Spring is here, what up?
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FTE fan
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,674
Likes: 11
From: paradise, northern calif.
Spring is here, what up?
OK! guys, gals kids and dogs, since the board is relatively Quiet, and things should start warming up soon, I was wondering what every body is doing to your trucks, either to get ready for this driving season, or a future one. I guess Ill start. Since Im lucky enough to have a long driving season, maintinance will be pretty simple, like Changing all fluids, and grease all the Zirk fittings. After that, there are a few improvements I would like to knock out, like replacing the front and rear cab mounts, and replace the tranny cover since it's been drilled, cut and modified beyond repair over the years ( I just recently bought the needed parts for these two things), while I have the cab floor somewhat exposed, I should fab up some sheet metal to enclose the area around the steering column and brake pedal, to stem the constant flow of hot air off the headers . During the winter the warmth is nice but wont be so much when its 100 plus degrees out side later this summer. That's about all Ive got planned for spring, so how about you , what's on your to do list?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 5
From: Cary Il
I am teaching my self how to juggle ! Lol trucks that is
I m fixing the brakes on the 56 and the 50
I am looking for parts for the 52 and on Friday I m going to go pick up a 50 f1 for BobJ and 52 f2 for my friend Wes out in Omaha
I m fixing the brakes on the 56 and the 50
I am looking for parts for the 52 and on Friday I m going to go pick up a 50 f1 for BobJ and 52 f2 for my friend Wes out in Omaha
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 19
From: scotia. NY 12302
we put in a bubba distributor, replaced rear outer wheel bearing, front springs. now awaiting delivery of a red's dual exhaust basic system (with coated headers). now we just need to get rid of the winter like weather and snow pack. we like to wait until they stop salting roads and a couple of rainstorms have washed the salt off the road (now they are white with salt) can't wait to be driving the f1 again. happy cruising to all.
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,989
Likes: 9,853
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Jim,
I'm trying to get on the road. I did a major overhaul of my power steering system; moved the box, fabbed brackets, pitman arm, drag link, changed steering column, etc.
My original plan was to gut the interior and paint the insides so I could install my new weatherstrips and glass. I think I'm going to put that on the back burner for a few more months. I'm starting to get antsy to drive my truck again.
I almost have the custom dash panel finished that will house my ignition switch, heater control panel, and headlight switch. Once I get that done and wired up I think I can start going back together.
I'm trying to get on the road. I did a major overhaul of my power steering system; moved the box, fabbed brackets, pitman arm, drag link, changed steering column, etc.
My original plan was to gut the interior and paint the insides so I could install my new weatherstrips and glass. I think I'm going to put that on the back burner for a few more months. I'm starting to get antsy to drive my truck again.
I almost have the custom dash panel finished that will house my ignition switch, heater control panel, and headlight switch. Once I get that done and wired up I think I can start going back together.
Welder User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 50
From: northwest MT
Currently trying to rebuild the engine for the F-1. Waiting on the machine shop.....he says only 14 engines to go till he gets to mine.
COE will not be on the road this year.....I'm burning out.
COE will not be on the road this year.....I'm burning out.
Are we there yet?
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 64
From: NW Valley AZ
I planned on refinishing or replacing the wood in my bed. Once I got the wood out, I found a whole new project.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14199798
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14199798
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,599
Likes: 34
From: Rockingham, VA
I checked my king pins while I had the front wheels off this weekend. I just ordered a king pin set from Chuck's Trucks.
This will be another in the never ending series of things I've never done before...
This will be another in the never ending series of things I've never done before...
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,995
Likes: 422
From: u-rah-rah Wisconsin
Once the arctic chill departs, installation of a rebuilt generator and some tidying up under the hood is in order. Replace the cracked rear window, lube job, and a wax/buff gets me back on the road.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 794
Likes: 120
From: Behind the wheel, IN
The highest item on my to-do list is to get the parking brakes sorted out. I think I have everything I need now. (I hope).
Once that is done, I've got a list of other things I want to do, but they are going to take a back seat to getting some time behind the wheel.
Once that is done, I've got a list of other things I want to do, but they are going to take a back seat to getting some time behind the wheel.
Knuckle Bandage Sales Rep
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,676
Likes: 1,245
From: Maine
"...and things should be warming up soon.."
Maybe in your neck of the woods. We still have 1-4 feet of snow on the ground and temps in the single digits. Longest GD winter in about 15 years.
This has put a damper on my F2 build. I've done a few minor and small projects in the cellar this past winter such as fixing cracks and painting the steering wheel and assembling the hood latch.
