Help get my car to the Pileup HAMBthrash!?

[ruttencutter]

I was really hoping that I would get my car ready for the pileup... and I think it's within reach, but only if I can get some help from some fellow hambers. I met up with several folks this weekend at Jefferson who said that they might be able to help with the 49' in the coming weeks. I talked it over with my wife, and she said it would be okay to have as many folks as I like over next weekend to get the 49 ready for the road.

I figured I would post my todo list and see what you guys think. Is it doable? Can anybody make it down this coming weekend, Oct 1-2. I'll provide grub, drink, and a place to sleep (if needed). If we can get her up and running, I would love to make the Pileup my first trip out of this zipcode. Morris, IL is my wiifes hometown and it would make a great way to introduce the car to the inlaws http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

By Friday I plan to:
+ground to - ground conversion
12v conversion
New motor back together and running (302)
Old motor & tranny out (If Bugman is willing to lend a hand)

I need help with:
Motor mounts (can order from speedway on Monday, or...?)
Mounting the engine
Mounting the tranny
Driveshaft to match new tranny (can probably get one made the week after the thrash if needed).
Accelerator hookup
Choke hookup
Radiator (plug up 2 holes in the flathead radiator? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif )
Exhaust Manifolds to exhaust (welded, or exhaust flextube http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Brake checkup

Long list, but a few things there are pretty simple. Think it's doable? Can anybody lend a hand?

Please help me get my car to the Pileup!

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/image_uploads/553353-49-show.jpg

Thanks,

-Scott

[Levis Classic]

Got the same thing goin on with my 29 Tudor right now. Get to work!

[ruttencutter]

I'm trying http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

-S

[wingnutz]

Might be able to help...!

Got a welder and a torch handy...? (Don't need wrenches that way!) http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Mark

[fab32]

Levi Classic, Does that mean you won't be coming down to put the Cancy Apple paint on the 2dr before the Pileup? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Frank

[hotrodladycrusr]

Wish I lived closer to help. My fingers are crossed that you get it done in time BUT remember, do it right the first time. Don't give yourself an unrealistic deadline and do things half ass. Looking forward to meeting you at the Pileup no matter what you drive there. Good luck

[ruttencutter]

No welder, but I can get one.

Torch on the other hand... I'm sure a hamber in the area might be able to help on that front.

Wingnutz Let me know if that might turns into a will http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif Know anybody else you might be able to turn on to the cause?

As for doing things right--absolutely. I think it can be done--but if it can't, it can't.

Thanks,

-S

[Scallop53]

Hey Scott,Good luck.I enjoyed meeting you and your wife this weekend at Jefferson.Hope all works out well with the motor swap.See you at the Pile up.

Dan

[ruttencutter]

bttt

[Thirdyfivepickup]

Keep at it! I wish me and the boys were a little closer...

That list is doable in 2 days... 3 tops.

With the right number of bodies!

[ruttencutter]

Thanks for the encouragement! So far, it's just me and bugman--assuming I can talk him into it http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Anybody else think they might be available?

Thanks,

-Scott

[ruttencutter]

Somebody? Anybody?

I know it's short notice. If nobody can make it this weekend, I'm going to go ahead and call it off tomorrow.

Thanks http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

-S

[wingnutz]

It's a "Will"...!

Lets make it happen Cap'n...! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

pm'd you my number.

Mark

[ruttencutter]

So I got two folks plus me. bugman and wingnutz.

Anybody else who can make it down for friday night only, or saturday only, or sunday only? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

If I could get 2 more guys I think we could get it all done!

-Scott

[ruttencutter]

Okay, I got one more guy. That makes 4!

-S

[wingnutz]

2 more people and we can have a "Revolving Supervisory shift"...!

Responsible for drinking beer and pointing to things that should be done... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif!

How many carbs are you going to run...?

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gifMark http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[ruttencutter]

Just running a single 4bbl Holley, on an Edelbrock torker 2 intake.

I still need to figure out what to do for an accelerator, since the throttle is on the drivers side, and at an angle.

Any suggestions on how to adapt a throttle cable to a 49 guys?

-S

[SamIyam]

Sometimes if you get too many people helping things go slower... and you have a tall list of stuff to do in a week and a half... my advice is to prioritize and make lists of stuff that needs to be done.

You are assuming that you will not have any troubles fitting the motor in there... do you have a rear sump pan already? What about exhaust headers? I know the manifolds I had when I put a 302 in a '50 hit the steering box... I ended up going with 80's Mustang factory headers.

What about wiring? To the coil... to the generator or alternator? What about your conversion to 12v?? Will you need to re-wire the whole car? 6v wiring is different.

You'll need to have a drivehsaft made, or one cut down. So think about the u-joints... will they be different? Will you have to have the driveline shop mate two driveline yokes with one common tube?

