Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

11-01-2014
OK, so today I rebuilt the front body mounts. I ended up raising the front 1 1/2 inches to give some more tire clearance. It's fine for the inside now but I will need to change tires for the fender clearance. I tacked things in place and then removed the body to install plates on the rear and final welding. Boy, I really need to figure out how to set this camera up.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

11-2-2014
So, for this morning I shortened the brake line, it was originally mounted to the frame piece I removed. I also remounted the cab and just for kicks pulled the tube which was used to set ride height and dropped it down to see how low it could go. This view is against the bump stop with a tall tire. For sure I could drop it to the bumper with some minor mods. I also installed the drive shaft (just the rear). It looks like it will work good. This is what happens when you wake up at 3:00 due to big time changes. Oh, and I think I got the camera thing figured out, date is still off.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

11-4-2014
OK, so I'm a little off track here but I stopped by a salvage yard Monday and picked a 60/40 bench seat from a '90 Chevy truck. I did a test fit and I think it will work fine if I set it up as a 40/60 meaning the long side on the driver side. I will also try and make it tilt at the front for engine access.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

11-7-2014
I've been playing with the tranny mount. I think the idea will work but the plates that will be welded to the cross member are an odd shape and are talking a bit of time to figure out. To give that a little time to simmer I've also been building a tilting frame for the seat. When the 2 frames are complete the lower 1 will be welded to the original seat riser. Also you can see the supports are unevenly spaced. They are lined up the the modified slider system on the seats. When all the supports and side panels (under the seat) are welded in a large section of the floor will be removed for front engine access.

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

11-9-2014
A little more progress on the seat mount. Both modified seat tracks are welded to a sub-frame, that frame is attached to a lower frame via a piano hinge so it tilts at the front giving access at the engine. Both seats fully adjust fore and aft. I also put the '03 bed back on (needed the shop space) it gives you an idea just how much difference there is in a COE cab and an extended cab. How I will have a Silverado chassis with the looooong bed option
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

11-16-2014
Just about done with the seat frame. After adding some boxing plates I removed the center section for front engine access, I also modified the drivers seat (60% side) so it now folds flat. I started on the gas pedal mod. The donor has drive by wire and I really don't care for the looks of the pedal assembly so I'm building a box that houses the modified donor pedal on the outside of the fire wall. Now the stock pedal pushes the push rod which in turn pushes the DBW pedal.

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

11-22-2014
90% finished with the pedal project. I test mounted a steering column a friend gave me, I think it may be from a early Ford truck or Bronco. It has a 14" wheel and works well for seat clearance issues. I used the stock column location on the floor but moved it about 1" closer to the dash, still seems to work well for feel when seated. I also did a test fit of the master cylinder and booster, it's tight as far as the prop rod and hood support are concerned. I will need to build some kind of a lever system to operate the brakes. You can see I will need to shorten the column a few inches and rotate the rack mounts to allow for steering hook up. Like always, more challenges.

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

11-23-2014
Thanks mud, good question 99. Straight on the fire wall doesn't work for 2 reasons: support rod in the way (easy fix) assembly to long by about 2 inches. Under the floor? I've had master cylinders under the floor before and I don't like not seeing the fluid level at a glance and maintenance is a pain. Not sure if I will still have room under the floor after the radiator is in.
Rob
11-23-2014
Yea, I've seen the Dodges done that way. I've been looking for one but have had no luck. I would like some measurements from the pivot area if anyone has one.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

11-26-2014
Made some good progress on the brake system today. fabbed up the booster and MC mount, mounted the pedal, and got a good start on the linkage.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

11-29-2014
A little more progress. Stopped for a local shop, great guy. Asked if he had any old ADs for parts. As a matter of fact he did, like 9 or 10 of them. Picked up a column with a descent wheel and a stainless inner window piece for $50. Yea, I'll be seeing him again. Anyway, I got the brake fab work sorted out for the MC and booster, also cut down the column and added a bearing. Need to start working on rotating the rack and pinion unit and then steering hook up.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

12-1-2014
Got a good start on rotating the rack. To start with I welded a position reference to the frame. In my case I used some angle iron with one end butted on a step on the rack tube and a couple of hose clamps. By doing it this way I could turn the rack but still maintain the correct position for alignment issues. Next I removed the mounting bolts, loosened the hose clamps and rotated the rack. I ran into 2 minor issues: The cap bolt on the rack would hit the frame cross member and the hose would hit the cross member. Used a hole saw to solve #1 and a hot wrench and a big hammer to solve #2. After I had enough rotation, I just started building up a new mount for the rack (3/16 plate). If you do this type of work I recommend a profile gauge. It really helps when making templates. I first make cardboard templates. I have also found that Natural Lite 12 packs make the best template materiel. Sometimes I have friends over and we work on building up template stock. From there I go from cardboard to steel and weld it all up.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

12-2-2014
Boy, you have to stay busy to keep anywhere near the top of this forum. Did a little more work on the steering, I still need to build the right side rack (ran out of steel) but I did hook up a U joint and all looks good. I also added a high tech turn signal switch. I'm trying to keep the interior simple with not a lot of bells and whistles showing.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

