Posted 2017-04-30 10:34 PM (#539179) Subject: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Got this from Missouri, no one was buying it because it had front windshield, passenger and rear windows smashed out. I just happened to have all three of those sitting at home so i bought it.
Engine was froze up as the plugs were out of this and it sat forever. Complete car though and not too horrible. Floors are intact except some holes.
I got a 392 hemi out of a 57 chrysler along with the power steering and brakes.
Got the fenders done, hood and trunklid ready to go in primer. The hemi needs the heads done but the bottom is all wrapped up.
I will paint and restore the whole front clip now that the engine is gone and out. I have many nos parts for this car.
Posted 2017-05-02 6:02 PM (#539305 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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more pics, dash is kinda ragged but I have all new gauges and speedo\wheel... got torsion bar bolts off also final disassembly of the front suspension... Obviously I have some floor work to do and inner/outer rockers.
Posted 2017-05-02 8:04 PM (#539320 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Looks like you are a little faster than me in rebuilding your motor. Mine has stalled for what seems like ages. Your car almost looks like an exact replica of mine, one year earlier. Is that a green interior color or more of an aqua? Looks like you did a great job on that patch. It's pretty nice to get that crispy section outta there. Now you just need to do the cleanup work on it.
Posted 2017-05-03 6:20 PM (#539402 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Aqua interior, the fenders are all cleaned up and in primer, hood and trunk is in primer also. These trunks suck... so much rust hidden down in the corners. I touched it with the welder and it kept going forever... Eventually I got it solid. filled the trunk with Por15 and under the hood.
Today, polished antennas, took off lower control arm nuts, took off front lower control arm stabilizer bar nuts and bars, shocks off also. Ive been spraying the torsion arms. This car comes apart underneath because it had a front crank oil leak, the engine had constant oil spray so it was a nightmare to clean but once the gunk is off its a dream.
Posted 2017-05-14 10:42 PM (#540036 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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one set of rockers cleaned and ready to go. Put on Stanke collars and shafts.
Shafts 240$ and collars 131$ shipped
got lifters also. 110$
Working on valley cover and intake manifold.
I am trying to lose weight on this engine. The intake manifold alone is a ton(if I lose starter, alternator and intake manifold weight I should be good).
I was worried about the torsion bars but I have been doing some research and I should be fine. I think our torsion bars are overkill on the size.
They only broke from production issue/damage typically. I think chrysler said make them so they would last and they did.
Posted 2017-05-15 10:48 AM (#540061 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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I agree, there isn't any real danger of your t-bars breaking with the extra weight, but your car just won't handle very well because it will be under-sprung. Supposedly, the 325 poly is around 610 lbs and the D500 at 645 lbs, with the 392 at 740lbs. So you would need to lose 130 lbs to break even with the poly motor. The aluminum intake will get you 35 lbs and the starter and alternator will get you probably 10-15lbs each (I didn't measure it). So you won't be able to get down to the poly weight unless you get a set of aluminum heads; but you will definitely feel the benefit of losing the 60-70 or so lbs you have planned. Especially the intake & alternator because of how high they sit on the car. If you take the time to put a good sway bar under it, the extra weight won't have as bad of an effect on the car. When I put a 331 hemi into my '56 Savoy, the handling was noticeably worse, but after swapping to a larger Chrysler sway bar, it made it a lot more manageable. But my '58 Dodge doesn't have any sway bar in it at all.
Your exhaust rockers look too short, but it is probably just the angle they are in.
Posted 2017-05-15 5:38 PM (#540093 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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I think I can save a little more with the headers and exhaust system. I might be using the Holley EFI carb also.
I don't really think I can lose any more weight easily? any other ideas. Light weight fan? I do have a big block aluminum water pump that's probably 5 lbs off. That alternator is very heavy...
I will be running 4 wheel discs but that is unsprung weight. Adding the sway bar will up the weight. I will weigh my starter and alternator.
Posted 2017-05-15 7:15 PM (#540096 - in reply to #540093) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Swapping to an aluminum 727 will shed weight as well, if you are planning on that. But I don't think they changed the bars when going to the D500, so you really only need to lose a total of 100 lbs to be close to stock D500 configuration. I'm not sure what savings the trans will give you, but I imagine it should easily get you another 40lbs.
Posted 2017-05-15 10:11 PM (#540106 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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The car should have come with a cast iron 3 speed Torqueflite or cast iron 2 speed Powerflite. The bell housing is aluminum, but the rest of the trans is cast iron. If you install a push-button 727 aluminum trans from '62-'65, then you will shed some weight in doing so. But you would need to use an adapter from HotHeads because the crank position is different starting in '62.
Posted 2017-05-18 10:33 PM (#540374 - in reply to #540371) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Installing spark plug seals is a good investment. Otherwise, every time you remove a plug to check how the motor is running or whatever, it is covered in oil. Also when the motor first starts, it burns a lot of the oil that drained into there. Just saves some headache, but does make it more difficult to remove the tubes if you need to.
How much clearance did you put between those collars and the rocker arms?
Posted 2017-05-21 10:56 AM (#540504 - in reply to #540106) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Powerflite - 2017-05-15 9:11 PM
If you install a push-button 727 aluminum trans from '62-'65, then you will shed some weight in doing so. But you would need to use an adapter from HotHeads because the crank position is different starting in '62.
Crank & bell pattern changes. I like the adaptor that Quality Engineered Components ("Wayfarer" here on the Board) sells. It's a horse shoe style, HH & Wil-Cap are full circle style & have to be done before putting on the engine oil pan.
Posted 2017-05-21 6:13 PM (#540539 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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yeah that 40 lbs is desirable but not worth it I think, that's a lot of work and cash(just trying to find the part).
My torsion bar is good, the 2000 dual piston calipers are a no go and I painted all my suspension parts.
I am going to have to have the lower control arm bushings pressed out, its impossible to force the issue.
Next up frame cleaning and prep for por-15/silverbullet.
I like silver bullet a lot better lately. it dries faster so it doesn't run forever. Por15 had bad coverage and ran forever. A day later and my jar is still runny, I had some runs I didn't like and had to put two coats just to get full coverage.
Silver bullet was better. I think I'm going with it from now on.
Posted 2017-05-21 8:58 PM (#540551 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Dodge moved to a different caliper "mid 99" larger bolt, bigger distance between bolts, not happening at all. I thought that was a long shot.
If you want dual piston I would go with aaj. Depending upon rim size I can use the 1500, 2500 or 3500HD 94-99 dodge trucks. That 3500 Caliper could stop a train but its still single piston. At that point only abs would help.
I will be doing a performance test on my car when I'm done to see how fast I can stop without locking them up.
There is still the option of the GM Calipers but I doubt that will be any different.
I bought some "58" torsion bar rubber covers so they will no longer rust
I got my hot heads hemi 4 barrell intake manifold, i think im going with the Holley sniper EFI
Posted 2017-06-03 12:25 AM (#541427 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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okay two coats of rust bullet on the lower control arms. I'm looking for a new torsion bar.
tomorrow I start cleaning the frame in prep for painting on putting it back together. I need to get the trans out.
I also picked up some aluminum "pro-forged" tie rod adjusting sleeves instead of the moogs. 59$ from summit but nice and wont hold water, rust, stronger etc. picked up Timken bearings for the hubs also at summit racing.
Posted 2017-06-05 9:00 PM (#541589 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Good luck, Jessica is hard to keep up with! The first thing I do with those grinders is to remove the guard. They really get in the way when you are using a wire wheel, and they cause a lot of drag on it. Too bad really, because they could potentially keep those little wires from flying off into your pants otherwise, if they were just a little bit bigger in size. But I have found they cause more problems than they solve.
Posted 2017-06-06 11:28 AM (#541613 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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those are the Stanke rocker arm shafts, I didn't want to fight cleaning mine.
240$ a set on ebay.
NEW 331/354/392/Donovan Rocker Shafts
TOTALLY NEW Early Hemi Rocker Shafts. These Shafts are made from Hardened Steel, Ground to Exact Spec, and Hardened by a "Melonite Nitride QPQ" Treatment.
These Hemi Shafts offer a NEW improved oiling system. Shafts are designed for ALL EARLY HEMI/417 Donovan applications, including Nostalgia Top Fuel.
Posted 2017-06-08 6:59 PM (#541820 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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parking brake was a pita to get off... cleaned up the pan but I need to sandblast it. Started rough scraping on the trans. I need to get the pan on it before I can really start cleaning up the trans. I hope to paint it tomorrow.
Posted 2017-06-15 12:15 AM (#542162 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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unhooked shifter cable... people say "pop the spring off"... not... it was froze up good, I got it off eventually but no way was it just coming off. almost finished and ready for final paint.
Got my sandblasted parts back 1 fender liner, core support, hemi head covers, a 58 plymouth bumper cover, 57 dodge front upper grill support with hood latch for 134$ out the door.
Posted 2017-06-16 11:30 PM (#542317 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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too dang hot, didn't have the right engine paint for the transmission, got the right paint today, only got the bellhousing done, it goes back together tomorrow and final paint.
I need to check seals also.
You can eat off the bell housing and it sounds like an actual bell.
Posted 2017-06-23 4:55 PM (#542734 - in reply to #540551) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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mikes2nd - 2017-05-21 7:58 PM
Dodge moved to a different caliper "mid 99" larger bolt, bigger distance between bolts, not happening at all. I thought that was a long shot.
If you want dual piston I would go with aaj. Depending upon rim size I can use the 1500, 2500 or 3500HD 94-99 dodge trucks. That 3500 Caliper could stop a train but its still single piston. At that point only abs would help.
I will be doing a performance test on my car when I'm done to see how fast I can stop without locking them up.
There is still the option of the GM Calipers but I doubt that will be any different.
Posted 2017-06-25 12:35 AM (#542815 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Hmm interesting, expensive but I will check them out.
new seals in trans, cleaned trans hardware, cleaned other head and started putting springs/valves back in, painted, painted valve covers and wire covers.
Picked up comp cams break in oil from summit, VHT paint from autozone.
Posted 2017-06-26 11:24 PM (#542943 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Looks good. I wish mine was that far along. Just a warning that you may have trouble fitting those spark plug wire covers under your master cylinder. Is that hole in the back of the valley pan for the oil fill? How are you going to set that up? The checkered flags on it remind me of the '56 D500 emblem. Cool. Only yours will be a D502
Posted 2017-07-23 11:35 PM (#544703 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Dash out... gonna rebuild this harness on this sucker I guess also! I do like the video on youtube of the guy doing his Plymouth. dash is going to the sandblaster, brake assembly will be replaced with a power steering one.
