The time has come,gotta rip apart my coupe and get it ready to start a new chapter in its life. Where this takes it I dont know, just that i is time to make this old coupe evolve. first to go is the flatty , it was on loan and it was time to return this *****in motor back to the real owner. This thing got me to Austin and back an every where else this summer, but the time has come. I started by calling a few friends and just basically tore it apart . Here is where we started.
Here we made some progress. This feels good, that first step in makin it better. I sent the motor back to the owners, Thanks Dave and the guys at Shop#10 , you guys rock!!! I hope that little flatty works as well for you as it did for me. I test that little motor and it p***ed all my tests I could give it. Here is Max trying to take the place of the little flatty.
Now it is time to tear into some of the other problems. To start, the top insert is next to go. This is for Kevin. As I have stated before it was only tempary and it has stayed long past its time.
Next it is time for the seat ( uncomfortable- gotta go!), dash, cowl vent (gonna make it operational) and anything else that is gonna get changed or repaired.
How far are ya going? Just a cleanup to smooth off the rough edges or a complete redo? Gonna put a flatty back in it or slide in an overhead? If ya need some ideas, let me know. I'm building it in my head as I write this......
I still have a lot of ideas, just trying to sort it all out. I am still planning on flat head power, we'll see.
I hope not also, we'll see I think that sounds fun. I have a tough 406 ( in my Chevelle) that I could use. Now a clone doesnt have to be as good , does it?
Good stuff, Jeff!..... I know you're switching to unsplit 'bones with a "heavy" axle ...and as for the power module, it sounds like you're not 100% sure about the flatty goin' back in it. Have you considered a y-block? ...but you've also mentioned wanting to be more period correct. Maybe a y-block is too new? '54 was the first year. What a great car. I've spent some miles in it with you and had a great time. My personal interpretation would probably include FE power for lots 'O' fun! Looking forward to the updates, Malcolm
Stolebolt,if I've said it once I've said it a hundred times, that fford needs a stovebolt.I have several,you need one?
Malcolm, that is right, the front suspension is also coming out for a redo. I dont think an FE would make a good choice. I am pretty sure that would leave my little frame lookin like a pretzel. now **** , you might be on to something how about a decked out inline. Then I would be like all the goldchainers , you know chey in their Ford. Here is the seat were it belongs, anywere but in my coupe.
Y-block. Keep a Ford in your Ford! A stocker shouldn't turn your frame into a pretzel like the FE would.... Malcolm
A Y-block doesn't sound too bad, but you know I'm kinda partial to them myself. Of course, if you do slip in a Y, then you'd have no reason to not race my 312 "A" PU at MoKan. Think you can handle that pressure???? On second thought, ya better stick with a flatty so I don't embarr*** you in front of your kids and buddies.........
Heck you better look out even if I run a flatty!! Your y-block is almost enough of a reason to run one , your A sounds great and really gets with it! I would be pleased if my coupe was fast enough to use the electronic timers instead of the sun dial!
thanks Malcolm, friends have all those miles on the road and race track so much fun. Here is what all that fun looks like in the lower end of a flathead.
I really doubt that!!!! Flatties are cool but just today my brother and I took that red flathead powered '32 sedan out for a spin. Even with it being stroked, relieved and all, it was no where near as fun as my Y-block. I guess it all just depends upon how deep ya want to sink into the seat when ya hit the go pedal. Keep the rebuild pics coming!!
here is a pic after I pulled my injured flatty was pulled. Can you tell what side the breather was on.
So, tell us, what else are you planning on doing to the car? Aren't you doing some body work and reinforcement? Malcolm
When can we come over and give you a hand? You taking the body off? If you have some ideas I can try doing some photoshop work for you. Just let me know. Hat Man
those things look so naked without a engine you need to fill that space with something PLENTY big... 409 will work
WOW, cant believe you are going back so far, So are you gonna body work and paint it? Why split bones? It is running unsplit now? I really like you coupe and the way you drive it. It has proven itself for sure.
Yeah,what Malcom said. I am going to go with UN-split wish bones and a different front axle. Should be pretty cool. I am also reinforcing the body , gonna make it solid and maybe a little straighter. Here is an early build picture, real early.
Dan , I dont plan on doing anything that will really change the look enough to warrant a photoshop. I am just changing some details and cleaning it up alittle.. thanks for the offer. Nick, well my plans are to change the front suspension...unsplt wishbones and a proper axle ( with a proper drop ) I am also going to properly reinforce the body and remount the steering column. I am also going to generally clean- up the body.... basically take some of the Rat out of it (if you have seen it , you know....Rat aint cool) I dont really plan on getting crazy trying to make it nice, I just dont like the circle track scares....everywhere. One last thing to accomplish is to get the cowl vent working ( I have cut it out... it was spot welded in some time in the past ) and get the windshield hinged and opening like an old Ford should. Last but not least , I will need to get it running again I think a 409 would make a pretzel out of my old ford . I need to keep it a little smaller. Rusty, I have always considered my coupe a long way from being done, I just have a hard time tearing it apart while it is still running. So with it sitting here engine - less I decided that the time was right. My garage isnt heated so weather is going to be a factor. ( I also have my house to remodel ) When are you going to get your killer chopped sedan on the road. I dont plan on getting mine on the road till late spring.
Sounds like you got a good plan. It will be a great car with the proper updates. I am having to tackle the same stuff on the sedan. The goal for the sedan is Roundup 08
Looking good my brother! Once again we are both pulling oars in the same trireme... Don't forget to hook up the overdrive!
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