Projects My 53 Build,

[Boones]

Harris, now do a cherry red rattle can job on the body of the car and you got a coupe version of my wagon.. shiny white on top, splotchy red bottom..

[Brog]

Looks gorgeous, that motor is golden!!!!! (no pun intended)

I'm planning on doing a similar build once my truck is done, subscribing to this one

[Harris]

Sorry Boones, I'm pretty set on painting the body a light tan color. You can see the paint test of the drivers side in one or two of the pics.

[EnragedHawk]

Sweet! I like the 54' tail lights on there, I was never a fan of the 53's. I can't get over the roller paint job on the roof, it looks awesome! I'm digging the Caddy engine too.

[firengine103]

Remember the 343! Retired FD, 53 Chevrolet Club Coupe

[Harris]

Actually gave the 343 to a buddy as a retirement gift!

Enragedhawk- thanks man, that roof took quite a bit of work, and don't let anyone tell you $50, by the time I was done I had around $125 in it. Of course most of that was due to my own trial and error. Only used the roller for the first 4 coats and the last 2. For the other 5-6 coats I used a cheapie china freight spray gun. Worked well but the coats were too light. Of course using the gun I was able to lay down 2 coats a day!

[chopperwolf]

Looks great Harris. I've got your old motor up and running, put an offy intake and dual carb set up. Just starting on the brakes now. A buddy of mine and I had stopped working on our rides since we knew they weren't gonna be ready for the Round up, and got to work on his Dad's 56 more door hard top, so we could have a car for the show. Been working on the 53 since we got back. Keep us posted. Subscribing.
Rick
343, We'll never forget.

[mrconcdid]

Love those 53/54 chevys
If you you care to see how I put my caddy motor in my 53 check out my build thred I ran into alot of the same issues, would be glad to answer any questions. link in my signiture below

Looking very nice so far

Godspeed
MrC.

[Harris]

Damn MrC, I went through your build thread and had flashbacks! I really didn't want to recess my firewall that's why reads the motor, plus I can't wait to see that scoop poking up through the hood.

I do have to ask how was your drive with all that power I can't wait to find out for myself?

[45_70Sharps]

Awesome build you've got going.
I've thought about a 472 or 500 in my 54. No idea what I'm going to do yet.
I'm just going to get mine going stock while I get the body in order and build a supply of cash to upgrade the power and suspension.

[Harris]

Before you decide on a 472 or 500, do the research on parts availability and prices. Between the motor and transmission I've dropped almost 2K. I didn't even do a complete rebuild or change out pistons! They're pretty cheap to buy initially, but part selection is slim - meaning high prices!

Google cad 500 performance and you'll only come up with a handful of parts suppliers. Not unbearable, but more expensive than a small block. That being said, I love the look, sound, and waiting to experience the feel of the motor! Plus it really freaks people out when you tell them what it is!

[mrconcdid]

My main concern was, I wanted to keep an mechanical fan, I dont like electric ones, that goal, required the firewall change, as for putting it in there, I have serviced the engine with no issues, drain plug is right behin the crossmember, the oil filter it right beside the crank pulley and all 8 plugs are with in easy reach . Alot of engine swaps forget about servicing the engine, hell a 2006 Impala requires you to pull the engine to replace the alternator.

Speaking of parts, Im using an s-10 fan blade and clutch assbly its only 3/4 of an inch long you may need to save some room, I moved the radiator infront of the cowl support ( i made mine ) also the trans cooler forward as well. everything fit behind the hood latch and under the stock hood, with just a little triming for the rad cap.

As for Caddy power, its the torque, when this thing shifts it throws itself forward and you just hang on.

Godspeed
MrC.

[45_70Sharps]

I know that a Caddy build isn't cheap. Great motor though. Fairly light for a huge motor, enough torque to alter the rotation of the earth, and just plain cool.
Doesn't need a bunch of upgrades either.

I've been into Buick's for a while now. You get a lot more on the power end for your buck with a big cadillac than with building a nailhead.
The Buick 455 can run with the big caddy engines, but I think the caddy is a bit better of a block to start with.

Still not sure what way I'll go. I'll probably get the body in good shape and save some bucks before I know for sure what I'm going to do.



I do agree about the electric fan.
If you can get a mechanical fan in there and do the job, it's just way better to me.

[Harris]

MrC, I would've loved to gone with the mechanical fan, just not enough room in there (I didn't recess the firewall). I too moved the radiator in front of the cowl support, but actually had to trim and reinforce the stock hood latch in order to gain an inch more room.

Still trying to figure out which electric fan will give me the best bang for the buck!

And guys I really do appreciate the comments and compliments, kinda nice to know others have been thru the same stuff, or just appreciate what I've done so far!

[yetiskustoms]

great build, keep the pictures coming

[Harris]

Ok, got the call from the shop today, brakes no longer pour out fluid! Radiator mounted, as is the alternator. Managed to grab a few pics of the clearance between the radiator and the motor....

Overview:


Clearance, or lack thereof....

[mrconcdid]

2 things, you look to have enuff room for a direct fan ( no clutch )
and does the hood clear, theres a brace across the front of the hood that might limit the hieght of the radiator. I had to notch mine to clear the cap.

Looks great, im not pickin' just a heads up.
keep the pics coming!!!

Godspeed
MrC.

MrC.

[Harris]

It took quite a while to make sure I cleared that hood brace thingy... but she does!

MrC. - did you keep the stock oil filter? looking at my radiator I'm either gonna have to cut/reweld the bottom outlet, or switch to a remote filter setup - don't really want to go that route tho.

[mrconcdid]

Yes I kept the stock oil filter fit fine. Yes the lower neck would have been better if it was a straight outlet , I was able to find a crazy dog leg looking hose that fit mine.

MrC.

[derbydad276]

lovin this build
rustoleum painters unite!!!