Floor clearence is also a problem... I had to make a tranny tunnel for the '50 I did. Then linkage? A floor shifter is the easiest...

I also know the oil filter comes damn close to the frame on the drivers side... a remote adaptor off a Ford van works... but I ran the short filter and worked the frame in a bit with a hammer and torch.

I take it you are going to take all next week off... and you have all the parts already bought... a drivehsaft guy on call as well as an exhaust shop on call...

Not to burst your bubble... but if you get it done and driving there... I'll consider you a hot rod building GOD!
Sam.

[ruttencutter]

Yeah, I have a rear sump pan, and pickup. I have factory exhaust headers and the pipes run to the engine compartment. The 49 has already been modified to take a merc-o-matic transmission, and the C4 is supposed to be a bit smaller so it should fit without firewall mods.

The car has already been 'rewired', I just need to convert things to negative ground... and get drops for the gas gauge. And clean up whatever I have time for. I'm going to use a cheap set of gauges for everything else right now.

I do need a driveshaft made, and was told if I bring the car in it shouldn't take more than a day or two next week.

Maybe I'm missing something, but I think we can get the engine and tranny mounted in a weekend.

-S

[SamIyam]

Go for it!!
Sam.

[ruttencutter]

So you don't think I'm off my rocker anymore ? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

-S

[Mart]

Unless I'm forgetting something, the conversion to negative ground is no more than turning the battery round, especially if you go to an alternator.
Just be careful you have no oddball accessories like a pos ground radio. The conv to 12 is more work.
Have I forgotten something??
To seal the holes in the rad unsolder the unwanted necks and solder correctly sized freeze plugs in place. Brass if poss but steel will work.
Mart.

[ruttencutter]

Thanks for the info mart!

Now, 12V conversion means I need to change bulbs--right? Too much power for those bulbs?

Thanks again. Any other tips guys?

-S

[Thirdyfivepickup]

A remote mount oil filter might be a quick fix... rather than hacking on the frame. Sam is right... there is no room for a filter there!

For a throttle cable... we used a Lokar and a chrome spoon pedal. Those Lokar cables will go anywhere!

...and yes, you are off your rocker! Welcome to the fun!

[ruttencutter]

Any chance I can pick up a remote filter at napa, or checker, or the like? What am I looking for exactly?

And the throttle cable... do you have a url so I can look at what you are talking about? I'm clueless.

Thanks,

-Scott

[Tim]

yeah im sure you should be able to grab one at oreilys or napa, shouldnt be to hard to find


good luck

[ruttencutter]

Thirdyfive got me lots of info on this.

I'm glad somebody posted about the oil filter. This is the first time I've ever heard that it was an issue in there. Very good to know.

-S

[Mart]

Yeah, go round the entire car and change all the bulbs for the 12V equivalent.
Mart.

[lilblondi]

Just wanted to say thank you for all of your help! I've been running and calling all over to get the parts that we need. Oh, and I have actually been helping out a little in the garage too...even though I don't know much about cars, I just do what I'm told. = ) Anyway, thank you for all of your helpful information. And those of you coming out, thank you thank you thank you! I will be so excited once the car is up and running! (Even if it's not this weekend).

Thanks again,
~Lizz

P.S. for any of you that are really confused right now...this is Ruttencutter's wife. = )

[glassguy]

screw in expandable freeze plugs will get you goin if time starts runnin short . they have been a temp fix for years on my buddys car

[ruttencutter]

Well, the thrash is on.

Friday night, Saturday all day and night, And Sunday if necessary.

I've got the food, beer, and any other beverages desired.

If anybody else wants to join the fun, let me know.

-Scott

[wingnutz]

[ QUOTE ]
screw in expandable freeze plugs will get you goin if time starts runnin short . they have been a temp fix for years on my buddys car

[/ QUOTE ]

Damn...! Another one of my future tech posts wisked away from me...!

I did this to a car in 1973 and the guy that bought it from me still has that freeze plug in the radiator as well as a C-clamp holding the waterpump tight so it doesn't leak by the busted bolt!!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

See ya Friday...!

Mark

[ruttencutter]

Where can I find these mythical expanding freeze plugs?

What do they look like, who makes them?

-S

[wingnutz]

NAPA, AUTOZONE,CHECKERS, they should have them!

They look like a small hockey puck with a metal plate one side and a nut that expands the rubber to a tight fit when it is turned. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

But the best solution will be to solder the metal freeze plug into the hole.

We should be able to put together a shopping list of stuff once I get there on Friday.

Mark

[Thirdyfivepickup]

If I can be of any help on Saturday get a hold of me! I will be working from 8:00 till 4:00. Sunday, I will be at Route 66 Dragway watching the action... but will have my cell on me.

You can do it. It can be done!

