Hello Dustin,
Glad you're back on track.
How was your move back 'home' to California?
Where did you set up your new residence?
Show us your garage and workspace please.
Hoping your updates come more regularly.
Be safe from COVID-19 to everyone.
Pete

 

Great stuff. Thanks for the updates. You are doing amazing work.
The finished truck will be stunning.

 

All that stuff is looking great.

 

Great to see things moving along. Keep going!

 

Thanks for all the kind words. The move went much smoother returning from Alaska than going to. We had a new house constructed in the Sacramento area about 2-1/2 years ago, where we intend to remain for the next few years until I retire from career #1 and transition to career #2. Not much in the way of garage pictures, but these two taken about a year ago capture the sanctuary best. My time is split between the truck restoration and my 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic, of which I've owned since new (1 of 13 as optioned).




I have several engine items waiting to go out for machine work, media blasting, and component rebuilding when the world returns to normal. In the meantime, I've been gathering all the NOS parts I can find online in my off time. Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy out there. I'll keep this thread rolling as progress happens.

 

That is a sharp looking car. Pretty fancy shop floor!

 

Parts are flowing in on a near daily basis. Find of the week - NOS/correct Champion (1960 Ford OEM supplier) 860 spark plug set with the “860” printed on the porcelain and embossed on the base. Almost too collectible to open and install; might pick up another set for garage decor.








Rocker shafts disassembled and ready to go out with NOS Ford parts for cleaning, machine work/restoration, and rebuild.

 

Anything new to update at this time Dustin?
Even a couple photos of the chassis, powertrain and/or the body would be nice...
May is upon us and Covid is among us but these old truck projects inspire us.
Keep up the good fight towards that end.
Looking forward to more updates - Pete

 

Those plugs are a great find.

 

Absolutely! Minimal progress, however, I had a very strong and successful streak locating a plethora of NOS parts. The fallout of COVID-19 has restrained progress until business and shelter in place restrictions lift

Completed since last post:

-Separated starter, transmission, and misc. attaching parts from bellhousing
-Rocker shafts rebuilt and returned by Rocker Arms Unlimited. The original rocker arms were cleaned, peened, bored, bushed, and tips re-ground prior to assembly with NOS springs, shafts, and washers. The rebuilt shafts are stunning, and very likely of better fit and finish than the original factory job.

Four-week taskers:

-Complete engine block machine work
-Media blast engine attaching parts
-Powdercoat oil pan and valve covers
-Black ceramic coat NOS exhaust crossover pipe (to retain factory black paint look)
-Disassemble starter motor for restoration prep

Enjoy the pics...

Before:



After:




Generator restoration (in progress):


Engine block awaiting the machine shop. Look closely and you'll see the original factory paint markings on the deck and front. Assembly line workers wrote piston fit size on the deck for later install. Not sure about the white dot on the front (likely to indicate 292 or truck use):



Cab stripped of all parts and ready for dipping. Interior paint is 1960 factory original.



More disassembly--all original components (except speedo cable) right down to the 1959 date coded throwout bearing:






NOS find of the week--exterior door mirror. The truck originally had a telescoping version, of which I was unable to locate in NOS form. Other than the main post, all the parts are the same between both versions--will locate a used telescoping shaft to transfer the parts to later.


How about some NOS head gaskets--original (top) next to NOS (bottom):

 

Wow, more nice stuff. What a stark difference on those rocker shafts!

 

Quite a build just got done reading the whole post. I am very impressed with your dedication to this old truck and your patients. I just recently found the FTE site and signed up. Thank you for your service. I am currently deployed and have been for over a year looking about 6 more months overseas before I get home. I'll be continuing to follow. Thank you for posting your efforts.

 

Another long overdue post. Progress is definitely occurring!

Completed since last post:

-Engine block cleaned, peened, magnafluxed, and machined. No unforeseen issues with any of the original re-use components and all bearing, thrust, gap clearances were perfect.
-Media blasted attaching engine parts
-Assembled engine rotating assembly
-Acquired several more NOS Ford parts, including an original glass bowl fuel pump.

Next:

-Powdercoat valve covers
-Finish engine assembly in preparation for paint (install valley pan, intake manifold, oil pump, timing cover, water pump, etc.)
-Send distributor out for bushing replacement, rebuild (using all NOS Ford parts), and setup/calibration.

Enjoy!

Engine block before:


Engine block after machine shop.


Restored and machined original crankshaft and NOS Ford asbestos rear main seals installed:




NOS Ford lifters installed:


Pistons, rings, bearings, and re-condition original connecting rods installed. I found all these original assembly line markings during the tear-down and decided to replicate them. According to original assembly line video footage, the markings were annotated during the post-cylinder machine inspection process. Their exact meaning?...don't know...maybe the inspector's employee ID, inspection date/time, or the score to the baseball game for those downrange on the assembly line.



NOS Ford dowel pins and head gaskets installed:




NOS Ford camshaft, thrust plate, upper/lower timing gears, chain, and fuel pump eccentric with restored original hardware:




Fully restored/machined original cylinder heads (with all NOS Ford parts) ready for install:



Cylinder heads installed with restored original hardware:



Rocker shaft assemblies (with all NOS Ford parts and restored/machined original arms) installed with restored original hardware, NOS Ford oil tubes, and new pushrods:




My assistant engine builder, who helped with the entire build process of an engine 56 years older than him:

 

You know, all those pics are great and so glad to hear an update and great progress and all but! Those last two pics are worth a million dollars! Super great to have the young lad involved and giving him the gift of confidence. Way to go Dad!

 

Outstanding work. Great to have the lad help.