New Music Box Done

Here's a couple of pictures of the finished Music Box. All out of black walnut and it weighs 68 pounds with the wind-up mechinism installed. Had to build a second top as the first one didn't turn out as I wanted.
Also been working on a build list for the F1, which I should have done a long time ago.
The weather is supposed to warm up to the mid 40's tomorrow and 57 for Friday (the last day of 2010) so think I will work on the drivers side floor pan before the weather hits again.
Happy New year to who ever reads this stuff. Hope yours has been as good as mine.

Still here

Well, after a few libations and a few weeks away from the F1 project I thought I better check back in. After cleaning up the sandblasting fiasco, I decided to return to a wood project I left hanging about a year ago. Besides, it's cold outside and I need to get this project off my list. It is a new box for a badly beat up, hundred year old, Regina wind-up music box for a friend. I am putting the finish on it as we speak. One coat of Walnut stain and three coats of wipe on poly with a good wax job over all that will get it done. I built it out of Black walnut. After much research on the internet, I decided I didn't want to mess with the inner working, as all those little parts are worth a lot more if you don't mess with them, or I should say, If I don't mess with them.
The first picture is me contemplating in my Barco lounger and the top picture is of the original Regina box made out of white oak. I will post the new finished box when complete.

Running Boards

Weather turned on me and slowed the progress on the floor pans. Decided to try and move some work inside to my little wood shop in the house. Got a bright idea to run an air hose from the big compressor to the work shop in the house. Did that, and decided I should try some sandblasting in the shop on the running boards as it was too cold to work in the garage. Blasting went great and finally figured out how to use the new blaster I bought. Works 4 time faster than the Sears one. It also puts sand and dust everywhere. I'm still finding sand in my underwear. Decided that was not a good decision. Meanwhile, my sewer line backed up this week and after breaking a rented power auger and augering in the rain and hail, the plumbing is fixed again. I have been spending the last few days cleaning the sand and dust out of my shop. This whole plan did not make Nancy very happy, including the plugged sewer line. I'm almost 70 years old and still learning little lessons in life.
Today is Thanksgiving Day and hope all of you have a great one. I am going to set back, rethink things and plan a different direction. Possibly a libation or two may be involved.

Welding the Floor Pans

After finishing up the back brakes, started welding in the right floor pan. I'm finding that welding 18 gauge metal takes some skill. Got about 3/4's of it welded up. Well work on it again tomorrow. Have to get some grinding disks for my air grinder so I can clean up my mess. Practice, Practice, Practice.

Brakes complete

The rear brakes have not been completely put together because I haven't been able to find one of the missing parking brake link bars. Spent way too much time on the internet and locally trying to find a replacement and didn't want to pay some E-BAY dork 25 bucks and shipping for one. Finally bought a piece of 3/16 x 1 1/2 flat bar and traced the one I had on it and used a grinder and a cutoff wheel to make a new one. Didn't turn out too bad and only cost me $5.37 and about a half hour time. Brakes are complete and together except for the emergency brake cable which I will buy later.

Cab Floors Going In

Got the cab mounted but had the wrong bolts. Put temporaries in so I could work on the floor. Will get the right ones tomorrow when I go to town.
Cut out part of the right side floor with an air cutting disc then smoothed things up with an angle grinder.
Grinding is such fun. Makes you think of fireworks and the 4th of July, until you catch your nose hairs on fire. Brings tears to your eyes, trust me. Anyway, got the right side almost ready to weld in. Lookin better already.
I will wear a dust mask when I do the left side and save the nose hairs. At least I won't have to trim them for a while.

Gas Tank In

Got the Gas Tank installed yesterday. Bought some 1 1/2x1/2 C channel for brackets to hang the tank. Welded some 3/8 nuts to the channel and mounted them on frame cross members. Bent the straps that were included with the tank and drilled them for 3/8 bolts. Used some vinyl bathtub tape to cushion between the tank and the straps. Worked out pretty well. Decided to go ahead and run the filler out the top through the bed. Been done hundreds of times before by smarter folks than me so should work okay.
Bought a 4x4 sheet of 18 gauge metal to do the patching on the cab and the fenders. Going to mount the cab solid today so I can start replacing the floor. This will test my fabrication and welding abilities.
I think yesterday was the last nice day before the cold part of fall sets in. Will try to get as much done on the floors before I have to move inside.

More demolition

Have to decide to either put the gas tank fill in the bed of the truck or run it out the drivers side in the fender. Either way will take some fitment so will ponder that for a while and went back to the cab. Ordered some cab mount brackets from LMC Truck Parts and will get them on Monday. Took the front cab glass out without breaking it but the back one is now in more than one piece. The rubber moldings were very old and brittle. Should have used a little more patience with the back one, but my friend Roger says "Patience is a waste of time." It also costs you money if your not.
Pulled all the rest of the dash parts out except the windshield wiper motor and the parking brake handle. It gets interesting figuring out how the Ford engineers put things together. Discovered a secret toggle switch under the dash by the start button that you have to turn on before you can start the engine. I think most people just left it in the on position as I started the original engine without knowing it was there.
Want to tie the cab down so I can start working on the floor pans. Also have to fill in the hole in the floor where the gas line from the tank went and the hole for the gas fill on the passenger side. Need to buy a sheet of 18 gauge metal fot the patch work.
Had some more helpers show up on a return from Mexico. I think their sober now.

