Maybe I'll work on my..... something.

The '40 is ALIVE. I need to re-route the fuel line, it blocks adjustment of the distributor (thanks Edelbrock). Need to button up wire routing in the engine bay. But, IT RUNS. Definately glad it is legally a hot rod, because it is LOUD and thumpy.

 

Looks like the VA is going to cancel my back surgery next month. So, I guess I might as well get things prepped to do some work on my property.
I need to rebuild my hydraulic pump as I am getting tired of changing its diaper.

I am going to use this time to also build a new guard for the pump & hoses. I will make it out of 1 3/4"x.095" tubing with expanded steel to cover the entire area. That will keep sagebrush from hitting the pump or hoses while allowing the bucket to drop below grade and not blocking pump access. None of which the OE 1/4" flat stock accomplished. I will use some roll cage disconnects to mount it so that I can pull the whole thing off if I need to work on the pump or clean the filter.

 

Cut the fuel line, drilled out the inlet. Tomorrow, I will get it silver soldered. You can see where the fuel line was aimed directly at the distributor. Now, it is aimed at the back corner of the valve cover. This will allow access to clean the fuel filter if needed while not blocking the trans dipstick. I plan to add plug wire holders to the valve covers when I build new header, I will add a holder for the fuel line to keep it stable also.

 

Working on the guard. Used roll cage disconnects so I can drop it if needed to work on the pump. Got the pump mounted where it should have been before. Need to pick up a couple hoses (pump pickup and control block return) from the hydraulic shop on monday.

 

Got the pickup and return hoses (1" ID) replaced yesterday. Filled up the hydraulic tank and ran it for about 5 min to work the air out. Ill go out when it stops raining and get it out from under the cover to work the system again for a while to get any residual air out that may have settled out of the fluid.
Next, going to tackle the rear main seal while the pan is off, I will add a smaller drain to the pan so I dont have to use the massive OE plug/pickup screen to drain it (messy).

 

Finally got something with an engine that isn't a project. All it needs is an oil change.

 

Finally found a use for the stab jack that I took off the cargo trailer.

 

Building a tool/cooler rack. Unfortunately, the shop that bent the tubing bent it 1/2" too wide. So, I had to cut out some and weld it back together.

I added a new seat.

 

Tool rack. Gotta pull the fenders off to finish welding.

 

While waiting for paint to dry on the rack, I decided to work on the grill. Just need to add a couple tabs at the back and paint it.
Now, the pump and hosed will be protected if I need to drive through sagebrush with the bucket up.

 

Decided that I didnt like how high the seat was. So, I chopped the base up and remade it.
I was able to get 2 3/4" drop out of it. I took the slider off since it was wobbly and I dont need that feature. I used some leftover 1" square tubing to make new side brackets that I welded to the sliders base since it is nice and thick metal.

 

While fitting, I have since welded it in.

Gives me multiple options for mounting jerry can racks for fuel and water along with a small cooler and toolbox.

 

Exhaust reroute. Still need to put a hanger up top and put on a couple clamps. I will get a new rain cap for it next week. So, no more exhaust in the face while driving.

 

Picked up some new awning arms today for the trailer. Too good a deal to pass on. Lippert Solera powered arm set for $100.
They will eventually get mounted on the street side of the cargo conversion.

 

Decided that I didnt like the bathroom door for the trailer with all the runs and chips from whatever crap was put on it in the past. So, I disassembled it, sanded it down, and painted it. Letting the paint cure and I will reassemble it tomorrow.

 

While I am letting it get warm enough to put the gutter on the travel trailer, Im tinkering on the car. I picked up some headers that a guy built for his mockup to send in to have them reproduced in stainless. While not perfect, I am going to make them work. I will reweld the tubes to the flange and smooth the inside weld that he did. I will put a turndown on the end to lead to my soon to be rebuilt side pipes.
This will get the exhaust out from under the floorboards and away from the fuel line, brake line, starter and power cable. It will also clear up space to keep the spark plug wires away from the pipes and allow clearance on the steering.
I basically paid for the slip on collectors and got the rest for free.

 

Working on building the roof recess for the shower in the trailer. Had just enough resin to put one coat in order to set the shape. Tomorrow, Ill pick up some more resin and some chopped strand mat to make a laminate. This is going to increase headroom up to 3" at the deepest portion.

 

I am tired just from reading about all the work you’ve been doing.

Nice to see more progress in that car.

 

Once my kidney stone passes, I am going to start rebuilding the trunk floor, make the patch panel for the rotted out section above the cab mount, and make the filler panels for the section from the new cab floor to the rocker panels. The 45* angles that I am using for the collectors should be here thursday. Once I get those welded, I will port the header flange.
I was going to drop the pan and crankshaft on the tractor to change the rear main seal, but it has been a bit on the windy side. I need to get that done so I can drive the tractor around town for a few miles to get the trans & hydraulic oil moving to get it warmed up and get as much gunk cleaned out when I drain it to remove the PTO shaft to replace the seal.

 

Got the ceiling recess for the trailer fitted and painted. When the rain stops and it warms up, I will add a bead of sealant and install it permanently.