Re: Saudi Syclone - 2612
Thanks guys - I really appreciate the encouragement. It's a bit lonely over here in the UK, 200 miles from any SyTyer!
So things went OK this week but ultimately I failed to get the truck running due to a few snags. Some were foreseeable, others not so much. I guess I am a bit too much of an optimist otherwise I might have anticipated a few problems.
I was hoping to start the truck but I kept on coming up against annoying issues. The PS pulley wouldn't go on so I thought if I used the tension on the belt to hold it, that might help it stop slipping and allow the tool to install it.
So I got to getting the pulley off the Blazer water pump. I thought they were equivalent units and spent a day dicking around. I finally got it off with a 35mm spanner and the damn pulley was the wrong size.
I put the condenser in which went like a dream and then tried to put the radiator in. When I took the radiator out nof the cardboard it was wrapped in (how I got it), a load of sand poured out. On further investigation, the cooling fins seemed very badly corroded and the lowest rail on the radiator was warped. The whole thing was caked in sand and had reeds and leaves and crap. It strongly suggests that the radiator was submerged.
Additionally, the rest of the frame under the truck seems so badly corroded (i.e. paint peeling, not structural compromise) that I suspect the truck was in a flood. The interior is immaculate though so I don't know what may have happened.
The truck has been hacked as well - little things keep cropping up:
Also, there is no distribution block:
The whole engine and components seem to be caked in a thin layer of tar or oil or something. When I lived in Saudi, the bitumen from the roads used to coat the underside of the car and afford it some protection but this seems to be confined to the engine only.
It comes off with some scrubbing and underneath reveals the original colours and components. I can feel myself gradually being drawn into detailing the truck. Every rusty bolt and every faded bracket leaves me a bit empty. I'll need to go back and fix that.
I had a real battle with the pulley installer. I reckon there is still 1/8" to go before it is fully seated but it is really really tight. I tried heating the pulley but it was too hot to hold. I need the belt to grip it and help me seat it fully.
Quick question for you guys...
Are the stock battery leads a common connection method in the US?
Over here we use battery posts almost exclusively. What would people recommend in order to swich over? The truck came without a battery so I don't know what brand it was or how it was set up previously.
I managed to install the solid motor mounts - what a joy that was with the diff out of the truck! However, the downpipe now hits the shock tower. Am I ok to just hammer the DP or should I heat it up or what? I'm not really in the market for a Sportmachines 3" version just yet - unless I crack this one.
I also attached the vac lines tonight as well. I forgot to mention that I managed to source a reconditioned alternator off eBay here in the UK for £50 ($80). It has a 12 month guarantee .Let's hope the truck starts by then! It was a great deal.
I also installed the stock AC compressor. uhlhazard was kind enought to donate a spare for free +shipping so I have a reserve if it is no good. It spins at least.
So the truck needs:
A new radiator
A battery
PS pulley all the way on.
Fan and fan pulley
Remote oil filter setup installed (I kind of like it :screwy).
Plugs, wires
I have the oil
DP cleared from the shock tower.
SUSPENSION
Blast the A-arms and coat them with something other than POR15. After all the prep and following the instructions, parts of it are just peeling off. :tdown:.
Energy Suspension bushings.
New inner.outer tie rods, pitman arm and ball joints. I found an eBay kit for $60 and wonder if it is too good to be true. It probably is. My labour is free however... might be worth a shot.
What do people recommend for painting the a-arms and spindles?
New calipers are on the way as well. Stockers for now. I have managed to avoid the "while you are in there" quite well! (I did find a site that sells all the stock fasteners, bolts and u-clips for later

)
It is tantalisingly close.
Here are some photos and video of where the truck lives. This is 25 min from my parents' house and 5 hours from me in London. Working on the truck is not an easy challenge.
Here is all my parents' crap.
Xmas decorations, 20ft high...
Hi fi and audio equipment...
3 rows of shelves, 15' each.
Anybody need a cool box? Free if you pay shipping!
I hope you enjoyed reading! Cheers!