The Ford Barn

Vic Piano · 08-02-2013, 10:05 AM

Well, This Is It...

Our vacation is at its end and we'll be heading home tomorrow. I'm looking forward to seeing all my Cigar City Flathead friends and getting back to playing in the garage and posting our fun on the Ford Barn.

Ciao for now.

bryonhemi · 08-04-2013, 09:07 PM

Welcome home, Vic and Sherrie!!!

Vic Piano · 08-05-2013, 06:03 AM

Thanks Bryon, I appreciate that.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I didn't see any early Ford V8's or any "Hemi's" from another manufacturer...

I did see a bunch of really cool Italian and other European cars and, with your indulgence, I'll post a few here for your viewing pleasure... First, here's an example of how they park a car...

Here are a few photos of cars I saw in Rome and a few other locations...

A nice '73 XKE.

And a new Jag Station Wagon...

I saw this 2CV in Florence, I wanted to take it home but my wife didn't agree...
Here we are at the 500 year ole Villa we stayed in Luca...

Vic Piano · 08-05-2013, 06:05 AM

Here's a shot of the 2CV... Don't know why it didn't print the first time...

oldbugger · 08-05-2013, 06:18 AM

May not have printed the 1st time because its too ugly, but ugly can be beautiful, love the front plate. glad you had a good trip. Paul

Vic Piano · 08-05-2013, 06:21 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Hi Paul, no "BS" here...

Ugly is what makes it COOL!

Vic Piano · 08-06-2013, 06:09 AM

Garbage Gas

After being gone for over two weeks, I'm looking forward to firing up all the Flatheads and giving them some road time.

I did fire the '47 rag top yesterday and the stink of bad gas instantly permeated the air in the garage...

That nasty smell still lingers...

I hope the rest of the Flatheads don't suffer from the same affliction... We'll see...

Vic Piano · 08-07-2013, 06:13 AM

How to Generate Good News...

Before we left for our trip to Italy, I had a problem with the generator in the '51 F-1. It turned out to be a rusted connection. I was able to clean it and restore the generator to working. I converted the F-1 to 12 volts and had the generator changed when we built the truck. In preparation for our drive up to Dawsonville for the Moonshine Festival, I checked my stash and found two complete generators. I took both of them to the shop I use, to have them checked out... As luck would have it, they both are in excellent shape

and, as an added bonus, one is 12 volts and one is 6 volts...

Now I have an extra generator for both the '51 F-1 (12 volts) and the '53 F-100 Panel (6 volts), I love it when things work out...

Steves46 · 08-07-2013, 07:45 AM

Good deal Vic. I was able to find a nice and inexpensive spare generator for my 55; I'm in pretty good shape with the on-board spares.

40cpe · 08-07-2013, 08:37 AM

Steve, are you taking one of your cars to Dawsonville?

I'm looking forward to seeing you guys.

Steves46 · 08-07-2013, 11:35 AM

Lord willing I'll be taking the 55 F-100 this year. I may have to use special additives in the fuel in order to keep up with Vic on the freeway. LOL! I also look forward to seeing you and the others at the event. Steve

Vic Piano · 08-07-2013, 11:39 AM

Steve, if I drive the '51 F-1 up, I'll keep it in second gear...LOL

Steves46 · 08-07-2013, 12:16 PM

Mighty kind of you sir!

Vic Piano · 08-07-2013, 12:43 PM

You know me Steve, anything to accommodate...

Vic Piano · 08-08-2013, 02:13 PM

And the Wall Came Tumbling Down... Almost...

Today we finally got around to taking the wall down in the garage to install a double garage door and make (what had been our bedroom) additional garage space.

Here are a few photos of the fun we've had...

This is the wall,

we had thought that we could simply cut out the opening (it had been framed for that) knock the wall out and trim out the opening...

We quickly discovered that the best made plans don't always work (and not just where Flatheads are concerned) Contrary to popular belief, I actually did help with the demolition...

After several hours we had the wall completely removed.

Now I’ve got to clean up the mess

and tomorrow the trim carpenter will trim out the opening, and Saturday (hopefully) the garage door will be installed...

Russ/40 · 08-08-2013, 05:52 PM

Vic, you look like you completely soaked that shirt in the process. A bit humid is it?

Vic Piano · 08-09-2013, 05:34 AM

Russ, it’s just a bit humid (around 95%) which is the norm here in Florida in the summer.

Yesterday the high temp was in the low 90's... That labor is too much like work...

Today the carpenter should have the opening trimmed out and the garage door will be installed on Saturday.

Vic Piano · 08-12-2013, 09:58 AM

It is nice to be home and back playing with Flatheads.

You may recall my post about a '47 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet a month or so ago, well, we got her running and stopping, so now we have to go through and fix a bunch of small stuff...