Gas Tank & Cab Mount

Got my new Poly 14 gallon gas tank this week from "Tanks" here in Monticello Iowa. Proud to find out it is even made in Iowa. Wa Hoo. Also got parts to mount the cab back on the frame from National Parts Depot. Nancy helped me put the cab back on but it's not tied down yet. Roger Droz (Toes) came up from Topeka and has helped me take the mock engine and transmission back out so I can return them. Will maybe need them later again.
We are going to work on the installation of the gas tank today and will have to do a little head scraching for that project.

New Driveline

Got my new driveline back from Quality Repairs in Danville yesterday. When asking about shortening my existing driveline, Bryon told me that it was built for about 100 horsepower and probably wouldn't hold up under the 300 HP I was putting in and said I should go for a whole new setup. Turned out great and when I asked Matt if it would take the 300 HP I was putting in, he smiled and said, "this baby will take 800 Hp if you want it to". Enough said. I did a quick line up with the dummy tranny and rearend and looks like it will fit fine. You will notice the new one is about 6 3/4 inches shorter than the original, that takes care of the bigger 350 V8 block and longer 700R4 transmission.
Gas tank is ordered from "Tanks" in Monticello Iowa and should be here by the end of the week. Also ordered a cab mount kit from National Parts Depot in Canton Michigan. That should be here by the end of the week.
Gonna get cold outside soon and will have to move my Mig welder inside and start working on fenders and running boards.

Cab back on

My best helper helped me put the cab back on yesterday. Two of the best things I have is a great helper and that gantry crane. Now I know the cab sets back far enough that I can get the distributor out and there is lots of room up front of the small block and fan for the radiator and transmission cooler. The room behind the distributor was the important part as I don't want to have to pull the motor to get it out.
Have to bolt the cab down so I can start working on the new floor pan. The rear of the cab hooks to the frame with a rubber bushed bar on each side and the one on the drivers side wanted to stay put. Was rusted in. I finally had to grind the bolt off both sides so I could get it out and sandblast the rust off. Their in pretty bad shape with most of the rubber bushing gone, so i'm going to order a couple of new ones today from LMC TRUCK along with a new cab mounting kit.
Also have to figure out how to get the rust off the bottom of the cab floor. May have to roll it 90 degrees so I can clean it easier, but thats a way off yet.

Brake system

Got a little ahead of myself this week. After installing the mock engine and transmission and put the pumpkin back in the rear end, I couldn't figure out why I had to rase the transmission tail so high the get the carb base level. Jim Luther and Van Aldershof came down and straighened me out. I wasn't compensating for the "set" of the frame and had the front end too high. Came right into place when I lowered it down, then the pinion angle was easy to dial in. They told me to wait til further into the build before I finally weld the rear spring perches in their final place as the added weight with all the sheetmetal will change things considerably.
I was going to set the cab back on today to see if there was enough room for the engine, distributor and floor pan, and as I was moving boxes around I found out I hadn't installed the hangers for the brake system. Got it all in but missing an adjusting rod from the brake pedal to the booster. I put in a piece of plastic pipe temporarily and will make or buy one later (Don't forget Norm).
I did measure and order a new driveline from Quality Repairs in Danville, that will be finished on Tuesday.

Almost hear it run

Was a good day today. Went to town and picked up a gutted 700r4 transmission case from Jim Luther and an almost gutted 350 block from Larry Gerdom to do the mock up for the tranny mount. Got it all together and drilled and bolted in the tranny mount. I also drilled holes in the frame for the front brake lines. Next I have to put the pumpkin back in the rearend so I can measure and get the drive line cut, rewelded and balanced. Then I can set the rear end angle and weld in the spring perches. Then I will set the cab back on and bolt it down so I can weld in a new floor pan.
Yesterday I went to see Rick Evans who is building a chopped 50's Plymouth station wagon hotrod. I wanted to look at the frame he just had powder coated. Turned out great and made me decide that after I get all the items welded on my frame and all the rest of the holes that need drilled, I will have this frame powder coated also. It really will look a lot better that just paint and outlast me. The cost is a lot less than I expected.

We're Back

Had a great time in Europe. Saw a lot of old stuff and drank some good wine and beer. Had some catching up on home chores for a couple of days but got to go to a great car show in Quincy yesterday and saw a beautiful silver green F1 there. Excellent job on it and gives me more incentive to get back on my project.
One of the guys in the Friday group had his frame for a Plymouth he's building, blasted and powder coated for a reasonable price close to Burlington. I'm going to go look at it this next week and think this will be the way I go on the frame. Also, this next week I will borrow a gutted 700R4 transmission and empty 350 block for mock up so I can finish putting in the transmission crossover piece.
Nice to be home again.

