Been making some small progress on the 53. I managed to get new quick release valves and new Synflex hose picked up. I got the wire harness built and ready to install. I have the driver side brackets for the cab and running boards all mounted, and got the holes filled in the passenger side, and am ready to drill holes to mount the bracketry on that side. I got a radiator from a 04 SD F-350 diesel, and am going to use it for keeping the Caterpillar cool. I do have to convert the front sheet metal to a full tilt nose in order to make it work though. I have the frame marked out to move the steering box back a few inches. I got all new roof lights for the cab, and new tail lights. It should like it's absolutely original when assembled.

 

Can't see the pics Joe...............Just a small box with a red "X"............

 

What the heck......they look good on this end.

 

Did they work for you this time Don?

 

Nope...Still the same.

 

Wierd. I put some in a gallery. I'll email you some pictures.

 

Did you post them on PhotoBucket, and then link to them?

 

I see in your gallery photos that it has a Cat 1160. Is it like the Cat 3208 where it's basically a throw away block, not meant to be bored over?

 

I e-mailed the photos to myself, and then copy and pasted them to the thread. It's always worked before, but maybe it's being picky. The 1160 was before the 3208. I don't know much about them being overbored, and such, but this one is a factory reman, that isn't all that old. The truck was used for about two years as a site rig before being parked because it was no longer needed. It sat for about a year before I got it, and that was back in '05 that I picked it up for $1000 delivery 25 miles included. The body and dump box yielded about $500 in scrap (mixed in with a load of other stuff of course), and I made some moeny off various parts I didn't need, so I think I got a good deal on it. It runs great, and has plenty enough power for what I intend to use it for, and way more than enough torque.

 

Just a note about the radiator, the Cat 3208 needs a big radiator. My boss has a 79 C8000 with a 3208 and the radiator was a factory Ford one. The radiator was not enough to keep it cool in the hot days of the summer. Hills on hot days were a particular problem that led to a cracked head and a blown head gasket, oversize is the only way to go. I'm not trying to jump down your throat Joe just making a suggestion before something happens that sidelines your gem. We took the truck to a radiator shop and they stated that radiator should have never been used with a 3208, just wanting to help.

Rob

 

I've heard some issues about the 3208. This is a naturally aspirated diesel. The radiator I have is from an 04 F-350, and is bigger than the stock one, and it's aluminum, as opposed to the copper brass that was stock. It should cool it a lot better than the stock one. Since it's not going to be pulling anything that it was designed to, I don't think I will run into any cooling issues. I do appreciate the input though, as this is how we share ideas, and make eachother better at what we do. I am also going to be running an external oil cooler. Will hopefully help a little bit too.

 

Here ya go Joe. I found a good deal for ya!



It's in Goldendale Wa, only $2,500! What a deal!

: 1954 F900 "Big Job" Ford Fire Truck

 

Yeah, I've been trying to figure out how to come up with $2500.

 

Your lucky I've got to many projects! I've wanted a fire truck for a long time....................

 

Got a lot done yesterday. See if these show up.