48 fire truck roadster

[DJ3100]

I think the second one does.

 

[earthman]

It does and it sounds sweet!

 

[truckster]

Congratulations!!![cl[cl[cl[cl[cl

That sounds really good. Sorry I wasn't there to witness it. Who would have thought that pile of parts and pieces you bought two years ago could look and sound like that?

 

[sgtpontiac]

Yep......always a hoot when it's fired up and running..

Way to go....good work...[cl[cl[cl...

 

[DJ3100]

Thanks guys. You can bet I'm really excited it even ran!

 

[DJ3100]

Yep, Jess is the reason the phaeton runs Hey that link is not working.

I saw Jess at school last night and he talked me through it, including insisting that the most common problem is getting the distributor set on the wrong stroke. Even though I know it couldn't be, I checked it anyway and that was the problem.

Next up is getting the power steering pump on and the system lull of fluid.

 

[Bonehead]

It sounds great. Nice to have that step behind you now.

 

[jfg455]

Sounds good! Congrats. Love your test fire panel and stand![cl

 

[truckster]

I have to say, it sounds much, much better in person than on the video. That exhaust system is really amazing!

I am out of superlatives to describe your work....carry on!

 

[DJ3100]

Thanks everyone.

Fired it up today when Truckster was here. First time I had it running with the tailpipes on. I'm pleased with the sound. Deep note, mellow tone. Of course, that's a good thing about a big block - they sound good.

 

[Snake Farm]

Nice, very nice! Love that sound. [cl[cl[cl

[P[P[P

 

[DJ3100]

Remote master cylinder reservoir

I decided to keep the interior simple and found some '98 Mustang seats. In checking out the fit I found that the master cylinder reservoir, which sticks up 4 " above the floor pan, will be right in the middle of the seat frame / track. (Oh yeah, that's why I was going to build a bench seat.)

So here's the remote master cylinder "kit." I found some 2 x 4, 1/4" wall aluminum (6061) box tube. I had a Willwood master left from another project that had a screw on cap and seal. I made a couple bungs to fit the cap, cut the box tube 11" long, milled a slot in the middle so I can weld in a plate to create 2 cavities. I also copied the original reservoir attachments to make adapters to accept 1/4 npt fittings. The short piece of box on the right was a test weld - doesn't look too goo, but it holds water.

It will mount under the bed lid, next to the gas tank and in the only place I could find that would allow access to fill it. (Sorry about the blurry pic.)

 

[Dirtyrat]

I like that idea, simple and perfect solution to the reservoir issue!

 

[Johnson]

That`s about as much of a "kit" as everything else on this truck

Good thinking on that. I can`t wait for the burnout video.....

 

[DJ3100]

Master cylinder nightmare

I was welding up the 1/4" thick aluminum master cylinder reservoir Saturday before Christmas when my water cooled TIG torch developed a leak. Of course by the time I noticed it, the power cable was also toast.

No welding suppliers were open on the 24th. First thing on the 26th I got a new torch. 2 Hours later I was back at the Welding supply with a burned up power cable which they replaced without charge. Upon their recommendation I checked the coolant - the pump was dead on the TIG cooler.

It seems no one carries this particular Teel gear pump, the replacement pump is $250, made in India and not in stock in town. I decided that having a back-up cooler wouldn't be a bad idea and would give me some time to rebuild the pump or re-engineer for a less expensive pump. Ordered a cooler from Amazon - it's hung up in shipping until next Friday.

 

[DJ3100]

I was having quite a bit of difficulty welding the 1/4" aluminum, so I enlisted the help of a friend who makes a living welding heavy aluminum. He cleaned up my cold welds and finished welding the mounting tabs. I learned a bunch about welding aluminum.

Here's the finished reservoir. A problem is, it leaks in places it didn't leak before we did the last welds. Every time we put heat on it a different weld lets go. Another problem is that it's ugly, so....

Here's my new reservoir out of .060 stainless - waiting for the TIG cooler.

New problem is the 3 1/2" tail pipes that fit when i built them, don't clear now. I'm going to remake them better out 3".

This is why I'm almost 2 years into this project - an unplanned master cylinder reservoir 3 weeks already and it's not done..

 

[Bonehead]

Well worth the wait. I think you are doing fine. (sorry I didn't get a chance to check up on your project when I was down that way. I called, but missed you, next time for sure)

 

[DJ3100]

Well worth the wait. I think you are doing fine. (sorry I didn't get a chance to check up on your project when I was down that way. I called, but missed you, next time for sure)

Gee, sorry I missed you. I would really love to have you stop by and give me some more direction and motivation.

 

[DJ3100]

I got the new TIG cooler working yesterday and started welding up the stainless tank. I'll post some pics when it's done - if it doesn't leak.

The rebuilt carb continued to leak. I checked the float sight window. The fuel level was good, so obviously the needle and seat were ok. Missing a check ball? or ... And if it leaks on the outside is it also leaking on the inside and flushing fuel down the new engine? I could imagine all kinds of things.

So I bought a new Holley 1850a. Buying the carbs one at a time will hurt less or maybe I'll abandon the tunnel ram.

 

[truckster]

If you abandon the tunnel ram, what are you planning to use for filling up all that space? Something in mind for an air cleaner housing?