EdwardB’s 35 Hot Rod Truck Build - Well Traveled

[edwardb]

Busy week and not a lot of build time. So, this is a minor update. I’ve had more issues with coolant leaks on this build than any other. Two have been bugging me since I filled the system. Not gushers. But slow drips that I just couldn’t get stopped. But finally, success.

The kit supplied overflow tank dripped coolant out of the drain side. Even though coolant wasn’t near the top of the tube inside the tank. Didn't make any sense. Additionally, often belched some coolant every time I started the engine. The DEX orange coolant is hard to miss. Checked the fitting in the bottom of the tank, which I installed with the proper sealant, and it looked OK. This week drained the tank and took it apart. Found the problem. The tube that extends inside to near the top of the tank is threaded into the drain fitting in the bottom of the tank. But only about 1/4" of somewhat roughly cut threads, not very tight, and no sign of any sealant. Highly suspect and clearly would be easy for coolant to leak past it. Cleaned things up and set the tube back into the fitting using JB Weld on the threads and a filet around the top. JB Weld makes a good sealant if you don’t want it back apart. Ever. Now back together and confirmed no longer leaking. Something other builders may want to check with that tank.

The lower radiator hose connection also dripped coolant occasionally. I have Gates heat shrink PowerGrip hose clamps on all the upper and lower radiator hose connections except the actual connections to the radiator. There I chose to use T-bolt clamps for serviceability since the Gates clamps are one-time use. But no amount of adjusting or tightening would prevent a slight leak from the lower radiator hose connection. So drained fluid and replaced the T-bold clamp with another Gates PowerGrip clamp. No more leaks. Can’t explain why the T-bolt clamp didn’t work. They're usually very reliable. But the heat shrink clamp certainly does. In addition to the cleaner look, they work well. Highly recommended.

Finally, I’ve used charcoal filters on the gas tank vent line for each of my builds. This is to prevent gasoline odors in the garage. Some report no gasoline odors without a filter. Some report gasoline odors even with a filter. I only know I’ve used them on each of my builds and have never had any odors. For my first build, I used a Mustang charcoal filter with the purge valve disabled. They’re not particularly cheap and also not serviceable. Several years ago there were a bunch of forum posts about making your own using aquarium filter charcoal and various containers. Jeff Kleiner showed making a container from PVC pieces, which I patterned mine after. These are standard plumbing pieces from HD or Lowes and dirt cheap.

Here are all the pieces I used to make and mount the filter.



The mounting bracket isn’t necessary, but I like how it mounts the filter with hose clamps and looks somewhat professional. The three PVC pieces are the main body of the filter. The one I use is actually a 2-inch coupler, and then caps for each end with a 3/4-inch hole. One end gets the hose barb glued in for the vent hose, the other end is left open. Two circles of Scotch Brite go in each cap to keep the charcoal pieces inside. The charcoal is from the pet section at Walmart. I glue on one end cap and leave the other end loose. It’s a tight fit also held in place by the large hose clamp. Would be very easy to remove the assembly from the mounting bracket and put in new charcoal if necessary. This is the fourth build I’ve used this exact setup and, in all cases, haven’t noticed any odor afterwards.

For the other builds, typically installed in the area of the tank filler. For the truck, not really a good place to mount there and have the hose routed the way I wanted. I’m using the Breeze 70648 Big Bore Vent Check Valve Kit. Taking a cue from Mark’s instructions, I routed the hose along a chassis brace and mounted the filter on the LH side.



With the weather changing, unfortunately I’ve decided the driving season is over. So, off the lift with the truck and replaced with the Coupe. Will do the usual annual maintenance. Oil/filter change, chassis lube, Stabil 360 in the nearly full tank, and general look over, clean up, etc. Initial review including brakes looks really good. Should be a quick and easy process. Then back on the truck build. I do have one small spot under the nose to touch up. I’ve managed to rub the underside of the nose on the Coupe several times now. It’s longer and lower than I seem to be able to get used to. Even after two driving seasons.

Also, if you look closely at the Coupe windshield on the LH side, right above the London Cobra Show sticker, you can see a glint or shiny line. Yup, a broken windshield. My son and I were out cruising and we took a rock (or something...) off the windshield. Started off as a pretty deep star near the top and several inches of crack. Now has spread and of course needs to be replaced. Have had a windshield on order with Factory Five for some months now. They are in stock, but apparently waiting for a suitable box or packaging method. Trying to remain patient... Not looking forward to getting the old one out and going through the installation process again. But thankful it didn't hit the body. It was a hard hit and would have done serious damage.