Let me say a couple of things before we get started on this thread.
1) I am not wealthy. So this thead will progress with elbow grease, sweat, and pennys I pinched. Sam was the right price, so I was able to buy him. I cant afford going out and spending $25000 on a show truck. If hes ugly to you, thats fine. Hes mine. And I will do with him as I see fit, and as finances see fit...LOL
2) This will progress slowly. I will try to keep it updated, but pictures and a thread on a forum do so little to tell the story of the actual time it takes to complete a project. Or the phone calls, the hunting parts, so on and so forth. So dont give up on this thread. ;)
3) I do not know everything about vehicles and vehicle repair. I see this as 33% learning, 33% talking to those who know how to get it done, 33% doing, and 1% using my own brain power.
4) Enjoy. And after I get him running, stop by for a ride. My goal is to keep him on the road as much as possible.
[edit to add #3]
Well, as of 3:30, September 22, 2011, Sam the 52 left Arkansas for what is probably the first time in his life. and entered Oklahoma.
A little story from his vin: He was "born" in May 1952 in Kansas City. I imagine that he was shipped to Arkansas, and spent every hour there until we crossed the OK/AR state line last Friday.
By 6 PM, we had him off the trailer and started working on him.
(if you want to see a picture of something about Sam, let me know and I will try to get a pic of that. Like if you want to see his interior, ect)
First thing we did when we got Sam home is take his gas tank out. To do that, we had to drain the tank.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/DSC00915.jpg)
Roscoe told me it was pretty nasty, and he was right. This is what was in the tank:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/DSC00917.jpg)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/DSC00918.jpg)
Pretty nasty!
Next, removing the carb and the starter (along with a little help from my kiddos).
Yes I would like to see the interior.
You aren't wasting any time I see.
Oh, yeah! Go, Sam, go. Please. :laughhard: I'm gonna have to drift thataway with Rusty once you get Sam running....
I want to know what the floor says in chalk? ;)
I was also wondering that, but didn't want to interrupt the truck tinkering. I was thinking at first a kid's scribbling but it looks too neatly written and purposeful.
Saturday 9/23
Chelleebelle had a early class, so I loaded the kiddos up and we went to work on Sam.
The kiddos were having a great time yelling, hollering, and playing, so to quiet them down a bit, I put them to work.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/DSC00933.jpg)
Funny story here: I was working on him, elbow deep in pulling his starter, learning a new side occupation of fussing at him, when my cousin and his wife pulls up. She bolts out of the truck and comes running up to Sam oohing and awing over him. I'm gonna have to get a branch of the ugly tree to keep the women folks away from Sam. Its like the old lady who passed me on I-40. She was riding in the lap of luxury, a Mercedes, and gave ME?!? a thumbs up about Sam. What is up with that? LOL Sorry, no pics of the starter.
Next was the carburetor. We tried to get it started Friday night, but it wasnt getting gas. After opening up the carb, we discovered why.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/DSC00934.jpg)
Apparently the PO (previous owner, not Roscoe, but the young man we bought sam off of) had left Sam sitting long enough to get the carb gunked up seriously. YUCK!
Where Sam stands now:
The gas tank is nasty but I think I can clean it up. If not, I will look for a fuel cell or something that I can mount in the bed. Its $150 for a new tank to put behind the seat, or I can order a nice stainless round tank offline for $160. I like the looks of a stainless tank, and it wont be much more to plumb it. Plus, it will be outside of the cab, and allow me room to put some speakers or something behind the seats.
The starter is missing something. Its the correct starter for the engine, but there is a (for lack of a better term) extender arm off the solenoid that holds the gear out. It would hit full length and start some, but would not hold it in place. Finding that little arm? Its gonna be tough. Our starter guy is doing that...
The carb, as I showed you, was plum nasty. I dont use that term lightly either. Luckily, dad has just enough teeth missing (any CarTalk fans?!?) to know how to work on them, and the rebuild kit and float was only $30. It should be in soon. Then we will have the carb rebuilt.
Again, no pics, but the oil has been my biggest concern. We drained it last night and there was water everywhere. This could be caused by one of three things. 1) The PO left the hood off, and water got in through the tappet cover gasket. 2) The PO left straight water in the radiator, engine froze up and cracked the block or 3) the temprature changes has caused condensation in the engine. We shall see...
