The Front End Project Begins

[Rdenney]

So, I have amassed everything needed, and today I'm driving the coach to
the Redhead's uncle's airplane hangar in Hagerstown to begin the project of
replacing the front end and final drive with kits and parts from Manny.
I've acquired Ken's first-gen alignment frames, I've bought a torsion-bar
unloader from Jim Hupy (through JimK)--(though Eric Tanner was happy to
loan me his), brake calipers from Amazon, new tie rods from JimK, and new
sway-bar links from JimK. Jim's brake bleeder is on the way when he has a
chance to assemble the kit.

I will also be dropping the fuel tanks and replacing the sending units
(bought these earlier in the year from JimK), and filler hoses. I plan to
also convert my single-Carter-pump-and-selector-valve to a dual-pump
arrangement, and I have all the bits for that, too.

The crate from Manny is in the back of the truck (it's a good truck, so it
didn't break the rear suspension), and all the tools are in the coach. The
Redhead's uncle is an aircraft mechanic and is in the midst of his own
project--a full restoration of a '49 Ford Woody wagon. When I was there
last, he fired up the fresh flathead for me. He's getting on but he'll have
what I don't.

I have this weekend, two weekends from now, and Labor Day weekend to get
this done. You can all see the outcome at Elkhart. Wish me luck. If anyone
in the area wants to play, let me know, including those who want to unfold
a chair and supervise. It's not my home but I think I can arrange it.

Rick "looking forward to working in the shade, on a concrete floor" Denney

--
'73 X-Glacier 230 "Jaws"
Northern Virginia
Offlist email: rick at rickdenney dot com

 

[sean kidd]

Best of luck, I did my one ton, Torsion bars, quad bag/reaction arm, FD, fuel tanks, In my narrow concrete driveway, with basic hand tools...(exNavy
aircraft mechanic). my only words of wisdom I can offer with my limited experience is...once you get the "challenging" bolt out of the FD, throw it
away, or Bronze it....but don't put it back in, and lastly, before you install your tie rods, center your steering box.
--
Sean and Stephanie
73 Ex-CanyonLands 26' #317 "Oliver"
Hubler 1-Ton, Quad-Bags, Rear Disc, Reaction Arms, P.Huber TBs, 3.70:1 LSD Honda 6500 inverter gen.

Colonial Travelers

 

[Ken H.]

Good luck, Rick. Wish you were doing it here -- so I could Watch you on
the pit.

Ken H.

> So, I have amassed everything needed, and today I'm driving the coach to
> the Redhead's uncle's airplane hangar in Hagerstown to begin the project of
> replacing the front end and final drive with kits and parts from Manny.
> I've acquired Ken's first-gen alignment frames, I've bought a torsion-bar
> unloader from Jim Hupy (through JimK)--(though Eric Tanner was happy to
> loan me his), brake calipers from Amazon, new tie rods from JimK, and new
> sway-bar links from JimK. Jim's brake bleeder is on the way when he has a
> chance to assemble the kit.
>
> I will also be dropping the fuel tanks and replacing the sending units
> (bought these earlier in the year from JimK), and filler hoses. I plan to
> also convert my single-Carter-pump-and-selector-valve to a dual-pump
> arrangement, and I have all the bits for that, too.
>
> The crate from Manny is in the back of the truck (it's a good truck, so it
> didn't break the rear suspension), and all the tools are in the coach. The
> Redhead's uncle is an aircraft mechanic and is in the midst of his own
> project--a full restoration of a '49 Ford Woody wagon. When I was there
> last, he fired up the fresh flathead for me. He's getting on but he'll have
> what I don't.
>
> I have this weekend, two weekends from now, and Labor Day weekend to get
> this done. You can all see the outcome at Elkhart. Wish me luck. If anyone
> in the area wants to play, let me know, including those who want to unfold
> a chair and supervise. It's not my home but I think I can arrange it.
>
> Rick "looking forward to working in the shade, on a concrete floor" Denney
>
> --
> '73 X-Glacier 230 "Jaws"
> Northern Virginia
> Offlist email: rick at rickdenney dot com
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

 

[terry1]

If the steering system is already centered and the wheel is close to straight up when driving, be sure to strap the steering wheel down with a bungee
or similar before you take both tie rods loose. That will prevent accidentally getting the system off center.
--
Terry Kelpien

ASE Master Technician

73 Glacier 260

Smithfield, Va.