Follow Us in Europe

If anyone's interested in seeing what we're doing on our trip you can follow us on Nancy's blog http://wwwnormandnancy.blogspot.com

Backing plates built

Got time today to work on the backing plates and put all the brake shoes , cylinders and springs together. Had a little trouble with some of the springs as I don't have a spring tool. Improvised with screw drivers and vise grips. A couple of the springs went flying and I had to spend some time looking for them but after laughing at myself I got them together. No more time to work on the project as we leave on Wednesday. Will continue when we return.

First paint

Got the brake drums, backing plates and pumpkin painted with what is called Chassis Black paint. I put a black self etching primer on first. Paint is from Eastwood.
Looks like things will have to wait for a while now as we are taking a trip to Europe starting this Wednesday and won't be back until the middle of October, so will check back in then when I build the backing plates with all the brake parts
My goal for the 35 day trip is to drink a different beer each day. My mother would be proud.

Parts are back

Been a couple of weeks since I've been able to get back on the F1. Had lots of rain, heat and company. All was good except the rain and heat.
Got all the parts back for the rear end and brakes. Need to sandblast the pumpkin (differential) and paint all the parts before I put it all together. I also have to research or get expert help on setting the angle of the differential so I can weld the new spring perches in place. This should be around 3 degrees upward. More on that later. Paint tomorrow and then build the brakes on the backing plates.

Rear suspension finished (almost)

Yesterday was another hot one but decided that while the rear differential was apart, and much lighter, I would finish up the rear suspension. I reapplied the springs and mounted the rearend housing in place and marked where the shock mount bar was going. Then I flipped the frame over with the gantry crane (it's getting heavier) so the drilling of the holes would be easier. Got everything together including the rear sway bar. Thats when I found out I have the wrong bolts for the top shock mounts. Will get some to fit next week. The sway bar in the picture is still covered with bubble wrap as it is chromed.
I have one more cross piece to install yet and that is the transmission mount. I have to get a gutted 700R4 transmission case and an old small block Chevy engine to mock that in place. Then I think I will take it all apart and paint the frame.
Also been working on one of the front fender mounting pieces that had one end partially rusted away. Welded it up and ground it down. Still more to do on it, but it's good practice for me.
Only have two weeks left before we leave for Europe for five weeks.

New Drums

Mother of Pearl, new brake drums. Ordered them from NAPA yesterday and picked them up this morning. Checked the fit and then took them over to Lynn Perry for redrilling. Should have them back next week. Now I have to get all the innerds. All the shoes, cylinders, springs etc. to rebuild the backing plates. You just have to find the right place for the right stuff.

Rear end housing blasted

Well, second set of brake drums came in yesterday and again the wrong ones. On a better note, Lynn Perry called me and he had the axles drilled and new bearings installed. Very nice job. He suggested that if I was going to sandblast the housing that the new seals should be put in after that. I picked all the stuff up from him and came home and blasted the housing. Then I washed it good with my power washer and blew it dry with compressed air. I let it set in the sun for a while to make sure it was dry and then shot it with some Eastwood chassis black primer. The housing is a bit pitted so will ask the experts if I could or should use some Evercoat filler to smooth out the surface before I finish painting it. I may have to remove the primer I just put on to do that but I need it now to finish mocking up the rear suspension.
Think I will work on the drums with a different parts dealer. We both have spent a lot of time trying to get the right ones. Maybe NAPA will become my new best friend.

Heat and Rain, Heat and Rain

A lot more heat and rain this last week, but since I think it's only my mom that reads this stuff, I procrastinated till today to add anything. I did some sandblasting of parts early in the week but could only go till noon. It was 97 degrees one day with a heat index of 110. I stayed out too long that day and haven't blasted since. Besides, got kids and grandkids here now.
I did order brake drums for the 9 inch rear end and they arrived Saturday. Wrong ones. Took them back this morning and should have new ones on Wednesday. This is the fun part of Hotrodding. The hunt.

New Floor Pans

The new floor pans arrived yesterday. I researched the internet to find the best ones and found out that BOTP (Blue Oval Truck Parts) were in the ball park as all the other manufacturers, except they are made in the good old USA. I like that and they even engraved USA in the pan. It will be a while before I start installing them as I have to put the cab back on the frame and bolt it down so it doesn't get tweeked out of shape with the cutting and welding. Meanwhile. I cleaned up the pumpkin and it's ready to be reinstalled in the rear end housing when I get it back. Still searching for rear brake parts. Hope I don't have to go to disk brakes although thats not bad, just more expensive. Sandblasted four more parts this morning encluding the radiator mounting frame, front fender mounts and front gravel pan.

Waiting

While I'm waiting for the axles to be drilled and new bearings and seals installed, plus brake parts, I decided to order new floor pans for the truck cab. I did a little research on the Internet and found out most of the places selling the floor pan/pans get them from China. I took a chance on the forum stating the web site "Blue Oval truck Parts" was the best place to get them. The pan will come in two pieces but should be pressed here in the good old US of A. This will be my first attempt at repairing sheet metal on the truck. Street Rodder magazine says this is the best place for a novice like me to start metal repairs as it is all going to be covered up anyway. I like that way of putting it. Should be here by next week.