Quote from: The Purple Fuzzy on September 28, 2011, 05:47:09 PM
I want to know what the floor says in chalk? ;)
Quote from: Psalm_97 on September 28, 2011, 05:50:38 PM
I was also wondering that, but didn't want to interrupt the truck tinkering. I was thinking at first a kid's scribbling but it looks too neatly written and purposeful.
It was my daughters "Welcome Home Sam" letter.
:offtopic:
Ok, I know this is a thread about a old 52 chevy pickup. But there is something I have realized in the last few days...people are interested in it.
And its opened a few doors for me to talk to guys, be friendly, etc.
Take today for instance. One of my locals out here told me a few months ago he was working on a old car. He has a history of....er....grumpiness. :ugly:
Well, in the few days since I got Sam, I've been a pretty proud pop...so I decided to go talk to this local guy. First thing I see is this:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/2011-09-28131125.jpg)
Its a 30's dodge, not much to look at, that he is in the process of doing a frame off restoration on. When I mentioned that I now had a 52 Chevy, his eyes lit up, and he said "I bet you aint ever seen this one have you..." and took off to the other side of his hangar.
Someone better call LouLou and tell her to have a mop handy...once Roscoe sees this he will be drooling like a sieve...
1929 Model A "Hot Rod"
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/2011-09-28130431.jpg)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/2011-09-28130416.jpg)
I know it doesnt look like much, but it was his car in 1960, he sold it, bought it back in 1970 and has had it ever since. That is amazing. He even had original photos of him drag racing it in 1961 or so.
What is even more amazing, is that this is the FIRST time in 10 years that the guy would hardly speak to me. (not just me, hes the same to everyone...). We have in 10 years talked maybe 10 times. And only when we had to. He won't wave when he drive by, nothing. But today, not only did he talk to me about his Dodge, but he took me, showed me his Model A, and took me to his office to show me the pictures of his car.
Anyhoo...just really surprised.
CRACKED the BLOCK?! Perish the thought! :noo: I hate to think what you'd have to do to get an engine block for that thing.
You can go off topic if you want, it's your thread.
Actually, the engine is the least of my worries. I can pick up a entire drive line (engine, tranny, rear axel) for not much money. The old 235 engines are plenteous still.
:like: :lurk:
:grin:
Quote from: minnesota68 on September 28, 2011, 06:55:18 PM
Actually, the engine is the least of my worries. I can pick up a entire drive line (engine, tranny, rear axel) for not much money. The old 235 engines are plenteous still.
Yes....we have an engine and tranny combo within ten minutes of me, readily available.. :thumbsup2:
And dude, that's AWESOME about the old guy and his first car. See if you can get pics of it in '61- that would be killer.
Something else you'll find when you start driving him- old cars will come out of the woodwork while you're gassing up. I've bought three after having a brief conversation at the gaspump with the owners-" I've got.....or Dad's got one like that in the barn...."
And you'll be able to use it in ministry too- it'll break the ice with people as you have saw, and it won't be long, you'll be talking church and won't know how it happened. :thumbsup2:
Did you strike a match and throw it into that gas goo to see if it was still flammable? :freaky2: :fire: (not the same kind of fire...but...fire anyways)
OOOOOooooo!! Take a video of it if you do!
:freaky2:
No! NO FIRE! BACK BACK BACK!
:ugly:
A little update for today. I took my lunch break, ran to town, and got my carb rebuild kit, float for the carb, a new oil plug, and 5 quarts of oil for Sam. $65 poorer, I was ready to tackle Sam for a while tonight. Quickly, I dropped the parts off, then ran back to work.
Tonight, when I got to Ma and Pa's house, Pa and my Uncle were both standing around Sam. I asked Dad if he had put the drain plug in Sam, and he said he couldnt get it started. So a few minutes of fiddling, and I decided phooey on it, the old drain plug worked just fine when Roscoe had Sam, so I stuck it back in.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/2011-09-29173222.jpg)
I had to run into the shop to get a 3/4 inch wrench, so I snapped a picture of Pa and my Uncle. Here they were in deep discussion about something Farmall.
After coming out and getting the oil plug in good and tight, Pa and my Uncle had started in with the "Whats wrong with the starter?" discussion. I pulled the starter out in the open, they went to work talking and carrying on about it...
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/2011-09-29175425.jpg)
It didnt take long till we realized the solenoid needed moved...
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/2011-09-29175418.jpg)
If you notice, right by Pa's fingers is a small bolt. There are 4 of those on the solenoid, along with the bracket and bigger bolt at the back of the solenoid. A quick adjustment, and it was time to see if it would "jump."
