Another deconstruction
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: Carlisle
OUT-STANDING project! I'm into cars and restos, have two gen8 Fords (250 and 350) that I'm going to put together some day, but I don't see how anyone could help falling in love with Fridges after following your work. I'm looking forward to your site as well! Keep it up!
I'm subscribed!
I'm subscribed!
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 356
Likes: 14
From: California
Thanks for the compliment. In less than six weeks, I'll be back on U.S. soil. That's not to say I haven't been acquiring parts during my absence. Second to my most prized find for this project (an NOS Ford muffler with Ford script embossed), I was able to locate/purchase a set of NOS hydraulic shock absorbers, with the rears embossed with the Rotunda stamp (as the originals) and Autolite on the fronts (Ford service parts replacement, which will suffice unless I find a front set of Rotundas).
On a separate note, I posted an ad in the classified section, but have not received any responses. I'm looking for a pair of OEM Styleside bed rear bumper mounting brackets. If anyone has an un-damaged set with nothing more than surface rust, please send pictures and an asking price. I am also interested in the original Ford bracket-to-frame mounting hardware.
On a separate note, I posted an ad in the classified section, but have not received any responses. I'm looking for a pair of OEM Styleside bed rear bumper mounting brackets. If anyone has an un-damaged set with nothing more than surface rust, please send pictures and an asking price. I am also interested in the original Ford bracket-to-frame mounting hardware.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 356
Likes: 14
From: California
I'm finally back in the U.S. and making progress on the build. I was able to locate a set of NOS Rotunda rear shocks (original equipment installed on the assembly line) and a set of NOS Autolite front shocks (correct Ford service part). Both sets of shocks and the NOS rear shackles have returned from paint. The front axle has been re-installed, as have both NOS spindles and their NOS attaching hardware. Within the next few weeks, the entire front suspension and steering system will be fully re-assembled, using purely NOS and refurbished original parts only. Pics will follow soon, but in the meantime here are some teasers.
Shocks before paint:
Shocks before paint:
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: Carlisle
Yeah man, welcome back! Enjoy the TV commercials- when I came back from Okinawa in '90 I remember how much I enjoyed seeing some good old American culture in the form of TV commercials. Got old after I'd seen them all in about two weeks though!!!
Nice score on the NOS shocks- might be a hokey idea, but how about cutting a side of the box, unwrapping it, and hanging a piece of history on the wall... one of those little shop touches that just about NO OTHER garage in the world can have. It just seems a shame to throw the boxes out when they are older than just about everyone on the forum.
Nice score on the NOS shocks- might be a hokey idea, but how about cutting a side of the box, unwrapping it, and hanging a piece of history on the wall... one of those little shop touches that just about NO OTHER garage in the world can have. It just seems a shame to throw the boxes out when they are older than just about everyone on the forum.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,373
Likes: 6
From: Moore (or less), OK.
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Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 356
Likes: 14
From: California
Thanks for all the positive feedback. Unfortunately, I did not keep the boxes. I have so many NOS parts, and most of the time the boxes are well worn, I usually throw them in the recycle bin.
On another note, all four NOS shocks have been installed using NOS hardware, along with the clutch lever return spring mount, front axle, U-bolts, both shock mount plates, both NOS spindles, both steering arms, both steering stops, both NOS brake mounting plates, NOS king pin kits, and both NOS rear shackles.
The original heavy duty (1350 lb) option rear springs will be re-used, as the arches are still at new specifications and no damage is present. Both are in the disassembly phase, where they will be powdercoated and receive a set of NOS bushings and NOS anti-squeak pads.
Over the course of the following weeks, the NOS replacement right rear shock mount and NOS cab mount kit will arrive. The rear axle will be fully disassembled and prepped for powdercoat. Further assembly will include the front steering link. The original center link was damaged/bent, of which an NOS replacement was sourced. The freshly powdercoated NOS center link will be assembled with NOS tie rods and the original clamps.
The chassis is coming together faster than ever, with several pictures captured along the way (to follow soon). Stay tuned.
On another note, all four NOS shocks have been installed using NOS hardware, along with the clutch lever return spring mount, front axle, U-bolts, both shock mount plates, both NOS spindles, both steering arms, both steering stops, both NOS brake mounting plates, NOS king pin kits, and both NOS rear shackles.
The original heavy duty (1350 lb) option rear springs will be re-used, as the arches are still at new specifications and no damage is present. Both are in the disassembly phase, where they will be powdercoated and receive a set of NOS bushings and NOS anti-squeak pads.
