Biggest Ford I've ever worked on...

[robertc1024]

Are those rod bolts wired? I haven't seen bolts safety wired since I helped build a Ferrari V-12. The six double-barreled down-draft Webbers had all of their connecting hardware with wires through the bolts.

 

[74duster318]

Are those rod bolts wired? I haven't seen bolts safety wired since I helped build a Ferrari V-12. The six double-barreled down-draft Webbers had all of their connecting hardware with wires through the bolts.

Those aren't rod bolts, those are main bolts. And yes, the majority of bolts on this engine are or had been safety wired.

 

[74duster318]

Manifold off. Still haven't gotten the gaskets yet (should have them tomorow), and still awaiting paint (trying some different primer and primerless painting techniques).

Pulled off spark plug access covers to check them and replace any bad wires. I will be making new gaskets for the covers next time i'm there.

Date code on valve/cam covers.

One sweet data plate with two of the best words ever combined...FORD and TANK.

And I have an itch to start this as our next project.... I've always loved these little tanks. The M3 stuart.

 

[74duster318]

I forgot to add. I found out some cool info for those who are interested. This tank WAS IN COMBAT. It was sent to europe, where the additional (applique) armor plates were put on. The engine was overhauled at least once during 1944, and according to the data plate, was sent to Rock Island Arsenal (R.I.A. on data plate) for the rebuild during 11 of 44 (november 1944).

Great stuff. Really makes you wonder what happened to the original engine (battle damage, or mechanical failure...which can't be because it's a ford...right?) and if the tank itself has been repaired at one point or another from battle damage.

 

[jhammel85]

This is such cool stuff. I'd love to work on one.

Had no idea that Ford made those engines either!

 

[Newks]

I would still love to help you guys out I got some free time these days and I would love to be able to volunteer my time for somthing like this. Especially on a stuart lol

 

[LIMA BEAN]

This is such a great thread! I used to go down to Wisconsin alot for my factory master certifications.

 

[74duster318]

Finally got the gaskets. Took a decent amount of time to clean all the surfaces of the old nasty gasket material.

Things are also looking a bit greener....

I also bolted the second carb back on and hooked it up. I won't be back until wednesday or thursday, so they may run it to check for leaks and to re-torque everything. If they don't, then I'll have a video to post.

 

[Meddle]

Nice.I need to come out there and check out your handy work.I haven't seen the collection sense it was in Wisconsin.
I'm still pissed that they sent this collection packing south of the border.From the look of it,things must be going well in Ill.so that's cool.

 

[Mac]

Is that down in Zion? I know a lot of us would love a fall road trip down just to see everything.
Dave
This it?
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/11682

 

[74duster318]

That's the place.

 

[06RangerXLT]

Is that down in Zion? I know a lot of us would love a fall road trip down just to see everything.
Dave
This it?
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/11682

ROAD TRIP!


Not for me lol although i need to go to wausau soon anyways

 

[Mac]

Wausau? The water should be down by Monday, record rains around here, weather just said a 100 year plus flood. What for and when? I'm 30 miles South and Duster's home base is even closer. Give me a shoot, not working so I've got time.
Dave

 

[06RangerXLT]

Wausau? The water should be down by Monday, record rains around here, weather just said a 100 year plus flood. What for and when? I'm 30 miles South and Duster's home base is even closer. Give me a shoot, not working so I've got time.
Dave

visiting my mother. my entire moms side of my family is in wausau. so ill be going hopefuly before christmas.ill be sure to let you guys know when.

 

[Kona]

What is the tank destroyer in the back left of the picture on page 5 please?