Ford GP (series 1) slow build

[Lynn Eades]

Mike, the Ford V8 went over to one piece guides. If you are doing all new valves
(stainless?) then that would be the way to go. Do they have hard seats?(inserts) Then you don't have issues with fuel lacking the lead.
I assume the v8 bits interchange?

[Mike Cecil]

All part of the investigation, Lynn. The post above has a link to Davis Tractor who are just one of many who supply an overhaul kit which includes one-piece guides, but you'll see that certain other parts such as seats are purchased separately.

Started wrestling with those *7%$#@ horse shoe clips yesterday, after the valve spring compressor arrived from Northern Tool.

Mike

[Mike K]

Originally Posted by Mike Cecil

Started wrestling with those *7%$#@ horse shoe clips yesterday, after the valve spring compressor arrived from Northern Tool.

Mike

There was also a special too available , this was for loosening really stuck valve guides . Ryans in Melbourne used to sell the tool. It was a length of 5/16" rod bored out one end, the bored end had a slot machined into it , the rod was bent into a odd shape, you slid the tool around the valve head , the bored end would fit around the valve stem, and a hammer blow on the tool would force the guide loose . I did have one, I loaned it to A. Browne .

[Mike Cecil]

Mike,

Yes, had one too .... but it and the valve guide bar that was also produced for the Ford valve system went in the clearing sale we had just before we left for the USA. I had not intended to get back onto restoration, so all sorts of things were sold that in hindsight, I could use now! NOS Ford dash gauges, special tools (I wonder if the recipient ever worked out what it was for), wheel nut spanner/wrenches and bar, a GP marked wheel bearing tube spanner/wrench, and so on....

The 'Yass Boys' did well from that haul, I think!

Still, no regrets: it has worked out well for us.

I'll be replacing the valves anyway, so may resort to cutting off the heads to give access to the valve guide from above.

Mike

[Mike Cecil]

GP8920 is now at the rolling chassis stage - engine built except for the head being bolted down and a few more peripherals. New pistons/rings/valves/valve guides/adjustable lifters/bearings/oil pump/bearings - should be good to go.

T/case, gearbox etc all bolted together and the whole lot installed into the chassis. A bit more fitting out and it will be ready to test-fire the engine.

Brake system completed and clutch linkages all connected.

The body has been painted and I've started to install the wiring loom, electricals, and the dash components. The rear locker lids and catches are installed as are the rear lights, reflectors, spare tyre carrier, and so on - the add-ons that wont get in the way of the lifting sling when it comes time to lift the body onto the chassis. The body is on horses under the overhead gantry, so when it comes time to drop it onto the chassis, it's a simple lift, push sideways and drop gently into place on the chassis (yea, I know ... simple in theory!)

The instrument panel has been restored - it was in very ordinary condition, so was pulled apart, sandblasted, painted green outside/white inside, re-painted bronze/gold face, red pin-striping, and the red on the speedo face speed indicators and the white speedo needle. Speedo tested. A NOS set of gauges topped it off. Now re-assembled and ready to connect up the wiring before placing into the dash panel.

Slowly, slowly ....

Making a 'cross border raid' sometime soon, to California: more about that later .....

Mike