FE Power Forums
FE Power Forums => Member Projects => Topic started by: Drew Pojedinec on December 15, 2015, 11:00:30 PM
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I initially wrote a little about this on the FE forum. Of course due to the nature of the Fe Forum with moving topics to the top (or lack thereof) figured I'd document the work on this project here.
The back story:
I was in NYC and headed by boat to Haiti then to Mobile AL, so I was going to be without cell service for a solid 21 days or so.
When I got to Mobile I saw that my son had bought himself an F150 with a 302. Now to fully understand my surprise you have to understand that my son is 12 years old.
He saw the truck on the side of the road and wanted to check it out. He arranged a time to meet the owner and he brought back my "old retire guy crew" to inspect it with him. I've got some older retired neighbors that are hanging around my shop and always interested in what projects I may work on. They are cool fellas, and the three of us have an "open shop" policy (ie if any of us need a bolt or washer or tool, we check the others person shop before the hardware store).
Anyhow the asking price for the truck was $2,000 and I'm assuming his cuteness talked the owner down to $1750. He needed one of the retired fellas to drive the truck home for him. When I talked to him this views were of sound logic. I own one of this series of trucks so I have spare parts on hand, they are cheap and easy to fix, and unlike a Honda Civic, this truck would appreciate in value.
So when I got into cell range I saw these pictures:
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/ronin_zpsnbdupv5r.jpg)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/12239956_10153771706259439_3458550444922775535_n_zpssb3ov0yk.jpg)
Now I love a project, so I was excited to get home and get to work on it.
I finally arrived at home, and checked out the truck. Was pretty decent. Right away despite the lack of trivial things like license plates, we decided to see how she ran. Fired right up, we pulled out of the driveway and went around the block. I pulled the truck into the shop to inspect it when the wife said "Hey, take me for a ride." So she jumped in and we went around the block again, but didn't make it too far before the truck died. Of course this is when they said "Oh yeah, the truck doesn't run at all once it is hot." I sprayed some starter fluid and cranked the engine, but it was obvious there was zero spark.
So, I left them with the truck and ran the half mile or so back to the house and got my truck and a tow strap.
Got them hitched up and back to the house we went.
Within 30 seconds my dear wife (bless her heart) drove over the tow strap and promptly broke the brake line off.
So, two missions now.... brake hoses and hot start ignition.
I ordered brake hoses, and went to finding the ignition issues.
Of course, before tearing into it, I felt some ignition system theory, and how to was to be taught:
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/12308597_10153803012004439_2904570725921676472_n_zpscngde9bw.jpg)
Ended up finding the problem was the ignition pickup in the duraspark distributor. I found it view checking resistance. This led into a long discussion of how and why to use a multimeter. We spent a good hour checking various things in the shop. Anyhow, I happened to have a spare pickup, we tossed it in and the engine ran very well for 30 minutes, tho was obviously off a little.
The wife caught us taking a break.... ok I was showing him how to work an AM/FM radio and how to program channels with the push buttons. We were listening to some obnoxious Mexican music when the wife spotted us and took this picture:
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/12346420_10153810482724439_8589504842581567413_n_zpst8tv5pck.jpg)
Now some random pictures:
The kid likes metal working, I need to get him doing some welding:
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/12316194_10153790156579439_5574548872772953890_n_zpsgn1mzcj6.jpg)
Bed rusted, so someone rivets a plate to it, easy fix should we care to do it:
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/IMG_1380_zpswc0xfvgn.jpg)
Engine and truck amazingly original:
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/IMG_1373_zpsw6tpih87.jpg)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/IMG_1381_zpsewnsxfw7.jpg)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/IMG_1384_zpsqjij4unj.jpg)
Interior is decent:
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/IMG_1377_zpsdg9qcju3.jpg)
The clearcoat peeling:
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/IMG_1378_zpsayxydvk2.jpg)
The worst troublesome rust, luckily I have a parts cab to cut on:
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/IMG_1379_zpszgtqtorf.jpg)
Engine sounded rough so we found all the vacuum leaks, reset the idle screws, reset the valves, and set the timing to 10 degrees initial. We were told the engine was rebuilt in recent history. Normally I ignore such claims, but it is pretty clean under the valve covers, so that is a good sign.
