The Jalopy Journal

ChevyGirlRox · 10-22-2007, 03:28 PM

As many of you already know last week I was offered a 2dr 1953 Chevy BelAir with a very special Rajo conversion Six cylinder. Well, once I heard the crack of the exhaust Friday night when I went to look at it I knew I had to have it.
I got to pick it up on Saturday. Here is picture of me and the former owner who built the car.

He built the car 28 years ago. He showed in a lot of big shows back in the day and won a lot of trophies but really hasn't had it out lately.

Here she is, the "Black Beauty" as he called her....

But the part of her that I love the most....

My Rajo conversion!

This Rajo conversion includes the above pictured manifold and also a special head.

He also gave me a lot of other really cool original letters, phamphlets and correspondence from Rojo to the guy that originally bought the conversion in December of 1953.

According to the paperwork (I'll scan and post here over the next couple of days) the conversion was sold to a Sam Henry of Chester, PA. He paid the original price of $169.50. I also have receipts for machine work and gaskets. I'm dying to know what he drove that he first put the conversion on.

Here are some more pictures of the car. Like I said, it was built 28 years ago so it is somewhat dated. I plan to change the stance of the car immensely but I plan to leave the old lacquer paint and the interior. The etched glass will either be replaced or "creatively" disguised!

It even came equipped with its own period correct mural!

And of course it's name, which I don't think I'll have the heart to remove...

ChevyGirlRox · 10-22-2007, 03:29 PM

The car has a lot of pinstriping and even blue dots! My mom loves blue dots, it must be the era, she said to leave them!

The car is a rust free Texas body, solid and straight as new. I really like the car because it is basically (minus the nose bleed ride height) stock in appearance. Even the dash

The seats are basic black and white. Semi-furry but too comfy to change

And even etched glass! Yikes!

But, I was able to see thru all of that late 70s bling and love her for "what's on the inside"

**hotrodladycrusr** · 10-22-2007, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChevyGirlRox

22222222

Your learning

Sweetie, if you "edit" the post you have to hit "go Advanced" before you save the edit or the first photo in the post does not show. Weird little glitch.

fur biscuit · 10-22-2007, 03:31 PM

chevy girl rocks!?!?!?!?

and a wee bit of altitude adjustment and wheel swap.

Foul · 10-22-2007, 03:32 PM

the name can stay. The mural's gotta go, though.

Same for the etched glass.

young buck · 10-22-2007, 03:35 PM

seen it today at work....nice ride needs lowered

**hotrodladycrusr** · 10-22-2007, 03:37 PM

The names gotta go too, will make it easier to resell.

Those B's are screwed up anyway.

THE235KID · 10-22-2007, 03:41 PM

That engine is so puurrrrrrrdy

Nads · 10-22-2007, 03:46 PM

That's incredible, I have never heard of the Rajo conversion, much less seen ome. It's in good hands. The muriel is a but much, you could always get another trunk lid and save it. A new set of wheels and tires and call it done.

Congrats on getting a piece of history.

ChevyGirlRox · 10-22-2007, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nads

That's incredible, I have never heard of the Rajo conversion, much less seen ome. It's in good hands. The muriel is a but much, you could always get another trunk lid and save it. A new set of wheels and tires and call it done.

Congrats on getting a piece of history.

Yes, wheels and tires are a must, I forget to mention that above. He gave me a cherry set of 1953 stock stainless steel, moon like hubcaps and skirts.

It is soooo much fun to drive!

RF · 10-22-2007, 03:52 PM

I wouldn't touch the car one bit...well, except to put the hood back on after removing the engine and replacing with another 235 or a 350. I'd rather build something around that than redo the car it's in now, but that's just my two sense...

RatBone · 10-22-2007, 03:52 PM

real cool! I love those years. I even like the hot rod stance of it! Awesome find!

SinisterCustom · 10-22-2007, 03:56 PM

That's a nice "80's traditional" car......the wheels, paint, and little red wanna be -AN fittings in the engine compartment.....
The engine mods were probably done wayyy before the "makeover".....never seen that setup before....VERY COOL!!!
Are the carbs progressive???
Congrats on the car....I'm sure you'll make it "right".....

