In these times, Fordbarn is my comfort
 

I always start the day - 6am - by catching up online with the local and national news. After 20 minutes I have had enough so I go on the Barn. Relax and read the posts. I am working on a 46 pickup and decided to bleed the brakes. Who knows when it was done last time. The rear bleeders were froze pretty tight but got them to break loose. So called the Missus and she did the pump and hold for me. Refilled the master twice for each wheel. Sort of messy. Then the front left was really stuck. The 3/8 6 sided box rounded the hex on the bleeder. So a pair of vise grips finally did the trick. This was after 3 hours of up and down under the truck. Not easy for an 81 year old. In the low 90's today but my shop has a window a/c and is insulated. Right front was really stuck. Have been spraying 2 days with Blaster. Even the vise grip could not budge it. Heated it twice with my butane little torch. No luck. So it looks like in the morning I will have to remove the wheel and brakes so I can remove the wheel cylinder and take it down to my shop. I am sure another problem will arise over that. Then what. A new cylinder is the best but doubt I can get one local. I will try. Maybe Joe's has one in stock for quick shipping.
In spite of all this it was still a fun day in the shop. I am a happy boy and always say I am going to live till I die.
John

Re: In these times, Fordbarn is my comfort
 

Enjoyed hearing about your day and glad your enjoying life under a ford . You seem blessed at 81
Ford Barn is great

Re: In these times, Fordbarn is my comfort
 

Good on ya John, you'll get it. Just imagine what a dull day it may have been if it didn't give you grief. Keeps you going. Gotta love those patience building exercises, not that you haven't had your fair share in 81 years.

Re: In these times, Fordbarn is my comfort
 

You could also loosen the line and let the fluid out that way if you are just flushing it.

Re: In these times, Fordbarn is my comfort
 

Once you get those bleeder screws freed up, consider replacing with them with "Speed-Bleeders". You can bleed the brakes by yourself, which (in my experience), leads to a happier "missus". If the bleeder screws were stuck that badly, they probably need replacing anyway. (I also wonder about the condition of the wheel cylinders.)

Re: In these times, Fordbarn is my comfort
 

Call Michael Driscoll on the phone at 3rd Gen Automotive in McMinville, Tn. He has the good ones and can get one to ya pronto! DD

Re: In these times, Fordbarn is my comfort
 

In order, I read Dilbert, look at the weather forecast and then go to FordBarn. The news can wait.

Re: In these times, Fordbarn is my comfort
 

I fix a cup of coffee first then read the paper let the dog out then check Ford Barn. I guess it family for us all.

Re: In these times, Fordbarn is my comfort
 

Ford Barn was first on my list today, with a cup of coffee. News is too skewed and depressing these days, a day without it is a good day.

Re: In these times, Fordbarn is my comfort
 

Me too Ford Barn coffee then the news

Re: In these times, Fordbarn is my comfort
 

Good morning oldford2 the best news of the day is that one of the barners got the help they needed to get another old ford back on the road also there must be a parts store around you somewhere try them you’d be surprised how long they and other manufacturers used those cylinders

Re: In these times, Fordbarn is my comfort
 

I'm lazy and my wife thinks I'm yelling at her when I say pump it..so I just open the bleeder and let gravity do the work

Re: In these times, Fordbarn is my comfort
 

Oldfordy, May you have many more happy, healthy years!!!!!
Speaking of coffee which I love-when I was 72 I got signed up with a new Doctor. Going through my file he asked if I drink coffee. I answered "of course." He asked how much. I told him in the summer 2 or 3 cups. In the winter a whole pot. He said I should stop drinking coffee as it is not good for me. My loud response was "You won't let me smoke anymore. You won't let me drink anymore. I am divorced and not having sex anymore. I will be triple goddamned if I will give up my coffee!!!!" He threw up his arms in defense and said "OK,OK."

Re: In these times, Fordbarn is my comfort
 

oldford2, looks like we are in a boat together ? And putting along on the same year vehicles . Only difference is I have four more years ahead of you and would agree getting up and down off a creeper under the pu is a bit taxing at times ! Joe Immler, Drink mo Coffee !

Re: In these times, Fordbarn is my comfort
 

I usually loosen the bleeder a little and put a piece of vacuum hose on the bleeder valve and run it into a container partially filled with brake fluid. Make sure the end of the hose is submerged and pump the brakes a few times holding it down with my hood prop rod from between the brake pedal and front of the seat. Close the valve and move on to the next wheel. Leave the wife in the house.

Re: In these times, Fordbarn is my comfort
 

Hey, we are all car guy's here and usually it's a bad battery or some damn loose wire that gets us down. Hang in there OldFord2 I got some good news today and from a great tip here from the fella's on FordBarn about Vintage Vehicles in Wautoma WI.

The good news is they actually have a complete restored grill shell and trim available as my original needs a lot of work to complete the 39 P/U.

Stick with the coffee and FordBarn, the general info here is inspiring and positive. That local and national Debbie downer stuff is just there to depress you and keep you hating the country we live in.

The only new new's I would like to know is when that darn New Bronco is gonna get here so I can test drive one:D

Re: In these times, Fordbarn is my comfort
 

Yep, that is the way I always bleed my brakes on my own. No outside help is needed. The darling wife is happy too. Regards, Kevin.

Re: In these times, Fordbarn is my comfort
 

I have an old 14" delta bandsaw next to my best parking spot in the shop. I just depress the brake pedal to the floor and measure to the front of the seat. Cut a 1x4 to suit. A couple extra ups and downs, but I don't have to disturb my wife away from her british murder mystery on pbs.