A little progress. Haven't been able to do anything for several weeks after surgery. Got the disc spindles on today with the new Moog springs in place. Got all the new steering parts, so hopefully, tomorrow I will finish the front suspension and steering with the new disc brakes in place. Back to thinking 455 again. For now.
Boy does that all lok familar. Your time frame is quicker than mine. Been at it for just over a year so far. But you give me insperation. Love the convertibles
Curtis, I have a picture of your car for inspiration. At the moment, not sure about fire red, or yellow. Time frame? I hope to stay on schedule. So far, it's looking good. Still not sure about the engine though.
Today, Tyler took off work to help me with my pickup that had a bad oil pressure switch. So after that was fixed, he helped me with the convertible. It was fun to have him helping. Got the front disc on, and front steering parts all in place. All that's left is the sway bar, and need to pull it from another car. Front end is almost done!!!!
Haven't been able to do much, but front suspension is mostly done. Just need some shocks. Will start putting firewall back together now, and looking for used posi and some gears to finish the rear. Now, the big question. Which of the engines below will end up in the car?????? Which will it be??????
wow, my goal was to have a rolling chassis by now. I was way ahead of schedule, but have done nothing for a while. I have gathered up some parts though. It is so easy to lose interest and motivation sometimes. Things come up that are more important. Uugghh.
Mark, Do you have any more pics of your back seat interior area with the seat out? I am re-doing my convertible and I seem to be missing some of the seat mounting tabs. A picture would help to straighten me out. Great progress! It goes to show what you can do with the right motivation and a some space to work in! As far as your engine choices are concerned - it seems to me that the BBB has the most potential for the fun factor - better aftermarket parts availability than the 350 and lots more power......
deeveeeight, here are the back seat area pictures for you. As far as engine choice? I am building a 462 with turbo 400. going to cost me a little more, but I'm picking up used parts whenever I can.
Well, finally did something. Cleaned up a rear to paint. Going to need new races for the axles though.
Geez. I am so frustrated I don't know what to do. I guess this is my therapy post. Block oil mods done and at machine shop for the .030 punch. Piston going on the rods. Crank being turned. So that is under way now. Should have the rear put together this weekend with the posi unit and 3.08 gears. Just have to order springs to put it in place. Then I have a roller. I feel like I'll never finish. Hard to find the few bucks here and there and now, more physical problems. Ugh. Oh well, it's just a car. I will trudge ahead. Post some pictures after the weekend.
Good question Chuck. My plan for the moment, and subject to change, is to get it running, and put it back together as is. I can't afford to do the paint and body work now, and I don't think I will have the physical ability to do it myself as once planned. So recap of current plan: All new suspension, stock type set up: Front done Frame coated and painted 8.5" rear with posi and 3.08 gear: parts bought, should put it together this weekend. GS hood: have it 462 with 9.5 compression, custom grind cam, SP1 intake and 800 dfm Qjet. In works now, should be completed by August. TH400 tranny. Interior freshened up: have most parts, need carpet New convertible top: have that So the body will be part original color, part GS, part primer, and part rust. It will sort of look like some of the older rat rods I guess.
Didn't get the diff finished. After setting it up, I messed up the pinion seal and had to order another. Maybe finish this weekend. In my attempt to have the least expensive possible build, I may start listing some of my parts finds. I still think I can have this car running for under $4000 total, including what I paid for the car. This weeks find!!!! Fresh built 70 455 heads with brand new Stage 1 valves and springs. $125. Cylinder head shop built them for a guy, and he never finished paying. Took my offer. Look great. I just have to assemble and fly. New, in box convertible top and rear window....$100 New Moog rear springs... $60 SP1 intake, traded for an 800cfm Qjet I built and stock intake. So my stock 455 build has turned in to a little stronger than I had planned, but also less expensive. I should have the complete engine, 462, forged pistons, New cam/lifters, fresh stage 1 heads, SP1, and 800 Qjet for under $1000. Can't wait to get it on the dyno. I have had a bunch of help from friends on the board, and in my weekly travels, I keep picking up odds and ends. Still selling a few parts every week to fund this thing. Thanks for watching. More pictures in a day or two.
I think your doing a great job! Sorry about your physical problems, i know its tuff. You hang in there. We're rootin for ya.:TU:
Well, I got some done. Intake cleaned up. Rear is together, ready to go in A/C box cleaned, puttied and installed. (with new heater core) Heads need a little grinding to finish up.
Got the rear under the car today with new springs with Tyler's help. So I am only a month behind schedule to have a rolling chassis. On a personal note, and I'm not whining, just venting. In the past few years, I have had a hard time with my hands and joints, being stiff and hurting bad. So, finally went to doctor when it got to the point I have a real hard time gripping a wrench. I have arthritis. And yes, I know everybody gets it, but I can't use my hands much anymore. No grip strength, joints get swollen and hurt, plus neck, wrist, hips, knees. Again, not complaining. Plenty of people accomplish great things with more problems than I have, but it frustrates me. Finally building a car for me to drive and play with. I started to sell it, but decided I will finish it if I can. Surely I can. I do thank God that I don't rely on my hands to make a living. I'm in sales. Ok, thanks for letting me rant. I can usually work a couple of hours a weekend. I'll get this thing done and driving by end of year. If I can afford the gas.
