Advice on Aerosedan project direction

Good to be here,

Ok,

After reading many threads on here and other forums, I decided to post my options for my build and hope to gain some answers or atleast opinions. I am ready to get bashed for atleast one option. I'm sure it will be eviddent. This is not my first build, but my first with these options/dilemmas.

I am back from messing with British cars and picked up a 47 Aerosedan. It is in the same build stage as I received it 2 mos ago. The body is in solid shape with minimal body work and the frame is really clean/solid. It is missing pretty much all of the trim, door handles, bumpers, , front splash pan, hood baffle/latch, and the entire interior except the dash/steering, which is in tact. The grill is there but was stripped/glazed. The window mech. parts are there as well as a few others. Basically all of the meat is there. It is equipped with a 54 belair 235(Y)originally powerglide motor) and the original 3speed/torquetube setup. It would probably run with a little attention, it's very clean in and out. Not sure if the PO used the orig 219 flywheel/starter.

I have decided that yes it does have a good solid body, but most of the original shiny parts are gone, so why not make it a nice rod/mod driver. I have 7mos. old son now, so I would like to it to be functional and safe as well.

My initial thoughts suspension wise were for a Mustang II front end, new column, and posey rear susp. with a 10 bolt rear. Engine wise I would like to build another 350 with th350 or t5. But being a frugal father now, it is tougher for me to afford this type of package in the quick fashion I like to work on things. Slow down?

The next thought was to rebuild and lower the stock suspension. The rebuild lits for these front ends is a little money as well as the rear susp. Steering and brakes not sure. Engine wise, I would still like to do a 350 build, so there's the cost of setting that up as well. Or I could keep the 235, get an adapter for a th350/700 and throw in a rear.

The third option, which will be frowned upon for sure, but gives me a lot of parts is a frame swap with a 73-77 Monte or Grand Prix. I thought with this I get an updated suspension/steering/brakes, ease of parts at local retailers, a whole drivetrain, interior seats, and electrical. All this stuff for a pretty reasonable price considering the other options. I know there is a lot of work involved with a swap and it doesn't discourage me at all.

I am know most of you have answered this question to many others. I wrote this because most of the other guys asking these questions had different cars or different circumstances. With the car missing all the chrome I cannot afford, I would like a good looking cruiser. I would just like to find which would be considered best for my situation and where to aquire said parts reasonably.

Thanks in advance,

 

I have a 250/th350 in my 48 Fleetline. Used a 57 chevy rear end. It was easy as pie, very cheap, as well. I am using the front suspension with manual front disc brakes and kept the M/C under the floor. I used 68-72 Chevy pick-up engine mounts, modified (by me and an angle grinder) to mount the engine. You need a plate to mount the driver's side, no big deal. Did all this in the driveway, and believe me, I am no fabricator. I guess a SBC will go in easy too. You have a lot of expenses for the car, so I would save money (and energy) on the drive-train and chassis, and spend the $ on stuff you don't have/need. The 235 is a good engine, but it limits your tranmission choices. You can, however run it with an open driveshaft. Flattop Bob sell used parts, is a great vendor, for new stuff, Chevys of the Fortys a good source. Good luck.

 

That´s a really good-looking car You have. If it´s a clean, straight rust-free body and frame of that vintage w/a minimum of metal work involved like You say it is, I´d like to think You´re ways ahead on Your build already.
First off, I´d like to advice against the whole frame swap -idea. If You want to swap suspensions, You should do so on the frame You have. If You want to use a donor vehicle for Your suspensions, look for one with a track-width closest to Your ´47, and a drivetrain of Your preference. Bear in mind though, whatever it is, it´s most likely going to be 25+yrs old, so there´s still going to be "rebuilding" and a lot of nickle-and-diming involved.
For wiring, I don´t think I´d want anything used out of a 30-40 yr-old donor vehicle. One of the readily-available 12-circuit, aftermarket fuse-box/wiring kits would be a sound investment here and surely wouldn´t brake anyone´s bank at the price they come.
As for the missing bumpers/trim/brightwork, maybe keep an eye out for a rusted-out similar vehicle for a donor while You work on the suspension/mechanicals? Surely the best and least expensive way would be to try and acquire as much of what You might need on one lot, be it a whole parts car or from someone else parting out a similar car.
Lastly, take it all in stages, and the whole project will come together over time.
Good luck.

 

I have been reading about the Jag setups and that looks pretty slick and manageable work and money wise.

 

don't mean to hijack the thread but i have a 47 areo also.pretty rough,but i love the lines of them so im gonna go with it. i have been looking at the rear end and trying to decide what to go with. just wandering how wide of a rear wheel/tire combo you have on it. thanks for any info.

 

Mine is stock, but I heard the 4wd S10's work well with our width.

 

I am running 215/75s, on non-Corvette (6 inch?) Rally wheels.

 

thanks.it is tight under there isn't it.

 

Well Matt, considering everything, I'd shoot for a mild custom with a mostly stock drivetrain.

Custom, to deal with the missing trim...and 'cause it's cool.

Mild as opposed to wild, 'cause it's more likely to get done. No chop. Just lowered in the rear a bit, but not so much that you need to notch the frame or anything. Frenched headlights. Different tail-lights. Fat bumpers from a later model. Maybe a custom grill, maybe not.

Stock drivetrain, 'cause it's more likely to get done. No rompin' stompin' hot rod...a cruiser.

I'd start with the engine. Get 'er running, and go from there. If it runs good, then you can test-drive it and figure out how good the trans, rear end, suspension, steering and brakes are and determine just what it's gonna take to get 'er road-worthy.

Put a ring and pinion in from a powerglide car for 3:55 gears and better highway speeds.

No frame swap. You've got a solid foundation...put it to good use.

Remember that you can always upgrade later if you want. Chances are good though, that if you get 'er goin' and lookin' nice, you'll enjoy the car for a while, then be able to sell it easily and for a pretty good price...'cause it'll be a running/driving car. Then maybe move on to something you like even more.

Good luck.

 

yes- a little rubbing on the inside, but it's all smooth, so I don't worry about it.

 

Sorry I misread. Thought you were asking about rearends. A few cocktails messes with my reading.

Thanks guys for your advice. I am swaying...

 

My advice is to keep it simple. It's real easy to run out of money or enthusiasm.