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/2011-09-29175215.jpg)
Again, notice the jumper cables on the starter. And the positioning of the screwdriver. Basically, we hooked the starter up to a battery via jumper cables, then "shorted" across the posts, and got the starter to engage. With the small adjustment, Sam's sarter is working great!
Also, look at Pa. He is dying laughing here...every time he would start the starter, my uncle would jump, carry on, and nearly run off. Both of them knew he would do it, they were both expecing him to do it, and both would laugh at him doing it. I tried to get a video of it, but it didnt work...
Next Pa went to work on the carb.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/2011-09-29180800.jpg)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/2011-09-29180810.jpg)
Now by the time we got the carb on, and was able to try to get it to turn over, it was getting pretty dark. So more pictures as we make more progress...
Quote from: Psalm_97 on September 28, 2011, 04:42:13 PM
Yes I would like to see the interior.
Here is a picture Roscoe took of Sam's interior. Its not much now, but we will get there... :grin:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/moto_0457.jpg)
Your uncle is wearing a pink and purple shirt...does he drive a Miata?
About the interior: Whataya mean not much? It's perfect for an old truck. Clean out the cobwebs and pin that dangling wire up so you won't rip it out when you move your feet and you're done.
I plan on doing some sanding and cleaning on the interior to make it shine....
Also, dad met a guy yesterday at the junk yard who is restoring a 1950 Chevy truck. He had a gas tank for sell...for $40! I have his number and will call him today.
a video of Uncle Johnny doing his holler/jig combo would have been great. I was there and it was still funny. :)
seth - he doesn't drive a miata..just a short bus. HAHAHA (he works for a vo-tech and actually does drive one of their many short busses around to pick up kids)
Today is my day off, so I tried to do a little work on Sam. I wanted to clean up his inside a bit.
Here is a picture of the oil. You will remember that I was worried about water in it. After sitting, and letting it sit in this gallon jug, we have probably a cup of water.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/2011-09-30105521.jpg)
If you look close at the bottom, you can see where it changes color. Thats water at the bottom.
Also, heres a walk around before I start washing on him: (click on picture and it will take you to video)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/th_video-2011-09-30-10-52-24.jpg) (http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/?action=view¤t=video-2011-09-30-10-52-24.mp4)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/2011-09-30105402.jpg)
Now as promised, I am not gonna try to cover up Sam's flaws. Instead I want to show you what his problem is, then as we go though and fix them, you can have a good idea what I did.
Someone along the way put in some old 1/4 inch metal in Sam's floorboards. I wanted to take that and the seats out, powerwash everything, and see how bad it really is.
Here I took out the passenger side floorpan:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/2011-09-30105419.jpg)
Next, with his right side and left side floor pans out, seats out, and everyting bare metal:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/2011-09-30110026.jpg)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/2011-09-30110037.jpg)
Its hard to tell here, but everything has just been washed:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/2011-09-30112118.jpg)
Here, everything is back in, including the seat frame:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/2011-09-30113126.jpg)
A look at his "fancy" floor pans:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/2011-09-30113236.jpg)
More later...
:ugly:
I still wanna know what your daughter wrote in chalk on the floor... what does it say?
He never would tell us... The floor is now open for speculation as to the cause of his reticence.
It says something to the effect of her being glad that her Daddy now owns Sam...
:)
Ok, some of you may be wondering what I have been up to with Sam. This has been a "behind the scenes" week with Sam.
Monday night, I had to focus on our house, and tried to get some stuff done around there. Dad had found me another 235 engine that had some good parts on it that I could use on Sam's motor. So we stopped by and visited the guy who had it. After looking at the motor, realizing that there were several parts I could use (oil filter, fuel pump, air cleaner), the guy offered to sell me the motor, complete frame, and everything, for $50. The fuel pump is $38 new, not to mention the air cleaner, oil filter...how could I go wrong?
Tuesday was spent helping dad tear down some fence he is replacing. After working on the fence, we were looking at Sam, trying to figure out if the parts off the 235 would fit, and where they would go, when Dad said, "Do you know Sam has a bullet hole?" Sure enough, right on his window frame:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/2011-10-04184716.jpg)
Wednesday was church.
Yesterday, I went for some "junking" at the local junk yard.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/2011-10-06121138.jpg)
Imagine this car all fixed up...what a beaut it would be!
