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Odometer 58204
Trip meter 0
I had just changed the engine oil and as I tried to refit the drain plug found that somewhere along the line, someone had stripped most of the threads out of the oil pan. I would really have like to put a Time-Sert insert in the pan to permanently fix the situation- but getting one proved to be too challenging. The local auto parts stores did not have them in their normal inventory and to special order a kit meant ordering 5 at a time for $116. We decided on a self threading oversize drain plug for about $10. It worked just fine- anchored in nice and tight
The other spots on the floor were coming from the rack and pinion power steering unit. It was fairly easy to remove, but once out and on the floor, we found no identifying marks to tell us where to order a new one. We took the whole rack into O'Rileys Auto Parts where Thomas tried for a half hour to find us a match. We looked a well over 100 different units and could not find one with these specs. Ralph found the booklet on the unit in his restoration files, and we contacted the kit maker Unisteer. Unisteer was not very helpful. They offered to send us a new one for $750, which is more than 6 times the price of a comparable unit at the auto parts stores.
That's when we decided to call Phoenix Rack and Axle in downtown Phoenix. They were very helpful on the phone and encouraged us to bring it in for a rebuild.
Joan and I were going to Apache Junction the next day (Wednesday) to see our good friend Barb, and we offered to take it in on our way through downtown. We got away early Wed morning and made our way in to downtown by 9AM in what we'd call light inbound traffic.
We had no trouble finding them on 32nd St in downtown Phoenix, and we were immediately impressed with the hundreds of axles, driveshafts and steering units they had ready to ship! Ken recognized the rack we had as a Saginaw unit and told us he could rebuild it for just under $150, AND have it back to us this afternoon!
Awesome!
We continued on our way out to Apache Junction and had a very fun reunion with our friend Barb. The three of us had lunch at the Olive Garden in Mesa, and afterward we helped her with some set-up on her motorhome. We are such good friends that it seemed that the conversation just picked up where we left it two seasons ago. Of course, guess who forgot to take pictures. (If you guessed Joan- you'd be correct :->) We'll cross paths with Barb at least a few more times this season, I'm sure!
The really big news is that there are two new T's in the shop this week! Ralph's good friend Dick just purchased this beautiful blue 1913 Touring car, and Ralph and Ann just purchased the 1915 Touring in the background. Both cars have been lovingly maintained, but all the same we have some tweaks to do for each new owner. The '13 has a 12 volt electrical system, electric start, distributor ignition, an alternator, semi-hidden turn signals, leather upholstery, new wood spoke wheels, a two-speed rear end, Rocky Mountain brakes, and a Volvo electric overdrive- whew!
The 1915 Touring car is more stock, but does have turn signals, leather, auxiliary brakes, a two-speed rear end. Both cars have lots of beautiful brass.
It is Thanksgiving and I'd be remiss if I didn't say that Joan and I had quite a celebration, and a day of stuffing ourselves with all things good to eat. We had a cutlet stuffed with cheese- (meat free mycoprotein which is a better sounding word for fungi), mashed potatoes, broccoli, dinner rolls, and fresh cranberry relish made from this year's crop in Port Orford. (Thank you Theresia!)
We have lots to be thankful for this year, good health, good friends, and the ability to pursue this nomadic life that we love so much.
Ralph has been experimenting with locations for his shop hoist, and has decided on a final location. Today is the day we get it bolted down. We rented a roto-hammer with a 3/4" bit at Home Depot and sunk in the holes to insert the concrete anchor bolts. I shimmed the posts plumb with the provided shims and tightened the anchors. We have used the hoist without the bolts- (not smart) but would never go above half way up- now we can use its full range. Before you flame me- I couldn't move the car because the steering rack was removed and the front tires were not tied to anything to keep them in line- I WAS very careful.
Joan has been working with our insurance company to get the right side windshield in our coach replaced. Those of you who follow our blog already know that we got hit by a rock driving through Las Vegas last season as we were heading south for the winter.
We had hoped that if we drilled the crack while it was small, that it would not go all the way across the windshield- no so. We drilled it with a glass bit three or four times, only to watch it march on across the window.
Joan was assured that we could get the glass and get it installed before we had to depart Phoenix and head on our way to Texas for Savannah's college graduation.
