Above 1200 Sq/FT The Warthog Hidey Hole

[jbmatth]

Haha, I don't expect anyone to wake up and work like I do in the mornings but I will say no one ever bothers me that early...unless they are one the other side of the world. It is kind of like having a pin pall but you don't have to wait two weeks for a reply to a letter.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

I've been hard at it every morning this week...well I've put a lot of hours in it but not too hard at it. Every little piece is measured, cut debured, test fit, cleaned up, tacked, test fit again, then on to the next piece, occasionally going back to a previous piece and starting over. Here is where I am now:

Nothing is welded solid just yet but I'm getting close to that point, I think the muffler will work out great here:

I'll be ready for Herb Sunday morning, hopefully he can make it.

JB

 

[BUGTHUG]

I'll get down there early. The rain we had should help a little. I have gallons of brake fluid, so I'll bring some.
That looks exhausting. My hearse has never had it so good.
Getting the battery tomorrow. Anything else? OK see you Sunday morning

 

[jbmatth]

I'll get down there early. The rain we had should help a little. I have gallons of brake fluid, so I'll bring some.
That looks exhausting. My hearse has never had it so good.
Getting the battery tomorrow. Anything else? OK see you Sunday morning

As of right now nothing else I can think of. Call when you head this way and I'll be waiting for you. Looking forward to hearing this thing run again and hopefully get to drive it.

JB

 

[oldironfarmer]

Looking good, JB.

I've got an extra add on oil filter if Herb wants it.

 

[BUGTHUG]

Looking good, JB.

I've got an extra add on oil filter if Herb wants it.

You know, I think that's a good idea. mo better for the motor. If I could get JB to hook it up.
I'm thinking about bringing your stuff to JB's, seems like I just can't find enough time to go anywhere. What do you think JB, that ok with you?

 

[jbmatth]

Looking good, JB.

I've got an extra add on oil filter if Herb wants it.

That would be a good idea and as normal for Andy awful generous.

You know, I think that's a good idea. mo better for the motor. If I could get JB to hook it up.
I'm thinking about bringing your stuff to JB's, seems like I just can't find enough time to go anywhere. What do you think JB, that ok with you?

Herb,
I now understand what you were saying yesterday. I won't have much time to make it down to Andy's for a few more weeks though if then. Feel free to drop off whatever you want and I'll get it down there eventually.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

Let's start off with this, a nice little photo from our place Saturday:

I made a quick trip up to Wichita on Saturday to pick up a new toy for me as well as a couple of last minute toys for my daughter Bear's birthday party. Here is what I picked up:

It is a coats 40-40SA tire changer and it works great even if a little ugly. It is nice to be able to change my own tires when needed for now.

Friday night into Saturday I worked on B.P. 2.0, the fuel gauge hasn't worked for a while and I wanted to eventually get it fixed but it just never made it to the top of my to do list. A friend at work had similar issues on his GM truck of the same era and had good luck replacing the stepper motors in the gauge cluster. He had an extra to I figured what the heck, why not, cluster out:

Target acquired:

Those 4 pins with the new solder were what needed to be melted and the solder removed with a solder sucker. I don't have a photo of the sucker but it is basically a spring loaded tool that when the solder is liquid you use that to pull it away from the contact and it works great. Old out and new in:

Just like many projects on this truck that didn't fix the problem but I'm out $0 and only a bit of time so it was worth attempting. Next try will be doing some troubleshooting to actually determine the cause before throwing parts at it.

Lastly Herb came by on Sunday and he helped me bleed the brakes, worked great and time will tell if more needs to be done but they work for now. We also installed the new battery and cranked it over and she fired right up, woo hoo, nice to hear it run after a few years of setting. I need to finish a little more on the exhaust but all the pieces are cut and only one more hanger to make before installing it. Then a few little things to ensure road worthiness before turning it back over to him.

JB

 

[Nlped]

Yeah, gotta love having a tire machine at the house. A 4040 is what I learned on...many moons ago. I bought my tire machine & balancer from a local high school auto shop that was getting new equipment, so I got them for a song.


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[jbmatth]

Very nice NIped (NLped?) I would have rather had a tire machine like the one you have but they were just too expensive even used from what I've seen around here. A balancer would be nice too but in time.

JB

 

[Nlped]

Very nice NIped (NLped?) I would have rather had a tire machine like the one you have but they were just too expensive even used from what I've seen around here. A balancer would be nice too but in time.