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/2011-10-06121312.jpg)
And this one...I bet it had some class back in the day.
Found a frame and a earlier Chevy motor at the junk yard:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/2011-10-06121534.jpg)
This was cool, the fuel pump had a glass bowl:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/2011-10-06121527.jpg)
Anyways, I got out of there without spending any money. Yesterday afternoon, I went by and paid the guy for the 235 and frame. Then I looked for some more casting numbers for the motor. I wanted to double check and make sure it was a 235, not a later 230. After getting home (6 blocks) I realized i still didn't have the proper casting number. But Chelleebelle had fried chicken waiting, so dinner was first. After eating, I ran back over and found the proper casting number. It was a 235, and tonight we should get it picked up.
Notice he is still adamantly refusing to tell what was written on the ground...
Quote from: Psalm_97 on October 07, 2011, 03:50:17 PM
Notice he is still adamantly refusing to tell what was written on the ground...
:eyebrow:
I didn't read it all. My wife answered this question already:
Quote from: chelleebelle on October 03, 2011, 02:52:14 AM
It says something to the effect of her being glad that her Daddy now owns Sam...
Just picking on you bro, don't mind me. Keep us posted, I'm waiting to see what happens next.
THOU VILE FIEND! *cough*
:ugly:
Hey I can't help being vile, I just got up. Haven't had time to take a shower yet. :P
Even I don't know what that letter said and I was out there every day. LOL
Maybe she will pen (or would that be chalk) another one and we can get pics of it this time. :)
no one got pictures of it? And it's already gone? :sadbounce:
Now I really am dissapointed...
Brionna told me what all she wrote:
Dear Sam, I'm glad we have you now. I hope you will be running soon and I cant belive it may be your very first time out of Arkansas. Sincerely, Brionna.
Now, I hope you folks are happy! :P
Ok, on to tonight's festivities...
First I went to pick up the old frame:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/2011-10-07165517.jpg)
Heres the first part I was interested in, a fuel pump. Come to find out, the old pump was fine, just needed a little cleaning. This one was slightly different, and wouldnt work...but the old one was good.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/2011-10-07165532.jpg)
Next, the air cleaner. Sam currently has a "oil bath" air cleaner. I may change this over.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/2011-10-07165611.jpg)
I thought I got a close picture of the oil filter system, but I didnt. You can see the top of it below the air cleaner...(its the round canister below the air filter)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/2011-10-07165630.jpg)
It only took us 20 minutes to get the frame loaded on the trailer, then it was back to Ma and Pa's house. We yanked the fuel pump off first, and then found out it didnt fit. Pa got a sudden "lets try something" look in his eyes, and started tearing Sam's fuel pump apart.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/2011-10-07173804.jpg)
I realized at this point I have never shown you a good picture of Sam's engine...can you say Kawasaki green?
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/2011-10-07174601.jpg)
After cleaning the fuel filter, testing it to make sure it would pump, Pa decided to put it back in...
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/2011-10-07175142.jpg)
As soon as he got it in, we tried to start Sam. No luck. I checked the hose running from the fuel pump to the carbreutor, and no fuel. took it off at the fuel pump, and we had fuel. Blew the hose out, tried it again, and finally got fuel to the carbreutor. But we still couldnt get him to run.
About this time, a neighbor friend stopped by on his motorcycle...
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/2011-10-07184115.jpg)
Wow oh wow, whatta bike!!! I've posted pictures before of one of his past cars:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/S4200043-1.jpg)
Well, let me say, I trust him when it comes to figuring out problems to cars. After tinkering around with Sam for about 30 seconds, he said, "You aint getting fire to the coil!" I ran to grab a blow torch, but he was talking about spark...so a quick rig, and....
and...
and...
and...
and...
and...
and...
and...
and...
and...
and...
SAM STARTED!!!
Tomorrow, I will try to get him a temp gas tank and his oil changed...then hes off for his first drive around the yard!
Yay!
Now that... is a nice bike.
YAY! Woohooo! That's awesome! I didn't know it was so easy to fix an old truck!
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/th_video-2011-10-08-13-34-45.jpg) (http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/?action=view¤t=video-2011-10-08-13-34-45.mp4)
*grin*
Quote from: minnesota68 on October 08, 2011, 08:36:23 PM
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/th_video-2011-10-08-13-34-45.jpg) (http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/?action=view¤t=video-2011-10-08-13-34-45.mp4)
*grin*
*grin*
I think you should do like that one guy did and leave it and put a clear coat on it! That is a pretty cool looking truck!