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/IMG_1375_zpsw6pljoia.jpg)
Engine still not *perfect* I checked the timing chain and it is crazy loose. So that and brakes are the next projects.
video: http://vid68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/MVI_1382_zpspi6ysbmz.mp4
I'll post more as we get into the truck further. Progress will be somewhat slow as my son is the one who bought this truck and he is paying for the repairs.....
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What a great father-son project! Kudos to your son for taking the initiative and buying the truck; he must be a motorhead at heart.
Now, to start collecting those FE parts... ;D
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That's a cool story, and nice truck. Looks like the kid got a good deal on it. Most kids would have bought themselves a nintendo or x box. It seems you got a pretty good kid there, good luck with both!
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Sweet project and a lucky kid. I would have loved to have something like that to work on at that age, but I had to settle for model cars lol.
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Engine still not *perfect* I checked the timing chain and it is crazy loose. So that and brakes are the next projects.
Bet is has the OEM nylon coated teeth cam gear! Get only the all cast iron replacement gear.
Quite a steal there.
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I'll never forget working on cars and trucks with my dad and brothers.
It's the best.
Obviously great kid and a nice truck.
Congratulations.
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Bet is has the OEM nylon coated teeth cam gear! Get only the all cast iron replacement gear.
Quite a steal there.
Hard to say. The engine was *rebuilt* and I suspect timing chain was changed. I don't know if the aftermarket sold timing gears with the nylon teeth or now.... I will not really know until I pull the water pump and timing chain cover. I test a timing chain by rocking the engine back and forth while watching the Rotor. If it looks bad, I pull the fuel pump and push on the chain to check slack.
Timing chain r&r will be soon as the illustrious Doctor Lykins is sending us a new timing set and gasket.
Sadly I ordered the wrong front brake hoses, so won't be able to get to that for a few more days as well.
Power steering pump leaks (a lot), I'll be hunting down a new o-ring for that, if I cannot find one I've got a spare power steering pump I can toss on.
I pulled the truck out of the shop for the time being, as my Galaxie is somewhat pampered by her dry inner dwellings. (yes you can drive a truck just fine with no brakes).
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Drew, nice truck and great kid! Looks like you're teaching him right, too. No matter what he ends up doing in his career, etc. he will have those skills you're teaching him to put to good use.
I remember when I was about 12 or 13 using some of the "fortune" earned from my paper route (if anyone needs an explanation of what a paper route is, let me know).
I found and bought an old Vespa motor scooter; it was painted beige and looked like the paint job was done with a big brush. I was so proud though! I'm sure that's how your son is feeling now.
Bruce
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Yeah, I was ten and got annoyed with my lack of "things" that other kids had so I went and worked at a farm, $2 and hour during the day, and working the evenings at a lawn mower repair place for the same pay.
would do 5-6 hours a day all year and 15-16 hours a day all summer when I didn't have the bother of school. Did that for many years.
I still remember at about 12 my big purchase was a stereo system that could play my bob dylan records AND the new fangled cd's. Was a big deal. Wish I could have afforded a better car, my dad knew nothing nor cared anything for cars, so I kinda had to figure it all out myself. My figuring is if nothing else I want my kids to leave the house with a work ethic, the ability to teach themselves things as needed, and with a basic understanding of machines/cars.
Figure that is all you *really* need.
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My figuring is if nothing else I want my kids to leave the house with a work ethic, the ability to teach themselves things as needed, and with a basic understanding of machines/cars.
Figure that is all you *really* need.
Drew, I think you are on to something there and it looks like your boy is off to a good start.