JB

NLPed.. LoL

I got them both for $1000. So I couldn’t pass them up.


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[jbmatth]

NLPed.. LoL

I got them both for $1000. So I couldn’t pass them up.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I can't blame you one bit, I'd have jumped on that as well. It is kinda fun just to pull a tire off and put it back on just because you can.

JB

 

[mybigwarwagon]

I picked up a Coates 20/20 a few years ago. Much better than the manual machine I had.

 

[DynoDave]

I replaced the stepper motors on our Venture van some years back. Pretty straight forward, and worked well. I bought a kit that had everything...motors, solder, solder iron, suction gun, instructions.

 

[jbmatth]

I picked up a Coates 20/20 a few years ago. Much better than the manual machine I had.

The only tires I've changed manually were lawn mower sized tires and they typically kicked my **** but I also only have one tire spoon so that didn't help.

I replaced the stepper motors on our Venture van some years back. Pretty straight forward, and worked well. I bought a kit that had everything...motors, solder, solder iron, suction gun, instructions.

Dave,
Mine did move when installed so I think the stepper is working fine I'm leaning toward the sending unit being bad or some other problem in the wiring between the two. I'll probably find where a rat chewed the wire and that is the problem. Time will tell I suppose.

All,
The exhaust is fully welded and the clutch line is moved out of the way I believe. I'll let it cool down today and give it a test this afternoon. Just a couple of punch list items then time for a test drive.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

I wanted to let everyone know I have everything tidied up on Herb's Hearse and was able to move it forward and back in the shop. All is well and as long as it doesn't rain like they forecast I should be able to test drive it this afternoon and get photos.

JB

 

[mybigwarwagon]

Here's hoping the test drive is good.

 

[BUGTHUG]

I don't see any photo's I hope the Hearse hasn't died unexpectedly
I ordered new hood hinges, I hope they are made in the USA, and not by theyouthinasia. Oh I crack myself up sometimes

 

[jbmatth]

Here's hoping the test drive is good.

Thank you for the good vibes, it may have to wait a little though. It hasn't rained for two months until right when it gets time to take this thing out for a spin.

I don't see any photo's I hope the Hearse hasn't died unexpectedly
I ordered new hood hinges, I hope they are made in the USA, and not by theyouthinasia. Oh I crack myself up sometimes

It would be nice if the hood no longer needed the ol' hickory stick to stay open.

Nothing really to report today, I picked up the shop a little and am waiting for everything to dry out.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

Well I did get Herb's Hearse mostly wrapped up, I have the exhaust installed and got it running and took it for a test drive when it was light out and I could get some recovery help if needed. Luckily I didn't need any:

It wasn't wanting to start without starting fluid so I took some timing out of it and it is much better. I haven't had a chance to try a complete cold start on it but am hopeful. I also tweeked on the carb a bit to get the idle a little smoother. All in all I'm pretty happy with it, the brakes work...but they still take two pumps to get a good stopping feel. That I'll have to talk with Herb about on the phone and get his thoughts. We bled the brakes all the way around and didn't get any air out by the end.

That leads to a question for the experienced here, could that be caused by the cylinders not being adjusted far enough out?

On another note now that the lift was free I pulled the S10 in to check for yet another exhaust leak and what did I find, the other flange (that I didn't double nut) had lost two of the three nuts and the third was loose. Replaced the bolts and re-used the old gasket only to find out the flange on the header is bent that is not allowing me to get a good seal.

That leads to a question for the experienced here, what should I do, it really isn't practical/possible to remove the headers with the fenders fender liners in place, double gasket?

I also picked up a new set of wheels and tires that I don't have photos of just yet but will get them soon, and am going to look at something tonight that will be interesting to have.

JB

 

[cash68]

Double gasket with exhaust paste.

 

[Finallygotit]

.....That leads to a question for the experienced here, could that be caused by the cylinders not being adjusted far enough out?


Answer #1: My experience was to adjust the shoes out while spinning the tire until I could hear the shoes just starting to drag.


That leads to a question for the experienced here, what should I do, it really isn't practical/possible to remove the headers with the fenders fender liners in place, double gasket?.........


Answer #2: Summit sells aluminium sandwiched gaskets just for issues like this. I had an issue with exhaust leaks on the Cobra between the header and the head. Once I installed the new gaskets, problem solved.

