Hey all,

Just accepted as a new member of FTE's NorCal's chapter, and I thought I'd introduce myself and fill you in on my rides.

My main ride is '99 F350, 7.3 diesel SD CC SWR with 135,000 miles on her. I found her in 2001 with 32,000 miles, so I guess that means I've added a little over 100,000 to that. Most of that has been hauling 5th wheels and trailers. I love that truck.

So what about the '49? Well I acquired "Piglet" (My wife("The War Dept.") named it "Piglet".) about 8,or 9 years ago, and not much has happened with it until recently. Was running (on 5 cylinders) when I got it, but needed a clutch. After a compression check I decided to rebuild the 226H Flathead Six.
Yanked the engine and started dismantling it. Found the top two rings on #5 cylinder had broken and scored the cylinder wall so badly I wasn't sure it could be bored. So, I searched the internet for information and parts...mostly for cylinder sleeves. Well other things became more important, like finishing the house, etc., and "Piglet" just sat there through it all. Well about a month and a half ago, "The War Dept." makes the comment..."I can see myself driving that", pointing at "Piglet", and the engine was in the back of my "99 on the way to the Machine Shop before you could blink. You have to strike while the iron's hot.
So, while I wait for the Machinist to do his thing, which he seems to be in no big hurry to do, I'm disassembling and restoring the Starter Motor, the Generator, the Fuel Pump, and the Carburetor (just done).
I'm the second owner of "Piglet", and I have registration certificates going back into the early 60's. From what I understand, the P/O drove it from Ukiah to Willits and back every day to have coffee with his "buds". A trip of about 30 miles. He passed away, and the truck was stored in a barn for about 6 years or so before I got it. My plan is to restore it and keep it true to the era..6V electrical, 226H 6, etc. May take a while.

A little about me...I'm 65 years old, happily married for 33 years, a former Sgt. of Marines and a Vietnam Vet. A retired Fire Capt, a boat builder and Tennis teacher.

Looking forward to being active in the NorCal chapter of FTE.

Sparky
"Those who the gods wish to destroy they first make angry."

 

2 great rides.
The 49 is my favorite body style.
Back in the early 90s, I had a 48 F1 that I put on a 79 Bronco frame, and had a 429 waiting to go in to replace the little 302, that replaced the original Flatty. My favorite small part was the football shaped rear view mirror.
Welcome young ladd!

 

Cool story. I like the F1s and F2s, we had one when I was about 12, we swapped in a flathead V8 from a Mercury, put a water tank in the back and I used to drive it around our Shasta county ranch to water the roads down in the summer. Always wanted another one but I have too many other projects awaiting my attention at this point.

Sounds like you're just up the road from me, I'm at Clear Lake.

 

Welcome Sparky, great story." Strike while the irons hot " makes me smile. 33 years of marrage.. good job... & thanks for your service!

 

Thanks for the welcome, I knew I'd find some kindred spirits out there in NorCal.

Tiger, I'm a few klicks North West of you...About 75 miles north of Ukiah...In the Boonies. OOORah!!

Remembering the 343 Firefighters who gave it all 10 years ago today...

Sparky

 

Welcome to the family. Nice story, sounds like you will have your work cut out for you in restoring it to original specs. Thank you for your service. I too was in the service (If you call the Air Force the service) but served when we were not at war with anyone. So, no combat experience. My hats off to you and to the 343 firefighters who lost their lives doing their job.

TigerDan definitely has too many projects. If you look at his "yard" you will see several vehicles sitting their waiting for attention, and I am told he has vehicles stashed at other locations as well. I bet he still has not finished that V8 Ranger project I saw in his carport back in '07.

 

Nighteyez,

You too served when you wore the uniform of the United States Military Forces.

There isn't a day that goes by that those 343 Firefighters aren't on my mind, as well as the 58,000+ from Vietnam.

I'm fortunate with the 49 F2 as it was running when I got it. The engine hadn't been touched...Pistons, STD, Rod Bearings, STD, Main Bearings, STD.

Just talked to the machinist, and he said that I had moved to the front of the pile,and he was ready to bore the block. I told him that I was concerned about the Oil Pump, and he assured me that considering the condition of the crank he thought it would be fine. We'll install case hardened valve seats and new valves all around. I'm anxious to getting started on the re-build.

Thanks for your service.

Sparky

 

Nighteyez,

You too served when you wore the uniform of the United States Military Forces.

There isn't a day that goes by that those 343 Firefighters aren't on my mind, as well as the 58,000+ from Vietnam.

I'm fortunate with the 49 F2 as it was running when I got it. The engine hadn't been touched...Pistons, STD, Rod Bearings, STD, Main Bearings, STD.

Just talked to the machinist, and he said that I had moved to the front of the pile,and he was ready to bore the block. I told him that I was concerned about the Oil Pump, and he assured me that considering the condition of the crank he thought it would be fine. We'll install case hardened valve seats and new valves all around. I'm anxious to getting started on the re-build.

Thanks for your service.

Sparky

 

Sounds like the engine was not in bad shape considering its age. Glad to hear it. When you are done, you will have to bring it to one of our gtg's.

off topic alert!

I do not agree with the reasons we were in the Vietnam war, but I did, and do, support the people who fought in it. I personally think we never should have been there, and those 58,000 were lost for no good reason, however, the bottom line is, they were lost fighting a war that America chose to be involved in, so in my mind they are ALL heroes.

off topic over.

I was an F-4E mechanic stationed at Homestead AFB south of Miami, since we were not at war with anyone, all our squadron of pilots did was fly training missions.

 

know the f4 that was a cool plane it still flys in some of todays militarys know the f14 will all ways be the coolest fighter ever

 

My primary MOS was 2531 (hence the numbers after my ID)...Field Radio Operator. I operated for a time as a Forward Air Controller (FAC), and most of the aircraft involved were F4 Phantoms...Some A4's an A6's (Navy). An awesome feeling of power to have four F4's come on station and oblierate any target I directed them to.

Back on topic
While I wait for the Machinist to do his thing, I'm working on the '99 F350's intake system. I'm going to convert to RiffRaff's 6637 filter system and his CCV re-route kit, which i'll modify to guzzler's version. Following this, I plan to add a 4 or 5 inch exhaust and a dp tuner. We'll see how long the money lasts.

Sparky