Technical What are you working on?

Stop by my buddy's shop to dive into the clutch and break problem this 1962 SS Impala has always had since being converted to a 409 4 speed. The clutch and break pedal have been very hard to operate. I know it has to be a pedal ratio problem.
So today I dove into it and what was found is the bracket and pedals are from a 61 not a 62 and they are not the same. We did come up with some pedals but need the bracket to hang them from.

 

I like to copy things so I duplicated the plastic knob for the antenna with a stainless steel one that I made.

 

Finally built some crib blocks to raise the car in preparation for body work.
It feels safer when rolling under too.

 

Working on some steel wheels to determine offset needed on the Tiger the rear track is over 3 inches more narrow than front track from the factory .

 

And 63 is different from the 62. Funny 62 was a one year only thing.

 

Modified the transmission cross member for dual exhaust.

 

I'm getting ambitious this Fall. I am currently swapping my '31 Chevy from a Powerglide to a T-5. The upcoming projects for the winter are- painting car, installing fenders and boards, modifying my firewall for more clearance, and adding some performance goodies onto the six-cylinder.

 

Still working on the ignition on my 29AA. Tossed the third Duraspark II ECM and put in a 1970 version points/condenser/coil. I've hit a roadblock in changing over the wiring. I can't figure out what still needs to be done yet, but it's come down to the 4/5 connector wires from the Duraspark II system that I've got to remove/terminate/reroute. I'm also having a hell of a time rolling over the engine to exactly TDC. I can't get a straight shot at muscling the engine once the starter spins it close. No room to fit a socket and breaker bar onto the crank nut and since it is a fresh, yet-to-be-started engine, it's tight!
UPDATE!!!!
Sat down to think about all that I did today. Couldn't logically think of anything I did wrong. Decided to go out one more time, put on the timing light just to see if I'm way off regarding timing. Turned the key to start and VROOOOOOOM!!!!!
I about **** my pants!! It went off like a AA fuel dragster (gotta adjust that idle) and roared (no muffler! Damn, it's LOUD!) So I'm calling it a night with a big grin on my face. I'll sort out the idle and timing (didn't run it longer than about one full second but now know I'm damned close to 10 degrees BTDC.

 

I painted the red Willys gray, was going to move the cars out of the garage and do it in there, but it w***uch a calm beautiful 70 degree day I decided to do it in the yard instead.
Naturally right after I started it got windy, then about 1,000 gnats showed up, they like to party !
I held off on the satin clear until I can sand those little ******s out, which will be next spring. Now I need to add about 3 inches to the front body mounts on the frame to give it a proper nose high stance.

 

I started putting together another of my Craigslist piles. This is a 1962 Buick 215 block that had been bored for new sleeves. That increased the bore to 3.75", but when it was started the sleeves lifted and hit the head. It also had the 300 Buick crankshaft installed which increased the stroke and raised the total cubic inches to 300 plus. The heads were the single year aluminum 300 heads with larger valves and ports. They don't require any modification but were probably surfaced. The block was also decked so when I got around to dropping the intake manifold into place the bolt holes did not line up.
Just eye balling it looked like .1875" offset about half the 3/8" capscrews. So I set up the angle plate on the mill, indicated the face of the flange level and took half the offset from each flange. The first p*** on the blueing shows a couple low spots but even cuts on both ends verified the setup was level. It settled into place with no bolt interference and excellent port alignment.

 

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When I got the inkling to put the aluminum blower motor in a 1/4 scale car, I ran down one of the fibergl*** outfits that made these bodies. I was told he had the molds, but would have to dig them out since he was not producing them at the time. He threw me a number like $450 and I had to p***.
I ended up building an English Wheel, a station buck and rolling and welding up one from steel which is my avatar.

 

Nice job on yours, I'm still surprised at what these little go-karts sell for, you regularly see them in the $2,000 - $3,000 dollar range. Now of course I didn't pay that but I knew it was a great deal when it was offered to me so I ******ed it up. Plus it gives me leeway to modify it a bit to suit my needs.

 

Got the short block done on the rocket.

 

Since I had the manifold situated, I made a foam pattern to adapt the Holley Economizer with its spreadbore to the square bore.

 

Carson type top for my 39

 

Latest little project. I have been helping ***emble his 62 Biscayne and ran into this snag on a reproduction alternator.
Their cardboard template must be worn out. Plan is to cut the weld then get the proper bend in it and weld it back up.

 

Wrapping up my 341 Desoto Hemi build....just laid on the flake and mocked up the intake. Later I'll be looking to add the 6x2 setup

 

The template say’s I’m one step closer to dropping the cab back onto the frame for good.

 

^^^^^ Welded in. So, do I cheat and buy a 55-56 Chevy battery hold down or make my own?

 

Johnny
I like the simplicity of the first/second generation Nova hold downs.

 

Maybe too busy after all.
Nope

 

Got a 354 Spitfire with Torqueflite out of a 1957 Chrysler Windsor for our 33/34 frame project.
It turns easily and looks to be in original condition with silver paint and all. We'll see how much will be left after we go through the engine and put on hemi heads etc.

 

You can put hemi heads on that 354 engine? I don't know anything about old Mopars. Is that "spitfire 354" similar to the 318 poly?? kinda looks like it...

 

Yes, the 354 Spitfire Poly and Hemi shared the same block, crank, intake etc for a few years 57-58. Rumors says dragracers of this era discovered they could get cheap Spitfire engines at the s****yard for the block and crank, we did the same (hopefully it works out).

 

I think you have to change pistons, as well.

 

Trip to the balance shop, pickup Tuesday. Not to busy right now…checking everything….11 months until Bonneville World Finals…starting to get behind.

 

Where Wifeys T-Bird ended up this year, drove it into its parking spot.
Put everything away for the winter
Life threw a big **** you at us this past week. Unclear what the future will hold.