Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

[Private_collector]

Thanks for the info, gentlemen.

My Wife and I were over at her Mothers place yesterday, mowing the acres. Took the trailer with us, and later I discovered some of the trailer lights weren't working. What that means is that I will be seeing an auto electricion as soon as possible, so I will get his thoughts on wire gauge required, and any special additions needed. The guy I have in mind is the Son of one of my patients. Not met him, and won't mention I know his parents, but a number of sources have told me he is an extremely competent and neat tradesman. He must have done at least part of the work on anothere restorers FGT, because I saw the vehicle there. I know the guy that owns that truck, and if the sparky is good enough for him, he'll certainly be good enough for me. Will take my new wiring set with me when I call in. Going from the accompanying paperwork that came with the wiring loom, and as each cable is clearly labelled, he might just be able to give me a guestimate to do the job.

I've been putting some effort into researching any issues which may be unique to the French Flatheads, such as the one I am using. Very glad I did, because there are several small points which will require attention. For example, in Ford engines there is a tube in the block, under front of the intake manifold, which is NOT on the French engines. I will need to weld up the venting opening in Ford engine, and make a groove in a portion of the block to return any oil to the block. Obviously I will want some confirmation of this requirement before I go doing surgery on a new block! My source for majority of info is The H.A.M.B website, where I have recently joined for that purpose.

Grant: I have started looking through those links you sent, and will save them as favorites. Your knowledge and assistance is greatly appreciated.

David: Thank you for your info, and your sympathies. The last 9 months have been very trying, and while I don't think you ever recover, we have to get back into life and carry on. As the English say, Keep Calm and Carry On!

Robert & Shane: I wonder if the Army would allow my Son to be wearing additional thermal underwear beneath his uniform??? I have been told that they take a ruler to check if your ironed creases in trousers are where they want them. Then you put them back in your locker and go off for the days yakka, and when you return they inspect lockers and then you discover you clothes are all scrunched up again. Then they yell at you for not keeping your clothes ironed and stored neatly! Bastards!! When I heard that, I asked my boy if he wanted to borrow my recently acquired WW2 booby trap mechanism. He declined the offer politely. I suggested he put a note on inside of locker saying "keep your bloody hands OFF my clothes", but I don't think he wants all the extra attention that move may incur. Seriously, i'm certainly proud of my boy. He could have turned out a lot worse, thats for sure. He has an eye for seeing opportunities too. When he was in high school, he started coming home with money he didn't start the day with. Naturally, I got concerned as to WHERE this money was coming from, and his reply that some kids had 'given' it to him, didn't immediatly settle my worry when I asked why he had money. Here's where it turns from worrying to just plain funny. Apparently there are a number of kids which are just too lazy to stand in the line for buying lunch at the canteen, so my Son would take their orders, write it down on a list, along with the amount of money they had given him, and do the purchase for them. He would receive a small fee for this. The lazy kids wouldn't have to 'waste' their time in line for lunch, and my Son would come home, having made a profit! Classic!

[Howard]

G'Day Tony,
Be sure to let us know when you come down this way, for your young bloke marching out, there is a tribe of us green truck chasers around here, and we'd like to catch up with you, And the young bloke!
All the stories, all the rumors about Kapooka being a cold and harsh environment are true. Except during summer, when it is sinking filthy hot.
You must be very proud.
H

[hrpearce]

Originally Posted by Private_collector

He would receive a small fee for this. The lazy kids wouldn't have to 'waste' their time in line for lunch, and my Son would come home, having made a profit! Classic!

Greg didn't always make a money profit. He used to buy the lollies after lunch for the girls in his group and kept the change, no change meant they owed hin a cuddle, either way he was happy

[Howard]

The son of a former boss wagged school one cold morning, went to the local op-shop and paid $3 for a sandwich toaster. He then ran a lead from the gym to his locker, And charged $2 to toast sandwiches at lunch times. He was averaging $20 a day until discovered by the teaching staff, And was suspended. I have a few stories about this kid but I won't hijack this thread any further.
Cheers,
H

[motto]

Sounds like Greg has a fair amount of initiative and drive. He should do well.

