Fixing Indicator lights and more

This has been a bit of a slow time working on the truck because of family circumstances and other events.
I was able to get some more work done on the lights (blinker lights).  First I installed separate indicators instead of piggy backing on the main tail lights.  I installed a new cutoff relay and was able to trace the wires inside the cabin to the outside.

After a few tries using a troubleshooting light I had the left side front and back working.  The right side was also debugged except the lights will not blink.

I also received the spindles in which will be major work.  I will post more soon.

Fender work

When I got the Truck  the right fender had a big dent on it.  For a few weeks I have been deliberating a repair strategy.  A few friends said I should try pulling it out without taking it apart others said take it off and use heat to bring it back.

A couple of weeks ago I decided enough deliberating -- lets get to work:

Here is a picture of what it looked like before:

Large dent on right fender

I decided to remove the fender and try to bring it back using a maul.

The work required was a bit extra challenging because all the bolts holding the fender in place were rusted.  I tried WD40 and the first few I tried snapped off.  I took the grinding wheel and started cutting them.  After 14 bolts I had the fender out.

Here is the truck with the fender off:

fender off

Another challenge was grinding off the screw tops from the inside of the bed.  I used a grinder to grind those off since it appears that the originals are welded in place with the studs pointing out.  I was also able to get carriage bolts and washers from home depot.  I will update the blog with an after dent removal picture so you can get an idea what it looks like tomorrow.

Overall body work is challenging, you have to wear protective gear when grinding and have to make sure everything lines up properly.  My fender had some areas where I needed to weld so it took me a couple of weeks of part time work on it to get it back together.  
 

The next steps..

My restoration project is going well except I had a small set back during my work on the muffler.  I was not able to get under the truck to install the muffler so I have been trying to find a person with a lift.  The muffler is ready to go on but its hard to work on it with ramps.  I will figure out a way around it.  Basically the muffler goes on, a clamp connects to the exhaust pipe and the tail pipe connects to the other end with two or three places to hold onto the chassis.  I am still researching it.  In the meantime here is my priority list for the next few days.
1. Fix the horn (redo the wiring to it).

Horn Button

The horn button inside the steering wheel needed to be fixed.  Filled it up with epoxy and put it back in.  It seems to work except the horn needs cleaning or it is stuck.  I applied 12V 5A to it and all I get is a clicking sound.  How much current do these things draw? 10A??

2. Fix the rear wiring -- updates soon.

3. Install two new shocks on the back -- need to order

4. Fix the steering slack. -- Not sure of the source yet

5. Install new trusses and a wooden bed in the back bed.

Front end work -- Partial -- Sealed beams and Muffler prep work!!

As discussed previously my main goal is to get rid of the steering column slack.  First things first I inspected the front ball joints and as I was doing this I noticed the u bolts holding the leaf springs in place -- near the front shocks were all loose.  I tried to tighten them but they were too rusty. I went ahead and ordered two Monroe shocks for the front.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000COO3PM/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here is a picture of the old shock absorbers:

old shock absorvers (what ever is left of them)

Putting the new shocks on would have been a ten minute job if it was not for the rusty u bolts

Finding replacement bolts was also a challenge.  Thank God for Northern Tools that carry a similar bolt for trailers.  After two trips to the store two Popsicle sticks and two planes for Andreas we completed this task by the end of the day on Saturday:

Andreas (my son) enjoying his Popsicle and holding on to his $2.00 plane

The next job completed was replacement of the head lights.  This was not too trivial except one of the sockets holding the sealed beam was shorting out.  I went ahead and replaced it.

Small crack on the chassis welded

No need to say too much here.  This truck was a work truck.  It got abused.  My uncle pointed out the crack this weekend.  Took me a few minutes to clean up the rust and stitch it back together.

Prepping the muffler was also a bit of work.  After three welding jobs the muffler is ready to go on.  I can not wait to get it installed.  This thing is pretty loud.

Front End Work

I am starting to get more run time on the Truck and just initiated insurance coverage.  I will post more info on this soon because I run into an interesting problem.

I spoke with my uncle Dennis and he mentioned that it would be best to rebuild the truck's front end.  Replace all the ball joints, cross bars etc.  I got under the truck a couple of days and started shaking things to see what wiggles.  I noticed that the large bolts holding the leaf springs in place on the front are loose.  This is definitely an issue and I hope not a very difficult one to resolve.  In the worst case I can cut the bolts off and replace them with new ones.

I will post pictures of this area in a day or two but I wanted to give everyone an update first.  I also will need to change the front and the back shock absorbers (starting with the front one's first).

I hope this will not end up been a big deal.  I will keep you posted!!

Pictures to follow!!

Little Truck is running again!!

So after all the work I have done this far I am starting to put some runtime on the engine!!  Drove the little truck around the block a few times.  So far so good.  Neighbors came up to see the truck.  It needs work but it runs!!

White smoke where is it coming from??

Posted on 06/09/13

After rebuilding the carburetor, I did a bit more electrical work.  I replaced the Main lights (7" Sealed Beams).  I actually had to pull the old solder iron out, and some heat shrink tubing.   I tested the lights and everything seems to be working well.  

My Father in Law Miltiades Marinos happened to be around when I was done working on the truck.  He remembers the truck when it was fairly new on the North woods.  I took him for a spin around the neighborhood.  That was more of a spin down in memory lane for him.  I drove the vehicle for about 10 minutes and going up the hill from my house the vehicle hesitated a bit (as if it was getting starved for gas).  At that point I stepped on the gas and a huge cloud of while smoke came out.  I was a bit concerned so I drove it back in the garage.

I did some research on this overnight.  The most logical explanation is that my air to gas ratio mix is incorrect.  I will have to adjust this soon.  I spoke with my brother who is a mechanic and he suggested to run the car and check to make sure the coolant is circulating properly in the radiator.  My uncle Dennis Hovde also mentioned that there should not be any concerns with the radiator.

I started the vehicle today again and drove it a bit.  I checked and the temperature of the upper and lower radiator hoses is about the same.  Good signs.

Here is a picture of the ultimate goal for this project to keep the target in mind while going through all this work.

This is my ultimate goal.  We are getting there slowly but surely!!