It's great to spend time with the kids wrench on the cars. My boy wasn't real interested in cars until he got his Exploder. I have had the pleasure of spending some hours with him wrenching on it to keep it going. Valve cover and intake gaskets, heater core, brakes, and a radiator to name a few parts.
He has a decent understanding of how the engine works and he is gaining confidence in his own abilities to tackle stuff.
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I'd asked the illustrious Mr Lykins what cheap timing chain he preferred for a 302, and he just went ahead and sent them to us. Early Xmas gift for the kiddo.
yeah, my kids are as weird as me.....
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/IMG_1387_zpsjwmo2em3.jpg)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/IMG_1389_zpsk8dnlweq.jpg)
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that would look great gold plated. I see you have a cat. figured you for a dog guy.
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Timing Bling.... 8)
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Mr. Lykins is a cool cat. He did me right recently also.
Your kid is cool too.
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Correction, the WIFE has two cats. I have a dog....
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Neat truck the kid found. With factory A/C to boot. The bed looks good too. I'm surprised to see the rain gutter is rusted through. How are the floor boards?
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That is the weird thing.
Bed, 100% pristine steel, right in the middle? rusted out.
Door? looks brand new, 1/8 above it on the cab, rusted clean through. So weird.
Normally a truck that has rust, it's cab mount, cab corner, and pretty much the same all through. This truck? perfect steel, looks like it jsut left the factory, but a foot away is a hole.
Small hole passenger side floor board. We have a bead roller and sheets of 18ga steel so no worries there. The wife and I bought him carpet from ACC for Xmas, so I'll know more about the floor soon enough.
I just got word I need to ship out early (ten days from now). Projects we are waiting on little parts for and we'll tackle next:
-Power Steering pump rebuild and new hoses
-weld patch in floor
-carpet
-carburetor rebuild
-timing chain r&r
-install new brake lines and test out all brakes
I might try to get them all done before I leave with the exception of the carpet/floor patching. I'd hate to tear into that right before I leave and find there is more work than I expected. (Plus my 63.5 Galaxie is NOT living outside the shop when I leave for work)
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Got sent to work even earlier so no progress done before I left.
Just got home last night, today got to tearing into the truck.
Power steering and front cover of engine removed.
We will rebuild the power steering pump in the morning (I don't like rebuilds from auto parts places, and I have a tiny bit of experience with hydraulic pumps, so....)
Lykins sent me a timing chain (thanks, that was awesome). Then I went to work. Oddly they sent another one after I got to work and the wife let me know. Oddly the next day UPS showed up to pick it back up. Weird we thought..... Well, once I got back home and tore the front of the engine down, I quickly realized I didn't have the correct parts. So I looked up the part number and apparently I have a timing set for a Jeep Cherokee. I can only assume (since I wasn't here) that the second set they sent was the correct one, and the part that was supposed to go back was this incorrect one. Either way, whatever, I don't care, I went out and got the proper part, so no worries there.
When I pulled the timing cover the (roaring) sound I assumed was the timing chain became apparent. The fuel pump eccentric fell into my hand, the bolt stripped out. Apparently the bolt lacked loctite and the camshaft pin was WAY too short to hold the eccentric in place. Failure diagnosis: Pin too short, eccentric rotated with the cam until it unscrewed the bolt, roaring sound was eccentric and bolt grinding into the timing cover. This explains why they installed an electric fuel pump (I wondered why the heck the truck would have an electric AND a mechanical fuel pump).
This goes back to my heart sinking feeling when I was told "Yeah man, the engine was rebuilt, but I think he set the valves wrong or something."
As a matter of fact the valves were set wrong, they set them like adjustables instead of setting them via torque as per the positive stop rockers they are, doh! Taken care of.
