Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

[Private_collector]

Cheers Mick, and hello to all,

The places you spoke about are all familiar to me. Not because of Blitz hunting or personal travel, but as Dad was from Barcaldine and the places you have mentioned, he would talk about, as with many others such as Alpha, Aramac, Jericho, Blackall (where he was born), etc. Funny thing about Dad was that he could tell a yarn in such a way that when you actually saw the place (decades later sometimes), you actually felt like you already knew the place. Must tell you all sometime about the time in 30s when Dad lost a wheel from his Chev truck, and got it going again without the wheel on. True Story!.

I am still amazed how many Blitz trucks are still to be found. For example, today I have returned from a 200km round trip, where I had arranged to buy a Ford V8 engine and gearbox for $100.00. The shame of it was that the engine, which was in a 'Monkeyface', made us feel like a pair of monkey faces too, beacuse it would NOT bloody well come out. We know that the problem rested with exhausts and a clearence problem, but had to call stumps at 1815hrs due to poor light and two silly, tired, and generally stuffed buggers past their prime.

The owner of the Blitz is a dear old guy who has around 6 part trucks (Chev & Ford) which I can pick bits from. None are in too good of condition, but I need lots of the small stuff which he has plenty of, and look forward to a good chat with him anyway, so who really cares if it takes 3.5 hours to NOT get the engine out. Really wanted it brought back today, but did bring a consolation prize of perfect seat, radiator (no idea they were so heavy until today), carburetor, fan blades, air filter and generator. Basically, all the bits we had to remove to start hoisting engine. Oh, the seat had to be removed because I kept having to lean over it and it really S%&T me!

I won't be able to retry removing engine until after newyear now. We'll get it the next time though, just need more sunshine, a grinding wheel and energy from me!

My good lady wife is trying very hard to tolerate all the scavenging trips and incessent truck talk, though you can tell when the novelty has worn off. I don't think I will be any more popular when she sees that as consequence of todays' trip, I have deposited rust powder and scale on the rear floor of her 4WD, and grease/dirt on the centre consol fabric.

I had fully intended to photograph all the trucks todays host had around the property, but ran out of day and hands were probably too greasy to push the button anyway. Next time.

One remarkable thing which has only struck me today, is that EVERY bolt I undid for removing the engine, came away without more than a 'tweak' with the spanner, and from then on they were unscrewed with fingers. Only exception was one engine mount bolt, that had 1/3 rusted away. That came easy with a cold chisel and two strikes (Thought it was 3 strikes and you're out!).

Time for bed now. 2 x pain tablets prior, for aches and bruises. Photos in P.M tomorrow.

Tony B.

[Keith Webb]

Hi Tony

Despite not taking the engine with you it sounds like a thoroughly good day. I enjoyed reading your well-told story and completely understand the lack of photographs!
Just as well you didn't try to get the engine into the rear of her four wheel drive or it may have been your last trip there.

[Private_collector]

I will be away from tomorrow until December 23rd.

No progress on workshop construction. Certifier has reported my council requre additional $190.00 for "Fire Assessment" because I live in a 'moderate fire risk' area. This cracked me up then made me angry......there is nothing to burn within at least 40mt in one direction, and 50mt in other. I have emailed them, asking exactly what they fear may happen to a STEEL shed located in a 40mt stretch of neatly mown lawn! Perhaps they are concerned in case of nuclear blast and subsequent firestorm! No option but to pay of course, but I did get partial stress relief from sending very sarcastic letter on the subject.

Excavations and concrete slab will have to wait until we return, or more correctly, when the contractors return from holidays.

I hope to get some good photos of Pearl Harbour, which I will post when back.

As Douglas McArthur said in his farewell to the troops.........................Farwell Troops!

[Private_collector]

Now back from holiday, and willing the rain to cease. Nothing useful achieved with workshop construction. Wet weather has stopped the site from being levelled. I can go get a trailer load of bits of my recent purchase of F60, but the parts will need to stay on the trailer until shed is completed. Covered with tarpaulin of course.

Our time in Hawaii was wonderful, and I didn't want to come back. Locals were so easy going and friendly. Took massive amount of raw video footage from USS Arizona memorial and USS Missouri. Both sets have now been cut into a DVD of 60min duration. I have posted a few photos below. Photo quality is average, as video camera has ability to take stills, but with reduced quality.

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The last photo shows the minute damage sustained from a Japanese kamikaze attack. The airecraft hit the side rail first and then broke up before it hit the ships deck. They left the damage unrepaired. Pilot was given military burial at sea.

[Private_collector]

Returned home with a box trailer full of Ford Blitz parts. Can't do anything with them just yet, but brought em home.

It never ceases to amaze me how ingenious/rough as guts, some people are. Eg: One of the side steps I just got has one 'made' bracket of box steel welded to the part that bolts onto the chassis. Unfortunately, as it is not the regular curve of correct part, the other (good) bracket has had a block of 2x4 added above it so they are approaching the same (incorrect) height. When I first saw that it really cracked me up! Suddenly I don't feel bad about my standards any more.

Among the bits I got today are two usable seats, but they don't have any of those little twisty 'eyelet' things that the canvas work attaches to. Can anyone enlighten me as to the correct name of these fasteners, please? I want to order them, but don't know what to ask for.

Also looking for a canvas supplier, to obtain correct thickness for seats and side curtains.

[Private_collector]

Just received two Trico wiper motors from U.K.
These are NOS, having never been opened until the seller released one from its 68 year tomb to be photographed for sale. I am reasonably sure they are suitable for Blitz. They certainly are Ford, and part number is C-01-Q-17505.

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Is anyone able to confirm these are correct type, as per original?

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Is it just me, or is there a certain kind of beauty in 1940's military packaging!



P.S: Anyone able to tell me what the correct wiper arms are, or have a photo I can see?

[Euan McDonald]

Hi Tony,
Give Ross Prince a try as I have got a couple of sets of arms from him with the nuts and blades.

[Mike K]

Originally Posted by Private_collector

Took massive amount of raw video footage from USS Arizona memorial and USS Missouri.
Attachment 39109 Attachment 39110 Attachment 39111

Attachment 39112 Attachment 39113

While in Tassie in 1991? I made a drive down to Hobart to see the Missouri. It was on it's way home from the first gulf war. US sailors were see around Hobart, most of them looked about 18 years old. Not sure if that was before the terrible accident when the turret exploded.

Mike

[young man emu]

I have been doing my C15 for year now .
But its all good fun.

[Private_collector]

Mike,

That would have been the last time it was in our waters, i believe.
I used the footage I shot to make a 70 min DVD, covering Arizona memorial, Missouri and the Ford island museum of flight. Oh....nearly forgot....ARSE....GIRLS....FECK!

Bob,

I have already made decision to put two stays on the frame. Picking up the tubes this weekend, and my father in law is going to weld brackets. He doesn't know yet though! The box steel for the uprights are sleeved for added strength and are set 700mm into concrete base.

Y.M.E,

Nice truck! Everything i'm doing right now is just filling in time until I get a F60 rolling chassis back home from Brisbane. That's the one I want to start on.