53sled · 10-22-2007, 04:06 PM

you're not still thinking of yanking the Rajo, are ya? Fer shame!

Rand Man · 10-22-2007, 04:14 PM

Looks like a sweet ride for a sweet Gal. I too would like to know more about the conversion. You might have a "one-of-a-kind" find.

touchdowntodd · 10-22-2007, 04:16 PM

DANG thats sweeet!

**SUHRsc** · 10-22-2007, 04:18 PM

COOL!!!, glad you took the plunge!!

**oldbobsign** · 10-22-2007, 04:21 PM

Way to go, Megan!!! Your lucky streak is unbelievable, you're really on a roll.

I'll redo the trunk lid gratis if you ever decide to change the layout.

**Lobucrod** · 10-22-2007, 04:25 PM

That car belongs back in Texas! Sell it to me! It's just gonna rust now!

Artiki · 10-22-2007, 04:28 PM

What's the story with the head? (Sorry if that's been explained elsewhere and I missed it!) Which ports are being fed by the second intake...info like that?
Got any dyno figures for it?

Damn nice car, got a thing for '53's. I'm sure you know which bits need changing and which don't, so I won't add my opinions to everybody elses.

myke · 10-22-2007, 04:30 PM

Very nice car. Can't wait to see it updated...or wait...back dated.

Road Runner · 10-22-2007, 04:33 PM

RIGHT ON - You got it !
Beautiful car and engine.

I would drive it as is for a while and then change a few things to personalize it exactly to your taste.

Love the hood bird - one of my favorite ornaments - I got one like it on my truck.

Great find!
That head/intake is really special and maybe the most unique setup on a running Chevy 6 driver, I have ever seen or heard about.
Cool - dual intake plus one extra carb feeding each cylinder at the same time.... nobody else but Rajo thought of this and made it possible and available.

How does it run - would you notice the conversion, without looking under the hood...?
I wonder how it would start and run on a very cold morning.
Do you know if the cam was custom ground to make full use of the extra fuel?

PBRmeASAP · 10-22-2007, 04:49 PM

Could you PLEASE post a few more motor pics!

**Big Tony** · 10-22-2007, 04:59 PM

Hot looking car...hot looking gal...what else...Congrats and great story. besure to post pics of new wheels if ya go that way.

**fab32** · 10-22-2007, 05:07 PM

Megan, i'm convinced you will do the right thing with this car, You've got terrific sense for this stuff. But consider this, what would be wrong with leaving the car like it is (except for the mural ) and just driving it, at least for the first year. You've just purchased a time capsule and I think it would be a kick to just drive and show it as is (as long as it runs and drives ok). I'm betting it will stir up some interesting conversations and you could have ball explaining to all of the "johnny- come- latelys" what the history of the car and engine are. The fact that your a girl will only add to the fun. Kinda like the '32 roadster you dug out of that oldtimers place. Which brings up another possibility. How about putting a hitch on the '53 and getting a single axle trailer to tow the '32 behind it? On second thought you might not want to put up with all of the marriage proposals.

Frank

xderelict · 10-22-2007, 05:15 PM

Pure 24 carat stovebolt gold, If anybody suggests a V8 for this you should tell them where they could stick it.That car is just a tad past as cool as it could be, and can be again.Great score.

**sololobo** · 10-22-2007, 05:58 PM

Meggy girl, wet spot in my 501 blue jeans!! Sweet to the bone!! ATTA GIRL!!-Sololobo/Roadburners of Omaha

**Aaron51chevy** · 10-22-2007, 06:59 PM

Nice chevy Darlin! You gonna bring it to Autorama??? Very cool six, haven't seen one of those before.

ChevyGirlRox · 10-22-2007, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fab32

How about putting a hitch on the '53 and getting a single axle trailer to tow the '32 behind it? On second thought you might not want to put up with all of the marriage proposals.

Frank

I hadn't thought of that but it would be pretty sick. Then I could drive both of them at once!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron51chevy

Nice chevy Darlin! You gonna bring it to Autorama??? Very cool six, haven't seen one of those before.

Hmmmm.... that could be a neat idea. I will have to think about it.

