old-tank

Update: got the radio working using a resistor that is so simple.... http://forums.aaca.org/ubbthreads.php/ub...adio#Post586011

Turns out the solution was very simple: Tekonsha 2012 Single Variable Resistor Trailer Brakes. Just adjust the slide until you have 6v...can mount nearly anywhere; I mounted it on top of the radio...some heat, but acceptable. Willie

Two extremes for 55...

I did the brakes on one of my 55's a few years ago and the discussions are here and here . After a few years and 12,000 miles the car continues to stop well even in mountains. Willie

You have a solenoid that is shorted internally or the large cable from the battery is attached to the wrong lug on the solenoid. Willie

Bill Stick to making beer and remember don't quit your day job..... Willie

Bob I have springs from Coil Spring Specialties and they work fine in all 3 of my 55's. It has been awhile but I don't remember any problem with the tops being square or not...I do remember comparing with the originals and they matched as far as size, coils... Air conditioned 55's have one 1/8" spacer on the right spring only and I remember glueing it and the insulator in place to install the springs. Willie

I forgot about the flasher since my primitive machine does not have any. I also considered a 6/12 battery but declined because they are not readily available locally and they are a lead acid battery.... and I will never never ever put another stinking slobbering nasty lead acid battery in a car that I have restored...pay extra for an Optima or other gel cell battery. If the Merc is going to be modified, hopefully you add some bling and power enhancing goodies to the flathead or consider a nailhead . Willie

I am about to finish my current project: installation of a 264 nailhead in a 51 F-1 truck. At first I bought an original wiring harness and planned on using the flathead, but it needed to be pulled for repairs, so.....a trade with a buddy and the nailhead went in. My 'theme' on this project was 'a period engine swap in a work truck' and I was going to keep it 6 volt since all I needed was 6v field coils in the Buick starter. But steering box interference made a 12 volt mini starter necessary....meaning that everything had to be 12 volt. Ford continued to use 6v gauges even when they converted to 12v in 1956. To make it work they used a constant voltage regulator, a half match box size thingy on the wiring side of the instrument panel to control the fuel, temp and oil pressure gauges...I got mine from a 1960 truck. Your Merc is positive ground so you need to run the main power wire through the hoop on the back of the ampmeter in the opposite direction to get it to read correctly. Also you will need to get a condensor and coil form a late 50's Ford product and connect as the later model...a ballast resistor may be needed. Your 6v starter will work as is. You need a 12v generator with suitable voltage regulator or a 12 alternator. All bulbs will need to be changed, as will the blower motor for the heater, but the original heater speed control should work. My project uses stock Buick ignition and charging system using the already purchased Ford wiring harness. The only problem I haven't solved is getting the stock 6v positive ground radio to work with 12v negative ground, but I have some ideas. Remember that when you change one thing or solve one problem you creat 3 new problems. Willie

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OK, so it sounds like I need to go back and check the data plate. The car is about an hour away from me so it might be a while before I can head back out that way.</div></div> I saw the car a few weeks ago and didn't pay much attention after being told it was sold (actually I have to make myself run from any more 'projects'). Dave, give me a call next trip over this way. Willie

Drill and tap (A) for 4 set screws, use J-B Weld between (A) and (, tighten the set screws after applying Loctite. I did this on a 55 and after 15,000 miles when I rebuilt the whole front end it was still solid. Willie

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jan_Zverina</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You may also want to contact SMS Auto Fabrics up in Oregon. http://www.smsautofabrics.com/ I have had pretty good luck with them on carpet, windlace, upholstery and other interior soft goods. Jan Zverina BCA # 39915 1960 Electra 4719 </div></div> And SMS products are usually dead on correct. While Jenkins stuff is pretty and pretty dang expensive, there is too much deviation from the original. Unfortunately he has shown some high scoring cars and now his work and products are considered the standard. Roxpoint may be correct for your car, but that is what he wanted to sell me for my 55...Daytona is the correct material for 55. Willie

A friend has been mixing and selling automotive paints for 40 years. He says that formulas for the current paints have much more black making the finished product look dull and dirty. Have an old car show at any auto dealer and at any distance the old cars really pop compared to the new cars due to the brighter colors and of course more chrome. Willie

Use hydraulic jack oil. That is what I use with good results...I even have an old can of Permatex labeled for hydraulic jacks and knee action shocks. I tried motorcycle fork oil once and must have used the wrong viscosity because the shocks were so stiff that I broke a new link. Willie

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TxBuicks</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I want to go partake, too. Please? </div></div> If you are good and thirsty or just thirsty check out the next Alamo Chapter meeting HERE . Willie

Stevo You and the other northern brethren are welcome to come play with my toys any time. The BCA board meeting in San Antonio last year gave some an opportunity. Willie

Still no tires. The FR380 in-stock tires were 3 years old and some fresher (<6 months old) are on order. I did notice the Cooper Trendsetters were available in that size, but poor performance with the last 4 sets of Cooper tires on other vehicles nixes that choice: 2 year old tires with cracks, slipped belts and chipped tread rubber... Willie

Ken Your are right that the gear detents are in the transmission in 55. So if the stuff in the column is broken it should work with some adjustment of the rod to the transmission to be sure the indicator lines up. Merry Christmas! Willie

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The deal is done; the money will start to flow to GM in a few days.</div></div> So now my money is going to a black hole of waste, inefficiency, entitlement, incompetence and corruption. It also happens that they have have very good lobbyists and of course politions in pocket...sounds like the old USSR. And we know how that turned out. I would rather GM and others fail than the whole country. Willie

Interesting ...This is a video of a new Ford plant in Brazil . One look at this and you will be able to tell why there will probably never be another one built in the USA . It will also point out why more assembly plants will go offshore. and.. pay attention to the last few words. It says a lot! Video

82º now and another convertible day.... Willie

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Buck it up...</div></div> No problem Derek, we can stand 2-3 days of winter here...it's the 9 months of summer that is brutal. Willie