I have new guages and speedo all ready to go, so that part will be easy, new steering wheel...
Posted 2017-08-05 10:43 PM (#545659 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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I spun the oil pump on the hemi to build oil pressure tonight also.
Next up, rust bullet black shell tomorrow.
Then rebuild entire front end, buy calipers that fit and pads
put in power steering after I clean out the floor pan area so I can steer it put doors fenders and hood on it(temporarily), take it to dmv to get out of state paper. Get it titled.
lift it off the frame and get to cutting and welding.
Posted 2017-08-07 10:12 AM (#545748 - in reply to #545747) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Agreed. Even with my stock 325, there is a huge difference in handling between my '58 DeSoto with a sway bar and the '58 Dodge without one. Probably not what you want to hear right after painting it all up. I am going to fab the brackets for mine as soon as I get the New Yorker running.
Posted 2017-08-16 12:47 PM (#546340 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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I like the AAJ, it came with bolts and I would probably spend just as much looking for a 77 scrap car, I am replacing all the bolts with new grade 8 stuff(the bumper bracket bolts were the big expense..).
Posted 2017-08-20 12:42 AM (#546559 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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getting closer to putting it back on the ground then I can hook it to the hauler and take it to the new garage for welding up the floors/body cleanup/paint.
Im goign to have to cut that stablizer bar bracket adn weld it back up so i can get the bushings in on the ends. I got the others in fine.
Posted 2017-08-25 1:00 AM (#546968 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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its on the ground. Now to clear it out and get it rolling. the cowl area is good, doesnt need welded, just needs a good cleaning and rust bullet... thatll save me a day or two.
I need to get the drive shaft out, ill drop the tank also, get it boxed up and ready to go to other garage for welding on the body/rest of the frame finish.
Posted 2017-09-27 9:39 PM (#549316 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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getting dash ready for new seam sealing and primer/paint, front passenger floorpan is in, rocker finishes up soon. I'm pushing hard to get the body done before winter... starting putting in ALOT of time.
I don't like the design for the water routing on these cars, it routes the water down the front of the firewall? Any bit of seam sealer fail and you car is litterally full of water. its always best to use a solid pan and route the water outward.
The FWL cars dont do that, they seem to route out those two holes(and the water sits in the "lip" just waiting to rust through and spill water down inside the car...\
I went with the Schott rockers and they are in town(local pickup), way better than the other cruddy junk. My floorpans come with a lip so im triple thick there with the lip and my floorpans are thick also.
I need to grind down the welds and seamseal and paint up the floors. Finish drilling the holes for the support underneath.
Posted 2017-09-27 10:29 PM (#549318 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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You have an earlier car like my '57 New Yorker. '57's made later in the year changed those drains to have 2 flanges with holes in them to hold the drain tubes, and the bottom lip is lower so it drains better and doesn't collect so much dirt and mud.
Posted 2017-09-28 10:24 PM (#549376 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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okay which way does the heater diverter spring push to? toward the bottom and default out the defroster? or up and let the air at the feet? I assumed it pushes down.
I think it took 6 hours to refurb that darn contraption. I stuck new rubber on the flapper and I'm not even done yet. I noticed the 58 Plymouth uses a steel flapper and it will rust.
Posted 2017-09-29 9:44 PM (#549433 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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It pushes up to default to "inside the car"... finally finished this beast... I think restoring this took more time than welding a fricking floorpan in... yeesh...
I used foam board and gorilla tape(this stuff is insane). You can put this tape through the wash multiple times and it wont come off and I didn't want to try to start stapling this thing again.
I enhanced it a bit with newer rubber and other materials, lubed everything, touched it up, better than new and wont mold like the paper backing it had before.
Posted 2017-10-04 4:53 PM (#549765 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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I have 3m seam sealed and tested for leaks around the trouble areas. I welded a few spots. I did find a tiny pinhole in the air intake area... I saw rust bullet flow inside the car.
My cowl backside was pretty good, just a few pinholes, i will re-seam seal that whole area also so water can sit inside that area ever again.
the 3m stuff is great.
now I will dynamat the front firewall inside and a put in new padding once I rust bullet the inside. Then the dash can start going back in...
Posted 2017-11-04 10:56 PM (#551654 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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drivers side floor is done and rocker is welded in up top, I will do a final cut then tack in the bottom tomorrow. I really need to get this body done asap.
test fitting the pulleys.
I am going to have to figure out these brackets. No AC but I need power steering and alternator.
I think I'm going to have to go high on the passenger side with the alternator. I would like to keep it down low but I will see.
Posted 2017-11-13 12:30 AM (#552131 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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I cut the bumper off, those bolts were pretty much fused on and the bumper has a rust hole in it, it actually doesn't look bad but theres was a bad spot.
Most chromers wont give a core charge for it so its probably scrap, I used the square grind trick.
Back of the car isn't bad, got some soft spots in the trunk to handle and of course the trunk drops needs replaced. I'm pushing hard to get the body done before winter. I want to rebuild over the winter in the garage, I only have a few weeks left.
Posted 2017-11-21 9:33 PM (#552892 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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frame has Rust Bullet first coat, one more rust bullet coat and then the black shell goes on.
I actually added some more "drain" holes, after power washing the frame, I realized Chrysler doesn't really provide adequate drainage on its frames, so I drilled some low access drain holes and a couple at the ends of the rear upper shock support bar... water was pooling in there, no longer with my car and I put some rust blast in there where I could and jacked the frame back and forth to move it, I doubt I got it all though. I wonder if someone has a dip rust proofing bath? hah that wouldn't be cheap
Posted 2017-11-30 12:14 AM (#553413 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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rear floor pan, It just cut the whole thing out to make it easy. I could have patched it but in the end I said screw it and redid the whole thing which was easier. Passenger side is a lot better so I will figure that out.
May just do a smaller patch, seems like they rot around the upper bracket. and down in the well on the floor. those stiffening slots caught water a lot it seems.
Posted 2017-12-04 11:01 PM (#553720 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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holy crap I'm grinding and cleaning... dirt and dust and crap everywhere outside... one more good day.
Ive got the underneath cleaning going, the trunk sections I need to replace mostly cut out. Trunk drops are pending and lower quarter pieces after the cleanup happens, I hope to have the entire up and down front cowl done tomorrow. I can finish welding in the garage when its warm, getting underneath rustbulleted and rustproofed.
Posted 2017-12-17 11:36 PM (#554522 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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putting trunk drops in to keep the shape, the C2C kind of do the job, I still need to build the patch in the front, I am replacing more metal than I thought I would but I don't willy nilly patch, I am doing most of the edges.
I still need to trim the big hole but I wanted to get the side supported, I will trim the rusty stuff back and make a big patch. I will then grind and wire wheel it all before painting.
Posted 2017-12-28 9:24 AM (#555113 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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cut out more of that bad rust, all cleaned up. I am near to finishing, drivers side trunk was the bad side.
My main objective is get this car done underneath/coated and get the car back on the frame, ill finish the cleanup and paint on the frame.
its fricking like 10 degrees... not going to be fun outside removing the leftover undercoating with a wire wheel in that weather. inside the wheel well I swear its a half inch thick.
Posted 2017-12-28 11:57 AM (#555120 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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My '58 Dodge had undercoating on the inside floors and was really disgusting. Looks like they just dumped it in there with a pail. It was really lumpy and at least 1" thick in places. It was still in good shape, but I chiseled out a bunch of it just to make the floor less lumpy. Being in S. Cal, I don't miss those winters at all. It's supposed to be 80 degrees today. I used to dream of working in a big shop with a good wood burning stove in the middle of it. Now I dream of having enough space to be able to work in the shade.
Wow, the dry ice works great. You might be able to use some plastic sheets, cut pieces of a round plastic trash can for example, duct taped on three sides inside the wheel well to create pockets that you could pack with the ice. Or fill a disposable pie tin (cobbler tins are rectangular) with ice and mash & hold it in a section at a time. Scraping the inside of a curve upside down doesn’t sound so fun.
Posted 2018-01-27 11:34 PM (#557072 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Since I am going with a Holley Sniper EFI carb setup. I picked up some EFI fuel hose, a holley post and pre filter setup.
I already have a external fuel pump ready. So I basically have this kit.
I will run the feed from the hose in the tank and the return down the fill tube.
Posted 2018-01-28 10:13 PM (#557137 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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last little bit to weld inside... now to start the "grinding" and cleaning... Rust bullet and seal sealing and the final painting and undercoating.
I have to get under the car and wire brush/scrub, grind a bit. The car must go on the body this week as I have a few days off until back to work full time... uhg... must get done!
Posted 2018-02-02 1:04 AM (#557367 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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so I am pondering "seats" I think I restore an original set and a "long distance driving set". A modern comfortable bench seat from like 2011 ford or dodge pickup with a center seat(almost a bench).
I will get them in the same vinyl color to match. I am hunting seats now.
fords look like this, that center part goes up to reveal a center seat. its one unit.
Posted 2018-03-11 12:28 PM (#559660 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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so im back outside for a while. Someone had backed into the lower front quarter panel and the arch was kind of bashed in and It wasn't playing nice so I had a patch, I didn't have the original arch so I used this one to get the perfect original shape back. It was kind of hard to just build it in mid air, so I will cut the rust off this and rebuild it using the original arch piece and I replace the large flat area. It actually creased the lip...
you can see it in the original pictures. I have to be very careful with the heat. took me a while to tempate the other side and get this perfectly lined up, I got it lined up the 4 try and said screw it, tack it in quick before it shifts again so i didnt have time to scuff the paint on the tacks... i have to recut around the patch, you can see my original placement was off and sucky. So i will slice again and butt weld it. Then i cut out the rust and the bottom off and merge into the lower rocker already in place.
From the driverrocker picture you can see i had most of the damage pounded out and rust cut out but I later looked and the angle wasnt perfect, the lip was pushed in too much then i remembered i had a spare quarter panel
Posted 2018-03-16 2:02 AM (#559984 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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took forever... cooling every weld. Had to be super careful. seriously this was probably 6 hours getting in.
