Chapter 2
Chapter 2 |
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| "Disclaimer: This is not a tech article. My methodologies are based on the time honored "trial and error" method. I put this information out only for those interested." | |
| Since the first installment the temperature have plummeted and the snow fallen. This has not stopped the progress, just slowed it a bit. When the weather was warmer I sand blasted some body parts I would reuse. The fenders needed some work to make them serviceable. The fender supports all but disappeared when hit with the sand blaster. | |
| I removed what was left of the supports by drilling out the spot welds. The portion of the fender sheet metal that was rusted was cut away. (fig.1) Using a pneumatic flanging tool I flanged the edges where the rusted metal was removed and cut a piece of replacement metal to make a patch. I saved some good portions of sheet metal from the floor pan when I removed it. It is a good source for small patches like this one. |
 Figure Two |
I located some replacement fender supports from Classic Enterprises in Wisconsin which fit perfectly. I borrowed a spot welder and went to work. In no time I had the job done. It took me longer to figure out how long to cook the spot welds to be effective than to do the job. Every tool has a learning curve. After assembly I whacked my work with a hammer and it held. It will be interesting to see if my welds hold up to the vibration of the motor and trail use. (fig.2) |
| While the fenders were cooling it was time to get to the axles. The rear Spicer 44 will be reused. The nine inch brakes will be upgraded to eleven inch self adjusting drums. This 44 uses the 10 spline 2 piece axles. It is a strong unit that will be fine behind the 60 hp. 134ci flathead motor. I left the axle in place and removed the brake drums, axle hub, brake parts and brake backing plate. I also pulled the axle shaft to inspect it and its bearings and seals. |  |
| When I examined the axel it was fine. The inner seal was good but the outer seal allowed moisture into the bearing. The bearing grease has a nice rusty patina and will be replaced. (fig.3) I will also be replacing the lug nut studs. Some were rusted and broken. The early jeeps also used left hand thread on one side. These left hand threads screw up the age old saying "lefty loosey, righty tighty" so I decided to remove this exception to the rule. |