Searching for drums and shoes

Took the axles and housing to a local hotrodder and machinist that lives about 5 miles away from me. He will redrill the axles to the 5 on 4 1/2 pattern that matches the new front suspension. He will also press off the old bearings and install new ones. The housing will get new seals too.
Meanwhile I was directed to another hotrodder who works at Advanced Auto Parts in Burlington. He is chasing the new drums and brake shoes. Trying to find new 11 inch by 1 3/4 inch drums with the 5 on 4 1/2 pattern may prove to be a problem. May have to clean up the old ones and redrill them. Finding the 11 x 1 3/4 inch shoes should be less of a problem.
The Friday morning group of rodders that gather together is proving to be a vast amount of information for me. These guys have the knowledge and contacts. All you have to do is ask and someone knows something or somebody. Great bunch of guys too. If your a novice like me, and you've never done a project like this, joining a group will save you a lot of time. Plus you get to hear a lot of interesting stories and see a lot of beautiful cars and trucks.

Grinding off the perches and shock mounts

After pulling the rear end all apart, I used an air cutoff wheel to remove the shock mounts and spring perches. I then used my angle grinder to smooth out the welds, Later, I will weld new spring perches on the bottom of the housing at the appropreate spacing.
Today I will try to contact the guy that may redrill the axles for me. I have decided to have the old bearings pulled off and put new ones on with new seals. Best to do that now and know whats inside. Preventative maintenance is the name of the game.

The Rear End is apart

Took the rear end all apart today except the pumpkin. Found out I have a 37 tooth ring gear and 10 tooth pinion which makes this set up a 3.70 gear ratio. It has the 28 spline axles and small bearings which should be fine. This will be perfect for the Small block 350 engine and 700R4 overdrive transmission thats going into the truck. All the parts in the rear end look great and it even had oil in it. Will have to have the axle bolt pads redrilled for a 5 on 4 1/2 bolt pattern to match the new front suspension pattern. Also will put in new brake cylinders, brake shoes and drums to fit the new drilled bolt pattern. I now have to cut off the old shock mounts and spring perches. New perches will be welded on the bottom of the housing later when the pinion angle is set. This won't happen until the engine and transmission are mocked up and a new driveline is built. I will check with my experts, but except for drilling the new bolt pattern, I think I can reassemble this baby since I didn't disturb the pumkin. That takes an expert to set up if you take it all apart. I may need to replace the bearings, but they are sealed and look, sound and feel good. Someone with more knowledge than I will tell me. Will do it if needed.
I still can't believe I fell into this one. My luck usually doesn't run that way.

Wheels and rear end

Well, I had a bit of luck this week. I found a set of older Ford Explorer wheels on craigslist that were somewhat close to the wheels I think I will eventually put on the F1. I bought them for two reasons. First as I said they look like the ones I want to put on and I thought this would be a chance to see what they would look like on the Ford. Second, I needed a set of rollers to move the frame around when it's done and they only cost 100 buck for the works. The tires are nothing to talk about, but will hold air. While talking to the guy I bought the wheels from, I told him I was looking for a 8.8 Ford rear end also. He said he had one if I wanted to look at it. We measured it and found it was too wide. Behind it was another one that was a 9 inch. He said it was going into a friends race car. I measured it and it looked like just the width I was looking for. I offered him 50 bucks more than the 150 his buddie was going to give him and he agreed. This was a total surprize. I had just about written off finding a 9 inch as they are very scarce now. I think his buddie isn't going to be too happy with him. Got to tear it apart and have the axles redrilled for a 5 x 4 1/2 inch pattern and go through the seals and bearings. Hope the ring and pinion gears are okay. I will find out.

Back to Blasting

Been busy doing "Stuff". Had family down with grandkids and then went North to help paint my daughters house and other stuff. Also been researching 9 inch and 8.8 inch rear ends for the F1. I'm finding the 9 inchers are tuff to find and expensive if you do. Thinking I will go for a 8.8 inch instead. Should be strong enough for this old girl even with the new horsepower. Also been learning about metal preperation and painting. I know thats a long way off yet, but Knowledge is knowledge.
Started blasting more panels (front inside fender wells) so I can hang some of the front clip back on for fitment of parts. Lot more blasting to do yet.

Nirvana

This morning I was invited to a local Rodders group up in Burlington. These guys meet every Friday for a BS/info session or Rod Run. I thought this might be a time I could ask questions of experienced guys. WOW, NIRVANA. About twenty guys showed up and I think all are retired. Most are within about a ten year age difference (my group). All either have a car, or multiple cars, or working on a car. They welcomed me into the group and I set back and listened for a bit. One of the guys asked me if I was working on a project, so I explained the F1. One other guy in the group is also working on a 48 F1. Within a few short minutes I was asked if I wanted to sell the old engine and transmission out of the F1, one fellow offered the use of a Ford 9" rearend for Mock-up, An offer to use a Chevy 350 block and 700R4 transmission for mock-up. I was amazed at the talent that looked like was available in the group. Toward the end of the gathering they stated and they would like to do a Rod Run to my place some Friday to see what I am doing. A real nice bunch of guys with years of experience and information.
This project just gets better all the time.

