Skip's 39 Ford PU. How it happened

[TruckRat]

Can’t wait to see it finished!

[Skip]

Originally Posted by TruckRat

Can’t wait to see it finished!

Me, too. Well, in reality there are still things I want to improve on, like the turn signal and tail lights. The ones on it now are temporary. (cheap HF tow lights) They work, but zero class. But for now, its get it together and running smoothly, then take it to the DMV for their blessings.

Today, I got the grille and surround put back on, and installed the temporary turn signal lights. That done, I put it back on the ground, and found a flat tire. Not the best way to lower the front end. So I aired it up and discovered a bad valve stem. Spent an hour looking for a valve stem tool. I know I have several. Finally found a valve stem cap with the tool on it. Changed the valve stem and aired the tire up again. This tire has always had a leak issue. Maybe I finally found/fixed it. I'll know tomorrow.

Tomorrow, its check it all over, add fluids as needed, and get back to seeing if it will run right.

[Torchie]

Torchie

[DozerII]

Oh ya [p[p[p

[Skip]

Bad words. Bad words. Bad words. But really, things happen to the best of us, and I can't claim that status.

I got everything checked out and couldn't find any more little things that needed to get fixed before adding coolant and cranking it. So, decided to add just water first, just to make sure I didn't leave anything loose. Short story shorter, there is a leak in the front left side of the radiator where I can't see it. So, I started pulling the front sheet metal back off, while thinking "Why didn't I think to do this test before I put it all back together?" Because a new radiator isn't supposed to leak, thats why! Unless I made a hole in it. Or its defective. Or... Well, I decided I am was not in the mood to take the truck apart at the moment. I'll work on it tomorrow after my dentist appointment. Hopefully, its an easy fix. I watched a couple videos on repairing holes in aluminum radiators, and it looks doable. I'll know tomorrow.

Here are a couple pics with the front sheet metal on and the truck sitting on the ground. It will be one or two inches lower when the suspension settles. The last two are my solution for what to do with mangled side panels. Covers the sides of the radiator.

[Dr Crankenstein]

Sorry 'bout the rad, Skip.

Good thing you filled it with water... epoxies and/or TIG welders don't play well with contaminated aluminum!

.

[Skip]

Originally Posted by Dr Crankenstein

Sorry 'bout the rad, Skip.

Good thing you filled it with water... epoxies and/or TIG welders don't play well with contaminated aluminum!

.

True story. Condolences accepted. I'm hoping epoxy will do the trick. I'd love to have a TIG, and know how to use it, though.

[Old Iron]

Had a fan get into an aluminum radiator. I epoxied it, still holding to this day, 8 years later.

[BillM]

Don't lose your cool now Skip! It's so close and looks really good. Good luck with the rad repair.

[Skip]

Originally Posted by BillM

Don't lose your cool now Skip! It's so close and looks really good. Good luck with the rad repair.

No chance, my friend. I'm on this bad boy now. I just knew when it was time to quit yesterday. Dentist this morning, then back at it today or tomorrow at the latest.