 

[Rdenney]

Terry, the steering was fully centered with Alex's help in Mansfield, where
Ken and I replaced the steering gear box. All I have to do is straighten
the steering wheel, and adjust the tie rods accordingly. But I'll check the
gearbox, too (now that I know how), just to be sure.

Rick "who won't touch that adjustable drag link" Denney

> If the steering system is already centered and the wheel is close to
> straight up when driving, be sure to strap the steering wheel down with a
> bungee
> or similar before you take both tie rods loose. That will prevent
> accidentally getting the system off center.
> --
> Terry Kelpien
>
> ASE Master Technician
>
> 73 Glacier 260
>
> Smithfield, Va.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Rick Denney
73 x-Glacier 230 "Jaws"
Off-list email to rick at rickdenney dot com

 

[Rdenney]

And I wish you were here sitting in a chair and pointing.

Rick "just finished dealing with a dead starting battery--again" Denney

On Sat, Aug 5, 2017 at 10:07 AM Ken Henderson
wrote:

> Good luck, Rick. Wish you were doing it here -- so I could Watch you on
> the pit.
>
> Ken H.
>
>

>
> > So, I have amassed everything needed, and today I'm driving the coach to
> > the Redhead's uncle's airplane hangar in Hagerstown to begin the project
> of
> > replacing the front end and final drive with kits and parts from Manny.
> > I've acquired Ken's first-gen alignment frames, I've bought a torsion-bar
> > unloader from Jim Hupy (through JimK)--(though Eric Tanner was happy to
> > loan me his), brake calipers from Amazon, new tie rods from JimK, and new
> > sway-bar links from JimK. Jim's brake bleeder is on the way when he has a
> > chance to assemble the kit.
> >
> > I will also be dropping the fuel tanks and replacing the sending units
> > (bought these earlier in the year from JimK), and filler hoses. I plan to
> > also convert my single-Carter-pump-and-selector-valve to a dual-pump
> > arrangement, and I have all the bits for that, too.
> >
> > The crate from Manny is in the back of the truck (it's a good truck, so
> it
> > didn't break the rear suspension), and all the tools are in the coach.
> The
> > Redhead's uncle is an aircraft mechanic and is in the midst of his own
> > project--a full restoration of a '49 Ford Woody wagon. When I was there
> > last, he fired up the fresh flathead for me. He's getting on but he'll
> have
> > what I don't.
> >
> > I have this weekend, two weekends from now, and Labor Day weekend to get
> > this done. You can all see the outcome at Elkhart. Wish me luck. If
> anyone
> > in the area wants to play, let me know, including those who want to
> unfold
> > a chair and supervise. It's not my home but I think I can arrange it.
> >
> > Rick "looking forward to working in the shade, on a concrete floor"
> Denney
> >
> > --
> > '73 X-Glacier 230 "Jaws"
> > Northern Virginia
> > Offlist email: rick at rickdenney dot com
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Rick Denney
73 x-Glacier 230 "Jaws"
Off-list email to rick at rickdenney dot com

 

[marsh wilkes]

Hi Rick,
Congratulations on finally being able to do this project and getting back on
the
no longer "Adobe" GMC, IIRC. I remember spending time with you and the coach
at Marion,
seems like yesterday.

Marsh (Planning to get Miss Smokey back on the road soon) Wilkes

-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Denney
Sent: Saturday, August 05, 2017 9:45 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: [GMCnet] The Front End Project Begins

So, I have amassed everything needed, and today I'm driving the coach to
the Redhead's uncle's airplane hangar in Hagerstown to begin the project of
replacing the front end and final drive with kits and parts from Manny.
I've acquired Ken's first-gen alignment frames, I've bought a torsion-bar
unloader from Jim Hupy (through JimK)--(though Eric Tanner was happy to
loan me his), brake calipers from Amazon, new tie rods from JimK, and new
sway-bar links from JimK. Jim's brake bleeder is on the way when he has a
chance to assemble the kit.

I will also be dropping the fuel tanks and replacing the sending units
(bought these earlier in the year from JimK), and filler hoses. I plan to
also convert my single-Carter-pump-and-selector-valve to a dual-pump
arrangement, and I have all the bits for that, too.

The crate from Manny is in the back of the truck (it's a good truck, so it
didn't break the rear suspension), and all the tools are in the coach. The
Redhead's uncle is an aircraft mechanic and is in the midst of his own
project--a full restoration of a '49 Ford Woody wagon. When I was there
last, he fired up the fresh flathead for me. He's getting on but he'll have
what I don't.

