2. THE RESTORATION STORY: CHRONOLOGY & SOURCES-
As with every restoration project, you never know when you start where there will be a source for replacement parts, and other necessary items to complete restoration.
In summary, in addition to what he manufactured himself, the following locations indicate just how far from home he had to make contact to order in material or get work done-
CANADA- ONTARIO - Lanark, Perth, Hopetown, Carleton Place, Ottawa, Kingston, Russell, Orillia, and Toronto.
USA - TEXAS and MISSOURI (through the internet and E-Bay)
The initial restoration commenced with the chassis, with dismantling and sub-contracting out the necessary required work.
- The wooden-spoke wheels were restored with new spokes and trued up.
-The steering wheel porcelain had to be renewed and this was completed by Rick Parks of Orillia, Ont
-The clutch (which is conical in shape originally had factory installed leather) was restored by Bell's Machine Shop in Perth. Bill Bak and Kevin Hall, employees of Bell's Machine Shop, used a teflon-faced modern material as a substitute for the leather which deteriorates very fast
-The Ottawa Clutch Company relined the brakes. The brake shoes were attached with 7 rivets originally however Clive instructed that an additional 7 rivets should be added making a total of 14.
- The leaf springs were completely dismantled, painted, and replaced with new spring hangers. Clive made a modification in the oiling of the spring hangers - he included a felt strip so as to improve the delivery of oil to the metal parts. Hemp that was originally used was prone to solidifying. Number 30 oil was inserted via the oil cups. New seals were created from leather. This version is not fitted with the modern grease fitting.
- New leather seals were replaced for the rear-end.
-The engine Cowl, Hood and fenders were the first to be sandblasted, primed, and painted c2004.
The hood got a grey primer coat, followed by four finish coats followed by a clear laquer coat applied by the late Allan Simpson, of Simpson's Garage in Hopetown, Ont. This Dupont paint is unique, having a colour display of "Black Green" in bright sunlight. The colour turns to jet black, green, dark blue, or grey depending on the light that is cast upon it at given times.
-The Cowl and fenders were primed in grey and then a dark colour, then the final colour coat the same as the hood.
-The woodwork commenced with the floor boards, drivers seat, and rear chassis deck floor. In various stages and dates of completion, the rest of the rear body took shape and finally the roof was installed in 2008. Passenger seats were created by Clive and a tailgate was later completed.
The truck has been outfitted with local rough sawn hardwood that was later planed by Clive in his workshop. Ash, Oak, and Basswood were the hardwood types used plus some pine.
-Ironwork for the tailgate strap hinges, seats and other brackets were handcrafted by Tony Walsh.
-Clive embellished his name and address in various places using a router, and this was afterward
handpainted with paint by Donna Sweeney of the Perth area.
-The gas tank was installed in the former factory location under the hinged front bench seat.
Clive Rodger has taken seven years from start to finish to bring his project to completion in 2009.
WELL DONE CLIVE - THE END PRODUCT IS DEFINTELY WELL WORTH THE TEAM EFFORT
