The problem is that since none of the valves are anywhere near correct adjustment, most with the adjuster screws as backed off as they can be without falling out, and no idea what cylinder is firing, I'm sort of starting with no starting point. I'm afraid if I tighten down the adjusters a bit, so that the valves will actually move, or the rockers rock, that I'll end up bending another rod. I think I'm going to have to pull the side cover just to watch the actual lifters move in order to figure out where I am. I'm sure once I get the beginning point figured out I can adjust the valves.
Tim

I am currently digging back in to a 1953 3800 (one ton) with a nine foot bed. I've owned it since 1979, and drove it until 1982 (or so). My wife got me involved in restoring it back in 2002, got the body removed and the frame redone, then things came up. Now I am retired and starting again. If anyone is interested I have photos on Imagur ( https://timwhiteblues.imgur.com/ ). I live way back in the woods in the Ozarks on 40 acres at the end of a 2 1/2 mile private road.

Tim