I still have some more clean up around the edge, get the final patch in front and back and I have to be careful whenever im welding anything here still, constantly cooling.
Posted 2018-03-16 10:56 AM (#559997 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Nicely done. Yes that panel is a bear to weld. It does help if you have the bottom & lip area loose so that you weld those parts in last, but even then, it really wants to warp on you. Since you can't really get to the backside of the panel, going slow is the best you can hope for.
Posted 2018-04-01 11:00 PM (#560919 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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finishing painting underneath and in trunk, put down some sound deadening in trunk.
ran the brake lines...
Pushing hard to get this car back on the frame finally now that winter is starting to ease up... sheesh... once thats done i can get back to antennas... frame and body sitting around is a big headache.
Posted 2018-04-27 11:58 PM (#562401 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Are you sure you don't have the mounts rotated toward the front that would effectively move it backward? Also, are you sure you have the right mounts on the proper sides of the motor? One side is offset, and the other isn't.
You could have swapped to a push button 727. That would give you an extra 4" or so, even with the 1" adapter added, so you might come pretty close to the right spot without cutting anything.
Posted 2018-04-28 2:14 AM (#562406 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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yeah I quadruple checked and quadruple checked again, the hemi with its trans is just a bit longer. I put the mounts on at maximum forward to get the engine as far forward as possible.
I don't have to worry about space up front since im running an electric fan.
I have the trans off the 325 dodge(its shorter, not sure where it ends up) but I wanted the extra umph from the hemi trans.
Posted 2018-04-28 9:33 PM (#562453 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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quadruple checked again, the passenger mount was "binding" and wasn't allowing the engine to go through 100 straight. The back was turned a bit toward the drivers side.
I removed the straight mount on the passenger side and utilized the offset dodge mount and set it max forward, rotated it 90 degrees.
this allowed the mount to sit perfect, moving the passenger side forward and now the engine sits great, centered perfect.
I read a thread where they "flip" the mount on a dodge without cutting it, maybe that was a shorter hemi(the Desoto hemi). But I wanted max clearance, if I flipped it the trans mount(I tried) and it would not have worked, I would have had to use custom mounts to force the engine into the firewall with zero room. Flipping the mount would have been a nightmare.
Posted 2018-05-06 10:11 AM (#562872 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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You said the engine is "centered", Chrysler designed the engines to be offset about 1 1/2" to the right for better alignment of the driveshaft. If you measure the 3rd member you will see it is not "centered" in the chassis but offset to the right as well.
Posted 2018-05-06 9:31 PM (#562895 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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I mean 'centered" where its supposed to be yes though it is offset a bit, I used the original hole alignment.
I couldn't move the fricking car and I didn't have a puller so I plasma cut the drum outer ring off. I am going with power brakes I am pretty sure.
I saw the conversion thread. I will still have to get this off but now I can move the car. I am now pushing to get the bodywork done and get it primed/painted.
Posted 2018-05-14 1:42 PM (#563353 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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The shade of green you have there has a little too much olive to it, but it is going to look really good that way. I have decided to paint my '58 New Yorker the same color with either a white or dark green roof.
Posted 2018-05-14 6:55 PM (#563389 - in reply to #563353) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Powerflite - 2018-05-14 1:42 PM
The shade of green you have there has a little too much olive to it, but it is going to look really good that way. I have decided to paint my '58 New Yorker the same color with either a white or dark green roof.
Posted 2018-05-15 1:13 PM (#563438 - in reply to #539179) Subject: RE: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Mike,
If you are considering green, this is what your car would look like with the Forest Green/Misty Green combo. That is how mine came, so I had it repainted those colors just last year.
Posted 2018-05-15 9:52 PM (#563483 - in reply to #539179) Subject: RE: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Mike,
I can't believe that "Misty Green" isn't your favorite color; that color shouts 1950s! But here is what green/white would look like then. I couldn't find a Coronet, so a Custom Royal will have to do.
Posted 2018-05-16 9:47 PM (#563546 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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I already bought the white. so yeah I probably wont go pearl. It would be nice to pearl the whole car.
Pearl painting is more cumbersome also any gnats or dirt nibs cause problems, you cant just buff out and refill pearl paint, you need a pro booth for that. I will shoot this sucker in my garage.
Posted 2018-05-29 1:37 AM (#564148 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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this was from back when I was working the lower quarter, i actually redid the pass side, didnt like it at all. My lower quarter panel lip was still good and i tried to butt weld it but to much mess... I flanged and spot, roll it under the trunk drop and spot there also, nice and super clean.
Posted 2018-07-22 10:32 PM (#567039 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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That stool looks much better than when you started! Just kidding. Good job. I like the color you chose. It's good to have a nice wheel to hang onto because it sits right in front of you. I am thinking of painting the grooves in the horn ring black and the top of it a clear just to reduce the reflection off of it into my eyes. Funny the things you find out once you start driving it.
Posted 2018-07-28 10:09 PM (#567355 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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okay, all Dodge "ash trays" are scratched Dodge was like, what? you cant see it!
I might touch this up and put at "scuff pad" but it cant be very thick or it forces the ashtray into the roof.
Fairly ingenious... the bottom "scrapers" lift the ashtray just enough so it doesnt scratch the top and lets it "settle" back down between them so it doesnt spin free or rattle? I can see it does move slightly.
I spun it a couple times and was like uhg... I have to clean the emblem a bit and I need to check the other one i have, most of these are all pitted.
you can see the bottom and the top, i thought I was missing a bushing or washer up top but im not, gravity does the job as long as the ash tray can move up and down a millimeter on the aluminum rod in the middle. Im considering putting a rubber bushing up top to make sure its tight. that will result in more scratches but it should be good.
Posted 2018-09-17 1:28 AM (#570230 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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block sanding trunk... I swear every one of these cars has like 10 dings on every panel... I know its a long time to sit and people drop stuff but darn... Doing light feather putty on the ones a little to deep and then another round of Featherfill and then guide coat and sand completely again... This trunk started out black...
The factory stamping "warped" around the license plate hole sucks also... Fixing that.
Posted 2018-10-10 8:11 PM (#571464 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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we have paint... the weird weather let me just get the roof and jam areas done where I can build the car over the winter...
I can get the window seals in now and trunk lid on... 80 degrees in ohio on 10/10 was amazing lucky (hit record high yesterday, 2 degrees miss today).
The roof looks great so far, i had a few dents i knocked out of it so i was a bit worried, i put a single coat of white on it to wet test it. I shot all the door jams and front cowl.
The roof will get the mint green in the spring unless i change my mind but I just bought the paint.
It may be one final day and I can get the tops of the doors shot and the the trunk done. I rolled it in between the drizzle It rained and i quickly moved it inside.
Posted 2018-10-21 9:42 PM (#572139 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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bought some "potential" seats from a 2004 Cadillac Deville.
Over the winter I will decide. I had to grab these before someone else did, I got the fronts, backs, console and seat belts for 160$ out the door...
Power leather even heated seats. They have the computer attached. and the console has a fan in the back for the passengers... cant be strong though...
Oh and they have cigarette lighter plug ins at the bottom also. I can easily sell them for more than I paid if i dont use them.
I am thinking turquoise around the outside, blue/pattern in the centers. When the console is set correctly is almost looks like a bench seat. I will bump up the cushion a bit also, although these are pretty comfortable already.
So I get safety, comfort and functionality while giving up originality. I can actually use lap belts, head rests also in the back seat and comfort if I put them in.
Posted 2018-11-02 2:50 PM (#572803 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Just a little rot going on there If you have a Regal Lancer, it would be better to keep the trim with the car. But a willow green Regal does look pretty good. One thing I don't like about the Regal is the hooded headlight chrome from the '58 Windsor. I think it looks a lot better with the standard Dodge trim. I recently found out that the headlight bezels could have been painted body color as a springs special option. That's pretty cool, and I am going to do that with mine. I have always preferred the '58 grille too, but lately, the '57 is really growing on me.
Posted 2019-01-16 1:03 PM (#576875 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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I bought a willow green desoto to check the color, looks pretty good.
I got the paint from TCP, single stage eurethane. I will see how it goes. I am really thinking willow green and black, but I already have the white put down... uhg…
Im moving the 58 Plymouth to have some room to work so i completely rewire the car with a modern harness.
Posted 2019-02-12 8:18 PM (#578123 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Picked up a set of vintiques smoothie rims at summit clearance... I tried to figure out a reason not to buy them... but bolt pattern, paint perfect, offset, 6 inches wide... 100$ uhg I can use them to store the cars with later if I switch...
And picked up an alternator off a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee to experiment with. It is a 3 wire so it will work. Externally regulated, 160 amp, internal fan...
Posted 2019-05-20 7:24 AM (#582308 - in reply to #581988) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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mikes2nd - 2019-05-10 12:56 AM
welded up all the trim holes... I may 3m double sided the regal lancer trim... maybe...
Maybe not a bad idea, as the trim holes is usually where it starts to rust. But I would make at least one bolted connection, just to be sure. Nice project btw, I always thought the Regal Lancer is one of the best looking cars ever build. It must have been "fun" to source all the trim for this project!
Posted 2019-05-20 8:59 AM (#582313 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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I am drilling holes for the end pieces. It was a royal pita finding this stuff. I got lucky honestly and found the ends. They weren't cheap of course. I will be making two front fender pieces out of normal trim, a 57 quarter panel just happens to be a upper regal lancer fender piece since it is curved.
Posted 2019-05-20 8:51 PM (#582345 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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That's the way I like to paint them too. Remove doors and paint entire jams, firewall, cowl, maybe floor at the same time. I didn't do it this way on my black '57, and now I regret it because it makes for more work later.
Posted 2019-06-10 1:38 AM (#583188 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Hood is painted, I will cut and buff when i'm ready to reassemble, i will put the painted parts safely away until they are nice and dry.
I put up a temporary paint booth in the driveway. its too windy and im under trees in the driveway.
5 coats of TCP restoration shop on each piece, a few small runs, but they will look perfect when done, like a mirror. I picked up a washer bottle out of a caddy, its the solid type and ordered a remote pump. I guess I could put the switch on the floor like original.
I have to call the guy about Chroming the washer nozzle and im going to be molding some Regal lancer emblems and have everything painted in gold chrome(front rear dodge. and side regal emblems). I will make 2 sets(for the 57/58 fenders and the 59 Fenders(havent gotten those yet). I will paint the 59 parts I have now. I really think im not going to like the 3 tone white roof. Im itching to just paint it black or all green...
