Thank you guys for all the assistance with the 1952 COE. I have no name yet. Working on it. Thanks to all (too many names to remember) who pitched in to get the engine running. Remember to
check the pictures and video.The following parts were removed and replaced: plugs, cap, rotor, wires, battery, fuel and vacuum hose on carb making a successful tune up and a beautiful sounding running 231 engine.
There is a lot of work to get the Big Bolt ready for tags and insurance. As you all know, the requirements for registration are photos of front and side views showing at least 80% or more completion. We are steadily working on one task after another.
At the Homecoming, I was able to pick up a spare parking brake assembly which was sandblasted, cleaned, and painted. It is ready for installation because there is very little shoe material remaining on the original one.
The parking brake was the only way to stop after slowing down in 2nd gear. What No Brakes?? Are you crazy driving a truck with NO BRAKES?
Yes we are and had a lot of fun doing it.
Work that has started: parked in John's garage, jacked up and placed on jack stands. Removed the tires and wheels and removed the rear brake drum screws to prepare to remove brake drums.
Last weekend, loaded tires and wheels with the tractor / bucket onto John's trailer in preparation to take them to Big Ed's Tire Shop in Leonardtown for breakdown.
The next day I planned to meet John early in the morning to pick up the trailer. Of course it was pouring down raining from the crack of dawn.
We manged to get hooked up anyway. Arriving at Big Ed's, the sky cleared long enough for us to off load the tires and wheels. There were six tire and wheel assemblies off the Big Bolt and three extra tire and wheel assemblies that John had out back. The extras would allow us to pick the best six after tires removed and wheels sandblasted.
After off-loading the tires and wheels, returned the trailer to John's.
The last few evenings this week, I have been researching parts, sandblasting and painting the rings from the wheel assemblies.
Wouldn't you know getting in a hurry makes for mistakes -- small runs in the paint. Thanks for sandpaper.
Next item in order of progression is to remove the brake drums and check the wheel cylinders, shoes, drums, master cylinder and Hydrovac.
Looking under the cab, I found a vacuum hose on the Hydrovac broken. Think the broken vacuum line and the left rear brake dragging had a lot to do with not having brakes during Homecoming weekend.
Plans are first to make the truck safe to drive. Second is to install safety devices such as mirrors, door latches, turn signal and tail lights. Third, build an original type wooden stake body bed. Fourth, tag and insure. Fifth, drive it like it was stolen.
Will report on progress. Welcome any questions, suggestions, input.
