30 yr project

[cruzn57]

I've owned this for little over 30yrs, bought as a 100% stocker, ran when purchased, but needed some help.
somewhere I have pics from back then, but for now, this is how it looks.
was painted 5 yrs ago, new glass, & trim, bumpers were done 20 yrs ago, but were lousy job, and need it again.
I'm upgrading almost everything........
new wiring front to back from AAW wiring products.
New A/C & heat unit from Southern Air.
200r4 trans, in place of TH350.
engine is a 383 SBC,
new aluminum heads, intake, valve covers, water pump, starter.
new alum rad.
fresh paint in the engine compartment.
new carpet & padding
Hopefully new upholstery & head liner ( depends on $$$$)

here is where I'm at in the process, I took it apart 2-3 weeks ago, around the beginning of May.

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[cruzn57]

have got the motor back together, and mods to trans to work without a computer, and painted the engine compartment yesterday, working on electric and stereo.

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[Chris]

She is beautiful. I am looking for a 51 Ford pickup for my future project. I am getting closer to being done with the jeep so I can free up some space.

 

[Kelowna]

Holy crap, that is a beauty. Might you let me borrow it for a decade or two please.

 

[cruzn57]

thats what friends are for!
should I finish it first?
I installed the engine in 1996 and put 30 miles on it, so it obvious I don't drive it!

actually i sold all the other cars to concentrate on this and Buick GN

sold
33 Willy's coupe, 350/350
37 chevy sedan, 350/350
37 ford 2 dr slantback, 350/350
47 studebacker 1/2 tn PU all stock
Z06 corvette
9 sec Turbo Buick (still an V6)
60 El Camino , w/350/5spd
71 el camino w/96 LT1,

 

[Kelowna]

Oh yes you may finish it first.

 

[Chris]

So when do you plan on having it back on the road?

 

[cruzn57]

finishing paint touch up, fabrication of mounts for everything.
installing a/c, wiring, radio.
motor and new trans are ready to go back in now.
waiting on some parts,
I usually work on it every day, in the mornings when its cool , and nice to work.
it 97 here now ( almost 2pm) so time for ice tea, and nap, LOL
My goal is to have in running in 2-3 weeks, but most of my goals are easily broken,
I'll post pics in next few days of progress.
Thanks for asking !

 

[Chris]

Can't wait to see it driving down the road.

 

[cruzn57]

always can use 3RD hand.
every year I buy a 24 pack of beer, (usually around xmas time)
I still have 23 left, so stop by!

and we have deep well water too, (sweet and cool):thumbsup:

 

[Chris]

Only if I can bring my jeep and finish it up in your shop.

 

[cruzn57]

sure! always like company!

finished the eng compartment , clear coated.
did the rad side panels, and am mocking up the rad- a/c condenser- trans cooler

fitting the padding in the interior, and gluing it down.

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[Chris]

Did you buy a kit for the interior or are you doing it yourself?

 

[cruzn57]

the carpet came from Ciadellas,(in PHX) specific for 57 chevy.
seats and doors will go to upholstry shop,
WAY over my ability!!

was kinda warm today (98) so didn't do much,
I'm replacing the rear axle bearings, as they were leaking.
car has a ford/ lincoln - versaille rear , w/disc's all around.
I removed the bearings, but will have to have new pressed on, as my little
press wont handle it.

 

[Chris]

I have done a little upholstery work, My neighbor owns a shop and I try and learn what I can from him and the rest I just let him do in trade for beer. I have done two jeeps myself but when it comes to seats I can't even sew a straight line.

 

[Chris]

How is the car coming along?

 

[cruzn57]

slowly......
installed the radio, ( with out cutting up the dash) (has a remote , so no need to view the radio all the time)
Radio is hidden behind the "radio delete" cover, making a hinge setup now, ( hidden of course)
I fab up all the brackets and mounts & paint them ,prior to install.
now doing a/c mounts, and prefit all hoses,
also doing all the wiring......slowly of course.
thanks for asking,!

 

[Chris]

I need to keep gathering ideas for future projects of mine.

 

[Chris]

Is it running yet! Huh! Huh! Is it running.


I am like an impatient school kid.

 

[cruzn57]

last night,

then...
I woke up, BUMMER!
axles are at mach shop getting new bearings pressed on.

I have bags packed ,(if needed) my 80yr old aunt and uncle live in
Colo springs, and evacuation is 1/4 mi away!!!!
they say there ok, but its so smoky and I fear for them.
so I don't want to get into anything, in case I have to go.

I know ,, excuses! but family 1st!!!!!!!

Thanks for asking.