Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

[Tony Wheeler]

Originally Posted by Private_collector

previous owner/s had done some bodgy work by modifying the rear 14in of each rail.............by turning them into a fully enclosed bux section for that length. The pointless mod included adding a piece of steel plate on outside of each rail, at rear. This piece of plate extends roughly 12in, and is brought to a taper towards the front of the piece. In fact the taper looks like a boats bow.

It's only a wild guess, but maybe the original F60L chassis got bent like my old one (see pics) so they chopped it off at that point and butt welded a new length of channel on, then reinforced it with plate on the inside (making it box section) and welded a "band aid" patch over the join on the outside. Then, at some later date, a subsequent owner chopped it off at the join and shortened the wheelbase.

I'm told the tapered "band aid" patch is the correct way to reinforce a join, because it distributes the stresses more evenly. The RAAF used a boat shaped band aid patch on their lengthened F60L chassis.

That's about the only explanation I can think of for there being reinforcement on both the outside and the inside.

Whatever the case, they've certainly made a lot of extra work for you!

[Private_collector]

Tony,

I don't mind the extra chassis repair work. It's half done now, and will be finished next weekend, as always, weather permitting.

The patches had to come off, or I wouldn't have been able to fit the pintle system correctly. The added plates on outside of the rails would have resulted in pintle attachment brackets sitting too far apart, and I think the spring bit would have been able to slop from side to side.

The only real handicap this remedy has inflicted is the cost of the cutting & grinding discs. And even thats just a tener!

[Tony Wheeler]

Originally Posted by Private_collector

Tony, I don't mind the extra chassis repair work.

Yes I'm a bit the same myself. I loathe panel repair work but I enjoy structural repair work. I'm quite looking forward to the rear chassis work on my FGT. Likewise this F15A chassis which also has some rear chassis damage.

[Private_collector]

Looks like you need a rear cross member too.

Won't you want a set of those plates you sent me, for this truck?

[Tony Wheeler]

Originally Posted by Private_collector

Won't you want a set of those plates you sent me, for this truck?

The FGT chassis doesn't use those plates so if I convert this damaged F15A chassis to a FGT then I won't need any. However I'm hoping to buy this pristine F15A chassis to convert to FGT (see pic) in which case I can use the chassis plates off it to repair the damaged F15A chassis. Complicated isn't it!

[Private_collector]

Some of you may recall a while ago, that I was considering placing a 40mm Gun on the rear of my truck. From line drawings and B&W photos, it wouldn't be difficult to manufacture the basic components, then cover breech mech & muzzle with purpose made canvas covers.

The largest hurdle is how to get the opportunity to see, photograph and measure a genuine specimen. I have a few reproduced manuals, and more PDF resources, but REALLY wanted to be able to walk up to a real 40mm and capture the finer details for reproduction. All this AFTER I finish the CMP of course (so it will be at least 2121!)

Today, I made a fortunate discovery. In my work I travel a reasonable number of miles each day. Some days more than others, but usually in the same general areas, so I know these places reasonably well.........or so I thought! Well, today I went a slightly different route to visit a patient and came face to face with a complete 40mm BOFORS sitting on its original four wheeled platform. It was standing proudly in what is effectively an odd shaped roundabout, surrounded on all sides by thoroughfares. It is not fenced, has not been dismantled or greatly vandalised and will be the perfect subject for detailed inspection & photography.

I suspect this relic is the property of either the local RSL or council, and I will start to make enquiries next week, to gain permission to allow my close attention without incurring wrath from owners. The local police station sits in clear view of the gun, and i'm sure they would rather I had permission to 'play' on this little gem too!

Will post a couple of photos when I can.

[Keith Webb]

... is a working pintle hook on your Ford I think.