Or paint it with a mural that incorporated the rust into part of the picture. :D
I was playing around working on a door logo for Sam...what do you think of this:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/RevSam.jpg)
umm... what are you trying to say with your logo? :grin: what is it's purpose?
Quote from: sunlight on October 12, 2011, 09:21:50 PM
umm... what are you trying to say with your logo? :grin: what is it's purpose?
Yes. :ugly:
If you pair it with his signature, it almost makes sense.
Ok, a quick update on Sam.
I have been checking on prices to insure and tag him. Total to tag him and get the title switched over to my name? $71! Not bad! And insurance for him is...$20.16 a month. Not bad either...every year the tag would be $21. That sounds reasonable too.
I did discover some things about Sam. If you look at previous pictures, you will notice his front sits low. I was crawling around under him and noticed someone did a spring reversal on him...that makes his front sit LooooooW....so I need to put his springs back up right and he will be good to go.
Also, after putting his oil filter on, we had a hose bust. Pa was at work and noticed they were throwing out hundreds of new hoses. He found me 2 brand new hoses for his oil filter...for free!
Now I have just a few items on the list to get Sam on the road:
1) Getting the insurance and tag. Ive been waiting till he's road worthy before I spend the money on this.
2) Gas tank. I called about one yesterday, the guy wanted $75 for a used one. I have a lead on another one for $40. Ill get that soon.
3) Springs. I need to swap them soon. Sam's tie rod is rubbing the oil pan. If I dont swap them, I will have another problem...oil pain will have a hole in it.
4) Brakes. Sam has mechanical brakes. I know they need adjusting, but I will have to rely on Pa's expertise to do that.
The list is getting shorter! Wont be long till hes driving...er...puttering...er...roaring down the road. Sam has no muffler...and lands...HES LOUD!!!
You can blame Josh for the no muffler thing. When I owned him he had a muffler, but Josh wanted him to talk louder with duals. :lol: And just so you know- Sam does NOT have mechanical brakes. Mechanical brakes are operated by levers and no hydralics at all.
I have to correct you, 'cause if you tell a parts store he has mechanical brakes there's no telling what they'll sell you. :lol:
What Sam has are hydralic brakes, but are not self adjusting. There should be, if I remember correctly, on the backside of the hub a little "window". In that window is a star wheel. We always used a flat head screwdriver that had been heated and bent at a 90 degree angle to adjust them. Jack the wheel up, turn the star wheel until the brake shoes are rubbing the hub, then back them off ever so slightly till they roll free. Then when you hit the brakes, it should be adjusted. That is, if I remember correctly. Do this on all for wheels and he'll stop. :biglaugh:
And LOGO him up! I'm thinking you need to play up the "manure" aspect- you spread it so well. :P
What!?! You worked on Sam and no update, no matter how meager? Shameful! :pound:
I worked, I raided the kids candy, I came home and slept. LOL
More details as time warrants today...
https://www.facebook.com/pages/SamThe52/176277595796016?v=wall
Sams own FB page...be sure to like!
Took me 45 minutes this morning to get my facebook lined out.... but I finally got it done and "liked" Sam's page...
Ran Sam for a while tonight. He sure sounded good...
Ok...recent updates on Sam.
First, a photo. When I was headed back from the now (in)famous Roscoe, Mini, Newsman, and NewLife101 meetup, I stopped to take some pictures of a old building I discovered.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/IMG_20111226_170319.jpg)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/IMG_20111226_171046.jpg)
It has that haunted look about it, for sure! I stopped, asked for permission to get closer to the buildings, and had the owner show up to talk to me. He then took me on a tour through all the buildings, and let me take lots of pictures. When Sam gets running (and Rusty shows up for a visit...HINT HINT!) we have a great photo opportunity here.
Now on to Sam:
Sam decided he wanted to be cantankerous with his springs. Unfortunately for me (and my pocketbook), this has been a trial and error type experience, combined with cold weather, and under the weather days. But finally, we got some things done on the springs.
Pa using his metal working skills (hammer...lol) to form a bracket.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/IMG_20111227_093827.jpg)
Here is Pa drilling on a bracket to hold the newly made springs together.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/IMG_20111227_100011.jpg)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/IMG_20111227_100024.jpg)
Here Pa is trying to get the shock back on one side.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/IMG_20111227_105854.jpg)
This also leads us to a discussion about Sams spirit. The crusty ol' farmer in him likes to teach others the art of cussing. Work on him long, and you will understand...lol
More later!
