Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Step by Step

Cleaned
Painted
I have gotten more done that I thought I would so far this week. Two hours per night has made a difference!
I was able to get the front engine housing completed and the oil filter housing finished as well.  Tonight I made good use of the gasket set I purchased 5 years ago...back when I was just thinking of doing a restoration. So far, every gasket I needed has been in the kit. I was talking to my wife tonight and I think I purchased the complete gasket set for around 30 bucks!
 
Cleaned
Painted
I put on the front engine housing, oil filter housing, harmonic dampener, oil pump, and oil pan.  The bottom of the engine is now complete! I turned the engine over on the stand and thought that while I was looking at the top of the motor, I would install the new lifters. I guess I will be working on the top half of the motor for the next week or so.
 
The exhaust manifolds are not as bad as I originally thought.  After consulting some of my fellow restoration blogger, there may be a lot of life in them.  I will, however, have to get them milled before I make my decision.
 
Right Side Up!
On another note, I was able to purchase arm rests on eBay for $10.00! They should be here in the next few days.
 
 


New Lifters!










Thursday, October 25, 2012

Ready for winter work

Oil Pan Before
Oil Pan After
 
 I have been getting ready for the winter projects and ready for spring with some small projects.  My goal is to have the engine ready to put on the frame by spring and finish all of the small work in preparation.

I was able to finish a few things this week.  The front radiator housing is cleaned and primed. I still have to go over it again and make sure it is completely ready for painting. I did lay the housing on the frame in preparation for making some of the plastic housing that is long gone.  I have partial diagrams but it is going to take some measuring and cutting. 

I have done a little exam of the radiator and it is totally shot. It will be more expensive to rebuild than it would be to purchase new.  All brass....so maybe some cash for scrap.  I also have partial wiring harnesses ready for rebuild. My plan is to replace all wiring with new. 






Sunday, October 14, 2012

Working through the winter

Before
 
This was a fairly slow week but I was able to get a few things completed. The cross bar is cleaned and ready to be installed.  I was able to salvage the parking brake cable.  It was in great shape and I don't remember the emergency brake every working so it was practically new...although dirty. I will install the cross member this week in preparation for the drive shaft.




During

I did get 1 upper control arm installed. The control arm bushings were a wonderful treat! I did not think I would ever get them pressed in but after much swearing, sweat, and walking away, they went on very easy later in the day. 


After
I have the steering gear half way apart.  It was way out of adjustment and I am unsure if it can be salvaged. Looks like a rebuilt one is only $70 or less and that may be the way to go. I won't know the condition until I get the Pittman arm off...and that thing is not moving.  I broke a nice removal tool and it has not moved at all!  Looks like it will either get the torch or the grinder soon.