Pre-Inspection

Thanks to Joshua, we took a once over of the old Ford before he charges me for an inspection. I had planned to fail the inspection and get a list of what I needed to repair. I began with those words--his suggestion was to produce a list without having to put the truck in the system. Cool.

He noted, "It's a 1970. I was born in '84, so I'll show some respect to my elders." I'm pretty sure he meant the car, not me.

It figured to fail because I still haven't replaced the power brake booster. There's no overlooking it--the brakes sound like a whoopie cushion when you step on the pedel, and step on it you must--you need to really want to stop. But, the brakes would pass. "They work." Sure they do. (An aside: my booster actually comes in overnight tonight, so I'll be picking it up tomorrow and we'll be stopping with ease soon.)

The front suspension was an initial worry. A little play there--until we determined it was a bearing torque issue not a suspension problem. Whew! Gotta love the old days. When was the last time you packed a wheel bearing? I'm on it, baby!

There seems to be an issue with my back-up lights. They come on. But they also flicker off. We saw them... for a second. Then we didn't. We're guessing it is some kind of a short--perhaps at the shifter. Oh joy. That will be fun to track down.

"These marker lights need to be replaced," he pointed to a hole in the bed where a light once resided. I figured they were missing for years. They didn't care in NY. But this is NH. $9.95 from National Parts Depot (they'll arrive Saturday) and we're in business.

So lights. That's it! I'm ready to do a backflip.

"You need to do something about those holes, too." Joshua pointed to a series of small rust holes across the front of the hood. "Can't have any rust holes." You've got to be kidding me. I have to do body work to pass inspection? I could understand rust on the frame or chasis--but the front lip of the hood? "Slap some putty in 'em and she'll pass."

Gotcha. The words "she'll pass" registered. A little putty. A couple of marker lights. A bit of wiring diagnosis. Then I'll have a road-ready 1970 Ford F100.

Pics of the repairs... I'm on it. My goal is to have that inspection sticker Monday. Oh, and with a new brake booster to boot.