Josh does some amazing work! I used to own a 59 Zephyr, so it's really cool to me that you went with those rings!
I know its been a long time since I've posted an update. I've been trying to get the front suspension done and back on the car, and also get the engine all wired and plumbed so it will run. Since I'm apparently OCD over every nut, bolt and wire, I've basically completely redone the engine bay. I scrapped the stock harness and installed a Painless engine harness, and used their powerbraid wire loom instead of the crappy plastic convoluted stuff. I also made up all new lines for the trans cooler, power steering, brakes, etc. As of now things left to do before it will run are to add coolant, ATF and brake fluid, bleed brakes, run airlines through the firewall once I get some grommets, and cross fingers. Here are some overdue pics. Not very exciting, but it's what I've been up to. I'm really hoping to have it running this week. Then all thats left is to install a few pieces of chrome and do the interior and glass. Easy right? Fresh powdercoat, and all new bushings and balljoints. Closeup of the wire loom from Painless. Ends finished off with heatshrink wherever possible. Custom bent brake lines, rebuilt steering shaft, etc. Front suspension back together. I went from 1/2" to 3/8" air line to slow it down a bit. No sense in slamming to car against the asphalt. Engine shot with new wiring and plumbing. Almost ready to run. I also shortened the oil and trans dipsticks. Probably spent too much time on a minor detail but it drove me nuts to have the dipsticks 6" above the engine. Now I can burn my hands on the headers trying to check fluids.
You are a very patient man! That car is so friggin' NICE! And, what an amazing amount of detail, to boot. Soooooo cool!
Compared to the Wheel Vintiques from Summit which appear to be smooth all the way around. Just noticed the Wheel Vintiques from Summit are 5 on 5/5.5. Can't seem to find the OE fitment with only the 5 on 5 pattern.[/QUOTE] The wheels you are looking for are found at Pete paulsen on line I have them on my shoebox the center bullet is extra
Thanks for the tip Hombres. Still gotta get the wheels and tires figured out, but that can wait till the end.
Got all the steering installed, torqued to spec and greased. Also added some fluids. Never been so careful dumping ATF and brake fluid... Need to borrow a powerbleeder and grease gun with a flex hose from work tomorrow.
Me too, there's lots of paint and chrome to install. Now if I can just figure out how to run this sewing machine... Learning to stitch should keep me busy and out of the heat this summer.
Wow. 40 pages and I'm just exhausted watching this come to life. Fantastic work. I can't wait to see this hit the streets.
wow, incredible details. but i can picture you gettin nuts over drivin over dirt or wet roads. I need to learn to stitch myself, let us kno how it goes.
I know it man. I was supposed to be building this car to drive hard, then it took on a life of its own. I'm already thinking about what I'm going to build to drive after this is done. Stupid right?
1 hr and a half later... worth my numb ass. no pun intended. seen this craftsman's creation Once Or Twice, everytime i see it( cant wait to see it again ) i study the lines & flow It has & Appreciate the many 72hr days spent on the metalwork,bodywork & exceptional paint!!! Beautiful Craftmanship Sir. luke
You dont mean this gonna be a trailer queen are ya? If you mean that it had initially meant to be your everyday car and now you decided against it but still drive it i understand , but not drivin this? Even if it is what youre thinkin i bet youll chage your mind once is ready.
No, not a trailer queen, I don't even own a trailer much less something to pull it with. I'm just saying, when the car was bare metal I used to do burnouts and drag it without a second thought. I beat the crap out of it and it was fun. But.....now that I have a bunch of time and money wrapped up in it I'm thinking I will go a little easier on her, know what I mean? I still have an appetite for burnouts and destruction though, so I want to build something to drive the wheels off of next. Think early 60's Ford road race style. Tight coilovers, 5 speed, and everything as basic as it gets. Maybe even enter a vintage road race class or something. I also really want to build my own engine, and I work with some guys who really know their stuff so I want to take advantage of that. My boss built a 600hp NA big block for his '69 Camaro, and the owner has a real '66 GT350R road racer that's ridiculous. Mine well be pre '64 of course.
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Well looks like you're sticking with it. I just wanna see a video of it going down the road finished. Looks good so far.
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Stupid trans pan is leaking where I tried to weld up a hole. Gonna have to drain and drop it tomorrow then find a replacement. I also seem to have oil leaking form the timing cover, so I'll have to look into that. The good news is that leaks are easy to spot now that everything is clean. Before it seemed like everything leaked. It felt good to reach another milestone and fire it up and pull it out of the garage today.
Who wants to look at that ugly motor. Show us more of the CAR! Nice work, and that GW paintjob looks killer!
The Jalopy Journal
