I just received this new project today.
A 1977 Ford F150 Explorer XLT, with a 351M engine, Edelbrock intake manifold and Holley performer 4BBL. Complete with header pipes and an unknown automatic tra... View MoreI just received this new project today.
A 1977 Ford F150 Explorer XLT, with a 351M engine, Edelbrock intake manifold and Holley performer 4BBL. Complete with header pipes and an unknown automatic transmission.
It came to me to fix a slight skip/miss, fix some wiring issues on the new electric dash, and go through it to make sure it can safely and reliability drive coast to coast without issue, per customer request.
These old vehicles are easy to come by, and generally cheap to work on when you know how and where to source parts.
This gas crunch will pass, and contrary to what "THEY" want you to believe, there are old vehicles that get 20, 30, even 40 MPG.
This truck might not be able to get that kinda milage, but it is also proof of something else I have said and believe. It was in a head on wreck at some point. it didn't drive away unscathed but it drove away, which can't be said about "new" vehicles....
Some of y'all may know this project, some not. This is a 1948 Packard Victoria convertible.
After being run into the ground, it was parked around 50 years ago. So, not only am I dealing with the dam... View MoreSome of y'all may know this project, some not. This is a 1948 Packard Victoria convertible.
After being run into the ground, it was parked around 50 years ago. So, not only am I dealing with the damage done by sitting that I can normally deal with, I have to deal with the original damage done. Starting with the engine, it development a leak in the cooling system, so they filled it with StopLeak. As the most of the cooling system was bone dry when it arrived, I don't think it worked to stop the leak.... however it DID work to stop up the cooling system, leading to the overheating and warpage. As you can see, #4 was rusted in, from the head gasket leakage.
The brake system, and the rest of the drive line are my next targets after finding out how the engine is, the frame and body are in really good condition !!!
If I didn't have challenging projects, I wouldn't keep doing this !
I see I really need to do some catch up here...
Let's start with the 1986 F150. After getting the engine back from the shop, I finished putting it together and reinstalled it. After having some start... View MoreI see I really need to do some catch up here...
Let's start with the 1986 F150. After getting the engine back from the shop, I finished putting it together and reinstalled it. After having some starter issues I finally got HIM running and returned to the customer. The customer and his wife are ecstatic !
I can't upload the video of the first run, sadly......... Wimkin's having issues again.
I received this new project. A 1983 Cadillac Sedan DeVille. It came to me for a full tune up and going over to get to the bottom of a slight miss that has developed recently.
Before beginning, I'll b... View MoreI received this new project. A 1983 Cadillac Sedan DeVille. It came to me for a full tune up and going over to get to the bottom of a slight miss that has developed recently.
Before beginning, I'll be checking timing and vacuum, as well as a few other things. I will also be using special care to keep the car pristine.
Done. Delivered to a happy customer. Many, many more miles left in this truck. I wish him the best, and appreciate his business ! Thanks, Hunter. May it serve you well !
Its been busy around here lately. Between working on the projects, and maintaining our equipment and property.
The 1976 Dixie boat project is finally DONE. The customer was excited to hear it run in ... View MoreIts been busy around here lately. Between working on the projects, and maintaining our equipment and property.
The 1976 Dixie boat project is finally DONE. The customer was excited to hear it run in the test barrel.
1994 Nissan hardbody truck. After replacing the water pump, timing belt, distributor cap, rotor button, and coil as well as some other work, it starts and runs good now.
Monday, I will take it on a road test, hopefully to insure it's ready to return it to the owner this week.
The 86 F150 engine hopefully will be ready this week also. Then the fun of painting and reassembly begins.
The 71 LTD project is waiting on the carb. The shop the customer and I ordered the reman carb from is backed up. As I've said before a busy shop means they are in demand !!!
The 59 Ford Galaxie Fairlane 500 is coming along. The owner asked me to slow down as some stuff came up that they weren't expecting.
The stingray boat project is still awaiting a new engine.
90% of my work is fixing others' disasters. In order to "save money", they let a " friend" fix it for them. I've dealt with destroyed rebuilds, fire damage, and worse than anything , "culpable neglige... View More90% of my work is fixing others' disasters. In order to "save money", they let a " friend" fix it for them. I've dealt with destroyed rebuilds, fire damage, and worse than anything , "culpable negligence" that they were lucky didn't turn into catastrophic damages. I'm just going to be honest here, and it's YOUR choice if you have ears to hear or you'll continue to " dare the fates".
