Blimey, a 62 IIa 88" rebuild

[64osby]

Hello and thank you to the site. Been browsing and lurking for a while, finally signed on. A newb here but not to Series Rovers. Look forward to documenting our rebuild and having some expertise thrown our way when needed. Hopefully a few laughs along the way.

Have owned Blimey for almost 30 years. Was in reasonable shape when purchased. Brake work and fluids were the big issues.

A large doe created a bit of work after about five years of ownership. New wings, front horns, other frame reinforcements, gear box rebuild, a new Turner motor and Blimey was back on the road. Got 55 pounds of meat for $5,500 insurance company dollars.

Many miles spent bouncing down two tracks searching trout streams and white tails. Also just bouncing around for fun.

About ten years ago, was headed out on a fishing trip. While filling up I noticed a big leak from the rear axle. Made it home, after the trip figured out the rear housing had rusted through under the strengthener support. Patch work was attempted and lasted about two years. At that time Blimey was parked and has sat until now.

Will get some pics loaded up from my phone, hopefully

This will be a rebuild, a clean frame, springs, shocks, bulkhead repair and the moving all systems over to the clean frame. The goal is to clean up everything, make it leak free, and dependable.

Apologies for the long intro, look forward to showing the transformation from crusty to clean. TIA for any and all assistance.
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[64osby]

My son tracked down a frame in Georgia. Made a 1,500 mile round trip to bring it home. The seller was truly awesome and we ended up with a very clean frame and a set of springs. A huge thanks to the seller..

The only area where rust was visible on the frame was the steering relay hole in the cross member. Fit a new tube in with muffler pipe modified to fit.

[lumpydog]

Awesome! Thanks for the background - great history. Looking forward to following along. Welcome to the campfire.

[series guy]

And so it begins......Looks like a great start.

[64osby]

Thanks lumpy! Series, good start helps.

A good start happened after pushing Blimey up to the house.

Pulled the plugs and manually cranked it to get the oil up. Test for spark and no luck. Cleaned the cap, rotor and points and had spark. Plugs back in and a couple cranks later it fired up for a couple seconds, just poured a little gas in the carb. My son had a huge grin. One less major item to look at for now.

Video won't load off my phone, might need to turn it into a link.

[S3ute]

Hello from Brisbane.

Looking forward to following your progress with the truck - updates are always appreciated.

Cheers,

Neil

[64osby]

We debated long and hard wether the hot dip the frame. The frame looks great, has had one front horn work and a new rear cross member. All else looks original.

Research showed some possible issues with welds and warp / twist overall. Not knowing who and how the repairs were done we opted to not galvanize. We have purchased Eastwood's inner frame spray..

Before we spray anything a LH front gas tank support will be added for a future upgrade.

Also need to kill some wasps and try to remove the nests that are in the frame. I know one of the nests was imported from Georgia.

[64osby]

Hello Brisbane! Hope it is a worth while venture.

I learned recently about rust removal via electrolysis. Watched a couple ytube videos and set up a tank.


Have done several pieces and am very pleased with the results. Rust, paint and gunk removed with very little effort.
before


After with some rust reformer sprayed on



A really nice side of this is that you put it in tank and go on to other things. When it stops bubbling pull it out, let it dry and give it a quick once over with a wire wheel. Then we spray it with rust reformer. Ready for paint and install.

Put the LH bulkhead support and steering bracket in the tank this evening. Had lots of rust and gunk. Will see how it turns out.

[64osby]

Believe we solved the leaking rear axle housing. Saw a farcebook ad for a rear cross member. Pic had a rear housing. Asked about the housing and ended up up getting a complete front and a rear housing minus diff and shafts for $350 plus delivery. Will compare diffs to see if our old rear or the new front is the better of the two.

[64osby]

Sometimes you find a good deal at a garage sale. Spotted this while driving past. Turned back and loaded it up for $20. Drawers all work great, just needs some paint.



My son has been saying we should get something like this. I had tools in 7 or 8 tool boxes. Trying to find anything was a pita. Now there is a drawer for the right tool.

[64osby]

Not perfect by any means but looks better. Have spent more on paint than on the chest.

[64osby]

I keep picking away. I learned on other projects to do at least 15 minutes a day. Keeps it moving forward. Front axle is ready to be pulled. Steering removal and bulkhead support was "interesting"

Doesn't seem to be much difference removing 60 year old or 20 years old nuts and bolt. They are all a pita.

[RustCollector]

What a great project for you and your son! My boys were too young to be helpful when mine was in pieces. Keep showing us progress - looks great.

[64osby]

Thanks Rust!

If we had bid this project we'd be loosing our ars.

Took almost 3 hours with the two of us to drop the front axle. It's just 6 bolts and two are still stuck in the chassis bushings. Could not get the axle U bolt nuts to move. Very happy to get this done.

Time to figure out the good, bad and the ugly.

[series guy]

You need to keep in mind what is expendable when dismantling your truck. Things you won’t be reusing can be removed much faster with a torch, angle grinder, or sawzall. You have to weigh spending 2 hours saving a $2 bolt vs getting the job done. It helps keep a positive mental attitude when progress is made.