Duncan's (sort of) project - 1940 Ford

[Duncan]

Starting another 521 seat.

 

Interesting thing about this is the guy I got the seat from has a 510 with an LS6 motor in it!  I'm not sure if it drives yet, but he was telling me just got it started, and it is in the car all mounted in there.   The LS6 is 400hp and the torque is around 385.  I can't imagine that in a unibody Datsun, but I do like silly, crazy swaps like that.

 

I should have grabbed a photo, but it was hotter than hell where we were, and we both were in a rush to get our deal done and leave..

 

[Duncan]

Trying to get this all wrapped up.  Having problems with the power steering system.  It's down to stupid stuff like wrong fittings, etc, etc.  We also had to redo the belt system to accomodate the newer pump.  It's going to be okay, but it's down to the stupid things that need to be worked out.

 

We also had to redo the steering system and u-joints for the new column.  Everything looks good there, but were getting the ps system up first, and working toward the dash as we go.

 

And, TBH, I'm not thrilled with the shifter.  The detents for P R D, etc don't feel right, and the mechanism itself doesn't operate as nice as one would hope.  Hooking it to the trans hasn't happened yet, but I've almost certainly going to keep the column, but remove the shifter from it and go with a Lokar floor shifter.  I'm trying to keep an open mind, but it's tough.  I'm going to drive it for a few weeks before I decide, but it's going to be hard to change my mind about the floor shifter..  we'll see.

 

   

Edited July 29 by Duncan

[Rustbin]

Do you still have the pattern from the first 521 seat or are you confident enough to make your own based on the frame as it is?

 

On the column looks more authentic but I like the feel of a floor shifter.

 

 

[Duncan]

14 hours ago, Rustbin said:

Do you still have the pattern from the first 521 seat or are you confident enough to make your own based on the frame as it is?

 

 

I don't keep them based on the fact that I have to replace the foam entirely.  Even though they are generally the same, I can't really duplicate the foam exactly from seat to seat.  

 

I actually don't mind making new patterns because I need the practice, and they (usually) get better as I go.  I'm not in any time crunch to get it done, so there's no pressure to hurry.     It's also nice because it keeps me busy.  'cause retired.  :)

 

I'm giving the column shifter a chance, but I'm almost certain it's going to be short lived..

 

 

 

 

Edited July 30 by Duncan

[Duncan]

Well, I got tired of working on seats for a bit.  I decided the interior of my Ford was just too damn dark, and decided to redo it in a two-tone ivory and burgundy.  The light color looked great at the supply store, and even looked great just putting the two together.  

 

Decided to start off in the trunk, and now that I see it in the car, I'm thinking it might be too white.  I was looking for something like 55-57 Chevy India Ivory.  

 

I'm thinking I might leave it all Burgundy, and go with an Ivory-ish headliner. That light upper color kind of clashes with the light tan body color.

 

 

 

 

As always, my phone washes out the colors and makes them appear brighter than they are. 

 

On top of it all, I worked my little compressor too hard and burned the little darlin' out.  I buried it yesterday, and now I need to figure something to replace it.  damn.

 

 

Edited August 25 by Duncan

[]2eDeYe]

On 6/28/2024 at 12:57 PM, Duncan said:

My wife has yet another new entryway seat.  She is chuffed at it's bespoke details.

 

 

 

All caught up.
This seat looks familiar, like it was in the back of my truck coming home from powerland lol.

Very nice work. B)

[chukar]

Ha, it looks like the seat currently sitting in my kitchen too.  I have some work to do on the truck before I can install it but I appreciate everyone's help (Mark, Ray and Steve) in bringing me this beautiful seat. 

[Duncan]

That seat has gone Interstate :)

 

I asked my wife to come out and look at my trunk panel, and she immediately agreed with me that it was too white.  The car is (sort of) eggnog color, and needs something lighter.  Too bad because it really looked nice until I installed it into the car. 

 

The week after next, the Ford is off to my friend's shop in San Diego for all new front suspension bits.  It has a Heidts IFS with tubular control arms, so we're hoping it might be easier than a factory front end.  I'm cautiously optimistic..

 

 

 

 

[Duncan]

@Rustbin, I remembered your tip on trimming the welt ends and what a difference.  Just wanted to say thanks, and feel free to jump in with any advice.  It really helps!

 

If I had any thought ten years ago that I would be sharing sewing tips on a car forum, I would have had myself declared mentally unbalanced.   :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also went back and did a quick re-sew of that outer corner, and the welt threads are now invisible.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 3 by Duncan

[Duncan]

4 minutes ago, Duncan said:

get off my lawn, you damn kids!

 

Another double post from a cranky old coot..

 

 

 

 

Edited September 3 by Duncan

[Rustbin]

Thanks Duncan. I really wish I lived closer so I could drop by and go through a total seat recovering, that way I would know what to suggest, but man, right now it's a mighty long walk.