Rule #1 : don't be in a hurry. If your mechanic is backed up, there's a reason. Those who aren't busy have a reason, too.
Rule #2 : if they won't allow you to provide your own parts because they can't mark them up, look for an eye patch and a pegleg. There's probably a parrot around, too.
Rule #3 : if they insist you purchase a factory manual you get to keep, you're on the right track. If they say they don't need one, run. Quickly.
Rule #4 : if their labor rate is low, don't assume they're a crook. They just know the fair rate of exchange for an honest day's work. They've learned how to keep their overhead low.
Know what it feels like when you're sitting in the waiting room of an attorney's office, and admiring the opulence and flash and dance? You KNOW who's paying for that. Don't be fooled by the trappings of wealth. It's the knowledge and conscience you SHOULD be paying for, not showmanship.
Next time you want something done, remember, impatience carries a pricetag. Unfortunately, it might be your well being. Find a competent individual, and do what they say. It's usually cheaper in the long run, and a WHOLE LOT safer.
P. S. : delivered the restored F100 and Lincoln welder today. Both run like they were new. Feels really good !
The 76 Dixie boat project.
The final fiberglass work on the stringers is now done, as well as the drain tube between the storage compartment and the drainage area where the plug will be.
I also Inst... View MoreThe 76 Dixie boat project.
The final fiberglass work on the stringers is now done, as well as the drain tube between the storage compartment and the drainage area where the plug will be.
I also Instead all the flotation foam. And painted the storage compartment.
I would also like to show y'all what went from looking at it for a good friend/customer that turned into a new project. This late 80s Lincoln Diesel Shield-Arc SA-250 welder.
The unit wouldn't start, I quickly figured out it was a fuel issue. After talking with the customer it was decided to do an upgrade on the fuel system with new fuel lines and filter assembly to prevent this from happening again.
The customer also asked me to look at the cooling system, as he thought there might be a leak. After doing some investigating I discovered that it has a small crack in the radiator tank. I will remove the radiator tomorrow so the customer can fix it.
The 76 Dixie project has been steaming along. All new stringers in, transom reinforced with a third layer around the stringers and motor support.
Also installed extra bulkheads for decking seams, an... View MoreThe 76 Dixie project has been steaming along. All new stringers in, transom reinforced with a third layer around the stringers and motor support.
Also installed extra bulkheads for decking seams, and extra strength. The customer wanted storage in the middle compartment so I set a hatch.
Hopefully next week I'll get to finish installing the new flotation foam and decking.
I almost forgot how to work outside, lol.
While basking in the bright yellow light in the sky, I was finally able to finish painting all the parts for the 86 302/5.0 project. Now, when the engine come... View MoreI almost forgot how to work outside, lol.
While basking in the bright yellow light in the sky, I was finally able to finish painting all the parts for the 86 302/5.0 project. Now, when the engine comes back from the shop, all I have left to do is paint the block and heads before installing it and putting everything back on it.
I was also able to paint some parts for the 1959 Ford Galaxie Fairlane 500 project, namely the rebuilt vacuum wiper motor, and some of the steering components including the control valve.
Sorry its been awhile, I'll try to get better at posting here.
Today was a good day.
I was able to epoxy and fiberglass the new transom in the 1976 Dixie project.
Along with the two layers of 3/4" p... View MoreSorry its been awhile, I'll try to get better at posting here.
Today was a good day.
I was able to epoxy and fiberglass the new transom in the 1976 Dixie project.
Along with the two layers of 3/4" plywood, I also put a layer of 1oz biaxial mat between each layer, to act as a sponge for the slow cure thixantropic epoxy, ( further slowed by the cold temps ), and overall stiffener.
Hopefully, by Monday, this will be one solid block I can mount the new stringers to in the coming weeks, as weather allows.
Even with the rain, I managed to finish getting everything ready, the car cleaned out, and most of it sprayed with rust converter.
The picture really doesn't show it well as the clouds made it dark, ... View MoreEven with the rain, I managed to finish getting everything ready, the car cleaned out, and most of it sprayed with rust converter.
The picture really doesn't show it well as the clouds made it dark, and the converter is black....
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