12-7-2014
Thanks Kim. I did a little work on the rear of the cab. I bent and welded in place a brace for across the rear, I also cut the opening above the engine a little higher for clearance. Later I test fit the the radiator and modified the PS/Alt. mounting bracket to remove the Alt. mount.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

12-9-2014
You are correct about that Mud, seems like just about everything needs addressed in one way or the other.
Made a little more progress rear of the cab: boxed in the sides and built a cover for the rear section. Now for the bad news: I think my welder is taking a dump. It tripped a few times today, the weld is fine but it just won't run for any amount of time and takes longer and longer to reset. I guess I really can't complain, I gotten 10+ years and 4 complete builds out of it.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

12-9-2014
Well I bit the the bullet and bought a new welder. It turns out I bought my Lincoln 135 MIG back in '98 so I would say I got my use out of it. I bought a Hobart Handler 190 Amp. The reviews where good and I wanted some more power so this unit should do the trick.
Photobucket started working again also here are some picks.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

12-24-2014
OK, a little more progress. I picked a pair of Ford Taurus radiator fans. These are the widest I could fit and still get inside the frame rails. I built a shroud from 16 ga. and a mount from square tubing. It looks like I will be able to reuse the stock donor hoses with a little trimming.

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

12-30-2014
A little more progress on the cooling system. I am reusing the overflow tank from the donor. I welded a couple of pieces of 1/2" tube to the fire wall and mounted the tank there. I also ran the lines back to the engine and reused the original system as far as the tank is concerned. for the donor it uses the overflow tank as a pressurized unit with a 16# cap on it. The idea here is to be able to check the fluids under the hood with the exception on the oil and trans fluid which will be accessed behind the cab. I will build a cover for the brake linkage later. I remounted the front sheet metal and will start to work out the support for that.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

12-30-2014
Thanks AD, I also ordered a Painless wiring kit and will be mounting the electronics behind the seat. Lets see here: ECU for engine, TAC module, fuse box, relays (fans, fuel pump, horn), control circuit board for the shifter. What am I missing?
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

1-5-2015
Progress, progress, I spent the better part of this week end setting up the front sheet metal. I was able to trim the lower parts of the inner fender wells and reuse some of the grill mount. I built a cross brace which will mount to the cross brace now added to the front of the frame. Speaking of the frame, I boxed the frame horns and added some extensions for a bumper mount. After all that was complete I set the front sheet metal back on and set all the alignments. Over all good progress for a couple of days. It's starting to look like a truck again.

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

1-6-2015
Thanks all, I checked and it looks like I spend about 15 hours a week working on the truck. So all in all, I am pleased on how much progress is being made. I'm still shooting for being on the road sometime in late March with a big road trip in April. Even though it looks close now it will still need to be blown back apart for chassis work and some underside work on the body. The body should be ready to remove again (3rd time) later this week or next week.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

1-8-2015
Thank you, yea, the deadline is coming up fast, I may need to cut back on some of the details to meet it. I started on the wiring, I am using a 14X24 piece of sheet metal and will mount the electronics behind the seat. This is my first time doing an LS style engine so I've got some things to learn. It's just a few wires so how hard could it be? Famous last words of a fool.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

1-10-2015
More progress on the wiring. The main control panel is 90% complete tomorrow I will mount it and start on adjusting the length of all the wires, solder, heat shrink, repeat 300+ times.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

That would be the TAC or Throttle Actuator Control module on the lower right. I'm using a drive by wire system.
Rob
____

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

1-5-2015
Well, see that's the thing 99, when I ordered the Painless kit I ordered a universal trunk mount kit. All the wires which normally go from the fuse box to the dash section have about 6 feet added to them. I also bought the kit during a Christmas sale so I got the web split cover loom for free. First LS wiring...yes, first EFI system or complete wiring job...no.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

1-15-2015
I've been working on the wiring some more, the flasher relays are a bit close to the rear seat so I may need to shorten the mounting posts for the fuse box.

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

1-16-2015
Thanks all. The kits are 764-10120, 20 circuit trunk mount kit and 764-70920 Powerbraid Chassis kit. The Powerbraid kit came free on a Christmas sale. I bought them through Jegs.
In other good news I got the truck registered and tagged today. Yes, it's a bit early but with it registered I can get some free tires from work...Michelin.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

1-18-2015
More progress, I finished the majority of the engine wiring. I still need to build a mount for the alternator and an intake pipe for the MAF sensor so those are not finished. Not anything special looking on the engine wiring but that was the intent. I checked my records and I have 66 hours in the wiring so far not counting the electric shifter project. The sad thing is I still need to do the dash and the whole chassis. I also built the exhaust this morning. I used as much of the donor as I could and only ended up with $13.00 total in the exhaust, probably the cheapest thing I'll do on the whole build. Finished the rack and pinion mount.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

