Hi All. Well, I have less than 4 weeks to get this turd running and driving by Billetproof Detroit 3. The show date is June 3rd. Believe me, it will be great to drive it. I've had this Merc for almost 7 years, had it "in progress" for at least 3, but this is the first car I've ever bought that I've had this long and haven't driven. Yet. After taking inventory late on Saturday after yet another 7 hour day, I am beginning to have my doubts. Not about making the running/driving deadline and making it there, but about making it there in a state I would be happy with. You see, while I have no doubt Marc and I could slap this thing together and have it running and driving by the show, my conscience is quietly starting to speak up. "What about this?" "What about that?" "Do you really have the time to do 'this' work and still make the show?" I really don't want to cut a few corners to make it to the show, only to have to undo them later to suit my tastes/wants. We will still plug away as planned...(or as long as I have Marc on retainer), and I HAVE to step up during the week after work and kick in some hours in order to keep things moving along. If we only worked Saturdays on this thing, It won't be ready 'till mid September by my guess. If nothing else, in the last month the Merc has seen more activity with Marc helping than I've managed by myself in over 2 years...so that alone says something. With Marc's help, we've made great progress...and we're in line to actually have this thing running soon...but along the way, you begin to see more and more things you'd like to do/change, which adds time. Again, I don't want to have to re-do something because I hacked my way thru it for a show... Enough of the soapboxing. Here is a link to last week's post, which also has a link to the previous weeks' post: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=107371 And below, are the shots of what was accomplished this weekend. Marc made some killer patches, finishing where I left off on the passenger side floor 2 years ago. I putzed around on the firewall, made another patch for it, and it's now really ready for finish welding/grinding. Marc also started welding in the seams between the custom-fabbed rear wheelhouses (remember- they are boat trailer fenders!) and stock Lincoln flooring. The 4th shot is an inside view of the finished patchwork on the firewall. Marc actually used some of the original (removable) Merc trans tunnel for the patch. The last 2 are of the mostly complete engine, with mock air cleaner. We finally got the dang oil filter mount off the old block (it wasn't a nut) and transferred it to the new block. What a pain! Enjoy!
Im glad you are not going to rush it for a show. Too many cars get done that way and the owner always regets it
Hang in there with it man...no point in rushing through things at this point...do it how you want it to be...Looks great so far! Good luck!
I wouldn't rush it, although I am rushing mine . So far you have really taken time to do things the right way and to shortcut something now wouldn't be fair to the car. I know it's killing you to not have more progress (it's killing me too) but you'll be much happier in the end. That said, even if the body work isn't up to par, I'd still be pushing to get it mechanically ready and drivable, you can always do the rolling resto, that's my plan...
Deadlines are great for the incentive to get stuff done and make progress....but the good thing about self imposed deadlines is that they can be "adjusted" as you go along. Nothing wrong with that carrot hanging out there...but there is no need to cut it short for a dumb ol' carrot!
I am shooting for mechanically driveable at this point...the bodywork will have to wait...but even just getting to that point seems like it's a reach at this point. still have to fab up a way to mount a radiator/front fenders/etc... Thanks for all the encouragement, guys! I'll keep on pushin'.
Yeah I still have to hang the front inner/outer fender, grill, hood, doors etc..hey maybe we can start a new trend, fenderless, doorless custom lowrider jalopy hotrods!
Don't worry about the finish welds..just get it running and stopping. All the other stuff can get done later...as long as the body won't fall off the frame...you should consider it done. then after the show. go back and get her done..done.. tok
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