Posted 2019-06-16 11:23 PM (#583547 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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buttoning up the hemi while it rains all darn week...(put water cross overs on etc, and put in some stainless nuts/bolts)
and put in the high low headlight switch. Got an insane Flaming River Alternator... stupid high 240 amp alternator which will have tons of amps... but hey.
I picked up a 1985 Cadillac Washer bottle i am going to paint "Jiffy Jet" themed...yes its fake and pretend...
Posted 2019-06-17 2:05 AM (#583557 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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How are you going to mount the power steering pump without the original water pump? Going to make a custom bracket or go with a different pump? The box uses a low pressure pump, but I believe you can get a matching pressure pump from a rack & pinion car.
Posted 2019-06-17 9:56 AM (#583561 - in reply to #583557) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Mike, the Dodge is really starting to look exceptional. I have no issue with a tri-tone though; sure looked good on the '55-56 Mopars and I don't see why the '57 would be any different. Might give it a shot, and if you don't like it, shoot the roof black
Posted 2019-06-17 11:48 AM (#583573 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Ill see how the tri tone looks when done, i usually think they are too busy but its the roof and trunk so you cant really see the third tone i guess.
I will be using the original power steering pump, that big flat plate will be the mounting and pivot point for the factory pump.
The alternator also will use a custom bracket, and will sit in front of the head a bit. Im going to lowes to get my plastic yellow paint for my washer bottle. Maybe ill make it the grey type so it wont stand out so much.
Posted 2019-07-01 8:04 AM (#584283 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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You should have seen my 60, early production, 1rst year for unibody! Unfortunately for some reason, when I was a teenager, I wanted to put it back together just like it came from the factory. Over the years I have been slowly removing my mistakes, still do. Of course this is lots of work after painting, as most parts just don't fit without modification.
Posted 2019-07-01 1:20 PM (#584289 - in reply to #539179) Subject: RE: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Don't sweat it too much, Mike. It's going to look great.
When I found it, my Chrysler had huge gaps at the bottoms of the doors - about 5/8" on the drivers side with the door shut, and 1/2" on the pass side.
And the wear marks, door/quarter glass alignment, and weatherstrip indicated it had pretty much always been that way. Crazy!
I worked it over HARD to get them to line up better, but even with a lot of massaging to get them close, there is still a noticeable (to me!) gap at the
bottom of each door. I spent hours carefully slotting the door hinge holes and striker holes to allow for extra adjustment range, and slightly reshaped
the upper edge of both strikers to allow the doors to properly latch when the door was in position. I stopped adjusting when it became apparent there
was a mismatch in the contour of the quarter panel to the contour of the door skin itself. I aligned the doors so the trim lines up straight and
everything else around it is kinda wonky - but it's not going to get any better without significant cutting and welding.
The car gets compliments on how "straight" it is, so it's pretty close. If I was going to build the car for display under bright lights it would be worth it to
go that extra (hundred) miles to get perfect paint stick gaps.... but this is a real car. Fortunately the car is black, so uneven gaps aren't as
noticeable on it as on, say, a light pastel color...
Posted 2019-07-01 10:47 PM (#584322 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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other side perfect now, had to shim the front hinges at the firewall. test fitting fenders to make sure the rockers are good. I will also put the fenders on to guide coat the lower fenders(they twist on) so you cant get a good idea off the car that they are "flat" or not. Ill wet check them also.
Posted 2019-07-16 4:56 PM (#584895 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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How do you install and align it without chipping the paint? I want to paint my fenders off the car as well, because it's easier to paint, but I am worried about installation.
Posted 2019-07-18 8:17 PM (#584976 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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I use a lot of tape, the yellow 3m stuff. Ill put a lot down at the bottom and all the edges.
Getting ready to paint the other fender and other bits and pieces. I have to paint the 57 and 58 stuff, I have some 59 stuff to paint but havent got the fenders yet.
I'm going to color match the valence and headlight surrounds I think and obviously hood hinges.
Posted 2019-07-29 3:25 AM (#585351 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Pulleys done pretty much, and brass nuts on the valve covers... ack... I left room for AC if I want to down the road but it will be kind of up top.
This alternator is a beast... its a GM version though, when i had it tested, the guy at the store didnt think they made alternators that put out 240 amps..
Posted 2019-08-06 3:02 AM (#585686 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Really enjoyed this thread. I have a 57 Custom Royal with original hemi and it came with 58 trim in place of 57 CRL trim. Like you I kept changing my mind on color, original equipment and trim or add factory options like PS and brakes. Use the nice 58 trim or find 57 replacements?
So, I now have both 57 and 58 trim (57 cost almost what I paid for the car and took several years to find it all..). Have PS and PB complete original setups (car was manual steering and brakes). A spare dash, several different PS pumps, Got a 57 Firesweep that has a good spare 325 poly block, an air cooled unmolested transmission, complete good frame, much better right side fender (same except lower front section), a couple different later liquid cooled cast iron torqueflights, a 62? aluminum torqueflight, and more. Plus many Ebay buys (gold hood letters, D500 trunk medallions, numerous door latches, gauges, front bumpers and teeth, etc.
Interesting that 57 Chev body mounts will work. I had bought a couple Dodge front floor pan years ago, but didn't think they were good enough to use, so have since bought a bead roller and sheet metal brake to make my own if I dont find something better. Recently did front floors in a 59 TBird and didn't like those reproductions either, so made my own from 18 gauge. The Dodge floor pans are more complex though..
Posted 2019-08-06 12:32 PM (#585717 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Thanks, Had not heard of them before and dont use Facebook, but sent an email to them requesting info. Haven't been on the site much due to other issues since back when Neil was the most prolific poster and bought a bunch of motor parts from him. These floor and trunk pans look like pretty good and would save me a lot of time fabricating parts.
Posted 2019-08-30 6:22 PM (#586806 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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no all one color, its gonna be a 57 regal lancer and a 59 :) only the roof will be white this year... if i dont like it ill paint the roof green next year
i will be wrapping the fins and the regal trim in black. carbon fiber? copper? iridescent black/green?
i am ordering samples now. i ordered this. You can change the fin/trim color. I can also wrap the roof if i want.
Posted 2019-09-09 9:09 AM (#587293 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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The eastwood paint sucks compared to the TCP. Left the gun with the same settings. This stuff shoots like glue but it will buff out to perfection im sure.
Dries fast but ididnt flow. 4 coats of white on the roof. It will probably get wrapped though.
The black and green flip flop wrap is awesome, turns emerald green metallic in the sun, black otherwise. Ill do a video on the wrap samples.
Posted 2019-10-07 1:40 AM (#588503 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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reshot the passenger fin... now its just quarters and rockers left... thursday is my last day to shoot i think.. Ill get them both done then I hope, but I can assemble the car now over fall/winter i guess. Need to have the 59 parts sandblasted and epoxy primered.
Posted 2019-10-11 7:37 AM (#588676 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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its doesn't show much... but you want them fully coated. when i pried them on, i used a rubber coated bar. You cant stop the springs from chipping off where they contact the hinge though unless you rubber coat or so something. maybe plastidip them? or put rubber slip ons over the hook end? that would be a nice mod I was able to use the cheap harbor freight jack since it had a bolt right there.
today is my last day to paint it looks like 75 degrees in ohio... wish me luck.
Posted 2019-11-11 11:00 AM (#590015 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Winter plans are
0. get car on dolley and down to bmv for title
1.cut end buff small pieces for final assembly.anything in the front end.
2 get roof wrapped
3. get wiring harness rough installed under the dash and run. Start mapping the new harness to the old dash
4. Put a volt meter in place of amp gauge, keep face and needle though
5. get dash installed, power steering column completed
6. gas tank and fuel pump installed in the rear of the car(mapping electric pump).
7. fuel line
8. brake line hookup
9. carb install
10. glass install and finish roof /glass install
11. radiator and fan install
Posted 2019-11-11 4:45 PM (#590029 - in reply to #590028) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Mopar1 - 2019-11-11 3:50 PM Should have got Title before doing any work on it.
just a formality, i have a clean matching title. You take it out to any small bmv and they send the title in. ive done it many times. I have to have a out of state inspection, a little 70 year old little asian lady comes out and looks for the vin number and odometer...
You cant have a car in pieces though, it has to look like a car :) I bought this car off a cop in missouri so i dont think it was stolen... I can call him up and tell him though
Posted 2020-03-03 12:22 AM (#595116 - in reply to #595114) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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KcImperial - 2020-03-02 11:20 PM I put one of those AVS2's on my 383 last year, very happy with it. It's now the best running, carbureted car I own
yeah i dont want to go with some ratty old carb... Seems the AVS2s are the real deal, i looked at the holley brawler also but this is low profile, came with a free air cleaner and 20$ off
Posted 2020-04-06 1:59 AM (#596488 - in reply to #595108) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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mikes2nd - 2020-03-02 6:17 PM
I went with the Edelbrock AVS2
Mike: Not sure what manifold you are using. After watching two videos on the AVS2, I am interested in a 500 cfm one for my 56 Dodge D500 315 hemi. Might be over kill but I am not happy with my rebuilt stock D500 Carter WCFB 2442S four barrel. The AVS2 sounds promising.
I still have the stock WCFB manifold so I think that I would at least need a spread bore type adapter. After that, I don't have clue.
Posted 2020-04-06 6:04 PM (#596517 - in reply to #596488) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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56D500boy - 2020-04-06 12:59 AM
mikes2nd - 2020-03-02 6:17 PM
I went with the Edelbrock AVS2
Mike: Not sure what manifold you are using. After watching two videos on the AVS2, I am interested in a 500 cfm one for my 56 Dodge D500 315 hemi. Might be over kill but I am not happy with my rebuilt stock D500 Carter WCFB 2442S four barrel. The AVS2 sounds promising.
I still have the stock WCFB manifold so I think that I would at least need a spread bore type adapter. After that, I don't have clue.
Any thoughts?
:)
The AVS is a square bore, you'll need the HH small bore to big bore adaptor. Never seen hard numbers on the WCFB, supposedly 375-450 CFM.
Posted 2020-05-26 10:37 PM (#598819 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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so i tried pulling the rear hub off the axle and it broke my puller... 3 hours down the drain Even more reason to go out and find a new posi axle.. Im off to hunt at the pull a part. the cut down ford is 57.5... a little short but I can deal with offset and a spacer if i have to.
