How To: Ford CMP "Blitz" miscellany

[Jacques Reed]

Hi David,

Very good points from a manufacturing perspective. Sharp corners in openings are always to be avoided for stress concentration so I can see why the 45 degree cut was used instead of the 90 degree corner at that position.

I know which one would be easier to replicate unless one has a 20 tonne press!

Cheers,

[Mike Cecil]

I would suggest that all the holes were punched at once with a double-action press: first action clamps the plate flat in the die, second punches all the holes in one action. The die set for the earlier plate with the notched half-round opening along the top edge would be easier to manufacture than the die set with a forming punch to force the bulged shape in that location.



In any event, punching 1/8th MS plate would need to have the plate clamped to avoid distortion and to ensure the plate strips from the punches as the die set's punches are withdrawn. I also suspect each plate was dipped in a drawing/cutting compound prior to placing into the die.


I suppose the other question is the country of origin: Canadian or Australian manufacture? Both from the same country, or one from each?



Mike

[Jacques Reed]

Originally Posted by Mike Cecil

I suppose the other question is the country of origin: Canadian or Australian manufacture? Both from the same country, or one from each?

Mike

Hi Mike,

Both plates came off Australian assembled vehicles. Both seem to have never been touched before I removed them. Still, 75 years of paint, mud, and gunk can hide a lot of things.

The other question to ask is what is the purpose of the hole/pressing on the two plates?

From the photo it appears the only reason is to clear the front running board support adaptor bolt. The pressed one actually touches the adaptor at the pressing so was it a secondary reason to perhaps stop the splash plate from vibrating? I guess only the original designers know.

Cheers,

[Jacques Reed]

Good Day,

Recently I sold some Ford CMP bumper brackets and the purchaser asked if I could provide dimensions of an original bumper with a view to fabricating one.

Attached is a drawing of the earlier version bumper with the hole for the reflector jewel which I supplied taken from an original on my truck.
This drawing may be of use to others.

Finding the steel may be the hardest part. That seems to be a unique profile when I checked my very old Bethlehem Steel handbook. No doubt a wider flange could be cut/ground down to replicate the original width flange, or a fabrication job with a bit of welding and grinding. The channel was rolled, and not folded, to that shape hence the square edge at the top and bottom of the bumper.

I have checked, and double checked, dimensions but if you use this drawing I recommend you check them yourself or use a wooden template first. To paraphrase a well used woodworking term: "Measure twice and drill once"

Hope this is of some interest.

Cheers,

[Ivo Rmoutil]

Hi
Thanks again for selling the bumper brackets and providing the drawings. It is made of HEA 160 profile.

[Jacques Reed]

Hi Ivo,

Very glad to see the finished product and my drawing was of use to you. Well done!

Cheers,

[Jacques Reed]

Good Day,

I have been a bit quiet on the restoration front lately. Seems since I reached my 70's last year the demands on my time has increased. No major medical problems for me but a few routine medical requirements often cut into the good available days to do something more enjoyable. The Covid crisis has also put more pressure on the available time. We have been doing a lot of baby sitting our grandkids to help out our son and daughter-in-law with their reduced income and longer working hours. Toddlers and workshops just don't mix however!

I did manage to knock up this dolly for my roof a month ago.
I got annoyed with it always being in the way, and by having it movable I can rearrange the shed as required. I can also store it above heavier things on the floor which gives me extra space and still be able to get to the items below if required.
It could also come in handy for transporting it as there is some repair work to be done to it, or to transport it if I can find a Sunshine roof. It fits nicely in the bed of my ute.

I had the old windscreen frame laying around and about $40 worth of 30mm RHS and bolts was all it took to fabricate it one weekend.

Money well spent to avoid aggravation!

Next project is a small spray booth for the same reason above.

Anyway, I am still around thankfully in these unsettling times.
Hope this is of some interest.

Cheers,