Thanks everyone for the well wishes. Keep the suggestions coming. I was thinking of making a tail dragger out of it?!?

The37Kid · 10-22-2007, 07:46 PM

That is FAR BETTER than the picture I had in my mind when you made the original post! Nice find! Enjoy it as it is, swap out the wheels for some black steel ones, and some '56? Caddy caps.

56KUSTOM · 10-22-2007, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChevyGirlRox

I hadn't thought of that but it would be pretty sick. Then I could drive both of them at once!

Hmmmm.... that could be a neat idea. I will have to think about it.

Thanks everyone for the well wishes. Keep the suggestions coming. I was thinking of making a tail dragger out of it?!?

Yes,definatley tail dragger!

**Aaron51chevy** · 10-23-2007, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChevyGirlRox

I hadn't thought of that but it would be pretty sick. Then I could drive both of them at once!

Hmmmm.... that could be a neat idea. I will have to think about it.

Thanks everyone for the well wishes. Keep the suggestions coming. I was thinking of making a tail dragger out of it?!?

Of course you'll have to find another person to drive the bus up! Making it a tail dragger would be very cool and pretty easy to do on the old chevy's. hell popping out the front springs and cutting off 1.5 coils isn't hard either. Pretty quickly get her down a bit.

lrs30 · 10-23-2007, 07:20 AM

I've got a perfect back window for you....If your looking to remove yours .Love the car.P.M. if interested in the rear window

**nexxussian** · 10-23-2007, 07:40 AM

I have to agree with The37Kid, it is in MUCH better shape than I expected. I would drive it for a while before I started 'customising' it, but then that's me.

Congrats on the score, unbelievebly rare mill you have there. Could you post some more detailed photos of the linkage for the carbs?

THAT MONSTER KID · 10-23-2007, 07:43 AM

clean!, nice score definately drop that sucker to mother earth, tastefully.

ChevyGirlRox · 10-23-2007, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road Runner

How does it run - would you notice the conversion, without looking under the hood...?
I wonder how it would start and run on a very cold morning.
Do you know if the cam was custom ground to make full use of the extra fuel?

Yes, before you even look under the hood you know there is something up with it. The power is amazing! The guy I bought it from said it has a stock cam but I really don't believe that, it runs too good. I'm really surprised at how well it starts cold. There is some type of starting issue though I need to chase down before I get stranded. Either the starter needs rebuilt or there is a cable/wire loose.

I agree with some that I should leave it alone but there are things about it that just make me a little nuts: the yellow traction bars, the Weld wheels, the chrome battery box, the flower etched glass so I will be changing them.

I think first I will swap out the wheels and tires, take the traction bars off then see what it looks like and go from there.

Anyone know how to un-etch glass?

A spare back window came with it but I would be interested in new vent windows and possibly a new windshield.

I am kind of leaning towards a tail dragger because there are none around here. When I went to Paso this past spring they fascinated me the most just because I had never seen anything like them in person before. Don't worry, I don't plan to literally drag it on the ground like some of them did! Should I leave the front high like it is or put it back to stock height to acheive good taildragger proportions?

**Terry** · 10-23-2007, 10:01 AM

Congrats on what looks like a very nice car. I'm happy for you!!

I've had 3 over the years, a cruizer, a gasser, and now .... I don't really know what to call it sense I was told it can't be a Hot Rod if it has fenders! LOL

You'll find out as time goes by, they are solid good running, nice handleing cars. The kind of car that just seems to go no matter what ... no what I mean?

Do with it what you want, and what makes it yours, and have fun! Hope some day we can park side by side and swap Rock Star stories.

**hotrodladycrusr** · 10-23-2007, 10:05 AM

So it's starting to sound like your keeping it??

ChevyGirlRox · 10-23-2007, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotrodladycrusr

So it's starting to sound like your keeping it??

I'll make it cool enough that someone else HAS to have it.

But I can't say that I will part with that engine anytime soon.

eliguzman · 10-23-2007, 11:10 AM

you are one lucky girl...this car is in my dreams/nightmares!!!

Ole don · 10-23-2007, 11:44 AM

Way cool car, drop it and drive it. Make us old guys weep. If that sound could be bottled and sold, you would be set for life.

lrs30 · 10-23-2007, 11:56 AM

I also have a set of vent window's p.m. if interested....

