First, Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there.
Took ours out to supper this afternoon; trying to focus/stay awake for this post after eating more than my share.
Since our last visit to the 40 I installed and plumbed the lines into the charcoal canister.
The lines from the vacuum valve and carb were easy enough to figure out. After some research I learned the third line connects to the vent setup atop the fuel tank. (This was never installed when I acquired the truck). After some digging I found a correct version of the line; I made a new one out of the 5/16" line I used for the fuel lines. This line is long and actually runs under/along the inside of the rocker and then up thru the floor into the cabin. I would highly recommend installing this line before installing the fender to anyone that has to replace one. I was not able to install it in one piece due to the length/position it lives in so I simply cut it in the middle and I will join the two halves with some black fuel hose.
A sharp eye to the above photo will notice grass below the P/S cowl/fender.
Well, after hooking up my temporary gas tank, priming the lines, and adding water to the cooling system (Water or antifreeze is always one of the last things I add during a rebuild. I wanted to start with water to make any leaks easier to clean up -- of course I heard that dreaded sound of liquid hitting the shop floor as I was about 1/3 into filling the radiator. . . luckily it was because I neglected to tighten the drain valve on the side of the engine block) I wanted to see if the engine was ready to start. Double checked all the fluids, had a fire extinguisher ready, closed my eyes and turned the key. . . and nothing. A quick look under the dash revealed I had not yet hooked up the ignition switch to the wiring harness -- a quick, easy fix. Take two, turn the key. . . and still nothing. After about five minutes of scratching my head I realized I had not turned the battery kill switch to "on." At least I know it works!
Third time was the charm as after several turns of the engine the fuel pump did its job and the engine fired up. What a great sound! It was loud with nothing but a short pipe off the manifold but still sounded great to me. I let it run for a couple minutes. . . oil pressure was good, no drips or leaks under the engine, no smoke emanating from the engine compartment.
Inspired, I re-installed the trusty bucket seat and
drove the 40 out of the shop for the first time in many months under its own power. I took a couple victory laps around the farm drives before using the working brakes to stop and take a couple pictures.
Yes, the wires look like they are dragging on the ground/near the tires but really it is an effect from the picture. They were completely safe. Temporary fuel tank visible strapped to P/S "B" Pillar:
And the driver side view:
I really need to get to work on the headlight buckets and give the poor thing some eyes. . .
Very happy with today's accomplishment after the work/time taken to get here. One more quick spin and I pulled the 40 back into the shop and installed the kick vent doors. Left things there for the day due to the previously mentioned Mom's Day Dinner. . . that and I had to help dad clear yet another tree that this time fell into the cow pasture. This was a Cherry and Fun Fact: Wilted cherry leaves contain cyanide and critters that eat them can be poisoned by it. Somehow I always remembered that from all the hours at school.
Next steps will be planning where to drill holes in the tub for seats, roll bar, center cover, etc. I will probably start with the gas tank and work my way up from there. I remember my seat brackets needing some work so that will slow me down a bit too. I can hear the hood and windshield frame calling for me from the storage barn but I really want to have the tub ready for paint next -- that will be the next huge hurdle and I hope to leap over it/have it done sometime in June. Not sure if I will make that goal but certainly will give it a go!