WEEK THREE

Monday, 2nd December

This week was mainly spent in the office with Ben drawing up various parts of the Truck to fax or show different people what he wanted. Plus reading the regulations, so that the Truck would be 'spot on' legal for homologation.
I was on the phone ordering steel, a set of weight scales, hiring a tube bender, a part-time welder etc., etc. Discussing speeding up the reaction time of the steering box, ratios of back axle, diff required, capacity of radiator required etc., etc.

We decided we would need another mechanic to help finish the project on time, so advertised the job in the local paper. I looked, all week for a disc front axle, but could not find one to buy. Even a new one would go on 'back order' at the factory.

At the end of the week, the only positive thing to happen to the new Truck was a shot blast of the chassis, and a few more cab and chassis parts off and out of the way.

Early in week three I located a second-hand disc front axle, and put my name to it. By mid-week I'd located a second-hand rear axle, with the wrong diff ratio, but better brakes. Did I want it? After phone calls to check options on diff ratios available, I put my name to that as well.

Just the front axle, cost the whole value of the standard ERF Truck before we started the project, and the rear axle with the wrong ratio diff was twice the amount! Just to give you an indication of costs so far!

But, if you want to win, you've got to have the tools to do the job! Fat wallet, is getting thinner by the end of week three, that's for sure! By the end of the week both the new-to-us axles had arrived. So the factory fitted front axle of the ERF is out, and thrown on the pile outside, and we eye up how to attach the new front axle to the existing ERF front road springs. The u-bolt centres were only 5mm out, so a gentle pull outwards on the road springs and the centre pins fell into place! Lucky or what?!

Now, she's an ERF on a MAN front axle, with direct action disc brakes. MAN standard front u-bolts go straight on with a small amount of wedge, and the axle is secure.

End of week three, and 17 weeks to completion date.