1-23-2015
Well, no pictures today but I did build a mount for the alternator, received my ECU back from programming, and ordered some more parts.
Rob
1-28-2015
More progress, I'm running the 4 rib belt normally used for the AC to run the alternator. I also built and installed a idler pulley for the main belt. After getting the new belt I was able to install both belts and adjust the tensions. Installed both PS hoses after I had a new pressure hose made. Started on the fuel lines, ran another hose for the coolant and installed a air filter/air pipe for the MAF sensor. The Air filter will end up end in a tool box mounted to the frame rail. The battery will be inside another tool box on the other rail.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

2-2-2015

Dang, it looks like everyone has been making a lot of progress lately. I got pushed all the way to page 2. Well anyway, I started working on the wiring some more, I got the wires to the fire wall and traced out the needed wires for the tail lights. I'll be re-using the donor wires for the rear, also tested the tail lights I picked up while working in China ($8.00) big LED units so hopefully someone will not clip me in the rear.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

2-7-2015
More progress: trans lines are done, fuels lines are done except for supports, ignition switch switch is wired and heater has been stripped and repainted. I'm still waiting on the core to be tested and the 12V motor to arrive. Seat belts arrived. Waiting on gauges (SpeedHut). I also scored a bumper today for $25, it had a small bend in one area but with a little heat and a hammer that came out. As it turns out, the 1 1/2 ton and up standard and the COE share the same bumper. Great news for me.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

2-8-2015
Baby got some new shoes (work perk). A look at the heater parts, I've had water in the core with no level drop for 24 hours so I'll call it good. Now for the third picture: that would be the remains of a mouse house. How did I find it? It came out of my tail pipe. That's right, my COE now runs. Video will follow later.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

2-9-2015
Wheelbase is 143.5 (extended cab). Yes, I would use the same donor. Why? Drive by wire, correct track, easy steering hook up, strong aftermarket support (LS based engine) most donor parts are reusable with little of minor mods. on the down side: good donors are not cheep, 5K in my case. Only the 1/2 tons use the rack and pinion steering. Not a lot of examples to build from on the net so you need to figure out most of the mods on your own.

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

Click the link below for video of first start. Yes I was a happy camper.
Rob

http://youtu.be/zpOcOlLyclY

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

2-10-2015
Thanks all, it's a good feeling for sure. Of course I have some bugs to work out but that goes with any build. Farmer, I am using a '90 Silverado seat which helps give a little more space. I'm 6'2" and I fit fine. I'll shoot a picture next time I have the seat in for a reference. For total height right now I'm at 6'11 1/2" that's with a 7' garage door. Yes, it's gonna be close. I do have a smaller set of tires for the front which should give me 1/4 to 1/2" That's also with suspension at stock ride height. If I really wanted, I could drop it to the bumper using drop spindles and bags. I may go the bag route later but more for load then the slammed look.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

2-10-2015
Yea, I was kinda thinking that. I ran a scan on it and I've got no codes so that's a good thing. I'm kinda in a holding pattern on a whole lot of run time. I'm waiting on my gauges so I can install the temperature sender in the head and then I'll put some water in it and run it up to temp. Trust me, I've got plenty of other things that still need addressed before my first road test. I'm looking at later this month for that with a short road trip (say 500 miles) next month. In April it gets a real test with over 3000 miles planned so I better get it right.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

2-12-2015
Parts are coming in now. My gauges arrived (on time) with a free T shirt. My tool box also arrived. I will end up cutting it in half for a 36" box for each side. Got my new heater blower motor installed and mounted the unit in the cab. A little elongating of the mounting holes was required with the 12V replacement motor. I have started to notice a trend here, the heater is on my wife's side, she has the painted door, she has glass in her door, an armrest etc...
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

Attachment 1712126

Attachment 1712127

Attachment 1712128

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

2-18-2015
Not a lot of great pictures but progress just the same. I now have a working headlight switch, blower fan motor for the heater with 3 speed control, working 2 speed wipers and 1 side working park and turn lights, and on a good note the engine is running silky smooth. I put anti-freeze in it and ran it up to temperature a few times and things cleared right up, no more up and down on the idle or hesitation when I press the go pedal. Still some leaks to correct for the brake lines but the the brakes do function. If I can keep up the pace (25 hours a week now) I should be ready for a test drive in less then 2 weeks.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

2-21-2015
Well, I got all the exterior lights and turn indicators working, also hooked up control cables for the heater, works great. I installed the electric shifter for the first time. I decided to pass on the auto position function for now and just use a DPDT toggle switch for control. I tested the function and it seems to work good but may be a little under sized, on flat ground I think it will be fine but I think on a hill it will not have the power to come out of park. I will order a larger and slower actuator and give that a try. Right now one bump may overshoot the gear indent and I have to go back to get a good set.
And on another note: The wife informed me that before we go on the first road trip next month I need to remove the donor bed and build some type of a flat bed. Just what I needed, one more thing to add on the to do list.
Rob

Re: '47 Loadmaster COE (rebuild pictures)
 

2-24-2015
Test fit the gauges, also more wiring on the dash. Still waiting on some bushings I will weld to the dash to fill the gap. The gauges light up blue at nightThat's the advantage of doing a rattle can paint job on the interior make some mods and just sand it back and respray. Who knows I may start a new trend, the card board dash. I also rebuilt and the column (new bearings and horn contact bushing.
Rob