Got more done on the Big Job this weekend. I installed the lower column mount from Mid Fifty. Added a return line fitting to the stock gas tank, since the engine is fuel injected. Those bulkhead fittings can come in real handy, since they are sooo much cheaper than the after market return line fittings. Finished up just about all the air system, except for one or two lines that I couldn't get to because i ran out of air line. Got more wiring stuff done. Took a bunch more pictures. I have some of them in my gallery. It just amazes me how well this truck is going together. Everything fits like it came that way. It's a little extra special when a big project like this just comes together so cleanly, and looks so original. Well, except for that dull yellow Caterpillar in there. Shouldn't be but another weekend or two and I might be able to drive it.

 

Here's a picture of the fuel tank after installing a fitting for the return line. Bulkhead fittings are very handy. Ready to put the tank back in, and hook up the fuel lines.



Here's a picture of the air tanks mounted under the driver side running board. That fuel tank is coming out, and being replaced with the other one I modified.



Here is a picture of the park brake air switch. I had a 2 hole heater switch bracket laying around, so I used it and opened up one of the holes to mount the air switch. I'll be installing an "on" indicator lamo in the other hole.

 

My two favorite pictures right here:


She spent the day playing, and helping dad. Man, summer vacation take a toll on their clothes. It's hard to believe that she is almost 4' tall. Makes the truck look huge.

And number two:


Caught the flag just as a breeze came up and opened it. Lucky shot for sure.

 

Excellent progress Joe!! All your hard work is starting to pay off!!
Take care
Keith

 

Looks fantastic!! keep posting the pictures. Looking forward to test drive post.

 

Got a bunch more done today. Managed to get a few more air lines in, and started putting the terminals on the wiring, and installing it. I've been taking the oh so ugly terminals that are readily available and pulling the colored insulation off. I then crimp them on, and use heat shrink to cover and insulate them. The exception was at the headlight switch (I got distracted, and forgot my process for a minute and just started hooking it up). I got the running boards on, again, for the last time, and got them all painted up with semi-gloss black. I got the steering shaft welded up too. I have to get a 1/4" pipe tee from work tomorrow, so that I can install my brake light air switch, as well as a reducer bushing to get the air switch for my park brake "on" indicator lamp. I got the modified fuel tank installed, and used foam roadbed for my N-Scale train that I had extra of as the insulator for the straps and brackets. I'm going to be starting on the tilt nose this week, as I have to go this route to fit the '04 P-Stroke radiator in there (I just don't think the stock copper/brass ones will keep the diesel cool). After that, I am going to be getting two of the DeRale 17" Tornado fans two mount on the radiator, as they are thin enough to mount as pullers, and each one is rated to a max of about 2600 CFM each. If 5000 + CFM won't keep it cool then nothing will. I also have two Big Job bumpers, thanks to C-700 (Carl in Arizona), and will be welding the two together (one on top of the other) to make one tall stock looking bumper. It's getting close, real close.

 

Just wondering or I may have forgot but what are you using for a transmission. As you
know all of mine have the heavy Clark 5OD. They will handle the Cat just fine.
sam

 

It has a 5 speed main transmission, and a spicer 4 speed auxilliary. The main trans, I believe to be a Clark....I need to look at it again.

 

Do you have OD in both trans. or just in the aux.?

 

Not sure, but I believe the main is direct in 5th. Tested the air system today. I have a leak at the foot valve, and will have to get some liquid sealer tomorrow, as the teflon tape isn't gonna seal it. Air horns work good (kids tried blowing my ear drums out). Release valves are functioning. Cut the holes in the dash for the tach, and the air gauge. Will hook up the air gauge tomorrow. I also got the governor for the air compressor plumbed. I started running lines for the fuel tank, but have to get a couple of inserts for the fittings, since I'm using the Synflex lines. Getting close to getting it running.

 

This project is awesome, I love those big F Series trucks, more pics!!

 

All I have are in the photobucket link on my signature.

 

Dude, I got news for you. The truck makes the truck look huge!!! That frigging thing is gigantic!!! Heck of a hot rod you're gonna have there.

 

Like that......It does dwarf my Dodge dually, and the Suurban. BTW, watch Power Block TV in August. I'll post the date, when I find out for sure, but this big old beast is going to be shown on TV, during one of their "watchers rides" spots. It will only be about 30-45 seconds, but Courtney Hansen, th ehost, will be narrating a brief description of the build, and their going to be showing some of the photos. I talked to the Executive Producer this afternoon....He's pretty cool....seems like a regular guy considering his position. His name is John Kurtz.