Projects Gene (Moonlighter) Cromer's A/G Willys Resurrection

Thank's Trouble these build threads do take a lot of time. Somebody posted the other day that it took 2 1/2 hours to read that made me stop and think how long did it take to wright it if it takes that long to read. It looks like Gene is going with the high riser to start with the cammer is just worth to much money to be jerking around getting the bugs worked out. Maybe if we keep bugging him he will put it in there for the October hall of fame induction.

 

Quain, You're doing a great job on the resurrection! Thanks for doccumenting it here for all of us to read, view, and learn......

 

Remember a few post back when I mounted the wheelie bars. Here's a pic Gene had with those same bars on it. The headers in the pic will be back on it also. This is also a rare shot of the Moonlighter with Halibrand wheels

 

That is a AWESOME picture ^^^^

 

What rear gear ratio was run in the Moonlighter?

Does it use a Ford C-6 transmission?

 

Sounds good Quain. If Gene needs anything regarding modern day FE parts just let me know. One thing he may want to explore is a new crank. Lots of strokers available for a FE now with BBC rod journals. That's the way to go.

 

I remember seeing the Moonlighter with the Halibrand wheels and thought to myself they just didn't look as cool as the painted 5 spokes. HRP

 

AHOTROD, I do have a C-6 trans that i will use, i don't know what i did with the converter. looking for a 9" or 10" 3000 or 3500 RPM to use.
The gear is 486. Thanks for the interest.

 

I look forward to the updates... one of my favorite.. and best threads on the hamb

Roy

 

Quain, this looks extra good to me, thanks for all the hard work and long hours.

 

Troublemaker427, It will probably be a 427 HI Riser, Hilborn Injected. I have been looking at what i still have, also could be a Tunnel Port, I have an Injector set up i made before they were available this is what i ran last. I hope to build a Cammer later.

 

HOTRODPRIMER,Thanks, i will be needing you to help me later and show me some things about the Hamb.

 

Gene,you say the word,,I will be happy to help you any time. HRP

 

mr. cromer . you've got a surprise coming in the mail.

 

Okay folks, the time has come for the Moonlighter to change hands for a little while. The car will be leaving for paint, interior, drivetrain, etc. this weekend. Quain is super busy finishing other projects as well as preparing for our upcoming race season, BUT, he has agreed to take Saturday morning off to let folks see the car before it leaves his shop. We didn't want to clutter up this awesome build thread so I have started a new thread about the shop tour here http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=774812

Check it out and hope to see some HAMBrs there.

Daron

 

Folks The Moonlighter don't need jack stands any longer I set her down off the operating table and the old girl is standing on her own. When we got the rear end hung I just had to let her down on all 4s for the first time in over 40 years. There will be a showing at my shop Saturday morning for anybody that wants to see her in the raw before Gene takes her to Chris Harper's paint shop. Gene is going to bring the front end with him so we can mount it Saturday and have him set in the car and roll him across the parking for his first ride since it's been parked.

 

Another angle

 

Pure awesomeness!

 

She's looking real good!

 

Yes sir Quain, as Kiwi Kev says, looking real good!

 

Have just read this whole thread and am in awe of your skills.
Hats off to you Quain for stepping up and doing all this work, not only is this a really kind gesture to one of your heroes but it's a great insight on how to build a proper period correct gasser, the whole thread is a great reference for anyone attempting to recreate that golden era.
Thanks for taking the time to document it all with photos along the way.

Ray

 

It's so good to see it on the ground, you have done a 'top-shelf-job' Quain.

 

the Ole girl looks beautiful. You have did a magnificent job in the resurrection.I would think there will be someone with tears of joy, like seeing your baby for the first time.

 

really kool, wish i was closer, would love to see it in person. somewhere down the road i will.

 

i got goose bumps

 

I,for one, am truly in awe of the dedication & attention in preservation that Quain has poured his heart & soul into bring The Moonlighter back to it's present stage.

There are not enough words in my vocabulary to express my gratitude in seeing the big smile on Gene's face as the restoration has progressed,, thanks to Quain.

When Quain took on the project last August I had never met him,In October of 2012 I got the chance to shake his hand and I instantly considered him a friend.

We both grew up watching The Moonlighter run and we both have a deep admiration for Gene.

As I said in a previous post,a lot of local guys offered many times over the years to help Gene get the car back together but I firmly believe none of us could have done the car or Gene justice.

Quain has the knowledge and the talent and knows what has to be done to bring the car up to today's standards of safety yet has proved he can also do it in a manor that is tastefully incorporated and virtually unseen.

Thank you Quain,from all us Hambers,,as The Moonlighter moves on to Chris Dunn and his crew for the next stage of the restoration I sincerely hope you continue to be a part of the Hamb and look forward to watching you running your Willys again in the future! Danny aka HRP

 

Dang Brother! Its like 1963 again! I wish the economy was doing better.., you'd be building cars like this a whole lot more!

 

Any word on possible T-shirts to help fund the restoration?

 

This thread if full of awsome... Kudos to you Mr. Stott for taking on this project.. and kudos to you Mr. Cromer for letting him... and kudos to the Moonlighter for just being so damn awsome.... I look forward to seeing it finished in all it's glory....

 

Troublemaker427, We have several things going on right now, including shirt design. Hopefully some of these will come into light soon. We appreciate everyone's enthusiasm and willingness to help. We just have to make sure we can handle the extra things efficiently and that Gene approves. Keep an eye on the thread for forth coming news. Thanks!