ChevyGirlRox · 10-23-2007, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ole don

Way cool car, drop it and drive it. Make us old guys weep. If that sound could be bottled and sold, you would be set for life.

It does have a sound of its own. I can't help but smile when I even think about it! I am going to try and make a youtube for you guys to hear her in action.

My nephew (who is 2.9years old) hadn't seen the car until Sunday night when I pulled in from the weekly cruise night. He of course came barreling out of the house when he heard me pull in the drive.
Fast forward to last night- he is playing with his dump trucks and making a new noise, a Six cylinder with splits cracking noise, I loved it!

Scotch · 10-23-2007, 01:56 PM

Skirt it, slam it, and sand the silliness off it. Wide whites and sombreros would be awesome. You already know what it needs!

If you could touch up that old lacquer, I'd encourage you to shave the emblems and door handles too. But, I've never heard of anyone being able to touch up lacquer effectively.

And I have to agree with Denise...the "B"'s are screwy! LOL!

No cool stickers I've ever seen could cover the etching on the windows. But, they do make the car look girly, and you ARE a girl...!

Nice score! Dress her up right, and take her out!

~Scotch~

Artiki · 10-23-2007, 04:33 PM

Depending on how deep the etching is, you may be able to get it polished out.

2tall2beahotrodder · 10-23-2007, 07:22 PM

Ah crap. You see, now i HAVE to marry you!

buckeye_01 · 10-23-2007, 08:51 PM

Super nice score! Can't wait to see you guys at Winks.

ChevyGirlRox · 10-24-2007, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Artiki

Depending on how deep the etching is, you may be able to get it polished out.

What do you polish it with? I would like to try to get it off before I buy any glass or try to etch over what is there.

**PRIMERDAVE** · 10-24-2007, 10:56 AM

don't even try to polish that out....it's not going to work, if you catch your finger nail as you run it across the etched area, it's to deep....your only option is to replace the glass....or like you mentioned etch over it....and yes tail dragger would complement that 6 banger very well......

**nexxussian** · 10-24-2007, 11:15 AM

I remeber a kit to polish glass in JC Whitney, but it's been several years ago. I'm sure someone knows of a better source. You would probably be better off if you could find someone to sell the etched stuff to.

stealthcruiser · 10-24-2007, 11:22 AM

Cerium oxide is what is normally used to polish glass,but,as stated,if you can catch a nail on it,it ain't gonna' polish out.

ChevyGirlRox · 10-24-2007, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stealthcruiser

Cerium oxide is what is normally used to polish glass,but,as stated,if you can catch a nail on it,it ain't gonna' polish out.

According to my internet research that stuff is not coming off. I have a design in mind I will probably tape out this weekend to see how it would cover for the interim until I get new glass.

**SUHRsc** · 10-24-2007, 12:19 PM

what about the stuff people use to fix chips in glass?
could you fill it with that?

**MilesM** · 10-24-2007, 12:26 PM

Nads has the right idea.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nads

you could always get another trunk lid and save it.

leadsled01 · 10-24-2007, 01:11 PM

You lucky girl!!!

forty3 · 10-24-2007, 01:46 PM

my .02 only...but dont change her stance... it's fucking badass.

kurt

Moonglow2 · 10-24-2007, 02:14 PM

Nice ride Chevygirl - of course I am a little bit prejudiced in favor of black chevy's

.

Being an oldtimer I have known about Rajo conversions since I was a teen but I always believed they were strictly made for Fords. Who knew? It's a rare piece you have there.

ChevyGirlRox · 10-25-2007, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moonglow2

Nice ride Chevygirl - of course I am a little bit prejudiced in favor of black chevy's

.

Being an oldtimer I have known about Rajo conversions since I was a teen but I always believed they were strictly made for Fords. Who knew? It's a rare piece you have there.

How did you get yours so low? I really don't want to bag or c-notch her. I really want to make her a taildragger!

**SanDiegoJoe** · 10-25-2007, 10:16 AM

Amazing car! What a lucky find... The trim, the paint, the striping - all too damn cool.