Chris McCabe of McCabe's Glass came through for us and with just two days til our departure, he showed up and did the replacement right at our "home" pad at Ralph and Anne's house. I was being Mr. grumpy- I didn't really see the need for a replacement as the crack was so low and seemed to be stationary. When I saw the new glass in the frame I was totally surprised at how much I liked the new look. I had become so accustomed to the old cracked glass I wasn't prepared for how nice the new glass looked.
Chris let me inspect the steel frame under the old urethane sealant to be assured that the expensive and time consuming coating we had installed 18 months ago was still unscathed.
He also gave me some extra adhesive track so I can re-attach the sagging rubber gasket on the drivers side.
We are now in good shape for the next leg of our trip- stay tuned!
Your Traveling Friends,
Jeff and Joan
Trip meter 0
More shop time for me. Ralph's '65 Falcon hot rod had developed a leak- or as we found out soon 2 leaks.
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| 1965 Ford Falcon Futura Hot Rod |
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| Rack and Pinion Assembly |
The other spots on the floor were coming from the rack and pinion power steering unit. It was fairly easy to remove, but once out and on the floor, we found no identifying marks to tell us where to order a new one. We took the whole rack into O'Rileys Auto Parts where Thomas tried for a half hour to find us a match. We looked a well over 100 different units and could not find one with these specs. Ralph found the booklet on the unit in his restoration files, and we contacted the kit maker Unisteer. Unisteer was not very helpful. They offered to send us a new one for $750, which is more than 6 times the price of a comparable unit at the auto parts stores.
 |
| Phoenix Rack and Axle |
Joan and I were going to Apache Junction the next day (Wednesday) to see our good friend Barb, and we offered to take it in on our way through downtown. We got away early Wed morning and made our way in to downtown by 9AM in what we'd call light inbound traffic.
 |
| Phoenix Rack and Axle's large Inventory |
We had no trouble finding them on 32nd St in downtown Phoenix, and we were immediately impressed with the hundreds of axles, driveshafts and steering units they had ready to ship! Ken recognized the rack we had as a Saginaw unit and told us he could rebuild it for just under $150, AND have it back to us this afternoon!
Awesome!
We continued on our way out to Apache Junction and had a very fun reunion with our friend Barb. The three of us had lunch at the Olive Garden in Mesa, and afterward we helped her with some set-up on her motorhome. We are such good friends that it seemed that the conversation just picked up where we left it two seasons ago. Of course, guess who forgot to take pictures. (If you guessed Joan- you'd be correct :->) We'll cross paths with Barb at least a few more times this season, I'm sure!
 |
| A Pair of beauties- a 1913 Ford Model T followed by a 1915 Model T |
The 1915 Touring car is more stock, but does have turn signals, leather, auxiliary brakes, a two-speed rear end. Both cars have lots of beautiful brass.
 |
| Thanksgiving Dinner 2017 |
We have lots to be thankful for this year, good health, good friends, and the ability to pursue this nomadic life that we love so much.
 |
| Bolting down the auto hoist |
Joan has been working with our insurance company to get the right side windshield in our coach replaced. Those of you who follow our blog already know that we got hit by a rock driving through Las Vegas last season as we were heading south for the winter.We had hoped that if we drilled the crack while it was small, that it would not go all the way across the windshield- no so. We drilled it with a glass bit three or four times, only to watch it march on across the window.
Joan was assured that we could get the glass and get it installed before we had to depart Phoenix and head on our way to Texas for Savannah's college graduation.
Chris McCabe of McCabe's Glass came through for us and with just two days til our departure, he showed up and did the replacement right at our "home" pad at Ralph and Anne's house. I was being Mr. grumpy- I didn't really see the need for a replacement as the crack was so low and seemed to be stationary. When I saw the new glass in the frame I was totally surprised at how much I liked the new look. I had become so accustomed to the old cracked glass I wasn't prepared for how nice the new glass looked.
Chris let me inspect the steel frame under the old urethane sealant to be assured that the expensive and time consuming coating we had installed 18 months ago was still unscathed.
He also gave me some extra adhesive track so I can re-attach the sagging rubber gasket on the drivers side.
We are now in good shape for the next leg of our trip- stay tuned!
Your Traveling Friends,
Jeff and Joan
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