Just a swingin

This last week has been very, very wet, hot and humid here in Southeast Iowa. I thought for a while the State of Iowa was going to become the largest lake in the USA. The Skunk River, which is about 5 miles away, has been out of it's banks for almost a week. The port-a-potty located in the middle of the little camping park there has been floating in 2 feet of water until today.
Sooo, I reverted to my little wood shop inside the house that is airconditioned and have been making some swings for my grandkids. Got one more coat of Polyurethane to apply tonight and then back to the F1 tomorrow. Supposed to get sunshine and 80 degree weather for this next week. Maybe I can mow my lawn tomorrow if it dries out enough.

Front sway bar in

Today I struggled with the front sway bar and it shouldn't have been that hard. There are two outside mounting brackets that are drilled off center and supposed to go in one way on top of the rear stabilizer bars. After renameing the sway bar "The Bitch", I figured if I swapped the mounting brackets from side to side I would gain the half inch I was short. Mother of Pearl, it fell right together. Some times your the windshield and sometimes your the bug.
Also applied the brake caliper brackets and temporarily put the calipers on.
Still need to put the rotors on with the bearings and seals but will do that after everything is painted. Also need to figure out where the brake line brackets will weld to the frame and not be in the way of any swinging parts.

Workin the front end

Started this morning putting the front suspension and steering gear together.
First I put on the lower A frame and then attached the rear stablizer bars. Next the upper A frame and since I'm not putting the springs and shocks in yet, they give you a tee bar to use in their place to line everything up. I then added the rack and then the spindles. It's not all real tight yet but now I can locate the brake line hose holders and a couple of other parts to be welded on the frame. Still need to put the brake disc's and calipers on. Maybe tomorrow.
All the stuff I put on today came from Heidts Hotrod Shop
By the way, It's still raining.

Mustang/Pinto IFS going in

Time to start the front end.
I first clamped in the new lower crossmember locating it 15 & 13/16 inch back from the original front spring mount as instructions state. Had to grind off the rivited brake line holder to get the crossmember to fit. Flopped the frame and drilled 3/8" holes in the frame using four bolts on each side to attach the lower crossmember. Flopped the frame back over and positioned the coil spring pods over the frame and lined them up with the lower crossmember and drilled twelve 3/8" holes that hold each pod to the frame and crossmember. Looking pretty sturdy.
Next, I bolted the strut rod support brackes to the back of the lower crossmember and clamped the rear of the bracket to the frame. I flopped the frame again and drilled three 3/8" holes through the bracket and on through the frame. Tightened those bolts and flopped the frame right side up again and drilled the two 3/8" side mounting bolts to finish that application.
It was about 93 degrees out today with 90% humidity so I think I lost a couple of pounds today.
Tomorrow I will start installing the rack

New CE widened Mustang IFS

Unboxed the Chassis Engineering widened Mustang/Pinto crossover parts to get an idea of what comes next. This will be a little harder than the rear suspension but the instructions look good. Sure glad I have the gantry crane to flip the frame as this is easier that trying to drill the holes laying on my back on the concrete. The frame is already heavier with the rear suspension on so I will take the leaf springs off and set them aside for now. Company coming so will tackle this next week.
Did you notice my work bench. It's two 55 gallon drums and a door. Works great.

New rear suspension

I decided that I would wait to primer the frame as the Afterblast looks like it will keep it from rusting for a while and I have to take everything apart again anyway
It felt good to start adding something back on the frame. I unboxed the Chassis Engineering AS-2020C complete Rear End Mounting kit and set it out to make sure I had all the right parts. Those guys don't mess up, it was all there. Went together pretty well with their instruction sheet.
I first flipped the frame over and ground down 4 rivet heads, as instructed, that were in the way and then drilled out the existing spring perch holes to 13/32. I then bolted the new perches on and drilled out 2 more mounting holes for each perch and tighted them up. Then I put the back shackles on loosely and put the spring packs on. Now I realize that I need a rearend to finish up the shock bar, bottom shock mounts and rear sway bar. Time to go shopping for that.
Next I will tackle the front IFS which will be a bit more complicated
I just want to say one more think about sandblasting. I was told it was a thankless, tedious, dirty, messy job. It is all that and more. I'm glad I did it, as now I know every millimeter of that frame. I would do one more for you if you asked me and would only charge you $25,000.

After Blast

Today I went over all the frame with an Eastwood product called After Blast. It's a Phosphoric acid and water mixture with a zinc phosphoric coating to stop flash rust. I poured it from a gallon jug into a small spray bottle and had the frame upside down. I opened the garage and put on rubber gloves and eye protection. Do not do this in a confined space. I sprayed all I could get to and let it set for about 5 minutes and then wiped it down with and old towel. I then flipped it over with the crane and did the topside, again, letting it set for about 5 minutes and wiped it down. This turns the freshly blasted metal somewhat black, but that is the protection from flash rust. I will let it dry until tomorrow and then will apply some Eastwood stuff called Internal Frame Coating. This stuff converts, encapsolates and seals the rust that I couldn't get to with the sandblaster such as behind the cross frame plates and footboard hangers where they attach to the frame. A very small area. You get a spray can with a long spray tube to get into the tight spots. After that I will spray the frame with Eastwood Extreme Chassis Black Primer.

