|
Post by TexasIceMan on Dec 5, 2013 18:42:52 GMT -5
When you take the body off the frame you might want to take the gas tank out and clean it real good. I would also rework the brake system.
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on Dec 4, 2013 19:25:11 GMT -5
It is all a matter of setting your priorities. We have so many electronic "toys" to play with, we lose a lot of time dealing with them, including the old television. Getting it out of the winter weather is a good start. Did you complile a list of things that you would like to work on? If so, you might share it with this group and I am confident that they will help you with your priority items, the sequence and all the "how to" advise that you will need.
Now that you managed to start the engine, you need to periodically start it up and let it run for a while.
Keep us posted
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on Nov 27, 2013 15:51:54 GMT -5
I'm curious as to whether or not it is flamable? You might pull off a piece and put a match/lighter to it. If it burns, get it out of there. Even if it isn't a flamable material, it might accumulate enough oil and gas vapor to allow it to burn.
I have seen insulation/sound proofing inside boat engine covers, but it doesn't look like what you have.
I think that I would remove it. Keep in mind that most insulation will irritate your skin and can be harmful to your lungs. Wear proper protection and wash it off you and your clothes after you finish.
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on Nov 27, 2013 12:34:50 GMT -5
Mine does not have any insulation in the engine compartment. I don't remember seeing any pictures of Bradleys with it either. I suppose it might reduce the sound of the engine running while driving? I would imagine that it will absorb water & road grime, also.
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on Nov 21, 2013 19:03:52 GMT -5
Dan, How are you making out these day? We all have you and your family in our thought and prayers. We also miss your comments, technical knowledge and expertise.
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on Nov 21, 2013 18:54:31 GMT -5
I thought of another trick that might help. While applying good steady torque to the bolt, have someone tap on the head of the bolt with a hammer. Don't beat it to death, just a steady firm tap.
I have twisted of numerous bolts over the years. You are lucky that this is a steel-on-steel application. You have to be very careful when working with aluminum or stainless steel. When working on these older cars, you need to make sure that you completely clean the bolts and the threaded holes or nuts. The least amount of rust, dirt or debris will bind the bolt and it won't have the proper torque. Find out what the torque specifications are for each application and use a good torque wrench. This is a must when working with aluminum.
Good luck and keep us informed of your progress. We love pictures!
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on Nov 21, 2013 17:36:24 GMT -5
I don't think that you have damaged the engine. It sounds like you "bottomed out" the bolt in the threaded hole. When they drill and tap the holes, the grooves become very shallow near the bottom. So, I think that your bolt is wedged against those in the bottom.
I would try putting the transmission in 1st or reverse gear and place wedges under all the tires. Get the proper sized wrench with plenty of leverage and slowly, firmly, steadily apply torque to loosen the bolt. DO NOT use jerking motions!
There is a product call Liquid Wrench that is a fine lubricant that might help penetrate threads and loosen the bolt. Give it plenty of time to work its way in.
Once you get the bolt out, check it for damage. You may have galled the threads. If you see pieces of the bolt threads missing or extra metal attach, you will need to replace the bolt and tap out the threads in the engine.
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on Nov 12, 2013 18:31:59 GMT -5
You should be greatful that you have a grandparent who is willing and able to help you. I see this as a win-win for you; you got the engine running and you got to work with your grandparent.
The next thing that I would consider working on is the brake system. You can always get it going (even if you push it down a hill) but you better make sure that you can get it to stop.
Keep up the progress and send us some more pictures.
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on Nov 4, 2013 18:28:11 GMT -5
Sometimes you get chicken...sometimes you get feathers. The doors look good, though.
Thanks for letting us know the true condition of the parts.
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on Nov 4, 2013 13:21:10 GMT -5
I think that I would check for voltage at the coil (with the ignition switch on). Next, I would check the points for proper adjustment and clean the point contact surfaces. Inspect & clean the distributor wire connections. Also, make sure the coil is grounded.
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on Oct 31, 2013 15:01:42 GMT -5
Would you mind posting some pictures of the interior? I'm formulating a plan for my Bradley and I am looking to see what others have done. I'm guessing that you didn't put carpet in it and left the checkered plate.
You did a really great job on it. Thanks for sharing.
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on Oct 28, 2013 17:23:24 GMT -5
If you moved your igloo to the beach, it would melt. Besides, how would you move that thing? It is taller than the trees!!!
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on Oct 28, 2013 16:59:27 GMT -5
An old Marine Pilot sat down at the Starbucks, still wearing his old USMC flight jacket and ordered a cup of coffee.
As he sat sipping his coffee, a young woman sat down next to him. She turned to the pilot and asked, "Are you a real pilot?"
He replied, "Well, I've spent my whole life flying planes, first Stearmans, then the early Grummans... flew a Wildcat and Corsair in WWII, and later in the Korean conflict, Banshees and Cougars. I've taught more than 260 people to fly and given rides to hundreds, so I guess I am a pilot, and you, what are you?"
She said, "I'm a lesbian. I spend my whole day thinking about naked women. As soon as I get up in the morning, I think about naked women. When I shower, I think about naked women. When I watch TV, I think about naked women. It seems everything makes me think of naked women."
The two sat sipping in silence.
A little while later, a young man sat down on the other side of the old pilot and asked: "Are you a real pilot?"
He replied, "I always thought I was, but I just found out I'm a lesbian."
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on Oct 10, 2013 16:56:59 GMT -5
Scott,
I used your hyperlink (above) and I did manage to see the pictures that you posted there. That looks like it is going to be a good project for you. You might want to start with making a list of the things that you would like to fix/replace. Try to resist the urge to modify/improve the project at this time. Get it running first. If you spend a lot of time & money on the body and interior only to find out that the engine is "shot", you may have invested in something that you can't complete.
