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Also getting ready for wiring, the heater box and defroster pieces are painted and ready to install.
I added a resister to the heater box, so I could use the existing 6V motor. I have two of them. At less than $25, the resister was cheaper than buying a new 12V motor. The resister is for a newer F150/Expedition, and is an interesting device. It uses resistive coils, and is mounted inside the air plenum to help keep them cool. But it's more than just an inline resistor. It also has a parallel resistor, for each speed. This keeps each coil from having to carry as much current, keeping each one from creating as much heat. I did a bench test and allowed the motor to run about 30 minutes at each speed. None of the supply wires or the motor got warm. I think it'll be okay.
The resister module and a SPDT switch give me two fan speeds.
I painted the box the typical "hammer finish" gray. It turned out pretty good, other than I scratched the bottom putting it together.
I wonder why Ford used the hammered finish on the heater box? It's the only thing I've ever seen that color on any truck. I suppose it was a finish and color that would match any truck. Who knows?
The defroster ducts were just media blasted and painted satin black. The seals are actually the roping used to install screen in windows and doors. It was the right size, and I only used about 50-cents worth.
The steering column/steering box has new gaskets, new paint, and is installed. All a part of getting ready for wiring.
I thought gray would look good with the Kiwi Green on the dash, but I'm having second thoughts. Unless the upholstery pulls it together, I may actually repaint the column and anything else gray.
Ken,
I like the color of your dash, but I say gloss black would be outstanding for the steering column, e-brake handle, etc. Can't go wrong with black.
Having said that, the heater box looks great with Argent Silver.
Question: how will you put the turn signal wire clips on the column without scratching the paint? I couldn't do it. But the clip covers up the scratches.
Question: how will you put the turn signal wire clips on the column without scratching the paint? I couldn't do it. But the clip covers up the scratches.
I don't think it can be done. I think it might be done if it didn't have the column shift. In this case, it can't be done.
On another note: I'm not "feeling" the gray on the interior accessories. I'm probably going to take it back out and paint it black. In fact, I'm so sure I will that I've already painted the parking brake handle black.
I thought it would be something different but I don't think it looks as good in real life as it did in my head.
I don't think it can be done. I think it might be done if it didn't have the column shift. In this case, it can't be done.
On another note: I'm not "feeling" the gray on the interior accessories. I'm probably going to take it back out and paint it black. In fact, I'm so sure I will that I've already painted the parking brake handle black.
I thought it would be something different but I don't think it looks as good in real life as it did in my head.
I agree, the gray makes it look like it was left in primer. ANother option might be to paint it the same as the rest of the truck but black would give it the stock look
Ken's old truck 3.5, Steering Column, fuse box mount
The column is painted gloss black and reinstalled. I think it looks better.
I also made a steel bracket to hold the fuse box mounting base. I installed it in the left-front corner of the cab. The box has a cover that will extend about 3/4" from the unfinished surface of the kick panel. The picture makes it look like it will be close to the parking brake lever, but it will have plenty of room. It will be easy to access, even with the brake handle pulled. The little piece of door edge protector covers an edge that will be near the wires. They probably won't touch it, but why not be careful? Mr. Murphy might be watching.
01-10-2019, 12:24 AM