Frame sandblasting is done

Well, been a busy week. Had a lot of company and sold my 28 Model A Sedan Delivery yesterday. It went to a nice fellow in Keokuk, about 30 miles south of here. Now I have a little stash to buy parts for the F1 project.
In between visitors I was able to do some sandblasting on the frame and finished it today. I then did some welding on a few spots that were thin or rusted through. The frame is in remarkable shape for it's age and not much welding was needed.
I got some products from Eastwood last week to first wipe down the frame with some stuff called PRE, and then I will spray it with a primer so I can start putting on the new front and rear suspension without the frame surface rusting . It will be nice to finally put some parts back on this old baby.

My Pot Arrived

The 100 pound pressure sandblasting pot arrived from Eastwood yesterday and I put all the pieces together this morning. Looks like it's going to work okay. There are 3 sizes of nozzles that came with it so I will do some experimenting to see which gets the best results. I already found out this morning that the cheap blasting grit I have been using is to large for all but the biggest nozzle. That one looks like it will work. Maybe we will see more progress this week. It's warm enough out for shorts and now I have to put long pants back on.

The rain is gone for a couple of days

The rain finally quit yesterday afternoon. Before bringing the frame back outside to do more sandblasting today, I decided to take Nancy for a ride on my BMW motorcycle. Had a great ride and breakfast at Laura's restaurant with No Job Johnny. After we got home Nancy helped me get the frame out and my little blast tent set up. I decided to do a little mowing of the yard before I got into it. I found about one quarter of the lawn is still so wet it can't be mowed yet.
Anyway got all set up and blasted about 4 feet of the bottom side of one frame rail and the sand quit coming. I had ordered some new tips from Sears on May 8th because I knew this one was wearing out. Well, it finally did. No new tips from Sears yet and the new pressure blaster from Eastwood isn't going to be shipped till the 26th. Called Sears to find out where the new nozzles were. Guess what, computer problems and had to be reordered and will be here the 26th maybe. Not all is lost, Nancy and I are getting our exercise lifting the frame up and down. I will work on small parts till some kind of blasting equipment shows up. Suppose to rain again on the 26th.

Still Raining

Been raining for a week now. Hope for more sunshine starting tomorrow. Ordered a pressure sandblasting pot from Eastwood. The one that holds 100 pounds af blasting media. It's back ordered and won't be shipped til the 26th of May. Flipped the frame over with the chain hoist so I can blast the bottom. Hope to move it back outside tomorrow and continue with the sandblasting unit I have. Made another roll around cart for the truck bed last week. This allowed me to remove the bed from the little canoe trailer I had it setting on. Besides, Nancy wants to use the trailer. Bought her a new lawn mower for Mothers Day. When will I learn that flowers or some type of bling are a better gift than a mower. Hey, it's a pretty red color. I get to move back inside the house next week, Maybe.

Old Dogs are Home

Well, the old dogs pulled back into Wever Friday afternoon. We made it all the way to Erin Tennesee before no gas available ahead of us. The flooding in Tennesee closed roads and gas delivery was not available. Turning South was worse. Looked like the ride to the Dragon Tail in North Carolina was terminated. We decided to head back into Arkansas and ride "The Pig Tail Trail" South out of Eureka Springs. We did that and it was a blast. A rapidly wearing front tire on my bike directed us back North to Lebanon MO to the Ozark Harley shop. 2 hours later we were back on the blacktop headed home. Our last day in was the only day we had to ride in the rain and wind. All in all, we rode in 7 states and over 2300 miles. Was a little disappointing not being able to ride the Dragon, but we had as much fun as 3 old dogs could have anyway.
Got more sand for sandblasting the frame yesterday but looks like rain all week. Maybe Friday. Will putter on some other stuff til then.

Blasting, Blasting, Blasting

Started blasting the frame. Set up a plastic tent with a plastic pipe frame. Put a couple of pieces of panel board down for the floor and to make it easier to collect the blown sand. Works pretty well. Found out I can buy blasting sand at Huffmans Farm and Home for $5.50 a bag. That is much better than the dollar a pound stuff at other places. Works good for the frame. I think it will be too course for the cab and fenders. Will have to see about soda blasting those. Anyway, it is tedious, dirty and sand goes everywhere. I bundled up with my welding jacket and filter mask, then the hood. The plastic lens in the hood doesn't last too long with all the sand bouncing off it. I cut 4 more spares out of some left over stuff I had in the shop. The blasting will take a few days to finish and our yearly motorcycle ride will be upon us starting this Saturday. Rubber Toes and Two Gallon will ride up here to Wever fron Topeka on friday and we leave for a 10 state ride through the Smokies this year. Heading to the "Tail of the Dragon" in Deals Gap, North Carolina. This means no work on the F1 for about 2 weeks.
Oh well, it's not like it's a race. Who has more fun than me?

