1973 - Father and Son Project

[PatioDaddio78]

I just found the directions in Toms for the leaf springs. What is the front? I’m unsure what “military double wrap” means.

Regarding engine, tbd. We are going to try and get it running before making any drastic moves.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[.94 OR]

Military double wrap has the second leaf from the top creating a redundant wrap around the top "loop". This goes in the front.

 

[PatioDaddio78]

I finally got the rear suspension done! Thanks for the help. I started tearing down the front today and got stuck on the Trac Bar Castle nut, I dont have a ratchet big enough for it! I also kept staring at the spring retention plates trying to figure out where the retaining screws were located. Turns out they are under a layer of styrofoam....who knew! Progress is being made.

https://flic.kr/p/2qiAv71
https://flic.kr/p/2qitCj3

 

[okorangebrnco]

I will have to keep a close eye on this build. My father's name was Mark and I am Levi. We built a 1969 as my fist car, still in the shop and still drive/wheel it. Enjoy the blood, sweat, tears, arguments, and all that this beauty will bring you both. the memories will be cherished for many years to come.

 

[PatioDaddio78]

Well things have taken a turn. I've ordered a new body from Toms Offroad....there is just too much rust and too little time. I could replace each panel but it would never be as good as starting fresh. I cannot believe how much dirt is coming out of this thing and spray foam insulation!!!

The fun continues.


https://flic.kr/p/2qpp44P
https://flic.kr/p/2qpq974
https://flic.kr/p/2qppvq7
https://flic.kr/p/2qpnPwd

 

[stout22]

That spray foam should help it float across deep water crossings

 

[PatioDaddio78]

The deconstruction continues.

I spoke with an engine builder that said I should give the engine a shot to run before pulling everything apart. Levi and I got it started and it ran for 5-10 min before it choked out. We couldn't get it started again, white smoke was coming out of the carb but the engine still turns over. The professionals at google say...coolant is being burned in the engine, which can be a sign of a serious issue: Blown head gasket or Cracked engine block or cylinder head. Thoughts? I hope we didn't;t do too much damage, but it is all a learning process. #memories

https://flic.kr/p/2qqaWTX
https://flic.kr/p/2qqgG3y

 

[m_m70]

Levi and I got it started and it ran for 5-10 min before it choked out. We couldn't get it started again, white smoke was coming out of the carb but the engine still turns over. The professionals at google say...coolant is being burned in the engine, which can be a sign of a serious issue: Blown head gasket or Cracked engine block or cylinder head.

was the white smoke coming out of the carb or the exhaust??

Do you know when the last time the engine was run and how old the gas is? did it seem to run smooth or was it more backfiring and sputtering/popping?

I would pull the sparkplugs to see what they look like, take a pic and post. You can tell a lot from the looks of a plug.....

 

[PatioDaddio78]

was the white smoke coming out of the carb or the exhaust??

Do you know when the last time the engine was run and how old the gas is? did it seem to run smooth or was it more backfiring and sputtering/popping?

I would pull the sparkplugs to see what they look like, take a pic and post. You can tell a lot from the looks of a plug.....

Was coming out off the carb. Not billowing just after it had died when you moved the throttle.

I just pulled the plugs for a compression test and they didn't look too bad. I'll pull them again and post a pic.

 

[Oldtimer]

Your sons smile says it all.

 

[Shimmy]

doesn't sound all that bad to me. old gas? have you tinkered with the carb yet?

 

[PatioDaddio78]

doesn't sound all that bad to me. old gas? have you tinkered with the carb yet?

I have not adjusted any of the screws on the carb yet. It fired right up with a little gas in the top. It ran for 5-10 min then died, couldn't get it restarted. I may try and crank it over again today after some more thinking.

Gas tank is new. Here is a picture of the plugs.

https://flic.kr/p/2qqqM7W

 

[m_m70]

Was coming out off the carb. Not billowing just after it had died when you moved the throttle.

wouldn't worry about that. most likely gas squirting on a hot manifold.