I'd vote for a simple lowering job, not a taildragger stance. Maybe I just see too many here in So. Cal.

Yo Baby · 10-25-2007, 10:24 AM

I'd like to think that car is a keeper.
As for the etched glass,how about modifying the etching into flames?
Just a thought.

raaf · 10-25-2007, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yo Baby

As for the etched glass,how about modifying the etching into flames?
Just a thought.

maybe someone can do a photoshop... but maybe a scallop kinda looking thing over the flowers. otherwise, gla$$ is not gonna be chea... well, you know.

but don't let the little things overshadow what you've got here. very nice car.

ChevyGirlRox · 10-25-2007, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raaf

maybe someone can do a photoshop... but maybe a scallop kinda looking thing over the flowers. otherwise, gla$$ is not gonna be chea... well, you know.

but don't let the little things overshadow what you've got here. very nice car.

That is kind of what I was thinking, some scallops for now. Make them thick in the corner where the flower is then thin them out down the vine part.

Don't worry, I'm not sweating it. It drives just fine with flowery glass!

leadsled01 · 10-25-2007, 01:42 PM

Hey, can those flowers be turned into a marijuana plant? LOL

**Squablow** · 10-25-2007, 01:46 PM

I'm with Nads on the second trunklid idea. Swapping the wheels, ditching the traction bars and an altitude adjustment all sound like great ideas as well. Other than that, I'd probably leave it.

Von Rigg Fink · 10-25-2007, 02:28 PM

awsome ..girl!
cool looking manifold 3 carb set up..sweet!
welcome to the 53 chevy owners world.
do whatever you want to her..you got the eye!

Moonglow2 · 10-25-2007, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChevyGirlRox

How did you get yours so low? I really don't want to bag or c-notch her. I really want to make her a taildragger!

Thanks. As it appears in my profile it had cut coils in front and 2 inch lowering blocks. Since that time I have bagged it and taken out 3 leafs in the rear and a mild three inch chop of the top.

KustomLincolnLady · 10-25-2007, 07:28 PM

Very nice Megan, Congratulations. I love the taildragger idea

gee I wonder why, lol
Don't drive it to much that way, you may get a nosebleed!!!

Cant wait to watch your progress on her

You luck into the best things, I tell ya!

ChevyGirlRox · 10-26-2007, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KustomLincolnLady

Very nice Megan, Congratulations. I love the taildragger idea

gee I wonder why, lol
Don't drive it to much that way, you may get a nosebleed!!!

Cant wait to watch your progress on her

You luck into the best things, I tell ya!

Your little custom girl is budding!
Nosebleeds are a big concern, I don't want to mess up my semi-furry white interior!
I can't wait to show her to you and Eye Candy!

10-22-2007, 03:28 PM	#1
ChevyGirlRox Old School HAMBer Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 3,046	My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! As many of you already know last week I was offered a 2dr 1953 Chevy BelAir with a very special Rajo conversion Six cylinder. Well, once I heard the crack of the exhaust Friday night when I went to look at it I knew I had to have it. I got to pick it up on Saturday. Here is picture of me and the former owner who built the car. He built the car 28 years ago. He showed in a lot of big shows back in the day and won a lot of trophies but really hasn't had it out lately. Here she is, the "Black Beauty" as he called her.... But the part of her that I love the most.... My Rajo conversion! This Rajo conversion includes the above pictured manifold and also a special head. He also gave me a lot of other really cool original letters, phamphlets and correspondence from Rojo to the guy that originally bought the conversion in December of 1953. According to the paperwork (I'll scan and post here over the next couple of days) the conversion was sold to a Sam Henry of Chester, PA. He paid the original price of $169.50. I also have receipts for machine work and gaskets. I'm dying to know what he drove that he first put the conversion on. Here are some more pictures of the car. Like I said, it was built 28 years ago so it is somewhat dated. I plan to change the stance of the car immensely but I plan to leave the old lacquer paint and the interior. The etched glass will either be replaced or "creatively" disguised! It even came equipped with its own period correct mural! And of course it's name, which I don't think I'll have the heart to remove... __________________ I can fly! Last edited by ChevyGirlRox; 10-22-2007 at 03:41 PM.