So, are you helping Pa do all this work or just watching? ;)
Im helping, but Pa wont take pictures...lol
Next time I'll have to be available to take pictures!
Got a lot of work done on Sam today. After weeks of fussing with the drivers side spring, putting it on, taking it off, fussing with it, and putting it back on just to take it back off, we got it finished. All that hard work paid off though! We had the passengers side spring off, fixed, and replaced in about 2 hours! After that, I put a little gas in his temporary tank, and drove him (until he ran out of gas).
Heres a picture I took of him today:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/IMG_20120107_140713.jpg)
It reminded me of something...I got to looking and found the first picture I ever saw of Sam, taken by Roscoe:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/moses_bob_1952.jpg)
Now a few piddly things, and a gas tank, and he will be running down the road.
I got a box at work yesterday:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/IMG_20120112_105827.jpg)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/IMG_20120112_113321.jpg)
Sam's new gas tank! And the sending unit! Tomorrow, he should be running with his NEW gas tank installed! :ugly:
This will give me a great chance to see how he drives and handles. I am VERY excited.
:great: Didja ever get his brakes adjusted?
And Rusty has a bad coil pack. It ain't but around $20, but it's too cold to get out and fix him because I'm outta gas for the shop heater.. :sadbounce:
You wouldnt happen to have a kerosene heater would you?
Quote from: minnesota68 on January 14, 2012, 12:50:06 PM
You wouldnt happen to have a kerosene heater would you?
Nope. Ain't had one in years....got a propane heater that works great when I've got gas for it. but I've already raided the BBQ grille and stole its tank last cold snap.....
Today has been a GREAT day to work on Sam. We finally got everything plumbed right, and Sam has his new gas tank in!
Pa decided to climb in Sam's cab and get to work...lol
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/IMG_20120116_162827.jpg)
Heres the new hoses going to the filler neck and vent line:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/IMG_20120116_162839.jpg)
Resistor:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/IMG_20120116_164100.jpg)
His new gas tank all in:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/IMG_20120116_172635.jpg)
Ok, a little more story.
After getting his gas tank in the other night, buttoning him back up, I started him and he had a whopper of a oil leak going on. I managed to get him around to the front of the garage, and had to park Sam. He was spitting up oil something fierce.
Tonight, I stopped by, figuring it would be a simple thing to tighten the hoses to get his oil leak stopped. When we pulled out the connections, I happened to notice the problem. The main valve running into the engine block had a crack in it! Luckily Pa had another one handy, we swapped them out, and Sam ran like a charm.
Tomorrow, I will hook up his choke, and he should be starting without assistance.
Then...driving him down the road!
Quote from: minnesota68 on January 24, 2012, 01:03:05 AM
Ok, a little more story.
After getting his gas tank in the other night, buttoning him back up, I started him and he had a whopper of a oil leak going on. I managed to get him around to the front of the garage, and had to park Sam. He was spitting up oil something fierce.
Tonight, I stopped by, figuring it would be a simple thing to tighten the hoses to get his oil leak stopped. When we pulled out the connections, I happened to notice the problem. The main valve running into the engine block had a crack in it! Luckily Pa had another one handy, we swapped them out, and Sam ran like a charm.
Tomorrow, I will hook up his choke, and he should be starting without assistance.
Then...driving him down the road!
:clap: :clap2: :clap2: :clap: :clap2:
This is one of those posts that I have been thinking about for a while.
I really think my dad is either the worlds greatest comedian, has a assorted language that makes sense only to him and a few folks around him, or a combination of both.
It started the other day when we were working on the springs for Sam. He had measured, cut, measured, cut, and the bracket was still too short. It was at that moment of clarity when he realized his error, he stood there with his lips twisted, stared for a moment, and uttered the Pa(ism) of all Pa(ism)'s.
"Fuzzy."
It was at that moment, I realized that there were either a plethora of Pa(ism)'s that wouldn't mean a thing to anyone but those that work around him, or that he was mad at Fuzzbucket. Since he didn't know Fuzzbucket, I realized he was speaking Pa.
With that said, here are a few Pa(ism)'s that I could nail down:
Fuzzy: Everything else has been tried, and nothing will work. Only uttered when Pa has been the one to mess it up.
