Hood Springs

Some info for David.

I cleaned up and measured the pull strength of three different hood springs. Not the most precise measuring tools were used, but I pulled them the 1-1/4" distance that is their full travel when opening and closing the hood, and noted the maximum reading. Measurements were taken with a digital luggage scale.

The best spring, no rust and heavily painted gray, measured in excess of 110 lb, as that's the limit of the scale. It had nearly reached the full stretch before it went over scale so I'm sure it's somewhere close to 110. The next best, also no rust and heavily painted, was 108 lb. The last had some surface rust that was beginning to etch the surface of the entire spring. It measured 87 lb.

I have two more springs still attached to the hinges that I will measure when I get around to removing and cleaning them, but they too have some rust, so I'm guessing they will also be weaker. They are still on the parts car and the hood sags somewhat.

Christmas Break

Still haven't recovered entirely from my cold, so not much energy, and too many holiday chores with priority for much to be happening on the '56. Spent a few hours stripping, cleaning and sanding the Cordoba alloy wheels. After cleaning, sprayed wheels with one coat of Por clear sealer. Instructions with can said to not thin, but mixture was too thick to spray evenly. Internet post said to use Xylene to thin if necessary, and yes, it is necessary. Had to re-sand uneven areas and now waiting for Xylene to arrive. None to be found in Denton County, so ordered online. Should be here on the 29th.

Don't see much happening until the new year.

The U.S. Air Force Band at the Smithsonian

With the crappy cold ruining my restoration efforts, I'll just relax with some fond memories of the twenty-three years I wore Air Force blue.

12/6/14

Picked up a '66 engine and transmission from East Texas and started disassembly. Hope to get the block, heads and crankshaft into the machine shop before Christmas. The plan is to buy new rods, but pistons might be a problem. Also not sure what to do about a camshaft.

Before bringing it in for a rebuild I'll play with the transmission to see if I can get the pushbuttons to shift without requiring excessive pressure.

Also started cleaning up the Cordoba wheels so I can clear coat them and get tires mounted. Ordered P215-70-R15 Cooper narrow whitewalls from Discount tire and they already arrived. They were the only whitewalls available in the size I needed, and I don't want to go with wide whites just to get the brand I prefer. I spent too many years trying to keep them looking nice, and I'm done with

 A winter cold is limiting my enthusiasm to do anything.