In February
made a trip to Chicago to work with Craig.
Craig fixed the shifter linkage and repaired the wiring to the parking light assembly.
I took out both
front windshields and the
rubber gaskets. All gaskets were dry rotted and the
metal around the windshields is rotted away. A new problem for sure.
We installed the
new door panels and arm rests, but left off the kick panels so far. We did not do the
headliner as the installation involves the windshield gaskets and such (they are at my house).
I started the engine myself for the first time and discovered a small leak at a line at the fuel pump. Craig just needed to tighten it and adjust the timing.
The engine ran well and the heater/defroster blew out nice hot air. I put the rear tires back on after Craig adjusted the emergency brake.
I sprayed lubricant everywhere I could to keep this rig loose.
I
vacuumed the interior and found another
mouse nest long abandoned. We discussed the rust in the cab.
Craig got additional nuts, bolts, carriage bolts for the bumpers, gaskets, etc.
He did more wiring and had to take the bottom of the seat out to finish the wiring for the fuel gauge.
I had a phone interview with Andrea Johnson from the
Minot Daily News, Minot, North Dakota. They did a story on the truck. Some of the facts were wrong - but ...
The truck was on the front page in color, in the second section. I was hoping the story would highlight Craig more but that failed. I ordered five hard copies!
Craig got the
pinion gear out and took it to FX Engines to have the lock nut removed as he did not have the right socket.
By the end of the month, the two new windshields arrived in Chicago but we were uncertain when to install them -- if I should return to Chicago to help. Plus, Craig had a lot of small but important tasks to complete before we put in the windshield.
I have started a story board on this project and have included pictures along with the facts.
The
tie rod ends saga continues on. I ordered several over the last six months that promised to be right only to be wrong. I stumbled on to rare parts.com and it appears they have them. Craig could literally screw these on, make some minor adjustments and bolt the front wheels on. That would complete the front end once and for all.
If not I do have the rebuild kits. I have never had more issues than this one on any part with this truck.
Lessons learned on this one.
Got the
parking light lenses ready with a bead of silicone and will install them on when dry. Installed the front driveshaft and needs to fill it up yet with gear oil.
When Craig went to install the pinion seal, the flange had a bad groove in it. He went to Chicago Drive Line looking for a solution. We thought possibly a new pinion may be the best way to go as it includes a new u joint. However, there was concern about a possible 20 thousandth difference. So, we decided on a Speedi Sleeve and having the experts install it. Well, it worked
perfectly.
The right side of the
bumper bracket was bent so bad. We had to fix that before Craig
mounted it. Got it done and installed with four carriage bolts hold it on. He also
installed the parking lights.
I heard from Richard Sundhagen from hotrodgarage.net, the Minot, North Dakota, the gentleman I purchased the truck from. He gave me the name of the previous owner. That was a big break and I greatly appreciated the information.
Richard has always kept his word with me and his word is golden. No hand shake needed with him. If he says it - he does it. A very rare attribute in today's marketplace and I have enjoyed the process with him.
So, in searching more, I found that the previous owner passed away in February of 1981. He was a farmer and mechanic. I am going to reach out to his daughter to see if I can get any other information.
We ended the month with a new tie rod ends being delivered to his house. We'll see if they work.
