On Monday I spent some time testing the engine. After lightly sanding the points, the spark began to work, but the engine still didn’t start. I took a second look at the fuel pump and discovered it in fact wasn’t working. When I checked the bolts to remove it I discovered that the bolts were snug, but not tightened. So, someone at some point looked at the fuel pump.
After further examining the non-stock solex carb, I then removed it (I plan to sell it anyway). That’s when I noticed there was a pool of varnish/gas along the bottom of the intake. I decided I would get all that cleaned up before trying to restart it.
I next turned to the grille. The first two photos show how bad the grille was bent. I can’t image what they hit. Thankfully, the radiator seems to be fine.
Using a variety of strategies, I flattened the grille and straightened the edges. One side smoothed out quickly. In the pic below, you can see the right side too a little extra bending to come out correctly.
Here’s the final result. I’m pleased.
I will still have to repair both sides of the grille where it mounts to the bottom mount. I haven’t decided how I was to repair those areas. Here’s the right side where it mounts to the frame. As you can see, the metal was cracked.
We returned to Pasco late yesterday. I won’t be going back to Seattle until after Halloween, so I brought back a box of goodies to work on.
I’d cut back to find good metal then make some new pieces and weld them in.
It’s not bent, it’s a rare variation with vintage patina.
Dan: And now I’ve ruined it! 🙂
Bob: Yep, that’s a part of it. There’s lots of good metal there, so it won’t take much to repair it (mostly just dirty). I was just thinking about how to reduce the wear at those base points. I may add an extra strip to reinforce that area.
I’ve done the same thing to my hood where they crack in the center and behind the catches.
Nice Job on the grill and trouble-shooting, Dave!
It’s great reading about you back to working on your own project 🙂
BTW, I hope you left that blood stain Ann made on the back of Rusty: that’s bona fide DNA evidence your wife worked on your jeep… a privilege I may never know 😉
What you need is a garage at home where you can work on stuff! Not even a
Garagemahal, just a nice clean, warm place to work.
Nice work Dave.