The hydraulics all work but two of the top support pivots on the drivers side are not staying in place when pressure is applied so, much to my chagrin, I can not drop the top to cruise just yet. Here are a few photos of her somewhat cleaned up.

Vic Piano · 08-13-2013, 06:28 AM

After the recent flurry of post regarding Vapor Lock, I thought I'd add this to the conundrum... The Lincoln (pictured above) was really not "done right", whoever worked on this car in the past created electrical nightmares in addition to what can only be called mechanical malpractice...

The car is still suffering from some electrical issues which we haven't ironed out yet. We did rebuild the carburetor and starter motor, and we cleaned the distributor and adjusted the points, installed new plugs, etc. Even with the lingering electrical problems, she fires up and runs very well.

I took her for an extended drive yesterday in 90+ degree heat and she never skipped a beat and did not over heat...

And, there was no Vapor Lock...

Vic Piano · 08-15-2013, 08:16 AM

A Question for F-1 Owners

I'm trying to find a Tonneau Cover for the bed of our '51 F-1... The shop that I have used for convertible top installations did not want to make one because of the bed sides not matching up with the tailgate...

As always, help is appreciated. Thanks, Vic

08-02-2013, 10:05 AM	#1061
Vic Piano Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Odessa, FL Posts: 7,611	Re: What I Did on My Lunch Hour Well, This Is It... Our vacation is at its end and we'll be heading home tomorrow. I'm looking forward to seeing all my Cigar City Flathead friends and getting back to playing in the garage and posting our fun on the Ford Barn. Ciao for now. __________________ Imagination is more important than knowledge.

08-04-2013, 09:07 PM	#1062
bryonhemi Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 7	Re: What I Did on My Lunch Hour Welcome home, Vic and Sherrie!!!

08-05-2013, 06:03 AM	#1063
Vic Piano Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Odessa, FL Posts: 7,611	Re: What I Did on My Lunch Hour Thanks Bryon, I appreciate that. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I didn't see any early Ford V8's or any "Hemi's" from another manufacturer... I did see a bunch of really cool Italian and other European cars and, with your indulgence, I'll post a few here for your viewing pleasure... First, here's an example of how they park a car... Here are a few photos of cars I saw in Rome and a few other locations... A nice '73 XKE. And a new Jag Station Wagon... I saw this 2CV in Florence, I wanted to take it home but my wife didn't agree... Here we are at the 500 year ole Villa we stayed in Luca... __________________ Imagination is more important than knowledge.

08-05-2013, 06:05 AM	#1064
Vic Piano Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Odessa, FL Posts: 7,611	Re: What I Did on My Lunch Hour Here's a shot of the 2CV... Don't know why it didn't print the first time... __________________ Imagination is more important than knowledge.

08-05-2013, 06:18 AM	#1065
oldbugger Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Holland Mi Posts: 642	Re: What I Did on My Lunch Hour May not have printed the 1st time because its too ugly, but ugly can be beautiful, love the front plate. glad you had a good trip. Paul

08-05-2013, 06:21 AM	#1066
Vic Piano Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Odessa, FL Posts: 7,611	Re: What I Did on My Lunch Hour Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Hi Paul, no "BS" here... Ugly is what makes it COOL! __________________ Imagination is more important than knowledge.

08-06-2013, 06:09 AM	#1067
Vic Piano Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Odessa, FL Posts: 7,611	Re: What I Did on My Lunch Hour Garbage Gas After being gone for over two weeks, I'm looking forward to firing up all the Flatheads and giving them some road time. I did fire the '47 rag top yesterday and the stink of bad gas instantly permeated the air in the garage... That nasty smell still lingers... I hope the rest of the Flatheads don't suffer from the same affliction... We'll see... __________________ Imagination is more important than knowledge.

08-07-2013, 06:13 AM	#1068
Vic Piano Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Odessa, FL Posts: 7,611	Re: What I Did on My Lunch Hour How to Generate Good News... Before we left for our trip to Italy, I had a problem with the generator in the '51 F-1. It turned out to be a rusted connection. I was able to clean it and restore the generator to working. I converted the F-1 to 12 volts and had the generator changed when we built the truck. In preparation for our drive up to Dawsonville for the Moonshine Festival, I checked my stash and found two complete generators. I took both of them to the shop I use, to have them checked out... As luck would have it, they both are in excellent shape and, as an added bonus, one is 12 volts and one is 6 volts... Now I have an extra generator for both the '51 F-1 (12 volts) and the '53 F-100 Panel (6 volts), I love it when things work out... __________________ Imagination is more important than knowledge.