10-22-2007, 03:29 PM	#2
ChevyGirlRox Old School HAMBer Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 3,046	Re: I have a Rajo conversion...oh and a '53 Chevy! The car has a lot of pinstriping and even blue dots! My mom loves blue dots, it must be the era, she said to leave them! The car is a rust free Texas body, solid and straight as new. I really like the car because it is basically (minus the nose bleed ride height) stock in appearance. Even the dash The seats are basic black and white. Semi-furry but too comfy to change And even etched glass! Yikes! But, I was able to see thru all of that late 70s bling and love her for "what's on the inside" __________________ I can fly! Last edited by ChevyGirlRox; 10-22-2007 at 03:41 PM.

10-22-2007, 03:31 PM	#4
fur biscuit Old School HAMBer Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: corner of 23rd and Cutting Posts: 5,329	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! chevy girl rocks!?!?!?!? and a wee bit of altitude adjustment and wheel swap. __________________ "You can always find someone who has never been there to explain how easy it is".......Me

10-22-2007, 03:32 PM	#5
Foul Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Bennington, VT Posts: 586	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! the name can stay. The mural's gotta go, though. Same for the etched glass. __________________ Steve McQueen's got nothing on me. Last edited by Foul; 10-22-2007 at 04:20 PM.

10-22-2007, 03:35 PM	#6
young buck Grenade Inspector Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Navarre, OH Posts: 154	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! seen it today at work....nice ride needs lowered

10-22-2007, 03:37 PM	#7
hotrodladycrusr Alliance Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 17,072	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! The names gotta go too, will make it easier to resell. Those B's are screwed up anyway. __________________ Your topless cruzn buddy, Denise I need a set of '46-48 Oldsmobile headlight bezels.

10-22-2007, 03:41 PM	#8
THE235KID Old School HAMBer Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Canton, Texas Posts: 2,726	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! That engine is so puurrrrrrrdy __________________ 53 Chevy Chopped Full Custom 69 Camaro Drag Car 69 Chevy Factory Big Block Pickup

10-22-2007, 03:46 PM	#9
Nads Old School HAMBer Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Hypocrisy Posts: 8,298	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! That's incredible, I have never heard of the Rajo conversion, much less seen ome. It's in good hands. The muriel is a but much, you could always get another trunk lid and save it. A new set of wheels and tires and call it done. Congrats on getting a piece of history. __________________ Vigorous loofahing is the secret to good dental hygiene

10-22-2007, 03:52 PM	#11
RF Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Right in Front of You Posts: 1,838	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! I wouldn't touch the car one bit...well, except to put the hood back on after removing the engine and replacing with another 235 or a 350. I'd rather build something around that than redo the car it's in now, but that's just my two sense...

10-22-2007, 03:52 PM	#12
RatBone Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Ventura Highwayman Posts: 586	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! real cool! I love those years. I even like the hot rod stance of it! Awesome find! __________________ Adam C. Ventura Highwaymen 23 Hupmobile, 30 Big Block Model A, 38 Chevy Coupe "my tail lights are different shades of red cuz ones a 38 and ones a 39"

10-22-2007, 03:56 PM	#13
SinisterCustom Old School HAMBer Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Roy??? Wa Posts: 6,783	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! That's a nice "80's traditional" car......the wheels, paint, and little red wanna be -AN fittings in the engine compartment..... The engine mods were probably done wayyy before the "makeover".....never seen that setup before....VERY COOL!!! Are the carbs progressive??? Congrats on the car....I'm sure you'll make it "right"..... __________________ Pinstriping by Josh

10-22-2007, 04:06 PM	#14
53sled Old School HAMBer Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: KCMO Posts: 4,172	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! you're not still thinking of yanking the Rajo, are ya? Fer shame! __________________ Fiddle-dee-dee, That Will Require A Tetanus Shot

10-22-2007, 04:14 PM	#15
Rand Man Old School HAMBer Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Rogers, Arkansas Posts: 2,549	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! Looks like a sweet ride for a sweet Gal. I too would like to know more about the conversion. You might have a "one-of-a-kind" find. __________________ She's wearin' new colors and runnin' pretty good I got four hundred horses tucked under the hood.