Mike

[ruttencutter]

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif sounds good wingnutz.

for those following the saga, bugman and I took the flathead out tonight. Yeah, it's out. It didn't want to come, and it bled all over the floor, but it's out.

I'd say we're about 5% done at this point http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

-S

[ruttencutter]

Well, we got new motor mounts made, the trans tunnel cut out, and a tranny mount fabbed.

Helped a lot to have an extra 302 core to play around with. Much lighter to throw around.

Today bugman is coming down and we're going to button up the new motor, get it set in place with the transmission, and try to tighten everything down nice and tight.

Then, time permitting, we're going to see if it runs http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

With the flathead radiator, the water pump has about a half inch of clearance in the front http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif But it all fits nicely. Better than I could have ever imagined.

-S

[wingnutz]

Had fun Scott..., Thanks Liz for getting the pizza in the rain! She has the toughest job in the garage..., "she's polishing the finned aluminum valve covers... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif!

I made it home at 3:30 this morning! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Don't think I can make it today...., it was rough getting my butt out of bed for work... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif!

Feel free to give me a call if you have any questions about the blueprints I drew up! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Mark

[ruttencutter]

Yawn. 4 AM here.

Finished fabricating the motor mounts. Bugman was able to do some stellar welding once the 220 outlet was swapped out for the proper socket. Denny did a great job of aligning the transmission, and fabricating the raw pieces for all of the mount construction. I got the new engine, with the rear sump pan and pickup, put together, with the mounts, and the nice and shiny valve covers that lizz is working on. It looks great. Also, with the rear sump pan there is no need for a remote oil filter kit. There is plenty of room.

I'm out for half a day tomorrow on some family business, but Bugman is planning on coming out to play with me tomorrow in hopes that we can get the engine started, break in the cam, and maybe figure out how to set up a throttle.

Any suggestions on throttle setups for a stock flathead pedal system? Anything that I might find at a general auto parts store that would work really well as a pedal/throttle setup?

I'm tired. So goodnight http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Thanks again everybody.

-Scott

[wingnutz]

Just take the bracket off from the assembly by the passenger side and bend it straight up.

Cut off the excess rod at about the carb linkage height and modify the end so it accepts the rod that runs to the Carb...!

Call me if you need some more help...!

Mark

[ruttencutter]

Mark,

We're going to try to get it fired tonight.

Feel free to stop by any night after 5:30 (when I get home from work)--I can always use another set of hands. Tonight would be great if you are really bored. Remember, I have your shoes AND your car photos http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif And there is plenty of PBR left.

If I get lucky I'll have a driveshaft in hand tomorrow night, then the fun begins http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

-S

[ruttencutter]

We're getting there. Hope to get the thing fired tonight. Silly thing needing a fuel nipple for the carb. Totally missed that one.

Need to install a new accelerator pedal, and sort out the tranny linkage and I should be set.

I'll probably be driving to the pileup with a big hole in my floor--but oh well http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Thanks again to bugman and wingnutz for keeping in there with me on these past few, ok several, late nights we've been having. I wouldn't have been able to do this without you. Thanks.

-S

[Mel]

Would you like a carpet square to cover that hole? I've got some extra in the garage. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[wingnutz]

Hey Scott

Just cut up that Pinto hood and use that for the floor... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif!!!

[ruttencutter]

I have carpet to go over it. But I'll have to cut a clearance for my Vice Grip Shifter. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

We would have started the car last night. But good ol' bugman broke a spark plug. At 11:05 of course. Had I had the right plugs to begin with, or started before 10:30 at putting the new ones in, maybe I would have had the chance to run out and get more. (Nothing, including wal-mart, is open past 11pm in Madison)

As it is, I'm making my 100th trip to Farm & Fleet tomorrow to get more plugs. I think this car is going to be more Farm & Fleet and Mr. Gasket than it is Ford http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

-S

[Mel]

You better get that running!
I got out of work so I'll see you guys around 4:30 tomorrow.

How is nothing open past 11pm in Madison??? Menomonie's Walmart is 24 hours http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[wingnutz]

Well I got a call from Scott at 4 A.M. and I could barely hear him over the sound of his open exhaust Shoebox... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif!!!!

"IT'S ALIVE"....... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif!!!!!

Hope to see you at the Pile-Up...!

Mark

[ruttencutter]

Uh, we'll see. I'm not so convinced yet.

Broke it in for 10 minutes last night. It was loud. And then boiled over. I need to go to a 7lb cap, and we'll see where we end up tonight.

I was hoping ot get to Morris this evening, but it isn't looking good if I want to try to bring the car.

Bummer.

-S

[wingnutz]

I might be over tonight to help..., "Drink Beer"...! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

We'll get it running...! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Mark

[breeder]

so..... what happened??? you get it done????:)