08-07-2013, 07:45 AM	#1069
Steves46 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lithia, FL Posts: 1,050	Re: What I Did on My Lunch Hour Good deal Vic. I was able to find a nice and inexpensive spare generator for my 55; I'm in pretty good shape with the on-board spares. __________________ If it aint broke, don't fix it!

08-07-2013, 08:37 AM	#1070
40cpe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Star, MS Posts: 4,024	Re: What I Did on My Lunch Hour Steve, are you taking one of your cars to Dawsonville? I'm looking forward to seeing you guys.

08-07-2013, 11:35 AM	#1071
Steves46 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lithia, FL Posts: 1,050	Re: What I Did on My Lunch Hour Lord willing I'll be taking the 55 F-100 this year. I may have to use special additives in the fuel in order to keep up with Vic on the freeway. LOL! I also look forward to seeing you and the others at the event. Steve __________________ If it aint broke, don't fix it!

08-07-2013, 11:39 AM	#1072
Vic Piano Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Odessa, FL Posts: 7,611	Re: What I Did on My Lunch Hour Steve, if I drive the '51 F-1 up, I'll keep it in second gear...LOL __________________ Imagination is more important than knowledge.

08-07-2013, 12:16 PM	#1073
Steves46 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lithia, FL Posts: 1,050	Re: What I Did on My Lunch Hour Mighty kind of you sir! __________________ If it aint broke, don't fix it!

08-07-2013, 12:43 PM	#1074
Vic Piano Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Odessa, FL Posts: 7,611	Re: What I Did on My Lunch Hour You know me Steve, anything to accommodate... __________________ Imagination is more important than knowledge.

08-08-2013, 02:13 PM	#1075
Vic Piano Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Odessa, FL Posts: 7,611	Re: What I Did on My Lunch Hour And the Wall Came Tumbling Down... Almost... Today we finally got around to taking the wall down in the garage to install a double garage door and make (what had been our bedroom) additional garage space. Here are a few photos of the fun we've had... This is the wall, we had thought that we could simply cut out the opening (it had been framed for that) knock the wall out and trim out the opening... We quickly discovered that the best made plans don't always work (and not just where Flatheads are concerned) Contrary to popular belief, I actually did help with the demolition... After several hours we had the wall completely removed. Now I’ve got to clean up the mess and tomorrow the trim carpenter will trim out the opening, and Saturday (hopefully) the garage door will be installed... __________________ Imagination is more important than knowledge.

08-08-2013, 05:52 PM	#1076
Russ/40 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Santee, California Posts: 3,505	Re: What I Did on My Lunch Hour Vic, you look like you completely soaked that shirt in the process. A bit humid is it?

08-09-2013, 05:34 AM	#1077
Vic Piano Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Odessa, FL Posts: 7,611	Re: What I Did on My Lunch Hour Russ, it’s just a bit humid (around 95%) which is the norm here in Florida in the summer. Yesterday the high temp was in the low 90's... That labor is too much like work... Today the carpenter should have the opening trimmed out and the garage door will be installed on Saturday. __________________ Imagination is more important than knowledge.

08-12-2013, 09:58 AM	#1078
Vic Piano Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Odessa, FL Posts: 7,611	Re: What I Did on My Lunch Hour It is nice to be home and back playing with Flatheads. You may recall my post about a '47 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet a month or so ago, well, we got her running and stopping, so now we have to go through and fix a bunch of small stuff... The hydraulics all work but two of the top support pivots on the drivers side are not staying in place when pressure is applied so, much to my chagrin, I can not drop the top to cruise just yet. Here are a few photos of her somewhat cleaned up. __________________ Imagination is more important than knowledge.

08-13-2013, 06:28 AM	#1079
Vic Piano Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Odessa, FL Posts: 7,611	Re: What I Did on My Lunch Hour After the recent flurry of post regarding Vapor Lock, I thought I'd add this to the conundrum... The Lincoln (pictured above) was really not "done right", whoever worked on this car in the past created electrical nightmares in addition to what can only be called mechanical malpractice... The car is still suffering from some electrical issues which we haven't ironed out yet. We did rebuild the carburetor and starter motor, and we cleaned the distributor and adjusted the points, installed new plugs, etc. Even with the lingering electrical problems, she fires up and runs very well. I took her for an extended drive yesterday in 90+ degree heat and she never skipped a beat and did not over heat... And, there was no Vapor Lock... __________________ Imagination is more important than knowledge.

08-15-2013, 08:16 AM	#1080
Vic Piano Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Odessa, FL Posts: 7,611	Re: What I Did on My Lunch Hour A Question for F-1 Owners I'm trying to find a Tonneau Cover for the bed of our '51 F-1... The shop that I have used for convertible top installations did not want to make one because of the bed sides not matching up with the tailgate... As always, help is appreciated. Thanks, Vic __________________ Imagination is more important than knowledge.