10-22-2007, 04:16 PM	#16
touchdowntodd Old School HAMBer Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: milwaukee WIIIIII Posts: 3,642	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! DANG thats sweeet! __________________ WTB - 14" tru spoke, dayton, zenith, any wire reverse wheels

10-22-2007, 04:18 PM	#17
SUHRsc Alliance Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Harrisburg, PA Posts: 4,294	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! COOL!!!, glad you took the plunge!! __________________ www.SUHRsc.com WTB 39 Lincoln Zephyr bumper guards

10-22-2007, 04:21 PM	#18
oldbobsign Alliance Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Mokena, Illannoy Posts: 579	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! Way to go, Megan!!! Your lucky streak is unbelievable, you're really on a roll. I'll redo the trunk lid gratis if you ever decide to change the layout. __________________ None of them doing nothin' that your mama wouldn't disapprove. www.chicagobrushmasters.com

10-22-2007, 04:25 PM	#19
Lobucrod Alliance Vendor Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Springtown, Tx Posts: 2,390	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! That car belongs back in Texas! Sell it to me! It's just gonna rust now! __________________ Old fart going fast! EZ Cool Insulation www.lobucrod.com

10-22-2007, 04:28 PM	#20
Artiki Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brum... Posts: 1,866	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! What's the story with the head? (Sorry if that's been explained elsewhere and I missed it!) Which ports are being fed by the second intake...info like that? Got any dyno figures for it? Damn nice car, got a thing for '53's. I'm sure you know which bits need changing and which don't, so I won't add my opinions to everybody elses. __________________ www.flatheadmeltdown.com - Home of the world's quickest street flatheads and four-bangers.

10-22-2007, 04:30 PM	#21
myke Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Manchester, NH Posts: 1,975	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! Very nice car. Can't wait to see it updated...or wait...back dated. __________________ Who cares what other people think!

10-22-2007, 04:33 PM	#22
Road Runner Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: CA Mountain Desert Posts: 724	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! RIGHT ON - You got it ! Beautiful car and engine. I would drive it as is for a while and then change a few things to personalize it exactly to your taste. Love the hood bird - one of my favorite ornaments - I got one like it on my truck. Great find! That head/intake is really special and maybe the most unique setup on a running Chevy 6 driver, I have ever seen or heard about. Cool - dual intake plus one extra carb feeding each cylinder at the same time.... nobody else but Rajo thought of this and made it possible and available. How does it run - would you notice the conversion, without looking under the hood...? I wonder how it would start and run on a very cold morning. Do you know if the cam was custom ground to make full use of the extra fuel? __________________ On the road every day... 1948 Chevy Coupe - 261 1952 Chevy Truck - 235 Last edited by Road Runner; 10-22-2007 at 07:28 PM.

10-22-2007, 04:49 PM	#23
PBRmeASAP Old School HAMBer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Near Milwaukee, but my socks in Atlanta Posts: 4,058	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! Could you PLEASE post a few more motor pics! __________________ Sock Fuckers CC because we can do it ourselves http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7dc4vEgngQ&NR=1

10-22-2007, 04:59 PM	#24
Big Tony Alliance Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Lewisville Texas Posts: 3,194	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! Hot looking car...hot looking gal...what else...Congrats and great story. besure to post pics of new wheels if ya go that way. __________________ Big Tony Torques C.C. Texas Thaw Vintage Drags Feb. 26, 27, 2010 NorthStar Dragway, Denton Texas

10-22-2007, 05:07 PM	#25
fab32 Alliance Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Bay City, Mi. USA Posts: 9,663	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! Megan, i'm convinced you will do the right thing with this car, You've got terrific sense for this stuff. But consider this, what would be wrong with leaving the car like it is (except for the mural ) and just driving it, at least for the first year. You've just purchased a time capsule and I think it would be a kick to just drive and show it as is (as long as it runs and drives ok). I'm betting it will stir up some interesting conversations and you could have ball explaining to all of the "johnny- come- latelys" what the history of the car and engine are. The fact that your a girl will only add to the fun. Kinda like the '32 roadster you dug out of that oldtimers place. Which brings up another possibility. How about putting a hitch on the '53 and getting a single axle trailer to tow the '32 behind it? On second thought you might not want to put up with all of the marriage proposals. Frank __________________ "What we got here is failure to communicate" Last edited by fab32; 10-23-2007 at 10:44 AM.