Humm...: When uttered while working on something, it means that 1) It aint quite working right or 2) It didn't work like intended or 3) we need to study on this a little more.
Let me think: This means pretty much what it says, only its followed by a quality solution. For as much tinkering as Pa does, he does not believe in southern engineering. If a "Let me think" is uttered after you tell him a problem, it means that either 1) you have not explained it clearly, or 2) He knows how to get it done, but is trying to think about how to get it done.
Let me see: I need to see the problem. This is always followed by a "Get out of the way and let me do it," "Humm..." or worse yet, a "Fuzzy."
Hold the light: This is a time honored tradition of working with Pa. It also means, that while you hold the light, he will, at some point, fuss at you about where you hold the light, and at some point, take the light back and hold it himself.
Boy: This is a complete sentence. It means that either you have just scared the wadding out of him by honking the horn while he was under the hood of a truck, or snuck up on him while he was studying something, or that you were not working fast enough to satisfy him.
I cant ever find good help around here: Means you have worked all day beside him, and did a good job.
There are more I will add to this list. These are the ones that come to mind right off.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/IMG_20120123_172022.jpg)
Picture of Sam from last night.
:great:
As some of you are aware (Facebook) I had misplaced Sam's title. Since he was not roadworthy, I was not ready to switch him over to my name. Now that he is roadworthy (as of tonight), I was panicked...how could I get his title switched with no title?
I have tore this house apart trying to find his title. Every boxed up bill, stack of papers, sorted, gone through, and with each one my anxiety mounted. This house looked like a professional tornado went through it...finally, in a last ditch effort, I pulled out the drawer next to the computer, and sure enough, at the bottom of the drawer, on the floor, was Sam's title. It had fallen down and was laying there in blessed peace...LOL Now I need to get this house straightened.
Now on to a Sam story.
Tonight, Pa fixed the choke cable on Sam, then, with plenty of daylight to spare, my daughter hopped in and we drove him to the back of the pasture. He was having a grand ol time, then promptly gave up the ghost. Not a lick of spark...I looked down and realized his battery cable came off. I put that back on, and drove back to the house, no problems.
So then, I load my son up, and we decide to be brave.
I pull out to the road, look left and right, and drive about 1/8 of a mile to a dirt road, drive down the dirt road about a 1/4 of a mile, and then find a drive way to turn around in. As I start to turn Sam around, to my absolute horror, I see oil. On the road. A line, all the way back up the road.
My heart sank.
Sams oil pressure was good, and no smoke, but I knew I was in trouble. I got back to the main road, got back to Pa's, parked him quickly, and jumped out hollering for a flashlight. I needed to see where the oil was coming from.
As I turned around to look at Sam, I see a huge puddle of oil forming under his...BED?!?!?!
I run over, and realized what had happened. The oil that I had drained out of him at the first was in a bucket with a lid on it. As I turned to go down the dirt road, the bucket spilled over and oil started leaking through the bed. Sam got a good joke in on me! LOL
*whew*
I finally got to drive Sam on the road!
Here are a few pictures:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/DSC_0086.jpg)
Me, enjoying Sam.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/DSC_0095.jpg)
Sam, sitting pretty. (Look for more poser shots soon. He is able to be driven to places now!)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/DSC_0114.jpg)
Sara, our little dog, wanted to go along, because Chelleebelle was riding. She was happy as long as Chelleebelle was in the truck, but when Chelleebelle got out, she was upset. Hence, the reason she was standing on my lap looking out...
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/DSC_0120.jpg)
Looking under the hood...
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/DSC_0121.jpg)
Sam's new sticker. As soon as I put it on him, he swore off cussing...lol
wow, that sticker looks old already...
It's the aura of oldness Sam imparts. :cool:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/IMG_20120130_075035.jpg)
Sam made it to work! First trip to the "big city" for him.
Heres a few more shots of Sam:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/400508_223071624449946_176277595796016_468764_1446145625_n.jpg)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/419211_223071857783256_176277595796016_468768_628766077_n.jpg)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/416833_223071784449930_176277595796016_468766_1453006819_n.jpg)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/407559_223071711116604_176277595796016_468765_470451367_n.jpg)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/402187_223071574449951_176277595796016_468763_1576825937_n.jpg)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/422240_223071837783258_176277595796016_468767_507551914_n.jpg)
There has been a lot of work done on Sam since I posted last. While I try to sort out what needs to be updated on here, here are a few pictures:
After my good news about the much improved gas mileage, I decided to take a few minutes during lunch to snap a few photos of Sam today.
