Decided that since I finally made some real progress, I'd post some pics. After Billetproof last year, I decided I was tired of maxing out at 60 mph and looking like some Super Swampers would fit under my car. Rather than go into everything I changed, I'll just say that the frame, the body, and interior are pretty much all that remains from when I got the car. Here's a partial list of the changes: - '70 Chevy 350: Fuelie heads, flat tops, big cam, etc...goes along with the thread about fast customs, trust me ...maybe not an 11 second Merc, but it's no cruiser. Not quite a custom yet, but soon. -TH350, 10-bolt 3.42 rear, disc\drum combo -Fatman Ultra-low MII w\dropped spindles, bags, manual R&P (I know the risks, been following that thread. I can weld, but I left the structural welds to a certified pro...luckily we have two in our club! ) I obviously have a ton of stuff left...shit, I didn't even wait to mount the grill (can't decide between my '51 or '52). Tower notch and bags in the rear are in order. I'm also planning on changing out some of the none traditional stuff...I've already got some ideas to change up that Napa aircleaner, but....she runs and drives! Most of you know the sacrifices that come with a good-sized project...late nights, calling in sick to work (but still working), neglecting your girl...it's all worth it in the end when you turn the key. A HUGE thanks to Alex at Gambino Kustoms for the parts and the advice when I just couldn't figure it out myself (he's been dead on every time). Also to Aaron of 50Chevy.com for learning some of the lessons first and passing on great info. And thanks to the rest of the crew who lent a hand wrenchin' on those late nights. Jeez, sounds like I got a fucking academy award or something...sorry, I'm just stoked as hell! Comments, suggestions? Bryan Before: After:
Hmm. Makes me want to take the hood off my '54 for the summer! Is that the stock radiator? Does it cool that V8 sufficiently?
Thanks everyone. Got the exhaust done today, but I still haven't washed it I'm figuring if I go fast enough, the 8 months worth of dust and crap from our shop will blow off! Probably going to paint after show season's over and I do some body work...I think I want to go with white and a candy blue to match the firewall. Should I do the body blue with a white top or the other way around? Bryan
Yep...I was a little worried about the radiator 'cause the 235 ran pretty hot. On the way back from the exhaust shop today, it was 90+ and I swear I hit every light on the 5-mile trip. With water only, it only got up to 195. I have a 6 blade fan and no shroud (yet). Many people have said the stock radiator is fine for a V8...I guess they're right Bryan
looking good.........blue top and white body might be hard getting the right wheel combo.....maybe chrome reverse, caddy or radirs....you going to run with/without the skirts?? i think blue body and a nice white flake top would be tits and wheels wouldnt be a problem.......just my .02
Lookin' good! Gambino Kustoms helped me with my c- notch on the 52,they know their sh*t! I think white body with Kandy flaked blue top, kandy blue steelies,wide whites....DONE. Keep us posted, enjoy the pics.
Don't fear the toothless '51 grille! I've got one in my '52 biz coupe and I like it just fine... BTW your ride is coming along real nice man. I'm from Sacto originally so I feel your pain on those insanely hot summer days... keep up the good work. newstranger
Yeah, I'm starting to think blue body and white top is the way to go. The only reason I was thinking the other route was to be different, but it might look weird. Never thought of the Radirs...might be sick too. That, or blue steelies with '57 Caddy caps...if I can ever find some Bryan
I'm not sure about the skirts either...I have a visor too, but I just don't know if that's the look I'm going for...just gotta throw 'em on and see. Bryan
I gotta say.. that thing is lookin awesome. As to your recent comment about "throw em on and see", I like the idea. But from the photos I saw.. here's my $.02. If you decide to run with no skirts.. leave it as is. But if you decide to run skirts... PLEASE take off the guards. IMHO they look really gay. But.. it's your car. Up to you completely, and you've done awesome so far. Keep up the good work Peace Chris aka caddylakman aka nineteensixtycaddy
I might lose the guards either way, but regardless, thanks for the feedback. I'm on the hunt for a Merc style skirt that flares at the bottom. If I find those, running 'em for sure. Bryan
The Jalopy Journal