On a happy note, I happened to have the correct camshaft pin in one of my "buckets o misc engine bullshit" and also have a spare camshaft bolt for this engine. I very timidly screwed the bolt in, and thank god, the threads in the cam were ok. Should get all of that bolted back together sometime in the morning. Of course, this does concern me regarding the rest of the engine, but I guess we'll take it as it comes, I dont' feel like pulling the engine to retorque everything. I do however need to find a proper washer for the cam eccentric.... seriously people, when you have a wear mark on the eccentric and decide to use a washer that is half the size...... I mean WTF? Another case of a rebuild being: 2 cans spray paint, some new parts, and little to no talent or common sense in building an engine.
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/IMG_1419_zpsepiu2ig6.jpg)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/IMG_1426_zpskb1pdh8d.jpg)
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That's a damn fine question. Going through that now after some brand X machine shop installed the cam bearings wrong...
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Hate that about the timing chain.....sorry man....
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Meh.... so over it. I have this rule that has kept me alive thus far, "Don't take machines personally."
If I had a nickle for every time I got the wrong part, well.... I would finish my 445 build tonight :P
Waiting for the morning to warm up a lil bit, photobucket works again.
Hrm, what could go wrong with this setup?
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/IMG_1422_zpsinfcijrz.jpg)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/IMG_1427_zpsekddeldl.jpg)
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Hrm, old spedi sleeve, no bueno....
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/IMG_1431_zpsadq1k9qb.jpg)
Installed a new one, all good. Guess this is why the front seal was trashed.
Got everything good to go and eventually got everything back together, my son remarked that I have the best tools.... Well, they do make life easier.
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/IMG_1429_zpsla5wso0q.jpg)
All these little issues with the 302 and Ronin might have lost a little bit of his faith in the engine..... I assured him it would all be fine, he provided what he considered a viable Plan B. I declined to comment, but just shook my head.
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/IMG_1433_zps8jrkhcfq.jpg)
So I was busy getting stuff setup on the front of the engine and I turned around to see the boy had found a use for his gun rack:
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/IMG_1434_zpsif3k18f0.jpg)
On a personal note, I did find this funny.... he was reading over my shoulder a minute ago and said "JayB, who is that? ohh that is Jay Brown?!?! looking at MY truck pictures? Awesome!!!"
(Might be a little hero thing there going on, so Jay you gotta be nice.....)
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He's obviously an intelligent, hard working young man ;D ;D
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That's great stuff Drew.
My grandson was in the shop today. His dad bought him a old Yammie quad bike, and needs
some small stuff to tighten it up. He is 8 and I had him running the band saw and let him spin the chuck on the lathe.
Best day I've had in the shop for awhile.
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Power Steering pump, done......
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/IMG_1435_zpsris5nq3g.jpg)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/IMG_1437_zpsungb4qnn.jpg)
and if you've ever rebuilt one of these without a shop press, you'd understand the parting sentiment:
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/IMG_1438_zpshfixw46p.jpg)
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Are you sure the truck is a 1979, not a 78? The reason I ask is that Ford switched from the cast iron rail rocker arms like your engine has, for 1978, so a 79 302 should have the bolt down stamped steel fulcrum rocker arms. Actually, every 78 302 I have worked on also had the stamped rockers, except a buddys early built 78 Fairmont, which had the iron rockers. So I wonder if it is indeed a 79 truck, if sometime in the past, either somebody replaced the origional engine with an earlier version, of if the engine was rebuilt, they used an earlier core. Also by 1979, Ford had long ago switched to the 2 piece sheet metal fuel pump eccentric, which used the shorter cam dowel pin. Seems like a bit of "mix & match" going on with that 302. Maybe I`m a bit overly cautios, but if it were mine, I`d be tempted to pull the engine and oil pan, and take a close look for any other issues, just for piece of mind. Otherwise you will always have some doubt if it was put together properly. JMO.
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I agree in a way Rory.... the engine still sounds like a squeeky, clanky POS.
The truck was built late 78, so it could be a factory mismatch or well, but, a lot can happen in 36 years.
I've said the same thing to the kid, "I bout wanna pull the whole engine and see what else was bolted together badly."
