That was a different perspective. I think you did a pretty good job on the double clutching.

 

Thanks for sharing the video.

Your truck appears to drive differently from mine. I can't wind out my second gear as high as you did. If I do, I can never get it into third, double clutching and tapping the gas pedal... nothing. I don't know how fast you were going, but it seems like you were staying in 2nd a lot longer than I can.

I generally shift from 2nd to 3rd at about 10 - 12 mph, and from 3rd to 4th around 20-25 mph. Of course 45 is top speed anyway. I've got the 5.14:1 rear gears and the stock 4 speed crash box.

 

Hey Joe, I have downloaded that app and now need to try that GPS method you mentioned because my speedometer is not working either. I would guess that my top speed in 2nd is about 15 mph, if that. It's slower than it may seem in the video. I don't think I've had the truck over about 25mph in 3rd gear. I believe my truck also is a 5.14:1. Have you tried to rotate the wheels and count the driveshaft revolutions on your truck?

 

I have determined that the miss I am feeling in the truck is a stuck #3 exhaust valve. I have removed the inner and outer fender to gain access to the RH side of the engine. I am entering uncharted flathead territory! I would like to tackle this without removing the engine, I have a 429 on my stand that has become a permanent resident!

 

It appears you already have the entire inner fender off. I've been told that with that lower panel and the wheel removed you have pretty good access to the valves. I am sure the way you're doing it is easier.

 

In pursuit of the best access to the sticky valve, I have removed the entire front clip, radiator, and radiator support. I will probably just go ahead and pull the engine and get it in the shop to take a good look at what I have. This will give me the best opportunity to clean it up and also paint the frame part I couldn't get at before when I was working on the king pins. I pressure washed the engine area yesterday and now it's almost grease-free and ready to pull.




How many nuts does it take to hold an exhaust connection??? I see a regular nut, a lock washer, a castle nut, and two lug nuts on the rear stud!


Is there any significance to the star?


Who is Ferro and why is his name on my block?


Inner panels are ready well ahead of the rest of the truck!

 

The stars just indicated the beginning and end of the VIN.

 

How many nuts does it take to hold an exhaust connection??? I see a regular nut, a lock washer, a castle nut, and two lug nuts on the rear stud!
Actually, it takes only two nuts to hold the exhaust pipe to the manifold. Someone didn't have the right length stud.

 

I have just a bit of update to post on old Stanley's progress. It's tough to find much time with my work schedule and other necessities of life.
Since the stuck valve discovery I have now removed all the valves and cleaned the toxic sludge from the valve chambers and many other areas. Nitrile gloves were my friend during this process. The engine has been disassembled of everything except the oil pump and camshaft. I have managed to find time to clean most of the removed parts like the oil pan.
I took the [heavier-than-I-expected] crank to the machine shop today. After he does his inspection I'll find out what the next step will be. The bearings show wear, but I don't see any real scoring or pitting, so I take that as a good sign. I'll likely take the block to him to have the valve guides replaced as well. Replacing them does not appear to be an "on the stand" task. This will surely get the block cleaned much better than I can do at home. What started out as a valve replacement has snowballed into a full rebuild- might as well do it right while I'm there.
Last weekend I had some time to clean and paint the front part of the frame that I couldn't access last year when I painted some parts. Semi-gloss might be more appropriate but I had high gloss acrylic enamel in the cabinet, so no we have some bling.

 

WOW! Howard, the front of that truck looks good. You've put a lot of work in that.

 

Yes the Hi Gloss looks great.
Nice job

 

Wow Howard you have done a great job with that truck, top notch! I have a 1949 f-4 I was able to score 9 budd wheels so far, tires soon! I'm still debating what to do with the truck, it runs good and drives good ( well what can I say you have one ) ok let's just say it drives( lol!) first is the flatbed will come off hopefully in the next week, then the frame cleaned and painted, then the front clip and motor and trans out for paint, still up in the air about a color or colors for the f-4. I'm glad to see an intrest in the bigger trucks I thought I was the only chucklehead out there that likes big ugly stuff ( that statement doesn't include girlfriend!)

 

You're doing an amazing job Howard!

That gloss looks great.

 

Guys thanks for the kind words. Jafo56: you need to start a build thread for your truck because we really like pictures of big/small, pretty and ugly stuff. If you see a nice dually script bed up your way that's missing a truck let me know!
At this point I'm still a fan of the scruffy patina, so I'm thinking a nice detailed engine and frame with the body on it much as it shows now. But at my current pace, I have a long time to consider other arrangements too. This truck is a nice break from very hectic and long days of cramming many tasks into mimimal time. It is refreshing to step away from that to this brilliantly simple construction and appreciate that at some time in the past, things were built well, simple and made to last.

 

Isn't that the truth! Ya know I could careless about car shows! I just enjoy tinkering in the garage,blow off some steam and it's a great distraction of everyday life, yea my truck doesn't have that ford script bed either,don't think I ever seen one