Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

[Private_collector]

Hey Cliff!

I'm game if you are. Will require you to sign a form first, but that's just a formality, trust me.

I was very pleased to have had a phonecall from Lloyd McCarthy this morning. Was good to talk to him again. Have not seen or spoken to him since I saw him at the funeral of our Brigadier, Keith Outridge, AM. That was at least a couple of years ago now. Lloyd intends to have his FGT at the Canungra swap meet this year, which is in October. I have given Lloyd an open invitation to some on up here on any Sunday he likes. Last time / only time he has been here, I only had the CMP hulk now known as The Organ Donor. I hope he would approve of what I have done, thus far. Lloyd is an old school perfectionist, who had restored his vehicle to an exceptional level. Inspiring!

Lloyd did not have my contact details until he visited one of the local auto electritions in last couple of days, and was shown a business card I left with the guys, for them to call me once they have done the work I had given them. That work was to replace the two brushes attached to the fields of my starter motor with new ones I bought from Macs. The auto electrician is keen to do any wiring I feel is better done by an expert. That could be substantial.

I know the timing may not be great, but I can come pick you up some time if you would like to see the truck for yourself. Did you end up writing the additional details for the Maryborough Military Museum?

[cliff]

Originally Posted by Private_collector

Hey Cliff!
I know the timing may not be great, but I can come pick you up some time if you would like to see the truck for yourself. Did you end up writing the additional details for the Maryborough Military Museum?

Sorry Tony Timing is bad due to Kathie's health although she is doing OK at present despite the circumstances! Yes got the details to the museum for the models I donated.

I'll keep in touch mate. Thanks for the kind thoughts

[Private_collector]

French con rods.jpg Grant piston ring set.jpg Piston with rings closeup.jpg
After some very helpful replies to questions I had asked on another forum, the piston and con rod sets are now assembled. A quantity of French cosmoline (or froggy equivelent) had to be scrubbed away from the connecting rods first. It was good to see that the people at Grant have done their best to label the ring set in such a way that it would be almost impossible to make a mistake with installation.
Pistons with rings x8.jpg Piston test fit, no big end bearing installed.jpg
I did the mandatory test fit of one piston and con rod. The piston you see in the cylinder looks to be sitting too low because the big end bearing has NOT been added. Difference in height required for piston to sit correct, is same thickness of a big end bearing. I know, because I measured, but did not want to handle the bearings until final assembly commences. That may be this weekend.

[Private_collector]

$(KGrHqN,!l8E1F21K8lLBN,W6T6qV!~~_35-1.jpeg
Several days ago I ordered a custom made muffler from the USA. It will be very close to the photo above, though the in/out pipes will be in different locations. While not a cheap item, it is about as close to an original as I will ever see. Cost is under $180, including the $50USD for shipping. I won't see it for quite some time. Manufacturer asks for 10-15 business days for production, and I would expect another >2/52 for the journey to AU. In the meantime, hopefully I can acquire a suitable piece of 1 & 5/8 pipe and the one remaining pipe hanger I will need to complete the job.

Thanks to Jacques earlier postings showing correct pipe hangers, I have been fortunate enough to locate the hanger that bolts tothe chassis rail. Now need to search for the hanger that attaches to fuel tank strap.