Well, I did it. I actually got into the garage and put in about 8 hours' worth today. Just sitting here at the end of the day, posting and wishing the photos could somehow capture all the work that went into what looks like small results. Furthermore, the pictures can't capture the sense of satisfaction I have from getting done a few of the things that have been hanging fire for some time now. (Speaking of fire, yes, that's the kerosene heater I referred to in this morning's post; kept the garage in the mid 60s this morning and this evening.
Moved the other flathead
First thing I did, to make better use of my limited garage space, was to finally place on a homemade dolly the other flathead I have, for the RPU (my '29 roadster pickup project). I'll tell the full tale later sometime, but the quick version is that the motor was in an Oakland Roadster Show car ('32 roadster, I have pics when it was wearing
Harrell heads) back in '50 and '51, then replaced with an Olds Rocket. Sat around until the 70s, when my uncle bought it and rebuilt it with NOS Ford parts. Then it sat around for another 25 years or so until I bought it from him a few years ago. So I have a hot rod flathead that hasn't been in a car for 50+ years!
Penny Block
Two (why not all four?) of the heat risers (or are those freeze plugs?) were blocked with pennies, an old-time trick, but since I can't remember what is being blocked by them, I can't tell you the correct reason. I can tell you that the motor was probably rebuilt in 1982, if one of the pennies they put in was a brand new one at the time.
The motor looked pretty good after its lengthy storage on the bellhousing with an oily old t-shirt as a shroud.
And with an Edelbrock Super Dual a good friend of mine gave me a few years ago. Vroom, vroom!
And, finally, a quick snap of the fabrication I did on the grease baffle.
I greased and assembled the front spring and shackles, then removed the jack stands so the front end is resting on the spring. Then finally assembled the brake backing plates to the spindles, including the above-mentioned fabrication work. Finally, I put the drums on (as seen in the picture at the top of this post. Tomorrow I'm going to put on the wheels and tires I have to check the ride height and take some "see what she looks like" snaps. Until then,
-30-
and turned it into this:
Ta-da! My roadster pickup (or RPU) that I refer to on occasion. This is the one into which the flathead unearthed in yesterday's post is going, as well as the majority of the parts hanging in the rafters. I'm just so blessed to have two car projects, but I suppose most dyed-in-the-wool hot rodders have at least that many at any given time.