The Frame is Empty

Today I finished removing all the parts from the frame that will be coming off. I started by grinding off the heads of the rivets holding the rear spring pearches, and driving them out with a punch. Moved up to the transmission crossover mount and did the same thing, Had to do some tricky grinding on the rivets holding the front end and motor mounts. Got them all punched out and dropped out the front end. Those boys at the Ford Company back in 48 sure new how to put in a tight rivet.
This all brought me back to the Hillyard Diesel Shop, when I was a Sheetmetal Worker/Pipefitter, and knocked rivets off the panels on old Great Northern F units. Guess what, I'm still working on a F unit. Also remembered that even though I wear leather gloves to hold the punch, It seems like evey fifth strike with the hammer gets my left index finger top knuckle. The left hand is now slightly larger than the right one. This all goes away with a few beers.
Sandblasting the frame comes next and I still haven't quite got that figured out. I need to get the frame outside I think to keep the mess down in the garage. Still thinking about a portable floor for the blasting booth (maybe a piece of linoleum). Should start on that next week. When the frame is clean, I will start putting the new suspension on. It will be nice to work on clean stuff.
I wonder how many beers before this swelling goes down?

Portable Blasting Booth

As you can see by the pictures, I set up a very primitive Blasting booth. Although it does work, I figured out a smaller one will fulfill most of my needs. I cut the plastic pipe in half to 5 feet long and this will give me a 5 foot by 5 foot square 7 feet high. This should capture the media in a smaller area. I now need to come up with a better floor. I will do some research at Menards and Lowe's.
I did a small welding job on a hitch for a friend today and then sandblasted it and painted it. All those skills worked, but need enhancement. I hope Bob's trailer doesn't leave his hitch somewhere along the highway.

The hunt for knowledge is exciting and learning what you don't know is, well, what can I say. Should have done this 40 years ago.

Sandblasting is a blast

Well, time to try out the sandblasting. I first hooked up the little cheap hand hopper I got from Harbor Freight and it worked, but not very well. I then hooked up the roll around siphon rig my son-in-law John loaned me. I had renewed the siphon hose, as it was deteriorated, with a new longer one and things didn't work at all. Found out if I shortened the hose and lowered the pressure it worked pretty well. With all the research I did on blasting, they are right. This is a messy job. You also need serious protective gear. It also goes through blasting media like Montazuma's revenge. Sooo, need to find a place to buy media cheaper and build a portable enclosure to blast in and be able to reclaim the media. I'm not detoured by this as I learned some patience while woodworking. It is kinda neat to watch all the rust and paint desolve right before your eyes. As you can see, I am easily entertained.

Compressor air piping in

Went to town today for the pipe and fittings to finish up the lines from the air compressor. Got it all piped and except for cleaning up my mess and putting a few more clamps on, I think it's finished. Doing a leak down test as we speak. Looks good so far. Didn't even fall off a ladder today. That's a plus in itself.
Should be able to try some sandblasting soon.
That old front suspension is staring at me and wondering when it will get it's freedom.

Inside work

It was raining again all day today, so thought I would tackle removing the rearend. This one didn't come out easy. Had to use a cheater bar on a breaker bar to get the nuts to break loose. After a bunch of penetrating oil was poured on and a lot of grunting, they popped loose. Anyway, got the rearend out and only smashed one thumb. I think It's all comin back to me now.
Next I think I will pull the rear springs and spring purches. They are riveted on the frame, so will grind off the heads and punch or drill out the rivets. I have to be careful with this part as the new rear suspension will use these same holes.
Anybody reading this stuff???

Engine and tranny are out

Finished wiring the Big Ass compressor this morning and cranked it up. Sounds great and pumped up to 175 pounds. This baby ought to blow the drawers of anything. Now I have to pipe it and install an in line dryer to take the moisture out of the air. This is a USA made compressor and it sure shows.
Next I pulled the driveline out of the F1 and got all the rest of the motor and transmission bolts out and unhooked the clutch linkage. Hooked the web straps around them both and rolled the gantry crane over and hooked up the chain hoist. Nancy came out and helped me work it up out of the frame. Tried to set it down on the cart I had made for it and had to pull it back up and do some modifications to the cart. My jigsaw fixed that and then set it back in place on the stand. I'll roll it over in the corner some where out of the way till I figure out what to do with it.
The rear end will be the next thing to come out and then the rear suspension which is all rivited in. A lot of grinding and drilling to do there.
The frame is sure starting to look bare.

Christmas in April

Has been a good day today. Picked up Dave Aldershof this morning and headed to West Branch Iowa to get the new suspension kit. I posted a couple of pictures of Dave and his 39 Chevy and 32 Roadster for you to admire.
On arrival at Chassis Engineering we were greated by Jim, The owner who takes the money, and Denny and George who helped me with ordering parts. They had everything boxed and ready to go. Very nice people to deal with.
Before loading up. we went Through the shop to the back building where Roy Lewis, the retired original owner, was working on his 32 foot long duel diesel engine land speed record vehicle. Roy holds the single diesel engine LSR at Bonneville at a hair over 306 MPH. He is the driver of the car and is slightly older than I am. He is in the process of adding a second engine and will try to break the duel engine record this year set by Andy Greene at 317 MPH. Greene has gone 350 in his car but not a record attempt.
The picture of the 1916 Harley is Roy's round tuit job. He give's me insperation.
Brought all the parts home and unloaded them in the Garage and went to get Nancy to show her the Mothers Day present I got for her.
Going to pull the engine and Transmission next.

