What's Next?
Well, I can't decide what to name this chapter since, as often is the case in these endeavors, I don't really know the order or things that might or should get done. So I'll just leave it as is for now. Later, when I do know what has been done then I will probably change the title to be more accurate. In the mean time, these are the things that I know need to be done.
- Try to make the wiper motor auto park as it should. (See Wipers below.)
- The dampers have been rebuilt but not installed.
- The bonnet is finished but the hinge system has not been tested. If it does not work to an acceptable condition, I may revert to a rod to hold it open.
- Cut-and-polish. The body is fully painted so it is time to start the sanding and polishing phase then reinstall all the removable parts.
- Install the glass. All four of the sector gears need some welding and other repair work first.
- Finish and install the interior. (See Interior below.)
- Have a new steering arm fabricated. The arm is a composite of the '58 to match the steering box and the '48 to match the drag link. The original one I had made is too short, resulting in an unacceptably large turning circle.
I hope to accomplish all the above over the winter months but not necessarily in the specified order.
Well again, life interrupted plans. I got started on those items but then got distracted by an important phase of the Home Remodel Project. I am at the following points on the above projects. I still hope to get them done over the winter but it will be the winter a year or two later.
- Wipers - Well, I have started on getting the wipers to park. The progress so far is found here.
- Interior - The seats are done. I have gathered all the parts and plan to finish the panels over the winter. The headliner will have to wait until I can get clean access. That being a challenge at the shop, I may bring it home for that project.
- Tail Lights - Way back in Chapter 4 I briefly discussed replacing those truck tail lights with a pair of customized Harley Davidson signal lights. Well, I discovered since then that Ford actually offered optional tail lights that mount on the rear wings, like more modern cars and even many of the era. I found them at Small Ford Spares but the price was enough to make me want to stay with the H-D units. Well, desire for authenticity finally overcame my natural "frugalism" and I ordered them. Now I am pleased that I did. I have measured, marked and drilled holes for mounting and temporarily installed them. They can be installed after the wings are back on the dar. Below are photos of them. Note the molded rubber bases to fit the wings and the ENFO logo in the closeup.
I have since cut the necessary holes in the wings and temporarily mounted the lights. They had to come back off for painting. They are small and they are down low. A third brake light will be necessary for safety. I have found one that I think will be acceptable. It's just a matter of getting it mounted inside the rear window. The doors and boot lid have since been painted.
