Heat

Yesterday, I spent a few hours getting the heater plumbed up and the ventilation controls installed and working.   I decided not to replace the original vacuum operated water control valve on the engine, and thermostatic vacuum control "cricket" valve under the dash.  While this "automatic" temperature control system is kind of cool, these valves are expensive and have a reputation for being unreliable.  From a purely functional perspective, an aftermarket cable operated water valve is simpler and more intuitive.  I installed the control valve out of sight under the blower.

I then drained the radiator into a bucket, installed the fittings on the intake manifold and water pump,  and connected the heater hoses.

My son helped me refill the radiator with the distilled water and corrosion inhibitor I had drained.  I had expected it to take much more water to fill up the new hose and heater core, but I added less than a pint!  I took the car for a brief ride, and amazingly discovered no leaks!

I was also able to sort out the controls for the heat and ventilation, including installing a new face plate.

 I haven't wired up the blower switch yet, but I did connect up the dash lighting.  Now the dash at least looks fully functional!  By the way, the heater works fine when the car is moving!

As a side note, I had to relocate the sender unit for the aftermarket mechanical temperature gauge.  The heater water supply fitting takes up the hole I was using for it.  I decided to splice a new fitting into the thermostat bypass hose.  This seems to work well, and gives accurate readings.

Today, I installed the door window pillars to check how they fit.  I noted in a previous post that the window pillars were slightly bent, which I noticed after I had them re-chromed.  Oops! 

A shot of the door pillars before I installed the glass runners.

 I talked to a 50's Ford restoration specialist last week about installing the window mechanisms.   The driver side glass was cracked, so I got a replacement but need help installing it. "Ford Guy" mentioned that the door pillars are made of pot metal and are notorious for bending, and they won't seal to the windshield correctly if they are too badly bent.  New reproductions are about $350, so I don't want to buy them unless I really need them!

After installing the door pillars, and my admittedly amateur attempt at aligning them , I think there is a good chance that these will work fine.  The gaps are nice and even, and I can get the angles to match with the windshield trim.

You can see the slight bend in this view.  No glass or mechanism in the driver's side.

I'm looking forward to having Ford Guy install the windows and power mechanisms, because then I can install the door panels & trim, and the interior will look finished!  I'm also looking forward to having him replace the windshield & fix the speedometer.  Then maybe "Nell" will be at a stable point to simply be enjoyed with friends and family!

Yesterday I also reached another milestone... Nell's first oil change!  500 miles,  5 quarts of Valvoline VR1 20w50 racing oil (with plenty of zinc for the old style flat tappets), tighten the fan belt and re-set the valve lash.    It's almost like owning a real car!  I'll probably even need to wash her soon!