Have you pulled the plugs and tried to manually rotate the engine? What is your progress?
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on Oct 10, 2013 16:40:25 GMT -5
You can't get anything past Gary, Dan & Wyn....
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on Oct 10, 2013 7:32:54 GMT -5
A pastor, a doctor and an engineer were waiting one morning for a particularly slow group of golfers. The engineer fumed, "What's with these guys? We must have been waiting for 15 minutes!" The doctor chimed in, "I don't know, but I've never seen such ineptitude! "The pastor said, "Hey, here comes the greens keeper. Let's have a word with him." [dramatic pause]
"Hi George. Say, what's with that group ahead of us? They're rather slow, aren't they?"
The greens keeper replied, "Oh, yes, that's a group of blind firefighters. They lost their sight saving our clubhouse from a fire last year, so we always let them play for free anytime."
The group was silent for a moment.
The pastor said, "That's so sad. I think I will say a special prayer for them tonight."
The doctor said, "Good idea. And I'm going to contact my ophthalmologist buddy and see if there's anything he can do for them."
The engineer said, "Why can't these guys play at night?"
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on Oct 8, 2013 12:38:05 GMT -5
hyperlink: Bob Thagard's websiteBTW, here is the website address which contains some pictures of a restoration project that Bob Thagard did to his Bradley. It may give you some ideas for your project: Good luck!
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on Oct 8, 2013 12:27:08 GMT -5
These Bradley GT kit cars can be a fun and rewarding project. There are a variety of things that you can do with them to make them "customized" to match your style and, in some cases, make them safer than the original design.
I like to work from the bottom up. In other words, get it running and then make it pretty. (Big Dan likes to do it the other way around.) When I first got mine, the 1600cc VW engine had been setting up for years. The advice I was given (on this site) was to rebuild the carburator. Also, pull the spark plugs and squirt in some Marvel's Miricle oil, then let is set for a few days. Next, turn the engine over manually to distribute the oil and lubricate the engine...slowly. Of course, you will need to completely clean the fuel system; tank, fuel lines, carburator, etc. Replace the fuel filter with a metal one and get it away from the engine compartment & heat sources. Replace the motor oil. Check all your wiring and hose, especially vacuum hoses. Repair/replace anything that looks bad or is missing. Install a fresh battery and check it out. My fired right up! I almost pee'd my pants!
Search this site for a TON of information about parts suppliers and very creative ways to solve problems and improve the design.
Oh, and take lots of pictures and have lots of fun with your project. One last thing...be careful.
Keep us informed of your progress.
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on Oct 3, 2013 10:21:06 GMT -5
She doesn't look too bad, considering her age. I thought that Dan would enjoy this one (especially when he takes his igloos out of storage).
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on Oct 2, 2013 13:44:46 GMT -5
For all you military plane lovers out there, here's an amazing shot of a C-17 on final approach. hyperlink: C-17 on final approachor scroll down....
|
|
|
Brace:
Sept 27, 2013 11:54:32 GMT -5
Post by TexasIceMan on Sept 27, 2013 11:54:32 GMT -5
skarekr0w, Can you take a picture of how the back windshield and doors aren't mating up? A picture is worth a thousand words.
I kind of like the simplicity of the brace posted by Mercer77 above. I also like the one wyn posted a while back. We haven't heard from Skip, yet, but I figure he will eventually. (He must be riding around on his Bradley trike.)
Dan Macmillan posted some related information to a guy down in Florida on how he suggested to use the sun's heat and a black tarp to work the fiberglass back into shape. My only suggestion is to "slowly" work with it.
Keep us up-to-date on your progress. You're correct in that we can all learn from each other.
|
|
|
Brace:
Sept 26, 2013 11:38:03 GMT -5
Post by TexasIceMan on Sept 26, 2013 11:38:03 GMT -5
skarekr0w, I own a GT and haven't worked on any potential sag or bracing, yet. Here is a website that contains a lot of pictures and may include some ideas for you: mysite.verizon.net/bobthagard1/car/restoration.htmlI remember he gave the body a 1" lift to give more head room. He used 1" square tubing. I am also guessing that Skip has some ideas. This site seems a little "quiet" lately, but be patient and someone will help.
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on Sept 19, 2013 7:41:01 GMT -5
I can hardly wait to see the baby chicks to hatch!
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on Aug 12, 2013 11:41:14 GMT -5
Wow! Big Dan is back! Where have you been hiding?
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on Aug 7, 2013 13:25:41 GMT -5
"Beauty" is in the eye of the beholder. Plus, the more you work on one the better you think she looks...just say'n.
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on Aug 6, 2013 11:53:01 GMT -5
I bought one similar to yours. From the suggestions in this Board, I pulled the plugs and inserted Marvell's Oil and let is soak a few days. Then, I hand-turned the engine for a long time without the plugs installed.
Next, I pulled the carburetor and install a re-build kit. Cleaned the complete fuel system. Installed a new in-line filter (not plastic and not located in the engine compartment or they will fuss at you). Replaced all the fuel hoses.
Then, I cleaned up the ignition system and replace the plugs with new.
It runs great!
Oh, I paid $1500 for mine.
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on May 24, 2013 17:54:34 GMT -5
I wonder if Skip's trike has a turning radius as good as that John Deere?
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on May 22, 2013 12:24:50 GMT -5
Skip, you could drill a hole in your tubular frame and fill it with lead buck shot.
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on May 16, 2013 12:31:55 GMT -5
Is that an air shock on there?
|
|
|
Post by TexasIceMan on May 16, 2013 12:25:40 GMT -5
What size tires do you have on it? The back tires look bigger than the front. I like the way that looks.
BTW, where are all your igloos? I don't even see a snow shovel.
|
|