Ol blue now has just shy of 23000 miles since the original 'build' (I put this in quotations since the original build was such an unbelievable botched mess that if it were not so heartbreaking it would actually be humorous).
Daily driving has exposed a LOT of flaws bungled work (and outright lies to me by the original builder and several so called mechanics along the way) and in turn has enabled (forced) me to get them replaced, redone or fixed.
The blower shaft BROKE (between the pulley and the blades) going a moderate 50 mph and NOT under any kind of hard acceleration. This was AFTER I had to have the engine COMPLETELY REBUILT when I found out that the pistons that had been put in were of the lowest quality (I was told they were the best and that is what I paid for - yet another lie) and one had broken. The blower was a Weiand from Summit.
Neither of the companies wanted to stand behind the product and refused to acknowledge or help. Lesson - NEVER BUY a Weind blower or anything from Summit.
Yesterday, turning in to my driveway, I heard a loud pop and my steering got hard. I have learned my lesson over time and called the wrecker service and had it towed to Fat Man's. Turns out that the main cross member BROKE due to INFERIOR WELDING (AGAIN by the original builder).
If it had happened while I was on the interstate, I would not be able to write this since I would be DEAD.
I know that I have said this before but to all of you out there who are in the process or contemplating restoration of or overhaul (like I did) of a classic truck - TRUST NO ONE - BELIEVE NO ONE - HIRE PROFESSIONALS THAT ARE CERTIFIED AND EVEN THEN, LOOK AT THEIR WORK CLOSELY, TALK TO THEIR CUSTOMERS (MANY OF THEM) BEFORE YOU COMMIT THE FIRST DIME TO THE PROJECT AND - VERY IMPORTANT - GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING, CERTIFIED AND WITNESSED/SIGNED BY A NOTARY SO THAT IT CAN HOLD UP IN COURT.
Otherwise, you end up like me.
DON'T.
