That's so cool. I want one.

What wrong with the clutch? Do you think it's a linkage problem?

 

Thanks to everyone for all the kind words, it"s nice knowing so many people appreciate these old trucks and can enjoy them even if it is through somebody elses video...very cool!!! I had too much other stuff to get done today so wasn't able to play with the truck today but every time I walked past it I would smile real big and just shake my head as if to say " What else you got to show me".

 

I'm not sure what's going on with the clutch. It doesn't want to disengage fully and there could be alot of reasons for that. Also the transfer case won't disengage so that needs to be looked at as well. Those two items just shot to the top of the list so next chance I get I'll take a look.

 

In both cases you likely have worn linkage, worn clevis pins, and years of disuse that can be helped with PB Blaster. Stu

 

I just watched both videos and it really made my day! When I first started mine, the clutch disc was completely stuck to the flywheel or pressure plate. Also, the exhaust was clogged with mouse nests and it soon died from the back pressure, and with a loud hiss. I can't believe it - your door handles don't even droop! I wouldn't be surprised if the exhaust smoke clears up some as the rings free up and seal better. It already sounds like it's "hitting on all 8." Keep up the good work! I need to have my girls watch these videos. They both grew up, going places in "Old Green." Here's a picture taken about a month after I got it in 1973. - Bob

 

Thanks Bob, that was definitely a kick in the pants haha. Glad so many are enjoying this vid's. The engine does run surprising well and I may have just found out why! I was just taking a closer look at seals and gaskets for leaks and noticed that the block is green!!!! Ut-oh... should be red I think. The intake , water pumps and oil pan are all red but the block and heads are green !! Not original but runs good so not going to be an issue.

 

What does the green vs red block mean to the uninformed? When did the color change?

 

So, if I understand correctly, truck engines up to 1951 were painted red and starting in 1952 they were painted green. If your engine is blue then that means it is a "re-manufactured engine".Looks like my original engine was replaced with a later model donor. Scratching my head a little over the use of the red parts ( intake,waterpumps,oil pan). If the green engine was good enough to swap in then why were the red parts used over thier green counterparts???? I understand why they would use the oil pan due to the MH coversionbut that wouldn't affect the waterpumps or intake....it is a mystery!!!

 

If the engine came from a passenger car, those items would all need to be changed for use in a truck. Truck waterpumps have the motor mounts, also the truck intake (technically the valve cover) has a vacuum port for the vacuum assist brakes.

 

With green 8RT heads I have to assume it is a truck engine

 

Well, a little progress towards " Run and Drive". New water pumps, hoses, pipes,T stats (180) and motor mounts. A carb rebuild is next and then on to brakes, u joints and shocks.

 

Progress feels good doesn't it? Wish I had the 215 truck done so that I could pull the brother to yours into the shop. In the mean time it waits. Keep up the good work on yours. Stu

 

Thanks Stu, and yes progress does feel good! It's a strange world we live in here at FTE, we strive for progress knowing full well that we're going to tear something else apart and once again leave our trucks stranded!!! We truly do suffer from an incurable sickness.... Couldn't be happier 😋

 

The videos sure brought back memories and a smile upon my face.
The pure joy that can be had by driving in circles is priceless and only truly understood by us that have been there.
These "projects" are great motivators as we constantly have something to think about and do. As I look back, I think about the time when they are finally "done" and the sorta emptiness of not having something that must be done. Kick back relax and enjoy the journey.
Roger

 

Hi Roger, I think I know what you mean and if my latest "progress" is any indication of how this "project" is gonna go then I'm not going to be "done" for a long time!! HaHa!! One step forward and one step back. As it turns out the waterpumps and T stats are working great. The radiator however has decided to spring a leak..ARG!!! It looks like the lower tank has seperated from the core so back out it comes. It looked to be in really good shape when I checked it over, guess it wasn't. Oh well, looks like a re-core is in order I drove it in circles again tho, I couldn't resist the urge, what fun that is!!!