He is a bit more reasonable than I, his point of view is, "I don't get my drivers license for 4 years.... and when I do get my license I'm not really driving more than 10 miles from here...."
Both arguments are valid. In the end, it is his money, so we're just gonna roll with it until a solution becomes obvious. Deep down I think he's wanting me to give him the 390 in my truck (Don't blame him really, it might happen before too long anyway).
Either way, thanks for the input Rory, I appreciate it!
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The reason I ask is that Ford switched from the cast iron rail rocker arms like your engine has, for 1978, so a 79 302 should have the bolt down stamped steel fulcrum rocker arms.
You know guys, I've had Ford trucks all my life and it never ceases to amaze me the amount of stuff I don't know.
Geez Rory, that is a great piece of info. I did not know that, thanks.
Drew, tell your kid he is an impressive lad. Also my first engine rebuild was a small block Ford (289). Rebuilt it on my dads garage floor. I will never forget that bond.
Might wait a bit on the 390 though till he has enough mulah to pay for the gas it uses.
Just yakking out loud over a friendly digital beer. :)
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The 390 in my truck (76 F100) gets 11-12mpg. I highly doubt a junky smogged out 302 is going to be getting a heck of a lot better economy than that.
Anyway, truck runs well enough, we'll register it, and are just gonna drive it around a bit and see what we think.
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Awesome find. I love the 78-9 Fords. Brown and Tan is my favorite combo----I've got 3 of them. That's a smart kid you got there.
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Hey Drew is Ronin interested in a set of aluminum pbf valve covers? I have had them since 1982, they were on my 1982 Capri, my first and only new car. They are greasy, but in good shape, and I have been saving them for a good cause. If yes, I'll donate them to his project. Let me know. JoeZ
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Appreciate the offer, but I need to get the truck registered (probably next time I get home) and we need to drive around for a lil while to see how the engine really is.
I have a sneaking suspicion that I'll either take it apart and check everything or toss a spare FE in there (of known quality).
So I'd hate to get any parts until we are 100% sure we'll be even keeping the engine.
Been busy between my engine build, fixing the neighbors 350 chevy in a boat, working on the brakes and rear end of a friends race truck, etc... This time off thing is keeping me busy, bout need to go to work to get a break.
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Sadly for the kid, I told him no major grinding or work that required my shop until my 446 was done and in the Galaxie.
So progress had stalled until now.
We got him carpet for Xmas, so was time to get everything going for that.
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/IMG_1637_zpsikwzoq6y.jpg)
got the cab cleaned out and decided it was better to buy floor pans than try to patch the swiss cheese driver side. Honestly $100 for two floor pans shipped to the house is decent considering how much fab work we'd need to do. ie, we'd need to cut a HUGE hole to fix a little hole just because of how thin and weak the steel was.
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/IMG_1639_zpsenbmxpir.jpg)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/IMG_1638_zpsfztdbpuz.jpg)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/IMG_1642_zpsz7bbjq16.jpg)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/IMG_1645_zps1gd6120q.jpg)
He actually took to sanding pretty well.
I forgot to mention last time he also replaced the brake pads. (ok so maybe I knocked the pins out).
I've discovered that the real trick here is this being HIS truck. He never really wanted to help with my vehicles because he was scared to screw up.... he's more than willing to take responsibility in messing up his own stuff tho.
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Wish him good luck from me :)
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Gotta love that kid! He's learning some valuable skills that will carry him on thru adulthood, including not being afraid to get his hands dirty. I wish that for all kids!
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Great thread Drew, really enjoying it. My 9 yr old son has already laid claims on my old 78 that I built as a teenager so will hopefully be going through the same in a few years.
