Pulled the 55 F250 into the shop. 6/20/2014

This truck was running about 6 years ago when parked. It wasn't on the road, but running.

 

So the first thing is NOT to leave your air cleaner on the seat of the truck for 6 or so years.

Mud wasps decided to pack the carb full of dirt and remnants of wasp parts.

I wish I had a before photo, but take my word for it it was packed with dirt!

The dirt obviously holds moisture so everything was froze up and any metal parts were rusty.

I managed to get it all freed up after a few days of treatment with PB Blaster and some well place whacks with the handle end of a screwdriver. After some more penetrant soaking, I disassembled every last piece of it.

Here are some photos of some soda blasting on the carb housing pieces.

 

Nice work on the carb

 

Looks super clean.

 

Welcome blue_cloud!

What are your plans?

DW

 

I'll follow along as I have her sister truck out here on the west coast..

 

And I've got your other sister here in Missouri.
We would love to hear your plans and lot's of pictures. It looks like it was painted at one time. The firewall looks like my Sea Sprite Green color.
Is it the 239 engine?

 

Welcome to the site!!! I believe I have your long lost brother!!! LOL
Ask away on the questions and good luck! The F250's are ornate!!!

 

My current plan is: Get the 1955 running and driveable, like a super quick fix the body mainly. More to preserve it for now and keep me fired up to get the 56 restored.

The long story is: I found the 55 while looking for parts for my 56, anyone know how that goes? I started a frame up restoration on the 56, had the frame bare, engine rebuilt (L6), was about to paint the frame when my shop and business burned to the ground. Thankfully the frame was outside, and the engine was on the 'cooler end' of the fire.

That was in 1995, and the trucks have been on the far back burner since then. I'm getting my feet back under me from that loss and have time now to work on the trucks.

So there is the 'plan'

 

Thanks, I wanted to try soda blasting, I figured the pot metal carb bodies would be a good test, didn't do much on the cast throttle body however.

 

To my siblings, thanks! yes I believe it is the sea sprite, I think? it's a 239 I knew all these specs front and back 20 years ago but that's long gone from the memory banks a present, I'll get it back as I get into the groove.

Photo of interior for color question

 

Wow, I know exactly how you felt! I built this woodie for a customer starting with a 4 door 40 Chevy sedan, cut it up and built the woodie. The car was at a mechanics shop (who had no insurance or money) and his shop burned to the ground actually melting the wheels and parts of the frame. I also had another clients project, a 40 Ford that would be a woodie. That car also "melted" beyond salvation including a completely new frame and drive train with modern brand new suspension and wheels and tires. This happened in '02.

 

Good luck with your project, terrible experience to go through with the fire, I hope things go a lot better this time around for you.

Wow, that is a sweet woodie modification/transformation, great work. It must have been devastating mentally and financially for you. Heck of a shame. I hope you are recovering, or have recovered from that tragedy.

 

It was hard to get over, it was for a very well known ex major league baseball manager and ex player, in that picture. He had several friends, also baseball players, who were waiting to see it running and driving - could have been my business if it hadn't been for the fire. I am going to build another in a year or two, as soon as I finish the two projects I have now. Thanks!

 

It must have been devastating seeing not only your work but your dreams for your future go up in smoke. From comments of yours I have read here, it sounds like you are working hard and I hope you are able to get on top of things and have another shot at the woodies and success comes to you. Good luck with it all.