LP2a SAR restoration

[Phillip]

Work and the property has kept me pretty busy over the past weeks so not much progress.

When I've had the chance, I've been alternating between pulling down the suspension and misc small tasks.

After a little hunting around, I found a cloth wire that looks close to the faded samples that I have, the original could have been either yellow, tan or this brown colour. I liked the brown colour so went with that.

I've filled in a few evenings by finding all the correct BA screws (this has been challenging and in the end they have had to come out of the UK) and finishing the dash panel.

One concession I had to make was the toggle switches which are new however the toggles are as near a new exact match for the originals whilst the Bakelite switches and plug are all originals, as is the Ford dash.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

You're doing a great job on that Carrier, Phillip.

Originally Posted by Phillip

One concession I had to make was the toggle switches which are new however the toggles are as near a new exact match for the originals

Any info available on make & model and where to buy them?

Thanks,
Hanno

[Phillip]

Hi Hanno,

Switches are made by Cole Hersee part number - M-493.

The toggle length matches the ones used on the LP2a dash but is shorter than that used on the Ford CMP dash.

Hope this helps.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Phillip

Hi Hanno,

Switches are made by Cole Hersee part number - M-493.

The toggle length matches the ones used on the LP2a dash but is shorter than that used on the Ford CMP dash.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Philip, it does help.

Just learned something new today: the toggle lenght for dthe LP2a carrier is shorter than on the truck - well, it does makes sense.

Will keep looking for other sources.

Regards,
Hanno

300WX300H_U33015_M-493-BX.jpg.jpg

[Phillip]

Whilst pulling apart the suspension (and geez is that a fun job), I have found the front and rear springs combinations are all mixed up.

From the illustrated spare parts book, the lengths should be:

Front Outer - 10 1/2" - 9 coils
Front Inner - 9 1/4" - 12 colis
Rear Outer - 9 1/2" - 8 coils
Rear Inner - 11" - 15 coils

There is no mention of the spring sizes in either the parts manual, drivers manual nor the workshop manual so can anyone confirm that the illustrated spares manual is correct?

[Lynn Eades]

Hi Phillip, the eight front outer springs are the longer ones and the eight shorter ones are the rear ones.(outers)
Book says:
U59 front outer 10 1/2"
U60 front inner 9 1/4"
U61 rear outer 9 1/2"
U75 rear inner 11"

[Phillip]

I needed a break from bogie springs, ball joints, suspension rods and the frustration that comes with trying to seperate them.

Now that you can actually own, rather than rent, a gas cylinder, I forked out the cash and purchased a bottle of oxy, borrowed the neighbours lpg regulator and did what little panel beating is required on the carrier.

The front and rear towing eyes are now level, as much of the dent as my skills allow had been taken out of the air scoop. The only thing left to straighten are the guard rails for the exhaust pipes, then it's hopefully off to the sandblasters.

I also re-attached the rear tool plate to its angle iron as it had been neatly cut off. With the aid of my junior spanner holders, removed the rear bogies from the hull as well as finished stripping the bearings from the wheels prior to them going off to Hugh Davies in SA for re-rubbering.

Now back to pulling the suspension apart.

[Phillip]

Despite my best attempts avoidance ( eg; taking cold showers, minimal clothing, working in a freezing cold shed (well anything under 8c is cold in my book)) I finally came down with the flu, (in unison - 'Awwwwww').

The best remedy I could find has two pain relievers and a trip to the shed to avoid re-infecting the family. It's been a busy week.

I am very greatful to my old friend and socialite, Wayne Henderson, who let me measure up a NOS leather bellows for the cross tube and create a set of drawings under his eagle eye. From this I made a paper template so that I could check my measurements and had another friend, Steve (the saddle maker) make a set. Result - Perfection - This guy is a craftsman. I made the leather inserts for the clutch, accelorater etc and they look very average in comparison.

All the linkages were installed and the steering set up. Then with the aid of my loving wife, the cross tube was installed. Then I had the take the cam plate back off and insert the cam rollers

Gear linkage is back in and now working on restoring the oil lines. Still have not done anything with the wheels and it's about time to strip down the engine.

[Dale Jordan]

Fantastic . Any chance he could make me a set leather bellows for the cross tube for my carrier ?? Dale

[Phillip]

Hi Dale,

You did a brilliant job on your carrier, pm sent.

[Phillip]

Slow weekend on the restoration front.

Took all the diff bearings down to the local bearing shop, the crown wheel bearings were in stock but the pinion bearings have to come ex-Melbourne. The roller bearing for the pinion might prove a little challenging so may have to resort to using US supplier.

Spent the afternoon straightening all the cooling fins on the oil cooler test fitted today with pipes before I remake at one that has a nasty crush injury.

Then spent an hour hunting around the shed looking for the pipe bender, before giving up and started pulling down the engine. Now , where did I leave my engine stand......