Painted the inner rockers, gas tank is in, electric fuel pump is mounted.
Posted 2020-05-26 11:33 PM (#598822 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Another reason to buy a good quality puller. Many people have had gobs of trouble with crappy quality pullers, and yet, John Folie has literally pulled 1000's of them with his puller without fail, and so have I. Just because we are smart enough to use a puller that is actually suited for the job.
Posted 2020-05-27 5:27 PM (#598849 - in reply to #598819) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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mikes2nd - 2020-05-26 8:37 PM
so i tried pulling the rear hub off the axle and it broke my puller... 3 hours down the drain Even more reason to go out and find a new posi axle.. Im off to hunt at the pull a part. the cut down ford is 57.5... a little short but I can deal with offset and a spacer if i have to.
I broke the same puller. I just drove the studs in and removed just the drum. I did however find one of the heavier pullers as pictured if I need to change the axle seals.
Posted 2020-05-27 7:08 PM (#598852 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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That one works sometimes, if it isn't too stuck. The snap on or blue point 4567-G is the one I recommend. Right now the cheapest is $220 on Ebay, but they come up for $80-$150 if you are looking out for them.
Edit: Found one for $90. Much better price. Someone buy it.
Posted 2020-05-27 8:03 PM (#598855 - in reply to #598851) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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mikes2nd - 2020-05-27 3:53 PM here is the spray wand I used.
Thanks for the video link. 3M 08851 wand kit is definitely better than the Eastwood four-holer that I used with their cavity paint. Looks like I need to do that all over again - with the 3M wands.
Posted 2020-06-11 5:54 AM (#599539 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Nice score! I'm curious as to why you took the axles out? Maybe to do the hot work on the axle tube? I didn't take my axles out to relocate the perches. No problems so far
Posted 2020-06-11 9:44 AM (#599543 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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im going to full rebuild the posi, clutch discs and stuff also. Ill check the end bearings. What pinion angle did you use? Did you just move the perches out 3 inches on each side(same angle) and weld it in? I was pretty shocked finding a nice posi in a junkyard. People usually grab these immediately. Did you hook up the parking brake?
I know these tubes are fairly thin? they said dont put high heat on them.
Ordering some brackets also, just ordered the lsd clutch pack kit.
Posted 2020-06-11 7:29 PM (#599555 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Oh, that makes since. I measured the pinion angle of the old rear and set the 8.8 to match. I put mine in my 56, still have the emergency brake on the tail of the transmission so I didn't use the emergency brake on the rear
Posted 2020-06-11 8:52 PM (#599556 - in reply to #599555) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Nice job! I used a Fox body 8.8, converted to 5-lug. So I have drum brakes, but that allowed a Ranger e-brake setup that worked nicely. I also measured pinion angle from the stock Chrysler rear end, and matched that when welding on new leaf spring pads.
Posted 2020-06-13 12:09 AM (#599600 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Okay went to summit... Farmtruck was there. Got new axle cover, gasket, new end seals, 3 quarts of 75w140, some cam breakin lube, two brackets. (200$)
they are all covid'd up, customers not wearing masks.... clearance section is slim but they did have some nice mopar trans for 70% off.
Original explorer pinion angle was 12, went with 6(same as dodge). I will cleanup and paint the springs.
I started putting rust converter stuff on after i welded the spring perches on. Im going drag racing now I think, if the tranny (total unknown) is good, ill give it a shot. I am still waiting on the lsd discs but i will get it all painted and ready to go. I still have to check my stock ratio. I have a new torque converter also if I need it. Welding and grinding is a dirty job but no blood drawn today so it was all good. Moved perches 4.25 inches from the inner edge of the outer flange.
Posted 2020-06-13 1:53 AM (#599605 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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I don't like those mopar spring perches. They make the hole too big for some reason. It's odd because even the cars from the early 70's have smaller holes in them. Maybe the larger head bolt is available for that size hole, but I haven't found it. So I always purchase a different set with a smaller hole.
Posted 2020-06-13 2:28 AM (#599607 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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yeah i saw that after the fact... i will put something to fill the hole a bit, either make a bushing or something and weld it in so its a nice fit. I wont have any play.
I have to see about the rear stabilizer bar attachments
Posted 2020-06-15 1:51 AM (#599684 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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taking way too much time... just annoying crap after more annoying crap... I'm trying to get the axles in.. got the lsd spring in one day delivery... decided to replace it, thought i was all ready to go... I forgot to order the dust shields..
Which are now discontinued, i should have went with the mustang brakes, those are plentiful. I was going to put the rear parking brakes in the car but now decided against it. My parking brake setup is new old stock so im not going to put the parking brake hardware in it. Pita to get the springs off and get them completely painted but its ready to go in. Hope they are okay, it goes in tomorrow come hell or high water, I still need to figure out a rear stabilizer bar hookup.
I will get the brake lines next, start thinking about exhaust... get it all back on the ground and done underneath soon. The wiring, finish the cutting buffing and start the interior/glass and fire it up
Posted 2020-06-20 12:59 AM (#599884 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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got axles rotor calipers on... got the brake lines made. Explorer lines worked well, i have to weld some brackets on so i should have done that before hand, rear diff is ready to be filled with oil.
Have to check about the friction modifier... I hook up the rear brakes, the whole rear will be done tomorrow. Spiffy slotted drilled rotors! nice shiny red calipers... no dust shields I will start "fitting" the driveshaft also.
If I make some "extension brackets I can use the stabilizer bar to clear the shocks. I may still do that real quick.
Pross:
No brake adjustment needed, never dragging, simply install
Easy brake changes
Can use parking brake
Easy cheap ratio changes
posi/limited slip (performance)
Performance
Strength
Ease of replacement
Possible use of stabilzer bar
cheap replacement parts(pads, rotors, calipers) etc vs original
Cheap to rebuild posi
Cons:
Lose center bump stop(possible to make one).
Cost to buy axle and basic parts
Cost/effort to put new perches on
Speedo may be off(or you need new gear) if changing ratio.
Lose "originality" But brake upgrades dont matter that much.
Posted 2020-06-20 10:41 AM (#599896 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Posts: 3969 Location: DFW, TX
One more "pro" is that you will keep the same 4 5" bc bolt pattern and 1/2" right hand thread lug nuts.
One possible "con" is that the Ford axle stub (the center protrusion) is bigger than the stock Mopar, so you won't be able to get an OEM wheel to fit over it. But you can easily find wheels of any size that will work, and most people swapping to a Ford rear end won't mind replacing the wheels.
Posted 2020-06-20 11:02 AM (#599899 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Easy cheap ratio changes is a con because you are comparing it to an 8 3/4 which, with the 9" & 8" Ford, are the kings of cheap easy ratio changes.
The same could be said of strength.
Another con is the cost of a new driveshaft & getting that Toyota designed flange for it.
Another con is the offset pinion, which if you don't have bad angles from something else, will work, but it puts your angular offset more towards its limit of acceptance.
From my point of view, the only positive this has going for it is a cheap way to get disc brakes. An 8 3/4 converted to disc has everything positive over this axle.
Posted 2020-06-20 11:22 AM (#599900 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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yeah forgot about the left hand thread thing... I know people/shops rip the studs off these cars thinking its "being" stubborn and SNAP!
Ratio changes aren't outrageous. Kind of a pain with the 8.8 but very cheap.
Yes drive shaft change and flange, the flange normally comes with the axle. Its a strong ford flange btw
There is offset to the original axle, its slight, i think it was 1.25 inches, the ford is 2 inches.
Ive never seen a 8 3/4 posi axle in my life... These 8.8s are everywhere. Maybe if you go to Carlise or large mopar swap meet? but i doubt your getting that for 200$.
Posted 2020-06-20 11:35 AM (#599901 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Yeah, the sure grips are more expensive too, but readily available from swap meets or craigslist. I have 5 or 6 sure grip gear sets in my garage, but I don't really care to use them except in a performance oriented vehicle like my Barracuda. There's no need to install one in my DeSoto or New Yorker. They just reduce the fuel economy without adding much benefit for how these cars get used.
Posted 2020-07-30 12:23 PM (#601492 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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getting the underneath done finally... exhaust was 390$, headliner 330$... things are adding up a bit need to finish brake lines and measure driveshaft for cutting today.
Posted 2020-08-01 6:55 PM (#601575 - in reply to #601492) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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It all adds up!
Just a couple of things I wanted to mention. It's good that that inline pump is easy to change out, because you'll be doing it all the time. I don't care where it was made, it just won't last as the only pump on a car. And it will probably struggle to feed that Hemi. The bright silver bolts and washers you have in the inner fender will jump right out, so you might want to hide them by spraying them with undercoat. And you will want more crankcase ventilation than just that cap. Do you still have the road draft tube at least? I would strongly suggest adding a PCV valve at the back of the valley pan. I did on my Hemi, and it made a pretty significant improvement in controlling oil vapor trying to push out of the spark plug tubes and everything else.
Posted 2020-08-02 12:22 AM (#601582 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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ran out of welding gas so i couldn't finish the darn driveshaft...... have to go find a solid rubber mat to make the gas tank drop a bit... I honestly could do an in tank pump... the problem is fitting it in the tank, as the top of the tank is covered. This pump should be fine for volume I think.
I do have a big pcv valve, no downdraft. I was thinking about putting an access port under the back seat to get to the gas pump heh. I will be painting any shiny bolts.
Posted 2020-08-14 10:55 PM (#602069 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Cool glad im in good company... Its pretty massive. Do you use a proportioning valve or just let er rip??? Your using disc/drums?
Starting to look almost like a running engine... The little s**t is killing me... Ordered a gas pedal boot... and I don't have a good steering column cover...
Farking annoying when im missing bolts or certain little parts... Had to order some linkage parts... uhg wait... I don't know i need them but hey... I ordered turquoise vinyl paint also... have to wait. Ill get the carb in, and start the heater core and box finally. Fully cleaned out and getting set for wiring the whole car.
Im going with 58 tail lights, the regal lancer front pieces also(the big brows) and Dual 58 head lights.
I tested my horns. I have two types(autolite and spartan(I went with the spartans, they work like new))... would someone explain why are there so MANY goddarn different horns on these cars? Theres like 50 parts nums
Posted 2020-08-15 10:37 PM (#602110 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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getting wiring ready...
ez wire harness 20 circuit kit
gm headlight switch
led headlights(looking for similar to challenger yellow daytime running lights), turn signal is yellow inset lens... giving shoutout to new challenger..
