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Hi Guy's, first post but I've been Googling questions through fte for awhile.
As long as I can remember (I'm 57), I've thought the C series Ford was the coolest vehicle on the road. I have been saying for years I was going to snag one, if I found one cheap enough.
Well, 3 weeks ago I did it. This one had been sitting behind the neighbors barn for 5 or 6 years. We started farming his place when he retired 3 years ago. The truck ran well, but had brake issues that led to it being moved out of the way. Up until then, it was always stored inside.
It's a 1985 C600. 370 2V engine with a straight 4 transmission.
I spent the first week pulling excess pollution stuff and vacuum lines out of the way and just blowing crud off.
We attached a small fuel tank to it with fresh clean gas, put in a new battery, and it snapped right to life. It purred like a kitten right from the start.
Right now, I have a rear hub off, starting in on the brake issues.
I have a feeling I'll be asking a lot of questions as this project progresses. The plan is to have this running an usable by Spring planting.
There is way more to the story, but I've typed enough for a first post. I look forward to tapping the lnowledge base here.
Yeah, not the ideal motor, but it's what is in there, and as far as I know, it's solid. Single speed rear end wouldn't have been my choice either, but as you know, you takes whats you gets.
I'm still getting into the brakes. They are Lucas Girling, but I want to know what I need for sure before I go bother the parts guy.
OK, been back in the shop for a few days. Still slowly working on brakes. Left side completely disassembled finally, one piston in the wheel cylinder was stuck, finally got it knocked out. I think I'll be able to hone that side. Just getting into the right side. They look a little better on the surface.
I'm hoping the $45 rebuild kit will work instead of the $260 new parts. NAPA appears to have what I need, just need to pay the price.
Hopefully 2 more days of disassembly and I can start putting things back together. I'm getting tired of brakes, ready for something else for a while.
N = Class 6, hydraulic brakes, 19,501-26,000 lbs GVWR
C60 = C600 gas
H = 370 2V or 4V or 2V low compression. All lumped under that one code.
5 = Check digit, ignore.
F = 1985
V = Kentucky Truck Plant
A54570 = Serial number
2K = Candyapple Red
135 = 135 inch wheelbase
C603 = C600 gas, 21,200 lbs GVWR
FA8
FA = Black all vinyl (HD) full width seat
8 = standard cab
NA = New Process model 435 four speed transmission
63M
63 = Rockwell (Timken) model F-106 single speed rear axle, 15,000 lbs capacity, 6.83 ratio
M = Ford 7,000 lb capacity front axle with power steering
48 = Detroit District Code
No special order number
OK, so the more I study about Lucas Girling brakes, the more confused I get. What is the purpose of the electric motor by the master cylinder? Is it strictly for the parking brake, in case the pump stops working?
If so, that makes sense, but, why is it by the master cylinder?. I thought the service brakes and parking brakes were two completely different systems.
Part of the process of fixing these brakes is trying to figure out what happened in the past, and the thinking behind what was done to try to keep the truck on the road. The old owner passed away and his son wasn't always there when he was working on things.
The electric motor is the backup in case you lose engine power or throw a belt.
As I understand that system, service and parking are the same--parking being held by the springs in those cans on the rear backing plates, and released by hydraulic pressure from the hydroboost pump.
Possibly some info here that might help. It's been a while since I went through this but there is no charge for looking:
I took the electric motor off the brake system today. Red hydraulic fluid ran out, just like what was in the parking brake cans in the back. The front and rear service brakes run clear DOT 3 fluid in them.
So I am back to thinking the motor just keeps the parking brake from applying if the engine quits or the pump fails.
The more I learn, the more confused I get.
Tim