10-22-2007, 05:15 PM	#26
xderelict Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: South Omaha Posts: 1,672	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! Pure 24 carat stovebolt gold, If anybody suggests a V8 for this you should tell them where they could stick it.That car is just a tad past as cool as it could be, and can be again.Great score. __________________ THANKS dickster27 at Dick's Hot Rod Place hawgrod at Shop#10 WTB 32 CHEVY GRILL SHELL

10-22-2007, 05:58 PM	#27
sololobo Alliance Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 2,035	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! Meggy girl, wet spot in my 501 blue jeans!! Sweet to the bone!! ATTA GIRL!!-Sololobo/Roadburners of Omaha

10-22-2007, 06:59 PM	#28
Aaron51chevy Alliance Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Auburn Hills, MI Posts: 1,657	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! Nice chevy Darlin! You gonna bring it to Autorama??? Very cool six, haven't seen one of those before. __________________ Aaron 1960 Chevy Brookwood 1949 Chevy Truck 1931 Ford Model A Coupe "It's not really your's unless you build it"

10-22-2007, 07:46 PM	#30
The37Kid Old School HAMBer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Ridgefield, Ct. Posts: 8,400	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! That is FAR BETTER than the picture I had in my mind when you made the original post! Nice find! Enjoy it as it is, swap out the wheels for some black steel ones, and some '56? Caddy caps.

10-23-2007, 07:20 AM	#33
lrs30 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Kentucky Posts: 1,209	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! I've got a perfect back window for you....If your looking to remove yours .Love the car.P.M. if interested in the rear window __________________ www.myspace.com/ampline

10-23-2007, 07:43 AM	#35
THAT MONSTER KID Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Preston, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA Posts: 506	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! clean!, nice score definately drop that sucker to mother earth, tastefully.

10-23-2007, 10:01 AM	#37
Terry Alliance Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Odessa, TX, USA Posts: 1,745	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! Congrats on what looks like a very nice car. I'm happy for you!! I've had 3 over the years, a cruizer, a gasser, and now .... I don't really know what to call it sense I was told it can't be a Hot Rod if it has fenders! LOL You'll find out as time goes by, they are solid good running, nice handleing cars. The kind of car that just seems to go no matter what ... no what I mean? Do with it what you want, and what makes it yours, and have fun! Hope some day we can park side by side and swap Rock Star stories. __________________ Terry 1954 Chevy Bel-Air If you break your arm in 3 places, don't go to those places anymore....

10-23-2007, 10:05 AM	#38
hotrodladycrusr Alliance Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 17,072	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! So it's starting to sound like your keeping it?? __________________ Your topless cruzn buddy, Denise I need a set of '46-48 Oldsmobile headlight bezels.

10-23-2007, 11:10 AM	#40
eliguzman Grenade Inspector Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: LEAGUE CITY, TX Posts: 237	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! you are one lucky girl...this car is in my dreams/nightmares!!!

10-23-2007, 11:44 AM	#41
Ole don Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 1,166	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! Way cool car, drop it and drive it. Make us old guys weep. If that sound could be bottled and sold, you would be set for life.

10-23-2007, 11:56 AM	#42
lrs30 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Kentucky Posts: 1,209	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! I also have a set of vent window's p.m. if interested.... __________________ www.myspace.com/ampline

10-23-2007, 01:56 PM	#44
Scotch Senior Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Belle Plaine, MN Posts: 1,462	Re: My new Rajo conversion...oh and '53 Chevy! Skirt it, slam it, and sand the silliness off it. Wide whites and sombreros would be awesome. You already know what it needs! If you could touch up that old lacquer, I'd encourage you to shave the emblems and door handles too. But, I've never heard of anyone being able to touch up lacquer effectively. And I have to agree with Denise...the "B"'s are screwy! LOL! No cool stickers I've ever seen could cover the etching on the windows. But, they do make the car look girly, and you ARE a girl...! Nice score! Dress her up right, and take her out! ~Scotch~ __________________ Horsepower Junkie My stuff: http://www.flickr.com/photos/1192966...7600938044102/