BUT....when the sun decides to come out and stay I'll be able to roll out the truck and continue aligning and hanging the fenders and bed. They are just mocked up and hand tight for now. I have to finish putting together the driver's door and install the heater and the seat. Then make some adjustments to the engine timing and carb while they are still easy to reach. From there the grille, valances and hood can get installed.
I hope to have the truck ready for road trials by late June at this point. That is assuming a spring warm up by late April - enough so to work outside in the driveway where I have both light and elbow room.
Tom
.
Maybe in your neck of the woods. We still have 1-4 feet of snow on the ground and temps in the single digits. Longest GD winter in about 15 years.
This has put a damper on my F2 build. I've done a few minor and small projects in the cellar this past winter such as fixing cracks and painting the steering wheel and assembling the hood latch.
BUT....when the sun decides to come out and stay I'll be able to roll out the truck and continue aligning and hanging the fenders and bed. They are just mocked up and hand tight for now. I have to finish putting together the driver's door and install the heater and the seat. Then make some adjustments to the engine timing and carb while they are still easy to reach. From there the grille, valances and hood can get installed.
I hope to have the truck ready for road trials by late June at this point. That is assuming a spring warm up by late April - enough so to work outside in the driveway where I have both light and elbow room.
Tom
.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,314
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Jimmy, would it be reasonable to weld up the holes in the tranny cover? That way, you can add to your list of "things I've never done before."
As for Albatross, bolt up the drive shaft and get on the road for a while. Look into a new cab because it won't even maybe fit in the garage and pulling the cab to work on it is a sure way to get the neighbors Hell-bent for revenge.
I'd already be driving, but, I have to steadily clean up from the transmission rebuild in our living room, the multiple parts restorations in the kitchen, dining room, bedroom, insert living space(s) here..
Mrs Horvath has been mighty tolerant, but; I'm wearing out my welcome.
As for Albatross, bolt up the drive shaft and get on the road for a while. Look into a new cab because it won't even maybe fit in the garage and pulling the cab to work on it is a sure way to get the neighbors Hell-bent for revenge.
I'd already be driving, but, I have to steadily clean up from the transmission rebuild in our living room, the multiple parts restorations in the kitchen, dining room, bedroom, insert living space(s) here..
Mrs Horvath has been mighty tolerant, but; I'm wearing out my welcome.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,222
Likes: 6
From: Houston
Spring is here although we did get down to 40 the other night and it is 54 this morning. I need to do the exhaust from the headers back, finish the doors, finish the interior, get the glass in, did get the electric fan and wiring for it done, got the driveshaft, got it running great. I will be working on the bed this spring too, the rear fenders are in good shape and primed but the bed needs some work including the floor. Or I may do a flat bed, haven't decided yet.
I need to do the exhaust from the headers back, finish the doors, finish the interior, get the glass in, did get the electric fan and wiring for it done, got the driveshaft, got it running great. I will be working on the bed this spring too, the rear fenders are in good shape and primed but the bed needs some work including the floor. Or I may do a flat bed, haven't decided yet.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 19
From: Austin
Hey Jimmy,
I hear you - We have to get it done now before we hit 4 months of
scorching 100's.
Some relatively easy ones:
o Clean up the wiring. Our '50 came back from my son at college with a couple of arcing sparkplug wires melted.
o Dave (drptop70ss) pointed out that the gas is boiling as it comes into the carb. so I need to shield that gas line from heat.
o Grease the front end.
o Work on the Carb/choke - very difficult to start currently.
Some not so easy:
o I've got some mystery significant banging noise coming from the front end as we go over bumps. Oil pan hitting something? Exhaust hitting? Something in the Mustang II IFS? Motor mount broken?
o Wheels - I don't like the current "Torque Thrust" wheels picked out by
the younger Zack. I'm thinking of sneaking in some older style wheels.
o Debating fixing the dash to eliminate the drink holder slots. Yikes.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
I hear you - We have to get it done now before we hit 4 months of
scorching 100's.
Some relatively easy ones:
o Clean up the wiring. Our '50 came back from my son at college with a couple of arcing sparkplug wires melted.
o Dave (drptop70ss) pointed out that the gas is boiling as it comes into the carb. so I need to shield that gas line from heat.
o Grease the front end.
o Work on the Carb/choke - very difficult to start currently.
Some not so easy:
o I've got some mystery significant banging noise coming from the front end as we go over bumps. Oil pan hitting something? Exhaust hitting? Something in the Mustang II IFS? Motor mount broken?
o Wheels - I don't like the current "Torque Thrust" wheels picked out by
the younger Zack. I'm thinking of sneaking in some older style wheels.
o Debating fixing the dash to eliminate the drink holder slots. Yikes.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1