Projects Project 55' Chevy B Coupe Gasser

Perfect!

 

I would normally consider myself more of a 5 spoke kinda guy but I was able to get this pair of 4 inch Ansens.

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that thing is cool

 

In regards to the grille issue; if you don't need one to race in class, I'd leave it out and put that moon tank that's sitting on the passenger floor in there, call it good. Bitchen car btw.

 

Fantastic looking 55. Right now I'd be tempted to drop a hot SBC in it and drive it to work for awhile, bare bones interior and all.
How big of a PITA was the CHP process of titling the car w/o a VIN plate or title?

 

Thanks man! So I took the car over as seen in the pictures to HWY Patrol. Before I went I had wire brushed the frame numbers under the floor. They checked the number and then gave me a new vin tag in the door since the original one was missing. I then (3 1/2yrs later) took the HWY Patrol paper work to AAA an applied for title and registration. If the car cost is over $2,000 DMV/AAA wants a "lean sale title." Since I was under the $2K it wasn't an issue for me. I've title a couple of cars that were out of the system. It is never "easy" but do able. This one and my 31 roadster for that matter were a little tricky because they needed a new vin tag. When the factory vin is in place it is a lot easier for obvious reasons. You had better know the history of the car though before you try ie better know that it is not stolen. In everyone of mine I knew where the car had been for the past 30yrs.
However; Last month I bought this 57' off e%&@y for a $1000. Same deal, no title. I'm taking a chance with it since I don't know the history but since it came out of a field it should be clear.




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Cool deal. Hope the 57 titling goes as well for you.!

 

Just curious, is that a quick change rear end in Tabasco? As far as your #852 283 block goes, you said you put a 350 crank in it? Mains and rods cut down, and counterweights also? Just curious how that was done. Rather than swap your pistons, why not just put the heads on upside down (NOT!)?

I am Butch/56sedandelivery.

 

"Just curious, is that a quick change rear end in Tabasco? As far as your #852 283 block goes, you said you put a 350 crank in it? Mains and rods cut down, and counterweights also? Just curious how that was done. Rather than swap your pistons, why not just put the heads on upside down (NOT!)?"

Then I could just run the exhaust out the top like an old Cadillac engine! Yes the mains and rod journals were cut down to small journal. Although, I don't think you have to grind the rod journals down to small journal. I think the later rods will clear but I have not tried that. As for the counter weights, they do not have to be machined down in the later 283 blocks. It all sounds like a lot of trouble but IMO it really isn't. The block cost a little more for the extra bore and sonic test. The pistons are as cheap as they get being 350 and a buggered up forged 350 crank is usually free. When it is all said and done it is the difference of running an early breather motor with the right valve covers opposed to a sbc looking like a crate motor. Then again there are ways to even make a crate motor look semi right of you take the time.


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Yes, that is a quick change! That has always been surprising to me! I would have figured a Olds or Pontiac would have been a better choice for a drag car in the late 60's

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It's just that quick changes were't really known for being very strong, especially on asphalt with "real" slicks. I would have thought Olds/Pont also. So basically, you've built a long rod, small journal 350. I've a ton of small and large journal stuff I have to get rid of; everything from aftermarket rods and pistons, to a factory #1178 302 crankshaft. Several other stock and aftermarket 327 and 350 cranks. I need to thin the herd! I am Butch/56sedandelivery.

 

When you get to the rear end, let me know. A Quickchange is an awesome choice for a race car. Does anyone happen to know what brand QC Tobasco ran?

 

I'm not sure what Tabasco ran but someone might be able to tell from the 1967 HTM drawing. As for me mine is a Summers brothers 57 Pontiac, 35 spline spool and 5.38's

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That is exactly it. Nothing special but should be fun. Too bad you don't live closer or I would help you thin the herd.

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After much debate in my brain I decided to cut up the cage. I had been putting it off because 1, it was a legit cage and 2, when I tend to take things apart they tend to stay that way.

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Before:

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After and technically only about half way there (the cage does not come out easy!)

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With thanksgiving over and Christmas officially behind us it's time to get started on the gasser again!!!! Not a whole lot of progress today but at least we got the 55 in a place where we could really work on it........on the back patio of course!





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Started removing the steering set up. It had a few too many u joints for me plus it was off center. The plan is to put it back to the stock location.

Before


After






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Like I said, it's not a lot of progress but at least it is not just sitting in the back pasture anymore!

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Someday I'll have a shop but until then a mulberry tree and a smooth concrete pad will have to Do!

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What little I know about gassers I think you are doing the right thing by returning the steering to stock configuration and removing all the joints. At the same time making it more drivable for yourself. Cool project.

 

For sure that steering was a MESS.

 

Did you leave the main hoop and rear bars on the cage? The steering looked ''busy''.

 

Yeah, start fresh with steering! Something that will pass tech inspection.
At least you have a slab. Possibly, you can dig/pour a footing around it and retain the slab for the garage floor. Maybe keep your eyes open for a building/garage being demo'd and salvage a set of prefab trusses.

 

I tried to salvage parts of the cage but in the end I think it was going to be more trouble than it is worth so no. I am going to start fresh and give myself some extra leg room. Short story long cage is coming out in pieces.

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Reminds me of this car...

 

I should have built a gasser. Damnit. Love the pictures and the car. Going to look amazing.

 

How about a '58 Ford passenger car grille, ala the Swindler Willys coupe of Stone Woods & Cook. Others have run this grille too, but that is most prominent example. I've had one on the wall for 25+ years for my Willys (hah!). I've seen them on '55's and other cars