Pete M,

Engine mounts arrived. Thanks very much, better than the originals! No rush on the inner boot section, going in for shoulder surgery next week so will be off the tools for some time.
While I'm out of action I'll be pushing to get the garage extension under way.

Regards,

Martyn

Josh, forgot to mention I watched Roadkill. Killed a lot of hours going through a stack of episodes. Loved it!

Hi all,

Well, time flies.
We've only just sorted out the brake issues after a few re-builds of the master cylinder and a lot of wasted brake fluid...
Turns out the push rod from the brake pedal wasn't in line with the bore of the master cylinder, and we suspect it was pushing the piston to one side and pushing the seal enough to allow fluid to sneak past. FCDave and I have had a fair few frustrated afternoons in the shed but 2 weeks now with no leaks so we reckon we've got it beat.
The tray's back on now, and new tyres fitted. The tyres cost more than the whole truck...
Still haven't touched the carbie after 30 years in the shed and it starts first time and runs sweet as a nut.
Second gear's got a nasty knock so a gearbox swap's on the cards. It's non-synchro up or down so it's fun to drive.



As for the third project....
It's garage art at the moment but have tidied up a few little things. Plan is to build an original style pickup bed for it.


That badge and it's mate on the other side are worth more than the truck...


Now that's patina... Note the expensive shifter knob.

Hi all,

Long time no post! I broke my promise that I wouldn't leave it too long between posts.
It's been an interesting 9 months. Have gone through a lot of change at work but I've still got a job where many missed out, so thinking myself very lucky.
Have also been busy playing with the trucks too. Will put up posts on their own threads later.
Finally made some visible progress on the FC recently, with the inner and outer sill now sorted. This was helped by a big-arse sheet metal folder I bought cheap. Will post pics of it later.
I'm about to drop the car off the rotisserie and on the wheels for a while so I can set up motor and gearbox, plus bolt a few parts back on temporarily to give me some space.
I'm going to extend my garage under the house to give me a massive garage (should fit 10 cars) plus a good size man cave. I've been told by 'er upstairs that whatever I save by going under budget can buy me the FC wagon I've always wanted. Happy days!
Went from this: The outer sill repair was a previous owner repair. It's not too bad so I'll leave it as is.



To this: I used cold gal (still drying in the photos) until I get around to detailing it.

Hi Tim,
I ran an FE wit ha 192 and 3 row FC radiator for about 10 years. Had no fan on the water pump, just a thermo activated electric that really only came on in traffic. Only ever watched it get hot one day out at Parkes in the middle of summer. Light never came on, but must have been close.  I had the tanks turned around so the radiator sat in front of the radiator support, not behind, which gave more room for the red motor. I was happy with that setup as it was pretty tidy to install as well. I'm currently building an FC with 186 and I'll probably go the same again. Regards, Martyn

Might be a bit long and interfere with the bench Pete. I had one in a sedan years ago and I had to go to to buckets. Regards,

Martyn

i Dave,

Welcome, and it'll be good to see pics. I think the wagon is a great shape!

I think the research and pre-planning is half the fun. This forum is a fantastic source of information.
I like your "find a loophole" approach!

Martyn

Sitting horizontally I can see that the centre of gravity might vary depending on whether the vehicle is right side up or not, but wouldn't the centre of gravity be the centreline of the vehicle when on its side? To my mind that'd mean the pivot point is the centre line of the car (ie straight down the middle of it as you stand in front with the vehicle horizontal), so your clearance would be half the width of the car plus a margin to clear the rail that I'm guessing will be connecting either end of the rotisserie (or am I missing something?).
My sedan is on a rotisserie so happy to measure it up if its's more complex than I thought and you need a measurement (just gotta clear out all the spare parts first!) Martyn

Thanks guys, I'll get on it! 

Quick update on the big Fargo. Bled the brakes today with FCDave, good to see no leaks through the lines. Had good pedal then found fluid leaking out of the boot at the front of the master cylinder. Turns out you can't go full to the floor with these cylinders when you're bleeding, otherwise you push past a passage that allows fluid to leak. It should be all systems go next time. Nothing really to show with photos for today's effort.
Martyn

Great pics.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love the stance of Frank on the track. That last photo on the previous page is a cracker.  Martyn

Hi Josh,

I haven't seen the Roadkill program but Tuesday nights up here have a few car programs, including Welderup which shows a US based rat rod shop.

It's an interesting look for that F truck! That'd solve my garage space dilemma! I'm going to need to pull my wall-mounted bench out of the back of the garage to fit it in. Gee that thing'd be bouncy inside.
It looks like I'll be going with the original chassis for my little one, which is in better nick than I'd originally thought. Means I avoid ADR requirements like dash pad and a few other things I didn't want to have to change on the body. It'll also make it easier to put an original style pickup bed on it. FCDave might have got me onto an ideal donor car for a few bits. Will keep you posted.

Regards, Martyn

Judging by the view out of the courtyard it doesn't appear you'll be annoying the neighbours any time soon! 

Yeah but if we keep buying old trucks and rusty cars we could still lose our balls!

An old bootlid that was buggered!! 

Hi Ken,

I think FCDave might have passed them on to you already. I'll check and let you know.
Regards, Martyn

Well spotted DJ!
It's sitting soaking in WD40 to free it up. It's been stuck for a long time so might have to look at other options.
Then it goes back on...

Brought this back from out West the other weekend.
It's a long way beyond saving but has a few bits I can use for mine, including a good left hand inner sill.
Got away with it by telling the boss at home that I bought a share in yet another car, and I bought a pub on impulse. Then said "Nah, I just bought the car". 

Heh heh. 
Check my FC build post...

In the meantime here are a few more of the truck until I get some more vid!

Sorry Scott! In the cab that felt like 5 minutes! I'll get my mate to take some more footage next weekend.

Pretty happy to have some life back in it. I'm still grinning! Yesterday was like death by a thousand leaks after putting brake fluid through it. Gave up and just drove it around the shed using the handbrake. Brakes will be bled next weekend after sorting out any remaining leaks. Next step will then be to put the tray back on and get it in my garage at home so I can get it ready for rego. Judging by the nasty noises in second I'd say the gearbox is coming out for a checkup. I'll get back on the FC soon too. Martyn