Small progress! Got floorboard templates made from poster board. Looks like they will be about perfect. Now looking for a decent metal supplier in my area. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Heading south to get the '63 Bel Air (was part of the trade on the Caddy) stopped through Pontiac. Needed to take some pics! Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Also, went to the local cruise night in Wheaton, IL. Had some pretty good stuff! Still blows my mind how well the suburbs do with these shows and the turnout!! Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
So, my second part of the trade came home over the weekend, and the '50 went to MI to get work done! I'll be up there the first part of August to start tearing into it! The '63 is for sale... DSC_0138 by cmarcus712, on Flickr DSC_0139 by cmarcus712, on Flickr DSC_0140 by cmarcus712, on Flickr DSC_0142 by cmarcus712, on Flickr DSC_0143 by cmarcus712, on Flickr DSC_0145 by cmarcus712, on Flickr DSC_0148 by cmarcus712, on Flickr That's it for now! More to come later.
Daddy got new shoes!! Now to paint them black, and polish up the caps! Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Charlie, will the tires clear the fenders once you cut the coils? I am sure one of the other Chevy guys know for sure. I just happen to know about this problem by trial and error on my car.
As far as I know, these are basically the factory size tires in a radial form. I know other guys have done the same with this combo, so I should be okay from what I have gathered. I plan on starting on 1/2 a coil at a time to see how it goes. Also, was just in GR over this past weekend. I love that town! I grew up in Holland. God bless West Michigan!
Well, this weekend we thrash and see how much we can accomplish! Started tonight already. Awaiting in the dark.... View attachment 1989715 View attachment 1989716 View attachment 1989717 Before.... ...some magic with Zephyrs... ...and there she sits till tomorrow... Stay posted for lots more! Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Some more progress.... Still shocked at how solid this is.... The new shoes! Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Been through the complete thread and really dig your progress with the Log Dog! Nice work with the floor pan drawings! The 63 looks cool also Keep us posted... / primerkid
Thank you PK! It's been a lot of hard work, and we are just taking a much needed break... We will be back at it later tonight and tomorrow... Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Just some more of the progress.... Sittin' right... Dad with the art of brazing... Always amazes me. More today! Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Have't seen/heard anyone refer to the car as a "Rock Star" yet (?). I thought all the 49-54 Chevrolets were called that here on the HAMB. Anyway, nice car and project, BUT, I REALLY LIKE YOUR TRAILER!!! Butch/56sedandelivery.
Butch, thanks man! I appreciate the kind words! The trailer belongs to a guy who is good friends with my dad. It sure has come in handy! Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Unfortunately I had to leave earlier than expected today a my wife's grandfather passed away this morning, but my dad and buddy kept hard at it. Here are some pics of where we got. Brakes not yet done, and the front still at factory height, so it has the taildragger stance for a while. She sure is running sweet now too with the tune up! And that Thrush muffler sure makes here spun great! I am SUPER happy with how the wheel/tire combo turned out. It is super rewarding when your vision works as you hoped!! Hopefully will still get to the Relix Riot Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Nice! I surprisingly like the thin white walls a lot usually I'm a wide whites guy how much do you plan to lower the front?
Thanks man! I plan on coming down about 3" so it sits level with the rear, so around 1 1/2 coils cut out from what I am being told. I plan on going 1/2 coil at a time to be safe. The tires worked out by chance. I needed some good tires, and have seen the black wheel/center cap/thin line tire combo, and had a good feeling it would work. And it certainly came out EXACTLY like I was hoping!
Put on the shiny "new" valve cover! Found the primary cause of the oil leak was coming from the valve cover gasket all folded back. My pops took these pics a he is in MI with car. Also adjusted the valves. He said some were cranked down and others real loose. Feeling good about cruising down on Saturday to Relix Riot!! View attachment 2004787 View attachment 2004788 View attachment 2004789 Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Well, we had great success with the Relix Riot! Was great to meet so many people! Leaving in the AM... ...made it!! Wife at the wheel! Think (hope) she's gettin' the itch!! At least she LOOKS happy! Looking forward to the next shows! Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
I am not unfortunately. My wife and I have been traveling to and from MI so much lately; we kinda need a weekend to chill! Then at some point the car comes back here with me
Still here!! Was finally able to get some work done! Got the front end lowered down to level her out. It went way way better than we thought. We just dropped the lower A arms and they slid right out. Torched out 1 1/2 coils, but it still sat a little nose high. I didn't want it TOO low, as I was already bottoming out on bumps with the 3" blocks. So we cut off 1" from the blocks, and now it's perfect. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Also, found out my cousin has a 283,l SBC, 700R4 and a rear end for me. I know, I know...keep the 216. But I have been and always will be a V8 guy, and the tranny and rear end will allow me to travel further to shows. I am going to keep the 216 to probably rebuild and hop up for a roadster someday. Just don't have the $$ for a rebuild in that just yet. Stay posted! Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
A 283 is traditional enough for me and the overdrive really takes the worries out of a long trip. It would be a no brainer to me. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
That was my thought...it isn't "just another" 350 SBC, which are of course great engines...just not for this application.
So, I FINALLY sold the '63 Bel Air. Time to throw some money at this project. Didn't get QUITE as much out of it as wanted, but as mentioned, a 283, tranny and rear end is the start. Then I plan to put the rest into some bodywork, etc. Stay posted over the next couple months. The car is still in MI, and the wife and I are working to move into a new house (WITH an oversized 2 stall garage!!!) so moving will take priority for the time being.
Great news! The 283 I will be putting in here had the Power Pak head castings! Now just to get time to yank 'er out! Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
The Jalopy Journal
