Projects 1953 Chevy 4 door low budget build.

Reminds me of my first build, 54 Pontiac! super low budget built it about 9 years ago.

 

It's great to see the kids involved.

 

Finally got to put in some serious hours this week. 2 coils out of the front and 3" blocks out back. Looks fantastic

 

Ain't it grand!
Expect it to settle a bit more, with some road miles.
The rear shock length stays the same, but you you'll do well to replace the front shocks with some shorter ones.
A front end alignment is also in order.

IMHO, split pipes would complete the short "to-do" list. The rest is gravy.

 

Settling a bit more wouldn't be such a bad thing. I replaced the front shock. The rear will probably have to wait.

 

IMHO, split pipes would complete the short "to-do" list. The rest is gravy.[/QUOTE]

I've heard this term a lot and i think I get it but just in case what is it. I'm assuming 2 pipes running from the engine back as opposed to the stock 1 into 2.

 

I've heard this term a lot and i think I get it but just in case what is it. I'm assuming 2 pipes running from the engine back as opposed to the stock 1 into 2.[/QUOTE]

Just right! Here is an earlier post ("Double your pleasure"). There were a few "Amen"s ("Likes").



True "Splitting" not only gives twin outlets, but includes a baffle inserted into the manifold, to separate the exhaust pulse between the two outlets. The result is more HP, and a truly unique exhaust tone. Fenton (or RED"S) headers will accomplish the same.

 

I'm not sure if anyone will see this question but just out of curiously would splitting with the part above also be the route to go if I wanted to run lake pipes. I'm nowhere near that point yet just thought I'd ask.

 

Not that I'm any expert or anything, but since nobody else answered...yes.

 

Car looks really good! The split manifold or headers make the six sound GREAT!Well worth what they cost.

 

Nice job on the car! If you decide not to use the teeth ill gladly take them off your hands I'm also from north of the border.

 

I have a 54 and think the 53 grille and taillight a look better, maybe because I see the 54 stuff used so often(?).
You think the kids are smiling now? Wait till you split the exhaust.

 

That part is the stock exhaust manifold with a 2nd outlet added.
Note that in uses the stock heat riser to the intake manifold.

A simple (but costlier) solution would be to use cast iron headers (Fentons, Williams, et.al.), with a separate intake-heat-plate kit (readily available).
Avoid the cheap tubing style headers, as they can interfere with the parking brake mechanism.

 

Just a few more pics of how it Sits now.

 

Looking good!

 

My roof got whiter.


Just white spray paint but it is low budget. Need another coat but looks pretty good

 

Looks good. Low budget builds are all about doing the best you can with what you have.

 

Low budget builds are the heart and soul of what hot rodding really is. Learning skills and doing most of the work yourself is the spirit that built car culture. Many people forget that. Keep up the good work and continue to enjoy yourself.

 

Thanks man. I'm glad some people think like this.

 

I like the roof color.I think most of us think like that Paintspill.

 

You seem to pick up stuff pretty quick judging by the progress you've made. You might consider finding some cheap "real" paint and giving it a go with a spray gun.

Keep chipping at it, Cool seeing you and the kids working and the project together.

 

Just stumbled onto this thread, (I was searching for some different pot metal rods) I got caught up in it and read it through. Kudos on everything I read so far! I hear you on the kids, job and life in general taking time away from projects, but by having your kids help, you are building great memories.

The following is sound advice as you live Up North:

Whichever route you take, be sure and incorporate carb heat. Many years ago, I put a performance intake manifold that lacked the stock exhaust heat features and had long exposed intake runners on an off-topic car, and completely lost all low temperature driveability, ( I am near Chicago). Additionally, around 30 degrees (F) the carb would sometimes ice up and stall, which is always exciting in Chicago traffic. Eventually, I was able to jury-rig a heated air intake from a cobbled up heat stove to cure the icing, but it still wouldn't run worth a damn below 30 degrees, and took forever to warm up.

 

Car is looking great so far & now I know what those headlight rings are from, I picked up a pair for $10 at the swap meet & put them on my 52 dodge 4dr which is also a low buck build.

 

Thanks guys. Sadly the cold weather is coming and I don't see too much getting done. But collecting parts and ideas over the winter will be fun. I may have also scored a "new" set of brake lights for a super price. Those I can put on in the cold. I'm also planing on smoothing my bumpers.

 

Got them. Time to start the winter parts box. I

 

What a difference those lenses make !

 

Watching...glad I'm not the only one wrenching on a mordoor and trying to make her pretty with spray paint...

 

I don't understand the hatred of the more door nailhead. Going to check yours out.

 

I really don't either...

 

I like the toothless look, too. I'd love to see the grille bar Scotch Brited and without the center tooth.