I have this weekend, two weekends from now, and Labor Day weekend to get
this done. You can all see the outcome at Elkhart. Wish me luck. If anyone
in the area wants to play, let me know, including those who want to unfold
a chair and supervise. It's not my home but I think I can arrange it.

Rick "looking forward to working in the shade, on a concrete floor" Denney

--
'73 X-Glacier 230 "Jaws"
Northern Virginia
Offlist email: rick at rickdenney dot com
_______________________________________________
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

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[Jim Hupy]

Rick, before you leave home, crawl under the front of that thing and spray
the heck out of everything you might have to loosen up with the penetrating
potion of your choice. I used to try home brewed stuff, but have settled on
Pentrazen EP foaming rust penetrant. Formula #492885. 15.75oz can. This
stuff works.
Jim Hupy

> Hi Rick,
> Congratulations on finally being able to do this project and getting back
> on the
> no longer "Adobe" GMC, IIRC. I remember spending time with you and the
> coach at Marion,
> seems like yesterday.
>
> Marsh (Planning to get Miss Smokey back on the road soon) Wilkes
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message----- From: Richard Denney
> Sent: Saturday, August 05, 2017 9:45 AM
> To: gmclist
> Subject: [GMCnet] The Front End Project Begins
>
> So, I have amassed everything needed, and today I'm driving the coach to
> the Redhead's uncle's airplane hangar in Hagerstown to begin the project of
> replacing the front end and final drive with kits and parts from Manny.
> I've acquired Ken's first-gen alignment frames, I've bought a torsion-bar
> unloader from Jim Hupy (through JimK)--(though Eric Tanner was happy to
> loan me his), brake calipers from Amazon, new tie rods from JimK, and new
> sway-bar links from JimK. Jim's brake bleeder is on the way when he has a
> chance to assemble the kit.
>
> I will also be dropping the fuel tanks and replacing the sending units
> (bought these earlier in the year from JimK), and filler hoses. I plan to
> also convert my single-Carter-pump-and-selector-valve to a dual-pump
> arrangement, and I have all the bits for that, too.
>
> The crate from Manny is in the back of the truck (it's a good truck, so it
> didn't break the rear suspension), and all the tools are in the coach. The
> Redhead's uncle is an aircraft mechanic and is in the midst of his own
> project--a full restoration of a '49 Ford Woody wagon. When I was there
> last, he fired up the fresh flathead for me. He's getting on but he'll have
> what I don't.
>
> I have this weekend, two weekends from now, and Labor Day weekend to get
> this done. You can all see the outcome at Elkhart. Wish me luck. If anyone
> in the area wants to play, let me know, including those who want to unfold
> a chair and supervise. It's not my home but I think I can arrange it.
>
> Rick "looking forward to working in the shade, on a concrete floor" Denney
>
> --
> '73 X-Glacier 230 "Jaws"
> Northern Virginia
> Offlist email: rick at rickdenney dot com
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
> ---
> This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
> http://www.avg.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

 

[Rdenney]

Jim,

I already blasted it with Kroil. The only bolts on the front end I haven't
turned during my ownership are the bushing bolts on the control arms. I've
got the wheels off and one axle bolt loose. Everything coming apart fine so
far, but I'm still on the easy stuff.

We had to spend couple hours moving an airplane around. It was a tight
squeeze.

My ride height was uniformly one inch low all around.

Rick "first time with a place to measure ride height accurately" Denney

> Rick, before you leave home, crawl under the front of that thing and spray
> the heck out of everything you might have to loosen up with the penetrating
> potion of your choice. I used to try home brewed stuff, but have settled on
> Pentrazen EP foaming rust penetrant. Formula #492885. 15.75oz can. This
> stuff works.
> Jim Hupy
>

