Officially

First off, thanks for the add! Yes, it was in April and yes *** dragging is in my DNA. With working overseas half the year and 3 knuckleheads running around the house I'm lucky to remember my name half the time. So...here's the story. I've been tearing things apart and putting them back together as long as I can remember. Even did it as a gig for 15+ years before going offshore to work in the oilfield. The lovely lady in my avatar has been a dream for the last 7 years. One of my good friends dads had it in the garage and from the moment I put eyes on it, it was love. My buddy and I never really understood why his dad had this 51 styleline being that he was an old skool hotrodder. I mean his 70 olds 442 was down the street at my buddys house. Anyway, I was always making a comment everytime I saw him about him selling it. Never wanted to. Well finally this past Easter, the years of pining paid off. Finally! finally he had a new project and so the need for more room pushed him to let it go. Best pat of it all, the wife lead the charge to buy it. Gotta love them sometimes! Well...that went long. Ok, ok the nuts and bolts. 51 Styleline special, original 216 for now, S10 T5 5 spd, open driveline with 4X4 S10 rear end containing some 3:73 gears. Stock suspension with 2.5 coils cut up front with 3 inch blocks out back. The plan is to rebuild a 283 SB to replace to 216. I know, I know, I know. Small block =Satan. Hear me out. I agree with those opinions but for me the 283 is a rarer bird and the plan is to be more of a cruiser and keep the accessories on the engine as nostalgic as possible. Finned valve covers, cow horn headers to give an idea. The hope is to run 3 deuces just because it looks bad***! Well..I hope that serves as an intro. I will do my damnedest to post more often. Thank you guys for all the valuable info you've posted. I wouldn't know the half of where to start without the H.A.M.B!