Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

[Private_collector]

Last thing for today.
side curtain access flaps 1.jpg
Cut the 'polycarbonate' sheet into two new access flap cards for the side curtains. I don't know what the difference betweeen perspex & polycarbonate is, but I have been assured it is very much stronger and long lasting.
side curtain access flaps 3.jpg
I drilled two holes in each flap, where the corresponding metal piece is on frame, and glued two magnets into the plastic. By pure good fortune, the magnets are almost exactly the same thickness as the plastic sheet. They are just a tiny bit narrower, so the holes I drilled were not all the way through. That way the magnets can't be pulled out of the plastic.
side curtain access flaps 5.jpg
With these bits finished, and reference photos printed on Saturday, all pieces can now go to the Auto Upholsterer tomorrow afternoon.

I have been advised it will take about 2 days to make the new curtains.

[Private_collector]

All the materials, photos & instructions are now with the upholsterer.

These side curtains may be finished by this weekend!

I have just been reminded that next Monday is a public holiday, which means more time to work on the truck

I may even be able to arrange a visit to a friend who has got a valve grinding tool put aside for me. It looks to be really old and while it is not exactly spartan, could come in very handy in future.

[Private_collector]

I am looking for some guidance regarding the panel that sits between front panel and radiator. That sort of rectangular shroud thing, you know?

Does this bit sit in front or behind the nose panel?

And, does it just bolt on, or is it supposed to be spot welded to something?

I have two of these which both need some minor remedial work. I want to go onto the nose panel after finishing the engine cover & pedal plate, and will work on the 'shroud' panel at same time, therefor I need to know what I am supposed to do with it.

All information appreciated guys,

T.

[Keith Webb]

The front radiator shroud is a one piece item which is held in place by the grille - the bolts go through the grille and then shroud and then into the front shell. You sort of have to 'wangle' it a bit to put it in through the aperture. Its inner edge conforms to the shape of the front of the radiator to ensure it does it's job of funnelling all the air through the radiator and not out through the sides. The rear shroud which attaches to the back of the radiator then ensures the fan draws the maximum amount of air through the cooling tubes. It's also a handy thing for the fan to rub on very noisily when the radiator out of alignment.

[Private_collector]

Cheers for that info, Keith.

I don't have a rear shroud. I let one slip through my fingers several weeks ago. It was a bit pricey for me at over $100!

[Keith Webb]

You'll find one if you keep looking, I'm sure. It has a cooling system plate on the top with instructions on draining the system.

[Private_collector]

Some time ago, I promised to take & post some decent photos of the wonderful tribute to our Military Personnel that is the Memorial Lane, off Mary Street in Gympie.

As Cliff has previously indicated, the nature and extent of the murals are believed to be unique. If similar exist anywhere else, I have not heard of them! In addition to murals, there are a number of plaques remembering the dead of all wars from The Boer War up until present, with most recent addition being the tragic loss of Corporal Ashley Birt, who was serving in Afghanistan when he was killed.

I have started this thread in:
"WW2 Military History & Equipment"

The thread won't be hard to find