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.

11-25-14

Finished repairing driver's side door and temporarily installed it for a fit check, but without fenders I can't do much adjusting.

 

Wish I could get a decent day to shoot the body with epoxy primer outside, but wind and cold won't permit. The self-etching primer coat will not do much to resist moisture when the high humidity rainy days arrive in a few weeks.

Arranged to pick up the '66 Poly and transmission next week, but forecast is for rain and I don't want to drive that far and haul parts back in foul weather.

Sent out a request for quotes for custom made hood springs, but so far there is little interest from other owners. Set up fee will be around $400 and that is too much for a couple of buyers to absorb. I might have to get by with old springs.

11-18-14

Just an update for those still following my progress.

Global warming has slowed down progress considerably. The plan was to prime the body with epoxy primer before joining it to the frame, but the weather isn't cooperating. Temperatures have been 10 to 30 degrees below normal for about two weeks, and only slight moderating is expected in the next ten days. Average high for this part of the state on this date is 67F, but yesterday's high was only 38F with strong NW winds. The previous night's snow didn't even melt in the shade. Today is a bit warmer, but very windy. The leaves didn't even get a chance to change colors, so many of the trees are covered with frozen green leaves that have now turned black.

Since I can't paint and proceed with the body-joining plan, I've started repairing doors. The complexity of forming small metal patches makes it a very time consuming job and the cold floors in the workshop have dampened my enthusiasm for spending a lot of time out there. That means there will be no photos to post anytime soon.

To top it off, my welding helmet is no longer darkening automatically. I pulled the electronics module out and placed the solar panels in a bright area to see if the batteries will recharge. If not, it looks like I'll have to buy a replacement before I can weld any more patches in place.

Door Repair

 

Swiss cheese door bottom that required another complicated corner patch.

 

 

 

 

 

11-1-14

License plate bracket received and temporarily installed.

 

 

My old Washington truck license covers filler cap except from a direct side view.

10-30-14

Fabricated and painted brackets for fuel tank.

Installed rebuilt 11" x 2-1/2" brakes and new finned drums. Decided to wait with wheel bearings and seals until car is running so I can also check condition of gears and pinion seal and bearings. Axle bearings are quite worn, but seals weren't leaking.

Next I'll permanently install fuel tank and finish a few things on the body so I can apply a coat of epoxy primer and then join the body and frame before the weather gets bad.

Fuel Tank Install-Rear Brake Buildup

Last parts for fuel tank and rear brakes received. 1964 B-body tank is perfect for my custom installation. Took two days to temporarily install for fit and measure for permanent mounting brackets. All parts are very high quality. Hinged license plate bracket ordered 10-27.

 

Rear brakes are assembled onto backplates and ready to install. Double flaring kit and copper/nickel brake line are very easy to work with, and well worth the few dollars extra over steel line. Had to order different center-flex line as B-body banjo style was too short. Used '73 Dodge truck part that was five inches longer, and barely long enough.