Over the course of the following weeks, the NOS replacement right rear shock mount and NOS cab mount kit will arrive. The rear axle will be fully disassembled and prepped for powdercoat. Further assembly will include the front steering link. The original center link was damaged/bent, of which an NOS replacement was sourced. The freshly powdercoated NOS center link will be assembled with NOS tie rods and the original clamps.
The chassis is coming together faster than ever, with several pictures captured along the way (to follow soon). Stay tuned.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,277
Likes: 29
From: south east South Dakota
how the heck have i missed this thread? welcome home and i will also thank you for your service. im more partial to army helicopters vs planes but i wont hold that against you. the resto looks great and i love the pics! i thought i was having trouble finding some parts but what your doing is off the charts. keep up the great work.
101st Airborne
8/101 Aviation
Air Assault!
thanks again for your service brother!
101st Airborne
8/101 Aviation
Air Assault!
thanks again for your service brother!
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,890
Likes: 9
From: La Verne, California
Glad you're back Sound & Safe!!!!!
On another Note, man, don't throw the boxes out. Even in nasty condition, collectors will pay big bucks for them.
On another Note, man, don't throw the boxes out. Even in nasty condition, collectors will pay big bucks for them.
Thanks for all the positive feedback. Unfortunately, I did not keep the boxes. I have so many NOS parts, and most of the time the boxes are well worn, I usually throw them in the recycle bin.
On another note, all four NOS shocks have been installed using NOS hardware, along with the clutch lever return spring mount, front axle, U-bolts, both shock mount plates, both NOS spindles, both steering arms, both steering stops, both NOS brake mounting plates, NOS king pin kits, and both NOS rear shackles.
The original heavy duty (1350 lb) option rear springs will be re-used, as the arches are still at new specifications and no damage is present. Both are in the disassembly phase, where they will be powdercoated and receive a set of NOS bushings and NOS anti-squeak pads.
Over the course of the following weeks, the NOS replacement right rear shock mount and NOS cab mount kit will arrive. The rear axle will be fully disassembled and prepped for powdercoat. Further assembly will include the front steering link. The original center link was damaged/bent, of which an NOS replacement was sourced. The freshly powdercoated NOS center link will be assembled with NOS tie rods and the original clamps.
The chassis is coming together faster than ever, with several pictures captured along the way (to follow soon). Stay tuned.
On another note, all four NOS shocks have been installed using NOS hardware, along with the clutch lever return spring mount, front axle, U-bolts, both shock mount plates, both NOS spindles, both steering arms, both steering stops, both NOS brake mounting plates, NOS king pin kits, and both NOS rear shackles.
The original heavy duty (1350 lb) option rear springs will be re-used, as the arches are still at new specifications and no damage is present. Both are in the disassembly phase, where they will be powdercoated and receive a set of NOS bushings and NOS anti-squeak pads.
Over the course of the following weeks, the NOS replacement right rear shock mount and NOS cab mount kit will arrive. The rear axle will be fully disassembled and prepped for powdercoat. Further assembly will include the front steering link. The original center link was damaged/bent, of which an NOS replacement was sourced. The freshly powdercoated NOS center link will be assembled with NOS tie rods and the original clamps.
The chassis is coming together faster than ever, with several pictures captured along the way (to follow soon). Stay tuned.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 356
Likes: 14
From: California
As promised...
Original steering link assembly:
Original/factory 1960 steering links:
NOS steering links:
Assembled steering link with NOS ends, NOS center link, and restored center clamps and harware:
Once the toe is set and final greasing is complete, the exposed threads, rubber disk, and cotter pins will be painted to replicate the original factory finish (parts assembled, then assembled chassis painted). Replicating this process with powdercoat, to say the least, is very time consuming, as all parts must be individually powdercoated (bolt heads, nuts, individual components, etc.) so when assembled they appear as if they were painted after chassis assembly. More pictures to follow soon.
Original steering link assembly:
Original/factory 1960 steering links:
NOS steering links:
Assembled steering link with NOS ends, NOS center link, and restored center clamps and harware:
Once the toe is set and final greasing is complete, the exposed threads, rubber disk, and cotter pins will be painted to replicate the original factory finish (parts assembled, then assembled chassis painted). Replicating this process with powdercoat, to say the least, is very time consuming, as all parts must be individually powdercoated (bolt heads, nuts, individual components, etc.) so when assembled they appear as if they were painted after chassis assembly. More pictures to follow soon.