

Originally Posted by Private_collector

P.S: David, i read your post about the orangutang (I have no idea how to spell it), and intended to reply later. Went looking for the post this AM but can't find it now. Anyway, it's more arms I need, not longer ones!

I removed the post Tony to determine whether it was a joke or not and David decided NOT to repost it.

[Private_collector]

OK Cliff. I took it as a joke, anyway. I think he has a cryptic sense of humour!

[Private_collector]

Today I made a trip to retrieve some parts from a friends place. While there, I had the chance to look at a very complete Ford he recently brought back from Western QLD.

The vehicles serial number is partly visible on both sides of the nose panel (much easier to see on one side) and also seems to be repeated on the bumper. I think I have correctly deciphered the last 4 of the 5 digits, but cannot make out the first. Could be a 5, 6, or 9. Can anyone help identify what it may be? NB: THE third photo shows the numbers after I drew my finger over them, to finish the missing sections. I'm fairly confident I have those ones right.

Another tantalising clue to this vehicles provenance, is the definate HQ3 clearly visible on the doors. The truck has had very few layers of paint applied over the years, and it looks like a latter application of color has reacted with the original (I hope) signwriting, and caused it to come away in a manner quite different to the rest of the now peeling paint. I will show some more general photos of this truck in a following post. It's retains some items usually lost in time, or thrown away due to deterioration. I'm very excited about how original and complete this truck is. My friend did well with acquiring this one!

The above photo is from the nose panel of another Ford CMP, vehicle number 56183. Is there any way to trace this vehicles history, and possibly the one at the top of this post. Alas, no chassis number has been found on vehicle '_4796'. It may yet be discovered, but my friend is thorough, and he says it's not there, he is probably correct. Looked in all the usual spots.

[Private_collector]

Here are more photos of the vehicle in my previous posting.

While the tray is not original, damn near everything else is, I suspect. Side lights are present. Bumper is about the straightest one I have ever seen. I didn't take a front-on photo, but the grille is there, and rot free. Nose panel is also rot free. The window frames are in perfect shape, nothing more than surface rust, and both sides swing cleanly.

Seat covers look to be the original ones, but badly broken down. Would be good for patterns though, and would have been nice and soft, as compared to the thinner version I have in mine. In reviewing this particular photo, I see an original fan shroud sitting on passenger seat. I know the owner is planning an engine swap, so must write him....quickly, and offer to buy the shroud.....quickly!

Not actually seen an original sun visor before. The sunshine roof I brought home today, has the bracket and a portion of the arm which would have held the visor, but visor itself is long gone. When I visit my friend again in a few weeks, I will take some measurements of the visor, and get one made for my vehicle. Will post the details if anyone is interested. Might even remove the wasps nests prior. They may cause incorrect dimensions if left insitu!

Now this was a REAL surprise. A genuine, unaltered, unbutchered, battery box. Minus hold down top and wing nuts, unfortunately, but a correct top piece can be sourced easily enough. Once again, my friend may not require this tray, so it could come up for sale in near future. He puts things for sale on ebay. The original fuel filter still sits behind the battery box. Just goes to show, some fairly good finds are still out there, waiting to be discovered.

[Private_collector]

Yesterday was a great day out. Mrs B and I took an all day round trip to retrieve some parts I have been wanting to get home for a long time. Accompanying us was Andy Cusworth, another MLU member and friend of some years now. I think Andy and I talked the whole way there and back.

Most desired amongst the treasures was of course the sunshine cab roof. Couldn't wait to finally see it with my own eyes, and I must say I wasn't disappointed. It is in very good shape. There will be minimal dent repair work needed, and no rust repairs at all. Sandblasting will be done. It's my preferred method of cleaning. I brought back a good set of 16" wheels as well, so they will also go for blasting. When painted, I have a set of NDT tyres to put on them, and the tyres/wheels on the grey truck now will be given back to the previous owner.

I will post a number of close up photos of the cab roof shortly. Does MLU have a thread or heading where people can post images of items they have which are known to be original? If not, maybe it would be a good idea. Then everyone can benefit from seeing how things SHOULD look. I'm absolutely sure everything on my cab roof is %100 original, so far as the hardware goes. There was still remains of canvas attached to the bar that goes to the front edge of the opening, so my photos might help someone else in the future. Just a thought!