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I can't even begin to say how cool this is! Most kids would just be sitting on their butts playing video games, surfing the web or chasing Pokemon crap. Tell him we all think that it's cool that he's willing to learn this stuff. 8)
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agreed , very cool . gives me hope for the future
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Ver cool. If your going to work on stuff, your going to screw up at some point. It how you handle it that makes a difference. ;)
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I wondered about those floor boards after seeing the rotten rain gutter. Can't wait to see that young man making a brown cloud with a cut-off wheel. ;D
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Drew-
Awesome stuff and a fine young man you have there :)
I'm treading on some dangerously thin political ice, but THIS is how you make America great. Imparting these skills and values to our young people is priceless. Around here in L.A. it seems the biggest goal of young people is to spend as much of other people's money as possible, with bonus points if you can do it in front of a TV camera!
Keep up the good work!
- Bill
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Well Bill,
I'm 37 and I feel my generation was sold a bad bill of goods regarding education.
We were told that all we needed to do was work hard in school, get into a good college, which would get us a good job, and life would be perfect. (2008 proved otherwise).
It appears to me that in today's economy, education is still important obviously, but unless there is a particular goal you wish to achieve that requires specific training, learning how to build and create things is very important. A willingness to get down and dirty is important.
In my line of work, with a GED you can show up with zero skills other than common sense, and a good work ethic and make $50k starting. A year later you can give yourself a raise by simply taking a class and getting a raise in grade. Learning to service the machine as I do can double and triple that income in 3-4 years if you really focus and work hard.
I look around at people my age and see men with $250k worth of education, that cannot for the life of them figure out how to change the blades on their lawn mower. I figure at the very least I should show the kids how to work basic power tools in a safe manner.
My son plays video games.... which we allow, but we feel there needs to be something to learn about it. So he plays this game where he drives around tanks and planes and shoots at other people online. Well the wife found an AutoCad program so he could design his own tanks to use. I can't imagine having to try and teach a 12 year old AutoCad, but since he is into the game, he pretty much taught himself. He also has several Trebuchet designs he made up that he wants to build in the shop.
It's always easier to learn something when it furthers something you are already interested in.... this is why we homeschool, we can really go "all in" on any interest the kids are obsessing about. This is much more interesting than public school's "teaching the test" mentality.
Rant off.
So we're getting the floor pans in today. Will have more progress pictures as we cut and weld them in.
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Cool deal Drew!
I may sound like a grumpy old fart sometimes, but I'm only 51. I hear ya on the basic skills stuff. I'm a consulting design engineer and I've found that sometimes you just have to get into the shop and make stuff to move the job forward. I also don't wait for somebody else to come service my CAD workstations or networking gear. Being able to dive in and take care of things yourself is such an asset in today's changing world...
It's amazing how fast kids can pick up computer skills! Good on ya for encouraging the AutoCAD work. Wait until you have him designing in 3D ;)
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Yeah, If I bought solidworks and a lathe he'd never leave me alone :P
I have a cousin that is a mechanical engineer that couldn't figure out how to change an alternator (I was walking him through it, before he gave up and had it towed to a shop).
Our educational system is VERY lopsided.
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I have a cousin that is a mechanical engineer that couldn't figure out how to change an alternator (I was walking him through it, before he gave up and had it towed to a shop).
Our educational system is VERY lopsided.
He should be looking for a refund. ::)
Great to watch you two building a ride.
Bravo Zulu!
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Hey Bill
I just noticed you are the Minister of Funny Walks.
Interesting. I did not know you guys down south had Ministers.
We have a few Ministers up here with catchy titles also. ;)
Or at lest I've given them catchy titles. Mwahahaha!
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Pretty sure that is from a Monty Python skit. and a fantastic one we often emulate while walking in public.
Ok, so making some rednecky patches for the back of the cab. Basically the seam had split and wasn't always in contact with each piece. It was silicone'd...... I gave the kid options, we either:
-Pull the cab, cut everything out and remake it
-Resilicone it
-Make imperfect patches and fix it perfectly some other day.
He went with the last one. It isn't ideal but what we could do at the time. So I cut some one inch strips of steel, bent it and reconnected everything.
