I know that anyone that has worked on these old trucks has run into some frustrating moments along the way. Yesterday was one of those days for me.
I'm in the final stretch of the restoration of my 1949 M-47 Mercury. Just some paint touch-ups as far as the bodywork goes. I've learned to be patient with my old body guy as he moves slow after almost sixty years of bodywork. So yesterday seemed like a good time for a start up as the shop mechanic was there.
Rob is an old school mechanic so did some checks and time to crank her over. Starts fairly quick but what is the rattle? Yup some lifter noise on the freshly rebuilt and ready to go engine. Grrrr. Checked the timing and small adjustment but the freshly rebuilt carb just won't run right. Grrr. A bit of a gas leak too. GRRR. Good thing I took my other spare carbs and delivered them for a rebuild !! Grrr. Not the same carb guy luckily. But also told him no hurry with the carb as I've got a fresh rebuild installed. Grrr
Then I notice a bit of oil on Rob's hand. The new out of the box coil is leaking oil ?? GRRRRRR.
Took the day off today as I just don't have it in me to deal with the truck today. Rob was going to check with the engine rebuilder today and I'll check in with him Thursday.
So how was your day? Mine sucked !!!!
Greg M-47

 

Their are days when drinking beer before lunch are quite necessary.

 

Frustration is a given when working on old stuff, makes it more worth it when you get past it all.

 

When I have a day like that, I take a moment and think , at least nobody told me I have cancer today . Something's are worth getting upset about, but most aren't .

 

I think it's only to be expected that there will be bugs to sort out. I had the pleasure of taking my panel out for the first time since it's been completed, I didn't know what to expect. I had been concerned if the fuel gauge was going to work with the sending unit, it apparently does. I still have to program my speedometer but run into other issues, I have a vibration coming from the rear brakes when applied so it will have to sit in my shop for another week before I can check it out. I've waited this long and I'm not going to let frustration get in the way, hang in there things will get better.

 

Yeah, I know when it is time to take a step back from a frustration. Just taking a day off and then I'll get back to work on the problem. Actually sending out this thread helped.
It really isn't that bad just not happy with the carb that I was told was rebuilt, adjusted and ready to go. Same with the engine rebuild job. I guess I just expected them to work as well as I was led to believe, that's all.
Got a call from my brother reminding me of the flathead guy in town. I'll try to track him down to see if he has a carb that I can borrow and if he can share some of his knowledge. Thank you all for taking the time to reply. I'll keep you updated.
Greg M-47

 

I know how you feel. I had to put a waterpump on my 92 today. Broke 2 of the bolts that go through the timing cover and into the block. The holes that the bolt goes through were full of rust and didn't want to let the bolt turn. Luckily the local wrench had a good fix for that that saved the day. New bolts on the way.

 

Greg my Friend.
Sorry to hear about your difficulties. But remember its just stuff.
Just work the issues, tomorrow is another day.

 

Yeah I know that it's nothing Dave. Just so ready to take that first drive and was not expecting these problems. I'll get through them and get to a few truck meets this year. Anticipation. So close and yet....
Greg M-47
Thanks for the kind words.

 

where is Brights Grove near Greg

 

Brights Grove is near Sarnia, Ont. Down at the bottom of Lake Huron. Off to take my kid to his swim practise and then get back at it.
Greg M-47

 

That's old cars, I'm currently installing the engine in my 1929 Pontiac after the third engine rebuild in less than 100 miles. Just gotta roll with the punches sometimes.

 

There are days when you shouldn't get out of bed. Hopefully today is better.

 

I replaced my blown tranny only to find out it was the rear end not the tranny

 

I have had my share of frustrating days as well. I go and work on something else or go and do something completely different. Maybe even have a frosty beverage.