I have been busy getting the initial cuts made for recessing the firewall for the olds engine.. The engine and transmission are setting in the car now and I put the radiator on as well as front fender, etc.
I want to use the stock fan, so the engine will sit back as seen in previous picture. It may be able to come forward an inch or so, but is sitting pretty much where it will be. Also may lower engine down a couple inches.. The front mount I had needs to be modified to lower it down. Am using stock type ford rubber mounts.
Man your car is a real beauty. I initially got super excited about your choice of a 265,as I am using in my 31 roadster project, but that Olds motor is a real sweet motor. I'm going to be watching this build to the finish. Awesome job so far!
Thanks! ... I was just reading YOUR build thread too...Nice job on that roadster! The 265 would have been a little easier, but I am committed to the Olds now and I think it was a good choice and will be pretty cool when it's done...
With the radiator in the correct location, etc., I started to mock up the fan clearance, steering box and clutch and brake pedals.
I have been continuing work on the car, but not keeping up with taking and posting pics, so I will add a few that I have taken of recent progress. I have finished recessing the firewall, fabricated a front motor mount, converted the side-shift 3-speed transmission to top-loader via a jeep top, changed clutch pedal linkage to push instead of pull to accomodate the new 3-speed.. I will be working on the transition from the new firewall to the floorboards and the modified positioning of the pedals next.
I used some pieces from the original firewall and radius pieces from a donor s**** firewall section and made outside aprons from scratch... It turned out looking pretty decent I think.
My son Cody was helping out yesterday... He was my offficial floor jack operator. I think he enjoyed helping out...
Very Nice! I started out operating the jack and handing Pops the wrenches when I was a kid, it's how I learned. Doing that with your son makes the car even more special.
I like that you used some of the original firewall when recessing it.The car looks so much better after all your work so far.
Yes, I am using 1939 pedal ***embly. Since the recess, I have mocked up a couple of scenarios and modified the clutch pedal to work with the later transmission and adapter. Now I think it's a matter of fabricating a spacer to move the pedal ***embly over to the left for clearance and possibly back towards the driver a bit. I will be working on that next, so will try to get some good photos.
I think the seats are from a late 50's GM panel truck. Not sure if I will use them in the car, but they are about the right height for mocking up column position, clutch and brake pedal, etc.
THANKS! I am learning some new skills, gaining a little confidence and relearning some old lessons, but I am happy with the progress so far.
The Jalopy Journal
