Basketcase#16-once in a lifetime build-now gone. :-(

[basketcase0302]

Quite awhile since an update, I've gotten a little work done on BC #16. The water pump I put on the engine two years ago, (when i built the new engine) was about four years old and came off of my 79' F-150! So I finally started hearing some telltale signs it was on it's way out and time to replace it before I ran the engine hot. So i started in weather that isn't very productive with curing silicone outside by using a halogen bulb to help the curing process overnight:

Now let's change hats and install the 600 watt engine heater, (since I'm finally replacing the 10+ year old recycled coolant that I've had in three different Fords)! There seems to be an exhaust manifold in my way...and I've now found a leaking valve cover gasket!

After unbolting the exhaust manifold I can finally see the rear freeze plug where the manufacturer recommends the heater be installed:

The heater installs easily with a 5/16" nut driver and some silicone grease after wire brushing the hole in the block and wiping it clean with lacquer:

I've sealed the wiring connector with high temp silicone gasket sealer to help prevent shorting due to moisture:

Now I'm gonna add my 12/3 SJ stranded cable to the existing power cord to run it out the rear of the truck:

I solder and heat shrink everything on my trucks-learned the hard way by chasing too many wiring issues over 30+ years of working on Ford trucks!

I ended the day with the wiring ran out to the rear of BC # 16 for the engine heater. I'll wait and try to get a retractable power cord real and mount it under the bed. I will need to get another water pump pulley to finish up the project so I'm in a holding pattern for a few days...

[sargentrs]

Impressive work Jeff!

[basketcase0302]

Thanks Randy. I did finish up the engine heater toady, (all that was lacking was putting the 20A plug end on which I did). I've yet to test it as I had to get onto other things on the truck. I got a new alternator belt put on, (proper size I should say) and got one of the polished Eldebrock valve covers on before it got dark. Gonna' have to be creative to get the PCV tied back into the new aluminum valve covers.

[sargentrs]

I'm sure it'll work perfectly from looking at your professional install. Be sure and get some pics of your PCV hookup too. I may need some pointers when I get to that point.

[basketcase0302]

I wrapped up the Edelbrock part# 4260 polished aluminum valve covers today. The PCV wasn't as hard as I initially thought it might be. Turn the valve on it's side and bush the hose out with some smaller hose to make it fit. This would be the first bling I've put on BC# 16 and these things look like great big dirt magnets to me! I'll be replacing the 1/4" X 1" long stainless steel hex head bolts with stainless allen head when i can afford them, (I had the hex head stainless stuff left over from the boat).

[sargentrs]

Sweeeettt! Looking good!

[72stepside]

AMEN to soldering and heat shrinking!!!!

[basketcase0302]

Thanks Randy. Chris I learned to solder and heat shrink after years of chasing wiring shorts, (sometimes my own)!
Well I've had today planned for a few months now and am glad to say that BC #16 went back to work today, and didn't disappoint me in the least.
I've been waiting for a day off to haul some gravel into my "was" mud driveway-today was the day!
I aired the rear bags up to 90 PSI as well as taking all the tires back to 70 in preparation for the hauling. As you can see in the pictures the weight didn't squat the truck at all. My first load was 2,180 pounds and the second load was 2,860 pounds for a total load of gravel hauled home at 4,960 pounds, (hand unloaded and spread with a shovel and rake). I feel pretty confident the truck would've hauled two tons easily with no issues-but I'll never push it that hard.
End result...my 10 ply truck tires are not in the dirt dry rotting!
The first load with no side boards:

The second load, (scale master told me they wouldn't load it again unless I had the side boards on). Slid them in-then yanked them off when I pulled back into my driveway for easier unloading.

[sargentrs]

Yeah! Doin' what she was built for! Congrats!

[basketcase0302]

Thanks Randy.

FOR SALE $4,500

[sargentrs]

Hey Jeff! Glad to see u again

[Mancar1]

Good luck on the sale. I've had more than one vehicle I really did not want to sell. But like I would tell my late wife, Vicki. It is just a thing. there r more important people, situations, ect. we do what is called for.
Keep on Trucking...John

[67mann]

Jeff...damn good to know your still kickin Sucks ya gotta sell, but most importantly ....How in the hell ya been I know how chit in life changes and gets overwhelming in a damn hurry.....hope all is well

[BlueOvalDave]

Jeff, hope your back is still holding up, got to have your health. Geez, I do love the look of that truck, the alcoa's really set it off. Shame you have to sell her.

[basketcase0302]

Thanks guys. I've found it to be amazing at how fast the priorities in our lives can change, (whether we want them to or are expecting them to or not either)!? I built this truck always knowing it would go to my Son Zach when the time was right. Yes Dave, major health issues forces the sale of it now. Very thankful to God for what I still have...both health wise-and otherwise.