2020 .. What are you doing today?

[enjenjo]

I'm building a steering column. It's based on GM parts. Putting it together I was short one of the screws that hold the turn signal mechanism in place. It was missing when I started. This screw has two diameters on the shank. The top 1/4" is 5/16", and the rest is threaded 12 24. I went through my box of steering column parts, no screw like that. I went through my junk columns, no screw like that. I partly disassembled a couple good columns, no screw like that.  I searched the internet, no screws like that. I find it hard to believe I am the only one to need one of these screws.

The local hardware store doesn't stock any 12 24 screws, and neither did the other two hardware stores I checked. Finally I went to Fastenal and they had 12 24 screws, except the wrong length. So I bought a box of one hundred to get one screw.

I went home, cut the screw to the right length, cut a 1/4" piece of 5/16" copper tubing, and finished the job.

So I am 72 years old and this is the first time I have needed a 12 24 screw. Do you think I am going to live long enough to use the other 99 screws?

I can't even use them in another project because I didn't buy any nuts.

[chimp koose]

12 24 They are the size used for model T door hinges . They are used in a few places on a model T . I bought tapered head with allen head holes instead of the flat head screwdriver slot . Figured i would be less likely to slip and gouge the paint by tightening an allen wrench than by tightening a flat screw driver slot when the time comes to install finished doors on the coupe.

[kb426]

As I recall, that was the size of the screws that held the dash in the 32. I even have a 12-24 tap.

[sirstude]

Frank,  Post on every board you can that there is a shortage of 12-24 screws, the put them on e-bay by the each.  Worked with toilet paper.

[WZ JUNK]

Still working on the 32 Ford.
The new dash and gauges are ready for paint, don't look like a weeks work, but it is for old guys.

Wow that looks really good.  Did you make the panel?

[58 Yeoman]

Frank,  Post on every board you can that there is a shortage of 12-24 screws, the put them on e-bay by the each.  Worked with toilet paper.

This. You'll make a killing!

[WZ JUNK]

Yesterday, my wife and I put 6 gallons of wood stain on the pool deck.  I still have more to do but we ran out of daylight and it is going to rain today.  It does not matter, I am not going to do much today.  I am tired.

[Ohio Blue Tip]

Still working on the 32 Ford.
The new dash and gauges are ready for paint, don't look like a weeks work, but it is for old guys.

Wow that looks really good.  Did you make the panel?

I bought the panel from RJays speed shop but had to modify it and cut all the holes.

[Charlie Chops 1940]

Frank, I've had pretty good luck finding 12-24 machine screws at Menards. I buy them a little longer than I need so that they might fit more places. I've always called them "Ford" screws.

[416Ford]

Still working on the 32 Ford.
The new dash and gauges are ready for paint, don't look like a weeks work, but it is for old guys.

You have an awful lot of gadgets in that HOTROD. I am bringing you a gold chain next time I come out there.

Keep kicking the doctors and nurses * to get out of there Bob. It builds up leg muscles.

[58 Yeoman]

I've been cleaning up the area outside my shop that faces the house, and there is a Rubbermaid shed with my backup HF generator. First off, mothballs don't keep mice away. They got in there and made a real stinky mess. I power washed the plastic shed, dug the huge mouse nest out of the gennie, then power washed it. It still stinks. The two cats kept prowling around it looking for mice.

After it dried a bit, I tried the battery starter, and the drive wouldn't catch. I tried pulling it, and it wouldn't start. I wheeled it into the shop and got the starter off, and oiled the shaft for the starter drive. Hmmm...now that works. Before I oiled it, the drive would fly out and right back to the motor. After oiling, it stays out. I had to take more apart to find why it wouldn't start. The mice had eaten the wire going to the coil. It goes right over the top of the engine. It started right up after I repaired that (still have the fan shroud off).  I'll put it all back together tomorrow, I'm tired.

Did I mention that it still stinks? I guess I'll put a bucket trap in the shed after I get it back in there; there may be too many for regular traps.

Hang in there, Bob.

[enjenjo]

I guess I'll put a bucket trap in the shed after I get it back in there; there may be too many for regular traps.

I found out bucket traps don't work for chipmunks. They can jump right out when the can spins. I have caught a couple birds in them though.

[chimp koose]

just emptied my bucket this week 15 mice !

[58 Yeoman]

When I moved the shed yesterday, there was a mouse behind it, and ran to the other end. I went around the shed to get it with a shovel, but he went back the other way. This went on three times before he got away. I haven't caught any mice this year in the shop. But, my wifes potting shed is a different story. We caught over two dozen throughout the winter. I'd check it every couple days, and there would be some in it.

[Crosley.In.AZ]

I've driven the 78 enough to know that it makes 8 mpg around town. 6 cylinder economy. Where is it hiding.

That is a secret of the big block Ford 6..  No fuel mileage.  LOL  Even the EFI units did not get much better MPG than a carb unit