 

[Duncan]

Well, I bought my front suspension parts from Heidt's because they made the aftermarket front end kit that's on my car.  Out of the entire front suspension kit, only the tie rods ends worked.  None of the bushings fit at all.  Their response was "yeah, and?"  Terrible service.  The worst I've run into for a lot of years.

 

Good news is the aftermarket stuff made for a 74-79 Ford Mustang II goes right in and fits perfectly.  I'm still waiting on strut rod and sway bar bushings, but we are going in the right direction now. 

 

I don't have a photo, but the lower ball joints actually thread into the control arm.  I had to buy a special socket from Moog that is $179.00, but I found one on ebay for $30 shipped, so more good news.  It's about a 2" diameter and 3/4" drive.  My buddy and I used a 3/4" breaker bar, AND a 3ft pipe on the end of it, and we couldn't break it loose cold.    We applied a bit if heat to it, and finally got it loose.  We just guessed, but we think we applied about 250-300 pounds of torque before it loosened up.  I'm definitely applying anti-seize on the new ones :)

 

We're doing one side at a time, and I'll get a picture when we tackle the driver's side.  I even made a tool to hold the arm in the vice..

 

The job itself isn't all that bad, but just the usual snafus and roadblocks.  I still prefer painting and upholstery over doing mechanical stuff, tbh.

 

 

 

 

Edited Monday at 03:26 AM by Duncan

[datsunfreak]

13 hours ago, Duncan said:

I still prefer painting and upholstery over doing mechanical stuff, tbh.

 

And wiring. Anything beats working with greasy things and stuck bolts. 😄

[Duncan]

5 hours ago, datsunfreak said:

And wiring. Anything beats working with greasy things and stuck bolts. 😄

 

Fortunately, my friend Smitty actually has a couple of tools he built to pull apart tapered joints, and he has a hydraulic press which is also great to have on hand.  I agree that nothing is as dirty, greasy, or nastier than pulling apart front suspension.  :(

 

 

[Duncan]

Projects, projects.  All my balls are up in the air..

 

While waiting for Ford parts, got back on my 521 seat.  Got the bottom cushion done today. This one actually came out pretty nice.  Gotta finish up the backrest next.

 

 

 

The remaining bushings to complete the front suspension on my Ford came in today.  Still don't have the sway bar bushings, but it's not directly connected to the suspension, thankfully.  Down to San Diego tomorrow to work on the Ford.

 

Just by chance, I mentioned my Vertigo problem with one of my Doctors, and she recommend a special clinic where they specialize in helping people with walking, balance, and misc other physical ailments caused my stroke, heart problems, vertigo, etc, etc.  They specialize in helping restore folks with neurological problems vs a regular physical therapist.  I've had this vertigo now for ten years, and for the first time, someone has given me a bit of hope in getting this problem headed the other way.

 

Some of you old time Ratsuners may remember I retired nearly ten years ago because of this.  I'm going twice a week, and only after a couple of sessions, I can tell it's getting just a tiny bit better.  I'm very hopeful the situation improves.

 

Back to the nasty, dirty, greasy shit..

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited Tuesday at 09:29 PM by Duncan

[datsunfreak]

18 hours ago, Duncan said:

I'm going twice a week, and only after a couple of sessions, I can tell it's getting just a tiny bit better.  I'm very hopeful the situation improves.

 

 

Very glad to hear that! 😁👍

[chukar]

Vertigo sounds rough!  I hope the treatment continues to be successful.  I asked my girlfriend about vertigo and she suggested the Epley maneuver.  There are some videos on youtube showing how to do it.  I suspect it's something you have already tried but thought I would mention it. 

 

The 521 seat looks amazing.  I'm so glad that I was able to get the first 521 seat you finished.  Thanks again. 

[Duncan]

Thanks Mike.  I did try the Epley exercises to no avail.  Something neurological is causing it, and there is no way of determining what went haywire.  They gave me quite a few tests and can narrow it down somewhat, but there's no definitive answer. My Doctor says these people have helped quite a few of her patients, so I am hoping they can help me out.   

 

Meanwhile back in San Diego, we got one side all back together with all new everything.  I'm back next week, and hoping to wrap up the front end refresh.  I'm going to touch on a few other items while it's there, as well. 

 

   

 

I just noticed the red calipers, and I'm thinking that is a dated look, maybe?  You don't see them with the wheels on, but I'm thinking I might paint them in black quickly "in situ' before I put the wheels back on..

 

 

Edited yesterday at 02:56 AM by Duncan

[datsunfreak]

On 9/26/2024 at 4:57 PM, Duncan said:

I just noticed the red calipers, and I'm thinking that is a dated look, maybe?  You don't see them with the wheels on, but I'm thinking I might paint them in black quickly "in situ' before I put the wheels back on..

 

You should. Red is for Brembos, not stock GM metrics...  😁

 

i usually do a mild (not flashy) gold, to sort of mimic the gold zinc coating. 👍

[Duncan]

1 hour ago, datsunfreak said:

i usually do a mild (not flashy) gold, to sort of mimic the gold zinc coating. 👍

 

Gold is for the honeys, and green is for the money!!