Big Blue is here

Big blue (the compressor) got delivered today. Now I have to set it in place and wire it. Should be ready to do some sandblasting soon. Got to get the engine and transmission out next. My new front and rear suspension kit is ready up in West Branch and Dave Aldershof will go up with me Monday to haul it all home. It will set for a while til I get all the old front and rear suspension off. Then I will sandblast the frame. Then the long process of putting things back together begins. I've been told, that's the hard part.

New Gantry Crane

Looks like Nancy has added some music to the Blog.

Yesterday I went to Davenport,Iowa to pick up a new 1 ton Gantry Crane, I figured it would be kind of hard to get 4 fat guys with strong backs together each time I needed a lift on the truck, so I opted to go this direction. Besides, the crane doesn't drink beer.

No Job Johnny came down this morning and I had all parts off the trailer and out of the crate. The whole thing weighs about 600 pounds. Bob helped me put it all together and also brought me a pulley system to use with it. Had it all together in a couple of hours and I thought that would be it. Bob said "I want to see that cab come off", so we set the crane over the truck and lifted the cab off. Worked great. Next I will use it to pull the engine and transmission.

Marian, My neighbor across the street came over and I told her she could help pull the engine and transmission.

I got the crane first, so I can lift the new compressor off the trailer (loaned by Dean Long) That i'm going to get next week. Lot's more to do before I get started with the sandblasting.

I ordered the new front IFS suspension and rear suspension from Chassis Engineering in West Branch Iowa last week. Should be hearing from them soon to come pick that up.

Nice to have good weather again and back on this project.
Tomorrow i'm gonna ride my Harley.
Boogie til ya Puke.

Engine stand

Well, got the engine stand done today and will be pulling the engine and transmission soon. I also finally brought the Miller 211 MIG welder from my wood shop to the toy barn. Still haven't tried it yet but the wiring is ready and will do that soon also.

Finally Back

Well, I'm still alive. Back is okay now and had to go back to Washington State for family business. Got back Late Sunday night. As an update, I bought a Miller 211 automatic mig welder in Febuary. Haven't had time to try it out yet but finished wiring the plug for it in the garage today. Going to buy the big ass compressor for sandblasting and other chores within the next two weeks. It will be a 5 horse Quincy. USA made just down the river from me. Just to let you know what direction I am going with the F1, It will get a new IFS front suspension and new rear suspension from Chassis Engineering located in West Branch Iowa. It is an all bolt in kit made specifically for the F!. I got a great deal from great folks at Chassis Engineering with the help of 2 guys here in burlington that went with me two weeks ago to do the preliminary ordering. Thanks to Dave Aldershof who has delt with them before and Bob Ertzinger I got a great deal. Also got to meet Roy Lewis, the founder of Chassis Engineering back in the early 60's, and now retired from the business but working his dream. He holds the single diesel engine powered land speed record at Bonneville at just over 306 MPH. He drives the car and I think is older than me. He is adding a second diesel engine with two turbo's for each engine to see if he can break the two engine record at 317 MPH. What an interesting guy. I will final order the stuff from Chassis Engineering probably within the next two weeks. Got to get all this done before Nancy gets back from Washington and finds out what i'm doing. I am going to start building the cart to hold the engine and transmission tomorrow so I can get it pulled out. I will add more pictures when Nancy gets home with the camera. More later.

Still alive but hurtin!

Need to get an update in here so you don't think I died. Sent Nancy off to Mexico this morning. Had a big blizzard yesterday with about 8" of snow. Put her on a train to Chicago. Big snow there too so hope the plane gets out. Meanwhile, I tweeked my back layin some tile in the basement area and have been laying low. I did get uptown to buy a new Mig welder a couple of weeks ago for the project. It's a Miller 211 autoweld. Good advice from David Bitting. Nice machine and I will put a picture on when I'm able. Next aquisition will be the Quincy compressor,(probably next month.) I'm itching to get going on this project but right now I have to go put the ice pack back on. Be aware, as Arnold said, "I'll be back"

Back Again

Well, been gone for 6 weeks out to Washington State. Time to get this thing going again. Did a lot of internet research while out West.
Some decisions:
Going to put in a new IFS front end from Chassis Engineering Inc. Located in West Branch, Iowa, about 120 miles north of here. Also going to use their rear suspension package with front and rear sway bars and transmission mount.
The next items will be a small block Chevy engine and 700r4 transmission with a Ford 9" or Ford 8.8" rearend up grade. This combo should let me drive at freeway speeds in comfort. Should also have disc brakes front and rear
Decided to buy a nice big Quincy compressor so I can do all my own sandblasting. Got a sandblaster from my son-in-law John to try out on blasting the frame.
Still have to pull the old six banger and transmission out yet and the front and rear end. All the sheetmetal is off but I still have to set the cab off the frame.
Also need a mig welder to tie things together.
Then a torch set up to round out the big tool expenderatures
But first, Nancy found some tile she likes and will tile the lower computer room area. Uhg, more time on the Lewinski's
Going to check on the Mig welder this week. Thinking of a Miller 180.
More to come, Im still alive. Want to drive it before I die.