The Ford Barn

Jim Brierley · 12-29-2020, 12:39 PM

Got my '31 widebed up and running for the first time in 8 years. Built a new lower end in '13, ran it about 20-25 miles and blew a head gasket. I believe the problem was too long head bolts, they bottomed out. Added an extra, thick, washer to cure the problem. Engine is a 1936 4-port Riley, A block, B crank with welded-on counterweights, Weber DCOE carb (side draft), Brierley cam, Mallory dist. Truck has a B trans with Zephyr gears, Colombia diff, hydraulics, 4" dropped axle. Compression is back up to 180 lbs. on all 4. A little tune-up on the brakes and look out world, here I come!

motordr · 12-29-2020, 01:21 PM

Good for you Jim. You are getting a jump on 2021!

Synchro909 · 12-29-2020, 04:48 PM

Sounds like that setup will go so quick, it will be 2025 before you know it!

denis4x4 · 12-29-2020, 10:41 PM

Curious about the Weber side draft. Pictures? Did you make the manifold? How does it compare to the 32/36 down draft?

juke joint johnny · 12-31-2020, 04:05 PM

Glad you got your old buddy back on the road!! enjoy

Jim Brierley · 01-01-2021, 12:15 PM

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Dennis, I made the manifold myself, and it looks it! I can't seem to post pics on this forum, but will take one if you'll send me an e-mail I can send you one.

JOHNCL · 01-01-2021, 05:36 PM

Excellent news, Jim. Enjoy driving it like you have good insurance. :-)

johnneilson · 01-02-2021, 01:04 PM

My Son and I visited Jim last week, as always a Big Smile and tall stories!

Fired up the pickup, it sounds really good. He just wouldn't let me drive it, He must know something I don't.

I am sure soon the vineyards' will be echoing the Riley song and Jim will be smiling!

John

12-29-2020, 12:39 PM	#1
Jim Brierley Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 4,251	My wide-bed Got my '31 widebed up and running for the first time in 8 years. Built a new lower end in '13, ran it about 20-25 miles and blew a head gasket. I believe the problem was too long head bolts, they bottomed out. Added an extra, thick, washer to cure the problem. Engine is a 1936 4-port Riley, A block, B crank with welded-on counterweights, Weber DCOE carb (side draft), Brierley cam, Mallory dist. Truck has a B trans with Zephyr gears, Colombia diff, hydraulics, 4" dropped axle. Compression is back up to 180 lbs. on all 4. A little tune-up on the brakes and look out world, here I come!

12-29-2020, 01:21 PM	#2
motordr Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Beamsville,Ontario,Canada Posts: 523	Re: My wide-bed Good for you Jim. You are getting a jump on 2021!

12-29-2020, 04:48 PM	#3
Synchro909 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 8,044	Re: My wide-bed Sounds like that setup will go so quick, it will be 2025 before you know it! __________________ I sometimes wonder what happened to the people who asked me for directions. Even at my age, I still like to look at a young, attractive woman but I can't really remember why.

12-29-2020, 10:41 PM	#4
denis4x4 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Durango CO Posts: 1,345	Re: My wide-bed Curious about the Weber side draft. Pictures? Did you make the manifold? How does it compare to the 32/36 down draft? __________________ No restorable Model A's were harmed in the building of this truck!

12-31-2020, 04:05 PM	#5
juke joint johnny Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: London England Posts: 908	Re: My wide-bed Glad you got your old buddy back on the road!! enjoy

01-01-2021, 12:15 PM	#6
Jim Brierley Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 4,251	Re: My wide-bed Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Dennis, I made the manifold myself, and it looks it! I can't seem to post pics on this forum, but will take one if you'll send me an e-mail I can send you one.

01-01-2021, 05:36 PM	#7
JOHNCL Member Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: northern Maryland Posts: 73	Re: My wide-bed Excellent news, Jim. Enjoy driving it like you have good insurance. :-)

01-02-2021, 01:04 PM	#8
johnneilson Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: 34.22 N 118.36 W Posts: 1,181	Re: My wide-bed My Son and I visited Jim last week, as always a Big Smile and tall stories! Fired up the pickup, it sounds really good. He just wouldn't let me drive it, He must know something I don't. I am sure soon the vineyards' will be echoing the Riley song and Jim will be smiling! John __________________ As Carroll Smith wrote; All Failures are Human in Origin.