Projects Something for a small block (to fit into)

Hello all, mostly lookin' for ideas here.
I've done this a bit backwards, and built the motor before the car, but the engine is nearing completion, and I'm looking for something HAMB appropriate for it to go in. The engine in question is a small block Chevy 350, running a Holley 650 on a Performer RPM, bored .060 with a Thumpr in the middle, it will be linked to a 4 speed if all goes well, it does not pass smog, but I doubt that's news to anyone around here. I will have to drive this on the street, but will also use it on the strip relativity often. I can put up with a lot of things that would rule out a lot of cars (daily drove a track car for a long time). Any suggestions or resources are appreciated, thank you very much.

 

You might try the H.A.M.B. classifieds. There’s always a great deal or two there.


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thanks, I've been looking through there, found some great stuff, just a ways off

 

Will this be a daily driver or a fair weather car?

 

The best bang for your buck is an early chevy II , but they are getting expensive. How about a Studebaker Lark ? The later ones came with a small block.

 

Once saw a '48-52 Little Euro model 2-door M-B, w/a 460 Lincoln motor! Looked like a '34 Ford Vicky...even had suicide doors.

 

You’re welcome


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daily when possible

 

Damn! any pictures? (not to sidetrack my own thread)

 

the Chevy II is a tempting option, but unfinished ones seem to be rare in California

 

1964 & up Rambler American 2 dr is good substitute for a Chevy II. Light weight, roomy engine compartment, clean body lines.......should be affordable.........

Ray

 

Daily driver? than you want hood, side sheets and fenders. And a heater would be nice for winter time. I'm thinking shoebox, 49 - 51 Ford. Or any late 30's to 54 Chevy would be a great candidate, and there are a ton of them out there in about every state of condition, from complete ground up project to nicely maintained survivor, depending on your budget.

 

That's another question, what kind of project are you interested in? Do you want to completely rebuild a car that's been sitting and rotting, or do you want a roller? What's your budget?

 

My budget sits at around 4000 at the time (steadily growing), I suppose a roller, with minimal sheet metal work would be ideal, recently came across this, anyone knowwhere to get cheap floor pans for these?
https://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/d/1954-chevy-bel-air-2-dr/6359650116.html

 

thank you all for the input, always helps to have input/a place to think it out.

 

Roger that but what hasn't got expensive?
We've had our 67 since 1983, paid a grand for a running, driving 6 cyl/3 speed sport coupe and have watched the pricing structure climb over the years.
Besides, you can't put a price on a good time.

California is a big state so I think you must be limiting your search area, Arizona and Nevada aren't that far away either, that's three states with the best chance at little to rust free as you can get.

 

did you see the 53 Studebaker Champion on Craigslist San Francisco for $2000? Seems like a good deal, maybe too good, could be a scam. It would make a cool car though, I think.

 

Here ya go, a '48, (4-dr) when painted black really sets it off.

 

I build V-8 Morris Minors all the time and my last one was my daily for 2 years. Paid 700 for a one owner rust free car with no motor. This one had a small block Ford , but a Chevy is no more difficult.
Weighs under 2400 lbs after the conversion.

 

Unfortunately you're in California and prices on cars are a lot higher here, I can't believe some of the stupid prices I see out there. If I were you I'd take drive out the back roads towards the central valley, hwy 99, and head south, get off the main roads and scour the small roads in the agricultural areas looking for cars on blocks in side yards and back yards and knock on some doors. There are a lot of cars out there that have been parked for years, somebody's "some day" project. Hit them at the right time and you can pick up a good project car. And keep a close eye on Craigslist. There are a lot of 4 door project cars out there, but I'd keep my eyes out for a 2 door sedan, you may be get lucky and find a coupe.

 

Very good strategy here for sure.
I don't know what's left for car shows there this winter and not sure of a time frame you are wanting to find something but once you have an idea hit up people at car shows that have cars in your interest area and ask if they know of any cars that might be available.
The key is having the money set aside so when something surfaces you are ready to jump.

 

Here's a few in NorCal......................

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/d/1951-ford/6353686971.html
https://redding.craigslist.org/cto/d/1949-nash/6350174436.html
https://redding.craigslist.org/cto/d/1936-ford-two-door-sedan/6358425947.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/d/1941-studebaker-commander/6357381786.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/d/1953-studebaker-champion/6341235139.html
https://fresno.craigslist.org/cto/d/1961/6329151658.html

 

Oh hell! That black Stude Champion is the shit! Get after it boy!

 

I've been watching that 51' ford for a while, I like the idea of checking the back roads, seems more fun than finding things off craigslist.
That Stude is indeed cool, easily in the top 5 options so far.
as for the car shows, I am often racing in Wednesday Night Drags at Sonoma, so if i see someone with a car that interests me, Ill try and strike up a conversation.

 

I kinda thought of the same thing; back in '66 kid at the Navy base had one with a 425/427 in it; killer sleeper, pretty much unbeatable. Guessing a hot small block could be pretty drivable; but with decent set-up could also be pretty consistent on the track. Somewhat lame looking; but should help make a decent one affordable.

 

Ok Billy, better spill the beans, is this going in that little red ragtop?

 

It was more of a smart a$$ commentary on what the OP could put a SBC into...You small block guys have no sense of humor.

 

I realize this is OT, but it's only by a year and it looks like a really good complete car ready for a small block

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/d/1965-chevelle/6361157660.html

 

Or there's this, might not be what you're looking for but it would make a really cool kustom

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/d/1957-lincoln-premier/6356876985.html