Phase IV
Winter Storage
Nov/09/2017
Sad day! It's always a little sad to put the Jeep away for the winter. But with its protective cover, fuel preservative, reduced air pressure in the tires and a battery tender it will be in good shape in the Spring.
Trunk or Treat
Oct/31/2017
With the warmer, dryer weather we were able to delay the Jeep's winter retirement. That gave us the opportunity to use the Jeep as a prop for "Indiana Jones" at our annual church "Trunk or Treat" Halloween celebration.
Driving the Jeep
Sep/25/2017
With the late summer weather it gives us more opportunities to take the jeep out for a Sunday drive. #Fun!
Avoiding a 50 Cal Issue
Jul/02/2017
So how do you move around the streets of Seattle with a mounted 50 Caliber Machine Gun? Covered of course!
Throttle Return Spring
Jun/16/2017
The previous owner rigged a makeshift throttle return spring setup. It was not period correct and often failed to return to the correct idle position. We installed the correct NOS configuration. It functions properly now.
50 Cal Machine Gun Mounted
Jun/10/2017
The “Piece de resistance”—we mounted the 50 cal replica on the jeep. With a couple cosmetic items and a few tweaks we have pretty much accomplished our goal, set six years and eleven months ago.
Finally, No Exhaust Leak!
Jun/09/2017
After fixing the exhaust pipe and flange alignment we discovered the major exhaust leak. It turned out to be a missing bolt on the lower exhaust manifold assembly. Don’t know if we missed it on the rebuild or it worked it’s way out, probably the former!
Close but no cigar!
Jun/09/2017
The problem with the exhaust alignment turned out to be a misaligned exhaust flange on the down pipe from the manifold. Just an eight of an inch can through the hole assembly off requiring too much force on the joints. After replacing the pipe everything lined up correctly.
Exhaust Leak Part II
May/21/2017
Fixed (we hope) a nagging exhaust leak at the connection of the tailpipe flange to exhaust manifold. Because we have attempted to fix this before with short term success, we’re afraid it may be caused by misalignment of the exhaust assembly. We really had to put a lot of force on the connection to get all the bolts to line up. We replaced the gasket and used Permatex Ultra Copper. Time will tell.
Fixed Small Fuel Leak
May/02/2017
After installing a new fuel to carburetor line we had to fix a small fuel leak at the fuel pump.
Generator and Altenator
Apr/28/2017
The generator and new regulator are back on, charging strong! We took the Jeep out for a test drive. After returning we noticed a little fuel leaking from the fitting at the fuel pump. This is just part of the tweaking we have to do to get it “ship shape” and ready for this season’s parades and shows.
Generator Allignment
Apr/17/2017
In working with the 12 volt conversion generator we noticed that the pulley was not properly aligned with the other pulleys. It was about 1/2 inch short. To fix the problem we hand to trim the generator bracket, relocate the bolt wholes and add a few more washers for spacers.
Regulator Fail!
Apr/16/2017
After rebuilding the generator and reinstalling it we watched the gauge jump to 14 volts as the refurbished generator got back to work. We drove the Jeep a few times around the block and parked it. About 15 minutes later we noticed smoke coming from the engine bay. It was the generator bellowing out smoke with that terrible odor of burnt wiring. It turns out we had a regulator failure and it shorted out the generator, destroying the armature. Restoration is not a perfect road!
* Note:
We may have been the cause of the regulator failure!
[See Lessons Learned]
Rebuilding the Generator
Apr/02/2017
The Jeep was making a squealing sound after driving it for a short time. It sounded like a failing bearing. We suspect the generator so we rebuild it.
* Note: This turned out to be a misdiagnosis. [See Learning Curve]
Starting Season 6
Apr/02/2017
The unwrapping! Taking the cover off after the winter break is always a thrill. We’re starting the 6th Season since we purchased the Jeep.
Prep for Winter Storage
Nov/06/2016
We prepared the Jeep for an eight month storage. We filled the gas tank, added a preservative to the fuel, slightly over inflated the tires, covered seats and put it on wheel dollies. We’ll put a car cover over the Jeep and let it hibernate for the winter—kind of sad.
Last Outing for the Season
Nov/04/2016
We took the jeep out for its last outing before putting it away for its long winter’s nap. It seemed appropriate to go back to Dick’s Drive In, the same place we went to on the frist trip of the season.
Replaced Solex Carb
Oct/10/2016
We replaced the loaner Solex Carburetor with the rebuilt period correct Carter WO Carburetor.
Water Pump Problem
Oct/08/2016
The water pump was squealing like a greased pig! It needed to be rebuilt. We sent it in to “Army Jeep Parts. Inc.” for a complete rebuild. It’s the best way to be sure the pump will fit properly.
* Note: This turned out to be a misdiagnosis.
[See Learning Curve]
Exhaust Leak
Oct/07/2016
We discovered an exhaust leak where the exhaust pipe joins the manifold. You can see the carbon residue on the gasket.