Gas tank is new. Here is a picture of the plugs.

Nice. Assuming the filters have been replaced and lines cleaned out?

It fired right up with a little gas in the top. It ran for 5-10 min then died,

Well you've already confirmed compression so that just leaves spark and fuel. If your fuel pump has good volume and you have a good spark, I would start with a carb rebuild.

 

[PatioDaddio78]

New spark plug wires and a couple turns to adjust the idle and we got it to fire up and run. We let it run for about 20 minutes. I turned it off but could not get it to restart. As I'm typing this I'm thinking "Do I have the idle too low now"? Thanks for all the suggestions. These little victories are so fun. Building memories for sure.

 

[gnpenning]

Get a flashlight and take a peek down the carb. When you are ready operate the throttle and look for a squirt of fuel down the throat of the carb. Keep in mind you can only do this a couple times before you won't be able to see fuel without cranking. Depending on what you find will depend on the next step.

Use a old spark plug in one of the spark plug wires, ground the plug.
Have it in a spot that is easy to see, crank over checking for spark at the plug. Again depending on what you find will depend on the next step.

Quick easy tests that are free. As already mentioned you need spark (at the right time) and fuel/air (in the right amount) a long with compression to run.

Great father son project. Congratulations.

 

[PatioDaddio78]

So some things have changed! We have decided to ditch the original engine and trans and body! I ordered a new body from Toms that I picked up earlier this week and will have off the a painter soon. Replacing the body panels one at a time just seemed like a task that I was ill equipped to take on, thanks Matt! Now for decisions on engine and trans. I'm looking at the BluePrint 302 paired with a 4r70W...seems like that is what a few folks have gone with with good results.

The more that we remove the more questions that seem to pop up.

The journey continues!!

https://flic.kr/p/2qtb8xb https://flic.kr/p/2qtb8we https://flic.kr/p/2qt9mSJ https://flic.kr/p/2qt9mQQ

 

[PatioDaddio78]

Project Update!

We have finally gotten done with the really dirty part. Cleaning the frame with the angle grinder was a chore. I painted with with POR15 and have the thought that it looks good from a far but is far from good. It is way better than it was and I think will be better once the body is back on the frame to hide all my errors. Oh and I need a bigger garage!

The body had been dropped off at paint. We are going back to the factory color Candy Apple Red with the ranger stripes. I'm excited for that part.

The slow process of assembly is beginning. One step at a time and trying not to over whelm myself, I figure we will learn what to do when we get to that part! I am going to be Toms Offroads favorite customer when this is all said and done!

Levi and I are going to tear the engine down and see if it can be saved, we have gone back and forth on crate vs rebuild. Its only time and money and more time and more money!

Merry Christmas!

Mark and Levi

https://flic.kr/p/2qA7k4e https://flic.kr/p/2qzZBdV https://flic.kr/p/2qyWfbB

 

[.94 OR]

Looking good.

When I did mine 30 years ago, I had a priority list for reassembly. That way when I had some down time I could prioritize what needed cleaned and worked on so when I got to that step it was hopefully ready to go. Heater box assembly, wiper assembly, wiring was sorted, tanks were clean and ready, shifter assembly (3 on the floor) ready, etc.
Have fun.

 

[Kalex]

Awesome project and hang in there. Merry Christmas!

 

[treedreaming]

Hey Mark, just came across your journey. I am also taking on a restoration and rebuild with my son. We are working on a '74 and still trying to map out the best approach. The bronco was running just fine so I planned to keep it as is for a year or so, but the starter went out and is blocked in by the original headers. So a fairly easy starter fix opens up new challenges. Seeing your approach I am wonder if tearing it all down and building it up is the best approach. Looks like the body you were dealing with is similar to mine with just to much rust to replace panels individually. I like the full body replacement you went with. Nonetheless, just wanted to reach out and I will be following your journey. I am very much a novice so I will be looking to the forum for much guidance. Thanks for sharing your story.