Technical Retro Rides by Rich Does A Survivor...

Really cool Rich, I knowyou'll do a great job.
Just wondering about the driveline? keeping it closed. Be nice to add a halibrand quickie in there

Bruce

 

Hay rich,real cool ,looking forward to the build.We still have to to get together sum time.
Trevor

 

The only "changes" to be done are in the interest of safety and use, such as boxing the frame, dual master cylinder, engineering a better clutch set up, going back to a 4x2 intake, going back to original side pipe exhaust, etc.

I appreciate all the comments guys; even the negs! lol

 

Adding a third pedal. That sound like a Hot Rod to me

 

Just got the body back from the stripper, it's in pretty good shape. The cowl was patched with riveted sheetmetal and leaded over, the wheel wells are hacked and rotted and the lower quarters are slightly rotted. Now the metal work begins....

 

Rich, Thank you for posting the rebirth/reclamation of a neat old Hot Rod ! Looking forward to more progress updates. Will the Hemi be staying ?

41 Dave

 

Hi Dave, yes the Hemi was the original set up.

 

Rich, did you find that manifold you were after??

 

I agree. While the tank looks crudely done, I still think it's an awesome idea. I like the path you're on Rich.

 

Hey rich, still nothing as far as info goes. 2 guys came up with nothing and I'm still waiting on one more guy. His old machine shop is right down the road from where this car used to sit, so I'm hoping he might be able to find something.

~John~

 

I appreciate your efforts!

 

Hi Scott,

No, still looking for a four duece intake for a 241 Hemi.

 

how many times have you seen a picture of a car in an ad or in a magazine, then saw the car in person, and said to yourself, damn this car isn't really nice as the pictures make it. i think you guys are doing the right thing for safety's sake, and should be redone. cool car. keep us posted. my 2 cents.

 

Look forward to seeing more updates. Keep em coming!

 

OH! See, I thought you were looking for one for a Chrysler when you PM'd me! D'OH! Sorry!!! I thought that was kind of strange given there's a Dodge Hemi in this build. Hope I didn't send you on a wild goose chase!

That one is going to be REAL tough to find. 3x2's are pretty common, but 4x2's are going to be fun to find. I know Weiand made one and there was one available here on the HAMB not too long ago. There's also the U-fab style that Lakesheaders sells, but I'm guessing you need a cast setup, right?

 

yep

 

Ummmm...

 

Yep, right into a guard rail or another car....then it would be an "original" wreck.

The car needed tons of corrective measures to even be safe in a parking lot, let alone a driver. Anyone who actually seen this car in person can attest to this......pics did not do it justice.

 

Hey Doc! Yet another cool car you can't fit in!

 

Classic....do people even read threads before they post?

did you look at the pictures of the wishbones? the tweaked frame? the body rot?

I can understand leaving significant cars from the past the way you found them, if it was built by a legend or had some racing significance but why do people think that every old hot rod should be left untouched even when they are unsafe or sometimes plain old ugly?

Keep up the good work Rich, this will be a jewel when finished.

 

Story of my life.....that's why I like the "more"-doors.

 

and couches?

 

Rich, Went through the pix you posted. I think your plan is on target. Improve the car but keep the original look. Safer to drive dut still nostalgic and period correct.

41 Dave

 

funny....

 

I'm in 2 minds about this, here's my opinion and please feel free to totally ignore it.
The car needs some rework. But it has quite a few flaws built in from day 1. Would it be a crime to address them now?. It could come out looking similar but somehow better.
I may be wrong, but the body looks to be moved back on the frame - the rear axle is nowhere near centered. Maybe it was relocated to fit the engine in. It also has a spring in front axle and an overhung full length deuce shell. It is also heavily channelled and the pedals look to be very uncomfortable to use.
I like the basic building blocks that are there - Engine, box, axle, brakes, wheels and tyres, body, in fact everything, they don't need changing, but I'd be looking carefully at Body placement, maybe a frame double-Z to lower the floor to improve driver ergonomics, and careful setting of the front axle position, maybe even going to a dropped spring over axle.
It could all look so much better, yet be very similar in overall appearance and unmistakably the same car.
I'd love to be doing it, but to be honest wouldn't like to be having to sell the ideas to the owner.
Good luck with it, it'll end up great no matter how you do it. just like it is but safer will be ok too.
Mart.

 

Hi Mart, love your site by the way.

I'm going to keep the original look and yes the channel job, becuase if (and I thought of this) I were to Z the frame it would detroy the spirit of the original build. However, the changes that are going to be made should largely go un-noticed and will mostly be in the interest of safety/integrity and to make the car look like it did when it first rolled out on the highway in 1955 or so.

 

Here's some of that primo survivor sheetmetal...

 

Well, moving along on the roadster, it's been a little slow go so far, but I'm piecing the body back together. I got it mocked up over the frame and I'm working out the body mounts...

 

looking good rich !

 

I agree, that will be one sharp little car when your done with it.

I love the dash layout and interior pictures in your first post on this car. I hope (and it sounds like it is) that it is all going back in it?