Enjoy...
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/S4200376.jpg)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/SamandDoors.jpg)
awesome!
A little off topic from Sam, but it has the "Keep Motivated! You Can Do It!" factor.
Sometimes, I am awestruck by the story's of planes that come through here. Maybe its a customer that has just bough a new jet, or a P51 that has just got out of a complete restoration, or the little man taking his last "all over the US" flight in his Cesnna 150. Those are the kinds of stories that still make me look forward to coming to work after 10 years here.
Today is one of those days.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/FlightReadyMedium.jpg)
Its been a quiet day due to the rain, so I was pretty surprised when a Piper Cub pulled up outside. I hadnt heard him call in, (I found out later why) and let me tell you, this Piper was beautiful. I've seen a few cubs in my 10 years here at the airport, but never one like this. If I was guessing, I would say it looked like it had just rolled of the showroom floor. And I was right.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Front2Medium.jpg)
The story of the plane itself was even more amazing. After sitting for 59(!) years a young man bought it, put 3000 hours back into the plane totally restoring it to factory original, then flying it for the first time.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/OriginalCowlingMedium.jpg)
The cowling is even the original cowling!
Jared, the pilot, had spend hours on every detail of the plane, with the sole intent of bring it back to factory original. He wanted it to look just like it did when it rolled off the assembly line. Every sticker was just like it was when it was new, every decal, every placard, every nut, every bolt. This cub was factory new.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/OriginalStickersMedium.jpg)
This sticker was made after they found a 1949 prop in a attic, and was able to replicate the sticker. All the black on the original sticker had disappeared, leaving only the other colors.
It even has the 3 holes in the end of the prop to allow moisture to "weep" out (see picture).
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/PropWeepMedium.jpg)
And the reason I hadn't heard him call in? Well, no radio. Partly due to the fact that it didn't have a radio in it, and partly due to the fact that 6 days into this cross country he hit a little bit of turbulence, and everything in the cockpit went up, and the radio went out the open door never to be seen again.
Several links follow:
http://rangerairfield.org/barn_cub/years/ The story of the cub (with a few pictures)
http://rangerairfield.org/gallery/ (Flash required) Click to Screen 2 (bottom right side, then on The Barn Cub -- Discovery
Now I realize I cant do justice to a story like this, and the thousands of smaller stories that go into making a plane like this happen. But this plane is the result of 3000 hours of dedicated work. And pulling a total basket-case of a plane out of a barn and making it come back together and then enjoying it like it was meant to be enjoyed...now that's priceless right there.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/ReadytoFlyMedium.jpg)
Oh, and starting when you are 22, and finishing it up and enjoying it when you are 25? Thats even better.
My hats off to Jared.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/JaredCalvertMedium.jpg)
:like:
Back on the topic of Sam.
This is how you make a temporary speedometer:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/DSC_0071.jpg)
:ugly:
Looks like what I'd do. :)
Rule #7: If it works, go with it.
We are doing a deal at church this weekend, and I have been asked to bring Sam over to "play a part" in the ongoings...they are planning on decorating him. I was thinking and realized...chalk! So I went to playing with it, and sure enough it works. A little chalk, and to get it off, just add water. LOL
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/DSC_0012Medium-001.jpg)
Got to work today and there was a SWEET old plane sitting there. Heres a picture of it and Sam.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/20120910_082040.jpg)
Shoulda left the "Airport Security" logo on, just put a clear coat over it.
*bump*
I need to post pictures...
Yup, you do...
Quote from: minnesota68 on January 29, 2013, 12:00:17 PM
*bump*
I need to post pictures...
I'm still waiting........
Sorry its been so long since I posted pictures here. I usually post them on Sam's Facebook page (be sure to check that out!). These were taken quite a while ago.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/DSC_0412Small_zpsf9ea8b47.jpg)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/DSC_0409Small_zps5c6e18d3.jpg)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/DSC_0456Small_zpsad8bc716.jpg)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/DSC_0414Small_zpsbb9a8c75.jpg)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/DSC_0401Small_zps2af660a1.jpg)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/minnesota68/Sam/DSC_0403Small_zps21850615.jpg)
I got an old truck! I named it Marty! It's not as old as rusty or Sam though...
pics?
Given the source, SURELY she has pics...