Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

[Private_collector]

Coin toss decided next job would be windscreens.............so Doors it is.

There's a good reason why I ignored the guidance of ER II. When I took the second of the side curtains to upholsterer, I also took a door with me so he could see how everything sits when curtain is installed. He had removed the canvas from the first one before I got there, and did second one while I waited. The idea was for me to cleanup the frames, repaint them and give them back for canvas work to begin. And HERE'S THE CATCH, when I had both of the naked frames side by side, they were different lengths!!!!! One was a simple rectangle, the other had a longer top rail, which matches the forward angle of windscreen support frame.

Having had a few hours now to think this over, I will put the curtains on hold until the doors are repaired, installed on the cab, and curtain frames can be sat into place to check size etc..

I'll post a photo of the frames tomorrow. The size difference is quite dramatic, but it's interesting to know that both curtains would fit and serve their purpose, because of different size and cut style of canvas. I have bought steel rod & flat rod today, to make whatever frame alterations are required.

And that is why the doors are next!

As I said, one door is now at sandblasters, another still requires removal of screws & bolts etc. That's a Saturday afternoon or Sunday job. I have 6 dooors in total, and they are in varing degrees of decay. Ones not good enough for use will provide spares for the two chosen.

By the way, the long awaited bolts arrived today. They not correct, and the shop realised the error as soon as they arrived. Replacements have been ordered. This little saga is fast becoming a circus without a tent. A trilogy in four parts, if you will.

Ever heard of an old song called "The Gas Man Cometh"?

[hrpearce]

Originally Posted by Private_collector

Ever heard of an old song called "The Gas Man Cometh"?

Had to google it but it fits this hobby well

[Private_collector]

Side Curtain Frame 1.jpg
Here are the side curtain frames, showing variation in design & size.
Side Curtain Frame 2.jpg
Even the pieces that slot into doors are different.
It is surprising that they both have the same little clip device for securing the access flap, and both of those are in good condition!

The larger frame (with bent attaching point) will do just fine, so tomorrow I will build a jig to modify the smaller one. This jig will be kept to make further frames at some point in the future.

I am talking with the upholsterer, regarding a production of a further quantity of curtains for sale.

[Private_collector]

Cabin 1.jpg Cabin 2.jpg Cabin 3.jpg Cabin 4.jpg Cabin 5.jpg
This afternoon I decided it was time to do a test fit of some cabin parts. The seats, floor plates, windscreen support and lower engine hatch are not bolted in place as yet. The rear panel is bolted loosely, and will be tightened down properly tomorrow. I initially expected to need it removed for floor bolt access, but if I sit in the engine space, every floor bolt can be tightened without removal.

The rear panel has a slight forward lean of 3mm. This sounds small but would be enough to foul the door when being closed. Shim material has been cut, in case the lean remains once tightened, though it may pull into correct position without needing this.

Seats each have a thin strip of rubber attached to the bottom of the frame, so it doesn't scratch the paint

[Private_collector]

Rifle & Clip 2.jpg
I am pleased with the look & function of rifle clips. The felt stops any contact with painted surface, as I had hoped. Bloody good thing I did it too, because the metal strap band on the SMLE would have been damaged & taken the paint straight off the clip!

As Rick said 3 days ago, the rifle butt does not sit flat at the bottom. I am concerned if all pressure is in one place, the rifle may get damaged with the bouncing of the truck, so once the blocks are made for the butt to sit in (I know what you're thinking, don't say it!), I will add a layer of thick felt to the inside of the base. There is a 7mm thick material that Podiatrists use, called simply "Podiatry Felt", surprisingly enough!. It is adhesive on one side, able to be carved or shaped with knife or scissors, and the correct profile can be made with this. You can also use it to take pressure of corns or bunions on your feet, just in case you wanted to know

[hrpearce]

Felt shouldn't be out of place, my but holders are tin rectangles with 10mm of felt riveted all round and in the bottom to cover the bolt heads.

[Private_collector]

Were those metal boxes a Chevrolet item, or was it 'luck of the draw' which trucks got them?