These are the header gaskets
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mrg-7410g/overview/

And I think I found what you're looking for
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/php-66002/overview/

HTH

 

[Bob Heine]

It wasn't wanting to start without starting fluid so I took some timing out of it and it is much better. I haven't had a chance to try a complete cold start on it but am hopeful. I also tweeked on the carb a bit to get the idle a little smoother. All in all I'm pretty happy with it, the brakes work...but they still take two pumps to get a good stopping feel. That I'll have to talk with Herb about on the phone and get his thoughts. We bled the brakes all the way around and didn't get any air out by the end.

That leads to a question for the experienced here, could that be caused by the cylinders not being adjusted far enough out?

JB, it has been a long time since I worked on drum brakes that didn't self-adjust. To get the best brake pedal feel, once all the air was out, I would turn the adjuster until the brake drum was solidly locked up and then back it off until the wheel would turn. After a short test drive I would check to be sure none of the drums were heating up. If one or two were warm, I'd back off the adjuster another notch.

On another note now that the lift was free I pulled the S10 in to check for yet another exhaust leak and what did I find, the other flange (that I didn't double nut) had lost two of the three nuts and the third was loose. Replaced the bolts and re-used the old gasket only to find out the flange on the header is bent that is not allowing me to get a good seal.

That leads to a question for the experienced here, what should I do, it really isn't practical/possible to remove the headers with the fenders fender liners in place, double gasket?
JB

I would double up crushable graphite gaskets. These 1/8" thick ones are supposed to compress 50% so if the bend is less than 3/16" it should work. Maybe shaving the area that goes in the tight side.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/rfl-8002/overview/

 

[E.rodz]

looks like you have been keeping yourself busy too!3048t51 is the mcmaster carr part # to take care of your ex flange problems in a pinch. i have added a couple of these to my bring with on road trip kits they fit in tight areas and are only a couple bucks a piece!

 

[BUGTHUG]

Well I did get Herb's Hearse mostly wrapped up, I have the exhaust installed and got it running and took it for a test drive when it was light out and I could get some recovery help if needed. Luckily I didn't need any:

It wasn't wanting to start without starting fluid so I took some timing out of it and it is much better. I haven't had a chance to try a complete cold start on it but am hopeful. I also tweeked on the carb a bit to get the idle a little smoother. All in all I'm pretty happy with it, the brakes work...but they still take two pumps to get a good stopping feel. That I'll have to talk with Herb about on the phone and get his thoughts. We bled the brakes all the way around and didn't get any air out by the end.

In the past you could drive in reverse and slam the brakes and they would self adjust/ Not sure if these were before the self adjust? Clicking the adjuster while turning the hub might help, but not sure why it doesn't have full pressure on the first pump?

 

[jbmatth]

First of all thanks for all of the replies ya'll.

Double gasket with exhaust paste.

High temp RTV or is there another product I'm not aware of?

Those are the gaskets I use now on the collector...they did already have some crush on them so I could have easily gotten them put back in the wrong place. Maybe worth giving another try to.

JB, it has been a long time since I worked on drum brakes that didn't self-adjust. To get the best brake pedal feel, once all the air was out, I would turn the adjuster until the brake drum was solidly locked up and then back it off until the wheel would turn. After a short test drive I would check to be sure none of the drums were heating up. If one or two were warm, I'd back off the adjuster another notch.

I would double up crushable graphite gaskets. These 1/8" thick ones are supposed to compress 50% so if the bend is less than 3/16" it should work. Maybe shaving the area that goes in the tight side.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/rfl-8002/overview/

Thanks Bob, I'll play with the brakes some more, I thought they were pretty close but like you said I really don't have much experience with ones this old. I guess I should get them, I don't want to think about how much I've spent on exhaust gaskets for this collector, I think I have put 4 full sets in it this year and only have 1,600 miles (2,600 km) on it this year. But it sure has been fun driving it.

looks like you have been keeping yourself busy too!3048t51 is the mcmaster carr part # to take care of your ex flange problems in a pinch. i have added a couple of these to my bring with on road trip kits they fit in tight areas and are only a couple bucks a piece!

E.rodz,
I did a search for the part number you mentioned and this is what popped up:

I have a couple of those little clamps similar at least and I haven't found a good use for them yet. I don't know that I'd ever be able to get them installed but I'll keep it in mind. I try not to let grass grow under my feet but you seem to get way more done than I could dream of.

In the past you could drive in reverse and slam the brakes and they would self adjust/ Not sure if these were before the self adjust? Clicking the adjuster while turning the hub might help, but not sure why it doesn't have full pressure on the first pump?