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/IMG_1655_zpstdnahbgj.jpg)
http://vid68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/MVI_1652_zps02be89rp.mp4
^ he's actually pretty decent at keeping a good arc, height seemed good, angle wasn't always perfect. I'll finish weld it, but he got some time getting comfortable with it all.
We'll cut up a ton of scrap and weld it all together for his practice.... in the meantime I'll do the finish welding.
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Hey Bill
I just noticed you are the Minister of Funny Walks.
Interesting. I did not know you guys down south had Ministers.
We have a few Ministers up here with catchy titles also. ;)
Or at lest I've given them catchy titles. Mwahahaha!
The Funny Walks thing comes from having my right hip screwed back together twice. (Crashing dirt bikes in the desert and Spring skiing in the Rockies can be painful...) Sometimes in the morning I need to do that funny walk thing just to get it un-kinked.
In L.A. it tends to get way out there crazy New-Age. Reminds me of a certain ex-girlfriend. Oh, never mind...
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Well, we aren't very good with sheet metal work, but whatever, the floor is hole-free. Have this project mostly done. I need to go off to school for a week. When I get back we'll get the scuff plates and dimmer switch in (need to drill new holes).
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/IMG_1669_zpshzlk5lak.jpg)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/DeepRootsNursery/Ronins%20F150/IMG_1679_zpsnygusbz4.jpg)
Might take on another project with this truck in a few months.
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No more 79 progress. I've been working on my 76 and he's been busy.
The kid was hanging out with some old dudes and they asked if he wanted to work with them. They have a pretty neat project going on.
Ronin is a bit of a freak about ww2 airplanes, so this has been taking most of his free time. These guys are amazing, hand making almost every piece for the plane.
Thought I'd share for some of you warbird junkies.
http://xp-82twinmustangproject.blogspot.com/p/photo-gallery.html
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Way cool on the twin Mustang! Now that is an ambitious project as it's essentially two airplanes.
-is this the only fully restored twin in the world?
-projected cost, if it's not a secret? Or man-hours estimated?
-when will it be finished?
-who's going to take it up first?
So many questions......LOL!
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Bob,
Yeah, twin Mustang. 5 of them in the world in various states of decay. 3 are owned by the military and are not going to be restored.
This will be the ONLY flying one in the world. They hope to have it flying late summer/early fall of this year.
Cost I couldn't possibly say, but I can say it'll be over 3mill for sure. There are at least 5 people working on it 6days a week for the last 3 years. I've watched these guys put 250hours just into custom making a cowling or other part. Best part is all of the work is being done with just sheets of aluminum, an english wheel, a shinker, and some sandpaper.
I suspect one of the many investors will take it up with a highly skilled pilot.
We have a ww2 flight training museum in town, they always have neat stuff there. B17's, B24's, etc are always coming in for repairs. A C47 lives there that is still in use, it's a true combat veteran seeing action in North Africa, and paratroop drops at D-Day.
The kid has been doing menial work, drilling holes, sanding parts, running wires, helping make reproduction fiberglass parts, etc. He's just happy to hang around and be a part of this all. The head of the operation has taken a liking to the kid, so they mostly work side by side.
Any other questions and I'm sure the website will provide.
dp
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Thanks!
I was a visitor long ago (25 years, maybe 30 now) to the DuPage (IL) County airport where a P-38 was being restored. An amazing amount of $ and time to make a 100% resto out of an already flyable plane. Lost track of it, the name or serial number but did see a story later on.
Apparently an ad appeared in Aviation Week (?) magazine looking for a pilot with past experience to test fly it. A follow-up article said that a fellow showed up, presented his credentials and after some lengthy taxi tests, took her up and had a whale of time doing flyby's, rolls, stunts and whatever to totally wring the plane out. Upon landing, he signed the certificate (FAA, airworthy, I guess) and took off in his own plane.
The pilot? Chuck Yeager.
Wished I had been there!