Great score, man I wish I could have found a setup for mine. Would have freed up so much time for other parts of the build.
Thanks for the good words on the build. Jared I'm more like an entry level butcher when it comes to sheet metal hah. Another wiggly floor piece down. Final stance is not set yet, but it will be more level then nose down when finished. I have a full 32 truck spring in the front with regular eyes still, so plenty of room for dialing it in.
"Final stance is not set yet, but it will be more level then nose down when finished. I have a full 32 truck spring in the front with regular eyes still, so plenty of room for dialing it in." Thanks - I'm sure it will look fantastic judging by the rest of the work - really enjoying and appreciate the detail in your thread.
Good progress. You might post your planishing hammer on the homemade tools thread. That is pretty slick!
Thanks guys, I really want to drive it in 17 just need to keep plugging away. This is the hammer setup, picked up a cheap table top one and cut it up. Used a piece of 1 1/2" conduit long enough so it would reach the center of the roof no problem. I'm working on the trunk floor now. Some poor planning early on is rearing its head now. Basically I unhooked the shackles to bottom the axle out on the frame in order to do a hump over the center section. But my spring hanger's hit the frame with about and inch to go. Walked away for the night and need to think about how to gain the clearance.
Got the trunk piece finished up, came out pretty good. Basically just made a piece up similar to a trailer fender and then filled the gaps front & back. And to remedy the spring hanger gusset clearance problem, I cut the gusset off and then bent some 3/16" 1 1/4" flat bar the the torch around the whole axle. It seems rugged, think it will be ok.
just read this ,heres a suggestion ,hang the hammer off a rafter with a set of springs ,and a cable springs like they use on the back of tractor cabs to hold the airlines and power line
Alright after doing those I beam spring hangers some wheel well clearance was needed. Had to move the middle and rear bead up for starters. Once that was fitting nice, got it all welded up. Got the seat buttoned up and made a release lever from the 47 column shifter. Next up was to get the gas tank mounted. Firewall under way, still need to make the side pieces to seal her up. Then onto the column drop. I just welded a sleeve inside the stock model A clamp to fit the F100 tube. Then 3/8" flat bar glued on and ground to shape. Front floor board/tunnel is next on the list.
Started making up some 3/4" box structure to build the floor on. Little tunnel action, this was the third attempt after trying to make the first two out of one piece. Started off by shaping some 3/4"X 1/8" flat with the gas axe. Anyone know what ratio to make the clutch pedal using direct linkage? I know these pedals stock had a bell crank also so it's different.
Made up this adapter to go to the amc master in using. Had to reshape the tubing on the passenger side to fit the e-brake but all worked out in the end. And finally made up the front floor out of some 16 gauge, just need to pop some holes in it for pedals etc. It's split up the middle so it all comes out for access under.
Absolutely love this build, the fact that its being built from a family garage with basic tools impresses me. I make most of my tools as I need them as well (just all part of what has to be done and very rewarding). I never stop learning from guys like you and the many others on this site, inspirational. Glen
Thanks man appreciate the good words, yeah trying to figure out how to get certain things done with basic hand tools is one of the more satisfying parts of this project to me.
Thanks to my buddy Jared for helping out on the take down / inspection of the 425. She'll be off to the machine shop soon for a little work. I bought this NOS Stant replacement cap on eBay and made up a flange to mount in between the deck lid and rear window.
Rolled her out for some fresh air after the long winter we had in New England. Lows 60's today felt great. Very happy with the proportions etc, but I think the front needs to come down an inch. I might try to reverse my original 32 main leaf.
Lowered the front about an inch by removing a couple leafs and slight de-arch on the main and second leaf. I think it's good, just a little rake.
I'm just seeing this, and I really like it. I would love to hear that nailhead fired up. I have a buddy with a 53 Buick with the original engine, and they sound great. And this later one has a lot more cubes! Is this a full rebuild of the engine, or just a refresh? What all are you replacing and machining? Very cool build. I miss the pinstriped grill shell though, haha!
Thank man, unfortunately the engine needs a bit of work. Definitely an overbore due to pitting in cyl 1. Deck the block and heads. Some custom JE forged pistons, Schneider cam, adj pushrods etc all new bearing stainless valves etc. I was going to have the heads ported but I really don't think it's worth the investment.
Pulled the body today, not quite done but very close on the sheet metal. Up next is to build the exhaust, mount a battery, brake lines and mount rear shocks. Hopefully have it in paint in the near future. Got a start on one header, still more to go on it but this is the direction.
Exhaust all tacked up, will do the tail pipes after the body is back on. Started off with finding a decent spot for the muffler to live. 26" long steel pack mufflers. Connecting the dots now 2.5" from collector back. Drivers side was more tricky because of the side steer and drivers side starter. Had to go under and come back up.
The Jalopy Journal