GM electronic ignition
Electronic choke
Voltmeter(replacing)
Back up lights on rear license plate surround
4 stop lights(58 housings)
Clock
led dash lights?
under dash lights
Concerned about column mapping...
Original oil gauge
260 amp alternator
dual electric fans
mini high power starter
variable wiper motor
58 dual headlights with 57 dodge bumper
Posted 2020-08-26 2:08 PM (#602598 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Brakes are complete and bled... just may need some fine tuning on the adjustable pedal rod, this thing will stop on a dime i bet, pedal feels great... going to summit today to get a tranny cooler.
finishing up hoses, hopefully putting the heater core and box in today... then clean the whole inside out for wiring starting thurs... finally...
Posted 2020-08-31 5:09 PM (#602767 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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I have the 57 dodge switch, I guess I could use it, just ignore the other wires... i wanted to simplify it, but as long as i only use the circuits i need im good. ill have to check it.
I may have been thinking the headlight switch is the "fuse box" switch
Posted 2020-09-08 12:44 PM (#603023 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Posts: 520 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
So how much hood clearance would you say you have with the HH intake and that AVS? i've been told the HH intake is too tall for these cars but i've never been told by how much. I have one i want to use in my firesweep because the stock intake is terrible.
Posted 2020-09-10 11:56 AM (#603072 - in reply to #539179) Subject: RE: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Posts: 3969 Location: DFW, TX
The headliner dye turned out really nice. Hope you can use it!
It is normal for paint materials to build up on edges of panels. It's a consequence of the material flowing out, and it is just something you have to watch out for. It's one of the reasons that high-end paint jobs get sanded between each coat, to flatten that area so you don't get a "bump" around panel edges after laying down several layers of primer/paint.
To preface this, I am just saying this as an observation watching your car come together contrasted with my own experience of building the Chrysler. It is interesting to see your use of aftermarket parts in your build, and the challenges they can sometimes cause. Obviously I did some custom / one-off stuff on my car, but believe it or not, I did try to refinish and reuse all the OEM parts and fasteners wherever possible. Partially because I wanted it "period correct-ish" but also because they were already there, so they were free! This comment was prompted by the aftermarket radiator, necessitating the aftermarket trans cooler, and the myriad small bits and pieces needed to get the systems working properly. I did have the same thought while you showed the brake light switch too, lol. You have done a good job of planning ahead and making sure all that is accounted for, so good on ya. The car is coming along very nicely, and just wanted you to know, someone does watch your vids.
Posted 2020-09-13 8:38 PM (#603173 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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1” eh? That’s... tight for engine movement... I thought about getting the carb pad milled down some, it will hurt intake performance some but it won’t be as bad as hitting, I don’t want to cut the hood.
Posted 2020-09-13 9:32 PM (#603175 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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oh im not doing a hood scoop no way... Its actually the front edge that comes closest... so it would have to rock a ton...I just put the wiring harness in today... holy cr@p im spending half the time looking sh*t up...
Posted 2020-10-02 11:13 AM (#603886 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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If you paint outside, I've had great results by painting under an easy up as long as there is no wind. It keeps any crap from falling into your paint and keeps the direct sunlight off of your parts.
Posted 2020-10-23 2:29 PM (#604827 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Going to go for a test fire this weekend... Got hoses... open headers though Still waiting on pipes off header. Test my electric fuel pump for leaks maybe tonight... get gas and antifreeze in it...
Posted 2020-10-23 3:18 PM (#604830 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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I don't recommend doing that. Get your exhaust all connected with mufflers and then setup your motor for breaking in the cam. Otherwise you risk ruining your lobes by doing any unnecessary startups. The first startup is pretty critical and you don't want to do it more than once if you can help it. Correct me if you are running a roller, but I didn't think so. Right before I run it, I pull the distributor and leave the intake & valley cover off. Then run a drill on your oil pump. Once you see a good amount of oil flowing over your cam, turn the motor over with the starter for a good while, while still running the drill on the pump. This seems to do a great job of avoiding the initial grind. Then put it together and start it up to break in the cam.
Posted 2020-10-23 8:19 PM (#604837 - in reply to #539179) Subject: RE: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Posts: 3969 Location: DFW, TX
Ha, man, your video reminds me of going over wiring diagrams until my eyes rolled back in my head.
You'll have a breakthrough when your first circuit is tested and works! Mine was the dome lights. Everything else will fall together quickly after that.
Wiring your own car is SO much work... but very satisfying once you're done. Keep at it, you're close!
Posted 2020-11-02 11:51 PM (#605259 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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wow in the trunk? Hmm that's a loty to move to the dash
I got my headers welded up, still have to finish up the exhaust. My exhaust is custom, i wasnt thrilled with the exhaust I recieved though. Minor glitch from classic exaust
I have to finish welding up exhaust, got the radiator hoses in.
Posted 2020-11-04 1:19 PM (#605300 - in reply to #605259) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Posts: 3969 Location: DFW, TX
Yep, it wasn't any issue at all. I did use both rocker channels. They have plenty of room though, even with power windows and solenoids for the shaved door handles. It really keeps the engine bay and under dash area neat and tidy. It did make the trunk space somewhat smaller especially since I upholstered it.
When you get the exhaust wrapped up, let's see a video of it running!
Posted 2020-11-12 6:36 AM (#605560 - in reply to #539179) Subject: RE: 57 Royal with 392 project
Location: North Australia
pipes look good except for the wrinkly curve around the bar. I thought they all go around the torsion bars? Did you do it in 2 inch Mike?Here is 300 C pic I found.
Posted 2020-11-21 6:19 PM (#605901 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Okay had a leak in the gas tank... never trust em... couple pin holes in the strap area... that set me back... Fixed it, put the tank back in it. 93 octane.. put 3 gallons in it, test fired the fuel pump.. its pretty quiet... got gas... tried starting... car wasn't in neutral
would not fire at first... had the wires one position off(after i got the timing light out, showed spark, i knew i had gas). I had been playing with the wires so many times I must have got it off a position..
So after messing it fired, sounds great... I have a leak at the water cross over... one freeze plug i had over tightened and the nut broke off...got to pull that and replace after i order a new one... AND the tranny puked trans fluid..
I have NO engine oil leaks which im very grateful for... rear main seal seems to be good, i was very careful about that one. I will drop the tranny pan if I have to and redo it. Ill order a new oil pan gasket, i may have over tightened. I think it was cork... real slight drop, couple drips per day.
Posted 2020-11-22 6:44 PM (#605937 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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how in the hell do you get the transmission breather little cap off the back? with the trans in the car? Its crimped on... i tried to wedge it a bit...
Posted 2020-11-23 11:13 PM (#605966 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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it spit out oil from the transmission fill tube.. i heard it can do that, i might try some air and see if it comes out, the cap is lloose.
I wont put hard air on it, just some gentle pressure.
I got the freeze plug out, ill need to buy a new set. Kind of annoying. Those hot heads copper ones did work well, i must have over tightened the one and the nut broke off. I fixed the water filler leak and put some sealant on the water pump bolt.
That should fix the leaks, no oil leaks, just the water leaks...
Anyone else experience full oil pressure on startup? i have 80 psi. I do have a 20% more high flow oil pump(melling).
I am a little worried about the oil filter so i am going to get another one, i talked to hot heads about recommended filters.
Posted 2020-11-24 12:36 AM (#605969 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Congratulations on getting the motor running! Just use the filter you have to do the cam break in. Change it to something else afterward. The o-ring freeze plugs with the T-bar work well, but can seep if the surface is pitted. But they will never pop out on you, which is what I like about them. The trans in my Fireflite did the same thing you are describing. I drove it around the block as it spewed out the tube. Stopped the car and shut it off. Then I was able to refill it without the air bubble problem. Not sure what the proper procedure is.
Posted 2020-11-24 2:12 AM (#605970 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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thanks yeah i asked someone else they said it sometimes can do that when empty, ill see if it settles down. Something about it being in gear possibly? I started the car up in the air but I don't think the wheels spun. Maybe you need to get it into gear quick
Yeah ill yank that filter off quick once i get a 10-15 minute break in done, that oil pressure is at the back of the block so I guess that mean im getting good pressure where it needs to be. I have comp cams zinc oil in the car.
this thing seem stout... no fan, hot heads intake with the avs2 carb... very responsive also(as you can see). I have a small exhaust leak i need to address.
I didn't touch the carb... just started it
I spent a lot of time learning wiring.. its a joke once you spend the time to learn it once. I did a lot of customization though. That oil pressure safety switch alone was probably a day f'ing around with it. Its about prep and planning with these wiring kits, get it in the right place the first time, but in the end pretty simple. Get all the parts you need ahead of time... making changes to the wiring sucks... order from amazon... wait 2 days... order from amazon wait 2 days... order from amazon wait 2 days... i still have to "map' the dash now.
Posted 2020-11-24 12:02 PM (#605981 - in reply to #605937) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Posts: 3969 Location: DFW, TX
Congrats man! Sounds great! And that oil pressure is plenty stout. Is that cam already broken in?
You don't have to wait two days for electrical parts to come from Amazon, there's plenty of other stuff to do.
The transmission vent cap doesn't usually need to come off. I think it will pop off if you pry on it. If you really want, I have three iron TFs in my shop and I can take a look at them the next time I'm down there to see if there's a way to get it off without damaging the cap.
Dang, you cut the e-brake cables off that rear? Gonna be hard to make that functional again.
Posted 2020-12-16 8:34 AM (#606784 - in reply to #606779) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Posts: 3969 Location: DFW, TX
Nice! It's really coming together now.
Keep an eye on those portawalls. If your radials have a 'pooge' at the bottom, thousands of cycles of flexing in and out will stretch the whitewall to the point they flop all around while going down the road. But they usually work okay. I like those 'Polara' like caps. Hope you can figure out how to get a knight's head on there.
Posted 2020-12-16 11:03 AM (#606791 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Posts: 13125 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Perhaps the preahers collars would work on low profiles, but check the tire sidewall often as there will be a groove sawed by the edge of the white rubber and the white will get really nasty grey brown very soon. Don't ask Me how I know ??????