I'd never heard that before, interesting, I'll get it back on the lift and give it a go, the storms last night caught me off guard so I need to dry out a little.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

Well I knew it would happen eventually but didn't expect it to be so soon. We were enjoying a relaxing Sunday evening when FB marketplace sucked me in, first I found the C6 Corvette wheels and tires I mentioned before but still don't have photos of, then I found this:

My wife was really interested in finding a nice CJ7 in pink for our daughters, I eventually convinced her the TJ was a better option and she would never find a pink Jeep within driving distance anyway. That is why we picked up the white TJ shown before and she planned to paint it pink eventually. Well it turns out I lied, this one was 1.5 hours from our house and within our budget. I conned Alex into making the trip up with me and away we went yesterday after work. You guessed it:

I looked it over and was amazed by how clean it was from a rust standpoint, mechanically it is acceptable but will need a bunch of new gaskets, and #3 cylinder is not firing. Mechanics I'm fine with but rust I don't want to deal with just yet so it was a good deal. One of the big reasons we liked it so much was (besides being pink) it was also a manual:

4 speed at that, and it may be the first ever 4 speed I've driven and took some getting used to. It did great on the highway and was happy as a clam cruising at 75 on the way home. That is until we hit:

The wind was so strong I could only maintain 65 going up hills, but did eventually make it:

All in all I'm pleased with it and will give me plenty of opportunities to tinker on it with the girls and for me to learn about the AMC inline 6 engine.

Also if you noticed the strange looking thing in the background earlier this is what it is:

I think he said it was a Volvo something in the back with a 350 Chevy engine hopped up and of course a trike front end he built. Looks like fun but I didn't bother making an offer, we now have a total of 12 vehicles at the house that we own and two that are their for work. All but two of ours are road ready so it is time for the heard to be thinned out a bit.

JB

 

[Bob Heine]

JB, that's the ever-popular Volvo PV444 or PV544. I've driven a couple of PV544s and they are indestructible (unless you have an OA cutting torch). They were made from 1947-1965 and looked like a shrunken late '40s Ford tudor sedan.

 

[jbmatth]

JB, that's the ever-popular Volvo PV444 or PV544. I've driven a couple of PV544s and they are indestructible (unless you have an OA cutting torch). They were made from 1947-1965 and looked like a shrunken late '40s Ford tudor sedan.

There you go, Bob to the rescue, my google is broken, were those very popular in the US? They are neat looking cars and look like they would be fun to play around with.

JB

 

[patlun]

I have been following your adventures for a while. Reading the whole thread while commuting. Thanks for sharing both lows and highs, that have made my commute enjoyable in many ways. And I have also learned some things. I feel that I must comment so you know your posts is appreciated

I confess that the AC Cobra or some of the clones is a car I would like to drive at least once.

Well I did get Herb's Hearse mostly wrapped up, I have the exhaust installed and got it running and took it for a test drive when it was light out and I could get some recovery help if needed. Luckily I didn't need any:

I really like to see some old cars that is not modified until they are unrecognizable. Nice looking car!

Wow! A cute jeep

Also if you noticed the strange looking thing in the background earlier this is what it is:

Now I get a stomach pain. What had that poor car done for evil? But a high score for trying I am happy you have the sense to left that for some other to find.

I will go back to follow your fun and educating adventures

 

[jbmatth]

I have been following your adventures for a while. Reading the whole thread while commuting. Thanks for sharing both lows and highs, that have made my commute enjoyable in many ways. And I have also learned some things. I feel that I must comment so you know your posts is appreciated

I confess that the AC Cobra or some of the clones is a car I would like to drive at least once.



I really like to see some old cars that is not modified until they are unrecognizable. Nice looking car!



Wow! A cute jeep



Now I get a stomach pain. What had that poor car done for evil? But a high score for trying I am happy you have the sense to left that for some other to find.

I will go back to follow your fun and educating adventures

Patlun,
Thank you for reading and commenting, I sure hope your commute was more a train or bus ride rather than a driving commute like mine. Your kind words are very appreciated, there are many good times and a few struggles along the way but in the end I will find a way even if it means lots of extra work.

If you ever find your way to my part of the world I'll at least take you for a spin in my cobra if the weather isn't too terrible. I know everyone has their own taste when it comes to vehicles some are better than others. I just try to appreciate the effort required and the passion the owner posses and be happy there are others willing to continue the hobby.

