Buck 'n' a Bronco

[BronCowie]

We're lovin' it here Orygun!

 

[bronkenn]

You are making a lot of progress there Howard. That is a handsome truck.

 

[Howard2x4x4]

Thanks Mark, thanks Ken. It's amazing how much difference having a set goal can make! Got the steering column bracket revamped and the dash installed.

 

[Howard2x4x4]

Got the brake lines to the proportioning valve installed.

 

[Howard2x4x4]

Picked up another top to add to the three I already had. Now I have Four Tops, reminiscent of the Motown musical quartet.

 

[Howard2x4x4]

Installed the tilt steering column, the rustic (and rusted) patina wood steering, the steering shaft and the Pitman arm.

 

[gnsteam]

Your really moving, and looking sweet.

 

[Howard2x4x4]

Thanks gnsteam. Only a week to go until Showtime. Finished out the day today jury-rigging radiator hose pieces and parts. I figured it only has to run long enough to get it on and off the trailer. 1987 351 W with an Explorer serpentine belt, reverse flow water pump. Oringinal V8 Bronco radiator. I don't know if I have the right hoses hooked up to the correct locations. Judges, what say you?

 

[Howard2x4x4]

You're quite the clever hurdle jumper for sure. Something comes up (always does) and fix it. Way to work around the problem.
Keep that progress progressing!

Paul

Paul, it bit me on the butt again today. I had to partially remove the tank strap in order to cut the threaded rod shorter due to interference with the gas tank vent.

 

[Howard2x4x4]

Here's the pics and the problem.

So, mission accomplished in that specific regard, however, it brings to light another issue - the tank vent hose. Earlier, I installed a Hagan gas filler door and it did NOT come with vent hose provisions or instructions. Gurus, Poobahs and Wizards, any ideas on how to address this? Thanks in advance. Howard, creating hurdles for himself in beautiful West Michigan.

 

[DirtDonk]

On our Ford engines at least, and frankly most older engines, the top radiator hose is always to the top engine location. In our case the thermostat housing.
The lower radiator hose is always to the downward facing fitting on the water pump.

The hot coolant comes out the top of the engine and then to the top of the radiator. Gradually cooling as it goes down the core and then back out the bottom into the engine through the pump.

Will it run if connected backwards? Sure. And might even stay cool under very light circumstances. Or it might not…

Reverse flow means nothing outside of the engine. The radiator still takes hot coolant in from the top and sends it back out down the bottom.
And I’m not sure that our engines are truly “reverse flow” in the true sense of the phrase. Simply that the water pump turns backwards from a normal V-belt set up because of the design of the serpentine orientation.
But since the ports inside are oriented correctly the flow of water is not impeded.
There are true reverse flow engines, but I’m not sure that ours become that way just by changing to a serpentine Drive belt.

 

[Yeller]

Howard. Is the metal tube short on the filler and uses a long rubber hose? If so MTS sells a nipple that you cut a hole in the hose to attach the vent my old Jeep truck has one, I purchased a new one with new hoses.

This isn’t MTS but I know they are the source. These are good folks too, buy a lot of Jeep parts from them.
Vent fitting

 

[Howard2x4x4]

Thank you, Paul, that's exactly what I needed to know. Not what I wanted hear, but...... As I've said before, two steps forward, one step back. Thanks for your response, much appreciated!

Yeller, perfect! Looks like an easy-peasy way to do right the fourth or fifth time! Any idea how far below the cap it should go? Thank you very much! Howard, back-tracking in beautiful West Michigan

 

[Yeller]

I think it needs to be fairly close. I know the factory ones are usually within about 4”.

 

[Howard2x4x4]

Grab some popcorn.........

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=418274339658550

 

[Howard2x4x4]

Also on yesterdays list: connected the gas

filler neck to the gas tank and put the center caps in the rear rims.

 

[gnsteam]

Grab some popcorn.........

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=418274339658550

Nice mod! And I like your choice in wheels.

 

[Howard2x4x4]

Thanks gnsteam. As things evolved, I've bought three different sets of rims and tires. I put the grill on yesterday. The bumperettes and tow hooks are only prototypes and need to to further 'evolve'. And a sneak peek of the hood installation planned for today.

 

[amfw]

Thanks gnsteam. As things evolved, I've bought three different sets of rims and tires. I put the grill on yesterday. The bumperettes and tow hooks are only prototypes and need to to further 'evolve'. And a sneak peek of the hood installation planned for today.
View attachment 881892 View attachment 881893

Oh man Howard, I am late to the game here, but that grille is super cool looking! Wish we weren't on different coasts, I would love to see it sometime. What is the Wiper setup you have going on?

 

[Howard2x4x4]

Well thanks, amfw, that's very nice of you! I had a ball doing the grill and it evolved at about the same rate as civilization. I do hope it never devolves like civilization has of late, though. The wipers have also been very fun. I saw two other fellers on CBF that had done it already, so I knew it could be done. Lots of trial and copious amounts error later, I now know one way it can be done and ten thousand ways it can't (slight amount of exaggeration for artistic purposes). Thanks again for the kind words!