Well its always something, isn't it?  While getting the new F-250 ready to roll I changed the transmission oil, the rear end oil, the PCV valve, the air filter, replaced the plugs, wires and then got to the distributor.  The cap was one with bolts that held it down.  Well it had been so long since the cap had been replaced that the bolts sheared right off, even after liberal application of PB Blaster beforehand.  I tried drilling out the holes to no avail, so unfortunately, a new distributor was in order.

I first tried the cheap distributor route (you'd think I would know better by now) and of course after fiddling around for several days the truck still didn't start.  Today a new Motorcraft distributor arrived; I managed to get it into the same location as the original distributor was, an viola! it fired right up.  All that remains is to set the timing.

The truck is actually looking pretty good after getting cleaned up.  I had the rims sand blasted and powder coated by a company called Insane Powder Coating out of Creston, IL.  Lonie runs a small shop with a 6' x 3' oven but they did a wonderful job with the rims, and I had them mount new Cooper Discoverer ATR tires that I had purchased at Fleet Farm right away while they were at it.  They did all four wheels, including mounting and balancing, for $240, which I think was a pretty good deal and makes a world of difference on the truck.  I mention them not only for their nice work, but because I'll likely use them for certain parts on Cornelia too.

I also managed to find some decent hubcaps on eBay and I'll post a photo of "Woody" when everything is wrapped up.  I still have to flush the radiator and change the fuel filter too...  Oh yeah, there's still that garage to get to before I can get to work on Cornelia!

On a quick side note, we've received some great emails through this site already, which has been a very pleasant and rewarding surprise.  It has been very nice getting to know Barry and today I received a note from a gentleman in my own hometown of Madison who would like to get together and share knowledge on restoring Internationals.  I'm all for it, and welcome anyone else who is interested as well!