David

[Private_collector]

Robert, sounds like your young fella has his head on right!

Hearing stories like that just crack me up!

Will certainly let you know when the visits to Kapooka occur. Just wish I had the truck finished. Think how embarassed my Son would be if his dad turned up 'in theme'.

[Private_collector]

MILITARY WITTICISMS

"A slipping gear could let your M203 grenade launcher fire when you least expect it. That would make you quite unpopular in what's left of your unit."-Army's magazine of preventive maintenance.

"Aim towards the Enemy."-Instruction printed on US Rocket Launcher

"When the pin is pulled, Mr. Grenade is not our friend.-U.S. Marine Corps

"Cluster bombing from B-52s is very, very accurate.The bombs are guaranteed to always hit the ground."-U.S. Air Force

"If the enemy is in range, so are you."-Infantry Journal

"It is generally inadvisable to eject directly over the area you just bombed."-U.S. Air Force Manual

"Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons."-Gen. MacArthur

"Try to look unimportant; they may be low on ammo."-Infantry Journal

"You, you, and you . . . Panic.The rest of you, come with me."-U.S. Marine Corp Gunnery Sgt.

"Tracers work both ways."-U.S. Army Ordnance

"Five second fuses only last three seconds."-Infantry Journal

"Don't ever be the first, don't ever be the last,and don't ever volunteer to do anything."-U. S Navy Swabbie

"Bravery is being the only one who knows you're afraid."-David Hackworth

"If your attack is going too well, your walking into an ambush."-Infantry Journal

"No combat ready unit has ever passed inspection."-Joe Gay

"Any ship can be a mine sweeper... once."-Anon

"Never tell the Platoon Sergeant you have nothing to do."-Unknown Marine Recruit

"Don't draw fire; it irritates the people around you."-Your Buddies

[Private_collector]

Well worth a read!
article-2195389-14BB9F0B000005DC-43_634x422.jpeg

http://www.warhistoryonline.com/feat...line-duty.html

[Private_collector]

While cleaning up at my Father In Laws place, we came across a curious, and very well constructed, metal frame, which was initially of unknown purpose. It is 2.4m (?8ft) long x 2.0m (6+ft) wide. A lot of work went into this, with weld around all sides of all joins. None of us knew this even existed, and no one recalls seing it being constructed! It is most definately a frame for the rear of a decent size utility vehicle. Odd though, the only vehicle he had already has a tray back, and I don't think he was considering changing that off.

After some prelimenary measurements, I believe this frame will fit the back of my truck with minimal modification. Certainly isn't too wide, and I do believe once the tool box & tyre carrier are installed, it will fit in nicely behind that, with little hang over (possibly < 150mm/6") at the rear. Many options have been considered for what to do about rear body, and with the discovery of this frame, I think this is my choice. It's too good to overlook, and it would be a shameful act to see it go to someone else, or possibly end up as scrap. My Father In Law was every bit the welder I knew I wouldn't be!

Prior to discovering this frame, we discovered a sizable pile of tongue & groove floorboards in one corner of the shed. We had no idea what these were for, as no renovations were planned, nor was there any other lumber anywhere around. The mystery depened when, upon closer examination, each length was seen to have a unique number written on one end. There was around 25 - 30 boards, from memory. Once we found the steel frame, the mystery was solved of course. The hardwood lengths were intended for the construction of the ute tray! Such was the thorough planning and execution of everything he did. When all the boards were lain roughly in their final order, I couldn't help notice that despite a lot of variation in the board colors, when in 'order' they looked to be in a nice pattern, with no two identical ones together. I will ensure they are fixed in their correct order, as was intended by the maker. Quite a nice touch to an otherwise mundane item which nobody will give much thought to. I intend to have the boards fine sanded (professionally) when secured in final position. Floor sander guy will probably think I have gone rather potty, but those of us in the family will know the full story.

Now you do too.