Posted 2020-12-16 11:57 AM (#606795 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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the portawall is actually just up on a ridge on the bottom of the sawed edge so they arent sitting on the saw section, the portawalls seem pretty stout, they aren't flimsy so who knows I really just wanted to experiment.
I am still considering a final option of a chromed concave steelies with the knights spinner on it. I figured i got into this whole set of rims/tires/portawalls for 425$, tires free, portawalls 75, rims 250, caps 100$ so its a good trial set of rims/tires.
Posted 2020-12-16 3:56 PM (#606811 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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i need to find a couple little chrome plugs to fill the screw holes but they fit near perfect
I could put the other spinners (need a center cap though and i could put the others on the "bad" dodge repops, might make those almost look good since they already stick out.
Posted 2020-12-21 12:05 PM (#606936 - in reply to #606811) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Thanks for taking the time to continue to post up on your progress. I'm 6 months into my own 57 Coronet mild custom project and it's reassuring to watch someone who is several steps ahead of me.
I got tired of working constantly on body rust repair and switched to the frame and suspension which is now nearing completion. After scratching my head for awhile and seeing your photos of the exhaust, I think I have decided to build my pipes on the frame before the body goes back on..... at least the part from the head pipes past that dang crossmember!
Posted 2020-12-21 5:07 PM (#606950 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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exhaust was a pita like almost everything else..
I was just f'ing around with white wall paint... thats a bad idea... i bought some portawalls for fun. I just sent it back through amazon.
Ive been loosey goosy with sealing this engine(cooling side) i admit, dont make it second thought like my or youll pay the price Ive been anal about oil leaks though.
I have s**t stuck in the mail for weeks now... I ordered a second water neck on amazon since the original has been stuck in Michigan for two weeks..
I ordered a second and got it in 2 days from jeggs. The post office is totally f'ed... Two tires down, i ordered more lug nuts... trying to get it on the ground finally.
Posted 2020-12-21 5:30 PM (#606951 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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I go through so many disc conversions on all my cars that I bought 100 RH lug nuts when I saw what I wanted at the flings. I'm more than half-way through them now. Having a stockpile of certain parts keeps me sane so I don't have to wait for everything.
Posted 2021-02-22 1:04 PM (#609160 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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4k rear lcd mirror is here, hopefully is a good buy... I even checked the youtube reviews but who knows. Volt/Amp gauge is reverse but gets the job done telling you something is working
Posted 2021-06-14 1:28 AM (#612748 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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I think i am going glueless actually. Side trim has it locked in, front is hooked... If i put some hooks along the back i dont need to glue I think and I can "undo" it if needed... This is a pita, time consuming but its more about me screwing up the bows.
I know how to do it much faster now. The info i have now learning the process and parts i need were the most work...
Posted 2021-06-21 11:14 AM (#612951 - in reply to #612946) Subject: RE: 57 Royal with 392 project
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22mafeja - 2021-06-21 12:49 AM Good work...hope the glass trim will seat better than it did for me.....the most painful work I know , especially with the back glass trim.
its about pushing it down over the fence. I got it down i think )
Posted 2021-07-18 12:57 AM (#613569 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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i got the top piece on, im worried about the rear... think the center top is sticking up. This was a b*tch to get this on though... because the clips and the one hole was 1/4 off so one screw is kinda sideways.
Front end is buttoned up, changed the oil and filter...
Half the dash switches on it.... really pushing to get the dash done, working on lights for the dash.
I think the my variable wiper switch is short, maybe from a Plymouth?
Posted 2021-07-19 11:57 PM (#613615 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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yeah would have been i guess but i had the glass laying out... and i am mapping gauges to this generic harness. I didnt want to hurt it so i put it in.
Posted 2021-09-02 3:40 PM (#614692 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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headlights and running lights done and working, all led... I guess the yellow running lights(no longer turns) are a homage to the Hemi Challengers late model..
now on to brake light switch and brake lights... then finish dash... being downhill is nice...
Posted 2021-09-02 5:17 PM (#614697 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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I use my front turn signals for both running lights and turn signals. You just have to swap the position on your headlight switch from driving lights to tail lights.
Posted 2021-09-29 3:08 PM (#615456 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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it spit oil again a little, weird since I can blow air through the cap... I think the level comes up when it gets hot and blocks something? It cant block the breather but it slowly builds pressure(i put a glove on it during operation and it definately gets a little pressure).
Its about a half quart low when it spits.
And the power brake went to the floor when i started it with the vacuum so have to work on that... trying to get the dash in the darn thing.
But i fixed the idle, no real leaking(rear main is good). Ive got a small leak at the PS return line i can fix.
Posted 2021-10-02 6:35 PM (#615547 - in reply to #615456) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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mikes2nd - 2021-09-29 2:08 PM
it spit oil again a little, weird since I can blow air through the cap... I think the level comes up when it gets hot and blocks something? It cant block the breather but it slowly builds pressure(i put a glove on it during operation and it definately gets a little pressure). no real leaking(rear main is good)..
Engine has to breath, air in through the cap & out the puke tube, or PCV valve if replaced If breathing is inadequate it'll blow a seal like the rear one.
Posted 2021-10-02 7:17 PM (#615548 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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it spitting out the transmission, i added a bit more.. i think the oil expands under heat and blocks the air tube? but it doesnt seem overfilled.. I can blow air out the air vent hole in the trans when cold.
I was told it will stop() and it will settle down and keep an eye on it.
Posted 2021-10-03 9:52 AM (#615559 - in reply to #615558) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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yeah im going to verify by removing the parking brake... its a half hour of work but since its up in the air i might as well to totally rule out the parking brake before i swap trans's..
Posted 2021-10-03 3:14 PM (#615563 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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i knew it wasn't the posi... my trans is jacked... ill try the spare I have that was supposed to be good. The one i pulled from the donor was parked for a "reason" I think i know why now The tranny fluid looks kind of cloudy, its brand new and shouldn't look like that... swapping a trans in is pretty easy though.
Hello Mike, I continue to have drum brake issues on my New Yorker and I’m going to switch to front disc and use a remote reservoir master due to hemi clearance. From the comments, it looks like you used the
RAYBESTOS MC39178 master and removed the reservoir. Can you please tell me the fittings you used in place of the reservoir to adapt the hoses for a remote reservoir?
Thanks,
Posted 2021-10-16 12:58 AM (#615924 - in reply to #615919) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Posts: 241 Location: Southern CA
After a bit of searching I found some hose adapters, the brass ones shown in the photo, $40 for a pair of the cups and elbows. We’ll see how well they fit the master.
Make a bunch and sell them, they’re not easy to find.
I probably should continue the updates to my car on the thread for it. I’ll post there as I redo the brakes.
Thanks,
Posted 2022-01-12 1:16 PM (#618347 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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fired up and clearing out the moisture from sitting for a while...
I will relash the valves i guess but it sounds good. Start cleaning up around it and get it back on the ground. I will fine tune later(that is the carb settings out of the box).
I think im ditching the 392 emblem... Its kind of there so i dont have to tell people what it is but it looks pretty bad.
Posted 2022-01-27 10:23 AM (#618825 - in reply to #618347) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Posts: 3100 Location: N.W. Fla.
mikes2nd - 2022-01-12 12:16 PM
fired up and clearing out the moisture from sitting for a while...
I will relash the valves i guess but it sounds good. Start cleaning up around it and get it back on the ground. I will fine tune later(that is the carb settings out of the box).
I think im ditching the 392 emblem... Its kind of there so i dont have to tell people what it is but it looks pretty bad.
Posted 2022-02-19 5:02 PM (#619569 - in reply to #539179) Subject: RE: 57 Royal with 392 project
Elite Veteran
Posts: 731 Location: Finland
I am restoring a 57 coronet now and noticed that you had found a 2nd vin on the frame somewhere...my body is soon lifted off so tell me where I have to look .
Posted 2022-07-14 6:48 PM (#622882 - in reply to #622877) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Posts: 3969 Location: DFW, TX
I guarantee you do not want dash lights that are "bright" in daytime while driving at night. Close up the garage and see if your dash lights are bright enough to see the gauges.
Posted 2022-08-08 10:04 AM (#623447 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Am i the only one how has put a Chrysler power steering gear in a Dodge?
It bolts right in... BUT you must cut the column cover and shaft down and weld it.
I thought it was the same unit... its not.
I did change out the arm for the dodge and it fit also, the steering ratio is 3.5 vs 3.4 so that won't be a problem.
I guess I have the heavy duty power steering... I do need a measurement from the "dash to the bottom of the wheel where it meets the cover) if anyone can get me one from their Dodge.
Posted 2022-08-09 2:58 PM (#623457 - in reply to #623447) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Posts: 3969 Location: DFW, TX
The Chrysler has a 4" longer wheelbase, all forward of the doors, so I'm not surprised the steering column is different. And it's really just a bigger car... the frame is made from thicker steel, it uses heavier duty ball joints and steering parts, and there are likely several other key differences in the steering.
Posted 2022-08-10 2:14 AM (#623462 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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1. I don't have the dodge setup
2. The chrysler is already hooked up and working
It's just a matter of getting it where it feels comfortable.
I think I will wait till i get the caddy seats setup and see how it goes. I am a little worried about the hump though, i should be fine as the caddy has the center hump also.
Posted 2022-08-11 6:22 PM (#623505 - in reply to #623470) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Posts: 3969 Location: DFW, TX
Well... You will need to take it all apart to shorten the column and weld it. You don't want it to wobble, and you sure as !@#$ don't want the weld to break. Attaching two images of the column and gearbox for '57 Chrysler in case it helps.
As I mentioned earlier, the wheelbase is four inches longer on the Chrysler. You can use the angle of the column and the Pythagorean theorem to come up with an amount to shorten it. If the column angle is at 30* from horizontal (and I don't know what it is) then that means you'd shorten the shaft by 4.6188"
I can't help but think you'll be better off just finding a Dodge power steering box and column.
Posted 2022-09-07 11:28 PM (#624087 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Okay about to take the car for a ride around the block... I remember i was dumb thinking I would "just get it running"... and as I am anal retentive about the smallest details.. turned into a insane restoration with upgrades on everything.
I used another brake booster that doesn't leak and used a good "loose" chrysler power brake pedal arm... Just slapped it in... works!
Will release when you let off the trigger... this has been a long haul... finishing up trim. I will be fitting the regal lancer trim on the side this weekend...
