Posted by Eric B. on December 08, 1998 at 15:55:59:
I have just purchased my first Power Wagon, it is a 1964 W100 Power Wagon Town Wagon.
This truck is a bit of a basket case, it has not run since 1983, and before it was parked it got into a fight with some trees.(frame looks strait though).
After it was parked it was used as a parts truck for a while(no tail light or front turn signal lenses, no blower motor/heater core, no coil, no gas cap to name a few). Then someone pulled the tranny, used it in another truck, and put it back inside the cab.
At this point I have a truck that has been sitting for 15 years, and I don’t know what do first. So I thought that I would ask for some help from someone who may have done this before.
This truck is a 318 A series V8(polysphere), with a four speed floor shifted tranny. The axles are Dana 44 front(with lockout hubs), Dana 60 rear, with 4.1:1 gearing. The truck is also equipped with a LU-2 winch.
I am trying to minimize my stupid mistakes(like not checking fluid levels) by asking for help before I begin.
My plan is to drain out the old engine oil, and overfill with new oil, per Alan Bowes post about starting up engines that have been idle for a long time. Is that the right thing to do, or was that only for flatheads?
While the oil sits in the engine, I am going to have the radiator and gas tank cleaned.
Then I will try to turn over the engine.
If it turns over, then I will rebuild the carb, and change electrical components.
The transmission I am going to check over and then reinstall with a new clutch, and pressure plate.(assuming the engine turns over)
At that point my knowledge is exhausted, What should I do to the transfer case? The axles?
I intend to rebuild the brakes, any tips? I have rebuilt chevy drum brakes before, What are the big differences?
Any and all advise on any part of bring an old beast like this to life is appreciated.
Any tricks to pass on about working with A series 318's?
Thanks for your help!
Eric