Projects Glass '32 5 Window

Still on a high from running my small block. Definitely got my juices following, I can’t wait to get more done! Details are next. Bought some late 60’s spark plug wire retainers and installed them. Holds the wires away from the headers. Now for some brackets on the back side of the heads and the ignition wires will be complete! Had to mount my tachometer on the column. Modified the mount to fit the column diameter. Worked great!! Next thing is to get the hydraulic system in place to operate the throw out bearing!

 

Ran the engine again yesterday, all went great except the temp! So I ordered a Northern radiator shroud kit. Any body ever fab and install one? My big question is how much clearance do you need between the fan and shroud ring? 1/2” too close? I am using a hurst style front mount, so engine roll is minimal. Just googled it, they say 1” from fan to shroud and 1” from fan to radiator!

 

I used TRI five Chev reproduction plug wire looms on back of block. Bolted on 350 crate. Modified them to get the look I wanted.

It was a three piece set. I made the fourth piece so both sides were similar.

Similar to this, but I'm sure I spent a lot less on ebay.
https://www.classicchevy.com/chevy-...grommet-set-small-block-1956-57-134502-1.html

 

I had a set of retainers that bolt on the rear lower block behind the head. Shortened them, drilled a hole, and gave them a 90 degree twist. Bolted them on the back of my modern heads and ran the wires. Works great!

 

Read the Northern Radiator Shroud install instructions. They recommend 1” to 1.5” clearance, fan to shroud . Guess I will try 1”, if it hits I can always make it larger. Hope it cools her off a bit! Time will tell!!

 

A proper size shroud should help cooling.

 

Yeah, I am sure it will cool her off a bunch. I have a bead roller to make it my shroud. Some detail will make it interesting. Next comes the hydraulic systems, clutch and brakes! Finishing up the hand brake this week.

 

Well the car will finally stay
where I put it! Finished up the handbrake mount and installed the handle. Put the seat in and gave it a tug! Works great, next comes the clutch hydraulic system and then I can check out the tranny, see if I got that together correctly. Ordered 3/16” stainless tubing and fittings from eBay! Brakes are next. Lots to do!!

 

Don't forget to put the fittings on before flaring!

 

Been there, done that!! Thanks for the reminder.

 

Been awhile, finished the shroud mach up, fabricated a removable section in the lower ring. Take out the screws, unbolt fan, and slide the entire shroud out without removing the radiator! Ring is also removable and adjustable for blade exposure, if it is needed!

 

Nice fab work on that shroud!

 

The fan blade should be 1/3 in 2/3 out of the shroud for the best Cooling.

 

Thanks I hope it keeps her cool!

 

I have 1/3 of the aft blades showing. I plan to install it and give her a run, eye on the temp!! I made it so I can put spacers under the ring mount to adjust the amount of blade to optimize the cooling!

 

Put the shroud on, do not need the 1” fan spacer and I do have 1/3 of the aft blades out of the shroud. The nice part is now the fan bolts on easily to the water pump and pulley with the spacer removed. Lots of room for my hands. Time to tighten it up and give it a try! I have 3/4” of clearance. See how that turns out?

 

Ran her for 35 minutes, stayed at 190 to 200! Shroud made a huge improvement in cooling! One more issue eliminated what’s next? Might put in a 180 thermostat, it’s got a 195 in now. Time for the fuel line to the tank and hydraulics to the throw out bearing.

 

Installed a new 180 degree thermostat, Prestone anti rust and water pump lube and topped off the coolant. Installed silicone valve cover gaskets and tightened everything up. Ran her for 30 minutes, temp stayed right on 180. No leaks and 55 psi oil pressure at temp! Next I plumb in the throw out bearing and find out if I assembled the super T 10 correctly!

 

Working on the fuel line from tank to pump and thinking about the electrical stuff. What’s an appropriate horn for my 32??

 

With all the idiots on the road these days, get something really loud.

 

Sound advice, no pun intended!!

 

I used 2 highway blasters high and low tone, very loud

 

All is going well, starting in on the front brakes. I have a question but don’t know where to get the answer. Must all 4 wheel brake cylinders be the same bore size? Help!!

 

With drum/drum brakes I've found it easier to get front/rear balance if the brake cylinders are very near the same diameter.
I'd also suggest the master cylinder be similar.

 

Sound advice, I have a John’s Industries Buick finned rear drums and brake kit, guess I will call their tech line to find out what size the back wheel brake cylinders are, or I can pull one apart and find out what they are. I am buying front cylinders and they are 1 3/8” bore, plus I have 40 Ford master cylinders! They have a 1” bore, this could get interesting!! Thanks

 

Finally have the master cylinders plumbed in. Had to cut 1/4” of material off at the pressure port to allow the banjo fitting to engage enough threads. Made a holding jig for the master cylinder to use the base on my metal chop saw to get a square cut! Seems to have worked so far. Leak check will tell the whole story! Used 3/16” stainless tube with stainless b nuts and ferrules! Borrowed a flare
tool from a friend, mounts in a vise and has a rotating head with all the tools! Worked great!! If interested the inboard cylinder is for brakes outboard is clutch hydraulic throw out bearing.

 

Welded up the exhaust, smoothed it out and painted them black! My wife says it is still too loud. Saw some baffles and spiral tubes that I could install in the 3” tailpipes. Anybody ever try any of those baffles, if so which would you recommend?

 

It would be my pleasure!!! Your not that far away, that would be a fun trip! With any luck , she will be on the road next spring. Plan to check her out, then disassemble for paint and details! After that deal the sky will be the limit! I plan to drive the heck out of her!! Thanks for the comments, haven’t had too many downers lately. I am 73, just had a physical, long story short my doc said she hopes she’s in as good a shape when she’s my age!! Guess I can thank my lovely wife for that. P.S. I take no meds!!