>
> > Hi Rick,
> > Congratulations on finally being able to do this project and getting back
> > on the
> > no longer "Adobe" GMC, IIRC. I remember spending time with you and the
> > coach at Marion,
> > seems like yesterday.
> >
> > Marsh (Planning to get Miss Smokey back on the road soon) Wilkes
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message----- From: Richard Denney
> > Sent: Saturday, August 05, 2017 9:45 AM
> > To: gmclist
> > Subject: [GMCnet] The Front End Project Begins
> >
> > So, I have amassed everything needed, and today I'm driving the coach to
> > the Redhead's uncle's airplane hangar in Hagerstown to begin the project
> of
> > replacing the front end and final drive with kits and parts from Manny.
> > I've acquired Ken's first-gen alignment frames, I've bought a torsion-bar
> > unloader from Jim Hupy (through JimK)--(though Eric Tanner was happy to
> > loan me his), brake calipers from Amazon, new tie rods from JimK, and new
> > sway-bar links from JimK. Jim's brake bleeder is on the way when he has a
> > chance to assemble the kit.
> >
> > I will also be dropping the fuel tanks and replacing the sending units
> > (bought these earlier in the year from JimK), and filler hoses. I plan to
> > also convert my single-Carter-pump-and-selector-valve to a dual-pump
> > arrangement, and I have all the bits for that, too.
> >
> > The crate from Manny is in the back of the truck (it's a good truck, so
> it
> > didn't break the rear suspension), and all the tools are in the coach.
> The
> > Redhead's uncle is an aircraft mechanic and is in the midst of his own
> > project--a full restoration of a '49 Ford Woody wagon. When I was there
> > last, he fired up the fresh flathead for me. He's getting on but he'll
> have
> > what I don't.
> >
> > I have this weekend, two weekends from now, and Labor Day weekend to get
> > this done. You can all see the outcome at Elkhart. Wish me luck. If
> anyone
> > in the area wants to play, let me know, including those who want to
> unfold
> > a chair and supervise. It's not my home but I think I can arrange it.
> >
> > Rick "looking forward to working in the shade, on a concrete floor"
> Denney
> >
> > --
> > '73 X-Glacier 230 "Jaws"
> > Northern Virginia
> > Offlist email: rick at rickdenney dot com
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> > ---
> > This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
> > http://www.avg.com
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Rick Denney
73 x-Glacier 230 "Jaws"
Off-list email to rick at rickdenney dot com

 

[Rdenney]

Sean, we installed the old final drive when we replaced the engine and
tranny in May, so that particular offending bolt is no longer there.

So, the first day report: the coach is on stands, the axle bolts are out,
the axle nuts are out, and the right-side suspension is out.

I struggled to pop the starboard lower ball joint, and I gave up on the
upper joint. Whatever the trick is for pulling the half shaft without
pulling the knuckle wouldn't come to me, but without doing so I couldn't
gat a ball joint pulled in place. As usual, smacking it with a sledge on
the side of the knuckle didn't work. I ended up just removing the upper
bushing bolts and pulled the upper control arm still attached to the
knuckle.

I also discovered that the tie rod end I had thought I wnever replaced--I
had. Nice fresh boot on the port-side inner.

Terry, you can't strap down the steering wheel if you want to pull the
whole tie rod, as it turns out. I had to turn the steering a full turn to
the right to expose the nut enough to get a puller on it. I don't like
pickle forks, even for tie rod ends I'm replacing.

Jim's torsion-bar unloader works very well. But I'm trying to imagine the
process of setting ride height: jack up the coach, put it on stands, crawl
under, install the unloader, adjust the adjuster bolt, remove the puller,
lift coach off stands, go for a drive, measure ride height, and repeat
until correct. And all that for each side. That's going to be
time-consuming. The adjuster on the right at least has half its threads
left, which is good. I haven't looked at the one on the left yet.

Tomorrow's task will be to repeat on the other side. I still haven't opened
up the brakes, and the right-side caliper is perched on the frame rail. I
hope to have all the old suspension and brake parts off by tomorrow. Then I
can tackle the final drive replacement.

Rick "exhausted" Denney

> Best of luck, I did my one ton, Torsion bars, quad bag/reaction arm, FD,
> fuel tanks, In my narrow concrete driveway, with basic hand tools...(exNavy
> aircraft mechanic). my only words of wisdom I can offer with my limited
> experience is...once you get the "challenging" bolt out of the FD, throw it
> away, or Bronze it....but don't put it back in, and lastly, before you
> install your tie rods, center your steering box.
> --
> Sean and Stephanie
> 73 Ex-CanyonLands 26' #317 "Oliver"
> Hubler 1-Ton, Quad-Bags, Rear Disc, Reaction Arms, P.Huber TBs, 3.70:1 LSD
> Honda 6500 inverter gen.
>
> Colonial Travelers
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Rick Denney
73 x-Glacier 230 "Jaws"
Off-list email to rick at rickdenney dot com