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It’s been 10 months since I took possession of my first Series, a 1972 88. See my first post here: http://www.roversnorth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5066.
As expected, the truck was not in as good as shape as I was lead to believe but in the grand scheme of things I think that was a good thing. It’s not really what I’ve done to the truck but more what it’s done to me. I now have a fair amount of knowledge of the various mechanical systems in the truck, as I had to go thru many one of them! More importantly I’ve learned that there is a lot more to repairs than just replacing parts, there is a proper way to loosen stuck bolts, proper way to torque bolts, proper way to apply gaskets and gasket sealer, proper way to organize your work area and the disassembled parts, I can go on but you get the idea. My truck taught me organization, patience and “step back, have a beer and/or cigar and think the problem thru”!
Here is a list of what I can recall I’ve done: Replace all fuel lines (and routed them correctly to eliminate my vapor lock), add in-line fuel filter, replace heater control valve, replace alternator, replace battery, remove and clean starter (several times, and now I learned how to get it out w/o removing the manifold), rebuild Rochester carb, replace fuel pump, tune up (points, plugs, rotor, cap and condenser) replace distributor after determining that the vacuum advance failed, upgrade to 16”wheels and new radial mud tires, add wing mirrors, remove breakfast and radiator to inspect timing chain (checking for jumped time, negative), replace water pump, replace headlight buckets and upgrade headlights, replace fuel sending unit, flush all fluids, replace brake shoes, replace 2 wheel cylinders and master cylinder, fab an arm coming off the carb to install idle return spring, install u-joint on front drive shaft, adjust valves, adjust timing, and the biggie….replace the head gasket and lash the valves…whew!
I know this pales with what many of you have done but I feel it’s a good start for a guy who hasn’t turned a wrench most of his life, and I’m sure the truck will offer me many more opportunities in the future. It’s been fun!
Here are some pics my wife snapped of my latest job.
Sorry for the long post but the truck is running sooo good now I'm more that a little excited and wanted to share. Yes, I know I just invoked the wrath of the Rover Gods but who cares, I can fix it!
As expected, the truck was not in as good as shape as I was lead to believe but in the grand scheme of things I think that was a good thing. It’s not really what I’ve done to the truck but more what it’s done to me. I now have a fair amount of knowledge of the various mechanical systems in the truck, as I had to go thru many one of them! More importantly I’ve learned that there is a lot more to repairs than just replacing parts, there is a proper way to loosen stuck bolts, proper way to torque bolts, proper way to apply gaskets and gasket sealer, proper way to organize your work area and the disassembled parts, I can go on but you get the idea. My truck taught me organization, patience and “step back, have a beer and/or cigar and think the problem thru”!
Here is a list of what I can recall I’ve done: Replace all fuel lines (and routed them correctly to eliminate my vapor lock), add in-line fuel filter, replace heater control valve, replace alternator, replace battery, remove and clean starter (several times, and now I learned how to get it out w/o removing the manifold), rebuild Rochester carb, replace fuel pump, tune up (points, plugs, rotor, cap and condenser) replace distributor after determining that the vacuum advance failed, upgrade to 16”wheels and new radial mud tires, add wing mirrors, remove breakfast and radiator to inspect timing chain (checking for jumped time, negative), replace water pump, replace headlight buckets and upgrade headlights, replace fuel sending unit, flush all fluids, replace brake shoes, replace 2 wheel cylinders and master cylinder, fab an arm coming off the carb to install idle return spring, install u-joint on front drive shaft, adjust valves, adjust timing, and the biggie….replace the head gasket and lash the valves…whew!
I know this pales with what many of you have done but I feel it’s a good start for a guy who hasn’t turned a wrench most of his life, and I’m sure the truck will offer me many more opportunities in the future. It’s been fun!
Here are some pics my wife snapped of my latest job.
Sorry for the long post but the truck is running sooo good now I'm more that a little excited and wanted to share. Yes, I know I just invoked the wrath of the Rover Gods but who cares, I can fix it!
Not to mention the satisfaction of figuring out what's wrong and knowin you have the ability to fix it. Always puts a smile on my face when I get something fixed.
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