I will probably save windows for the winter but should make a couple car shows.
Posted 2022-09-08 5:50 AM (#624094 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
Regular
Posts: 93 Location: Oklahoma
Looking good! I'm pretty sure this is the car I passed on because the ad only had 1 photo of the drivers side from what seemed like 100 ft away, and he never sent more pics that I asked for. I didn't want to drive to MO and deal with a guy that doesn't communicate well and then find out the car is worse than expected. Seeing your pics of it, I would have bought it at his asking price though, as I have a 4 door parts car. Looks like it's in better hands with you anyway, it would still be in my shop labeled as project #3 if I had bought it.
Posted 2022-09-08 1:59 PM (#624101 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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yeah it was a cop out of Missouri, and he was kind of a pita.. and it was worse than originally thought (like always).
This has been a SLOG... The next cars will go much quicker... and I actually ordered parts for them as I ordered the parts for this. My 58 Plymouth part stash is well stocked.
I also introduced my own issues though, and I am learning FWL restoration... And I am also working on a house and other cars constantly. (honestly 5-10 real hours a week is all i have last two years).
But its going to hit the road finally i think... Will probably need driveshaft balancing to drive it over 35.
Some things working with FWL cars take forever to get the right part or make it yourself. I am making rear window trim clips because you can't buy them anymore... s**t like that takes hours...
little sh*t will kill you on these cars... just having the riight bolt or screw.... I made a ton of work for myself with the whole new wiring harness and tons of upgrades...
Posted 2022-10-04 1:37 AM (#624679 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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its moving... didnt put the windows in it yet... that will be a nightmare for winter job...
Front seat looks like its going to work. I may need to cut some lowering channels later also, it s a tight entrance but I dont have the power seat hooked up yet.
I could have heated and cooled seats... the mechanism is there... cooling is just a couple fans.
Posted 2022-10-04 11:32 AM (#624682 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Posts: 10138 Location: So. Cal
I agree that the bright turquoise doesn't go well with it, but I do really like the outside colors you chose. It's great to get it all together and drive-able. Congratulations! Are you still planning to install the Regal Lancer trim onto it?
Posted 2022-10-04 12:22 PM (#624684 - in reply to #624681) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Posts: 3969 Location: DFW, TX
The turquoise is a bit odd with the exterior colors. But if you ever intend to change it, now would be the time. Once you get the interior buttoned up and all the seals and windlace in place, it will be a lot more work to pull it back apart. JMO
Posted 2022-10-04 11:33 PM (#624699 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Eh I think i will go dark blue now... to match the carpet. I can adjust as it goes... but I will get the seats in dark blue.(I THINK)... This is just way too radical... I also noticed most interiors were two shades of some sort and often matched the exterior.
Everything else pulls off easily... just the screws... I just need to make sure the dark blue works this time... learned my lesson... be CAREFUL with turquoise. I kind a knew it when i put the green against the turquoise vent and was like wtf.
Pulling the dash is the hard part. I could spray the headliner in the car with vinyl paint. But it's just painted surfaces... I can shoot them one at a time... or simple spray the vinyl with vinyl paint.
I will put the regal trim on it over the winter.
I think this is one of the most radical but still not shocking... I think i need to get the dash and rear panel close to the body color... or black/dark blue
Posted 2022-10-04 11:33 PM (#624700 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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https://youtu.be/okhN4kgNAKU?t=120
I would have been fired if i was working for Chrysler...
Just didnt plan it out... ack... I do need to adjust some things anyway... The first go around with all the custom wiring and upgrades and just finding what bolt connects to where was the hard part. I actually scratched some pieces... didnt get it perfect like i want as Im rushing to get it out to the last car show of the year in two weeks.
I will get the new vinyl now and fix the package tray, fortunately i didnt cover the seats in it... I doubt i can find "dark" green... so maybe just go black and close to the seafoam green if i can find... Finding that seafoam green is going to be tough in vinyl or paint/carpet.
Posted 2022-10-05 3:32 PM (#624713 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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White headliner.(I cant find flexible paint to match, I will see if can convert mine over).. I will body paint to match trim pieces.... and add the dark green as needed to offset like factory... fark...
I will get the roof done real quick, worry about the rest later. FARK
Posted 2022-10-10 11:22 AM (#624819 - in reply to #539179) Subject: RE: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Posts: 3969 Location: DFW, TX
I ordered a headliner from https://www.headlinermart.com/. Of course, being a hardtop, you have to stretch and trim it to fit, and that's usually best done with the windshield and rear window removed. It is a nice looking headliner and fit the bows perfectly.
Posted 2022-10-25 3:08 AM (#625112 - in reply to #625111) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
Elite Veteran
Posts: 731 Location: Finland
Several times after I have painted a car I feel sick about the color but after a time in the sun it can calm down....I think the turqoise might be one of these colors.
And that interior color stands out for sure...that`s good isn`t it?
Posted 2023-01-14 8:33 AM (#626934 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Posts: 3592 Location: Blythewood, SC
It is not my car, and the work you have done has been great. But the turquoise on the interior never seemed right to me. I'm not throwing stones because the car is beautiful.
Posted 2023-05-10 2:41 AM (#629426 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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basically eliminating the turqoise(only lower dash)... using the dark green... replaced the power steering gear... that was a pita
Got to put the new leaf springs also... Took a load to the chromer, Antenna bases, front headlight drivers side , front upper bumper bar(long one), and two rear fender teeth.. he said 500-600$ for that.
Posted 2023-06-05 1:00 PM (#630005 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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started the trim color change... I am almost thinking you could chrome the interior trim with chrome wrap and it would look pretty darn good.
the roof is not a full blown turquiouse but a greener turquise color so I want to keep that as the turquoise is the off color to the green/blue accent. I will cover the seats in dark green leather next winter i guess. I will run the black this year.
Posted 2023-08-20 3:07 PM (#631454 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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New power steering rack is working (it's the big Chrysler one... working good so far.) I have the top of the dash color changed and I will do the package tray today... Off to BMV soon to get the title changed over to me. I still have a little bit of "turquoise" on the bottom of dash(ack), I may finish the killing of it... later though. Starts right up and this thing moves... Going to work on putting windows in it today.
need to get some emblems/trimon this asap... its naked.. Waiting 3 months on the some chrome parts to get done... jesus
Posted 2024-06-14 12:44 PM (#635694 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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final hurdle for power steering conversion...
btw this a 79 Ford F150 steering gear... They run about 350$ from rockauto.
Finally got all the right adapters and made my own power steering line.
I'm not using many parts from the kit so thats kind of annoying but hey... I converted the pressure line to AN 6 also. Plenty of room though.
I am just ever so slightly off so need a small shim behind the bracket and im good to go, I can hook it up and start bleeding the system, the move to the column finishing and the car back up and running.
Posted 2024-09-14 2:47 PM (#636997 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Does the Ford pitman arm fits the OE center link or the OE pitman arm the Ford box? How is the steering shaft connection? A little bit of info would be nice....
Posted 2024-09-22 2:10 AM (#637110 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Our pittman arm fits the Ford steering gear. I welded my factory steering shaft end onto a classic performance steering shaft. I use a cover tube that fits on the end of the steering column.
I'm cutting and buffing, putting windows back in.
Getting ready to get the trim on the sides finally...
Posted 2024-09-24 12:32 PM (#637137 - in reply to #637117) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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1960fury - 2024-09-22 8:37 PM
mikes2nd - 2024-09-22 2:10 AM
Our pittman arm fits the Ford steering gear.
What exactly is an "our" pittman arm? You mean the stock oe 57-61 FL pitman arm? It fits a Ford steering box???
So? Whenever I post something about improving these cars, I give d-e-t-a-i-l-e-d information on how to do it. My goal is to help others and this is the purpose of this site.
What exactly is your point, giving a hint on how great this or that is, not willing to reveal how to do it then? So, what is an "OUR" pitman arm? How does this Ford PS conversion work?
Posted 2024-09-24 2:51 PM (#637139 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Yes the OE part 2 door, it fits. There is a thread about it(power steering conversion), I and other posted in, I thought you might see it.
Someone was selling the "kit" and it includes a "plate" which the steering gear attaches to.
he includes two hoses (which were garbage and would not have worked had they held pressure).... One was not even clamped so that was a waste, I also had to buy a real steering shaft.
I used the tube(I think its 2 3/4 inch but hooks onto the end of the power steering column), the gear and the plate. I also could not use the pulley, but i used the pump.
I have a template of the plate, you have to drill a few holes through the frame, but it was 1/4 inch wide.
This is factory saginaw stuff, so the saginaw pump works fine.
Posted 2024-09-24 2:51 PM (#637140 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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Yes the OE part 2 door, it fits. There is a thread about it(power steering conversion), I and other posted in, I thought you might see it.
Someone was selling the "kit" and it includes a "plate" which the steering gear attaches to.
he includes two hoses (which were garbage and would not have worked had they held pressure).... One was not even clamped so that was a waste, I also had to buy a real steering shaft.
I used the tube(I think its 2 3/4 inch but hooks onto the end of the power steering column), the gear and the plate. I also could not use the pulley, but i used the pump.
I have a template of the plate, you have to drill a few holes through the frame, but it was 1/4 inch wide.
This is factory saginaw stuff, so the saginaw pump works fine.
Posted 2024-10-08 10:31 PM (#637301 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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2004 Cadillac Deville, there is actually a center console and seat that kind of makes it a bench seat/Console. that "mini" middle seat can flip up and be a real console or someone could sit there... not really... I will recover them in the correct color eventually The back seats with a fair amount of work will fit also... Its VERY tight moving the seat up and forward for someone to get in the back though... not easy.
oh and since the controls/controller are on the seat, you get heated and cooled power seats also.
Posted 2024-10-23 3:04 AM (#637471 - in reply to #539179) Subject: Re: 57 Royal with 392 project
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it drives great and takes off pretty strong with the hemi and 3.73 ford posi... the power steering is amazing...
just a "hint" of play and can turn with one finger... ride is like a modern car honestly.
its got legs thats for sure..
My stupid variable speed fan controller died so my fans were not working... so back to the garage...
Ill get the trim on it during the winter, i have a few exhaust leaks also I need to deal with and get the interior mostly done.
I am going to try to get my 58 Plymouth roof swapped before winter hits also... Ill work on the plymouth also.
57 Royal with 392 project
Only yours will be a D502 
) 
