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May 7, 1999- I worked hard the past couple days. I installed everything I bought from Somerset Auto Parts (NAPA). After spending hours making spacers and brackets, the alternator mount was successful. The bracket pieces were used junk parts from Somerset REC where I worked this past summer. The distributor, points, condenser, plug wires, radiator, hoses, and the carburetor are all installed. The starter didn�t work for the longest time; then I figured out that the engine didn�t have grounding straps and the rubber mounts insulated the engine from the Jeep frame. Now everything works well. All I need to start the engine is a hose (I didn�t trust the old one) and a new tube to replace the one I broke on the old oil pressure gauge. I turned the heater valve closed, and the water pump's plug is inserted. Yesterday, I installed the clutch/brake linkage. I didn�t receive the master cylinder yet or the skid plate that goes with it. I cleaned up the front driveline, the steering box, all the steering linkage, and one tie rod. The other I will probably do some time today. I filled the radiator with antifreeze and water, and now it�s ready. I set the distributor to fire 5� before Top Dead Center (T.D.C.) The battery is fully charged. I went to K and D Electric, and they made me a hose that goes from the cam gear cover plate to the oil filter. The salesman there said it would take up to 300 psi. That is far more than I will need. I tested the engine for oil pressure. I unscrewed the bottom oil plug, and the oil runs out of the hole.
May 7 1999 7:53 pm- IT RUNS!! IT RUNS!!
May 9, 1999- I took yesterday off. I needed a day of rest I suppose. Today, I cleaned and painted the ball joints, spindles, the lock out hubs, and the drums for the front end. However, today is a sad day because with a small tap on the rear brake drum a little metal piece came off. Maybe it can be repaired, but it's not one of the inner parts. I started the engine, just for fun. The carburetor needs cleaned again. It seems to glob the fuel in instead of a steady smooth stream.
The engine is running in this picture!!!
May 11, 1999- I worked all of yesterday almost exclusively on the alternator bracket. It was wiggling pretty badly when the engine was running, but another bracket stopped that problem. This additional bracket was cut from the same piece of steel as the bumper. (The bumper and this bracket were cut from a 4 inch piece of C-Channel that I received from Allan Stahl)
May 12, 1999- I put on the rear spring u-bolts, after finally finding them. I also worked on the steering parts. I put on the long axle and the knuckle. Yesterday, I received the brake drum puller from Daryl Sanner, and I pulled the rear drums. They broke loose with a loud BANG. I also ran the engine a little.
May 14, 1999- I assembled the front steering knuckle and the dust shield. I had to add some homemade aluminum can shims under the top pivot pins of the steering knuckle. This made the bearing seat better. I cleaned the inner hub and packed the bearings with grease. I also installed the oil seal.
May 15, 1999- It feels like I�m running into a lot of dead ends. I ordered the brakes and wheel cylinders. I kept the back brake shoes. Dad must somehow officially approve because he slipped me a Ben Franklin to buy the cylinders for the brakes. I also tried to rebuild the steering box, but I played that old game "LOST Your Bearings!!!" I have to go buy some more bearings. The nut that Bill Stripp broke on the rear axle, I can buy from a guy in Meyersdale along with a spare rim (maybe). I received the tie rods. Early this morning, I put the axle ends back together, and I�m ready for the brakes.
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