JB

 

[patlun]

There you go, Bob to the rescue, my google is broken, were those very popular in the US? They are neat looking cars and look like they would be fun to play around with.

JB

I don't know how popular they was in USA, but they was no huge sellers over the world. The PV444 sold 196005 cars worldwide 1946-1958 and PV544 sold 243990 cars from 1959-1965.

Patlun,
Thank you for reading and commenting, I sure hope your commute was more a train or bus ride rather than a driving commute like mine. Your kind words are very appreciated, there are many good times and a few struggles along the way but in the end I will find a way even if it means lots of extra work.

If you ever find your way to my part of the world I'll at least take you for a spin in my cobra if the weather isn't too terrible. I know everyone has their own taste when it comes to vehicles some are better than others. I just try to appreciate the effort required and the passion the owner posses and be happy there are others willing to continue the hobby.

JB

That last sentence is really true. The effort and passion people put in to the hobby is really something to appreciate and I really do. And I think the builder must have had lots of fun building it.

Edit: And i forgot to thank you for the offer of driving your Cobra. Thank you!

 

[jbmatth]

I don't know how popular they was in USA, but they was no huge sellers over the world. The PV444 sold 196005 cars worldwide 1946-1958 and PV544 sold 243990 cars from 1959-1965.




That last sentence is really true. The effort and passion people put in to the hobby is really something to appreciate and I really do. And I think the builder must have had lots of fun building it.

Edit: And i forgot to thank you for the offer of driving your Cobra. Thank you!

Patrik,
Still a good number of them total but not seen very often anymore, of course I don't see many cars on the road frm the 40's to 60's so that really doesn't mean much.

Enjoy following along and try not to sleep while reading.

JB

 

[Grizz1963]

Great buy.

Those Volvos as mentioned are indestructible

However, as it stands now, it needs destruction

 

[jbmatth]

Great buy.

Those Volvos as mentioned are indestructible

However, as it stands now, it needs destruction

Haha nice one there Grizz.

 

[jbmatth]

As promised here are the new wheels I picked up for the S10:

Not a bad set looks wise as far as I was concerned, the best part was how wide the new tires were and the fact that they were Michelin Pilot Sports:

One slight drawback is that they are slightly shorter than my existing tires:

But something I didn't completely notice when I picked them up was what kind of shape the lug holes were it, I don't know what happened to the rear wheels but they are wallered out bit time. I installed one and tightened the lug nuts but was just too afraid they would eventually pull through and cause a very bad day for me to I'm not going to use them for the time being. I may end up using them as roller spares for Project Pinkie Pi though.

Also to give you an idea on what the hood looked like before I replaced it on the S10 here is what the fender looked like:

Then after what had to have cost me a gallon of sweat here is what the new one looks like installed:

More to come:

JB

 

[jbmatth]

Today was the first day of school for the girls this school year, Bear will be in 3rd grade and Cat will be in Kindergarten. Until this morning they didn't know about the Pink Jeep, I parked another vehicle where they couldn't see it where I had all three staged so we could get their back to school photos done. Led them around that car and let them see all three parked side by side. Bears jaw dropped seeing her new Pink Jeep:

It was cool seeing them all side by side too:

Well plenty of work to get back too so ya'll have a good one.

Keep Moving Forward,
JB

 

[BUGTHUG]

I like the pink Jeep. Looking like a JEEP farm. You are whit Jeep like Iam with VW's.

Here's something you don't see in the US a whole lot. My wife's 72 Squareback VW wagen. As you can see by the license plate it came from Puerto Rico. Cool story on this one

 

[jbmatth]

I like the pink Jeep. Looking like a JEEP farm. You are whit Jeep like Iam with VW's.

Here's something you don't see in the US a whole lot. My wife's 72 Squareback VW wagen. As you can see by the license plate it came from Puerto Rico. Cool story on this one

The Jeep Farm doesn't seem far off as fast as they have been multiplying lately. I will add one small change, I still don't have a Jeep, my wife and daughters on the other hand have 3. Sound rehearsed?

Is that the one you were telling me about the other day? You are correct, I've seen a few but can't remember for sure if it was ever in person. I will say Jeeps are starting to grow on me for using them for Jeep things, still not a fan of them for family commuter cars though.

JB

 

[Grizz1963]

One day.....l


I will find the right S10@ the right $$$’s


Square backs are great, but Notchbacks rule Herb