Tumbleweeds 49

[Tumbleweed]

Did a little more work this weekend on the steering. Got both tie rods assembled and all the brake backing plates attached. The frame is starting to get heavy as my cart is sagging in the center. I guess my next purchase after the drums are turned, brake lines installed and, and brakes are installed will be to get some tires so I can roll the chassis around.

The tie rods looked a bit odd angled down like they are but I guess that is what they are supposed to look like.

[athawk11]

Hey George.  Looking good.

My tie rods are currently at the same angle.  When you get the weight back on the axle, they will straighten out a bit.  Right now, you are almost at full extension.

I know you won't want to take them back off, but I have found that installing all the brake components to the backing plate, prior to installation, is a little easier on my back.  Potato...Pototo, I guess.

Tim

[Tumbleweed]

You are right about installing the brake components prior to attaching the backing plates. I have also read that it is much easier. Since I pulled the front knuckle off 3 times the backing plates will be a easy. Glad I have my air wrench!

Oh yea, got my U-joints installed on the drive shafts and now I think I will have a problem since one of the U-joints is stiff after installation. Easier to repair now than on the trail. I may have lodged a needle bearing in the bottom of the bearing cap during the assembly process -

[athawk11]

I may have lodged a needle bearing in the bottom of the bearing cap during the assembly process -

Been there before. � Those are pesky little bearing to keep in place while fighting the U joints into position.� I wish I could offer a 'Trick'.� If there is one, I haven't figured it out yet.

Tim

[Tumbleweed]

Updates - 1-27-14
Temperature 74 on Sunday and I had a couple of helpers (my sons). Did what I call a dry fit to make sure all bolt holes lined up, and alignment check. Starting to look like a real Jeep! Even the wife got excited - said it looked cute!

Guess I will leave it this way until I get the brake system replaced, drums turned, bearings replaced and all brake lines and fuel lines installed. Hope I can get this done next week.

[athawk11]

Nice to have a few extra hands around.  Are your sons as excited about the project as you are?

Tim

[Tumbleweed]

Yea, you can tell from the smile on their faces. My youngest has already made claim to the jeep. I was going to do some work last night but our temps have been 19 - 22 in the mornings and doesn't warm up much in the afternoon. I don't have a heater anymore so right now I am waiting for a little warmer weather. Going to get my brake drums turned and a few studs replaced this weekend. I wanted to finish up on the brakes pretty soon. Liked the kit from Walks so I will put in my order this next week. Had some bad news - my radiator is shot - carl (carlsjeep) used Champion alum radiator and said he was very happy with it. Mine is a bottom mount so everything should fit well. Keep ya posted.

Thanks,

George

[Tumbleweed]

Well not much to report lately - too cold to play in the garage, had a stomach virus earlier this week, inflamed muscle in my back, ran out of hidden jeep money last month.

Thinks are looking up though - got my last box of brake parts and the temp is almost 70 today with a good outlook for this weekend.

I gotta find a better hiding spot for my Benjamin's

Starting to get into the big ticket items - tires - engine - wiring harness - etc.

Keep ya'll posted.

[Tumbleweed]

Okay, I've been busy with a ton of other projects but now I am back on the '49. By the way Tim, got my son moved to Centennial last week - took a quick trip to Georgetown to get ice cream and a burger - what a great day!

Got a complete brake line kit from Walks the other day and installed last night. Most of the lines were a direct fit with the exception of the long frame line (front to back) that will require you to bend 90 degrees to fit inside the support to the rear hose. I called Walks to verify and he said yes that is what's required. They bend it in such a way to accommodate shipping.

I had the mdl 41 rear end. Sending pictures of installation tomorrow.

More work tonight - just me and the mosquitos!

[Quebec Jeep]

Great job! Keep posting pictures of your progress

[athawk11]

I got the same brake line kit.  Very nice.  I too had to bend that particular piece.  I think that would be one strange shaped shipping box I they didn't bend it that way.  Easy enough to manipulate it back into shape though.

Georgetown is a neat little historic town.  They put on a pre Christmas festival and parade that my Mom insists on attending.  It is pretty festive. 

I'm glad you had some fun while in Colorado.

Tim

[Tumbleweed]

Pictures of the brake line installation - still needs a clamp or two but almost done.

[Tumbleweed]

How do you get 470 lbs of engine in a Nissan?

Very carefully and in pieces..........going to the engine shop this morning...YEAAAAA........

Hope to get it back in about 4 weeks.

I'll keep you posted - Hey Tim nice weather in Denver this morning!

[BMIC]

Beautiful work!!! When you pick that engine up you will put it in the back seat, wrapped in a blanket...

[athawk11]

Nice!� I was wondering about your engine.� I don't think you've mentioned it much.�

I can imagine how excited you'll be when the machine shop calls to tell you 'It's all done.� Come and git 'er!"

Our Front Range weather has been very odd this year.� We usually have a run of days where we reach 100 + degrees.� Hasn't happened.� We also get pretty dry during the summer.� Not true this year.� It has been the coolest, wet summer that I can remember.� Don't get me wrong.� I'm not complaining.� My only complaint is having to replace a 4 year old roof because I got hit by large hail...again.

Tim

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